By A Correspondent| The British House Of Lords member, Peter Hain has expressed disappointment with Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Writing at the weekend, Lord Hain described Zimbabwe as “absolutely tragic.”
He added saying he now awaits what SADC will do. He wrote: ”
Absolutely Tragic. Promised ‘New Zimbabwe’ @edmnangagwa goes up in flames & Mugabe-type repression confirming all the sceptics & proving those like me willing him a chance wrong. What will @SADC_News now do?”
A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president’s spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.
Police say three people died during protests over fuel price hikes in Harare’s capital and second city Bulawayo that turned violent. But human rights groups say evidence suggests at least a dozen people were killed while scores were treated for gunshot wounds.
“(The) government will not stand by while such narrow interests play out so violently. The response so far is just a foretaste of things to come,” said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba.
Charamba told the state-controlled Sunday Mail newspaper the government would review some provisions of the constitution adopted in 2013, which he said were being abused by proponents of democracy.
Lawyers and activists say hundreds of Zimbabweans were detained last week accused of public order offences, including at least four lawmakers from the opposition MDC party and Evan Mawarire, a pastor who rose to prominence as a critic of former leader Robert Mugabe critic and led a national shutdown in 2016.
Local rights groups say security forces, accused of night raids at homes of suspected protesters, are now trying to track down people who have gone into hiding.
A partial internet blackout was still in force on Sunday, two days after mobile networks sent messages to customers saying they had been ordered to keep social media sites shut until further notice.
When he was elected in July, Mnangagwa promised a clean break with the 37-year rule of Mugabe, who used the security forces to quell civilian protests before being forced out in a sane facto coup in November 2017.
But the MDC says former Mugabe ally Mnangagwa is now overseeing a reversion to authoritarian rule by using the same tactic.
Charamba, who is on an official trip with Mnangagwa to Azerbaijan, said the MDC leadership and affiliate organisations would be “held fully accountable for the violence and the looting.” The MDC denies fomenting unrest.
U.N. rights officials denounced last week’s crackdown, while an independent inquiry found that the army used excessive force when it stepped in to stop post-election violence last August, during which six people were shot dead.
Zimbabweans, who have seen their purchasing power eroded by soaring inflation, also say Mnangagwa has not delivered on pre-election pledges to kick-start economic growth after Mugabe’s exit.
— Reuters
BUSINESSES that were broken into, looted and sometimes burnt down during the recent nationwide protests might not be able to rebuild, restock and reopen, business leaders have said.
Last week Zimbabwe witnessed widespread protests against a steep hike in the price of fuel and general economic decay which turned violent when security forces used excessive force in a bid to quell the protests.
On Monday citizens took to the streets to express their anger at government’s poor handling of the deteriorating economy.
The cost of living has shot up beyond the reach of many as prices of fuel and basic commodities continue to rise.
Businesses which spoke to The Standard yesterday said they were already struggling to restock and the current situation was making things worse. They feared massive job losses.
“We are yet to assess the full impact, but the situation is not healthy for any business. The message is that the incapacitation of workers should not lead to destruction of property and looting,” Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CIZ) Matabeleland chapter president, Joseph Gunda said.
“Businesses are already struggling to restock (following the recent looting) and this current difficult situation makes things worse and businesses may never be able to recover. Stayaways should be conducted in a peaceful way. The country will certainly need to rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed,” he said.
Association for Business in Zimbabwe chief executive Victor Nyoni said there would be loss of employment.
“We are in a situation now that supermarkets will not be able to restock. Also those businesses that have been affected do not have insurance cover because of the economic environment in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“As a result, there is no way that they are going to restock and those people that are employed in those shops are now out of employment,” he said.
Nyoni said the country was likely to experience more economic woes due to the destruction of property and looting.
“In fact, targeting private businesses — the people who keep this economy ticking — is a huge mistake. We implore government to find a way now to help those businesses to take off again but the situation is dire.”
Nyoni said some businesses would be left in debt as they had purchased the goods they were trading on credit.
“Infrastructure has been destroyed. What that then means is that you also need money to rebuild the shop, but already businesses were operating below capacity and to imagine that there can even be funding to do such things is unthinkable,” he said.
CIZ president Sifelani Jabagwe said the situation was worrying.
He urged protesters to demonstrate responsibly, adding that the destruction of infrastructure and property would further cripple the economy.
“We have not put a value to it, but we believe that the impact is actually significant. Companies have not been operating and it’s quite damaging for the economy,”he said.
Jabangwe said Zimbabwe needed to attract foreign investors, but it would be difficult to do that due to the current instability in the country.
“We need, one way or the other, to attract new investment into the country, but when we do this (destruction of property), will we be able to do it? With violence we shut out investment because we portray our country as unstable — a place where citizens go about destroying property,” he said.
In Bulawayo, several business including Choppies supermarkets, shopping malls and other small shops, were looted and some burnt down.
Standard
By A Correspondent| The notorious spiritist preacher Emmanuel Makandiwa drew a stinker Sunday when he cancelled his church service (as a result of the military attacks) and still asked for offerings to be made online.
The man did not even criticise the ongoing attacks by the military and police on civilians.
Makandiwa’s bulk sms message is below.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW.
It appears like President Emmerson Mnangagwa has finally succumbed to pressure and is returning back home to face off the deteriorating political and economic situation that has resulted in outbreak of protests early last week.
According to sources close to ZimEye, Mnangagwa has decided against attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to return to the country to deal with unending threats of #shutdown.
Mnangagwa’s imminent return also follows revelations by former deputy minister of finance, Terrence Mukupe who said something big is going to happen in the next 72 hours while hinting that he has retreated to Mozambique with his family for safety.
There are also reports that there could be another shutdown set to start tomorrow the 21st to the 23rd of January while others are saying it will proceed to the 25th.
The situation has also been worsened by civil servants who continue to reject government offers, initially of 10 percent increment and recently 20 percent.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Bulawayo have launched a door to door operation searching for looted goods and asking the owners to produce receipts for the goods failure which they confiscate them and arrest the owners.
Yesterday journalist Zenzele Ndebele confirmed that Police were going door to door in Nkulumane.
Veteran Broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda said, “Police operation door to door in progress searching for looted goods in Western Suburbs of Bulawayo. So many arrests of those failing to produce receipts of goods recovered. The sad thing is that those who actually destroyed shops have gone and gotten away with murder. Locals will pay the price and all the blame on them as they face prosecution and possible prison.”
Police are reported to have recovered property and groceries worth thousands of dollars in Entumbane suburb that were looted by violent demonstrators.
The recovered goods include stoves, refrigerators, freezers, a plough, shoes, exercise books, alcohol and groceries.
Meanwhile police are continuing the crackdown on civic society leaders and MDC officials who are accused on inciting public violence.
On Friday police abducted the mother of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Rashid Mahiya in an effort to force him to avail himself.
President of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Obert Masaraure was also abducted by soldiers and beaten before being dumped at Harare Central Police station.
The United nations and the European Union have condemned the gross abuse of Human Rights by the state and called for the immediate release of all accused persons who have been arrested over their right to protest.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Correspondent|In a bizarre case much stranger than fiction, a 22-year-old Featherstone woman flipped the script and asked the court to withdraw two counts of ra_pe against a man who rap_ed her, claiming that they were now in love with each other.
Talent Zvenyika, of Plot 1 Tredidon, Featherstone, stunned the court after she asked for the withdrawal of the charge against William Chiocha who allegedly ra_ped her on two occasions last year.
Chiocha (38) of Mudzimba Village, Chief Mutekedza, Sadza, was set free after Magistrate Fadzai Mutombeni withdrew the case after the plea.
Zvenyika claimed that after the ra_pe incidences, she had fallen in love with the alleged rapist as they had enjoyed consensual se_x on several other occasions and they had asked each other for forgiveness.
It was the State’s case that the accused ra_ped the complainant twice on different occasions during her husband’s absence.
The complainant then divulged the ra_pe ordeals to her husband after a while upon realising that her husband’s friend, Ozias Dzaramba had not told him as she had asked him to.
Her husband then reported the case at Charter Police Base.
“I am not the one who reported the case to the police. Although I did not consent on the first and second times, we later on indulged in consensual se_x on several other instances after we asked each other for forgiveness for previous cases. We are now in love and therefore the case can be withdrawn,” Zvenyika told the court.
Police and the army last night sought to clear themselves and throw blame on alleged impersonators following reports that at least 12 people were killed by soldiers and the police during last week’s nationwide protests against economic hardships.
The military and the police were heavily deployed during the mass stayaway and were seen publicly firing live ammunition, beating up and harassing many civilians in broad daylight. There were also many reports of night raids and beatings by the combined forces mostly in high-density suburbs in cities and towns across the country.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba together with her Zimbabwe Defence Forces counterpart, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, last night called a press conference where they disowned military and police members who have been exposed as having been ring leaders of looting and violence during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) organised national stayaway.
Mugwisi and Charamba refused to take questions from curious journalists who wanted to seek clarity on the denials which came days after the exposure of military involvement in the violent protests. They did not say why they did not want to answer questions.
“We shall respond to your questions next time. We are very sorry we will not take questions today,” Charamba said.
The two claimed criminals had stolen army and police regalia during the disturbances in Chegutu and Epworth and used the same to commit crimes elsewhere.
“Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Charamba said.
A serving top military official, one Lieutenant Morrosi Carnage of Inkomo Mounted Regiment and a police officer, Ignatius Zuze were unmasked as leaders of the violent protests which led to the death of civilians and looting of shops in Epworth. Known Zanu PF youth leaders were also arrested for allegedly inciting the protests, arson and looting.
Commenting on the statement from the police and army, Jealousy Mawarire, the spokesperson of the opposition National Patriotic Front said: “The claim that there are non-security people committing atrocities while clad in police and military garb is very unconvincing and even if true, speaks of failure by the security sector to, not only run their institution, but also look after their tools of trade.
He added: “Surely, we can’t have an army or police force failing to account for their uniforms, weapons and officers, whether retired, dead or resurrected. The real issue is that there are divisions in the army, police and the state along the faulty lines within a disintegrating Zanu PF. The centre is no longer holding and another coup is loading.”
In the past few days police have swooped on opposition and civic leaders arresting several legislators and leaders of civil society some of whom have been charged with treason.
Meanwhile, there have been unverified claims of sharp divisions within Zanu PF and government with sources saying the divisions would play out more openly in the near-future.
On Saturday, Zanu PF Harare provincial member and former Finance deputy minister, Terrance Mukupe made curious statements to the effect that all was not well in the ruling party.
He said Mnangagwa would soon return to put an end to the current crisis but claimed the president was not the target of the unrest which he said was part of a bigger scheme and rift in the party.
“I am worried with what’s going on… The citizens are blind to what’s really going on. The next 72 hours are going to be crucial regarding the path we are going to take as a nation. The truth will come out. President Mnangagwa is not the issue, Viva Zimbabwe,” Mukupe tweeted.
The United Nations has raised concern over the manner security forces handled the stay away. The world body through its human rights office based in Geneva said it was concerned that the security forces were using live ammunition against unarmed citizens and also suggested that criminals could have hijacked the ZCTU strike and embarked on looting and acts of violence.
The UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasan said government should end the crackdown and excessive use of force by security forces.
“The bottom line is that the use of live ammunition by security forces was excessive. This is not the way to react to expression of economic grievances by the population. There was some use of violence by the protestors as well, fires were set, shops and business were looted, as always, it is difficult to determine who did this. Was it opportunists taking advantage of the chaos to do that? Was it the demonstrators themselves, it is very difficult to understand that,” said Shamdasan.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for restraint by the Zimbabwe authorities.
“We are worried with the deterioration of the situation caused by the potential use of excessive violence in confronting the demonstrations in Zimbabwe,” Guterres told a news conference in New York on Friday.
The group of eminent former statesmen and respected leaders known as the Council of Elders also raised their voice over the behaviour of the military and the police in Zimbabwe saying government should engage its people and not use force.
“The Elders express deep concern at the worsening social and economic situation in Zimbabwe and urge peaceful resolution of the crisis through inclusive dialogue,” the Elders tweeted on Friday.
On the same day the European Union had also condemned the violent crackdown by the Zimbabwe military.
The Standard
Paul Nyathi|Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) election crisis deepened early on Sunday when the Constitutional Court confirmed the win of Felix Tshisekedi, rejecting claims of fraud, and runner-up Martin Fayulu promptly declared himself the country’s “only legitimate president”.
Fayulu’s supporters have alleged an extraordinary backroom deal by outgoing President Joseph Kabila to rig the vote in favour of the opposition after the ruling party’s candidate did so poorly that a Plan B was needed. Neither side has acknowledged the accusations.
The court, however, said Fayulu offered no proof to back his assertions that he had won easily based on leaked data attributed to the electoral commission.
Fayulu urged Congolese to take to the streets to peacefully protest what he called a “constitutional coup d’etat,” accusing the court of validating false results. “It’s no secret … that you have elected me president,” he said.
“I consider myself the only legitimate president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I call on the Congolese people not to recognise someone who would take on that role illegitimately, nor to obey the orders coming from him,” he said.
Neither Congolese nor the international community should recognise Tshisekedi, nor obey him,” Fayulu added.
Tshisekedi said early on Sunday that the Constitutional Court’s decision confirming him as the winner of the presidential election was a victory for the entire country.
“It is Congo that won,” said Tshisekedi, speaking to his supporters after the court decision.
“It is not the victory of one camp against another. I am engaged in a campaign to reconcile all Congolese. … The Congo that we are going to form will not be a Congo of division, hatred or tribalism. It will be a reconciled Congo, a strong Congo that will be focused on development, peace and security.”
The largely untested Tshisekedi, son of the late, charismatic opposition leader Etienne, is set to be inaugurated on Tuesday. His supporters who had gathered outside the court cheered.
“It’s a shame that Mr Fayulu wants to stay isolated,” Tshisekedi’s spokesman, Vidiye Tshimanga, told The Associated Press. He said the two men once had been part of an opposition coalition demanding that Kabila step down.
The new president will need everyone for the reconstruction of the country, Tshimanga said, as the Congolese people have “suffered a lot in recent years”.
Pierre Englebert, professor of international relations at Pomona College, told Al Jazeera that the decision of the court is not “surprising”.
“The court is widely understood as being populated with judges loyal to the president,” he said.
The court’s declaration came shortly after the African Union in an unprecedented move asked DR Congo to delay announcing the final election results, citing “serious doubts” about the vote.
It planned to send a high-level delegation on Monday to find a way out of the crisis, fearing unrest spilling across borders of the vast Central African nation.
Congo’s government replied it was up to the courts.
The court turned away Fayulu’s request for a recount in the December 30 vote.
Government spokesman Lambert Mende quickly acknowledged the court’s decision, congratulating Tshisekedi as Congo’s fifth president.
“When you think about it, the brilliance of the arrangement that they have is now they have the supporters of the president, of Kabila himself, and the supporters of Tshisekedi being in favor of the decision, and therefore we spread the opposition,” said Englebert.
Fears of unrest
The country of 80 million people, rich in the minerals key to smartphones around the world, is moving close to achieving its first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960.
But observers have warned that the court’s upholding of the official results could lead to further unrest.
“I don’t know what the priest will say [in Sunday mass], and I don’t know what’s going to come out of this, but I could imagine that there could be significant protests. Even if they wanted to be peaceful, the regime has a strong repressive capacity, and it could easily slip into a violent outcome,” Englebert said.
At least 34 people have been killed since provisional results were released on Jan. 10, the United Nations has said.
The court could have ordered a recount or ordered a new election.
It called unfounded a challenge filed by another candidate, Theodore Ngoy, that objected to the electoral commission’s last-minute decision to bar some 1 million voters from the election over a deadly Ebola virus outbreak.
The court said Tshisekedi won with more than 7 million votes, or 38 percent, and Fayulu received 34 percent. However, leaked data published by some media outlets, attributed to the electoral commission and representing 86 percent of the votes, show that Fayulu won 59 percent while Tshisekedi received 19 percent.
Fayulu, a lawmaker and businessman who is outspoken about cleaning up Congo’s sprawling corruption, is widely seen as posing more of a threat to Kabila, his allies and the vast wealth they have amassed.
All of the election results, not just the presidential ones, had been widely questioned after Kabila’s ruling coalition won a majority in legislative and provincial votes while its presidential candidate finished a distant third.
Congo’s election had been meant to take place in late 2016, and many Congolese worried that Kabila, in power since 2001, was seeking a way to stay in office. Barred from serving three consecutive terms, Kabila already has hinted he might run again in 2023.
After Tshisekedi was announced as the surprise winner in provisional results on Jan. 10, some Congolese weary of turmoil appeared to decide that replacing Kabila with an opposition figure was enough, despite questions about the vote.
Reflecting the yearning for stability, 33 Congolese non-governmental groups and civil society movements on Thursday called on people to comply with whatever the court rules to “preserve the peace.”
With that perhaps in mind, Tshisekedi’s party sharply rejected the AU’s attempted intervention.
The continental body’s stance is “the work of some mining lobbies seeking to destabilise the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to perpetuate the looting of this country,” the party’s secretary-general, Jean-Marc Kabund, said in a statement.
Ahead of the court’s ruling, hundreds of Tshisekedi’s supporters were in the streets of the capital, Kinshasa, waving tree branches and banners reading “Congo for the Congolese.”
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES
Meeting with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the talks, the participants discussed matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.
Following the consultations, an exchange of documents signed during the official visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries.
The signed documents included an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe on extradition and an intergovernmental agreement on mutual protection of intellectual activity results and intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation.
The signed documents also concern cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation (money laundering) of criminally obtained proceeds and the financing of terrorism, the project for developing the Darwendale platinum group metal deposit and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.
* * *
Beginning of talks with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,
I am pleased to see you here in Moscow.
This is your first visit to our country. Zimbabwe is an important partner to Russia in Africa. We are very pleased to see you.
Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying. For our part, we are ready to do our best to make sure that cooperation between our countries is beneficial for our nations and that it makes a significant and weighty contribution to implementing the plans and programmes that you have formulated for yourself and to achieving the goals that you have set for your country.
Welcome, Mr President.
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa: Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr President.
On my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, we are extremely happy to be invited to visit the Russian Federation. And it is my first occasion to be here, and I feel greatly honoured by Your Excellency to allow me to visit you in this time of development and the challenges facing my country that I wish to discuss with Your Excellency.
