EIGHT armed robbers, among them two police officers allegedly raided a Chinese mining company in Zvishavane and went away with an Isuzu pick up, 48 grammes of gold, US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

The two police officers, Moses Karumbidza (30) and Isaac Kawundura (33) both based in Mberengwa and attached to the ZRP Support Unit, together with Thulani Nkala (38), Taurai Matarirano (27), Tady Magama (25), Learnmore Makore (27), Wellington Moyo (34), Hardlife Mazheke (28) all from Zvishavane, armed themselves with three rifles and four pistols and went to Camlark Mine where they robbed the owners of their valuables, gold and cash.

The gang allegedly fired shots in the air and ordered everyone to lie down before ransacking the mine premises on December 11 last year.

The eight suspects, who allegedly ganged up with eight others still at large, have approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.

In papers before the court, the eight men through their lawyers Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, filed their application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

In their bail statements, the applicants argued that the State case was weak hence it would not induce them to abscond if granted bail.

They said they were wrongfully implicated, arguing that there was no evidence linking them to the alleged offence. “The allegations are spurious and there is no link between the alleged offence and the applicants save for the alleged confessions extracted through use of brutal force and torture. The police are taking a vindictive approach against the applicants and they are misleading in their averments that the applicants were armed with firearms, which were never recovered,” argued the applicants’ lawyers.

“The respondent alleges that the applicants committed armed robbery when there is no evidence to that effect. In fact, no weapons or cartridges were recovered after the alleged commission of the crime to suggest that shots were fired on that particular day.”

The State, which was represented by Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons were likely to abscond if granted bail due to the gravity of the alleged crime.

Mr Jaravaza said the eight men had a propensity to interfere with witnesses and commit further offences if granted bail. “All the accused persons have previous cases of armed robbery committed in Mashava and Kadoma and again in light of the fact that the firearms used in the commission of the robbery were not recovered it is not in the best interests of justice that the applicants be released for there is a likelihood of them committing similar offences,” he said.

On December 11 last year, the gang allegedly drove to Camlark Investments Mine armed with three rifles and four pistols. It is alleged that the 16-member gang, disguised as police officers, force marched security details at Camlark Mine to the residence of the Chinese owners of the mine.

They used a bolt cutter to destroy a padlock at the gate before accessing the residence. They allegedly fired two shots prompting one of the occupants, Mr Zhang Ren Lon to come out of the house to investigate.

The suspects manhandled Mr Zhang and took him back to his house where they ordered him to show them where he kept the money.

The gang allegedly looted cash amounting to US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

They also broke into one of the mine offices and took a computer hard drive and 48 grams of gold and loaded them into the stolen car and drove off.

A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the eight men and only the stolen car was recovered.

State Media

A 24 year old Dangamvura man has been caged 12 months after bedding a 12-year-old-girl who had eloped to him after she had been chased away from home for being in a relationship with him.

Kudakwashe Ncube from Foroma Village under Chief Marange was convicted on his own plea of guilt by magistrate Perseverance Makala.

He was originally handed a 15-month sentence but three months were suspended on condition of good behaviour leaving him to serve an effective 12-month sentence.

Ncube was charged with having sexual intercourse with a minor in contravention of section 70 (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23.

Prosecuting, Percy Musukuto informed the court how Ncube approached the Grade Seven girl with a love proposal in September 2018, which she later accepted.

Sometime in December, the girl then eloped after her parents chased her away from home because of her affair with Ncube.

Ncube’s mother, however, accompanied the underage girl back to her parents.

On January 2, her parents again ejected her from home and she returned to Ncube’s home. Ncube in turn then proceeded with her to Mutare’s Dangamvura suburb where his father resides.

On January 3 at around 0200 hours, the two had consensual unprotected sexual intercourse.

The girl’s cousin made a police report acting on instructions from the girl’s mother, leading to Ncube’s arrest.

— DailyNews

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed. In an interview, Zapu’s secretary-general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised, but living with relatives while undergoing routine check-ups.

“There were some things to be done, but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check-up on the 4th.

“It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas Holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.
Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He, however, said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding his health.

“It’s a routine check really. Maybe things that propped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to.

“He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular check ups,” he said.

State Media

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed.

In an interview on Wednesday, Zapu’s secretary general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December and has remained in the neighbouring country since then.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised but living with relatives while undergoing routine checkups.

“There were some things to be done but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check up on the 4th. It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.

Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He however said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding the liberation struggle stalwart’s health.

“It’s a routine check up really. Maybe things that cropped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to. He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular checkups,” he said.

Dr Dabengwa revealed that he was not feeling well during a funeral service of the late National University of Science and Technology’s founding Vice Chancellor Professor Phinias Makhurane at Amphitheatre last month.

-State Media

Former Lands minister Douglas Mombeshora and his wife Millicent yesterday lost household property worth thousands of dollars after failing to settle an undisclosed debt to a local bank.

The couple’s property which include a washing machine, two wooden sideboards, two-door steel cabinets, a massaging machine, a broken desk, an electronic digital safe, books, a television, a plasma television, a steel shelf, gym equipment and a boardroom table, among other items, was auctioned to the public in line with a High Court order.

Meanwhile, prominent businessman MacDonald Chapfika will next week on Wednesday lose property worth $1 000 at a public auction in Marondera.

Chapfika lost a high court case against Godwin Kwinjo and the courts instructed the sell off his bedroom suit.

This is not the first time for the Highdown Investments owner to lose property worth thousands due to defaulting on payment of debt.

In 2017, the prominent businessman, who had his exclusive deal to supply Harare City Council with water treatment chemicals cancelled in 2010, failed to pay an unspecified amount of money to Kwinjo, who later got a writ of execution to attach the businessman’s property.

In 2014, Chapfika also lost property valued at $21 000 that was attached after he failed to repay a debt to Nelhurst Trading.

In 2011, the High court ordered the sale of Chapfika’s double story house he owned after he defaulted on a $300 000 loan.

