VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Touching Video Of Bro Who Looks Exactly Like The Late Morgan Tsvangirai
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
https://www.facebook.com/ZimEye/videos/399530230821531/
WARNING- DISTRESSING VIDEO: Whose Fault Is This Harare Bus Tragedy?
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE KIDS’ AGES?
VIDEO: Tsvangirai Family Press Conference Today
By Own Correspondent| Contrary to popular belief that Elizabeth Tsvangirai was banned from family functions, Liz Macheka is firmly with the family, it has emerged.
This was revealed by the late MDC leader’s brother during a press conference Thursday afternoon( VIDEO BELOW). “She will be there at the memorial, Tsvangirai’s brother announced.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Linda Masarira Health Investigated Following Pointers It’s An Abortion
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Chamisa Shares Early Christmas With Old People In Highfields
Own Correspondent|President Nelson Chamisa of the oposition MDC had an early christmas treat with old aged citizens in the old township of Highfields, Harare.
The young opposition leader shared several goodies in hampers with the senior citizens including scarce commoditoes like sugar and cooking oil.
Said Chamisa on his Facebook page after the event;
“Promoting the festive mood and spirit of sharing and caring even in such difficult circumstances ….Great moments with the senior citizens in Highfields today! I was so moved by the warmth and love from this special age group of the elderly.God is good!”
See pictures below:
Ex Mayor Manyenyeni Fumes At Reports He Wanted Council Car As Exit Package
Correspondent|Former Harare City Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni has refuted claims by his predecessor Herbert Gomba that he approached council proposing to purchase one of the council vehicles he used during his term of office.
Addressing a council meeting on Monday, Gomba said Manyenyeni had approached him with a request to purchase one of the council vehicles.
“I had a meeting with the previous Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni where he was kindly requesting council to push one of the Mayoral vehicle in terms of council policy and a letter direct from the minister,” said Gomba.
However, Manyenyeni denied approaching council on the issue, posting a picture of a circular from permanent Secretary in the local government ministry, George Magosvongwe informing town clerks and secretaries that all outgoing mayors should be allowed to purchase their mayoral vehicles.
“I did not have a mayoral car. I opted to use pool cars after the ministry rejected my request to downgrade from $200k Mercedes S350 to a $63k Jaguar XF. I then made another proposal a Chrysler 300C at $68k and they turned it down. Instead of playing mind games over the car matter I opted for pool cars depending on availability, namely, 2 Toyota double cabs and sometimes a Foton double cab. I don’t know which car it is they discussed in council, how old it is, what price it is and, besides, I am not forced to accept/buy it.
“If a decision has been made my own decision will be based on two levels: price level and conscience level,” said Manyenyeni.
Tension Filled DRC Elections Postponed
A PRESIDENTIAL election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to take place on Sunday will be delayed by at least a week, the country’s electoral commission has announced.
The Independent National Electoral Commission said it was unable to organise the vote on time and the poll would now take place about seven days later than planned.
Candidates received a text message telling them the CENI president, Corneille Nangaa, had decided the commission was “technically unable” to hold the election as scheduled.
The delay will anger supporters of the DRC’s fractured opposition and dismay observers who hoped the election would bring a measure of security to the country. It is also likely to raise tensions and could prompt significant protests.
The DRC’s outgoing president, Joseph Kabila, refused to leave office at the end of his second term in 2016 and only reluctantly agreed not to stand this time round. The country’s constitution limits presidents to two consecutive terms.
Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and Kabila loyalist, is standing for the ruling coalition instead.
Kabila has been in power since 2001 and the election would be the DRC’s first democratic transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.
Opposition candidates have warned any delay would be unacceptable.
“The CENI president said there will be an election, rain or shine, on 23 December,” said Martin Fayulu, one of the two leading opposition candidates. “We cannot accept a change of Mr Nangaa’s position today.”
Fayulu is part of an opposition coalition, which issued a statement on Wednesday saying authorities “had ample time to prepare credible and peaceful elections”.
“They have not done so … so we are discovering their real objective: remain in power to pillage the country and kill the Congolese population which deeply hopes for a change,” the coalition added.
There were reports of protests by students at the University of Kinshasa after news of the delay became known.
Preparations for the repeatedly postponed vote were disrupted by a fire last week that CENI said destroyed 80% of controversial new voting machines that were to be used in the capital, Kinshasa.
Many in the DRC believe the blaze was an attempt by authorities to smear the opposition and provide an excuse for a delay to the polls.
Local media reported CENI had cited three reasons for the delay: the deaths of more than 100 people in ethnic violence in the north-west this week, an outbreak of Ebola in the east and a shortfall in the number of ballot papers it had been able to distribute.
The DRC refused international assistance with the organisation of the election. This was despite the massive logistical challenge of a poll in a violent, unstable country the size of western Europe that has no proper road or rail system and a population of about 80 million people.
Campaigning has already been banned in Kinshasa because of concerns about violence.
Seven people have been killed by security forces during the campaign, while many more have been arrested.
The prosecutor of the international criminal court, Fatou Bensouda, said the risk of escalating violence could lead to the “commission of grave crimes”.
“In such a case, my office will not hesitate to take action … I wish to reiterate my appeal to the Congolese people, and more particularly to the authorities, political actors, their supporters and sympathisers, to do their utmost to prevent and avoid any conduct of criminal violence contrary to the Romestatute [pdf], anywhere and at any time. Violence is not an option,” she said.
— The Guardian
WARNING DISTURBING VIDEO: Kids Filmed Hanging On Bus Driving Past Harare Airport Road
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE KIDS’ AGES?
I Have Never Been A Zanu PF Supporter: Obert Gutu
Vice President of the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC party, Obert Gutu has denied allegations levelled against him that he is aligned to ZANU PF.
Gutu has been on record lashing out at the MDC Alliance after he left the party in 2017.Gutu endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory in the July 30 poll, a position that is loathsome to the MDC Alliance.
Writing on Twitter, Gutu said
:”There’s unprecedented political
polarisation in Zimbabwe. We are pre-occupied with the politics of
personalities rather than ideas,policies and real socio-economic issues.Because I have chosen to be fearlessly independent-minded, some people label me Zanu PF. Tragic,isnt? I have NEVER been a Zanu PF supporter all my life.I’m resolutely pro- Zimbabwe and against retrogressive politics.I will continue to fearlessly and resolutely defend and uphold what’s good for Zimbabwe, not necessarily what’s good for certain political personalities. That’s me!”
Full Text Of “Salary Caravan” Petition Handed To Mthuli Ncube

Mthuli In Criminal Act, Appoints Own Secretary To Zimra Board
Dear Editor.
Did you notice that the finance minister Mthuli Ncube has broken all convention to criminally appoint his own secretary to the Zimra board. George Guvamatanga is now a fat cat barely 4 months into office. See below….
Latest On Billiat Injury
Terrence Mawawa|Khama Billiat will be out of action for the rest of the year after sustaining a hip injury last Saturday.
The winger had to be substituted in the 88th minute during Kaizer Chiefs’ victory over Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus in the CAF Confederation Cup encounter.
Chiefs announced the injury update in a statement posted on the official club website.
“Khama Billiat was clearly experiencing some discomfort before being substituted in the 88th minute during Kaizer Chiefs’ victory over Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus on Saturday,” reads the post.
“The medical report confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Khama has a hip adductor muscle strain. He will be rested for two weeks to recover.”
The development means the 28-year-old will not travel with the team to the Indian Ocean island this weekend for the second leg match.
Linda Masarira’s Associates Issue Statement On Her Alleged Abortion Attempts And Hospitalisation
Own Correspondent|Linda Masarira’s close associates have issued a media statement dispelling rumours and information that the controversial activist who is also MDC-Thoko spokesperson is hospitalised after a failed abortion.
The statement provided to ZimEye.com by an associate who identified herself as Vongai reads as follows:
THIS statement seeks to clarify developing issues surrounding the current hospitalisation of Linda T. Masarira.
It is with deepening sadness that the trending stories purporting that Ms Masarira is pregnant and requests donations for abortion are not only false but maliciously peddled with the intention of soiling her reputation and continue the cyber-bullying trend directed at her.
The following points seek to clarify her medical issue and will therefore divulge personal health information in a bid to shed light on her current issue.
Linda was rushed to Emergency 24 hr rooms following the bursting of ovarian cysts.
She has been discharged pending the raising of cash for an emergency full hysterectomy.
The name of the Doctor and gynaecologist handling her medical case can and will be availed to persons who seek to help her. Scan evidence can also be availed.
All communications are currently going through her delegated communication team, as the hate speech may cause further damage to her health, as hypertension will delay her operation.
In as much as there may be false stories making circulation on social media, may we stop and reflect on the implications of sharing unverified news on social media, as it not only affects her person, but has an effect on her immediate family as well.
We thank you for your continued prayers and well wishes, that even in a time of socio-political tensions, we may put aside our differences and practise Ubuntu/Hunhu as we are all a part of the human race.
May all communications be directed to the following persons: Abigail Mupambi and myself. Linda remains offline for health reasons.
Thank you and God bless.
Source: Vongai
I Have No Beef With Magaya, Says Yadah FC Coach As He Quits
Terrence Mawawa|Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive has left the club to join Black Rhinos, according to H-Metro.
The gaffer will be working as an assistant to current head coach Herbert Maruwa.
“I have decided to leave Yadah. It’s just a decision I took, and I will be joining Black Rhinos, Ruzive said.
With Ruzive’s exit, Yadah will be once again on the search for a new coach after the departure of Jairos Tapera in 2017.
But he says he left the Harare-based side on good terms.
“My time at Yadah was memorable, and my departure doesn’t have anything to do with the team or Prophet Magaya,” Ruzive added.
Mthuli Ncube Breaks The Law Twice In His ZIMRA Board Appointments

Correspondent|CONSTITUTIONAL law expert Dr Alex Magaisa has said Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has broken the law in appointment of the new ZIMRA board he announced Thursday morning.
Min of Finance @MthuliNcube has appointed a new @Zimra_11 Board;
– Callisto Jokonya (Chair)
– Josephine Matambo (Vice Chair)
– George Guvamatanga (@GGuvamatanga)
– Isaac Kwesu
– Memory Nguwi
– Dr Moris Bekezela Mpofu#TSP #Vision2030 pic.twitter.com/PgEXhqAp9A— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) December 20, 2018
Former president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Callisto Jokonya is the new ZIMRA board chairman, deputized by Mrs Josephine Matambo. Other board members are Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, Mr. Memory Nguwi, Dr Morris Mpofu and Mr. Isaac Kwesu.
Magaisa says the inclusion of Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga violates the law, and further says that the exclusion of ZIMRA Commissioner General Ms Faith Mazani also violates the law.
“Section 11(5) of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act which says a Permanent Secretary cannot be appointed to such a board,” Magaisa wrote on Twitter hours after the board announcement.
Magaisa added: “He (Mthuli Ncube) will say he relies on Section 5 of the Revenue Authority Act. But that is discounted by the provision in section 11(5) of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.
“Section 5 of the Revenue Authority Act must be read consistently with section 11(5) of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, unless of course he argues that ZIMRA is not a public entity.
“But this would be absurd because Zimra IS indeed a public entity as defined in the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act:
Law experts say the exclusion of the Commissioner-General from the announced board breaches provisions of the Act which makes the inclusion of Commissioner-General mandatory.
The appointment is with effect from 19 December 2018.
“Although Reconstruction Act Is Illegal, Nobody Within The System Is Willing To Embrace Democratic Principles”
Terrence Mawawa| Zimbabwean businessman Mutumwa Mawere has said the Reconstruction Act is illegal and unconstitutional but nobody within the government system is willing to uphold constitutional principles.
The government grabbed Air Zimbabwe, Shabanie and Mashava Mines(SMM) and Hwange Colliery Limited – using the controversial Act.
Although Emmerson Mnangagwa boasts of having reopened Shabanie and Mashava Mines under the new dispensation, reports from SMM stakeholders indicate the Zanu PF leader lied to the nation about the operations of the company.
“If POSA can be used as a justification by the Mohlante Commission for the deployment of forces when the Constitution provides otherwise, you can imagine what the same people who are celebrating the outcome would say about the legality and

constitutionality of the Reconstruction Act. What can a Committee of Parliament in Zimbabwe do to change the status quo ante?” Mawere said.
He added:”The legal route in Zim u travel at your own peril.”
Chivi Primary School Head Dies In Car Crash
Badza Primary School head Edmore Mbizvo died around midmorning today, December 20, after the Nissan Serena he was driving developed mechanical faults at the 35km peg just after Mashava along the Bulawayo-Masvingo highway.
He was 48.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the tragic incident and called for greater caution on the roads.
“We received a report of the car crash and our thoughts are with the deceased’s family. We urge all motorists to be more careful on the roads, to avoid speeding and to ensure that their cars are in good condition before travelling,” said Mazula.
Six passengers in the vehicle, including Mbizvo’s wife, survived the crash and were admitted at Masvingo Provincial Hospital but their conditions were reported to be stable.
After developing the problems while in motion, the vehicle veered off the road to the left side, hit a bridge pillar and overturned before landing on its right side, killing Mbizvo on the spot.
He was from Badza village, Headman Watungwa under Chief Madamombe in Chivi district.
One of the survivors, Gibson Bako told TellZim News after being discharged from hospital that three of the survivors, himself included, are teachers at the same school.
“We were coming to Masvingo to do some banking and the car suddenly started to behave weirdly before overturning. It was a very bad experience,” said Bako.
Source: TellZim
SB Moyo’s Latest Picture Published 21 Days Ago
ZANU PF Resolve To Consult Spirit Mediums To Curb Runaway Economic Crisis
Correspondent|Zimbabwe’s tough political and economic climate has proved to be fertile ground for superstition to blossom as people are forced to turn to spirit mediums, sangomas and the men of the cloth for solutions and the ruling government is not exempted from this.
It is not surprising that ZANU -PF has resolved to honor the ancestral spirits and seek their direction in correcting “wrongs” perpetrated after the country’s independence in 1980.
This development is according to the party’s resolution at the recently ended annual national people’s conference which was held in Esigodini.
“There should be ceremonies in honor of ancestral spirits that guided the nation during the armed struggle; this should be conducted by the party and government,” read the resolutions in part.
“Spirit mediums should also lead the nation in correcting the wrongs that supposedly happened spiritually after independence in our country.”
This is not the first time the desperate government has turned to spirit mediums in an attempt to solve the country’s economic problems.
Zimbabwe has a long history of the involvement of spirit mediums in matters of national interest, predating independence. The most popular are Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi’s involvement in the countries liberation struggle.