There are two areas of significant importance for me to address, the historical and the political signs that there is a very long history of cooperation between Zimbabwe and your great country, from the time of armed struggle, when most of my officers and military trained here in the past, and you supported us materially in our liberation struggle. That political history transcended until we got our independence and has continued, but today, Your Excellency, I would wish that we now attend to deepening economic cooperation between our countries, and our country is developing – it is a third-world country – so that you, as a senior brother, can hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe.
Your Excellency, when we last met in Johannesburg at the BRICS summit, we did not have much opportunity to exchange views on our respective relations, but I believe this is an opportunity that is given to me to articulate the challenges that my country is facing. Zimbabwe has been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West for nearly two decades, and we are now doing our best to reengage after the new disposition has come into effect; and during our days of isolation, you stood by us.
Your Excellency, I have come with many issues I would want to discuss with Your Excellency, in particular, in the area of economic cooperation, because the area of political relations is solid and is very historical.
And I have a team of my officers here that I believe will be able to articulate the issues that I have brought for us to share.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
Belarus has told President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe to go back home and first build a strategy and concrete plan for the development of cooperation in the future.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the negotiations with Mnangagwa on Thursday.
President Lukashenko remarked that Belarus is not a gigantic country and cannot build cooperation with all African countries on a comprehensive basis. “Therefore, we are trying to find those with whom we could build strategic partnership,” he said.
“We maintain very efficient cooperation with the countries of Northern Africa, first of all, with our friendly partner Egypt, Algeria, other countries. We have been cooperating with Sudan in Central Africa for many years. We would like to establish very close cooperation with the countries of Southern Africa. We have visited many countries in Africa and we see great opportunities in Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
He remarked that the sides know each other’s capabilities very well, but there are certain difficulties in the development of relations. “Only those who do not try to overcome these difficulties will fail. If we set a goal to overcome these difficulties in the relations between our states, we will definitely implement projects which we can see today,” the Belarusian leader said.
He emphasized that Zimbabwe is facing difficult times right now, just like Belarus did more than 20 years ago. The head of state remarked that every country which is trying to carry out reforms, improve and build its own economy and society goes through such complicated stages.
“We are concerned about Zimbabwe and would like you to overcome all internal political and economic difficulties as soon as possible. And you must remember that we will do our best for you,” the President of Belarus assured.
Alexander Lukashenko said that he will pay a visit to Zimbabwe with great pleasure. But he deemed it necessary to agree on and implement four or five concrete projects there before that. “Projects for the entire nation of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President of Belarus welcomed his Zimbabwean counterpart in Minsk. Alexander Lukashenko met with Emmerson Mnangagwa five years ago when he was the first vice President. The head of state congratulated him on his success at the elections and expressed hope that he will fulfill the promises given to the Zimbabwean people.
Mnangagwa, in turn, said that Belarus and Zimbabwe maintain very close and good relations.
“Since my last visit to the Republic of Belarus nearly four years ago we have maintained close ties. And I am very happy that we have such open and direct contacts,” Mnangagwa stressed. “Our countries maintain very close and good relations. My administration and the people of Zimbabwe view the Republic of Belarus as a brotherly country.”
He remarked that Zimbabwe is facing difficult times. For more than two decades the country has been struggling with various economic sanctions, the country has virtually been isolated.
The President of Zimbabwe thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the warm welcome and for the support of his country in this difficult times.
During the talks in the extended format the Belarusian head of state said that Belarus wants to gradually advance to the strategic level of cooperation with Zimbabwe and sees a big potential for the development of bilateral relations.
“Zimbabwe is Belarus’ important partner in the region of Southern Africa, and we want to gradually advance to the highest strategic level of cooperation. The relations between the countries are increasingly vibrant right now. However, there is still a big untapped potential for interaction. We will need to step up efforts, especially in trade and economy, in the coming years,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the visit of Emmerson Mnangagwa will give an impetus to the development of bilateral relations. “You have described the country’s development path very profoundly. You told the global community that Zimbabwe is open for business. We suppose that this approach will have a positive influence on the implementation of the Belarusian-Zimbabwean joint projects,” the Belarusian leader believes. “I am informed that your priority is to turn Zimbabwe into a leading country in terms of economic growth in Africa within a short period of time.”
The President is convinced that Zimbabwe has all tools for the rapid economic growth and resolution of pending issues concerning the wellbeing of people. “Belarusians are ready to help you. And you know that we can do it,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
Belarus is interested in the delivery of freight vehicles and buses, other equipment for the mining industry, tractors, foodstuffs to the Zimbabwean market. The Belarusian side is ready to discuss the prospects of Belarus’ participation in joint projects in agriculture, construction, energy sector, geological survey, mining. In 2018 several multi-million-dollar agreements were concluded to export Belarusian equipment to Zimbabwe with the financial assistance of the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. It is expected that the deliveries will start after the harmonization of all procedures in accordance with these agreements.
According to the Belarusian President, projects to build meat and dairy factories, vegetable growing and processing facilities can make a significant contribution to strengthening of bilateral relations. The sides also outlined the prospects of cooperation in the transport sector. This pertains to the development of Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure and setting up a transport and logistics center there.
“Unique landscape and natural, mineral and recreational resources of Zimbabwe also offer broad opportunities for our cooperation. Therefore, Belarusian companies can take part in the erection of hydroenergy facilities, turn-key construction of solar power stations, geological survey and mining of natural resources,” the Belarusian head of state said.
He mentioned active development of humanitarian cooperation. The sides concluded agreements on student exchange, higher education opportunities for Zimbabwean people in Belarus. Besides, leading healthcare organizations of Belarus can provide high-quality medical aid to Zimbabwean citizens. “Our achievements in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, transplantology, medical rehabilitation are well known abroad,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.
The head of state believes that the formation of the Belarusian-Zimbabwean intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation could stimulate the fulfillment of plans. He noted that direct contacts and good communication between ministries, organizations and companies are needed to facilitate the implementation of investment and joint projects. “We should pay maximum attention to the proposals of both sides. This is the only way to fulfill our plans,” the head of state believes.
Alexander Lukashenko added that business circles, associations of businessmen, chambers of commerce and industry of the two states should also become important elements in the development of new joint projects.
“Belarus is open for dialogue on all topics of interest. We are prepared to the comprehensive discussion of our interaction, the ways to increase bilateral trade and expand mutually beneficial partnership. I want to emphasize that there are no closed topics in cooperation with Zimbabwe for Belarus,” the President concluded.
After the talks the sides signed a number of bilateral documents.
At the meeting with mass media representatives Alexander Lukashenko said: “I believe today’s meeting was a productive one. We had a lot of topics to discuss in detail. Certain agreements were reached. The most important thing is that we’ve agreed that by the time of my visit to Zimbabwe we will prepare a number of concrete contracts, which the two countries will have to implement as early as this year. We intend to secure considerable progress soon not only in bilateral trade but also in cooperation in the spheres of private business, manufacturing sector and agriculture, the extraction of natural resources, and education.”
According to Alexander Lukashenko, the main avenues of developing Belarus-Zimbabwe relations were discussed as well as prospects of advancing them to new heights. “Belarus views Zimbabwe as an important partner in the South Africa region. Relations between the two countries can be described as friendly and mutually beneficial,” noted the Belarusian leader.
Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus and Zimbabwe intend to move on and secure more up-to-date and versatile economic relations instead of simple trade. With this in mind the sides discussed prospects of implementing investment projects and joint projects in Zimbabwe in the spheres of agriculture, civil engineering, transport infrastructure, power engineering, geological exploration, and the extraction of natural resources.
Alexander Lukashenko stated: “We are ready to work together in the areas of education and healthcare. We believe that increasing and diversifying Belarusian export to Zimbabwe should meet common interests. It should facilitate the economic development of the country among other things.”
Alexander Lukashenko also counts on expanding Belarus-Zimbabwe relations in the area of the private sector, with long-term mutually beneficial contacts established. The head of state believes it is necessary to establish and maintain steady business ties between the chambers of commerce and industry and the associations of business circles.
Alexander Lukashenko described the potential for Belarus-Zimbabwe cooperation as huge. “Certainly, Zimbabwe is living through a complicated period now. It has to deal with things. This is why I wished decisive actions to overcome problems to the President and to the delegation. I wished patience and courage to the industrious Zimbabwean nation. All countries and nations have had to deal with hardships and trials,” he said.
Alexander Lukashenko also said he hopes that Zimbabwe will be able to accomplish the necessary changes within a short period of time. “You are on the right track. Friends are very important on this track as the president said. You can rest assured that Belarus is your reliable friend and helper,” he said.
Source: President Of The Republic Of Belarus Website
By Own Correspondent| Opposition political party leaders and those at the fore front of social movements have reportedly gone into hiding amid revelations that state security agents are hunting them down over the violence during #ShutdownZimbabwe.
Promise Mkwananzi of the social movement, #Tajamuka/ Sesjikile which was part of the organisers of the protests, said on Friday that he was in hiding.
This follows the arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire of the ‘This Flag Movement’ who was arrested last week and is being charged for treason.
ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure was also arrested and charged with treason. Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Peter Mutasa has not been accounted for since Tuesday with fears that he was abducted the Itai Dzamara-style.
Speaking to the Standard, Mkwananzi said that the brutal crackdown on activists will not dampen their spirits.
He said:
I have gone into hiding, but we are still strategising the next move. We want to advise President Emmerson Mnangagwa that he must do something to ameliorate the people’s economic misery within the next coming month.
He must attend to the economic issues and remove bond notes or else the people will continue to show their unhappiness. We want to make it clear that they can arrest, kill or even rape, but the crisis in this country will definitely push everyone to act.
Yes, we have been pushed into hiding because they want to kill us. Some have been arrested but here is a deal for Mnangagwa, let him release all those arrested and improve the country’s economy.
We shall not rest. We are giving them just a month and if nothing happens, this time, even the military will be on our side. The bond note must go. The 2% tax must fall and the fuel price hike should be reversed. We want the availability of fuel to be guaranteed at affordable prices.
State security agents are reportedly moving from house to house, arresting suspected protest leaders in a move reminiscent of the Mugabe era.
By Own Correspondent|Econet has revealed that it will credit subscribers who bought daily data during the period when government switched off the nation from the internet.
Subscribrs who had purchased daily data bundles on the 15th and 16th of January 2019 will be reimbursed their daily data bundles following the internet blackout which to date remains in place for social media platforms including facebook, whatsapp and twitter.
Said Econet in a statement:
Dear Valued Customer, you will be credited back your daily data bundles bought between 15th & 16th Jan 2019.Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted. Thank you.
By Own Correspondent| Energy and Power Development minister Joram Gumbo said that his ministry is not to blame for the fuel shortages that are currently being experienced in the country.
Gumbo suggested that the Ministry of Finance was to blame for the fuel crisis arguing that it was failing to pay international players for the fuel that has already been delivered into the country.
In an interview with The Standard on Saturday, Gumbo said petrol and diesel are in abundance at the Msasa and Mabvuku depots, but has to be paid for.
Said Gumbo:
RBZ governor (John) Mangudya has always been telling you that he needs so much money to buy fuel. I have always maintained my position that fuel is available in the country but it can only be accessed upon production of foreign currency.
My role as minister of energy is to make sure that I talk about a facility, that is why you find I say I have spoken to Trafigura, I have spoken to Independent Petroleum Group (IPG) to make facilities that bring in fuel in the country, but those companies bring in the fuel in the country and when they do that it’s on bond.
Zimbabwe has been facing acute fuel shortages for several months now. President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently announced that fuel prices were to increase by over 150 per cent. The move led to nationwide protests resulting in the deaths of at least twelve people as soldiers and police allegedly fired live ammunition against unarmed civilians.
Zimdancehall musician Winky D has fled into hiding as he fears for his life.
The ‘gaffer’ fled from his home and has gone into hiding after suspected ZANU PF activists visited his home.
It is believed the man has been targeted as some Zanu PF elements perceive that his “kaSong keJecha,” is an attack on their party.
Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda is quoted by the weekly The Standard saying: “it is a very sensitive matter for me to comment on right now. I do not think it is a good thing for me to talk about that issue currently.
“I do not know how safe it is for me to comment on his safety, but maybe we can talk about it in the coming days.”
Fact one, the people who led last week’s riots, particularly in Chitungwiza, were dominantly MDC Alliance youths.
Fact two, the youths are well known in the area; some for housebreaking, taking illegal drugs and menacing the commuting public through touting.
Fact three, most of them were said to have been taking cheap intoxicating substances threatening that there would be no peace until their mission was accomplished.
Fact four, unlike previous unsanctioned demonstrations where rioters moved in groups targeting Government linked properties in the city-centre, these hoodlums held fort in localised stations targeting even the general public and their businesses.
-State Media
The (Russian) Government is using various instruments to prevent unjustified fuel price hikes in Russia. But we never promised to make up for other countries’ revenue shortfalls, even such close neighbours as Belarus…- PM Dimitry Medvedev
By Simba Chikanza| Human beings are not flesh and bone, they are eternal spirits made in the class of the Creator. It is the fiery human spirit of a single individual that has given birth to the most successful countries of the world. The self made multi billionaire companies of the last 20 years were built by single individuals who had nothing at all in their hands, not even money. All they had was one thing, freedom. Their spirits were free. These companies are the ones which are sustaining whole economies of the world. They are numerous, Google, Facebook, Amazon PayPal, Uber.
They were built by individuals whose spirits were free.
5 years ago I supported a young Zimbabwean who had come out of university and was trying one project to the other. I bought one of his projects which wasn’t working which thing allowed him to be free. I saw potential in him, even though his first project wasn’t working. Today, he runs the most successful and the largest cryptocurrency company in Zimbabwe, Golix. Just a few months ago he was now already employing over 23 members of staff.
Nothing can stop the human spirit. The human spirit knows no limitation.
There is no tank, bomb, bullet or bayonet that can defeat the human spirit.
Very soon those who think they can build an economy using military terrorism will be gone and forgotten forever, no one will remember them.
There is LIVE broadcast evidence since the 15th Dec 2017, 1pm all running into this week that shows that Emmerson Mnangagwa has planned and continued his office, surviving on military terrorism. His office announced on the 15th of Dec 2017 that he would use the military to change the 2018 election results, and this was beamed on the national broadcaster, ZBC. It was executed on the 1st August 2018 when the election results were delayed. Last weekend, Mnangagwa announced fuel price hikes which even his nation of boast, Russia has criticised. As soon as he landed in Moscow during the week, Russia’s Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev announced that his country does not want to be associated with what he termed “unjustified fuel hikes.” Medvedev also said that Russia will never dish out their money to support another country’s struggling revenues. This announcement was made just as Mnangagwa touched down in Moscow. SEE BELOW FULL: “The Government is using various instruments to prevent unjustified fuel price hikes in Russia. But we never promised to make up for other countries’ revenue shortfalls, even such close neighbours as Belarus.”
After Meeting President Vladimir Putin, Mnangagwa left the country empty handed.
Mmangagwa tried to lure a Russian business previously kicked out of Zimbabwe by his party to return again so to extract the last remaining diamonds. These are all depletive resources and Mnangagwa has so far blown millions on a private jet while ignoring and even oppressing the only resource that can resuscitate the economy, the human spirit.
Nothing can stop the human spirit and the human spirit knows no limitation, and yet Mnangagwa flies to foreign nations to beg “vatorwa” so they come to Zimbabwe to extract the nation’s last remaining natural resources. He wants to build an economy on extraction and on terrorism. Will this work? – Simba Chikanza
Acting Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi alleges that some senior officials are trying to interfere with State witnesses involved in the case of suspended chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe who appeared in court yesterday.
Guvamombe, who was hauled before the court on charges of criminal abuse of office, has since been granted $3 000 bail coupled with stringent conditions after appearing before Harare magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi.
He was arrested on Friday on allegations of offering industrial attachment to two former Cabinet Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira at the Harare Magistrates’ Court in full knowledge that the duo were facing charges of corruption before the same courts. The ex-ministers are studying law at the University of Zimbabwe.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Hodzi said a police report has since been made.
“As far as the chief magistrate is concerned, we have gathered that there are some influential people that have been attempting to interfere in his case.
“There are witnesses who were being forced to change their statements. We want to assure the public that this case will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”
The acting PG said he was not in a position to name the culprits for fear of jeopardising ongoing investigations.
“Investigations are continuing and we don’t want to jeopardise the process. I can assure the people that we are on top of the situation and we will not be intimidated.”
The PG’s Office, Mr Hodzi added, has made headway in unravelling some of the criminal networks involved in grand corruption.
“We now have an idea of what we are dealing with and we have made some breakthroughs. In the fullness of time, everything will be revealed. These cartels include members of the judiciary, the media and NPA officials.”
Mr Hodzi said his office is also looking into allegations by top Harare lawyer Advocate Slyvester Hashiti of corruption in the judiciary.
“Mr Hashiti made serious allegations pertaining to corruption of the judiciary. I have asked him to come forward with the information and we will do all we can to act on any matter that is brought forward,” he said.
Yesterday, Mr Mutevedzi granted Guvamombe bail after he ruled that the State, which was represented by Messrs Michael Reza and Zivanai Macharaga, failed to submit compelling reasons to deny bail. The State unsuccessfully claimed that Guvamombe was likely to interfere with witnesses once released.
-State Media
Correspondent|BULAWAYO Mayor Solomon Mguni was choked with tear gas after police allegedly fired volleys of the toxic substance at him while he attempted to make his way to the official opening of the 2019 legal year at the High Court last week.
Monday was characterised by commotion as protests erupted in the second capital following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s announcement of fuel price hikes at the weekend.
Mguni, a lawyer by profession, said it was not clear whether the law enforcers acted unintentionally, saying the ZRP officers seem to lack knowledge in crowd control techniques.
“I could not access my offices at the City Hall because of what was happening that day, it was the centre of the protests and there was a lot of commotion. I decided to work from my business offices at Bradlows Building where I then decided to walk across the street to the ceremony at the High Court as it was close by,” Mguni, who said he had assessed and assumed the situation was safe, said. He said he was suddenly engulfed in tear gas and was later rescued by members of the public.
“I could hear some gun shots from within the CBD. As I approached the late vice president (Joshua) Nkomo’s statue, I was suddenly engulfed in tear smoke and I could not breathe.