Daily News

Zimbabwe’s main opposition has warned that a worsening economic crisis will have a negative effect on neighbouring South Africa, to where a majority of Zimbabweans are fleeing.

Warnings by the MDC come amid a crippling strike by doctors and industrial action planned by teachers.

The protests are the latest in a series of economic and political woes afflicting South Africa’s northern neighbour.

“The economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe is worsening. This affects our neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa,” said Jacob Mafume, MDC Alliance spokesperson.

He briefed media on a recent visit to SA by MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who met SA President Cyril Ramaphosa.

– CAJ NEWS

Hundreds of students across the country have been turned away from school for non-payment of fees despite government’s directive not to send learners away.

This comes after Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima discouraged schools from sending children away for non-payment of fees suggesting they should not be punished on behalf of their parents.

“We have said it over and over again that no child should be sent away for non-payment of fees. That is government policy. We don’t expect it to be happening. The matter of fees is between the school and the parent, not the child and under our Constitution every child has a right to go to school.

“We want to provide quality education that is accessible; therefore, no child should be left behind,” Mavima said.

As schools opened earlier this week, Nyamuzihwa High School in Mutoko and Baring Primary School in Mutare chased away school children for failure to produce receipts as proof of payment upon entry at the schools.

Justice for Children (JCT) expressed exasperation that a number of schools were chasing away students despite stated government policy.

“JCT urges schools to treat children under their care humanely. JCT has just received disturbing reports of a school locking out children leaving them with their school stuff in the rain,” the charity said in a statement.

JCT said the legal position is that if schools are owed, the one to go after is the parent and not the innocent and hapless child.

The organisation’s programmes manager John Mhlanga told the Daily News that as education is a right, government must make efforts to ensure that it is affordable to everyone.

“If we are to maintain our literacy level I am sure primary education should be catered for by government. In terms of the constitution, children have the right to basic education. To make it affordable it has to be free to ensure that it becomes compulsory. Every child whatever the level of income the family may have must be able to fulfil the right to education through attending school,” Mhlanga said.

Some of the children were allegedly sent home for debts as little as $7 on opening day.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) pointed out that the majority of those who fall victim to this practice are children from disadvantaged families and acquiring education can be the only way out of a life of poverty.

“Turning away children from the classroom undermines the principle of the best interest of a child, a standard prescribed and emphasised in the constitution of Zimbabwe, and in human rights instruments that Zimbabwe has voluntarily ratified,” ZLHR said.

Government last year resolved to start offering free basic education this year saying authorities will amend the Education Act when Parliament resumes sitting to align laws with section 27 of the Constitution.

Free basic education was stopped during the early 1990’s at the height of government’s Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (Esap) that witnessed massive reduction of social services.

-Daily News

Jane Mlambo| Former Finance Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe has sensationally claimed that he is working to protect government from unnecessary criticism saying it is the duty of children to protect the home when trouble comes.

Posting on Twitter, Mukupe urged government to take a stand on currency reforms swearing that he is not going to jump ship and leave his party leadership to suffer alone.

https://twitter.com/tmukupe/status/1083084624119717888?s=21

A South African based 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman was on Wednesday slapped with a 6 months jail term after she was convicted of smuggling drugs worth $27 000 via Robert Mugabe International Airport.

Harare Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye ruled that the convict, Judith Munemo will serve four months effective with two months set aside after she pleaded guilty to the charges last Thursday.

Munemo initially tried to disown the drugs saying she did not know how they ended up in her bag but changed plea after she was cornered by the prosecutor, admitting to committing the offence in a bid to fend for her family.

Munemo was nabbed upon arrival at the airport following a tip-off by some unknown persons.

The drug smuggler was charged with contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.

It is the state’s case that on 1 January 2019, detectives from CID drugs and Narcotics Harare, received a tip-off to the effect that Munemo was aboard an Ethiopian Air flight ET 863 from India and was in possession of Ephedrine.

Detectives went to the airport and managed to identify her while collecting her luggage comprising of a brown bag and a monarch bag.

The Court further heard that she took the green route used by passengers without anything to declare and was intercepted at the exit.

Upon being searched, she was found in possession of 18 x 500-gram tins containing ephedrine.

She was arrested and brought before court where she was remanded in custody and sentenced yesterday.

-263Chat

Speech by Minister of Finance Prof Mthuli Ncube to the European Parliament to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group(ECR Group).

Rebuilding Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is back on the map. Just as we open up our economy and democratic space, so too are we opening our arms to the world.

The dark times are behind us, and the future is bright and positive; a future of cooperation and dialogue. A future whereby Zimbabwe is an active and responsible member of the global community.

The Zimbabwean economy faces a raft of serious challenges, including a high budget deficit and significant debt, and currency challenges. These are challenges we cannot face alone.

And while these challenges are significant, with major structural reform they are not unsurmountable. What is required is urgent and bold action, and tough decisions. We cannot run away from the challenge – the longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be.

Government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive our economy and put us on the path to steady economic growth. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform.

This plan involves some painful measures to get our national budget under control. These measures will be felt by all of us, but are unavoidable if we want to get our economy back on track.

These measures are those of a doctor performing a lifesaving operation. They cause pain, but the pain is the only thing that will lead to a recovery. As Margret Thatcher once said, “Yes, the medicine is harsh, but the patient requires it in order to live.”

We must all be humble and austere, and government is leading by example. We are continuing to make big cuts to perks and unnecessary expenditure, so that government lives within its means.

Alongside this, we are making structural reforms to liberalise our economy, privatise inefficient parastatals, reduce red tape and regulation and attract investment.

It is vital that we do not panic. The money in Zimbabwean’s bank accounts is and continues to be of value, and Government is guaranteeing the availability of all essential commodities, including fuel.

Amidst these reforms, our growth projections remains strong, a similar rate to some of the fastest growing economies in Africa. This is an indication of where we are going if we keep on this path.