The country is teetering on the brink of collapse, nostalgic of the 2008 economic depression. During the economic depression, Zanu-PF was quick to jump onto the “diesel n’anga” bandwagon after Rotina Mavhunga, a fraudster and self-proclaimed spirit medium from Chinhoyi convinced top government officials that purified diesel (NOT crude oil) was coming out of a rock. She was later imprisoned for her misdeeds, but not before making fools of senior government officials who included Vice President Kembo Mohadi and former Minister of Defense Sydney Sekeramayi.
The government channeled a lot of resources, including helicopters, vehicles and money, in pursuit of acquiring the precious oil from the spirit medium.
Mutodi “Roasted” For Defending Grace Mugabe
Terrence Mawawa|Information Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi has riled Zimbabweans after declaring the government will not tolerate attempts to embarrass former President Robert Mugabe and his family.
Responding to Mutodi’s remarks, Henry Martin Ngara said: “Constitutional novices always vomit words recklessly. This is offside
Mutodi,SA is not a banana republic like Zimbabwe.There is fair justice for all unlike the biased captured Zim judiciary which is partisan.”
Tafadzwa Garfield Kadondo commented :” As usual the gvt stands by criminals since Gukurahundi up to G40s.”
Material Man argued: “She will know why Oscar Pistorius is in jail coz Gary
Nel is going to nail her for in discipline and Mutodi can’t do a thing about it.”
Takunda Makumbe said:”Mutodi get lost, when you’re talking about
Zimbabwe remember we are involved but if someone does something wrong he/she must face
the law and dance to the music.”
Acie Lumumba Facing Costly Lawsuits From Acquitted RBZ Quartet

SELF-styled communications strategist William Mutumanje (Acie Lumumba) risks being slapped with heavy lawsuits after making damaging allegations against senior RBZ officials which later turned out to be false.
The maverick former Zanu-PF youth league official has made sensational claims that he was paid $40 000 to discredit the four suspended RBZ top officials, as well as businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
The bombshell come after Mutumanje – who is more commonly known as Acie Lumumba – was last month briefly and irregularly appointed as the head of a communications taskforce in the Finance ministry.
Ncube was later pressured to sack him after he made staggering allegations on Facebook, on supposed illegal foreign currency dealings at the central bank – claims which shook Zanu-PF and the government to their core.
In his social media blast, Mutumanje named the four senior RBZ officials and Tagwirei as being at the centre of illegal foreign currency dealings – leading to the precautionary suspension of the central bank executives by governor John Mangudya.
The RBZ says an investigation into allegations of “corrupt activities and illicit currency dealings” against four directors who were suspended in October has not turned up any evidence.
Mirirai Chiremba, Norman Mataruka, Gresham Muradzikwa and Azvinandawa Saburi were suspended after political activist William Gerald Mutumanje claimed in a Facebook Live broadcast that they were part of a “cartel” responsible for criminal activities ranging from printing off-the-books bond notes to the corrupt allocation of foreign currency.
He claimed the quartet were also aiding a fuel cartel headed by a “Queen Bee” – later revealed by Mutumanje to be a reference to Sakunda boss, Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Chiremba, the RBZ’s director in charge of Financial Intelligence, was arrested last week accused of approving an upward review of the foreign currency withdrawal limit of a gold dealer without following procedures. That arrest was unconnected to the Mutumanje allegations.
In a statement dated December 10, but only circulated on Thursday, RBZ governor John Mangudya said the four had been “absolved of any wrongdoing”.
“The central bank and the law enforcement agents carried out an investigation which on conclusion have revealed that Messrs Chiremba, Mataruka, Muradzikwa and Saburi were not involved in the corrupt activities or any impropriety as alleged by Mutumanje. The RBZ would thus like to advise the public that the quartet has been accordingly absolved of any wrongdoing,” Mangudya said.
Mutumanje, who later tried to reach out to Tagwirei, was recorded by one of Tagwirei’s associates admitting to being paid $40,000 through the facilitation of Christopher Mutsvangwa, a former adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to smear the RBZ directors and the powerful Sakunda boss.
— DailyNews
Embrace Motlanthe Commission Report- Obert Gutu
Terrence Mawawa|MDC T deputy president Obert Gutu has urged Zimbabweans to embrace the report that was released by the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 shootings.
“I have just perused the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry’s 128 page report. It comes across as very balanced and well-packaged. As
Zimbabweans, we should take up the
recommendations contained therein and make our country a better place for us all,” argued Gutu.
He added:”That’s the tragedy of our mindset as Zimbabweans. Anyone who raises a point of view that is not necessarily in harmony with the
political sentiments of some other people elsewhere is labelled a Zanu PF “stooge” on

the payroll of the ruling party.”
MDC A Says Commission Report Has Been Tampered To Protect Those Who Shot Civilians
Terrence Mawawa|The Commission of Inquiry report on the August 1 shootings has been tampered with to protect those who killed innocent civilians, the MDC A has said.
See part of the MDC A statement below: ” The conflation of Zanu PF and the state in the history of Zimbabwe has resulted in the unfortunate systemic and serial killing of civilians seen as opposition from immediately after independence to this day. The Gukurahundi experiences in the 80s; the targeting of white farmers and hundreds of thousands of farm workers at the beginning of the new millennium, Operation Murambatsvina in 2005 that left more than 1.5 million people
homeless; post-election violence in 2008 with widespread and systematic extra-judicial killings are
some of the examples of the result of this conflation of the party and the state.
The deliberate failure to implement the constitution is part of a process that Zanu PF uses to reduce our electoral process into a charade meant to use electoral democracy as an instrument to acquire state power and place it in the hands of a small cabal that has conflated security, executive and economic power to the detriment of Zimbabwe’s development.
And even worse the report was released by a subject of the investigation thereby bringing doubts on whether it wasn’t doctored.Jacob Mafume