“I was later assisted by passers-by who found me lying unconscious on the ground and had to help me back to the office,” he said. “I am not sure whether the police’s actions were unintentional because I am certain I was alone at that moment when they sprayed tear gas on me, there were no protesters nearby. Our police are partisan and lack knowledge on human rights and how to deal with protests.
“They just throw tear gas randomly. There were sounds of gunfire that day and we cannot rule out the use of live ammunition on defenseless citizens.”
The mayor decried the nature of the protests which turned violent, leading to the destruction of the city’s property.
He said it was worrying how some protesters were acting maliciously and breaking into business premises.
“We are having a problem with the protesters who have turned violent and are vandalising the city’s property. Buildings, robots are being destroyed, while stones have been placed on the roads,” he said.
Paul Nyathi|At the turn of the century when the economy began crumbling and urban transportation was inevitably becoming expensive due to high fuel and maintenance costs, then President Robert Mugabe attempted introducing what was to be cheaper transport through the struggling Zimbabwe United Passenger Company ZUPCO.
The move saw the introduction of the cheaper mini buses, nicknamed Gushungo Buses by citizens, operated at a huge loss by ZUPCO against prevailing economic factors. The result was an imminent collapse of not only the mini buses but a begin of the fall of the once big government operated public transport company.
Face by the sad predicament of trying to win the confidence of the battling urban citizens, government has announced that it will from Monday introduce the same buses through ZUPCO.
According to government, the buses will charge $1 per trip between residential suburbs and the Central Business District in Harare a trip which private commuter omnibus operators are charging $3 inline with the recent high fuel price increase introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Those from Chitungwiza and Norton will be charged $1.50 and $2 per trip respectively, against the current charges of $4 and $5.
ZUPCO has been urgently tasked to manage a fleet of buses that will cover all suburbs in Harare, and will also extend to other towns and cities.
Briefing journalists in Harare on Saturday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the new system will enable passengers to use various forms of payment including cash and plastic money.
“Over the past few weeks, transport fares had risen beyond the affordability of the commuting public,” she said.
“They were paying as much as $5 for suburbs within Harare. In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme’s thrust to modernise the entire national transport system in the country, starting from Monday 21 January 2019 at 5 am, Government, through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), is launching an urban mass transport system to complement the existing commuting system.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the move was part of Government’s long term plan to modernise the entire mass public transport system.
“The modernisation of the mass public transport system will ensure low-cost, efficient and professional service to the commuting public as well as reduce the country’s fuel costs and decongest the Central Business Districts as buses carry more people compared to smaller forms of transportation.
“Government is working on further plans to modernise our whole national transport system at rates affordable to the ordinary persons,” she said.
“Government assures the public that more buses will be procured and other provinces will be included in the mass bus transport project.”
Measures had already been put in place to provide adequate security to protect passengers and the buses in view of recent disturbances, she said.
Speaking at the same press conference, Transport and Infrastructure Development deputy Minister Fortune Chasi said authorities had made interventions to ensure that there were enough buses to meet demand.
“There are sufficient buses to ensure that the public can travel to work and to schools on Monday,” he said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also revealed that the fuel supply was normalising with the commodity now available at most service stations after distribution was affected by last week’s riots.
“With regards to the fuel issue, Government would like to inform the public that the situation is slowly normalising,” she said.
“Government has put in place a facility that will ensure that adequate fuel is available to the motoring public.
“The only minor challenge is logistical. Fuel trucks were disrupted by the violent disturbances of last week, hence, could not ferry fuel to service stations. “To expedite fuel delivery, Government has allowed fuel trucks to move even during the night making deliveries.”
She implored Zimbabweans to freely conduct their day-to-day activities without hindrance as the security situation has normalised.
“We are pleased to note that the security situation has normalised and all peace loving Zimbabweans are freely conducting their day-to-day activities without hindrance.
“To our diplomatic community, tourists, investors and all our other guests in the country, Government would like to assure you that the peace that Zimbabwe is known for is prevailing throughout the country.”
Source: State Media
By Own Correspondent| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President Obert Masaraure, who was abducted from his home by security agents was on Saturday charged with “Subverting a constitutionally elected government” and denied bail by a Harare magistrate.
Masaraure was remanded in custody to 25 January 2019.
The ARTUZ leader, was abducted by the military at his home in Harare on Friday night and handed over to the police only to reappear on Saturday charged with treason.
Masaraure becomes the second individual to be charged with treason this week after prominent activist, Evan Mawarire was also charged with treason and remanded in custody.
Mawarire is set to appear in court on 31 January.
By Own Correspondent|In a joint press statement released Saturday evening, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Defence Forces said that military and police uniforms were stolen by civilians appealing to those who had commited this act to return them.
In their statement, the security wings said these uniforms were being used to commit criminal activities.
Read part of the statement:
“Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu.
A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth, Harare on 14 January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies.
We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services.
We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police.”
The police & army did not say how these uniforms where stolen or who they suspect of the theft. They also did not entertain any questions from journalists at the press conference.
The army and police have been accused this week of ochestrating a campaign of betings and toture especially in high density surbubs following the violent 14 January 2019 protests.
Paul Nyathi|Government started paying civil servants the disputed cushioning allowances last week, ZimEye.com can reveal.
The allowances which the workers rejected as too low, ranges from 22,5 percent to 5 percent for the lowest-paid and highest-paid workers, respectively.
Government paid the allowances while negotiations with the workers representatives are still on going and no agreement sealed on the adjustments as yet.
According to State Media, Government will convene the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) this week to deliberate on the salary adjustments with the Government reiterating its undertaking to adjust salaries on April 1.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza is set to meet employer representatives and trade unions.
Said Dr Nzenza: “The President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) offered cushioning allowances, having taken note of the economic hardships impacting people due to the fuel price increase and the general cost of living.
“It is a once-off payment and not negotiable, and it covers the period from January to March. The money has already been released by Treasury.
“It is given on a sliding scale, with the lowest-paid worker receiving 22,7 percent, while the highest-paid workers get 5 percent.
“But come April 1, we will review all civil servants’ salaries, but more importantly, we have ongoing negotiations through the NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council), which we are hopeful that they will be concluded in the shortest time possible.”
“On the private sector side, we have resuscitated the TNF and we plan to meet next week (this week).
“Already, the TNF Bill has gone through Cabinet and I will be tabling it in Parliament soon.
“I am very keen to enter into dialogue to hear the views and input from the employers and the trade unions.
“That is so because as Government, we do not have a solution but the solution can be developed out of dialogue with all parties.
“That way we intend to come up with a binding social contract.
“The meeting was supposed to be held last Monday but had to be postponed owing to the disturbances that took place in Harare.
“I have since directed my permanent secretary to resend the invitations to the employer organisations as well as the trade unions, including the ZCTU and the ZFTU.
“I will be announcing the outcome of the meeting upon conclusion,” said Minister Nzenza.
“On the legislative side, we want to ensure productivity becomes one of the areas under which bargaining is based.
“In the main, there is intention for dialogue with both workers and employers to emphasise on non-monetary benefits because these are the ones that bring tangible change to workers livelihoods and they are not susceptible to the vagaries of inflation.
“We want to make sure that through negotiations, workers get decent housing and the issues of transport are addressed.”
He added that continuing to raise salaries, particularly in the current circumstances, was futile as it was not sustainable.
“It is our intention to reactivate work towards conclusion of a social contract because we believe this is the only sustainable solution to our problems.
‘‘The issue of prices going up and workers demanding more money has become the case of a dog chasing its tail, and is not sustainable.
“We want to engage and come up with measures where all constituencies forgo their privileges for the common good so that we afford the economy some modicum of stability and, in that way, ensure that we have macro-economic fundamentals being addressed . . .
“This can only be done when we develop a shared national vision and that vision can only come through dialogue through the TNF,” he said.
Government and civil servants are still negotiating on the proposed salary increase.
Government last week tabled a $300 million package, but public-service workers are demanding a $1 733 salary, inclusive of allowances, for the least-paid worker.
Source: State Media
Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza
By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe government on Monday 18 January 2019 deported two South African journalists amid reports of violence by security forces on civilians.
The two are E-TV journalists Aldrin Sampear and Linge Ndabambi.
In a statement, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (Maz) said:
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe is appalled at the decision by the government of Zimbabwe to deport two South African journalists on the morning of the 18th of January 2019. The deportation of the foreign journalists comes on the backdrop of the second directive by government to completely shut down the Internet in response to widespread citizens’ demonstrations, violent protests and a heavy-handed State response that has plunged the country into crisis.
The government is accused of unleashing the security forces on Zimbabweans following violent protests on 14 January 2019. It blocked access to the internet twice this week, for 30 hours, then for 15 hours on separate occassions. Access to the social media apps remains blocked.-DailyNews
By Own Correspondent|Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa has revealed that Government will be introducing ZUPCO buses to complement the existing commuting system starting Monday.
Mutsvangwa said this shile addressing the media Saturday evening.
She said the buses will be introduced starting Monday 21 January at 5AM and will ply Harare, Chitungwiza and Norton routes.
Said Mutsvangwa:
In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme’s thrust to modernise the entire national transport system in the country, starting from Monday 21 January 2019 at 5.am, the government through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), launching an Urban Mass Transportation System to complement existing commuting system.
All suburbs within Harare will be $1 per trip, Chitungwiza to Harare will be $1.50 and Norton to City will be $2 per trip. These affordable rates will apply to other towns and cities.
By Own Correspondent| Chair of the Elders, Mary Robinson has advised the Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration that blocking the internet and cracking down on civil society organisations does not address the economic challenges which triggered the violent stay away last Monday.
Robinson said Mnangagwa had failed to address the economic challenges bedevilling the Southern African nation hence had failed to restore calm and protect ordinary citizens’ rights and their livelihoods.
Said Robinson:
“The Government of Zimbabwe has conspicuously failed to address economic problems in a way that protects the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, including provision of fuel, food and medical supplies.
Closing down the internet and cracking down on civil society is not the way to restore calm; rather, President Mnangagwa needs to demonstrate inclusive and responsive leadership to try to repair social fractures.”
Lakhdar Brahimi, Elder, Algerian and UN diplomat and former member of his country’s liberation movement, said Zimbabweans have endured seeing the promises of the liberation struggle being betrayed.
He said Zimbabweans deserve better than what they now endure under the Zanu-PF regime.
Said Brahimi:
“The people of Zimbabwe have endured terrible suffering for decades, from colonial oppression to seeing the promises of the liberation struggle betrayed. They deserve better than the injustice and rampant corruption they now endure. The international community, including SADC leaders, must also stand by them and offer meaningful support for a true democratic transition.”
Paul Nyathi|Russian president claims Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa won a landslide victory in June 30, 2018 elections – the first post-Mugabe elections.
The Russian leader made the remarks as he welcomed the visiting Zimbabwean president and his entourage at the Kremlin on Tuesday.
In his words: “Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying.
The records from the elections as delivered by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, ZEC, chairperson, Priscilla Chigumba and later affirmed by the Constitutional Court do not support the claims Putin put in.”
A landslide victory means an overwhelming electoral triumph which is far from how Mnangagwa secured his first term fater taking over from Mugabe following a November 2017 military-backed takeover.
With 50.8% of votes – Mnangagwa actually escaped a run-off vote with his main challenger, Nelson Chamisa – who according to ZEC polled 44.3% of votes.
Inserted By Paul Nyathi|Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is in Moscow on an official visit.
January 15, 2019 17:50 The Kremlin, Moscow
Meeting with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the talks, the participants discussed matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.
Following the consultations, an exchange of documents signed during the official visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders of the two countries.
The signed documents included an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe on extradition and an intergovernmental agreement on mutual protection of intellectual activity results and intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation.
The signed documents also concern cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation (money laundering) of criminally obtained proceeds and the financing of terrorism, the project for developing the Darwendale platinum group metal deposit and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.
* * *
Beginning of talks with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,
I am pleased to see you here in Moscow.
This is your first visit to our country. Zimbabwe is an important partner to Russia in Africa. We are very pleased to see you.
Most recently, you won a landslide election victory. The people of your country are expecting effective performance, that goes without saying. For our part, we are ready to do our best to make sure that cooperation between our countries is beneficial for our nations and that it makes a significant and weighty contribution to implementing the plans and programmes that you have formulated for yourself and to achieving the goals that you have set for your country.
Welcome, Mr President.
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa: Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr President.
On my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, we are extremely happy to be invited to visit the Russian Federation. And it is my first occasion to be here, and I feel greatly honoured by Your Excellency to allow me to visit you in this time of development and the challenges facing my country that I wish to discuss with Your Excellency.
There are two areas of significant importance for me to address, the historical and the political signs that there is a very long history of cooperation between Zimbabwe and your great country, from the time of armed struggle, when most of my officers and military trained here in the past, and you supported us materially in our liberation struggle. That political history transcended until we got our independence and has continued, but today, Your Excellency, I would wish that we now attend to deepening economic cooperation between our countries, and our country is developing – it is a third-world country – so that you, as a senior brother, can hold my hand as I try to develop Zimbabwe.
Your Excellency, when we last met in Johannesburg at the BRICS summit, we did not have much opportunity to exchange views on our respective relations, but I believe this is an opportunity that is given to me to articulate the challenges that my country is facing. Zimbabwe has been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West for nearly two decades, and we are now doing our best to reengage after the new disposition has come into effect; and during our days of isolation, you stood by us.
Your Excellency, I have come with many issues I would want to discuss with Your Excellency, in particular, in the area of economic cooperation, because the area of political relations is solid and is very historical.
And I have a team of my officers here that I believe will be able to articulate the issues that I have brought for us to share.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
Paul Nyathi|The government information spinning department continues to expose its internal confusion as senior officials in the department continue to issue contradicting statements.
In a latest debacle, Deputy Chief Secretary – Communications in the President’s Office, George Charamba has come out openly opposing Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi on who has been tampering with the internet service provision in the contry.
Mutodi shocked all and sundry on Tuesday when he told the nation in a special government program on the Zbc that government had not disconnected the internet rather claiming it was only congesting.
Charamba however said following the demonstrations that rocked the country early this week, government felt it was necessary to close the internet allegedly to reduce further harm in the country.
Mangwana who is accompanying President Mnangagwa on his two week tour, alleged that the internet, particularly social media was used to coordinate the violence and the government had to step in.
He was speaking to the ZBC in Azerbaijan.
“The internet was the tool used to coordinate the violence, in other words it was part and parcel of the accessory of tools put in place to ensure that there was maximum damage on our society and naturally when you are reacting to a conspiracy of that nature….you ensure that society is protected. But is it not interesting how when we are carrying our dead to the cemetery, at a time when we are counting losses that run into millions of dollars, someone is worried about the internet. I think the Western world has a proverbial way of putting it: ‘Worrying about or crying over the plumage of a bird and forgetting the dying bird,’ does that make sense to you? You expect us to preserve the internet and ensure that there is maximum damage to our society? What is wrong with our scale of values? I don’t think Zimbabweans are that confused. What we are looking at is a weapon of choice which was being deployed to try and coordinate violence, which has now been removed, thanks to the prompt action of the state, there is no way you expect us to sacrifice a national good for the sake of internet. If they want uninterrupted internet, let them abide by the law,” he said.
Charamba accused the MDC for organising the protests.
“This violence was pre-planned, pre-arranged by the MDC and its affiliates and if you could remember last month, there was a statement issued by a cabinet minister indicating that there were a number of meetings held by affiliates of the MDC and some foreigners working towards fomenting trouble in our country. People did not take that seriously and just before we left for this 4-nation tour, the President issued a statement through the relevant ministry, which also indicated that there was this preparation for violence. But above all, last year and soon after the elections, the MDC indicated that now that they had lost the elections and their constitutional court appeal, they were going to mount a series of demonstrations, whose overall goal was to try and force Zanu PF to accommodate them in the Government of National Unity (GNU), so really this is a culmination of a programme that was solely and squarely prepared and executed by the MDC, therefore which should be put on the doorstep of the MDC by way of responsibility and that is basically what is going to happen,” said Charamba.
He also said the narrative linking the fuel price hike and violence is false, adding that the ZCTU did workers a disservice by blocking them from reporting for duty.
“Yes there is a right to demonstrate but that right does not in any way give the licence to destroy life, property and to stop others from going to work. I find it very strange that the ZCTU, which claims to be working in the interests of the workers, stands in the way of the same workers to stop them from going to work, in other words putting in jeopardy their very prospects of employment by depressing the economy, just how do you grow a labour force against a background of such activities economic wise. If you look at the social type that was in the streets and causing all the damage, those are not employees,” he said.
Over 700 people have been arrested following the unrests.
Source Zbc News online
By Own Correspondent| According to a recently published BBC report. Zimbabwe’s fuel is the most expensive globally.
The report ranks the Southern African nation as the country whose fuel is very expensive followed by Hong Kong and Monaco in second and third places respectively.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced new fuel prices which saw the price of the scarce commodity sky rocketing by over 140 percent.
A litre of diesel which costed $1.38 was now pegged at $3.11 while petrol rose from $1.43 a litre to $3.31.
The new fuel prices however triggered nationwide protests which saw soldiers and police details killing civilians in their bid to thwart dissent.
Correspondent|A FRESH diplomatic row could erupt between Zimbabwe and western governments after Harare threatened to expel envoys from the United States and Germany for allegedly funding protests across the country which claimed the lives of at least twelve people.
This could also throw Zimbabwe’s reengagement efforts with bilateral and multilateral creditors off-balance.
This week, Information secretary Nick Mangwana said government could invoke Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on diplomats meddling in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.
“Over the past few weeks, government has closely monitored activities of a coalition of non-governmental organisations in the country, especially in and around Harare. It has become obvious that there is a deliberate plan to undermine and challenge the prevailing constitutional order born out of the 2018 July 30 harmonised elections which were democratic, free and fair, and which were subsequently upheld by the highest court of the land,” Mangwana said.
“This brazenly unconstitutional plan which sought financial support from some regime-change organisations based in America and Germany, among other countries, represents a serious threat to our consolidating democracy, to the rule of law in our country, and to the authority of Government and the State. Government is under no illusion as to the intentions and import of this plan, which is being partly orchestrated through social media.”