We must be realistic and recognise the scale of the challenge. According to the IMF, it takes a few years for an economy such as ours to overcome our constraints. There are no silver bullets or quick fixes. Reform, hard work and patience are the only solution.

We are undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But there is no other way. This is the road to an upper middle-income economy, ala Vision 2030, and if we travel it together, with patience and purpose, we will realise our vision.

The new Zimbabwe cannot go it alone. We must open our arms to the international community, international investors, and international financial organisations.

Eight armed robbers, among them two police officers allegedly raided a Chinese mining company in Zvishavane and went away with an Isuzu pick up, 48 grammes of gold, US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

The two police officers, Moses Karumbidza (30) and Isaac Kawundura (33) both based in Mberengwa and attached to the ZRP Support Unit, together with Thulani Nkala (38), Taurai Matarirano (27), Tady Magama (25), Learnmore Makore (27), Wellington Moyo (34), Hardlife Mazheke (28) all from Zvishavane, armed themselves with three rifles and four pistols and went to Camlark Mine where they robbed the owners of their valuables, gold and cash.

The gang allegedly fired shots in the air and ordered everyone to lie down before ransacking the mine premises on December 11 last year.

The eight suspects, who allegedly ganged up with eight others still at large, have approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.

In papers before the court, the eight men through their lawyers Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, filed their application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

In their bail statements, the applicants argued that the State case was weak hence it would not induce them to abscond if granted bail.

They said they were wrongfully implicated, arguing that there was no evidence linking them to the alleged offence. “The allegations are spurious and there is no link between the alleged offence and the applicants save for the alleged confessions extracted through use of brutal force and torture. The police are taking a vindictive approach against the applicants and they are misleading in their averments that the applicants were armed with firearms, which were never recovered,” argued the applicants’ lawyers.

“The respondent alleges that the applicants committed armed robbery when there is no evidence to that effect. In fact, no weapons or cartridges were recovered after the alleged commission of the crime to suggest that shots were fired on that particular day.”

The State, which was represented by Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons were likely to abscond if granted bail due to the gravity of the alleged crime.

Mr Jaravaza said the eight men had a propensity to interfere with witnesses and commit further offences if granted bail. “All the accused persons have previous cases of armed robbery committed in Mashava and Kadoma and again in light of the fact that the firearms used in the commission of the robbery were not recovered it is not in the best interests of justice that the applicants be released for there is a likelihood of them committing similar offences,” he said.

On December 11 last year, the gang allegedly drove to Camlark Investments Mine armed with three rifles and four pistols. It is alleged that the 16-member gang, disguised as police officers, force marched security details at Camlark Mine to the residence of the Chinese owners of the mine.

They used a bolt cutter to destroy a padlock at the gate before accessing the residence. They allegedly fired two shots prompting one of the occupants, Mr Zhang Ren Lon to come out of the house to investigate.

The suspects manhandled Mr Zhang and took him back to his house where they ordered him to show them where he kept the money.

The gang allegedly looted cash amounting to US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.
They also broke into one of the mine offices and took a computer hard drive and 48 grams of gold and loaded them into the stolen car and drove off.

A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the eight men and only the stolen car was recovered.- state media

STATE MEDIA – Acting President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga says panic buying and hoarding tendencies are fuelling shortages and price distortions.

Dr Chiwenga was speaking at the launch of the second phase of the centre pivots irrigation facility under the crop production programme, held at Farnley farm in Chegutu East constituency today.

The Acting President launched the second phase of the centre pivot irrigation facility at a time the country is experiencing unpredictable rainfall patterns that are inconsistent with the traditional farming season.

The irrigation facility will thus mitigate the impact of mid season droughts and El niño effects that Zimbabwe is subjected to.

After a brief tour of the farm, Cde Chiwenga who was accompanied by Acting Chief Secretary Mr George Charamba, proceeded to address hundreds of Zanu PF supporters from surrounding areas, cabinet ministers, government officials and captains of industry who converged at Farnley farm to witness the launch.

“Let’s build our nation and let’s desist from promoting tendencies like panic buying or using social media platforms to spread misleading information,” he said.

Forex is in high demand with various sectors sharing the little that the country is generating, noted Dr Chiwenga while imploring Zimbabweans to develop a culture of pulling in one direction to achieve set goals.

Turning to agriculture, the Acting President said the country needs farmers with a business perspective and beneficiaries of the irrigation facility will be subjected to an approved selection criterion.

The irrigation facility programme is a public-private-partnership arrangement between the government and a company called Pedstock Investments.

Other speakers at the launch included Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Retired Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Cde Mary Mliswa, Pedstock Investments Managing Director Mr Dror Jackson, house of assembly member for Chegutu East Cde Webster Shamhu and owner of the farm Mr Ngoni Chirikure.

To date twenty by forty (20*40) hectares centre pivots have been delivered into the country while a further 20 kilometres of pipes for irrigation have been secured.- state media

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed.

In an interview on Wednesday, Zapu’s secretary general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December and has remained in the neighbouring country since then.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised but living with relatives while undergoing routine checkups.

“There were some things to be done but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check up on the 4th. It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.
Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He however said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding the liberation struggle stalwart’s health.

“It’s a routine check up really. Maybe things that cropped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to. He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular checkups,” he said.

Dr Dabengwa revealed that he was not feeling well during a funeral service of the late National University of Science and Technology’s founding Vice Chancellor Professor Phinias Makhurane at Amphitheatre last month.- state media

Heavy rains destroyed the roof at Beitbridge border post arrivals section at the green route zone.

The green route zone is for travelers with nothing to declare or those importing goods under the traveler’s rebate.

More to follow…

State Media

GOVERNMENT has offered civil servants 10 percent pay increment across the board beginning this April but this was immediately rejected by its workforce which still insists on a planned strike in two weeks’ time.

This was revealed at a press briefing by APEX Council chairperson, Cecilia Alexander following a round of wage negotiations by government and its restless employees.