MDC National Spokesperson
MDC MPs Tell Parliament Mugabe Was A Better Leader
FINANCE Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday accused opposition MPs of being dishonest by insisting that people are not happy with the 2% levy on electronic transactions, claiming the new tax has widely been embraced.
This forced MDC Alliance MP for Mutare Central Innocent Gonese and Kuwadzana MP Chalton Hwende to assert that Mugabe was a ‘better’ leader.
“The 2% tax is not about Zimbabweans being punished, and it is dishonest to say that they do not want it. In fact, they have embraced it, and ordinarily what Zimbabweans have only complained about is that the prices of fertiliser and goods are high,” Ncube said in the National Assembly.
“We have ring-fenced the 2% to make sure that the people of Zimbabwe benefit, such that out of the 2%, we will extract the $310 million to finance devolution. This means that we have taken money from the people to give it back to the people. The change will be used to fund education and health and closing potholes, as well as purchasing ambulances and buying school desks, and so people will feel the impact.”
On the United States dollar to RTGS and bond exchange rate, Ncube insisted it is officially 1:1.
“Government said the official rate of US$ to RTGS and bond is 1:1, and this is official, but we are aware of the various premiums applied by people out there in terms of the rate,” he said.
“To be clear, this other rate is what we call in economics; premiums. We have the fixed exchange rate regime and there is the premium which people use out there.”
Ncube said in 2009 the US$ was introduced to remove zeroes, adding that the current 1:1 fixed rate would protect savings and balance sheets of companies at banks.
But, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) asked Ncube to explain if he was admitting to the existence of the black market and what he was going to do about it.
Ncube said there was need to deal with economic fundamentals to make sure the monetary sector remained strong, and these, he said, would deal with the fiscal deficit and current account deficit, and strengthen the money supply.
On domestic debt he said by 2019 it will be serviced to the tune of $6,8 billion of which $4,86 billion will be external and $2,18 billion domestic. He said the total debt in the blue book is $17,2 billion ($7,6 billion domestic and $9,6 billion external).
Ncube said inflation as at November was at 9,2% and not the 32% figure by Zimstats, adding that NSSA figures show that there has been a rise in employment levels in the country.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda berated MPs for parroting what Ncube said in the budget statement.
This was after several Zanu PF MPs contributed to the budget speech, giving thanks instead of critiquing it.
“The whole aspect of debating a budget is to discuss its impact on budgetary allocations, and not to repeat what Ncube said in his statement,” Mudenda said.
Mutare Central MP Innocent Gonese (MDC Alliance) said while Ncube pretended he was cutting spending by the Executive, several ministers have been seen driving new state-of-the-art Range Rover vehicles, with some even bragging about them on social media.
“The 5% salary cut of the Executive is a deception, because at their level, most of their remuneration is allowances and perks from gallivanting around the world for mega deals they always claim,” Gonese said.
“My proposal is that the minister must announce the austerity measures because you cannot hire a $2 million private Swiss jet for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. At least former President Robert Mugabe used Air Zimbabwe.”
Did Mnangagwa Ever Apologise For August 1 Shootings? Asks Dr Ruhanya
Terrence Mawawa|political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has condemned Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lack of sincerity adding the Zanu PF leader has never bothered to apologise for the killing of civilians by the army.
“Mnangagwa as President of Zimbabwe and commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Muchinguri as Minister of Defence and Gen Valerio Sibanada as
Commander of the armed forces never issued an apology pertaining to the murdered victims after the
Monhlante Commission verdict; Zim is cursed!” Dr Ruhanya tweeted.
ZANU PF Youth Draw Battle Lines Against War Veterans
Correspondent|ZANU-PF Masvingo Provincial Youth Chairman Brian Munyoro has warned a group of War veterans who staged a demonstration at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Munhumutapa Offices on Monday telling them that they ‘are not untouchable.’
Speaking in a Facebook LIVE video that has gone viral, Munyoro said, “It is shocking to see these War Veterans asking the President and First Secretary of the party ‘Are we still together?’. This shows the highest level of disrespect for the system they belong to.”
“These war veterans who demonstrated against the President in Munhumutapa Offices with placards covering their faces must know that as the Youth League we strongly condemn them and and assure them that there is nothing that they are going to do to our President. They must stand warned. Be warned!” he added.
On Monday some members of the Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association faction aligned to Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa on Monday staged a demonstration at the Munhumutapa offices calling for President Mnangagwa to walk the talk.
The war vets carried banners questioning whether the President was still on the same side with them.
The war vetarans also called for the ouster of the Secretary General Victor Matemadanda saying he was imposed to lead them and he is not a real war veteran but a former taxi driver in Zambia.
A war has been brewing in the war veterans association pitting Mutsvangwa on one side and Matemadanda on the other.
Mthuli Ncube Shuts Out Striking Teachers
Correspondent|A HANDFUL of teachers under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) found the Ministry of Finance doors locked when they picketed at the government offices intending to hand over their petition to Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube on Thursday afternoon.
The teachers are demanding that their salaries be paid in US dollars, and that the 2018 bonus to be paid in full. They also want Treasury to abandon of the 2% transaction tax.
Since they started marching from Mutare towards Harare, the teachers have been arrested twice with the state refusing the prosecute them on both occasions.
The Finance Minister has defended the 2% tax. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to several concerns from MDC backbenchers, the Treausry chief said Government would ring-fence $310 million from the 2 percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax so that it would support devolution and social services such as education and health.
“We are taking money from people and giving it back to them by catering for devolution. We have allocated $310 million and distribution to provinces and districts will be determined by the population and sizes among other fundamentals,” said Prof Ncube.
Mthuli Appoints New Smaller ZIMRA Board
FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has appointed a new six-member board at Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), with former president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Callisto Jokonya as the new board chairman.
Industrialist Jokonya will be deputized by Mrs Josephine Matambo. Other board members are Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, Mr. Memory Nguwi, Dr Morris Mpofu and Mr. Isaac Kwesu.
The appointment is with effect from 19 December 2018.
The previous board headed by Mrs Willia Bonyongwe and was deputized by Mr. Percy Toririo. The board had 10 members and had served from 26 July 2015.
Annpouncing the firing of the previous board in early October, Prof Mthuli Ncube said: “In order to enhance governance at Zimra, I hereby terminate the term of the current board with immediate effect.
“I have proposed names of new board members which are currently being cleared. The new board will be announced in due course. In the meantime, Zimra senior management will be reporting directly to Treasury.”
The fired board members’ term had expired but they were reportedly seeking an extension, which government declined.
There were allegations that the previous board awarded themselves huge pickings in allowances, pocketing an excess of $260,000 in their first year in office.
In 2016, the same board members pocketed close to $300,000 in allowances for the ten of them.
Meanwhile, Prof Mthuli Ncube has said that going forward, the new-look Zimra board is expected to improve efficiency at the country’s boarders and put in measures to eradicate corruption.
— Zimtimes
Wide Spread Militant Demonstrations Prophesied For 2019
Correspondent|Prominent Bulawayo based pastor of the Devine Kingdom Ministry Ian Ndlovu has issued a prophecy that in 2019 Zimbabwe will be struck by a massive wave of strikes that will cripple the economy of the country until the two parties ZANU PF and MDC unite and find a solution to the country’s woes.
“I saw lots of strikes and militant demonstrations next year that will bring the economy to a halt.” Ndlovu said.
“Let us pray that the leaders of the opposition and ruling party to find each other before they are forced by other nations to find each other.
“People will not need to be organised by anyone to do an uprising. It will be spontaneous. You will see people saying we cannot take it anymore and the economy will come to an instant decline.
“The strikes which I saw in the visions are very serious one and are even demonstration from quarters where you wouldn’t expect demonstrations from. I was telling my wife a very scary vision that God showed me about these strikes. I was seeing a group of people whom ordinarily you do not expect to demonstrate and they we demonstrating.”
Responding to allegations that he is being used by ZANU PF to utter prophecies that lay foundation for the party to implement its activities Ndlovu said, ” If I was working with ZANU PF why did the party come out and say they are not interested in a GNU?”
“I was talking for the spirit of God because politicians are not interested in unity because they are afraid. Some are afraid of being swallow and some are afraid of their power being diluted.
“The spirit of God says He will only pour out blessing if people in this country find each. There are events which are coming upon this nation in which no one will control unless we find each other as a nation.”
Ndlovu rose to prominence during the election period where he correctly predicted the election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the events that will happen afterwards including the court challenge that was done by the opposition MDC.
WATCH: Mthuli Ncube Told Teachers To Flood The Streets If There’re No US Dollars
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
If the minister of Finance does not heed to our petition, we are flooding the streets, "all rural teachers are going to be here on the 7th Jan if they do not receive their salaries, teachers tell" @MthuliNcube #salaryCaravan #protest pic.twitter.com/nXqw6uogrX
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 20, 2018
"we walked from Mutare to Harare, the only obstacle we met…was the police officers. ….I have got this message for the police officers. We fighting this battle for you… " pic.twitter.com/h7g2xYFC2f
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 20, 2018
LIVE – Waiting For Mthuli At His Office Doors
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WATCH LIVE At Mthuli Ncube’s Offices
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August 1 Victim Demands $200 000 Compensation
ONE of the victims of the 1 August post-election violence, Adrian Mujere, 31, who was shot in the right arm wants at least US$200,000 as compensation.
Mujere was named in the Commission’s Report as needing physiotherapy on his arm.
“It’s a welcome development for all the affected, including me,” Mujere said.
“It was not expected. So, if they are to help us with the medical bills, and also help those who lost loved ones, it is a welcome development.
“We thank the President for that decision. l am looking at between US$100,000 and US$200 000 as compensation. It will go a long way in assisting me to begin some income generating projects as I cannot use my hand anymore.”
Mujere was a cellphone accessories vendor in Harare’s central business district.
The Commission recommended that the government should set up a special committee to assess and determine the quantum of damages and compensation to be awarded to victims on a case by case basis.
“There is an urgent need to avail medical support to all the injured such as Simeon Chipokosa who still has a bullet lodged in his leg and Adriane Mujere who requires physiotherapy for his hand,” read part of the recommendations.
The Commission also recommended “the establishment of a multi-party reconciliation initiative, including youth representatives, with national and international mediation to address the root causes of the post-election violence and to identify and implement strategies for reducing tensions, promoting common understandings of political campaigning, combatting criminality, and uplifting communities.”
— BusinessTimes
WATCH LIVE: ZRP Cops Told: We’re Fighting Battle This For You
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
"we walked from Mutare to Harare, the only obstacle we met…was the police officers. ….I have got this message for the police officers. We fighting this battle for you… " pic.twitter.com/h7g2xYFC2f
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 20, 2018
Thabani Mpofu Risks Being Deregistered As An Advocate?
A group of young lawyers risk losing their titles as advocates should the Law Society of Zimbabwe enforce requirements compelling legal practitioners to undergo mandatory post-graduate experience which is known as the pupilage period.
This development could affect prominent lawyers like Advocate Thabani Mpofu and Silvester Hashiti among others, some of whom are now at the Advocates Chambers.
This follows revelations that according to the law, lawyers are supposed to complete a period of pupilage at a law firm after University before they are recognised as advocates.
Information gathered by Business Times shows that most prominent advocates on the land did not undergo the pupilage period which is mandatory according to law and went straight to join the chambers, a position which the Law Society deems a complete disregard of the law, culminating LSZ to write a circular informing of the position for the lawyers to regularise their operations or risk having their operations terminated.
According to a Circular by LSZ with a headline “Pupilage under Advocates”, members were reminded that post registration compulsory pupillage is a legal requirement and should be followed.
“Members are hereby reminded that post registration compulsory pupillage is a legal requirement put in place through Statutory Instrument 137 of 1999 and which was brought into effect by GN 45/2013,” said LSZ.
According to LSZ for pupillage to be acceptable, it has to be undertaken under the approval principal, one has to attend seminars offered by the Council for Legal Education and one has to write and pass exams offered by the Council for Legal Education or the LSZ as the case may be.
LSZ said members should note that in terms of the judgment of the Supreme Court in Hashiti and Others vs LSZ and 14 others, pupillage under Advocates does not comply with the requirement of SI 137/99.
LSZ said those who choose to join the advocates without having completed their pupillage in the manner stated above will not be issued with practicing certificates.
“The period spent under the advocates will not be considered in reckoning the years of pupillage,” said LSZ.
Contacted for comment, Hashiti confirmed the developments that it’s a decision that young lawyers must challenge.
“I think young lawyers need to challenge this position. I once challenged this position in the past,” said Hashiti.
Efforts to get a comment from Mpofu were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.
The LSZ was set up to effectively and efficiently represent and regulate the legal profession to promote the sustainable development of the legal profession, the observance of the rule of law, and foster public trust and confidence in the justice system. — BusinessTimes
Couple Employed At ZIMRA Arrested After Failing Lifestyle Audit
Correspondent|have arrested two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority employees after they failed a lifestyle audit initiated by the Special Prosecuting Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
After committing to weed out white collar crime in both the public and private sectors, President Emmerson Mnangagwa set up a special unit to deal with graft saying treasury had been prejudiced millions of dollars in revenue.
According to official documents, the two; Tapfumaneyi Zunguza (Revenue Supervisor) and Catherine Laji (Revenue Officer) (husband and wife) are accused of money laundering, an act which saw them allegedly accumulating unexplained wealth in the form of properties in Harare.
The officials are expected to appear in court soon.
The complainant in the matter is Lydia Mupunga who is employed by Zimra as a loss control officer.
According to the complaint, sometime in 2009, the accused persons purchased residential stands number 3807 and 3808 Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls in Harare measuring 475sqm each from Waymark Investments.
During the same year, the accused persons also purchased another stand, number 237 Helensvale, Borrowdale in Harare measuring 2200 square metres from Eugene Manyora. According to the agreement of sale, all transactions pertaining to the three properties were done by the accused persons as their full particulars and signatures appear on all copies made available to the State.
All properties in question were valuated and the total value is estimated at $762 000. In 2011, the accused persons started constructing houses on these stands and construction was completed in year 2013.
Investigations by the law enforcement agents established that both accused earned a total of $60 053,13 from the date of employment and had no any other income facilities which could afford them to purchase the properties in issue.
“Hence there is a reasonable suspicion that the accused persons acquired the property through criminal activities,” read part of the documents.
They all denied the allegations and averred that all the properties belonged to Ali Manjengwa who resided in United Kingdom, but no further particulars were supplied. The accused persons laundered a total of $762 000.”
Also during the year 2011, they allegedly bought a Mazda BT50 double cab red in colour with registration number ACT 3233 for US$40 000 using cash and the vehicle is registered in the name of Zunguza.
They allegedly concealed the true nature, source, ownership and location of these properties by not declaring them to their employer, Zimra as required by their company policy.
Zimra got wind of the matter and acted upon the information of which they managed to discover all the undeclared assets. The matter was then reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for further investigations.
The arrest of the Zimra officials comes at a time when government has announced plans to seize all assets accumulated through corruption proceeds.
Efforts are currently underway to make sure government recovers its money through seizure of assets mainly accumulated through corruption proceeds.
This will be done through revival and equipping of the Assets Forfeiture Unit under the National Prosecution Authority.
In his 2019 pre-Budget Strategy Paper Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the fight against entrenched indiscipline and corruption will be dealt with through the necessary disincentives and penalties.
“Under the 2019 Budget, the fight against entrenched indiscipline and corruption will be dealt with through the necessary disincentives and penalties,” Ncube said.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI)’s Zimbabwe Corruption in the Business Survey revealed that the police and State Procurement Board were the most corrupt institutions in the country while Zimra also made it to the hall of shame as the third most corrupt.
LIVE – Breakthrough As Teachers Who Marched From Mutare Finally Enter Harare
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Tsvangirai’s Wife Elizabeth Not Banned From Family
By Own Correspondent| Contrary to popular belief that Elizabeth Tsvangirai was banned from family functions, Liz Macheka is firmly with the family, it has emerged.
This was revealed by the late MDC leader’s brother during a press conference Thursday afternoon( VIDEO BELOW). “She will be there at the memorial, Tsvangirai’s brother announced.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
BREAKING NEWS: LIVE -At Tsvangirai’s Family Press Conference
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LIVE – Chamisa Dishes Goodies To Harare’s Elder
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WATCH LIVE: MDC President Chamisa Speaks To Elders In Highfields
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LIVE PICTURES: President Chamisa Meets Elderly In Highfields
ZimEye will LIVE stream MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s meeting with the elderly in Highfields
Linda Masarira Falls Pregnant, Rushes To Obtain An Abortion?

By Farai D Hove| A report seen by ZimEye suggests that Thokozani Khupe’s spokesperson Linda Masarira has fallen pregnant and is allegedly in a rush to obtain an abortion.
Masarira, the female source says, visited the woman seeking $160 for an abortion. She was reportedly assured of a quick abortion by a doctor “Mungwaru.”
The source then queried how and why Masarira has recently launched an appeal for medical expenses for an illness when in reality the money is allegedly meant for the abortion. The first revelations are contained in the post below and efforts to get a comment from Masarira were fruitless at the time of printing: – (this is a developing story: )
Star FM Radio Presenter Dies In SA

Correspondent|Zimbabwe’s first commercial radio station, Star FM has announced the sad news of the death of one of its correspondents, Millicent Chanetsa. The station did not reveal much about the death but only announced that Chanetsa who was based in South Africa had passed on recently. Said Star FM,
“It is another sad day for the Star FM family. We have lost one of our foreign-based correspondents Miss Millicent Chanetsa who was based in Pretoria SA. May her dear soul Rest In Peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Millicent’s family at this sad time.”
Zim Authorities Not Cooperating With Finnish Investigators On Masvingo Plane Crash
ZIMBABWEAN authorities have been reluctant to share material with aircraft investigators from Finland regarding the Masvingo aircraft accident which occurred on 23 November, leaving the Finnish authorities to turn to South Africa and the United States for help.
Among the victims were four top executives from Finnish stock-listed companies. Among the passengers confirmed dead was 52-year-old Pekka Ojanpää, chief executive of the maintenance services and circular economy firm Lassila & Tikkanoja.
Another of the crash victims was 51-year-old Heikki Vappula, director of forestry company UPM’s Biorefining business unit.