Mangwana added: “Should that happen, the State, through the government of the day, is mandated to step in with appropriate firmness, and on the strength of a mix of lawful instruments at its disposal, to protect and restore law and order in the Republic for the benefit of the ordinary citizen. This is more so when intelligence available to government clearly points to a foreign hand bent on aiding and abetting such chaos. Government is aware of the involvement of non-citizens in the orchestration of this futile exercise. Government will not hesitate to take action against such persons by withdrawing their visas, deporting them and declaring them persona non grata.”
The article states that ‘the receiving State may at any time and without having to explain its decision, notify the sending State that the head of the mission or any member of the diplomatic staff of the mission is persona non grata or that any other member of the staff of the mission is not acceptable. In any such case, the sending State shall, as appropriate, either recall the person concerned or terminate his functions with the mission. A person may be declared non grata or not acceptable before arriving in the territory of the receiving State.’
But analysts warned that should government expel the diplomats, Zimbabwe could be further isolated from the international community.
“If Article 9 is invoked, the relations would have soured. What is at stake in Zimbabwe is breaking with the past. Moving away from the politics of isolation is what the new government undertook to do but if Zimbabwe is not integrated into the international community, chances of prosperity remain remote,” University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer Lawrence Mhandara said.
“The primacy of politics is very important. Zimbabwe should strike a balance between national interests and observing the law. Zimbabwe should opt for engagement not confrontation.”
University of Johannesburg academic Pedzisai Ruhanya also concurred.
“Firstly, there is no evidence against those diplomats and in any case, people do not need Western funding or any other funding to stand against state-engineered social injustices that threaten their livelihoods,” Ruhanya said.
“Threatening to fire Western diplomats over cooked-up allegations will throw Zimbabwe back to its pariah status. Efforts to re-engage the international community will be up in smoke. It’s taking Zimbabwe back to the dark period and dark politics under former president Robert Mugabe.”
In the 2005, Mugabe threatened to expel former United States ambassador Christopher Dell after accusing the diplomat of attempting to destabilise Zimbabwe.
Germany is one of the country’s major bilateral creditors while the United States is the largest shareholder of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Relations between Germany and Zimbabwe turned sour at the turn of the millennium when the latter embarked on the land reform programme and expropriated land belonging to German farmers despite the fact that they were protected by Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements.
Germany, along with the European Union, suspended budgetary support to Zimbabwe in 2002 citing allegations of rights abuses by former president Robert Mugabe’s administration. The EU has since lifted the sanctions, citing improvements in the political environment after the adoption of a new constitution in 2013.
As at 2017, Zimbabwe owed €465 million ($507 million) to the German Development Bank (Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau — KfW).
KfW, which is majority-owned by the German government, is also owed €40 million euro ($43 million) by the mothballed Ziscosteel which borrowed the funds to construct a steel plant in 1998.
According to the IMF, the US is the largest shareholder of the 189-member financier, controlling 16,52 percent, closely followed by Japan (6,15 percent) and France and United Kingdom (4,03 percent apiece). Zimbabwe, which has been in arrears since 1999 has a 0,17 percent stake.
The US is also a member of the Paris Club where it has the power to veto any decisions. And Zimbabwe owes the most amount to the Paris Club of around $3,2 billion.
Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa took to visiting the victims who were injured during the #ShutdownZimbabwe violent skirmishes which ravaged the country.
This follows after after he accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga of being responsible for the looting, shooting and terrorism which occured during #ShutdownZimbabwe and the aftermath thereof.
Chamisa and the MDC Alliance alleged that the state carefully organised ZANU PF youths, who would infiltrate the mass stayaways and loot a few shops for their personal benefit.
Despite increases fear among citizens of military terror in surbubs since the Monday violent scenes that made headlines all over the world, government has insisted that the country is peaceful and open to tourists intending to visit any time now.
With the army terror threatening to scare tourists away from Zimbabwe, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe remained a safe destination.
“To our diplomatic community, tourists, investors and all other tourists in the country, government would like to assure you that the peace that Zimbabwe is known for is prevailing throughout the country,” said Mutsvangwa while addressing journalists this evening.
The Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have blames army police deserters and retirees for the violence unleashed on innocent civilians protesting against fuel price increases and the worsening economic situation in the country.
In a statement this evening, police spokesperson, Charity Charamba said they were concerned about the “increase in cases of people committing crimes while clad in military and Police regalia.
Read full statement below…
19TH JANUARY 2010 ABUSE OF MILITARY / POLICE REGALIA BY CRIMINALS
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have noted with grave concern an increase in cases of people committing crime particularly robberies whilst clad in military/police regalia.
It is an offence for anyone to wear military regalia when they are not serving members of the Defence Forces/Security Services. Section 99 (2)(c) of the Defence Act, Chapter 1 1:02, and the Police Act prohibit any member of the public from putting on any military/police regalia. The Defence Act specifically provides that any person who without authority wears or uses, “any decoration supplied to or authorised use by any member of the Defence Forces or military forces or any decoration so nearly resembling such decoration as to be likely to deceive shall be guilty of an offence”.
Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth; Harare on 14 .January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services. We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police.
Business people who sell replica military attire are reminded that it is an offence to do so and anyone caught will be arrested.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have also noted with concern, the misinformation campaign by the organisers of the recent riots, who are using the media to urge members of the public and business to continue engaging in the so called “shutdown”, which has led to a trail of destruction, loss of life and injury to citizens.
The security services want to reiterate the assurance by Government that adequate security has been put in place to ensure members of the public and businesses go about their activities without hindrance. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services remain committed to the provision of safety and security to all members of the public.
In the same vein we want to warn those bent on causing mayhem that the law will be applied without fear or favour.
19TH JANUARY 2010 ABUSE OF MILITARY / POLICE REGALIA BY CRIMINALS
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have noted with grave concern an increase in cases of people committing crime particularly robberies whilst clad in military/police regalia.
It is an offence for anyone to wear military regalia when they are not serving members of the Defence Forces/Security Services. Section 99 (2)(c) of the Defence Act, Chapter 1 1:02, and the Police Act prohibit any member of the public from putting on any military/police regalia. The Defence Act specifically provides that any person who without authority wears or uses, “any decoration supplied to or authorised use by any member of the Defence Forces or military forces or any decoration so nearly resembling such decoration as to be likely to deceive shall be guilty of an offence”.
Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth; Harare on 14 .January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services. We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police.
Business people who sell replica military attire are reminded that it is an offence to do so and anyone caught will be arrested.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have also noted with concern, the misinformation campaign by the organisers of the recent riots, who are using the media to urge members of the public and business to continue engaging in the so called “shutdown”, which has led to a trail of destruction, loss of life and injury to citizens.
The security services want to reiterate the assurance by Government that adequate security has been put in place to ensure members of the public and businesses go about their activities without hindrance. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services remain committed to the provision of safety and security to all members of the public.
In the same vein we want to warn those bent on causing mayhem that the law will be applied without fear or favour.
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces speaking in a joint pres conference today said that military and police uniforms were stolen by civilians.
They then asked that these uniforms be returned.
They said there has been an increase in crime by people dressed in military uniforms and they mentioned riots in Epworth and Chegutu.
Part of the statement said: “Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth, Harare on 14 January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies.
“We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services. We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police.”
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ZimEye can reveal there is a press conference by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces announced to take place shortly.
It was not clear at the time of writing who is going to address the presser. – REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE DEVELOPING LIVE STORY
By Dorrothy Moyo|The Rural Teachers President Obert Masaraure, who was charged with “Subverting a constitutionally elected government” was this afternoon denied bail by a Harare margistrate.
Contrary to expectations, Masaraure was remanded in custody to 25th January 2019.
He was abducted by security forces in front of his wife at his home in Harare yesterday and handed over to the police.
Masaraure who has been protesting for an uplift of teachers’ wages, is the second individual to be charged with treason, 2 days after pastor Evan Mawarire was also charged with treason. Mawarire on the other hand is to appear in court on 31 January.
Dear Mr President,
Let’s start by talking about what’s important to Zimbabweans.
The things Zimbabweans demand are not complicated. They are not anything out of the ordinary.
They want a job; right now, some want ANY job. They want a living wage. They want to send their children to school; a school with books in it, and teachers happy to do their job. They want a decent meal at the end of the day, and to go to bed under a decent roof.
Entrepreneurs want to follow their dreams. If they fail, they want to be sure that it was because they lost to competition or failed on their own account, and not because they were frustrated by bad business regulation, or because they could not deliver products because they ran out of fuel, or because staff couldn’t make it to work. They want factories. They want to produce and sell at home, and proudly send their “Made in Zimbabwe” products abroad.
Professionals want to pursue their chosen careers. They don’t want to be hustlers, our version of “entrepreneurship”. They want an office job, and that’s OK. They want a regular pay slip at month-end. They want to use an ATM. They want to go to Pick n Pay and buy groceries, and have some money left over for drinks and fun.
They want to consume. They want luxuries. Contrary to all the talk around us, this is not a sin. They should be able to buy wine or imported prawns if they so desire. We cannot guilt professionals for wanting nice things. They want malls. They want a house and a car. Hell, even a bus system that works.
They want to buy Coke and Mazoe from the store, not from some back alley as if they’re buying cheap weed from the local jazzman.
They want to go home after work and watch a TV station that doesn’t at least insult their intelligence. Simple things like that.
Are these not simple enough expectations, Sir?
Artistes want to pursue their passion. They want to write books, and have a market that actually buys books in bookstores. Singers want to sing their songs to people with disposable incomes.
Young people want to innovate and be paid for following their interests. They are desperate to push their talents to the limits, but they are using just a fraction of what they can do.
There are young people bursting with ideas. Ideas about everything. Ideas about making our government work better, ideas about making our cities cleaner, about creating apps that make a difference, ideas about saving our forests, ideas about making our farming more productive.
This country, and your government so far, does not give them the chance to shine.
Farmers want to grow their crops, and turn a profit. Zimbabwe produced a record tobacco crop in 2018. It’s one of many successes of land reform. But this year, some will find it hard to take their crops to the floors, because they have no fuel. If they do get there, they will sell their leaf for less than what it is actually worth.
These are the people that are frustrated. Some among these groups even voted for you.
There is a reason why they lash out angrily. Some display an almost unhealthy visceral strand of rage. Some of it is because they had dared to hope, and now face frustration. That cuts them deeply.
They expected you to reform our rotten institutions. The change they wanted was of the radical sort. Not the gradual type you’re selling. Generations have lost decades already; please we have no more time to waste. We’ve wasted more than enough of it already.
The country needs a break. We almost had one, we like to think, and that is why many are bitter.
It was of course an exaggeration that you made on the campaign trail, that we had up to $16 billion in commitments from foreign investors. But what is true is that, since November in 2017, there indeed was increased interest from investors.
Last February, a mining investment conference on Zimbabwe was oversubscribed. There were too many delegates. From fund managers to mining executives, at one point they had their hands full with enquiries. These are drying up, but they show the potential we still have.
Investors don’t care much for politics. All they want is a guarantee that they will get their money out. But they watch Bloomberg TV and see how Anheuser-Busch Inbev is having to invest more than $120 million of its Delta dividends and fees in RBZ’s savings bonds, because it can’t take its money out.
Those are the questions you would be asked over at Davos; “can I get my money out?” What will you say to them?
In 2018, tourism boomed in what is traditionally a slow first quarter, benefiting from that ‘post-Bob’ bounce. Operators saw record arrivals through the year. But we must ask if you think this momentum can be sustained now, what with the ridiculous pricing brought by the weak approach on the exchange rate and the fuel crisis.
And, after clearing out fossils like Chihuri, Nzuwah and Mudede, why did you stop your clean-up? Why is Karikoga Kaseke still in charge of tourism?
The anti-corruption fight never happened. New special anti-corruption courts were set up at the Magistrate’s Court last March. We saw the courts kitted out with nice, new furniture, and figured that this was to make high level looters as comfortable as possible as you sent away to jail. It never happened, and this added another layer to public anger.
The steps needed now are clear, Mr President. Do the right things. You are the President, for at least another four years. Lead.
First, clean up our laws.
You did great to get rid of the indigenisation law. Doing it so early in your presidency sent an important signal. The law as it was run was little more than a tool for extortionists, as Choppies only recently revealed in its fight with Phelekezela Mphoko.
If only you had followed that up by pushing for more business reforms with the same urgency. You haven’t.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube tells a story of an associate of his; they had a choice of investing in Zimbabwe or elsewhere in the region. Zimbabwe needed them to get 23 separate licences. The other country just one. No prizes for guessing where they went.
Recently, Surface Wilmar stopped production. Last year, did they not warn you that they warned they were fed up with the red tape at the Ministry of Industry, where they need one licence after another?
“Decision making is still somewhat slow,” the company said in September.
We are still waiting for the Investment and Business Facilitation Bill, an omnibus investment law that seeks to cut down on all the licensing that has frustrated businesses. These “ease of doing business reforms” have been on the cards for years now.
Act on political reforms. You don’t need POSA or AIPPA, two relics of the old administration, to stay in power. You don’t even need ZBC to remain a parody of North Korean TV to win elections.
You are the President. You are fully in charge, and you should start showing it. Your party, ZANU-PF, has a firm two-thirds majority in Parliament. Now that you’ve found power, what are you going to do with it? Run around and wave it like a trophy, or put it to good use?
The last year, and the last quarter especially, has been a case study in a Government failing to communicate. For a man who came in with so much to prove, you needed to do more.
There are a lot of things Mthuli has done badly. But there are others he has done well. One cannot fault the entirety of his TSP, but you won’t find many that actually know what it is he’s trying to do. You needed to tell people; this is where our problem is, this is what we plan to do about it, this is how it will affect you, but this is what will happen if we don’t move. And once you said that, you needed to not only do what you promised, but to be seen to be doing it.
We are a people that has lived on subsidies for decades. Weaning the population off was never going to be smooth. It needed better communication.
Consult, and communicate clearly. Take the people along with you.
We can see some of what Mthuli is trying to do. He is attacking the deficit, which he believes is the cause of the currency crisis. Granted, he’s scored some success, putting a lid on Treasury Bills and the RBZ overdraft, and thus slowing down money supply. Once that happens, he believes, we can push into a next phase of currency reforms. He’s put in better structures for public accounting.
But, instead of hearing more of this from your Government, we have an impression of a Minister of Finance and a Government always two-steps behind, making things up as they go along.
There is anger on the streets, and agitation among workers. Understand them, Sir.
Workers are not unreasonable. They know that the Government is broke. They just don’t think that their Government itself knows that it is broke. Government is not living as if it is broke. If it was living as if it was broke, maybe workers too would understand.
Strikes would be so easy to deal with, if your Government made radical, public decisions on how it spends tax money.
It would be easier for people to rally behind your austerity measures, and your removal of expensive subsidies from fuel, if you hadn’t flown off in five-star luxury to Davos when the country was most desperate for your firm leadership.
This, after all, is a country short of leadership; from political parties to the church and to business. Nelson Mandela, in 2008, said Zimbabwe had “a tragic failure of leadership”.
Zimbabwean businesses are, thankfully, now freer to speak than they were under your predecessor. They’re not going to lie prostrate before you, as they once did under the old regime. That’s a good thing. In return, they don’t deserve threats and ultimatums, but honest dialogue and consultation, and a genuine commitment to acting on your pro-business rhetoric.
Let’s end where we began, Mr President, on what’s important to Zimbabweans. The simple things.
Please, we want to live in our own country.
A country where enterprise is free and rewarding, where we are free to pursue our dreams and be happy. It cannot be that complicated.
Mr President, our hearts are sore.
We are patriots. We want to work for our country, and to live in a country that works for us.
That, Sir, is all we demand.
Best Regards, and safe travels.
—newZWire
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By Farai D Hove| The Rural Teachers’ leader, Obert Masaraure is appearing at the Harare magistrate courts facing charges of Subverting a Constitutionally Elected government, in other words, Treason.
He was abducted from his home and tortured by State agents. – MORE TO FOLLOW
Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC says it will not compensate anyone for the damages incurred during the national stay-away.
The party’s vice president Morgen Komichi said his party was not behind the crippling protests that rocked the country from Monday and so will not be obliged to compensate anyone for any damage on their properties because of the protests.
The stance by the opposition party is in direct response to government allegations that the party and its so called allies will organised the demonstrations that turned into an orgy of violence, arson and looting and so should be held responsible for the damages.
Minister of State for National Security Owen Ncube said those whose property was destroyed and goods looted should quantify damages and report to the nearest police station.
“Government places responsibility for compensation for victims of the violence, destruction of property, injury and loss of life on the MDC-Alliance and all its associates,” Ncube said at a press briefing.
He claimed that the MDC set up a structure called The Democratic Resistance Committee which he claimed worked with an alleged paramilitary wing, the Vanguard, to lead “highly organised criminal activities” during the unrest.
Komichi rubbished Ncube’s claims indicating that the protest was executed by angry and frustrated Zimbabweans who are tired of suffering, and said the MDC will not be compensating anyone.
“None of the MDC leaders called for a stay-away and we can’t be labelled as having organised the shutdown merely because we are political leaders. We are also citizens and we are affected by the same problems that the rest of the Zimbabweans were protesting against.
“When we want to call for action, we call for press conferences and post on social media but we did not announce the stay-away because it was organised by aggrieved citizens and not MDC,” Komichi said.
He added that the ruling ZANU PF is the reason why people took to the streets therefore government is to be held liable to claims by members of the public whose property was lost.
Komichi said if the ruling party cares about the people, it should take responsibility for the damages and approach and engage its people with love.
“They should stop obligating the governance of the country to MDC and take responsibility for their actions. They are indirectly handing over power to president Nelson Chamisa because they have failed the people.
Media Statement|The MDC notes with concern the continious harrassmment of party members by the ZANUPF government.
Today more leaders have been arrested on trumped up charges of inciting violence.
Hon Settlement Chikwinya was arrested today while a fast tracked trial has been suspiciously commenced against Hon Amos Chibaya and Hon Chiminya.
This conduct is unconstitutional, every citizen has the right to due process and a fair trial including adequate time to prepare a. defence.
We have seen the past few days being dominated by cases of rushed convictions and some strange sentences following the convictions including a five year jail term for a cooked charge of violent conduct.
We urge the government to end persecution of MDC members forthwith, all trumped up charges must be dropped and investigations of killings must be instituted.
Then ploy to use trumped up charges as a tool to weaken the MDC will not work.
We are aware that ZANUPF through its highest leaders including Chiwenga forced the police to release Gone who had been charged for the murder of two individuals in Budiriro this should be the focus of investigations, the idea of using state institutions for partisan witch hunts paints a bad picture on Zimbabwe.