Alexander said they were going to brief their constituency on the offer and will meet government next week to present their position.

Civil servants on Tuesday gave their employer the mandatory 14-day notice to embark on a massive strike action while insisting their current wages have been eroded by a recent wave of price increases.

They have been demanding their wages to be paid in US dollars but this was vehemently rejected by a cash-strapped government which says it does not generate its revenue in forex.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said any pay increases offered by his administration shall be within the country’s budget.

The lowest paid civil servant currently earns $414 and shall start receiving an additional $41 if government proceeds to implement the offer.

More to follow…

Jane Mlambo| Political analyst, Ibbo Mandaza has blasted Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa for failing to address the prevailing economic crisis in the country which has seen fuel disappear from service stations among other challenges.

Writing on Twitter, Mandaza said those in charge are clueless and in disarray when things were getting out of hand.

So, now that the country is burning and those purportedly in charge are clueless and virtually in disarray, what is to be done? @glenmpani @ProfJNMoyo @ClaudeKKabemba @mawarirej @TamukaKagoro77 @TrevorNcube

— Ibbo D Mandaza (@ibbosnr) January 9, 2019

Correspondent|Bulawayo ZANU PF Youths on Thursday stormed fuel service stations and confiscated all jerrycans from people who were on the queue to purchase fuel.

Fuel stations are allowed to sell fuel to buyers with jerrycan containers.

“Today Zanu PF youths are moving around the few Bulawayo service stations with fuel confiscating jerrycans.” Said Journalist Kholwani Nyathi. “Probably a novel way to arrest the raging crisis in their heads.”

It was not clear in what capacity did the youths have to engage in such acts.

“ZANU PF has a pathologist mentality of being useful only when life is already extinct.” Commented one Joachim Garikai.

On Wednesday in Kwekwe members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces were reported to be manning most of the service stations controlling the crowd. At some instances they allowed their fellow ZDF members to purchase fuel ahead of other motorists who had queued for more than 7 hours.

Zimbabwe has been hit by massive fuel shortage since the disputed July 2018 elections. The situation has been attributed to lack of foreign currency which is needed to be allocated to fuel companies to import fuel from South Africa and Mozambique.

However Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Raymond Majongwe announced on Twitter that he saw 101 trucks of fuel tankers heading to Harare and Mutare.

VENDORS at Mbudzi Round About market clashed with their foreign landlord over charging them rent in United States dollars on Wednesday.

More than 150 vendors accommodated at the market found gates closed with bouncers demanding to see new lease agreements before allowing access to the premises.

The premises are managed by one Felix of Russian origin who refused to entertain H-Metro over allegations that he is demanding rentals in United States dollars, forcing the tents to sign new lease agreements.

The vendors’ chairperson Skumbuzo Munyawarara told H-Metro that they were given a short notice to vacate the place if they fail to pay rentals in United States dollars beginning of January 2019.

“Felix is becoming cruel to us and affecting families conducting their businesses here,” said Manyawarara.

“Some of the tenants do manicure and he is expecting them to charge in US dollars.

“Ndiyani angagadzirwe nzara achibhadhara US dollar?

“It is illegal to buy forex on black market and we have nowhere to get the US dollars he is demanding.

“He want all the tenants to pay half the amount in local currency and the other half in United States dollars but none of the tenants is willing to sign that agreement since we do not charge our clients in foreign currency.

“What is so disturbing is that the money is deposited into another person’s account since he is after evading tax and his timing has affected our business when we are trying to raise cash after paying school fees.

“We wrote a petition to him where we gave all our grievances and he promised to meet us only to be met by bouncers by the gate requesting for new lease agreements.

“It is unfair and he is refusing to meet vendors as agreed. We will take the issue to higher offices in order to defend men and women empowered running their business here,” said Munywarara.

Hmetro

Own Correspondent|FOUR people died and 15 others were seriously injured when a Bindura-bound kombi they were travelling in overturned at the 82-kilometre peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Highway.

“I can confirm that four people have died so far as a result of a kombi accident that was being driven by Wellington Kagona,” police confirmed.

One died on the spot, and two upon admission.

The accident occurred on Monday evening.

Another person died yesterday at Bindura Hospital, while 15 others are in critical condition at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said.

He said Kagona tried to overtake at a blind spot, but lost control of the vehicle when he saw an oncoming truck and the kombi overturned several times, landing on its roof.

Police said the accident was due to human error and speeding.

He urged motorists to observe road traffic rules.

GOVERNMENT has developed a comprehensive plan to revive the economy, which will involve painful measures like a bitter pill administered to a patient, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said.

He made the remarks in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday while addressing the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group.

The ECR Group is a centre right political wind in the European Parliament established in 2009 under the founding principles of Prague. This is the first time Zimbabwe has been invited to the group’s meetings.

President Mnangagwa’s Government has prioritised re-engagement with all nations as it seeks to revamp an economy that has suffered isolation for decades.
In his address, Minister Ncube outlined part of the measures which the Government is taking to revive the economy.

These include cutting Government expenditure, privatising parastatals, liberalising the economy and reducing red tape. He said urgent and bold action was needed.

“Zimbabwe is back on the map. Just as we open up our economy and democratic space, so too are we opening our arms to the world,” said Prof Ncube.

“The dark times are behind us, and the future is bright and positive; a future of cooperation and dialogue. A future whereby Zimbabwe is an active and responsible member of the global community,” he said.

“The Zimbabwean economy faces a raft of serious challenges, including a high budget deficit and significant debt, and currency challenges. These are challenges we cannot face alone,” stated Minister Ncube.

He however, said it was impossible to run away from the challenges.
“And while these challenges are significant, with major structural reform, they are not insurmountable. What is required is urgent and bold action, and tough decisions. We cannot run away from the challenge — the longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be,” he said.

“Government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive our economy and put us on the path to steady economic growth. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform,” said Prof Ncube.