All of the Finns on board the ill-fated Cessna S206 aircraft were said to be men in their 50s. The pilot, a Zimbabwean national, also died in the crash.
The aircraft in question belonged to Buffalo Range (Pvt) Limited.
Finland’s Safety Investigation Authority called Otkes had not yet received any information from Zimbabwean officials about the crash, nearly a month after the accident. This is despite several repeated requests for Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate, Otkes director Veli-Pekka Nurmi has said.
According to Nurmi, it does not seem likely that Otkes personnel will travel to the crash site, which is in rugged terrain, for an investigation. He noted that if the plane was manufactured in the US for example, investigators are likely to seek information in that direction.
The Otkes director said that it is quite typical for officials from different countries to cooperate on a flight crash investigation. He explained that the state in which the aircraft is registered and operated as well as the country where it was designed and manufactured all have a right to appoint a representative to take part in the investigation.
“And then there are participating states which get involved if their nationals are victims. This option only provides limited access to information. The right is restricted to information about the victims,” Nurmi pointed out.
Since Zimbabwean authorities have not been cooperating, Finnish accident investigators have turned to South Africans to help investigate the plane crash that killed four Finnish businessmen, writes regional daily Aamulehti.
Finland’s Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) said Zimbabwean authorities have been reluctant to share material concerning the fatal accident in the mountainous Masvingo province. “We as well as our American colleagues have tried to get information from Zimbabwe – to no avail. That’s why we have now asked the South Africans to help us,” said Otkes director Veli-Pekka Nurmi.
American officials are involved in the investigation as the ill-fated Cessna S206 air plane was manufactured in the United States. Information-sharing on international aircraft accidents tends to be easy, according to Nurmi, but in this case that has not happened.
“To our knowledge, local authorities are still investigating the crash.”
The light aircraft was en route to Victoria Falls when it crashed at Chamanjenjere Hills, killing all four passengers and the pilot, who was accompanying the group on a hunting trip.
Nurmi said that he had seen photos of the crash site in media reports and noted that they do not show anything unusual.
“Pretty typical traces of a light airplane crash. That’s what it looks like,” he said, adding that Cessna aircraft are reliable and widely used.
He said that what can make a difference in aviation is how aircraft are maintained and serviced.
“Even good planes can malfunction if they are neglected and vice versa,” Nurmi declared.
ZRP Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi in November said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working with the families of the deceased in arranging repatriation of the bodies.
Immediately after the crash, Mr Tawanda Gusha, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Director Airports, said the CAAZ had dispatched inspectors to the crash site to carry out possible investigations as to what could have led to the fatal crash. No updates as to the outcome of the investigations were released, Finnish officials say.
Plane crashes are a rare phenomenon in Zimbabwe let alone in these parts of the country. Before yesterday’s crash, the most recent had occurred in March last year near the Zimbabwean-Mozambique border where six business executives from Mozambique died when their plane crashed somewhere along Vumba mountains. — ZOOMZimbabwe
Simbisa Announces Customers Buying Using Forex Get Discount
By Own Correspondent| Simbisa brands on Wednesday revealed that it will be selling its products in United States dollars at discounted prices compared to the local currencies.
Simbisa runs fast food outlets that include Nandos, Chicken Inn, Fish Inn and Ocean Basket, among others.
Said Simbisa in a statement:
“Due to the prevailing national circumstances, all our bankers are failing to provide us with foreign currency at the regulated exchange rate of 1:1 between the US and local dollars.
… Due to the severe foreign currency shortages facing our the country we are failing to meet outstanding obligations for raw materials and franchise fees which cannot be substituted locally due to intellectual property agreements on brands.”
Delayed Rains Threaten Food Security
By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe’s food security is under threat as the 2018/19 season has already been affected by a delay in the onset of the rains.
A report by the United States Agency for International Development titled Zimbabwe Food Security Outlook (December 2018 to May 2019) revealed that:
The start of the 2018-19 rainfall season has been delayed and rains have been erratic so far. Rainfall levels across most of the country are below the normal long-term average. This has adversely affected on-farm activities such as land preparation, planting and casual labour opportunities which are below typical levels for this time of the year.
Areas to the southern and western parts of the country, covering parts of Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South, are worst affected because they have received insignificant rains to date. The dryness is also affecting water and pasture conditions that are, especially poor in arid areas of the country.-Newsday
Latest On Grace Mugabe’s Arrest Over Assault Of S.A Model
By Own Correspondent| Deputy Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Energy Mutodi, said that Zimbabwe will not allow former President Robert Mugabe’s wife, Mrs Grace Mugabe to be humiliated by South Africa.
Mutodi said this as the South Africans on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest for Grace Mugabe.
The former first lady allegedly assaulted and injured a South African model, Gabrielle Angels whom she found in the company of her partying sons in a South African hotel room.
Said Mutodi:
“We note a warrant of arrest on Grace Mugabe for a crime allegedly committed while she was on a diplomatic visit in South Africa. We make it clear that Zim will not smile on any attempt to embarrass, harass or degrade former President Mugabe or his immediate family members.”
Meanwhile, the South African police have sought the assistance of Interpol in its pursuit of Zimbabwe’s former First Lady.
Commission Of Inquiry Slammed For Ignoring Josiah Hungwe Remarks That ED Will Shoot To Retain Power
Jane Mlambo| Commission of Inquiry into the 1st of August shootings has once again been slammed for ignoring former Ministers who openly declared that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will shoot to retain power.
This follows the commission report which charged that MDC leaders must be held accountable for the August 1 killings as they churned out inflammatory remarks that incited people to take to the streets post elections.
The Motlanthe Commission says MDC leaders must be held accountable for the August 1 army killings.But same commission has no opinion about ministers that said ED will shoot to retain power or that army wont allow Chamisa to rule #Whitewash https://t.co/EUp214W9fV
— Kholwani Nyathi (@kholwaninyathi) December 19, 2018
Sharp Divisions In ZANU PF Revealed
Correspondent|Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena has exposed sharp divisions in Zanu PF after coming out guns blazing against the party’s Youth League whom he accused of incompetency and corruption.
Writing on Twitter today, Wadyajena also accused the Youth League of conniving with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change further questioning if they campaigned for Mnangagwa in the just ended July 30 elections.
“Our Youth League as it is now is incompetent and totally corrupt. It wouldn’t be surprising if those middle-agers sold their souls to opposition as claimed. Did they campaign for H.E ED Mnangagwa? We all know they’re team Torai Mari United!”
Two months ago President Mnangagwa described the Youth League as indolent for failing to identify sustainable economic projects for the betterment of the economy and their well-being.
“The future belongs to the young people, yet you as the Party youth leadership are lethargic in your approach. This present situation has to stop and stop forthwith,” said Mnangagwa.
Reached for a comment, Zanu PF Youth League Secretary, Pupurai Togarepi referred all questions to his deputy, Lewis Matutu.
“I don’t think I would want to comment on that. You may talk to Matutu. But as far as I am concerned, I think if you were to call Wadyajena to explain to you,” he said.
Source : 263 chat
Miss Zanu PF Bulawayo Bags National Party Crown
MISS Zanu-PF Bulawayo, Cde Nokuthula Sibanda, was crowned Miss Zanu-PF Zimbabwe during the ruling party’s 17th Annual National People’s Conference held in Esigodini last week.
The 42-year-old mother of three, who is the secretary for transport in Bulawayo’s provincial structures, came first, beating 50 other contestants drawn from the country’s 10 provinces.
For her efforts, she won a fridge and was congratulated by the First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa during the Zanu-PF National People’s Conference held at Mzingwane High School.
Cde Maidei Mpala, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for information and publicity in the women’s league said they were very happy to scoop the first prize.
“We’re very happy as a province that Cde Sibanda won the national pageant. It shows that we worked very hard,” said Cde Mpala.
-State Media
Zim Envoys Bear The Brunt Of Poverty Abroad
By Own Correspondent| The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs reported to Parliament on Tuesday that the country’s foreign missions are living in poverty.
In the report presented to Parliament on Tuesday, ZANU PF Mberengwa South MP Alum Mpofu said:
“Zimbabwe’s embassies do not own properties at diplomatic missions and the Foreign Affairs ministry depends on renting properties for ambassadors.
The committee has heard of the despicable state of disrepair at the country’s chancelleries and embassies, and diplomats have had to leave their houses because of the state of disrepair and dilapidation.”
Mpofu said the parliamentary committee recommended that the country’s embassies be reduced from 46 to 28.
“This must be done after an analysis is made to identify those embassies that should be closed.”
The committee offered recommendations to alleviate the suffering of the country’s diplomats.
Said the committee:
“To solve the continued accumulation of debt by embassies, Treasury should allocate money for the purchase and construction of properties for embassies, and priority should be given to those countries where rental costs are very high.
The ministry should vigorously pursue re-engagement and put special focus on that Zimbabwe should re-join the Commonwealth and ensure the country’s readmission by 2019.
Embassies and staff should get salaries on time in foreign currency, and the Industry ministry should finalise the diaspora policy. Embassies should be equipped to be able to process identity documents and other documents to our nationals.”-Newsday
Bulawayo Teacher Rapes Four Visually Impaired Children
A teacher at Fatima High School in Lupane district allegedly indecently assaulted four deaf-blind pupils during an auditory training session before raping them on separate occasions over a period of two months.
The victims are aged between 13 and 17 years.
This emerged when Raymond Chipunza (46) of Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo filed an application for bail pending trial at the Bulawayo High Court, citing the State as the respondent.
Chipunza took a class of eight deaf-blind pupils to an area long the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road for an auditory training programme during which he allegedly fondled the breasts of four girls and touched their buttocks.
He later invited each of the girls to his cottage on separate occasions and allegedly raped them.
In his bail statement, Chipunza, through his lawyer, Mr Innocent Mafirakureva of Moyo and Nyoni Legal Practitioners, said he has demonstrated and discharged the onus on himself that in the interest of justice he would not abscond if released on bail.
He said if granted bail, he would not interfere with State witnesses.
Chipunza argued that the State’s assertion that he would abscond if granted bail were not backed by tangible evidence.
“The applicant denies the charges and has no previous convictions. It is common cause that the applicant is facing allegations that have not yet been proven before the court at this point hence the presumption of innocence, which is fully entrenched in our law and is in favour of the applicant,” said Mr Mafirakureva.
Chipunza was granted $100 bail after the State, which was represented by Mr Trust Muduma, conceded to his application.
Mr Muduma said there were no compelling reasons for denying Chipunza bail pending trial. He also said there was no likelihood that if granted bail, Chipunza would abscond trial.
As part of the bail conditions, Chipunza was ordered to report twice a week at Mzilikazi Police Station and to reside at his given address until the matter is finalised.
He was also ordered not to interfere with State witnesses.
It is the State’s case that between October 1 and November 22 this year, Chipunza took his class of eight deaf-blind pupils to the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road for an auditory training programme whose aim was to test their hearing ability.
He ordered three boys and a girl who were part of the group to walk faster.
He remained behind with the four complainants during which he allegedly fondled their breasts before caressing their buttocks without their consent.
It was stated in court papers that on four different occasions, Chipunza invited each of the victims to his room where he allegedly locked them up before raping them.
After raping the girls, Chipunza threatened to assault them if they reported the matter to anyone.
The matter was, however, reported to the police, leading to Chipunza’s arrest.
New Twist To Granny-Grandson Murder As Suspect Is Found Hanging
A-16-YEAR-Old boy who is suspected to have fatally axed his paternal grandmother (56) and her grandson (9), was found hanging from a tree, two days after the discovery of the two bodies.
Police suspect that the boy Nhlanhla Ndebele of Dulutsha village 3 in Siganda, Bubi District, allegedly hanged himself after killing the two.
His body was found on Monday morning hanging from a tree in a bush following a search by villagers.
Nhlanhla’s grandmother, Ms Wesi Ncube and her grandson Lloyd Ndebele, were found dead on Saturday with multiple axe wounds all over their bodies.
Police suspect that the killings may have occurred between 7PM on Friday and 7AM on Saturday.
Nhlanhla left home on Friday after informing his 14-year-old sibling that he was going to the bush and did not return home, only for his body to be found hanging.
The boy lived with his father and their homestead is a stone’s throw from his granny’s.
The bodies of his grandmother and her grandson were found a kilometre apart and the murder weapons, an axe and a knobkerrie, were found at the scene.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed that the boy was found hanging.
She said police were linking the suicide to the murders which happened in the same village.
A cellphone belonging to Ms Ncube was found in the pocket of Nhlanhla’s pair of trousers.
Police said they have other leads linking the late Nhlanhla to the murder of his grandmother and her grandson.
“I can confirm we received a report of sudden death by hanging of a 16-year-old juvenile who is allegedly linked to the two cases of murder which occurred on Saturday. Reasons for the attack are not yet known and investigations into the case are underway.
“The juvenile’s body was found hanging from a tree following a search by his father Mr Simanga Ndebele and other villagers,” Chief Insp Makonese said.
The boy’s body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for postmortem.
On Saturday morning, an eight-year-old girl who had gone to Ms Ncube’s homestead to ask for cooking oil discovered her body and alerted her family.
The body of Ms Ncube’s grandson was later found about a kilometre from their home by villagers.
The victims were allegedly last seen on Friday evening by their neighbour, Mrs Sibongile Ncube (48).
-State Media
TelOne Warns Of Internet Blackout
Zimbabwe is staring at the prospect of an internet blackout in the near future as foreign service providers are increasingly getting disillusioned by TelOne’s continued failure to pay $22 million owed for services offered.
So dire is the situation that a Mauritius-based financier, Telecom Capital Finance, is threatening to seize TelOne’s shares in the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) over a $1,1 million debt.
WIOCC is a company that provides capacity to international and African telecommunications companies, over-the-top (OTT) services, content providers and internet service providers in and outside Africa.
Critically, TelOne is sitting on four letters of demand from Telecomicacoes de Mozambique (TDM), Duraline, WIOCC, and Telecom Capital.
Overall, TelOne owes 22 companies from Africa, Asia and Europe a combined $22 million.
Mrs Chipo Mtasa, the TelOne MD, launched a passionate appeal to members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT after their tour of the Mazowe Earth Satellite Station on Tuesday, to help the company settle the obligations.
“TelOne is in receipt of demand letters from the following service providers; TDM of Mozambique — $5,7 million for backhaul services, Telecom Capital Finance — $1,1 million for loan repayment, Duraline — $845 000 for network material, WIOCC — $6,2 million for internet bandwidth,” said Mrs Mtasa.
“TelOne continues to be crippled by the escalating arrears on a monthly basis with no meaningful allocations received since July 2018.
Consequently, foreign payment arrears have accumulated to $22 million for services and other obligations.
“We continue to plead for the telecommunications sector to be prioritised for foreign currency allocations and this needs your urgent intervention as the situation is now out of control.”
Mrs Mtasa said TelOne is facing “threats of service disruption and foreign litigation”, which will be difficult to manage if they were implemented.
“Withdrawal of services will result in a standstill of our operations and a major internet blackout for the country.
“As reiterated in our past correspondences, Telecom Capital Finance secured a default judgment against TelOne in Mauritius.
“The continued delayed remittances will result in seizure of TelOne shares in WIOCC any moment from now (while) Telecom Capital will be reinstating $1,6 million that was written off when refinancing was negotiated in 2014, if TelOne fails to pay the balance of US$1,1 million by December 20, 2018 (today),” said Mrs Mtasa.
TelOne’s request for a bailout comes at a time when the 2019 Budget indicated that Government would not be dolling out money to stressed firms, unless they were involved in critical business.
Foreign currency shortages, which have resulted in shortages of fuel, bread and other basics, have also seen TelOne losing $7,2 million in revenue as at October 31, 2018 due to failure to fulfil customer requirements.
Mrs Mtasa said further revenues losses may amount to $20 million due to loss of customer reputation as a reliable service provider.
Currently, TelOne requires $3 million to pay for drop cable, drop wire, modems, fibres, routers, media converters and others.
-State Media
Drought Returns To Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE’S crop and livestock production will be negatively affected by delays in rainfall being experienced in the 2018/19 season, a food security report by the United States Agency for International Development has warned.
The report, titled Zimbabwe Food Security Outlook (December 2018 to May 2019), notes that low rainfall will increase the national maize deficit to below-average for the 2018-19 marketing season to March 2019.
“The start of the 2018-19 rainfall season has been delayed and rains have been erratic so far. Rainfall levels across most of the country are below the normal long-term average. This has adversely affected on-farm activities such as land preparation, planting and casual labour opportunities which are below typical levels for this time of the year,”
“Areas to the southern and western parts of the country, covering parts of Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South, are worst affected because they have received insignificant rains to date. The dryness is also affecting water and pasture conditions that are, especially poor in arid areas of the country.”
The country, however, is expected to be around 77% maize self-sufficient, which is attributed mainly to above-average (5%) annual national supplies from mostly carryover stocks and average production from the 2017-18 production season.
The report noted that while the condition of small stock was good to fair across most areas, cattle conditions were deteriorating in typical areas that had received insignificant rains so far.
“This is compounded by a high and increasing prevalence of livestock diseases including anthrax, foot and mouth, tick-borne, and January (Theileriosis) disease. The prices for supplementary feeding and livestock drugs have increased substantially as well, and some drugs are unavailable on the markets,”
“It is reported that some outlets are only accepting payment in US dollars. Cattle deaths are being reported in some parts of the country and are affecting draught power and household incomes.”
The liquidity crisis which has hit all sectors of the economy has also created critical shortages of fertilizers, other chemicals and crop inputs that is expected to hit farmers in terms of crop preparations”.
Normally, local manufacturing companies and importers provide these supplies but they have been facing difficulties in meeting demand and sustaining operations because of the ongoing liquidity crisis in the country.
“Since October, the prices of seed, fertiliser, and other chemicals have increased significantly (in some cases by over 200%), adversely affecting access by poor households. The crop input assistance scheme that is implemented by the government is reported to be facing resource challenges.”
-Newsday
Grace Mugabe: What The Law Says About A Possible Jail Sentence In SA (13 Years In Prison Maximum)