MDC Communications Department
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By Own Correspondent| The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has expressed concern over the abduction of the leader of its sister federation, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Peter Gift Mutasa and others.
COSATU said Mutasa was either taken by the police or the military since his whereabouts are unknown.
The organisation condemned the excessive and unnecessary force used against labour body leaders and civilians by the military and the police in Zimbabwe on Wednesday which compelled many activists to go into hiding, fearing for their lives.
Contrary to State media reports which attribute the stayaway to opposition MDC Alliance, COSATU said the protests had nothing to do with party politics but everything to do with the country’s economic woes.
The labour union said the state is provoking violence out of peaceful protesters.
Part of COSATU’s statement reads:
COSATU is calling on the global labour movement to join us in the demand for the security forces to bring back ZCTU President Peter Mutasa and all abducted activists.
We need to support the people of Zimbabwe and force the Mnangagwa regime to properly respond to the people’s demands. We demand they too respect international laws as well as the laws and the constitution of Zimbabwe.”
Correspondent|A looting soldier was shot by a businessman while leading residents to loot at Ashes Supermarket in Bulawayo.
An eye witness said, “One protester who was shot in Nkulumane 12 by a businessman is said to be soldier. He was shot at Ashes Supermarket. On the day of the looting he was wearing civilian clothing but the residents know him.”
“After being shot by the businessman an army ambulance came and collected him because he was bleeding profusely.”
The testimony by the witness cements the circulating allegation that the operation to loot shops was led by elements of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, National Youth Service graduates and ZANU PF Youth league members.
On Thursday some ZANU PF Youth league members were hauled before the courts for invading a PUMA garage owned by former minister Webster Shamu during the violent protests.
Another eyewitness from Nketa told us that a white Isuzu pickup truck carrying men in civilian clothing was moving from Nketa 6 to 9 and Emganwini dropping off men in plain clothes who led residents in breaking down doors in shops and to loot and burn the shops.
“People who were breaking shops came with a white Isuzu bakkie and were dropped in various shops. People only started looting when the shops were opened.” The eye witness said. “The same group went to break the shops again at eMganwinini.”
One ex-military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “On Monday I was seated by the roadside in Chitungwiza watching the road. I saw a group of young men with almost shaven heads jogging, they were very fit. They swiftly took car tyres set them on fire and put them on the road. They then started running.
“Those boys were too fit for ordinary men. And the bravery and the resilience they had to overpower police men shocked me.
“The boys also led in the destruction of shops and safeguarded people as they were looting in Chitungwiza. I have my own suspicions but to tell you the truth, those boys who led the residents were not ordinary boys from the ghetto. Yes ghetto boys developed courage when they saw some of the guys overpowering police even inside police stations and joined in the operation.”
Source Byo24
By Own Correspondent| Parents withheld their children from attending school on Friday despite calls by government for schools to open since the situation had normalised.
Most parents told ZimEye that they wanted to assess the situation and make sure that the environment was now safe for their children to attend school.
This is despite that teachers turned up for duty at their respective work stations.
Said a teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity:
“Yes we were at school but the learners did not turn up and we ended up just sitting. The learners did not come to school.”
Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavhima implored parents to take their children to achool starting next week Monday.
Said Mavhima:
“…..we are urging parents to take their children to school……we are calling on schools that experience any challenges to report to the district.”
By Own Correspondent| Chitungwiza residents are living in fear following continuous night raids targeting especially youths following disturbances during the #Shutdown over fuel price increases.
Citizens who spoke to ZimEye from Unit A, D, H and E in Seke narrated how the soldiers and police details have made door to door raids fishing out especially young men including teenagers.
“They will be armed and when they knock on your door, if you delay opening it, they will break it down. They are also in the habit of indiscriminately assaulting everyone but men and boys are their targets.”
Another source from Zengeza 2 told of how a form 3 boy was picked up in the dead of the night by the security personnel.
“He was assaulted before they bundled him up in a truck in the middle of the night together with several other youths. We are fearing for our sons and husbands.”
Minister of state security Owen Ncube is on record attributing the stay- away and disturbances which rocked most major cities to opposition MDC, ZCTU and NGOs including the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.
Ncube described the acts of violence which occurred during the stayaway as “treasonous” adding that they were well coordinated attacks aimed at removing a democratically elected government.
He revealed that members of the security sector were firmly on the ground carrying out investigations aimed at bringing the pepetrators of the attacks to book.
Said Ncube:
“MDC Alliance has been responsible for inciting violence through social media and engaging in unlawful gatherings that have been held prior to and during these unrests MDC Alliance political leadership have over the past three months highlighted up acts of psyching up their members to commit acts of violence while addressing political rallies and on social media.
MDC Alliance’s democratic resistance committees DRCs and their para military wing The Vanguard have been responsible for carrying out highly organised criminal activities during these unrests.
These have been substantiated by the arrest of MDC Alliance officials such as Elvis Ruzani the councillor for Ward 32 Harare North who was part of a gang of 13 members who were arrested by the police along Harare Domboshava road while barricading the road and unwantomly stoning vehicles just to mention a few. Security forces have so far arrested more than 600 people in connection with these rioters acts. 214 of whom have already appeared in court.
The Vanguard is also responsible for the sustained efforts to break into police stations to steal firearms for use in furthering their criminal activities. The trail of destruction left by these rogue elements is a clear indication that the intention was to remove a constitutionally elected government through force. Looting of shops in most circumstances have affected ordinary persons and it is sad to note that some of these victims will never recover.”
Fearing for her life, outspoken commentator Thandekile Moyo fled Zimbabwe this week with little more than the change in her pocket
My name is Thandekile Moyo. I come from Zimbabwe. I was born and bred in Zimbabwe.
In all my 34 years there, I have never known peace. I grew up in Matebeleland, where in the minds of my parents, older siblings and friends, memories of the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres were still fresh.R
We inherited a profound fear of soldiers. Whenever we saw or heard a military vehicle on our way from school, we would all scurry into the bushes and hide. Hundreds of children in little maroon uniforms, all living on high alert.
I went to university in 2003, when the economy was well on its way down. My cousin and I would have to smile and “chat up” motorists who gave us lifts to campus, just so we didn’t have to pay for transport. In my final years, students would go for days without eating. We lived on a prayer.
Through all this, I noticed the lavish lifestyles of Zanu-PF children and those close to power. Their lunchboxes were always filled to the brim. They were brought to school in their Mercedes Benzes, they had cellular phones and they spoke with a twang. We called them “amasalads” — those who were privileged enough to eat salad at home. Not all amasalads were Zanu-PF kids, but most were.
This taught me about inequality. As an adult, I learned that most of it was linked to corruption. And I detest it. Because I have never known peace and because I have learnt that my struggles over the years were man-made, I deplore injustice of any kind. Injustice against each other at both the personal level and the mass injustice by the powers-that-be against their populations.
Last Saturday, Emmerson Mnangagwa, president of Zimbabwe, announced yet another injustice: a 150% increase in the fuel price. To compound the insult, he insisted that the bond note — the pseudo currency introduced by the administration of former president Robert Mugabe — was valued at 1:1 with the US dollar. This is a lie that has impoverished Zimbabweans and brought the economy to its knees, allowing the politically connected to profit while devastating the savings of ordinary people.
In response to the fuel hike, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions called for a nationwide stayaway. I was in full support, and participated in the accompanying demonstrations in Bulawayo. The crowd was excited, yes, but peaceful. Imagine my horror when the riot police came with their batons and their teargas — a modus operandi repeated across the country.
The city’s high-density areas turned into a war zone. It felt like teargas was being thrown at everyone, everywhere. My friend’s eight-week-old niece is battling for her life after a canister of teargas was thrown into their home.
The government of Zimbabwe blamed the protests on opposition parties and civil society. I received a tip-off that my name was on the list of “troublesome internet activists”. A few days earlier I had appeared on Al Jazeera, commenting about the unjust fuel price hike: little did I know that this, along with my outspoken tweets, had made me an enemy of the state.
On Tuesday 15, at 8.46am, my messages stopped delivering. I could not access my Twitter. I switched my wi-fi on and off. No luck. I tried mobile data; still no luck. The government had shut down the internet. A voice inside me said: “Run!”
I have always known just how dangerous the Mnangagwa government is. But I have never entertained the idea of being afraid of them. I was so contemptuous of their disrespect for humanity, human rights and human life that I had always refused to be governed by just how dangerous they are. So when my instinct said run, I wasn’t sure how to respond.
I decided to take a bath and clean my room as I contemplated what to do. I slowly realised that I was preparing to leave: I was putting my house in order in preparation for an indefinite absence.
I checked whether I could get a flight anywhere. All systems at the airport were down. The only option was road travel.
Only one problem: I had no money. I had about R120. I decided to just go. I would see. I threw my laptop and a few toiletries in my handbag and went to knock on my dad’s door. What was I going to say to him?
I went to the kitchen, gulped down a few shots of gin and felt ready to face the old man. I said to him: “Look dad, the internet has been shut down. I am extremely vocal on Twitter and my instinct is telling me to go. I could be a target.”
My heart breaks as I think of how shocked he was, and how he tried to hide the shock from me. He is not on Twitter, you see.
“Do you have money?” he asked. I lied and said “yes”. He gave me everything he had in his pocket: $4 (R55). He offered to transfer money into my mobile money account, but I said: “Don’t worry Dad, I’m good.” I was afraid he’d need that money because all the shops and the banks were closed.
I couldn’t tell him where I was going. It was the only way. I called my brother to say goodbye, but didn’t reveal my plans to him. I don’t know whether they’ve told my mum yet. Part of me hopes they haven’t. It’s her 60th birthday this week; I don’t know whether she’ll be able to handle it.
So here I am, in exile and afraid. Not for myself, but for my people. Zimbabwe is imprisoned by very dangerous men.
When Mnangagwa announced the fuel hike, he was flanked by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Cabinet Minister Perence Shiri. All three of them have been implicated in the Gukurahundi massacre.
Are they now, under cover of the internet blackout, unleashing similar horrors? This is my fear. Pray for Zimbabwe.
Mail and Guardian
Some of the torture victims being led into custody
In a shocking exposé, victims of the violent attacks by uniformed military and police officers have spilled more graphic details about how they were
bludgeoned with blunt objects and torched with piping hot metal rods.
So barbaric were the attacks which are still ongoing in most parts of Harare’s high-density suburbs, that many will remain with the mental scars long after their flesh wounds have healed.
Most of the victims from Kuwadzana, Harare, including children as young as 12, suffered serious injuries after the military embarked on a door-to-door crackdown meant to quell the protests over fuel price increases and general hardships that many Zimbabweans are facing.
Seventeen year-old Stephen from Kuwadzana said he was traumatised by attacks from soldiers who he always looked up to as heroes. He is nursing head and back injuries.
Narrating his ordeal, the “O” Level student said Tuesday was a nightmare for his community, which was subjected to such torture many will require extensive medical care as well as counselling.
“All hell broke loose on Tuesday morning when the soldiers descended on our neighbourhood and started beating people. Many ran indoors to seek refuge, but they followed and either teargassed them out or kicked down doors,” he said painfully.
Like everyone, Stephen and his 12-year-old sister and their parents locked themselves up, but the soldiers came and demanded that they open the doors.
“It was very painful, but I tried to be brave and looked them in the face. That must have angered them more and they continued beating me.”
“My mother pleaded with them, saying they were just mere school children, but the soldiers did not listen and dragged us away. They took me and my sister, and we were ordered to roll in raw sewage before being beaten up with logs,” he said.U
Several men and boys spent nights in the fields because the soldiers targeted them more. Those who failed to get away in time were ordered to lie down before being trampled on by booted feet and steel rods.
Many were taken up a mountain, beaten and ordered to roll down.
“We stayed in the forests, afraid to go back home and were very concerned about our families we had left behind,” a young man, from Mbare, said.
Elizabeth can hardly walk. They beat her backside until it turned black from repeated strokes.
“I cannot even sit properly; I am in so much pain. I do not belong to any political party, but they beat me up anyhow. What crime have I committed?” she queried.
The 30-year-old was beaten up in front of her four-year old son.
“My son saved me when he cried as he watched the entire drama, and that is when they stopped. One of them actually said if he had not cried, they wanted to kill me,” she said.
Another 27-year-old woman from Hopley, Jennifer, was battered while she was sleeping in her house.
“They demanded to see my husband and when I told them that he was at work, they started assaulting me. There were dogs everywhere. I was scared. I did not think I would live to see another day,” she said.
Like the other female victims, her backside got the worst and she struggles to sit or walk. Thirty seven year-old Getrude was beaten with a red-hot rod plucked from a burning tyre.
“They dragged me from my house and took me to where the tyres were burning and asked who had set the fire. I told them I had no idea, but they beat me up and took a burning rod and used it on me,” she said. Afterwards, they asked her to smear soot on the gaping wound.
The children whose age range from 12 were still traumatised and afraid to go home. “If I hear a sound, I jump because I imagine that they have come back, this time to kill me and my family,” said a 12-year-old, who had head and back injuries.
Yesterday, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said they had noted the human rights violations with concern since the beginning of the protests.
In a statement, they said they had recorded over 844 human rights violations during the shutdown, with at least 12 deaths and 78 injuries from gunshots as well as 242 from dog bites, assaults and torture. Over 466 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions were also recorded.
The forum said it condemned the random and indiscriminate use of live ammunition as well as lethal force.
“The forum has received disturbing reports of armed security breaking into private homes, torturing occupants, including children as young as nine years,”
They also expressed concern over the Internet blockade by government, describing the act as unwarranted and unjustified.
NewsDay
GOVERNMENT now faces a crippling civil service strike after its’ revised offer of $78 for the lowest paid worker or 20% on a sliding scale was rejected by negotiators, who want nothing less than $1 700.B
Apex council chairperson Cecilia Alexander said government increased its offer from $160 million from April to December, which was translating to a 10% pay raise for the least paid worker or $41 to $300 million for the same period, translating into 18,5% or $78 for the least paid worker.
“They came first with a message that we have been given a non-negotiable cushion allowance by the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa). We would like to appreciate that gesture although it is little compared to the crisis we are in,” Alexander told journalists soon after yesterday’s National Joint Negotiating Council meeting in Harare.
“For the negotiated salary, they brought a revised offer of $300 million, which is still far less the challenges we are facing. It can’t restore the purchasing power of our salaries to levels of October 2018. So we strongly believe that as civil servants, we want something better than this.”
She added: “Our notice for a national strike still stands unless something meaningful comes up. So it is up to government to expedite the process.”
At first government had offered its workers a “paltry” 10% pay rise, but it was rejected, prompting the Apex Council to give a 14-day notice to strike.
Alexander said unions representing government workers would meet on Monday to map the way forward, with a likelihood that a strike was inevitable.
The stalemate will likely pile more pressure on Mnangagwa’s regime, which is already seeking to reduce its wage bill and battling a worsening economic meltdown.
David Dzatsunga, a member of the Apex Council team, said the offer was “too little” considering the state of affairs.
“This regime must be serious. We are now going back to consult the Apex Council and a way forward would be reached from there. But from the look of things, the civil servants are likely to go on strike,” Dzatsunga said.
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe leader Takavafira Zhou said government was “not being serious with its workers and we want seriousness”.
“I can tell you that on Monday, the unions are going to reject this nonsense. At least, government should be realistic by looking at the percentages it has used to increase the price of fuel. From there, we can negotiate,” Zhou said
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association chief executive Sifiso Ndlovu said the offer would not cover the necessities required by the members.
“At the moment, one needs approximately $10 per day for transport, which translates to $200 per month. This is before we factor in lunch and other necessities. For your own information, the said offer would come into effect in April, so we are dealing with nothing; we want something meaningful,” Ndlovu said.
NewsDay
Harare on fire
SUSPECTED protesters during this week’s three-day national stayaway were allegedly shot at from close range, with some having their eyes gouged.B
The atmosphere in the country is tense, as some of the victims are still suffering from the wounds sustained during the crisis.
“We went to visit some of the victims at Belvedere Medical Centre and Warren Park (in Harare), and what we witnessed there was human rights abuses. Some of the victims were shot and others had their eyes gouged. These are just innocent people who were taken from their homes and had not participated in the violence,” a source told NewsDay Weekender yesterday.
“We heard that some people dressed in military uniforms came to their houses and started assaulting them, and even told them to tell their leader (MDC) Nelson Chamisa that they should not complain even if they are hungry.”
The sources said the killings and assaults were a violation of section 60 of the Constitution and highlighted that people had now become prisoners of conscience.
“We visited some of the funerals in Kuwadzana, Epworth and Chitungwiza, and what we saw is some of the people there have now become prisoners of conscience. If you go to various high-density suburbs, you will see that people are crying and are now living in fear of their lives,” the source said.
“Being an MDC supporter is now a crime in this country. This is a clear violation of section 60 of the Constitution and these are human rights abuses and we can say these are international crimes against humanity. I don’t think these were military personnel because I don’t think our military will do something like that.”
In Kuwadzana, some of the residents left their homes to seek refuge in nearby mountains as their homes had now become “no-man’s land”.
Witnesses said people were dragged from their homes door-to-door and beaten up by soldiers who left some for dead.
MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson, Nkululeko Sibanda, on Thursday said credible reports showed that the State carefully organised Zanu PF youths to infiltrate the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions-organised mass stayaway, and looted shops for their personal benefit.
However, Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo refuted the claim, urging the MDC to approach the courts if they had the evidence.
NewsDay
DEADLY street protests which brought Zimbabwe to a standstill this week have added impetus to calls by opposition parties and civil society organisations for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to agree to dialogue, leading to a negotiated political settlement which could save the country from total collapse, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.B
This comes as organisers of the demonstrations gave Mnangagwa a 30-day ultimatum, by which he should have drafted a framework for negotiations, or face a “tsunami” of more mass protests.
The groups, which organised the total business shutdown, vowed to continue with sustained protests despite the government’s heavy-handed approach in crushing dissent.
They are demanding national dialogue that would lead to the setting up of a transitional authority, which is inclusive, to run the country and realign the constitution in preparation for an election in six months to a year.
The push for dialogue is coming at a time the security sector is divided, with some disgruntled members of the security services, particularly those in the lower ranks in the military and police, supporting the protests privately.