“This plan involves some painful measures to get our national budget under control. These measures will be felt by all of us, but are unavoidable if we want to get our economy back on track,” he added.
He said pain would be felt as the measures were implemented but it was unavoidable.

“These measures are those of a doctor performing a lifesaving operation. They cause pain, but the pain is the only thing that will lead to a recovery. As Margret Thatcher once said, ‘Yes, the medicine is harsh, but the patient requires it in order to live’,” said Minister Ncube.

He urged Zimbabweans to be humble in their expenditure.

“We must all be humble and austere, and Government is leading by example. We are continuing to make big cuts to perks and unnecessary expenditure, so that Government lives within its means,” he said.

“Alongside this, we are making structural reforms to liberalise our economy, privatise inefficient parastatals, reduce red tape and regulation and attract investment,” said Minister Ncube. He urged the nation not to panic.

“It is vital that we do not panic. The money in Zimbabwean’s bank accounts is and continues to be of value, and Government is guaranteeing the availability of all essential commodities, including fuel,” he said.

“Amidst these reforms, our growth projections remains strong, a similar rate to some of the fastest growing economies in Africa. This is an indication of where we are going if we keep on this path.

“We must be realistic and recognise the scale of the challenge. According to the IMF, it takes a few years for an economy such as ours to overcome our constraints. There are no silver bullets or quick fixes. Reform, hard work and patience are the only solution,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the road to an upper middle income economy was long, bumpy but guaranteed a secure future.

“We are undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But there is no other way. This is the road to an upper middle-income economy, ala Vision 2030, and if we travel it together, with patience and purpose, we will realise our vision,” he said.

“The new Zimbabwe cannot go it alone. We must open our arms to the international community, international investors, and international financial organisations,” said Minister Ncube.

— State Media

BULAWAYO pharmacies and clinics have run out of birth control pills amid a biting shortage of basic drugs and medicines in the country, the Southern Eye has gathered.

A survey on clinics and pharmacies in the city showed they did not have the commonly used Marvelon birth control pill.

The pill, which is taken daily as a way of preventing pregnancy, has been in short supply in the past months, according to users of the product.

A Luveve resident, Gladys Mukanhaire, said she recently visited the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) offices in the city after failing to acquire the tablet in shops and council clinics.

“I normally get the pill at Princess Margaret Clinic in the city, but of late they do not have any supplies. I bought my current supplies from Botswana in November. This issue is really serious. I urge the responsible authorities to address this issue as a matter of urgency,” Mukanhaire said.

The government-run Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) reportedly face shortages of the birth control pill, but Mpilo clinical director Solwayo Ngwenya declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

Health minister Obadiah Moyo said he was attending running meetings when reached for comment yesterday.

ZNFPC Bulawayo provincial manager Blessed Gumbo said Marvelon was being brought into the country by private players.

“As the ZNFPC, we have in our stocks what is called the control pill, which is packaged in Zimbabwe and readily available. The Marvelon is procured by private players and I would like to think that maybe issues to do with foreign currency to procure are a challenge, resulting in its shortage,” Gumbo said.

Bulawayo proportional representation legislator and MDC chairperson, Tabitha Khumalo said shortages of the birth control tablets trampled on women’s reproductive health rights.

“I have heard a lot of people complaining about the shortages of contraceptives. I think government should respect our right to reproductive health by making sure that contraceptives are in abundance,” Khumalo said, adding she would also raise the issue with the Health minister in Parliament.

The country faces drug shortages, and the situation has been made a lot worse by demands from pharmacies and private health delivery institutions to be paid in United States dollars, forcing some people to resort to traditional medicines.

NewsDay

Two self-proclaimed prophets from Karoi, who hired a pirate taxi in Beitbridge before stealing the vehicle and attempting to sell it, have been convicted of theft by the Beitbridge regional magistrate.

Type Mutumwa (30) Jefta Zishiri (age not stated), both of Chikangwe suburb in Karoi, denied the charge of theft of a motor vehicle when they appeared before Chrispen Mberewere, who convicted them and remanded them to today for sentencing.

Prosecutor Munyonga Kuvarega said Tinashe Gorejena was employed by Delight Gwanyanya as a taxi driver and was using an unregistered Honda Fit to operate within the Beitbridge radius.

Towards end of April last year, the two self-proclaimed prophets visited Beitbridge from Wedza and established their “shrine” near White Lodge. They hired Gorejena’s taxi about four times and paid the driver for the services.

However, on May 4, the two approached the taxi driver and pretended as if they wanted to hire the taxi again to go to White Lodge to see a girlfriend.

The two drove away, leaving the taxi driver behind but never returned, instead switching off their mobile phones and changing sim cards.

It was the State case that the two drove to Slaughter Farm between Lion’s Den and Karoi in Mashonaland West.

Acting on a tip off, police on June 3 arrested Zishiri in Karoi as he tried to sell the vehicle. Mutumwa was later arrested in Karoi.

The vehicle, which was worth $4000, was recovered.

NewsDay

By Precious Shumba| The story of US$150 000 being reportedly stolen from Robert Mugabe from his Zvimba rural mansion reveals that Zimbabwe’s political elites keep huge amounts of foreign currency stashed in their houses yet want the poor majority to bank the foreign currency so that they loot it and then use their reserved funds when the going really gets tough.

Robert Mugabe will forever be Robert Mugabe- selfish and a mentor of many in today’s Zanu PF leadership.

The foreign currency shortages are not caused by sanctions alone. They are directly caused by the greedy political vultures who believe that they alone should be in possession of foreign currency.

They are prepared to take the foreign currency to foreign destinations so that they become very rich, while they pretend to be seriously concerned by industrialisation and modernisation in Zimbabwe. Thieves!

Political analyst, Alexander Rusero has the condemned what he termed the caricaturing of parliament by legislators from both MDC and Zanu PF who continue to engage in petty politics at the expense of legislative agenda.