By Tom Head SA Law Critic|WHETHER you’re the first lady of Zimbabwe or not, you still can’t go around whipping people with extension cords. The NPA have officially issued a warrant of arrest for Grace Mugabe, almost 18 months after she assaulted Gabriella Engels in a Sandton hotel room.
Engels – a model in her early twenties – was in the wrong place at the wrong time in August 2017. She was in the company of Grace’s sons, allegedly partying at the resort. Both the boys were meant to be studying in South Africa, but their mother paid them a visit at the most inopportune time.
Enraged by what she encountered, it is believed that Gucci Grace settled for Russel Hobbs, and attacked Engels with a plug attached to the end of a cable. All this apparently unfolded while Mrs Mugabe’s security team looked on: Even they don’t fancy getting in her way, it seems.
Where is Grace Mugabe now?
Of course, actually getting Grace Mugabe to face a court of law in South Africa still remains a mammoth task: Along with her elderly husband Robert, the pair are frequent visitors to Singapore for medical treatment. It’s not out of the question that they could choose to stay there indefinitely, pulling an “Ajay Gupta” in the process.
The Indian billionaire also has a warrant out for his arrest, but he hot-footed it to Dubai before the Hawks could snare him. However, South Africa and the UAE are still trying to finalise an extradition treaty, meaning that Ajay is still safe to reside in the country without fear of being hauled back to Mzansi. The same would apply for Grace if she holed up in Singapore, as there’s no extradition treaty between SA and the south-Asian country.
What Grace Mugabe will be charged with
But, let’s just keep ourselves humoured, should we? If Grace Mugabe did feel like facing the music and returned to a South African court, a guilty verdict would likely mean prison time for the 53-year-old. There are two main definitions of assault, and it will be up to the courts to decide which applies to the Engels case:
Assault causing harm
Causing harm
The first – assault causing harm – is the milder of the two. If it is determined that no significant injuries have been caused to the victim, this is the charge that will be affected. Anything like a broken nose or sustained bruising isn’t enough to qualify for “causing harm”.
The maximum penalties for assault causing harm range from three-to-five years in prison, depending on aggravating circumstances.
So, what makes “causing harm” the more serious of the two? The Law Handbook of South Africa clarifies the main differences between the two terms:
“To be guilty of such an offence a person must cause harm to another either intending to cause injury or being reckless as to whether they do so.”
“Harm can be either physical or mental, and includes pain, disfigurement, unconsciousness and infection with a disease. Mental harm includes psychological harm but not emotional reactions such as distress, grief, fear or anger, unless they develop into psychological harm.”
How long Grace Mugabe could spend in jail? Again, it is at the court’s discretion to decide if the lacerations Engels received to her head and neck count as “pain or disfigurement”. The prosecution may also argue that Mugabe’s actions caused psychological harm to their client.
The maximum penalties for causing harm range from 10-13 years in prison, depending on aggravating circumstances.
Of course, this is a very long way down the line. Getting Grace Mugabe to come to Mzansi voluntarily in these circumstances will be a tough gig for any crime-fighting organisation. If Mugabe truly believes she can clear her name, she may be tempted to stand her ground and fight. Sadly, it seems the “easy route” will take preference.
— This Is Africa
Chinese Exit Bindura Mine. REALLY?
Chinese mining and exploration group ASA Resources Group says it is tying up a deal to sell-off its shareholding in Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC), which will see it exit the Zimbabwean market.
ASA operates Freda Rebecca, the largest single gold mine in Zimbabwe and Trojan Nickel Mine through BNC, which is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE),
ASA gained control of BNC and its assets in 2015 after taking over the miner’s holding company Mwana Africa and booting out its founder, Kalaa Mpinga.
In a cautionary statement to shareholders, BNC announced that it had reached a deal with a potential buyer.
“Asa Resource Group has entered into a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with a third party in relation to the 74,73% shareholding in BNC. The conditions of the SPA include various regulatory approvals and other conditions as expected with a transaction of this nature. The third party is a United Kingdom-based nickel company with complementary interests in Southern Africa,” the notice reads.
“Shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s securities until a full announcement is made”.
In January this year, South African Gold producer Pan African Resources (Panaf) announced that it was in exclusive negotiations with ASA Resource Group to acquire assets and liabilities in Zimbabwe.
Panaf, a mainly gold miner which is listed on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, has operations in South Africa.
The group also has operations in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and Angola.
ASA has been operating under judicial management since July last year after struggling to service its obligations.
Last year, the board reported that $4,3 million was missing from Freda Rebecca Mine, with an audit showing that the then executive chairman Yat Hoi Ning and finance director Yim Kwan had irregularly transferred money to two Hong Kong-registered companies.
Ning and Kwan were kicked out of the company. Chinese firm, Rich Pro Investments, which holds 4,16 % in ASA, offered to buy 47 % shares in the African miner for $40 million in September last year.
In the six months to September, BNC registered a 26% increase in profit after tax to $2,8 million, buoyed by firm mineral prices on the international market.
However, sales during the half year period were down 14% to 2 980 tonnes from 3 485 tonnes last year on the back of low production and logistical challenges in moving the product out of the country.
Cost of sales increased by 11% from $16,2 million last year, to $18 million in the period under review, mainly due to an increase in local costs. Production declined to 3 076 tonnes from 3 460 tonnes in 2017.
BNC has had to put its ambitious Smelter Restart Programme on hold because of the prevailing economic challenges.
-Newsday
Chiredzi Villagers Living In Fear Of Stray Lions From Nearby Conservancy
For the past two weeks, Mr Tafireyi Zhou of Fair Range has lost 6 calves to the lions.
Mr Zhou is among many other farmers in the village who have lost their herd to these invader lions which are pouncing on kraals at night.
“For December only I have lost 6 calves to these lions and I have since reported the case to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who promised to intervene, however, for the meantime they have cited logistical challenges. Yesterday around 2am I woke for a fierce battle outside as the lion in company of its cubs were attacking my herd and this has been the norm for the past two weeks,” he said.
The recent incidents have further deepened the woes of the villagers who are also grappling with rising cases of human wildlife conflict and crops destruction every year.
Though in many cases locals are accused of vandalising game reserve perimeter fences, it is important for authorities to also ensure proper fencing is done to marks the boundary between villagers and conservancies said Chiredzi north ward 32 councillor Aspect Mashingaidze.
“We believe these wild animals are coming from nearby conservancies. Yes there are reports of vandalism by criminals, however, there is need for an everlasting solution to this problem of human wildlife conflict in this area as it poses a huge threat to our lives,” he said.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the communities must always quickly alert parks officials in their areas so that the damage is contained.
Human wildlife conflict remains a serious obstacle to wildlife conservation not only in Zimbabwe hence the need to bring relevant stakeholders under the common objective of finding ways of promoting people living in harmony with wildlife.
Jittery Musona Speaks On His Move Back To Amakhosi
Correspondent|Knowledge Musona has dismissed the rumours suggesting that he is considering a move back to his former club, Kaizer Chiefs.
On Wednesday, there was a story published in a South African newspaper saying the Warriors skipper wants to return to Chiefs so that he can “resuscitate” his career. This comes after Musona has been struggling to get some game time at Belgian giants, Anderlecht with the publication claiming that he no longer cope with the European football due to age.
But the 28-year-old, is not considering any move to South Africa anytime soon.
He posted on Twitter saying: “To all my lovely Kaizer Chiefs supporters.The rumour circulating on social media is not true.I never said i will not come back but time will tell.Thank you for the love you have shown me even if i left years ago.You deserve the best.Love Y’all.
Last season, rumours ermeged linking the player with a return to Amakhosi but his agent rubbished them as false.
Meanwhile, reports in Belgium have also linked Musona with his former club KV Oostende ahead of the January transfer window but that move can be put on hold following the sacking of Anderlecht head coach this week.
South African Cleric Applauds ED For Destroying Zim Economy In Less Than A Year?
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is making concrete efforts to open up Zimbabwe’s economy for investment and widen the democratic space, a respected South African cleric, has said.
Apostolic Faith Mission International president and former top bureaucrat in former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s administration, Reverend Frank Chikane, says he was encouraged by the political will Mnangagwa had shown since taking over from his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, last November.
“I am encouraged by the current spirit, where there is a huge effort of opening up the country, normalising things and huge effort in getting the economy working,” Chikane said.
“There is a huge and concerted effort to get investment into the country, and that is encouraging. It is a long way and that is the reality, but the political will is there.”
The South Arfrica cleric was instrumental in Mbeki’s much vilified policy of “quiet diplomacy” on Zimbabwe at the height of the country’s political crisis and helped put together the compromise arrangement that resulted in the consummation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) between Mugabe and his then political arch-nemesis, the late opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
He said the GNU and its aftermath had been hampered by the sanctions imposed on Mugabe and his inner circle by Western countries, arguing they have hurt Zimbabwe.
“We were able to find a solution at a critical moment in the history of this country. The country was able to walk over the bridge, and the political actors had to work together to build a future for the people of Zimbabwe, and I think they did their best to make it work,” Chikane said.
“The challenge I think was that the economy went the wrong direction. I think that’s the real crisis and the pressure that the country was put under, especially by the sanctions. They have hurt the country, and there is no question about it.”
Asked to comment on the military coup last November that brought Mugabe’s rule to an end and thrust Mnangagwa into the top job, Chikane said the concern among leading political figures in the region was the possibility of bloodshed.
“Our concern was about the possible loss of life and thank God that things worked out well, and there was a peaceful transition,” the respected cleric and anti-Apartheid activist, said.
Going forward, Chikane said political actors in Zimbabwe needed to work with a common purpose for the good of the country, with respect for democracy being paramount.
“Zimbabweans must work together and respect democratic processes. This country needs change, and a working economy, people are struggling. We wish Zimbabwe well,” Chikane said.
Chikane was in Zimbabwe last week once again to broker peace between warring factions in the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe chapter that has split the church over leadership issues.
He warned that the instability in the church could affect the country and urged the two protagonists Amon Madawo and Cossum Chiyangwa to find peace.
Madawo has been endorsed by the global church as the legitimately elected leader of the church.
-Newsday
ZANU PF Reformed Mthuli Ncube Says Its Near Impossible To Get Rid Of The Bond Note
Own Correspondent|It is quite expensive to demonetise the bond note and even if Zimbabwe were to decide to use the South African rand it would still have to source United States dollars to do that, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said yesterday.
Responding to questions raised during the debate on the 2019 budget, Ncube said: “There were comments on that we should demonetise the bond note. I want to be clear that it costs money – US dollars to demonetise the bond note.
“Even if you want to replace it with the Rand, which is a suggestion that I had, it will cost you US dollars to change the bond note into the Rand. I want to be very clear about that. It is a costly exercise Mr. Speaker Sir and it would need to be budgeted for.”
Ncube said some of the measures that the government was undertaking were aimed at currency reform.
Responding to former Finance Minister Tendai Biti who said Ncube’s budget was meaningless, the Minister of Finance said: “I would like to remind Hon. Biti that the equilibrium value of a currency, what is called the equilibrium exchange rate is determined by several factors.
“The first factor is the budget deficit. So, controlling the budget deficit is key.
“The second factor is money supply and money supply responds to the fiscal expenditure and if the budget deficit is rising that will cause money supply to rise.
“The third factor is the interest rates levels between the Zimbabwe economy and neighbouring economies such as South Africa.
“The fourth factor is inflation differentials across borders.
“The last factor has to do with the size of the current account.
“I must say in this budget therefore, if you consider those to be fundamentals of a currency which they are, just by dealing with fiscal discipline and the current account deficit, we are making sure that we strengthen the fundamentals of our monetary sector.
“It is therefore not surprising Mr. Speaker Sir, that in the market in which some of the people operate, the so-called power market, those rates have stabilised. The premium has stabilised.”
Ncube admitted that there was a parallel market where the United States dollar was not trading at one-to-one with the bond note but he preferred to call it a premium.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, in his Monetary Policy Statement, the Governor of the Reserve Bank has advised that the official rate for the US$ compared to RTGS and bond notes is one to one. This is the official position,” he said.
“We are aware of the various premiums, Mr. Speaker Sir, that are applied by individuals out there in terms of the rate at which they trade. To be clear Mr. Speaker Sir, this other rate is what we call in economics a premium. We have a fixed exchange rate regime and what is happening is that there is a premium, which people use out there. Let us be clear, it is a premium absolutely, and this you will find in any economics textbook.
“The ordinary Zimbabweans are acutely aware of what happened in 2008 and 2009 at the time of hyperinflation, where in trying to correct that issue, we had to remove zeros on the monies that were used then and introduced US$ and savings were lost.
“We are acutely aware as Government that we need to protect all savings and we need to protect the balance sheet of banks and companies. Therefore, it is important to maintain parity while we are aware that there are premiums being used all over the place.
“Naturally, this premium does cause inflation and therefore, to deal with it we need to make sure that we deal with the fundamentals for making sure that our monetary sector remains strong. That is what I was trying to explain,” he said.
Mutodi Says Zim Will Stand By Grace Mugabe Against S.A.