Mnangagwa has a formidable task to appease members of the security forces, who like most Zimbabweans are bearing the brunt of the economic hardships, and have also not been spared the austerity measures introduced by government in recent weeks, including the 2% tax on electronic transactions and 150% fuel price hike.
Mnangagwa, whose legitimacy has been challenged ever since he won last year’s presidential election by a wafer-thin 50,6% margin, is battling to set Zimbabwe’s creaking economy on the recovery path.
While the Zanu PF first secretary has previously said he does not talk to losers, the ruling party’s spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo, in an interview with the Independent, did not rule out the prospects for inclusive dialogue.
Moyo said Zanu PF could not rule out the possibility of talks with the opposition if a formal request for dialogue was put on the table.
“We want those people with their proposals to come and approach us if they want dialogue. I cannot respond to a proposal that we have not received because I don’t want to commit to anything. You do not invite the head of state through the media; there are channels to do that,” he said.
But as calls for dialogue between Mnangagwa and his political opponents gained momentum, contradictions emerged within the security establishment, with both the army and police denying responsibility for the death of at least 10 people during the three-day business shutdown, triggered by Mnangagwa’s recent decision to increase fuel prices.
Although the government has blamed civil society for orchestrating the strike, pro-democracy groups have hit back at Mnangagwa, saying only genuine dialogue, leading to a power-sharing agreement, would extricate the country from a multi-faceted crisis.
Pressure group #Tajamuka frontman Promise Mkwananzi — widely identified as one of the principal architects of the protests — said the country needed an urgent, all-inclusive process which will usher in a transitional mechanism.
The process — to precede a general election — should be spearheaded by the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU), Mkwananzi said.
“We are putting the government on a month’s notice to address the issues we have raised or else they will face more anger from the people. This process should be underwritten by Sadc and the AU community. The priority of the process should be on implementation of the constitution and revival of the economy,” Mkwananzi said, as he distanced his grouping from messages circulating on social media suggesting that more protests will be held next week.
“After that, then we can have fresh elections because the reason why we are in this economic mess is because of flawed elections, which resulted in a legitimacy crisis for the current government,” he said.
Although Zanu PF has professed ignorance over ongoing backroom talks with the opposition, the Independent exclusively reported late last year that ex-Kenyan chief justice Willy Mutunga has been pushing to broker a political deal between Mnangagwa and Chamisa behind closed doors.
As reported by the Independent, Mutunga quietly flew into the country in December on a quest to negotiate a political transition in Zimbabwe, although details of the meetings remain sketchy.
Political analysts believe dialogue, modelled around the 2008-2009 global political agreement which ushered in a Government of National Unity, was the only way to extricate the country from the current quagmire.
MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said this week’s protests had exposed Mnangagwa’s government. He said the opposition is still open to dialogue.
“The economy and the people have passed a vote of no confidence on Mnangagwa and his government because they got into power illegitimately and there is an illegitimacy crisis that has not been solved. In terms of dialogue, we have said it before that we are open for dialogue and we can be part of the dialogue process to restore Zimbabwe,” Mafume said.
MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda called on Sadc and the AU to immediately intervene in the current political impasse. “Sadc must intervene and investigate these serious circumstances in which crimes against humanity were committed. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are adversely affecting the image of the region and bring Sadc into disrepute over and over,” Sibanda said.
Political analysts said only national dialogue can take the nation forward.
“The citizens’ protests are a clear indicator that things are not working and political actors must swallow their pride and go to the dialogue table and chart a new inclusive way forward for Zimbabwe. The senseless violence by state security agents and military trivialises human life and does nothing to help resolve the economic challenges,” political analyst Maxwell Saungweme said.
Another political analyst Piers Pigou weighed in, saying dialogue should not be exclusively between MDC and Zanu PF, but inclusive of other political actors. “He (Mnangagwa) needs to talk to a range of actors, including but not exclusively to the opposition. It seems unlikely an exclusive political arrangement will be adequate,” Pigou said.
Rhodes University political science lecturer Mike Mavura dismissed the likelihood of political dialogue. “Mnangagwa is a politician not a statesman, so we can forget any idea of him reaching out to the opposition. A statesman sees the bigger picture and acts in the best interests of the country not just his own or his political party’s narrow interests,” he said.
“If ED (Mnangagwa) was a statesman, his narrow election victory would have morally and strategically compelled him to include in his government some ministers from the opposition so that those over two million opposition voters have a say and are in direct dialogue with him but, alas, the man is more goon than visionary,” Mavura added.
The protests also exposed the contradictions and divisions within the country’s security services as both police and army shifted blame and denied responsibility for the killings.
Although it was initially a police operation, the deployment of soldiers later on Monday appeared to suggest a breakdown in the chain of command synonymous with the violent crackdown which took place on August 1 last year.
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) spokesperson Overson Mugwisi said the military was not involved in violently crushing the protests as it was exclusively a police operation.
“This is a police operation, talk to the police spokesperson. Did you see the army shooting people? I don’t know about that,” Mugwisi said.
But police spokesperson Charity Charamba also denied responsibility for the killings.
“People were shot? I don’t know of anyone who was shot,” she said before abruptly terminating the phone call.
Efforts to get a comment from Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri were fruitless as she was said to be attending a series of meetings throughout the week.
Her deputy, Victor Matemadanda, washed his hands of the thorny issue.
“I am a deputy minister, I don’t sit in cabinet. I don’t have an idea who ordered the shooting. Don’t make me meddle in issues that are beyond me. You know very well who gives orders,” Matemadanda said.
Outspoken war veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa came close to confirming the security sector divisions, telling journalists in Harare yesterday that there was a high possibility that some soldiers may have been involved in the protests.
“The way the demonstrations were organised, the nature of deployment and tactics implemented all point to a well-trained army in force which openly belonged to the opposition MDC Alliance which is trying to get to power through the backdoor. Of particular interest is their tactic to remove action from the CBD (Central Harare) and decentralise to ward level and use innocent civilians as human shields which is a military strategy,” Mutsvangwa said, blaming the MDC for the violence.
“Veterans of the liberation struggle will ensure that we have strengthened our strongholds because the MDC has shown how violent they can be,” he said.
In his trademark war-like language, Mutsvangwa also called on government to fire its workers involved in the protests.
“The opposition’s political actions have been reflected in some of our civil servants. Government must therefore ensure that there is a complete overhaul of our civil service, especially removing those that seem to act in a manner that leaves government vulnerable to unnecessary embarrassment by enemies of the state,” he said.
Independent
Protesters in full swing in Harare on Monday
ZimEye will today LIVE stream demos by Zimbabweans in Germany and Great Britain beginning from 11am. WATCH INTROS BELOW:
The Elders today expressed deep concern at the worsening social and economic crisis in Zimbabwe amid reports of killings, arrests and intimidation of opposition and civil society figures and a shutdown of internet access.
Repression and violence would further erode trust in state authorities and imperil Zimbabwe’s much-needed transition towards a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future.
Zimbabwe’s leaders need to be extremely cautious in their use of the security services. The Elders expressed particular alarm at the use of live ammunition by police and security services in recent days, especially given the findings of the official commission of inquiry into the post-election violence of 1 August where six people were killed by live rounds in Harare.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, said:
“The Government of Zimbabwe has conspicuously failed to address economic problems in a way that protects the rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens, including provision of fuel, food and medical supplies. Closing down the internet and cracking down on civil society is not the way to restore calm; rather, President Mnangagwa needs to demonstrate inclusive and responsive leadership to try to repair social fractures.”
The Elders voiced particular concern at the intimidation and allegations directed towards civil society groups in recent days. All parties should be encouraged to call for calming the streets and to condemn violence.
They reminded all Zimbabweans that Kofi Annan, on his last ever mission, stood in solidarity with civil society activists in July 2018 and had urged all political and civic leaders to work together “to ensure a Zimbabwe free from violence, where human rights are respected and prosperity restored.”
The Elders reiterated their belief that an inclusive national dialogue is the best way to defuse tensions and ease the political and social polarisation the country has seen since former President Robert Mugabe was removed from office in November 2017.
Lakhdar Brahimi, Elder, Algerian and UN diplomat and former member of his country’s liberation movement, said:
“The people of Zimbabwe have endured terrible suffering for decades, from colonial oppression to seeing the promises of the liberation struggle betrayed. They deserve better than the injustice and rampant corruption they now endure. The international community, including SADC leaders, must also stand by them and offer meaningful support for a true democratic transition.”
By A Correspondent| Al Jazeera’s Zimbabwe based correspondent, Haru Mutasa angered Zimbabweans last night when she tweeted saying Congolese citizens are enjoying life as usual for weeks despite an internet shutdown.
This was in a two tweets she posted which as follows:
By Simba Chikanza| Human beings are not flesh and bone, they are eternal spirits made in the class of the Creator of the universe. It is the fiery human spirit of a single individual that has given birth to the most successful countries of the world. The self made multi billionaire companies of the last 20 years were built by single individuals who had nothing at all in their hands, not even money. All they had was one thing, freedom. Their spirits were free. These companies are the ones which are sustaining whole economies of the world. They are numerous, Google, Facebook, Amazon PayPal, Uber.
They were built by individuals whose spirits were free.
5 years ago I supported a young Zimbabwen who had come out of university and was trying one project to the other. I bought one of his projects which wasn’t working which thing allowed him to be free. I saw potential in him, even though his first project wasn’t working. Today, he runs the most successful and the largest cryptocurrency company in Zimbabwe, Golix. Just a few months ago he was now already employing over 23 members of staff.
Nothing can stop the human spirit. The human spirit knows no limitation.
There is no tank, bomb, bullet or bayonet that can defeat the human spirit.
Very soon those who think they can build an economy using military terrorism will be gone and forgotten forever, no one will remember them.
There is LIVE broadcast evidence since the 15th Dec 2017, 1pm all running into this week that shows that Emmerson Mnangagwa has planned and continued his office, surviving on military terrorism. His office announced on the 15th of Dec 2017 that he would use the military to change the 2018 election results, and this was beamed on the national broadcaster, ZBC. It was executed on the 1st August 2018 when the election results were delayed. Last weekend, Mnangagwa announced fuel price hikes which even his nation of boast, Russia has criticised. As soon as he landed in Moscow during the week, Russia’s Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev announced that his country does not want to be associated with what he termed “unjustified fuel hikes.” Medvedev also said that Russia will never dish out their money to support another country’s struggling revenues. This announcement was made just as Mnangagwa touched down in Moscow.
After Meeting President Vladimir Putin, Mnangagwa left the country empty handed.
Mmangagwa tried to lure a Russian business previously kicked out of Zimbabwe by his party to return afain so to extract the last remaining diamonds. These are all depletive resources and Mnangagwa has so far blown millions on a private jet while ignoring and even oppressing the only resource that can resuscitate the economy, the human spirit.
Nothing can stop the human spirit and the human spirit knows no limitation, and yet Mnangagwa flies to foreign nations to beg “vatorwa” so they come to Zimbabwe to extract the nation’s last remaining natural resources. He wants to build an economy on extraction and on terrorism. Will this work?
Knowledge Musona Goes Down To Relegation Zone
BARELY a year after joining giants Anderlecht, Warriors captain Knowledge Musona has been loaned out to relegation-threatened Sporting Lokeren in the Belgian First Division A League until the end of the season.
Musona (28) joined Anderlecht in May last year from KV Oostende, where he found the net 41 times in 141 games, but struggled for form at his new club where he netted in just once in 10 games.
Sporting Lokeren confirmed signing the Warriors’ gunman on loan.
He is an Anderlecht player until 2022.
“Sporting Lokeren can make use of the services of Zimbabwean Knowledge Musona, who until the middle of 2022 is owned by RSC Anderlecht. Sporting Lokeren rents the player until the end of the season. His loan to Sporting Lokeren means a win-win situation for all parties. Sporting Lokeren hopes to win with him, mainly on his offensive strength. His favourite position is left winger, but he can also be used as a right winger and as a shadow striker. Sporting Lokeren has made a heavy effort to attract this player,” Sporting Lokren said on their official website.
Musona started training with the club yesterday and they are hoping to field him in their next league game away to AS Eupen tomorrow.
“Sporting Lokeren is now going to do everything to get him to play on Saturday. In addition to Jakub Reznicek, Musona is the second attacking reinforcement for Sporting Lokeren in three days. Tomorrow morning (yesterday), Musona trains for the first time with the Lokeren,” the club said.
Sporting Lokeren anchor the Belgian Division One A League log-standings with 14 points from 21 games, with only three wins, five draws and 13 defeats.
On December 27, they lost their last game 1-0 to Club Brugge which is home to another Zimbabwean, Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.
Musona had been reduced to a bit part player at Anderlecht, having failed to replicate the blistering form he enjoyed during his stay at KV Ostende.
He struggled to nail down a first team jersey under former boss Vanhaezebrouck who was sacked earlier this month, and he was hoping to have his fortunes changing under new coach Fred Rutten.
But it appears Rutten is also not convinced by the Warriors star, who he has decided to ship him out so that he gets game time elsewhere.
Earlier reports had linked Musona with a move back to KV Oostende, but it seems Lokeren tabled a better offer for the Smiling Assassin.Z
So frustrated was Musona with lack of playing opportunities at his parent club that he turned to popular televangelist TB Joshua a fortnight ago, seeking divine intervention over his faltering career, blamed on a nagging knee injury.
Musona’s latest move could be good news to Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga, who wants his man to get the much-needed game time at club level ahead of Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)’s decisive qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in March.
He has been the team’s talisman in the campaign, where the Warriors require at least a point in the home match in Harare to book a ticket to the Afcon finals set for Egypt in June.
NewsDay
ZANU PF youth leaders were allegedly behind acts of violence and arson, including the burning of a Zupco bus in Harare on Monday during countrywide protests against fuel price increases, court papers showed.
Benson Bhobho, Zanu PF youth league chairperson for ward 40 in Whitecliff, was on Thursday charged with public violence together with members of his executive, Charles Bengeza, Shylock Chihuri, Emmanuel Chari, Cassim Muzhingi, Noleen and Rumbidzai Dulana after their arrest in connection with the burning of the Zupco bus that was heading to Harare.
According to court papers, Bhobho (35) teamed up with his executive and other accomplices, who are still at large, around mid-morning on Monday, and proceeded to Whitehouse shopping centre along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, where they barricaded the highway with boulders, burning tyres and throwing missiles at motorists.
“Pursuant to their plan, the accused stopped a Zupco bus which was proceeding to Harare and ordered the bus crew and all passengers to disembark.
Emmanuel Chari drove the bus (off) the road and parked it about 40 metres (away), where he and his colleagues set it on fire,” the court papers read.
This came as the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) on Monday called for a nationwide stayaway to push government to reverse recent fuel price hikes as well as deal with the deepening economic crisis.
But the stayaway turned violent, with government accusing the opposition of orchestrating the mayhem, which resulted in about eight civilian deaths, the death of a police officer and numerous injuries, including the destruction of public assets.
Court papers, however, indicate that the Zanu PF youth leadership, led the mob that burnt the Zupco bus along the Bulawayo-Harare Highway and also chased away workers at a shop owned by Chegutu East legislator Webster Shamu (Zanu PF).
“The accused looted various groceries from the shop and set ablaze a Mitsubishi pick-up truck which was parked at the service station, leaving it to burn to ashes,” the papers stated.
Police recovered some of the alleged stolen items from the Zanu PF youth leaders, among them Mazoe cordials, fire extinguishers and ropes.G
The accused last night appeared before Harare magistrate, Elijah Makomo for trial, where they denied the charges.
The State was represented by four prosecutors, including Michael Reza, George Manokore and Charles Muchemwa.
ZCTU, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the violence which erupted around the country.
Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Monday warned the hooligans, saying the law would take its course against those who destroyed State property.
NewsDay
FORMER Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko and his son, Siqokoqela, have exited Choppies Supermarkets after offering to be bought out of the company to end a protracted ownership wrangle.
The Mphokos’ lawyer, Professor Welshman Ncube last night confirmed to state media that his clients were no longer shareholders of Botswana based Nanavac Investment, trading as Choppies Supermarkets Zimbabwe.
Prof Ncube said he has since released a joint statement with Choppies Enterprise lawyer Mr Munyaradzi Nzarayapenga notifying the public about the latest development.
“We have been instructed by our clients Choppies Enterprise, Phelekezela Mphoko and Siqokoqela Mphoko to advise the public and all staff of Nanavac Investments trading as Choppies Zimbabwe that on 9 January 2019 the shareholders and directors amicably resolved and settled all issues, matters, cases and disputes between and among themselves so that there are no longer any outstanding between our respective clients, who further advise that the Mphokos have disinvested from Choppies Zimbabwe and have no further interests in the company and its business,” reads the statement.
“Our respective clients wish each other well in their present and future endeavours.”
In an interview, Prof Ncube said his clients would be paid for 51 percent shareholding, but could not state the amounts of money involved.
At the height of their legal battles, Choppies Enterprises Mr Ramachandran Ottapathu alleged that that the Mphoko family owned only seven percent shareholding.
He said the other 44 percent was given to them to fulfil the indigenisation laws of the country. However, Prof Ncube insisted that his clients held 51 percent of the shares.
The fight became messy when Mphoko’s son Siqokoqela and his wife Nomagugu were dragged to court on charges of interfering with the operations of Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises. This followed accusations that they swindled the businesses of a combined $80 000.
Siqokoqela, who was shareholder in the retail business and a non-executive director, is accused of abusing his power to “loot” $50 000 in cash realised from sales at different supermarkets and replacing it with transfers. His wife, Nomagugu is accused of allegedly bulldozing various Choppies outlets in Bulawayo and demanding cash.
She allegedly ordered 15 Choppies Supermarket managers in Bulawayo to unlawfully dispense more than $30 000 cash from their POS machines after threatening them with either deportation or dismissal.
She is facing 49 counts of extortion. The matter is still pending before the courts and both of them are out of $200 bail each.
– State Media
AL he Caf Champions League resumed on Friday with Esperance overpowering Zimbabwean champions FC Platinum 2-0 in Tunis, Al Ahly salvage a draw at SaouraArticle continues below
A brace by Taha Yassine Khenissi ensured a 2-0 victory for Esperance over visitors FC Platinum, and saw the Tunisians collect their first full set of maximum points in Group B.
Khenissi scored a goal in either half to hand defending champions Esperance the three points against the Zimbabwean champions.