In an interview with Newsday, Rusere said

“Its unfortunate part was that Parliament was currently being reduced into a caricature, with no pragmatic policies being crafted, and with Zanu PF failing to use its two-thirds majority to demonstrate servant leadership.

“Everything is sacrificed whenever Zanu PF wants to play the big brother role and pretend that they have a bigger role to play and they need to concentrate on issues affecting the people, instead of MPs,” he said.

“The moment you have one political party posturing and trying to be populist on the issue of MPs’ vehicles, it becomes a problem.”

Rusero added that instead of trying to pontificate and pretend to be less greedy than opposition MPs, Zanu PF should concentrate on fixing the comatose economy.

“We have not even seen these Zanu PF MPs in fuel queues, suffering like the rest of the Zimbabweans and their stance is merely populist,” he said.

Jane Mlambo| Striking doctors who returned to work today after downing tools for 40 straight days have remarked that they are returning to work begrudgingly.

The doctors said they will be working with whatever is available while waiting on government to address their grievances.

As we return to work begrudlingly, we will be working with whatever is available. @Itairusike @InfoMinZW @MoHCCZim @MNgwenya2 @MunatsiEdgar @healthtimeszim @HeraldZimbabwe @Solwayo1 @harumutasa @GTMubonani
We hope the promises are fulfilled, pic.twitter.com/6ECjICIzFT

— ZHDA (@ZHDAofficial) January 10, 2019

In their statement to the media this morning, the doctors said the industrial action was meant to remind and send a clear message to the relevant authorities that the healthcare sector in the country was deteriorating and hence the need for urgent interventions.

Below is the full statement;

THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY DOCTORS NATIONWIDE HAS ENDED.

ZHDA is delighted to inform the membership, members of the press and public that the industrial action by doctors in Government hospitals has come to an end. It has been 40 straight days since doctors embarked on an industrial action citing various grievances that were and are crippling health service delivery in public institutions.

The industrial action was meant to remind and send a clear message to the relevant authorities that the healthcare sector in the country was deteriorating and hence the need for urgent interventions.

It is therefore important to appreciate that, the MOHCC has made commitments with its employees to address these crippling factors and we can only hope that these commitments would be implemented in all honesty at the correct time frame and as agreed, for the benefit of our patients and the country as a whole.

We further state that it should not take 40 days with doctors on industrial action for the Ministry Of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to act and restore normal service delivery in government health institutions. Therefore, there is a need of consistent and continuous engagements between doctors and the MOHCC to avoid unnecessary interruption of service delivery.

The MOHCC has committed in writing that it will consistently improve supply of medicines, medical and surgical sundries in public health facilities. It was further agreed that there is going to be unfreezing of critical posts for doctors across Central, Provincial and District Hospitals.

We hope these promises will be fulfilled with urgency, as it has been the culture of the Health Service Board to go back on agreements before.

We also continue to negotiate on outstanding issues like remuneration and working hours, and we hope we find common ground soon.

We believe that, if these crucial commitments are implemented, it will go a long way in alleviating the challenges our members encounter when discharging lifesaving services in Gvt hospitals.

Industrial action by doctors should not be the only language that brings about improvement in drug supply and conditions of service.

Good dialogue, transparency, honesty and accountability should be incorporated to provide a platform that improve service delivery.

Sadly, with no salary review, and frozen December salaries in this rough and ravaging economic environment, it remains a dilemma how our members will report to work daily.

Indeed, poor remuneration and the current fuel shortage remain a threat that may spontaneously hinder our members from reporting to work daily and discharging quality health services to patients.

That being said, our members have begrudgingly resumed work with effect from today, as dialogue continues.

We, as ZHDA, reaffirm to the Government our determination and commitment to unite and work towards a healthy and prosperous Zimbabwe.

We wish to do so, through advocating for efficient and effective health delivery system and improvement in conditions of service for doctors.

Last but by no means least, we express our sincere gratitude to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and Munyaradzi Gwisai and Partners Law Firm for the legal cover they provided to the association and its members.We are forever indebted to you.

Jane Mlambo| MDC Chief Whip, Prosper Mutseyami has rubbished Zanu PF’s resolution to forego parliamentary vehicles saying even President Emmerson Mnangagwa drives an expensive limousine while going on international trips aboard an expensive Swiss private jet.

In an interview with Newsday, Mutseyami said;

“That statement by Togarepi that Zanu PF legislators will forego the vehicles and luxuries is just playing to the gallery because even President Emmerson Mnangagwa drives an expensive limousine and goes on international trips in a hired and expensive Swiss private jet,” Mutseyami said.

“Just like former President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa moves around in a motorcade with about 15 cars and bikers, and whenever he goes to rallies, he uses three helicopters, and so can you call it foregoing luxuries by Zanu PF?”

By Dorrothy Moyo| ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to visit the United Kingdom after his Davos trip this month. If it succeeds, this will make him hit 27 foreign trips since the November 2017 coup.

Sources inside ZANU PF said if plans succeed, Mnangagwa will visit Oxford where he is due to make a talk. The meeting was previously slated for November last year and was unceremoniously shifted following public relations fears due to the 1 August massacre.

“If all goes well, the President will be in the UK in the coming few weeks and you will know once the programs are ashore,” the source said.

Below are Mnangagwa’s foreign trips since his state house ascension in November 2017.

December 2017: Pretoria, South Africa

January 2018: Davos, Switzerland

January 2018: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

January 2018: Luanda, Angola

January 2018: Lusaka, Zambia

January 2018: Windhoek, Namibia

January 2018: Maputo, Mozambique

February 2018: Gaborone, Botswana

March 2018: Gaborone, Botswana

March 2018: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

March 2018: Kigali, Rwanda

April 2018: Beijing, China

June 2018: Nouakchott, Mauritania

June 2018: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

July 2018: Johannesburg, South Africa

August 2018: Windhoek, Namibia

September 2018: Beijing, China

September 2018: New York, United States

October 2018: Lusaka, Zambia

November 2018: Conakry, Guinea

November 2018: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

January 2019: Moscow, Russia

January 2019: Minsk, Belarus

January 2019: Baku, Azerbaijan

January 2019: Astana, Khazakstan

January 2019: Davos, Switzerland.