Correspondent|DEPUTY Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi has said Zimbabwe will not stand aside amd watch while former First Lady Grace Mugabe is being “denigrated and embarrassed” by South African courts.
Mutodi’s comments come in the wake of an arrest warrant which was issued by the South African National Prosecuting Authority against Grace Mugabe over allegations she assaulted a South African model Gabriella Engels with an electric extension cable.
Mutodi said: “We note a warrant of arrest on Grace Mugabe for a crime allegedly committed while she was on a diplomatic visit in South Africa.
“We make it clear that Zim will not smile on any attempt to embarrass, harrass or degrade former President Mugabe or his immediate family members.”
We note a warrant of arrest on Grace Mugabe for a crime alledgedly committed while she was on a diplomatic visit in South Africa. We make it clear that Zim will not smile on any attempt to embarrass, harrass or degrade former President Mugabe or his immediate family members.
— Dr Energy Mutodi (@energymutodi) December 19, 2018
Opposition MDC Secretary-General Douglas Mwonzora responded: “Does the young woman who was violated deserve justice? Has your government made any offer of compensation for the victim?”
The South African police are seeking Interpol’s help to enforce an arrest warrant for Zimbabwe’s former first lady Grace Mugabe over an alleged assault of a model in Johannesburg last year, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
After the alleged beating with an electric cable came to light in August 2017, the South African government granted Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity.
That immunity was overturned by a South African court this year after the alleged victim, Gabriella Engels, challenged the decision.
“I can confirm that a warrant for the arrest of Grace Mugabe was issued last Thursday,” South African Police Service spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said, adding police were seeking Interpol’s help to enforce it.
No comment has been made so far by the South African government.
Ignorant Mthuli Ncube Thinks Zimbabweans Embraced His Extortionistic 2 Percent Tax
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday accused opposition MPs of being dishonest by insisting that people are not happy with the 2% levy on electronic transactions, claiming the new tax has widely been embraced.
“The 2% tax is not about Zimbabweans being punished, and it is dishonest to say that they do not want it. In fact, they have embraced it, and ordinarily what Zimbabweans have only complained about is that the prices of fertiliser and goods are high,” Ncube said in the National Assembly.
“We have ring-fenced the 2% to make sure that the people of Zimbabwe benefit, such that out of the 2%, we will extract the $310 million to finance devolution. This means that we have taken money from the people to give it back to the people. The change will be used to fund education and health and closing potholes, as well as purchasing ambulances and buying school desks, and so people will feel the impact.”
On the United States dollar to RTGS and bond exchange rate, Ncube insisted it is officially 1:1.
“Government said the official rate of US$ to RTGS and bond is 1:1, and this is official, but we are aware of the various premiums applied by people out there in terms of the rate,” he said.
“To be clear, this other rate is what we call in economics; premiums. We have the fixed exchange rate regime and there is the premium which people use out there.”
Ncube said in 2009 the US$ was introduced to remove zeroes, adding that the current 1:1 fixed rate would protect savings and balance sheets of companies at banks.
But, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) asked Ncube to explain if he was admitting to the existence of the black market and what he was going to do about it.
Ncube said there was need to deal with economic fundamentals to make sure the monetary sector remained strong, and these, he said, would deal with the fiscal deficit and current account deficit, and strengthen the money supply.
On domestic debt he said by 2019 it will be serviced to the tune of $6,8 billion of which $4,86 billion will be external and $2,18 billion domestic. He said the total debt in the blue book is $17,2 billion ($7,6 billion domestic and $9,6 billion external).
Ncube said inflation as at November was at 9,2% and not the 32% figure by Zimstats, adding that NSSA figures show that there has been a rise in employment levels in the country.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda berated MPs for parroting what Ncube said in the budget statement.
This was after several Zanu PF MPs contributed to the budget speech, giving thanks instead of critiquing it.
“The whole aspect of debating a budget is to discuss its impact on budgetary allocations, and not to repeat what Ncube said in his statement,” Mudenda said.
Mutare Central MP Innocent Gonese (MDC Alliance) said while Ncube pretended he was cutting spending by the Executive, several ministers have been seen driving new state-of-the-art Range Rover vehicles, with some even bragging about them on social media.
“The 5% salary cut of the Executive is a deception, because at their level, most of their remuneration is allowances and perks from gallivanting around the world for mega deals they always claim,” Gonese said.
“My proposal is that the minister must announce the austerity measures because you cannot hire a $2 million private Swiss jet for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. At least former President Robert Mugabe used Air Zimbabwe.”
-Newsday
LIVE Comments As Mnangagwa Presented Motlanthe, Ooops Mnangagwa-Report
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Mutodi Dashes To The Defence Of Grace
Jane Mlambo| Deputy Information Minister, Energy Mutodi has shockingly defended embattled former first lady, Grace Mugabe who was issued with a warranty of arrest by a South African court following her altercation with one of the ladies who was dating her children during their stay in the neighboring country.
Mutodi wrote on Twitter yesterday saying government will not support any attempts to embarrass or degrade former President Robert Mugabe and his immediate family.
We note a warrant of arrest on Grace Mugabe for a crime alledgedly committed while she was on a diplomatic visit in South Africa. We make it clear that Zim will not smile on any attempt to embarrass, harrass or degrade former President Mugabe or his immediate family members.
— Dr Energy Mutodi (@energymutodi) December 19, 2018
Lawyers Challenge Eviction Of Community Members From Sacred Heritage Site

Own Correspondent|ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has petitioned the High Court seeking an order to restore occupation of land to more than 40 families and 136 children, who were forcibly evicted from a sacred heritage site last week by armed police officers.
46 adults and 136 children were left homeless on Friday after they were forcibly evicted without a court order from Nharira Hills located at Somerby just outside Harare by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members in violation of provisions of Section 74 of the Constitution by armed ZRP members, who damaged their houses using crowbars, threw their possessions out in the open, and burnt a thatched house, which held traditional relics of the community and over $2 000 in cash which had been saved for traditional offerings.
This left the evictees to sleep out in the open subject to the elements in the rainy season, as they have nowhere else to go with their families’ health set to deteriorate as they continue to sleep out in the open.
In an urgent chamber application filed in the High Court, Fiona Iliff of ZLHR argued that the eviction of the Nharira community was illegal, unlawful and violated their right to freedom from arbitrary eviction enshrined in section 74 of the Constitution, their right to dignity and not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment in terms of Sections 51 and 53 of the Constitution, their right to the property, which has been or is likely to be destroyed or damaged contrary to Section 71 of the Constitution and their rights to be consulted prior to the eviction in terms of Section 68 of the Constitution and the Administrative Justice Act.
The human rights lawyer argued that the evictees’ traditional rights in terms of sections 3(1)(d); 3(2)(i)(i), 16(1), 16(2)), 33; 56 and 63(b) of the Constitution, Articles 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (61/295) were violated.
Iliff argued that the evicted members of the Nharira community were not issued with an eviction order in their own names as ZRP members and the Deputy Sheriff purportedly carried out the eviction in terms of a writ of ejectment against four people only identified as Mr Jumbe, Mr Goredema, Mr Madzongo and Mr Chikoto, who are not known by evicted members of the Nharira community and they are not claiming occupation of Nharira Hills through the four people but in their own right.
Iliff wants the High Court to order HFM Marketing to allow the 46 adults and 136 children, who were evicted from Nharira Hils to return to peaceful occupation of the land forthwith and to stop the quarry mining company, its agents, employees and anyone working on HFM Marketing’s instructions to be interdicted from disturbing the peaceful enjoyment, possession and use of the land which they occupied prior to the eviction.
The matter is yet to be set down for hearing in the High Court.
Source: ZLHR
Court Throws Out State Case Against Protesting Teachers
FOURTEEN leaders and members of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) have been set free after a Zimbabwean court threw out disorderly conduct charges brought against the labour unionists and ruled that they did not commit an offence by staging an anti-government demonstration against poor salaries and working conditions.
The ARTUZ leaders and members had been hauled before the courts after they were arrested on Tuesday 18 December 2018 and charged with disorderly conduct in contravention of Section 41(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly blocking a road in Ruwa while holding and waving placards during an anti-government protest against poor remuneration dubbed “Salary Caravan”.
But Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba on Wednesday 19 December 2018 set free the ARTUZ leaders and members after ruling that the unionists had not committed an offence in staging an anti-government protest gainst the country’s worsening economic crisis as they were simply exercising their constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
The unionists’ lawyers Tinotenda Shoko and Kossam Ncube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights had challenged the placement on remand of their clients arguing that they had not committed any offence by waving placards and singing songs when they were arrested while protesting because they are a registered trade union which is exempted
from notifying the regulatory authority (ZRP) as provided under the punitive provisions of the Public Order and Security Act.
Unity Day Not About Nkomo And Mugabe, Mukanya’s Manager Calls For Unity After Polls