After drawing 1-1 with Horoya in their first match away, Esperance recovered to notch a maiden win in this group.
The first half ended with both sides barely producing clear-cut chances.
But after the restart with the hosts dominating possession, Khenissi doubled Esperance’s advantage in the 65th minute.
Cameroonian midfielder Franck Kom provided a headed pass to Khenissi to finish home with his head and seal the victory for the Tunisians.
With other Group B contestants Orlando Pirates thumping Horoya 3-0 in Soweto on Friday, the South Africans now top the group, followed by Esperance while FC Platinum are in third position.
Meanwhile, riots characterised the clash between Ismaily and Club Africain which ended with the Tunisian visitors winning 2-1 on Friday before the match was abandoned.
It was a second straight defeat for Ismaily who lost their opening match 2-0 away at TP Mazembe last weekend.
But Friday’s match was full of drama as Ismaily fans were angered by Cameroonian referee Neant Alioum whom to them dished out what appeared to be controversial calls.
After Namibia forward Benshon Shilongo had thrust Ismaily in front just eight minutes into the game, the Egyptians appeared to be on course for a win.
But two converted penalties by Ghazi Ayadi in the 40th and 45th minute unsettled the hosts’ fans whose protests caused brief stoppages to the match.
As for the second penalty, the referee first pointed for a freekick just outside the box before changing his mind.
This infuriated Ismaily fans who later on went berserk this time baying for the head of the referee whom they felt was sabotaging their team.
The situation got far worse in the dying stages of the match when they hurled objects onto the pitch, targeting Alioum’s assistants which led to a lengthy stoppage and subsequently the calling off of the match.
It would however now be interesting to see how Caf will react to the conduct of Ismaily fans which could lead to the team’s expulsion from the competition.
Eslewhere, a late headed goal by Karim Nedved salvaged a 1-1 draw for Al Ahly against Algerian side JS Saoura.
The Algerian hosts had moved ahead through Yahia Cherif’s goal on the hour mark and looked almost to claim three points against the record eight-time African champions.
But with five minutes to go, Nedved rose high to connect with his head a cross from Mohamed Hany and save the Egyptians from their first group defeat.
The draw was some sort of recovery by Saoura who opened their group campaign with a 3-0 defeat away at Simba, while Al Ahly remain unbeaten having overcame AS Vita 2-0 in their opening game.
Attention: The African Union Chairperson, H.E Paul Kagame
CC: All AU Heads of State and Government
16 January 2019
REF: URGENT INTERVENTION ON THE FAST DETERIORATING HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE
Preamble
We, as Civil Society Organisations from Zimbabwe under the banner of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition(CiZC) are encouraged by the AU High Level Consultation meeting of Heads of States and Governments on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to find a lasting solution to the post-election developments.
As your Excellences are discussing the DRC situation, we exhort you to take time to reflect on the fast deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Zimbabwe following the call for a peaceful national stay-away from the 14th-16th of January 2019 in response to the social and economic deterioration.
Recalling that on the 30 October 2018, Zimbabwe Civil Society organisations under the leadership of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition met with the Chairperson of Southern African Development Community (SADC), His ExcellencyHage Geingob at State House in Windhoek, Namibia and brought to his attention that:
a) The political tension and economic meltdown, if left unresolved has a potential to cause regional, political and security instability;
b) The unwarranted presence of the military in all spheres of the state, including public spaces and a glaring interference on the day to day duties of other authorities since the military intervention in 2017 was a threat to national stability;
c) An inclusive national conversation with all players led by SADC on Zimbabwe’s future was needed;
d) SADC must impress on Zimbabwe the imperative to return to civilian -military relations, to full compliance in modern state craft where the military is subordinate to state authority and does not interfere with civilian political processes;
e) SADC community together with global players must institute discussions on Zimbabwe to address the deteriorating political and economic situation.
Post this meeting the situation has since deteriorated in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe state’s response to the national stay-away has been disproportionate marked by clampdown on fundamental rights and freedoms. It is our considered view that the country might be sliding into a state of emergency. As of 16 January 2019, we are aware that of the following
· Blackout on access to information through the suspension of internet services and restricted telephone communication across Zimbabwe, from Tuesday 15 January to date.
· Zimbabweans conduct their daily financial transactions on mobile platforms due to the chronic cash shortages and these online payment platforms have been disrupted.
· The unconstitutional deployment of the military forces in the country has resulted in use of live ammunition, wanton assaults, unlawful entering and breaking into people’s homes reminiscent of the extra judicial killings of 1st of August 2018.
· Reports of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions and abductions of unarmed civilians and civil society leaders, including children below the age of 16 years.
· Multiple threats and intimidation by government officials against trade unions, civil society leaders and ordinary Zimbabweans are continuing unabated.
As a result of these developments we are reliably informed that:
· 8 individuals have been killed during the violent crackdown
· Hundreds of innocent civilians have sustained different injuries consistent with gunshot wounds and are failing to access health care facilities.
· More than 150 people arrested and have not been charged nor brought before a competent court of law
· The right to freedom of movement has been restricted affecting the ability of ordinary Zimbabweans to sustain their livelihoods.
This might result in regional instability as Zimbabweans seek food, shelter and refugee in neighbouring countries.
We therefore call on the African Union to place Zimbabwe on the agenda of the consultation meeting on 17 January 2019 and deliberate on the situation to:
· Act decisively by urgently and adequately intervening in the Zimbabwe situation;
· Calling for withdrawal of the unconstitutional deployment of the military from conducting policing duties;
· Call for the immediate restoration of Internet service provision across Zimbabwe;
· Restore civil liberties of people.
Thank You,
Rashid Mahiya
Attention: President of the European Commission
Via European Union Embassy
His Excellency
Mr Jean-Claude Juncker
Mr Timo Olkkonen
Head of Delegation
European Union
Harare
Zimbabwe
CC: Embassy of Switzerland
17 January 2019
Your Excellency
RE: CESSATION OF VIOLATIONS AS PRESIDENT EMMERSON MNANGAGWA’S ENTRY INTO THE EU FOR WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
We, Civil Society Organisations in Zimbabwe, under the banner of Crisis Coalition write to request that you demand that President Emmerson Mnangagwa immediately cease the ongoing human rights violations and restore the rule of law in Zimbabwe as preconditions for his delegation’s entry into the European Union (EU) territory next week. We believe our request is in line with the values, law and policies of the European Union and the broader international community.
The bottom line Mr President is that Mr Mnangagwa’s administration through its own actions has become “hostis humanis generis” inclined to use murder of unarmed civilians as a tool to retain power.
At the time of his departure for eventual entry into the EU, President Mnangagwa, with his usual indifference to human suffering, announced unpopular increases on the price of fuel to which citizens across Zimbabwe responded by spontaneous lawful demonstrations. In a bid to silence the masses, state security forces aided by Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) paramilitary youths dressed in police and army uniforms are engaged in ongoing, twenty-four hours a day attacks on the townships across the country. These attacks are characterized by indiscriminate fatal shootings and other methods of torture including credible reports of rape.
You are also aware that the Mnangagwa administration has switched off internet access for most of the country in a bid to cover up the abuses. It is ironic Mr President, that Mr Mnangagwa wants his voice to be heard internationally while he is actively preventing the Zimbabwean people from telling the world of their experiences at his hands.
We believe that receiving President Mnangagwa in Switzerland at a time he is leading continued and ongoing gross, mass violations of human rights of the Zimbabwean citizens emboldens him in his murderous enterprise. It ignores the suffering of the Zimbabwean people and undermines your position as one of the world’s key voices on international law and human rights.
You will understand the difficulty that the opposition and civic leaders have in openly speaking out given the level of state sanctioned intimidation and credible threats to their persons and families.
We trust that you will use your good offices to engage our ideas.
#Our Zimbabwe
From the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition
The below video comes as armed soldiers descended on Kuwadzana, Harare, last night where they began assaulting residents forcing them out of their houses.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
By Farai D Hove | Details coming in indicate that the leader of Zimbabwe’s Rural Teacher’s Union, Obert Masaraure was late last night abducted by security forces from his home in front of his wife.
At just after 9pm, Masaraure tweeted that his home was being forced into.
At the time of writing it was not possible to establish where he was taken to. ZimEye is making a follow up investigation shortly.
The Reserve Bank Of Zimbabwe reportedly paid Former President Robert Mugabe medical expenses which amounted to US$4 million towards the end of 2018.
The weekly Independent reports that the money was paid through RBZ which alleges that it does not have adequate foreign currency to fund critical sectors of the economy.
Mugabe was first paid US$1 million upon his departure for Singapore in October but later contacted government from the South-East Asian nation complaining that the money was inadequate and requesting a further US$3 million in November.
The report says he requested balance was paid promptly, according to the sources. The transactions were authorised by RBZ governor John Mangudya. The report quotes a senior government official saying:
the RBZ governor sent a memo to the Finance ministry perm sec George Guvamatanga stating that there was a request by former president Robert Mugabe for an additional US$3 million, while he was in Singapore. This was after Mugabe initially received US$1 million from government for his medical bills, which he then said was not enough.
When contacted by the publication, Mangudya declined to comment on the matter. Information ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said he was not aware of any payment to Mugabe.
AN illegal money changer from Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo lost more than US$4 000 to seven gun-totting robbers who raided his home while he was sleeping early yesterday morning.
The suspects, who were armed with pistols, assaulted Mr Kudakwashe Masunda (28) before demanding cash at around 1AM.
One of the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at him demanding cash.
They took away US$4 000 and three Samsung cell phones worth US$260 before fleeing from the scene.
Bulawayo provincial deputy police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they were investigating the case.
He said the suspects jumped over a precast wall into Mr Masunda’s yard and forced open the doors.
“They proceeded to his bedroom where they attacked him while he was sleeping as they demanded money,” said Insp Ncube.
He warned illegal money changers that they are increasingly being targeted by criminals because of the way they flash around hoards of cash.
“It’s not surprising that most illegal money changers have become targets as they are the only people known to be having money. We warn them to desist from their trade as not only do they break the law but also risk their lives.
“However, this does not mean we are justifying criminal activities. We are investigating the case and we want to issue a stern warning to robbers that their days are numbered,” Insp Ncube said.
He appealed to people who might have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
Last month, three unknown armed robbers attacked a woman from Nkulumane suburb and got away with $3 000 and R8 000.
The three suspects pounced on Ms Ruth Mpambela, a suspected illegal money changer, at her Nkulumane 12 suburban home at about 6PM as her children were trying to open the gate for her.
They attacked her on the head with a sharp object before stealing cash and her vehicle’s registration book.
-State Media
ZimEye is getting reports that soldiers Friday night began assaulting civilians in Kuwadzana, Harare.
The uniformed officers are knocking on people’s doors. If the residents do not answer the door, the soldiers are throwing tear gas canisters into the house so that the occupants end up going out. After that the residents are beaten up outside.
The area they descended is the same that saw lorries marauding the surbub just after the 1 August 2018 military massacre when several residents ended up being hospitalized from beatings. A LIVE recording is in ZimEye’s possession.
By Don Chigumba| I am writing this piece to request Zimbabweans to pray for Crisis Coalition leader Rashid Mahiya and his mother.
Rashid Mahiya’s mother was picked by the soldiers (Friday) when they failed to locate her son (Rashid) at her home in Harare. We should all blow the whistle and pray for her safety during this hour of her physical/psychological torcher.
This regime is brutal how can they arrest a mother because of her son’s democratic activism?
We should not allow such kind of politics to take place in Zimbabwe. This is a clear demonstration that ZANU PF is a ruthless regime, punishing individuals because of the sins of their family members should be condemned. We need clean politics in our country.
We are all hiding because we know that the regime is after us. Rashid Mahiya is our hero and I urge him to be strong wherever he is.
Please join me in condemning the army and ZANU PF, they can kill, injure and torcher people but they won’t destroy our resolve.
There is no rule of law in Zimbabwe now and this persecution of citizens should stop. SADC and AU should intervene.
A SERVING top military official and a police officer were yesterday unmasked as leaders of the deadly protests in the Epworth dormitory town, which led to the death of civilians and looting of shops.
This came as more Zanu PF officials were exposed for their riotous role during the three-day mass stayaway organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and social movements to protest the sharp fuel price hikes announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Saturday.
Lieutenant Morrosi Carnage of Inkomo Mounted Regiment, who was arrested together with other 60 protesters, appeared before Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo yesterday charged with public violence.
While opposing bail, Epworth police officer-in-charge Peter Mangwende told the court that Carnage was one of the leaders who led the violent protesters from the front.
Mangwende also told court that a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ignatius Zuze, was also shot while leading the protesters.
However, Zuze could not be located at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he was supposed to be under treatment.
Carnage and his 60 alleged accomplices are represented by members of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights — Kossam Ncube, Marufu Mandevere and Nontokhozo Dube-Tachiona.
The lawyers took the State to task after prison doctors failed to treat and examine the suspects, who were severely assaulted by the police and some had visible injury marks.
Mandevere, however, successfully filed for the accused persons to be examined by private doctors, saying the court should have granted the order to have them treated.
“The court cannot just watch. These accused persons were severely assaulted and some have visible injury marks. The suspects cannot lose dignity or human rights because of the arrest. This can happen to anyone. The court needs to maintain the accused person’s rights,” Mandevere said.
T
The defence applied for bail pending trial, but the State opposed, saying they must proceed to trial.
Mapfumo postponed the matter to today for continuation.
Eight other Zanu PF youth leaders have appeared in court facing allegations of public violence and looting after they allegedly burnt a Zupco bus along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway before they looted a shop belonging to Chegutu East MP Webster Shamu (Zanu PF).
Zanu PF Harare provincial youth league boss Godwin Gomwe was on Wednesday night also reportedly assaulted by soldiers for leading a terror group that was attacking suspected MDC supporters in Budiriro as well as participating in looting under the guise of restoring peace.
Yesterday, a subdued Gomwe had promised to discuss the issue with NewsDay later in the evening, as he claimed to be with “certain important people” discussing important matters.
“Can I call you later. I have your mobile number. I am with important people here, talking something very important. I will call in 30 minutes time,” Gomwe said in a hushed tone.
After 30 minutes, Gomwe was not picking up calls. He also did not respond to messages sent to his mobile phone.
But Zanu PF insiders said the youth league boss was leading a gang of 70 youths that went on a rampage in Budiriro and other residential areas, assaulting known MDC supporters, accusing them of having participated in the protests before he unleashed his troops to loot some shops.
“He was using a fleet of 20 unmarked vehicles and he terrorised people, but luck ran out when they were stopped by the military, who wanted to know what they were doing and who had sanctioned their actions. He ignored them and went away. But the soldiers followed him to his residence, where he was assaulted together with members of his gang. He was left at Harare Central Police Station,” a senior Zanu PF official said.
The ruling party and government have blamed the opposition Nelson Chamisa-led MDC for orchestrating violence during the three-day national strike, to force the administration to address the economic decay bedevilling the country.
During the three-day stayaway, junior military officers, who were earlier reportedly moving around high-density suburbs beating up people for participating in the national strike that turned violent, were seen engaging residents, telling them to exercise their right peacefully.
In Dzivarasekwa and Mabvuku, the soldiers ordered residents to stay indoors and exercise their right to stay away peacefully by not barricading roads or attacking each other.
“The suffering you are going through is shared by everyone. But let us not be violent. Don’t barricade the roads, especially with big stones and logs, try something which is not violent. Do the stayaway in peace,” a soldier at Dzivarasekwa 4 said.
“Do whatever you want, we are supporting you, but don’t be violent. We had to beat you because you were being violent. We don’t want violence,” the soldier told the residents.
Earlier in the day, the military had subjected most men in Dzivarasekwa to beatings for allegedly barricading the roads to block traffic from getting into town or offering transport to anyone who wanted to get into town.
In Mabvuku, according to residents, soldiers summoned all men in the neighbourhood after they had clashed with them in the morning for allegedly blocking traffic.
“They told us that they were not against the idea of the stayaway or protests, but barricading of roads and destruction of property. They actually said they sympathised with ordinary citizens,” a resident told NewsDay.
Contacted for comment, Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore requested that written questions be brought to Josiah Magama Tongogara barracks.
NewsDay
By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus have signed 8 memoranda of understanding in different spheres of development to promote economic ties between the two countries.
Of the 8 MOUs signed by the two countries in Minsk on Thursday, five of them are focusing on education with the Belarus Institute for Vocational Education, the Belarus National Technical University; and for science and technology development with the Belarus State Committee on Science and Technology and with the Belarusian State University
The others are in the areas of agriculture, mining and machinery.
Addressing the ministers from both countries who witnessed the signing at the Independence Palace in Minsk President Alexander Lukashenko said Belarus is ready and willing to extend all the support that Zimbabwe requires to move forward, adding that implementation of the projects should start this year, urging the business sector to take part in the project.-StateMedia
By Paul Nyathi|A Harare magistrate’s court says there is reasonable suspicion that pastor Evan Mawarire accused of subversion amid nationwide protests committed an offence and must gave trial.
Through his lawyers, Mawarire had sought discharge of the matter but the magistrate turned down the request and has set another hearing for Jan. 31.
Mawarire must remain in detention while awaiting trial, and his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa says she will apply for bail on Monday.
Mawarire is accused of inciting civil disobedience via social media as Zimbabweans protested a dramatic fuel price increase imposed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday last week.
He is one of more than 600 people arrested this week in a sometimes violent crackdown which has seen the government order for an internet services shut off.
According to Mtetwa the that facts presented by the prosecution do not disclose an offence at all arguing that his client must be set free.
Paul Nyathi|A collection of Zimbabwe human rights groups says at least 12 people have been killed, at least 78 have been shot and more than 240 have faced “assault, torture, inhumane and degrading treatment” in a crackdown on protests that began on Monday over a dramatic rise in fuel prices.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum in a statement also says 466 people have been arbitrarily arrested or detained in what it calls “massive” violations.
The statement says children as young as 9 have been reportedly tortured as security forces break into private homes.
It calls it “regrettable” that Zimbabwe’s government is blaming civil society leaders for some of the country’s worst unrest in years.
The U.N. human rights office has also denounced excessive use of force by Zimbabwe’s security forces against protesters opposed to the dramatic fuel price increases and austerity measures.
Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters Friday in Geneva: “It’s very difficult to manage a situation like this, but the bottom line is that the use of live ammunition by security forces was used, excessive violence was used.”