It is with great sadness that a mentally ill man was trampled to death by an elephant in Binga. Rangers managed to put down the jumbo. Communities are discouraged to stay close to wild animals and to move at night. @METHI_Zimbabwe @SundayMailZim @UKinZimbabwe

— Tinashe Farawo (@FarawoTinashe) January 10, 2019

Jane Mlambo| Despite the economy choking and driving towards collapse, Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube appears not worried insisting that the current hardships are a result of an economy that is restructuring and reforming.

Posting on Twitter today, Professor Ncube who is currently in Brussels and will soon be heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum (WEF) said government is on a comprehensive plan to revive the economy and put it on a steady economic growth.

#Zimbabwe government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive our economy and put us on the path to steady economic growth. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform. https://t.co/mRJdqGfm6H

— Prof. Mthuli Ncube (@MthuliNcube) January 9, 2019

While Ncube is adamant that the economy will revive, the current situation on the grounds points a different picture as instability seems to be rising with each passing day due to shortage of fuel and other basic commodities.

About 1 000 families from Sikato resettlement in Masvingo West constituency are facing an uncertain future after being served with seven-day eviction notices to vacate the land which they occupied at the height of the land reform programme in 2000.

The families, from seven villages; Muza, Chikutuva, Manunure, Makasva, Banga, Sithole and Marikutira, have been living at Mzaro Farm, which used to belong to a white former commercial farmer before it was parcelled out to the villagers.

Yesterday, armed police with officials from the Local Government ministry were serving the villagers with eviction notices.

But some of the villagers refused to sign them, resulting in village head Henry Makusha and a headman, Ratison Haruzivishe, being arrested for allegedly mobilising the villagers to resist.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said she had not yet been informed of the arrests.

Some of the dejected villagers said they regularised their stay with the Lands ministry and were paying taxes to council, but were surprised to be told to leave the area.

No alternative place for resettlement or compensation has been offered by government.

The eviction order, dated January 8, 2019, but stamped on November 13 2018 and signed by Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement secretary Ringisai Chitsiko, read: “You are hereby given seven days to vacate Mzaro Farm, Masvingo province. You are violating section 3 of the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act Chapter 20:28; Gazetted Land Act in that you are occupying the said property without lawful authority.”

“You are hereby given an eviction notice and notice to vacate the property on or before January 15, 2019. Failure to vacate on or before this date will result in your arrest and prosecution.”

Some of the affected villagers said their future at the farm had been used as a campaign tool by Zanu PF, which promised them that they would not be moved if they voted for the ruling party.

The constituency falls under Ezra Chadzamira, who is also Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister.

“We have been here since 2000 and we built permanent structures. Now, from the blue, we are being told to leave. Where will we go? Where do we get the money to build again? This is unfair. We are not going anywhere because we don’t have anywhere to go. They can arrest us,” a villager, Saviours Makusha, fumed.

Another villager, Renson Dengu, said Zanu PF was now turning against them after they voted for it.

“While campaigning, Chadzamira told us that we would not be moved and he gave us trees to plant as a reforestation drive. They said we should vote for Zanu PF. Now the party won and it’s abandoning us. I think the President should intervene and save us,” Dengu said.

“We are Zanu PF people. Someone is fighting the President. Now we don’t know the difference between government and Zanu PF. Those pushing for our eviction are enemies of the President, they want us to rise against the party,” Kundai Haruzivishe, a 60-year-old widow, said.

Continuous efforts to get hold of Chadzamira were in vain as his mobile phone was switched off.

Lands minister Perrance Shiri has, however, been flighting notices warning people on State land without paperwork to vacate.

-Newsday

 

MDC Alliance chief whip Prosper Mutseyami yesterday accused his Zanu PF counterpart in the National Assembly, Pupurai Togarepi, of political grandstanding by claiming that ruling party legislators had resolved to forego luxury vehicles and entitlements.

Togarepi said his party MPs had decided to forego any entitlements so that the resources go towards more pressing national issues such as doctors and teachers’ salaries.

In December, MPs refused to pass the Parliament vote of $101 million until Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube increased it to $163 million to cater for their vehicles as well as salary and allowance increases.

Sources said the arm-twisting of Ncube would result in MPs’ salaries going up by 100%, while each legislator would get up to $80 000 for a new vehicle, likely to be a Toyota Land Cruiser model.

Mutseyami said the Zanu PF government had, for the past 20 years, ignored the plight of teachers and doctors while spending millions of dollars on vehicles.

“That statement by Togarepi that Zanu PF legislators will forego the vehicles and luxuries is just playing to the gallery because even President Emmerson Mnangagwa drives an expensive limousine and goes on international trips in a hired and expensive Swiss private jet,” Mutseyami said.

“Just like former President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa moves around in a motorcade with about 15 cars and bikers, and whenever he goes to rallies, he uses three helicopters, and so can you call it foregoing luxuries by Zanu PF?”

He said while opposition MPs sympathised with workers and other suffering Zimbabweans, it was surprising that all of a sudden Zanu PF pretended to be good Samaritans.

Togarepi told NewsDay that if Parliament and government had the money for the vehicles, Zanu PF MPs would not reject them.

“But we are saying they should deal with the priorities first. We are saying should there be need to adjust or rationalise, we will do so to take care of the interests of the people first,” he said.

Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said utterances by Togarepi smacked of hypocrisy, as Zimbabweans were suffering because of excessive government expenditure.

“They spend billions of dollars in money-laundering and travelling and then they tinker around parliamentary issues like MPs’ vehicles, pretending that they do not want the vehicles,” Ngwenya said. “It is merely a public relations statement because MPs need vehicles. It is important for our MPs to be comfortable and mobile.”