SEVERAL creatives who would be joining hands with other citizens to commemorate Unity Day this Saturday yesterday said there was need to appreciate the true essence of unity and its significance.
The Unity Day has been commemorated since 1987 following the signing of the Unity Accord between former President Robert Mugabe and the late former Vice-President Joshua Nkomo.
The inking of the deal followed years of conflict that saw thousands of people mainly from Matabeleland and the Midlands killed by the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade as government ostensibly sought to flush out suspected Zipra dissidents.
Music promoter and Jibilika founder Plot Mhako told NewsDay Life & Style that the country needed to renew the true spirit and essence of unity.
“We are highly polarised on political grounds. The post-election tensions need to be diffused and it’s sad that music and the arts, which must play a key role to unify the nation, are also caught up in the disunity which hampers development. We need to promote and foster more unity through all our works,” he said.
Chimurenga music publicist Blessing Vava said Unity Day was very significant in the country’s history and was particularly important to his boss, Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, who is currently on a national blitz dubbed The Peace Tour.
“It has always been the call by Mukanya for Zimbabweans to be united as one people. For us, this year’s Unity Day is significant as we are currently on a tour dubbed The Peace Tour, which is a call to promote peace and unity in our country through music, and on the day, Mukanya will be performing in Kadoma,” he said.
DreamStar Zimbabwe spokesperson Tinashe Kitchen said there was need to appreciate that unity was deeper than the unification of two political parties.
“National Unity Day does not only symbolise the unity of two political parties. It represents the unification of our people as one proud and united nation, bound by tradition, culture and music. DreamStar Zimbabwe will continue to provide platforms for young and talented Zimbabweans to make their dreams come true,” he said.
Award-winning songbird and entrepreneur Cindy Munyavi, said the day spoke to the equality of Zimbabweans.
“The day symbolises the fact that we are all equals as Zimbabweans, regardless of language, tribe, totem, dialect or geographical location, so we should love and celebrate each other,” she said.
NewsDay
Motlanthe Commission Exposè, Mnangagwa Must Swallow Pride And Apologise
OPPOSITION political parties and civic groups have called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to publicly apologise to families of people killed and injured by the army and police during the August 1 post-election violence.
This followed the publication of findings of the commission of inquiry led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, which laid the blame for the deaths and injuries on the soldiers and police who were deployed to quell the post-election protests. The report said the use of live bullets was ‘unjustified and disproportionate’ and challenged the Mnangagwa administration to be accountable by taking action against some wayward members of the army and the police.
MDC national executive member Jameson Timba, who was Nelson Chamisa’s chief election agent in the July 30 poll, said Mnangagwa as the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Force and therefore responsible for deploying the soldiers, should apologise and ensure the culprits are brought to book.
“The commission of inquiry came and went, still those who killed six of our compatriots have not been identified; they walk scot free in their barracks. Even if the report is conclusive that they were killed by the army there is no apology. The 38-year-old culture of impunity continues unabated from one despotic era to another,” Timba said.
MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume dismissed the report in its entirety, saying it was just a public relations document to cleanse Zanu PF in the eyes of the international community.
“The MDC is a peaceful organisation which must be applauded for resisting unconstitutional means of redress despite years of suffering. Any attempt to blame the victims in the report is a clear ploy of equalisation,” Mafume said.
The MDC wants stern measures taken against members of the army who shot and killed unarmed civilians, which part was missing from the final report, he said.
“As we have always predicted, the outcomes of the commission are clearly bound on whitewashing the killing of unarmed innocent civilians by soldiers and create a climate of impunity for such killings, while equating the victim with the perpetrator,” Mafume said.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition also dismissed the report, saying it served nobody but Mnangagwa.
Lawyer Fadzayi Mahere also called on government to apologise and questioned the wisdom of promoting the shootings commander Anselem Namho Sanyatwe to the position of Major-General.
“Dear President, with all due respect because the army was implicated in the killings you are the Commander-in-Chief. Surely it behoves you to take responsibility and at least apologise for the moment of madness. Why did you also promote the commander involved if you regret this episode,” she said on her Twitter handle.
Mnangagwa told journalists on Tuesday that his government was still studying the report and would soon move, guided by the recommendations of the report.
Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said the ruling party was not yet ready to comment on report.
“We have to sit down as a party, it would be unfair of me to comment on it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbizo legislator Settlement Chikwinya (MDC Alliance) yesterday raised a point of privilege with Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda demanding that the Motlanthe commission report be debated in Parliament in terms of section 119 of the Constitution.
Chikwinya said some of the issues raised in the Motlanthe report required Parliament intervention.
“It is incumbent on this House to be, therefore, able to debate the Motlanthe report because there are issues that talk to the alignment of electoral laws which require the action of Parliament. It is incumbent on the Minister of Justice (Ziyambi Ziyambi) to bring that report for debate in this august House,” he said.
Ziyambi did not object to Chikwinya’s proposal.
“Indeed the report is in the public domain and it is within the rights of Parliament to discuss a matter which is in the public domain and therefore, I will consider it,” Ziyambi said.
NewsDay
Workers Bemoan Human Rights Abuses At The Hands Of Mnangagwa
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has berated President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration over the surge in human rights violations experienced in the country this year, singling out the August 1 shooting of civilians by soldiers in Harare as the worst.
Speaking at a belated International Human Rights Day commemoration held in Gweru recently, ZCTU deputy president Florence Taruvinga said the country plunged into a worrying period of human rights violations this year, with workers being the worst affected.
“Today, as we gather locally, we cannot stand tall and claim that we are enjoying human rights as Zimbabweans and workers, in particular. As 2018 ends, we can reflect on serious injustices and flouting of human rights,” she said.
Taruvinga singled out the August 1 killings by the military which left six people dead and 35 injured as the height of human rights violations in the year 2018.
“Peak of the injustices was the 1st of August military killings of civilians who were exercising their right to demonstrate as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.
There is no injustice that surpasses summary executions as witnessed on 1 August,” the firebrand trade unionist said.
On October 11, ZCTU leaders who planned to demonstrate against the 2% transaction tax introduced by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, were rounded up by police and locked up.
Taruvinga lamented the national operation and classified it as another glaring incident of human rights violations.
“The right to demonstrate has also been denied to us. On October 11, the police pounced on us, arrested and detained labour leaders countrywide to stop workers from exercising their right to demonstrate … Human rights cannot be separated from workers’ rights. On several occasions, our constitutional freedoms have been violated,” she said.
This week, Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe members who were marching from Mutare to Harare in protest over poor salaries and bonuses, also faced the wrath of the law enforcement agents as they were detained and arraigned before the courts. On Tuesday, they were again arrested in Ruwa and detained.
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on December 10.
NewsDay
ZANU PF Councillor Hires Thugs To Kill Rival Businessman
Correspondent|ZANU PF councillor for Mberengwa ward 35 has been slapped with a $150 fine or an alternative three-month jail term for threatening to kill a local businessman.
Kufazvinei Mzezewa (37) of Honyobwe in Mberengwa, appearing before Zvishavane resident magistrate Shepherd Mjanja, pleaded guilty to issuing death threats against Justin Maposa of Juktz Mining Compound Honyobwe, Mberengwa, owner of Juktz Mining Syndicate Company.
Prosecutor Tinashe Maponde told the court that on June 30, 2016, Maposa saw a Pote borehole-drilling rig on his premises. He approached the crew who said Mzezewa had instructed that a borehole be sunk on his premises, but Maposa had ordered them to stop the drilling.
The court heard that on July 14, 2016, Mzezewa hired three unknown male adults who went to Maposa’s home and threatened his employees with a gun.
On July 22, 2016, Maposa reported the matter to the Zanu PF district chairperson for Kushinga ward 35, Tenson Maidza, who met the convict and complainant the following day, and Mzezewa confessed to having hired some thugs to kill Maposa.
Shooting Victim Demands US$17k Compensation From Police
A CHITUNGWIZA woman, who was shot by a police officer manning a roadblock along the Harare-Chitungwiza Road, is seeking over $17 000 compensation for injuries sustained.
Loveness Chiriseri recently issued summons against Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Home Affairs and Culture minister Cain Matema and the officer-in-charge at St Mary’s Police Station.
In her declaration through her lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Chiriseri said on August 19 this year, she boarded an unregistered private vehicle in Chitungwiza while on her way to Harare.
“At the intersection of Seke and Delport Road, there was a roadblock and a member of the ZRP from St Mary’s Police Station, Chitungwiza, whose particulars are unknown to the plaintiff (Chiriseri), waved down the vehicle to stop, but the driver proceeded without stopping,” Chiriseri said.
The woman said another member of the ZRP from the same police station, whose particulars are also unknown to her, “then fired indiscriminately at the vehicle, while standing in the middle of the road”.
“After the first shot, the driver held his head and the vehicle veered off the road. A second shot was then fired directly at the vehicle and the bullet pierced the plaintiff’s right buttock, causing her severe pain and bleeding,” Chiriseri said.
She was admitted at a local hospital for four days and since her discharge, she has been receiving daily treatment for the wound and going to hospital for the numerous reviews.
“Plaintiff suffered severe medical injuries and permanent disfigurement. She is also suffering from depression and anxiety … as a result of the reckless handling and indiscriminate discharge of a firearm by a police officer,” she said.
The matter is pending.
NewsDay
Zimbabwe To Be Disconnected From Internet Soon

ZIMBABWE is staring at the prospect of an internet blackout in the near future as foreign service providers are increasingly getting disillusioned by TelOne’s continued failure to pay $22 million owed for services offered.
So dire is the situation that a Mauritius-based financier, Telecom Capital Finance, is threatening to seize TelOne’s shares in the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) over a $1,1 million debt.
WIOCC is a company that provides capacity to international and African telecommunications companies, over-the-top (OTT) services, content providers and internet service providers in and outside Africa.
Critically, TelOne is sitting on four letters of demand from Telecomicacoes de Mozambique (TDM), Duraline, WIOCC, and Telecom Capital.
Overall, TelOne owes 22 companies from Africa, Asia and Europe a combined $22 million.
Mrs Chipo Mtasa, the TelOne MD, launched a passionate appeal to members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT after their tour of the Mazowe Earth Satellite Station on Tuesday, to help the company settle the obligations.
“TelOne is in receipt of demand letters from the following service providers; TDM of Mozambique — $5,7 million for backhaul services, Telecom Capital Finance — $1,1 million for loan repayment, Duraline — $845 000 for network material, WIOCC — $6,2 million for internet bandwidth,” said Mrs Mtasa.
“TelOne continues to be crippled by the escalating arrears on a monthly basis with no meaningful allocations received since July 2018.
Consequently, foreign payment arrears have accumulated to $22 million for services and other obligations.
“We continue to plead for the telecommunications sector to be prioritised for foreign currency allocations and this needs your urgent intervention as the situation is now out of control.”
Mrs Mtasa said TelOne is facing “threats of service disruption and foreign litigation”, which will be difficult to manage if they were implemented.
“Withdrawal of services will result in a standstill of our operations and a major internet blackout for the country.
“As reiterated in our past correspondences, Telecom Capital Finance secured a default judgment against TelOne in Mauritius.
“The continued delayed remittances will result in seizure of TelOne shares in WIOCC any moment from now (while) Telecom Capital will be reinstating $1,6 million that was written off when refinancing was negotiated in 2014, if TelOne fails to pay the balance of US$1,1 million by December 20, 2018 (today),” said Mrs Mtasa.
TelOne’s request for a bailout comes at a time when the 2019 Budget indicated that Government would not be dolling out money to stressed firms, unless they were involved in critical business.
Foreign currency shortages, which have resulted in shortages of fuel, bread and other basics, have also seen TelOne losing $7,2 million in revenue as at October 31, 2018 due to failure to fulfil customer requirements.
Mrs Mtasa said further revenues losses may amount to $20 million due to loss of customer reputation as a reliable service provider.
Currently, TelOne requires $3 million to pay for drop cable, drop wire, modems, fibres, routers, media converters and others.
State Media
AFM Church Says Mnangagwa Is Running The Country Very Well

Correspondent|APOSTOLIC Faith Mission International president and former top bureaucrat in former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s administration, Reverend Frank Chikane, says he was encouraged by the political will Mnangagwa had shown since taking over from his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, last November.
“There is a huge and concerted effort to get investment into the country, and that is encouraging. It is a long way and that is the reality, but the political will is there.
“I am encouraged by the current spirit, where there is a huge effort of opening up the country, normalising things and huge effort in getting the economy working,” Chikane said.
The South Africa cleric was instrumental in Mbeki’s much vilified policy of “quiet diplomacy” on Zimbabwe at the height of the country’s political crisis and helped put together the compromise arrangement that resulted in the consummation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) between Mugabe and his then political arch-nemesis, the late opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
He said the GNU and its aftermath had been hampered by the sanctions imposed on Mugabe and his inner circle by Western countries, arguing they have hurt Zimbabwe.
“We were able to find a solution at a critical moment in the history of this country. The country was able to walk over the bridge, and the political actors had to work together to build a future for the people of Zimbabwe, and I think they did their best to make it work,” Chikane said.
“The challenge I think was that the economy went the wrong direction. I think that’s the real crisis and the pressure that the country was put under, especially by the sanctions. They have hurt the country, and there is no question about it.”
Asked to comment on the military coup last November that brought Mugabe’s rule to an end and thrust Mnangagwa into the top job, Chikane said the concern among leading political figures in the region was the possibility of bloodshed.
“Our concern was about the possible loss of life and thank God that things worked out well, and there was a peaceful transition,” the respected cleric and anti-Apartheid activist, said.
Going forward, Chikane said political actors in Zimbabwe needed to work with a common purpose for the good of the country, with respect for democracy being paramount.
“Zimbabweans must work together and respect democratic processes. This country needs change, and a working economy, people are struggling. We wish Zimbabwe well,” Chikane said.
Chikane was in Zimbabwe last week once again to broker peace between warring factions in the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe chapter that has split the church over leadership issues.
He warned that the instability in the church could affect the country and urged the two protagonists Amon Madawo and Cossum Chiyangwa to find peace.
Madawo has been endorsed by the global church as the legitimately elected leader of the church.
Bulawayo City Council Selling Stands In Foreign Currency