She notes the burning of buildings and reports of looting. She says it is unclear whether “opportunists,” like hungry people searching for food, or “demonstrators” were behind it.
Shamdasani calls on all sides to refrain from violence.
At the same time scores of Zimbabweans injured during the government crackdown on protesters are streaming into hospitals in Harare.
Reports have been made by doctors of people with broken legs and other injuries. A nurse in Harare confirmed attending to a man with a broken spine.
Albert Taurai told news media The Associated Press that he had ventured out to look for bread when plainclothes officers wearing masks beat him up until he broke his spine.
Keith Frymore a security guard told the AP that a group of uniformed soldiers attacked him while at work.
As reports of the violent crackdown on citizens spread, the Zimbabwean government forced a “total internet shutdown” for much of Thursday and Friday in a move critics claim was meant to block information on the brutality being sent around.
By Own Correspondent|A Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo has dismissed a bail application by 59 suspected hooligans who were arrested in Epworth on allegations of public violence.
Two of the accused persons are minors and one has been released into the custody of his parents while the second one was released into the custody of the Department of Social Welfare.
Another regional magistrate Lucy Mungaru dismissed another application for refusal of further remand by Pastor Evan Mawarire.
Four other suspects were freed by Harare magistrate Obedience Matare following allegations of over detention by the police.
According to a report by the state owned broadcaster ZBC, stakeholders in the justice delivery have shown commitment to bring justice to the suspected hooligans that destroyed property in the acts of public violence that rocked the nation a few days ago.
All cases of violence are also presided over by regional magistrates.
The investigations and prosecuting authorities are ready for trial another indication that thorough investigations were conducted to ensure the cases are dealt with expeditiously.
More than five courts are presiding over the violence cases while other cases are being postponed to accommodate trial of the suspected perpetrators of hooliganism that destroyed property in and around Harare.
The social media, while it played a role in the incitement of violence, it also helped in the identification of some of the perpetrators.
The arrest of the man who was captured with a looted ox-drawn plough in Chitungwiza is testimony to that effect.
The arrest of Pastor Mawarire was as a result of the video he posted on social platforms inciting people to continue with the illegal actions.
The recordings and gadgets used are being used as evidence.
The largest group of the accused who are on trial at the Rotten Row Magistrates’ Court remain the 61 accused persons who were arrested in Epworth, 13 were arrested in Hatcliffe, 10 in Mabvuku while 8 were arrested for crimes committed at White House shopping centre that resulted in the burning of a Zupco bus, a vehicle and looting of groceries.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent| The money transfer giant, Worldremit has clarified saying cash transfers into Zimbabwe which were on a halt into Friday afternoon, were only delayed.
Since Tuesday, the government which is currently under Constantino Chiwenga, has several times shut down internet gateways while abruptly variating access.
Worldremit has since moved to clarify that funds, which have been sent to WorldRemit for recipients in Zimbabwe, will be paid out when services are restored.
The updated statement reads saying:
“Please note due to disruption to internet connectivity in Zimbabwe impacting remittance payments and other business services in Zimbabwe, all transactions across all services are delayed until further notice.
“We would like to reassure you that when services are restored transactions currently being processed will be paid out.
“We appreciate your patience and would like to assure you that we are working with our partners in Zimbabwe to restore full service operations as soon as possible. During this difficult time, we will strive to keep customers with pending transactions updated on a daily basis on the status of the situation.”
By Paul Nyathi|The government has once again ordered internet service providers to connect the internet but with strict instruction not to activate social media platforms.
According to a message from Econet wireless, government ordered the partial connection of internet as from 15:50hrs on Friday until further notice.
Government has been continually ordering for the connection and disconnection of the internet resulting in massive crippling of the functions of the economy.
By Own Correspondent| St Faith’s High of Rusape continued its strong tradition of academic excellence after 41 of its Advanced level students who sat for the November 2018 ZimSec A level examinations scored 15 points or better.
The results, the highest ever examination outcome are the best qualitative results in the country.
St Faith’s was in 2017 ranked the best performer nationwide with 33 15 pointers and this year the outcome was even superb and represents its best-ever performance in history.
The quality of passes in Manicaland surged drastically as 207 candidates attained 15 points or better when compared to 169 and 122 in November 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The 2018 stream was the first to write exams under the new curriculum and the summative assessment serves as a barometer to tell teachers, parents and government whether or not the content was being mastered by the students, while doubling as a quality control to judge school performance.
Provincial education director Edward Shumba attributed the shift, which includes significant increases in students excelling in sciences to savvy students aiming to secure places by following the list of subjects promoted by leading universities.
Government and business applauds candidates taking — science, technology, engineering and maths — and the increase in A grades was caused by savvy students competing for places at selective university courses and a change in teaching strategies at some schools.
“These are the first results of the new curriculum, and they are incredible given the fact that there was an assortment of challenges along the way. We salute St Faith’s High once again for raising the Manicaland flag very high,” said Shumba.
He warned poor performing schools arguing that exceptional results demand exceptional circumstances and teachers as an important catalyst for improvement should continually ask themselves ‘how can we do this better’.
“There are two aspects to this — one, the student capabilities, and to those schools that continue to fare badly I want to say it’s unacceptable to be the last because you cannot have bad students all the times. Second, it’s about resources — material and human resources.
We will take an audit of how best we can interpret the new syllabus correctly, because you can teach, but teach astray for as long as the interpretation is not in sync with the expectations. On material resources, are the text books there; are the schools not relying on old textbooks that do not answer to the new demands of the new curriculum. We need to clean the entire boardroom to move ahead progressively,” said Shumba.
St Faith’s High was closely followed by Knowstics, which had 30 students with 15 points. Knowstics was the second best in 2017 with 20.
St Dominic’s High again, was the only day to gate crash into the top three club — often a preserve of well-resourced boarding schools — with 20 students who scored 15 points.
St David’s Bonda Girls High was fourth with 14 students, while Kriste Mambo and St Augustine’s were tied at number five with 12 candidates apiece. Hartzell High was seventh with 11 candidates followed by Nyanga High (Marist Brothers) and Ellis Gladhill that had eight 15 pointers apiece.
Nyazura High was ninth with six 15 pointers followed by Marange High which had five. Emmanuel High was 10th with four 15 pointers followed by Mt Selinda High with three.
Vengere High, Mutambara High, Rusitu High, Mutare Boys High, Dangamvura High and Regina Coeli were tied at number 12 with two 15 pointers apiece while 11 other schools had one candidate each with 15 points.
St Faith’s High headmaster Moses Mukoyi described the 2018 A-Level results as a “very special send off” to retirement.
He retires next month after being at the helm of the school for the past 26 years.
“Absolutely fantastic, this great school rides on an institutionalised success momentum that is remarkably consistent. We have evolved into a brand thanks to the wonderful staff, students and parents. It is a very special send off, richer than all the gold in the world…will eternally cherish being part of this incredible achievement,” said Mukoyi.
What is particularly significant about St Faith’s High is the high achievement of students in the demanding, hard and facilitating subjects such as maths, further maths and other sciences that universities favour much.
However, the participation gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students in high schools remains unacceptably wide, and something needs to be done to address it.
Boarding schools like Mavhudzi High, Biriiri, St Benedict, Lydia Chimonyo, St Columbus, Chibuwe High, Chikore High, Mutare Girls High, St Killians, Makumbe High, Karirwi High and Hande High, among others, despite being well resourced, were among the worst performing schools.
Most days schools in Manicaland are also in this category and their poor performance has been blamed on the presence of poor teachers, indiscipline among students and lack of material resources. The 2018 pass rate stood at 81,9 percent, and slightly below the 82,6 percent recorded in November 2017 where 46 478 sat for the exams compared to 49 494 in 2017.
However, 45 570 candidates wrote two or more subjects with 38 050 obtaining Grade E or better. Geography had the lowest pass rate of 54.71 percent while other subjects recorded over 75 percent. Of the candidates who sat for the examination, 21 457 were males, 21 186 of them wrote at least two subjects and 17 643 passed with two or more subjects, translating to 82.2 percent pass rate.- Manica Post
By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that he spends over 90 percent of his time serving those who elected him into office.
In an interview with ZBC soon after his meeting with the Russian leader Vladmir Putin at the Kremlin on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said as head of state, he allocated 90 to 95 percent of his time to national issues.
Said Mnangagwa:
“I was deployed by my party to this position, …… as well as head of State of government…….to me, it is a priority which i must allocate my time.
I think that it is necessary at this stage that I allocate 90 to 95 percent of my time to national issues because it’s a challenge….We need to refocus. We need to use our own resources again to bring about the change to improve the standard of life for our people using our own resources.”
By Own Correspondent|In a statement issued Thursday, government announced the new kombi fares.
According to a report by the national broadcaster, ZBC the new fares regulated commuter omnibus operators who had unjustifiably hiked fares disadvantaging commuters.
The government said the following fares will apply:
However, government did not reveal whether the fares were agreed to by the commuter omnibus operators whom it met in Harare yesterday.
Government did not reveal how it will ensure that kombis adhere to the stipulated fares as kombis are owned by many different individuals and pricing is usually determined by the kombi crew depending on various factors currently outside government’s control.
Kombis are privately owned minibuses used for commuting in Zimbabwe as the governments owned public transport company, ZUPCO, has no capacity to provide the services nationally.
Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana said:
Government has noted with concern a creeping profiteering streak by commuter omnibus operators, who are taking advantage of the disturbances in the past few days to overcharge commuters itching to go about their day-to-day activities, despite the rebate in excise duty for fuel extended to them by Government being in place.”
We wish to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the bereaving family members who lost their beloved ones during the recent social unrest which were of a violent nature leading to the destruction of property and loss of life and amounted to treason.
We condemn in the strongest terms the amount of violence which has been witnessed in some cities and towns in the country. The government attributes all these unlawful acts to the MDC Alliance, their partners and funders, ZCTU, some NGOs and individuals.
Government therefore places full responsibility for compensation for victims of violence, destruction of property, injury, loss of lives on the MDC Alliance and all its associates.
MDC Alliance has been responsible for inciting violence through social media and engaging in unlawful gatherings that have been held prior to and during these unrests. MDC Alliance political leadership have over the past three months highlighted up act of psyching up their members to commit acts of violence while addressing political rallies and on social media.
MDC Alliance’s democratic resistance committees (DRCs) and their para- military wing, The Vanguard have been responsible for carrying out highly organised criminal activities during these unrests. These have been substantiated by the arrest of MDC Alliance officials such as Elvis Ruzani the councillor for Ward 32 Harare North who was part of a gang of 13 members who were arrested by the police along Harare Domboshava road while barricading the road and unwantomly stoning vehicles just to mention a few.
Security forces have so far arrested more than 600 people in connection with these rioters acts, 214 of whom have already appeared in court.
The Vanguard is also responsible for the sustained efforts to break into police stations to steal firearms for use in furthering their criminal activities. The trail of destruction left by these rogue elements is a clear indication that the intention was to remove a constitutionally elected government through force.
Looting of shops in most circumstances have affected ordinary persons and it is sad to note that some of these victims will never recover. Government also highlights that these demonstrations were conducted without notifying the police as stipulated by the law under the Public Order Security Act Chapter 11.
Government wishes to advise all those who were affected that Zimbabwean law allows them to seek redress from the perpetrators and organisers. We therefore urge all those whose property was destroyed and goods looted to quantify the damage incurred and report to the nearest police stations. This could serve a lesson to all those who are bent on causing chaos and mayhem in the country that your actions will not go unpunished. You are liable to pay compensation to the affected people.
We also take this opportunity to commend our Zimbabwe Defence Forces and security services for standing firm and restoring order in the extra ordinary circumstances. Our security agents are on the ground monitoring the situation to ensure that those who want to engage in their normal business do so without hindrance.
We are also appealing to public service providers to render their services to the people of Zimbabwe and to public transport operators to resume carrying passengers, to schools to open and generally for the public to engage in their activities freely.
We wish to warn all those who are threatening other people that they risk being arrested. We are also appealing to members of the public to report all unlawful activities to the police.
Meanwhile it has come to government’s attention that there is fake news being peddled by subversivee elements to the effect that armed forces are being paid US$500 . These are falsehoods. Government position is that it will not pay salaries in foreign currency.
We wish to thank all Zimbabweans who have remained peaceful despite provocation by unruly elements hence our appeal for calmness in the country.
18 January 2019
Dear Ambassador Alexander Fasel
(Representing His Excellency President Alain Berset)
Embassy of Switzerland
16-18 Montagu Place, Marylebone, London
W1H 2BQ
RE: STOP ZIMBABWE DICTATOR ‘PRESIDENT’ EMMERSON MNANGAGWA AND HIS DELEGATION FROM ENTERING SWITZERLAND DUE TO HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.
The Zimbabwe ‘President’, Emmerson Mnangagwa and his delegation, will be arriving in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos. This is amid torture, abductions, brutality by state apparatus (military, police, Central Intelligence Organisation and ruling party ZANU PF hit squads) currently underway in our country.
The Government of Zimbabwe has shutdown internet services in order to stop the flow of information and to hide the brutality from the international community.
Zimbabwe citizens are being slaughtered, using live ammunition, like chickens, in the townships, yet Switzerland will allow the President Mnangagwa who is responsible for such massacres to eat, wine and dine on their soil.
The number of those arbitrarily arrested exceeds 500 so far according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights [ZLHR]* and Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights [ZDHR], and these include minors. These organisations have issued a statement saying they are treating hundreds of injured civilians for various violence related injuries. The number of deaths is not yet clear as communication is being tampered with and manipulated by state agents.
Though we do not support violent protest we feel that the Zimbabwe state security arms in association with militant Zanu pf Hit squad reaction is disproportionate for the required level of engagement.
The whole World understands and appreciate the fact that Switzerland prides herself as a neutral country. However, the clear evidence of state sponsored massacres currently happening in Zimbabwe need acknowledging. ‘President’ Mnangagwa and his delegation must be barred from entering your country under humanitarian reasons.
Let me take you back to 2011 when your predecessor Madam President Micheline Calmy-Rey denied the Zimbabwe government officials visas to attend a United Nations ICT conference. They immediately changed for a short period their abusive behaviour and human rights violations. Hence, by denying them entry now, ‘President’ Mnangagwa and his cronies will head home tails between their legs. The clear message from your government may be instrumental in ending these Human Rights violations, as it once did before.
Switzerland should come to the rescue of suffering Zimbabweans by putting a bold statement that yes WEF in Davos is for business but countries should respect and honour UN declaration of human rights.
Looking forward to your cooperation and response on this matter.
Yours Sincerely
Silvanos Mudzvova
On behalf of other activists karen nhakaniso , Delina T Mutyambizi , Precious N Moyo , Olive R Ruzvidzo, lilian Nleya Representing Restoration of Human Rights ( ROHR ZIMBABWE) a charity that defends rights in Zimbabwe.
By Own Correspondent| Following a ministerial directive, Econet has issued a statement revealing that internet access has been restored.
The network provider however indicated that “specified social media platforms” remain blocked.
Said Econet in a statement:
“Dear valued customer
At 15:55 on 18/01/:2019, we got a further instruction under the ministerial directive to open access to the generality of Internet services except for specified social media applications.”
Despite the current political turmoil that saw soldiers shooting and killing upto five civilians while more than 600 people were arrested, Zanu PF is adamant that it will not be drawn to dialogue on means to rescue the country out of the obtaining crisis.
The political situation in Zimbabwe has also been condemned worldwide, making it difficult for President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is currently on a global onslaught to succeed.
This would mean, dialogue and common ground with all citizens is the key to unlocking the country out of the current mess but Zanu PF seems to be reading from an old political template that talks about power retention even if it costs people’s lives.
Zanu-PF chief whip Cde Pupurai Togarepi told the party’s parliamentary caucus in Harare yesterday the ruling party would not be hurried into talking to the opposition through acts of violence.
“It is very unfortunate if what they are looking for is dialogue at the same time they are causing mayhem in the country and destroying property,” he said.
Cde Togarepi said it was wrong to seek dialogue through violence.
“I think there are many avenues they can use to create dialogue with Government, with Zanu-PF or with any other political establishment in the country.
“But if you have to maim people, barricade roads and destroy property, it then defeats your democratic right to demonstrate. When you destroy people’s homes and property you are worsening the plight of the people.
“The question is are you doing it for the people or for your own selfish interests?” said Cde Togarepi.
“People lost properties, cars were burnt and lives were lost. Is that a way to persuade dialogue? In my view it was wrong. It is clear that these are acts of terrorism. That is clear terrorism and it is not supposed to exist in our country because we are a peace-loving nation. We call upon the security agents to deal with these people,” he said.
Cde Togarepi said social media was awash with statements by MDC-Alliance functionaries like its deputy treasurer Mr Charlton Hwende threatening to unseat President Mnangagwa’s Government.
“There are messages on Twitter from the likes of Hwende who said they are going to remove President Mnangagwa’s Government in January. So is what we are seeing a manifestation of that?” he added.
The Zanu-PF chief whip said yesterday’s meeting was also meant to brief parliamentarians on the situation in the country.
“Our caucus was mainly to talk to the MPs and ensure that they appreciate the current economic environment and the issues around fuel prices, the issues around price (of basic commodities) increases and the demonstrations that were there so that they go and explain to our people and to encourage them to remain peaceful and organised for the party to remain strong,” he said.
“As you know, the MPs are closer to the people so it is important that they know issues around the price increases and what is involved in the fuel rebate system that was announced by Government at the weekend and what they can do to mitigate the challenges people are facing in their various constituencies,” said Cde Togarepi.
He said Government had come up with measures to cushion businesses and ordinary people from the effects of fuel increases.
By Farai D Hove| CUTTING THE TREE HE’S SITTING ON: Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Deputy, Constantino Chiwenga has caused the nation to lose millions of dollars since Tuesday – 15 Hours later, the government has restored internet access. At the time of writing, some portals were now working with no problems.
The switching off of the internet was suicidal considering the nation’s drying foreign currency reserves, and the development saw money transfer giants, WorldRemit issuing a statement that they were now failing to pay out cash transfers. This boob means millions of US dollars were potentially lost due to the nearly 5 day disruption of internet connections.
The government has since Tuesday cut off the whole country from accessing the internet, although at one time it was just social media access that was blocked. – More to follow