Another political analyst, Alexander Rusero, said the unfortunate part was that Parliament was currently being reduced into a caricature, with no pragmatic policies being crafted, and with Zanu PF failing to use its two-thirds majority to demonstrate servant leadership.

“Everything is sacrificed whenever Zanu PF wants to play the big brother role and pretend that they have a bigger role to play and they need to concentrate on issues affecting the people, instead of MPs,” he said.

“The moment you have one political party posturing and trying to be populist on the issue of MPs’ vehicles, it becomes a problem.”

Rusero said instead of trying to pontificate and pretend to be less greedy than opposition MPs, Zanu PF should concentrate on fixing the comatose economy.

“We have not even seen these Zanu PF MPs in fuel queues, suffering like the rest of the Zimbabweans and their stance is merely populist,” he said.

-Newsday

 

Suspected arsonists are reported to have torched an old kitchen hut belonging to Chief Shumba of the “ED Pfee” hit song at his rural home in Mapanzure Village, Zvishavane on Wednesday.

Chief Shumba, whose real name is Admire Sibanda, who recently released a new song titled “Mushana paJecha”, said he was home with his family when the arsonists torched the hut.

He said they could have torched other rooms had he not been awakened by movements outside his bedroom.

In an interview with state media, a distraught Chief Shumba said he was thankful to God for sparing his life and that of his family members.

“We are still in shock as a family and the whole village,” he said.

“My kitchen hut was torched around 1am by people who have been tormenting me for singing the song ‘ED Pfee’ and my recent hit ‘Mushana paJecha’,” he said.

“In the wee hours of Wednesday, we heard some movements outside my bedroom and the next thing we saw the kitchen hut on fire. If we had not gone out I think they were targeting my bedroom.”

Chief Shumba said on New Year’s Eve, he saw some people milling around his homestead before they fled.

He said he has also been verbally abused in person and over the phone because of his allegiance to Zanu-PF and he had reported threats to his life and that of his family to the police before the latest incident.

Chief Shumba said he would not apologise for supporting Zanu-PF and the Government led by President Mnangagwa.

“These people are merchants of destruction, they are anti progress, and I will not be deterred,” he said.

“I will continue supporting Zanu-PF. After I released the song ‘Mushana paJecha’ I have been criticised even by some private newspapers, but let me make it clear that my song is aimed at bringing awareness to youths and those who are bent on causing mayhem and disorder in the country that each and every Zimbabwean has a role to play in socio-economic emancipation of the country and the need to work together and not throw spanners in each other’s works.”

– State Media

ZHDA is delighted to inform the membership, members of the press and public that the industrial action by doctors in Government hospitals has come to an end. It has been 40 straight days since doctors embarked on an industrial action citing various grievances that were and are crippling health service delivery in public institutions.

The industrial action was meant to remind and send a clear message to the relevant authorities that the healthcare sector in the country was deteriorating and hence the need for urgent interventions.

It is therefore important to appreciate that, the MOHCC has made commitments with its employees to address these crippling factors and we can only hope that these commitments would be implemented in all honesty at the correct time frame and as agreed, for the benefit of our patients and the country as a whole.

We further state that it should not take 40 days with doctors on industrial action for the Ministry Of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to act and restore normal service delivery in government health institutions. Therefore, there is a need of consistent and continuous engagements between doctors and the MOHCC to avoid unnecessary interruption of service delivery.

The MOHCC has committed in writing that it will consistently improve supply of medicines, medical and surgical sundries in public health facilities. It was further agreed that there is going to be unfreezing of critical posts for doctors across Central, Provincial and District Hospitals.

We hope these promises will be fulfilled with urgency, as it has been the culture of the Health Service Board to go back on agreements before.

We also continue to negotiate on outstanding issues like remuneration and working hours, and we hope we find common ground soon.

We believe that, if these crucial commitments are implemented, it will go a long way in alleviating the challenges our members encounter when discharging lifesaving services in Gvt hospitals.

Industrial action by doctors should not be the only language that brings about improvement in drug supply and conditions of service.

Good dialogue, transparency, honesty and accountability should be incorporated to provide a platform that improve service delivery.

Sadly, with no salary review, and frozen December salaries in this rough and ravaging economic environment, it remains a dilemma how our members will report to work daily.

Indeed, poor remuneration and the current fuel shortage remain a threat that may spontaneously hinder our members from reporting to work daily and discharging quality health services to patients.

That being said, our members have begrudgingly resumed work with effect from today, as dialogue continues.

We, as ZHDA, reaffirm to the Government our determination and commitment to unite and work towards a healthy and prosperous Zimbabwe.

We wish to do so, through advocating for efficient and effective health delivery system and improvement in conditions of service for doctors.

Last but by no means least, we express our sincere gratitude to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and Munyaradzi Gwisai and Partners Law Firm for the legal cover they provided to the association and its members.We are forever indebted to you.

THE zanu-pf Manicaland Youth League says it is fully behind the national executive’s call for the dismissal of Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and other civil servants who are not fully rallying behind the President.

Youth League provincial secretary for administration Masimbamakuru Kangai made the announcement at a Press briefing held in Mutare on Monday.

“As the Manicaland Youth League, we want to fully support our national executive on the demands they made on the 4th of January 2019,” he said.

“Just to reiterate, all Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, principal directors and other civil servants who are not fully behind His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s vision should be relieved of their duties with immediate effect. As Manicaland Youth League we are also urging the Government to include youths in land committees from provincial to the district level.”

Kangai urged Government to forfeit all unused mines and those lying idle.

“There are some mining claims in Manicaland which are being used for speculative purposes and depriving our province and the nation of revenue and the much needed foreign currency,” he said.

He thanked President Mnangagwa and his Government for unveiling $5 million for the Zimunya-Marange community ownership trust.

Kangai urged companies and other stakeholders operating in Chiadzwa diamond fields to employ youths from the province.

He also warned political parties to desist from violence and other ills that disturb the peace.

State Media