Correspondent|BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has approved the sale of housing stands in foreign currency, a move that is set to make them priced out of reach of many citizens, who have endured falling standards of life over the years.
In reaction to the move, Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association acting co-ordinator Emmanuel Ndlovu said the move was improper.
“Those in the Diaspora and with access to US dollars will mop up all the stands while the poor shall remain permanent tenants.
“Many residents cannot afford stands even using the bond note price,” Ndlovu said.
The city’s housing waiting list stands at over 120 000, but the council has only managed to service less than 20 000 stands in the last 15 years despite the growing number of those in need of houses.
The local authority is reportedly struggling to service housing stands, owing to the harsh economic climate that has been prevailing in the country.
The latest council report of the town lands and housing committee revealed a local authority that is battling to contain the hard economic situation.
“The Chamber Secretary, Sikhangele Zhou, advised that it was a challenge to award new contracts to service stands due to economic challenges. Servicing of stands in this environment would be costly and difficult to price the stands,” the minutes read in part.
“At the end of the day, the stands would be unaffordable because of the continued economic instability.
“Council had to re-strategies on how best to deliver this service within enforceable contracts that would deliver stands affordable to local residents,” added the minutes.
“She (Zhou) noted that council had already approved the sale of stands to the Diaspora and those with free funds in forex and modalities therefore are being worked on.”
Council housing stands have been ranging from around $4 000 to nearly $10 000 and above depending on the size, and location.
Motlanthe Produced The Most Hopeless Commission Report Since Independence

By Prof Jonathan Moyo|It’s notable that the Motlanthe Commission Report does not extricate the Commission from the antecedent toxicity, arising from its flawed composition and terms of reference, that exposed it upfront as a compromised Zanu PF Public Relations scheme. In fact, the report confirms these flaws.
The fact that the Commission did nothing to liberate itself from its founding prejudices, especially with regards to its flawed composition and terms of reference, means its report cannot be expected to meet legitimate public expectations. Something never comes from nothing.
There’s something instructive from the old-age Shona adage that “rine manyanga hariputirwi”. This is particularly true where atrocities are involved. It is impossible to use a Commission or anything else for that matter, to hide or escape from gross crimes against humanity.
The smoke and mirrors in Motlanthe Commission’s Report cannot obfuscate the fact that everyone knows why the Commission was setup in the first place. On 1 August, civilians were gunned down by soldiers and some were killed in cold blood and others brutally injured in broad daylight!
What happened was self-evident to the eye. What was not obvious and needed to be established for purposes of accountability was the identity, names, of the soldiers on rampage and crucially, the authority that deployed them with lethal ammunition in a civilian situation!
Mnangagwa publicly told the nation and the world that he did not know who deployed the soldiers; meaning that it was not him. That he did not know was the only reason why Zimbabweans and the international community demanded an independent international commission to investigate!
Notwithstanding the antics by Motlanthe’s Commission to dance in the dark with smoke and mirrors; and not withstanding its convulted terms of reference, only two key questions needed factual answers: (a) who are the soldiers that killed civilians and(b) who deployed them?
Who deployed the soldiers?
The Commission had no stomach to bluntly say it was Mnangagwa. It confirms the fact by claiming the deployment “was lawful”, a matter of law for a court, and by attaching on page 100 Obert Mpofu’s and Chiwenga’s letters which say it was Mnangagwa.
The finding that Mnangagwa deployed the soldiers is significant in two respects:
(a) Clearly Mnangagwa lied in August that he did not know who had deployed the soldiers. This is egregious.
(b) Responsibility andaccountability for what the soldiers did is with Mnangagwa!
Who killed and injured civilians?
“The Commission’s finding on a balance of probabilities from all the evidence is that the deaths of six (6) people and the injuries sustained by thirty five (35) others arose from the actions of the Military and Police”.
Regarding the causes of death and injury of civilians on 1 Aug, the Report says on page 40:
“The Commission has NOT RECEIVED ANY CONCRETE EVIDENCE THAT ANY PERSON other than the Army and Police used guns during the protests on 1 August 2018”.
This puts paid to Vanguard crap!
Whereas the Report clearly says the six civilians who died were killed by the Army or Police and the 35 civilians were injured by the Army, the Commission fails to name the soldiers and police officers who committed specific atrocities. This renders the Report a big cover up!
The Commission’s failure to name the culpable soldiers and police officers is a dereliction of duty against its mandate. Even worse is its recommendation that the Police should investigate the 1 August crimes and the Army should identify and sanction its culpable soldiers.
The Report says the Army or Police killed the six dead and the Army injured the 35 injured, and that no one else but the Army and Police used guns; and that Mnangagwa deployed the soldiers yet the Commission assigns no accountability to him, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses.
The Commission’s position that only soldiers and police officers should be held accountable after further investigations and that no political and legal accountability should attach to Mnangagwa, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses is contrary to domestic and international law.
The Commission belabours the point that it was a fact-finding process, and not a court of law. Yet its Report makes findings of law, notably that the military deployment was lawful. The Commission had no basis or competence whatsoever to draw such a scandalous conclusion.
The Commission alleges that the 1 August demonstrations, which it acknowledges kicked off peacefully, “had been incited, pre-planned and well organized by the MDC-Alliance”. But the Report does not have any evidence that shows or proves any PRE-PLANNING by the MDC-Alliance.
“Pre-planning” means “organising in advance”. It is revealing that the only pre-planning about 1 Aug that is proved in the Report was done by the Army and the Police on 29 July BEFORE even voting started on 30 July. The Report’s Appendix 7 has police letters that prove this!
Nothing in the Report explains why the Police and Army were planning about 1 August protests on 29 July. All of their 1 August letters refer to 29 July. Is this not the smoking gun that points to who planned and orchestrated the 1 August protests? Why was this not investigated?
The Army and Police pre-planning on 29 July is damaging given the Report’s finding that the Army deployment “COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE POLICE WERE ADEQUATELY EXPERIENCED, better equipped and more suitably organized”. This is damming. Why blame the MDC-Alliance for this!
The Report of the Motlanthe Commission is poorly written, badly reasoned and self-contradictory. It’s the worst published Report by a Commission of Inquiry since 1980. Its saving grace is that it puts paid to the lie that Mnangagwa did not know who deployed the Army on 1 Aug.
(b) Responsibility and accountability for what the soldiers did is with Mnangagwa!
Who killed and injured civilians?
“The Commission’s finding on a balance of probabilities from all the evidence is that the deaths of six (6) people and the injuries sustained by thirty five (35) others arose from the actions of the Military and Police”.
Regarding the causes of death and injury of civilians on 1 Aug, the Report says on page 40:
“The Commission has NOT RECEIVED ANY CONCRETE EVIDENCE THAT ANY PERSON other than the Army and Police used guns during the protests on 1 August 2018”.
This puts paid to Vanguard crap!
Whereas the Report clearly says the six civilians who died were killed by the Army or Police and the 35 civilians were injured by the Army, the Commission fails to name the soldiers and police officers who committed specific atrocities. This renders the Report a big cover up!
The Commission’s failure to name the culpable soldiers and police officers is a dereliction of duty against its mandate. Even worse is its recommendation that the Police should investigate the 1 August crimes and the Army should identify and sanction its culpable soldiers.
The Report says the Army or Police killed the six dead and the Army injured the 35 injured, and that no one else but the Army and Police used guns; and that Mnangagwa deployed the soldiers yet the Commission assigns no accountability to him, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses.
The Commission’s position that only soldiers and police officers should be held accountable after further investigations and that no political and legal accountability should attach to Mnangagwa, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses is contrary to domestic and international law.
The Commission belabours the point that it was a fact-finding process, and not a court of law. Yet its Report makes findings of law, notably that the military deployment was lawful. The Commission had no basis or competence whatsoever to draw such a scandalous conclusion.
The Commission alleges that the 1 August demonstrations, which it acknowledges kicked off peacefully, “had been incited, pre-planned and well organized by the MDC-Alliance”. But the Report does not have any evidence that shows or proves any PRE-PLANNING by the MDC-Alliance.
“Pre-planning” means “organising in advance”. It is revealing that the only pre-planning about 1 Aug that is proved in the Report was done by the Army and the Police on 29 July BEFORE even voting started on 30 July. The Report’s Appendix 7 has police letters that prove this!
Nothing in the Report explains why the Police and Army were planning about 1 August protests on 29 July. All of their 1 August letters refer to 29 July. Is this not the smoking gun that points to who planned and orchestrated the 1 August protests? Why was this not investigated?
The Army and Police pre-planning on 29 July is damaging given the Report’s finding that the Army deployment “COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE POLICE WERE ADEQUATELY EXPERIENCED, better equipped and more suitably organized”. This is damming. Why blame the MDC-Alliance for this!
The Report of the Motlanthe Commission is poorly written, badly reasoned and self-contradictory. It’s the worst published Report by a Commission of Inquiry since 1980. Its saving grace is that it puts paid to the lie that Mnangagwa did not know who deployed the Army on 1 Aug.
Ministry Explains Suspension Of Nurses Training, Govt Can’t Absorb Them

GOVERNMENT will suspend recruitment of trainee nurses with effect from May next year, Health and Child Care Secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji has said. In an interview with The Herald yesterday, Dr Gwinji said this was necessitated by the need to standardise recruitment processes and procedures.
He said while recruitment has temporarily been suspended, nurse training will continue with groups already recruited.
“This is a temporary measure that we have put in place to suspend pre-recruitment for candidates who are coming into nurse training for May and September 2019 going forward.
“We just want to fine tune our policy and recruitment processes so that they are standard and uniform across our institutions.
“Therefore, we will be communicating by end of January going into early February to all institutions with regards to this so that the processes can then commence and continue,” said Dr Gwinji.
He said the groups would be subjected to new regulations to be availed in due course.
“Nurse training per se is not suspended. We have a group that will be taken in May but it will then be taken under the revised training regulations,” said Dr Gwinji.
All the training institutions have since been advised of the development.
“Please be informed that the recruitment of student nurses from May 2019 and beyond has been suspended. You should be informed of the next steps via a circular in due course,” read a memo addressed to all training institutions.
Although Dr Gwinji could not be drawn into discussing the possible policy changes. A few months ago, the ministry announced it had tightened enrolment requirements for prospective students.
They are now required to be below 30 years of age with five Ordinary Levels all obtained in one sitting. A pass in Mathematics is now mandatory. Previous requirements did not have an age limit and Mathematics was not required.
Candidates with two sittings were also considered. Government used to produce about 1 000 nurses each year from its various training institutions. The majority of the institutions used to have three intakes a year.
Hospitals have been failing to absorb all the trained nurses following a recruitment freeze by Treasury. The development saw trained nurses failing to get jobs.
State Media
Mthuli Defends His Budget Tooth And Nail, Says Zims Have Embraced His 2% Tax.
FINANCE Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday accused opposition MPs of being dishonest by insisting that people are not happy with the 2% levy on electronic transactions, claiming the new tax has widely been embraced.
“The 2% tax is not about Zimbabweans being punished, and it is dishonest to say that they do not want it. In fact, they have embraced it, and ordinarily what Zimbabweans have only complained about is that the prices of fertiliser and goods are high,” Ncube said in the National Assembly.
“We have ring-fenced the 2% to make sure that the people of Zimbabwe benefit, such that out of the 2%, we will extract the $310 million to finance devolution. This means that we have taken money from the people to give it back to the people. The change will be used to fund education and health and closing potholes, as well as purchasing ambulances and buying school desks, and so people will feel the impact.”
On the United States dollar to RTGS and bond exchange rate, Ncube insisted it is officially 1:1.
“Government said the official rate of US$ to RTGS and bond is 1:1, and this is official, but we are aware of the various premiums applied by people out there in terms of the rate,” he said.
“To be clear, this other rate is what we call in economics; premiums. We have the fixed exchange rate regime and there is the premium which people use out there.”
Ncube said in 2009 the US$ was introduced to remove zeroes, adding that the current 1:1 fixed rate would protect savings and balance sheets of companies at banks.
But, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) asked Ncube to explain if he was admitting to the existence of the black market and what he was going to do about it.
Ncube said there was need to deal with economic fundamentals to make sure the monetary sector remained strong, and these, he said, would deal with the fiscal deficit and current account deficit, and strengthen the money supply.
On domestic debt he said by 2019 it will be serviced to the tune of $6,8 billion of which $4,86 billion will be external and $2,18 billion domestic. He said the total debt in the blue book is $17,2 billion ($7,6 billion domestic and $9,6 billion external).
Ncube said inflation as at November was at 9,2% and not the 32% figure by Zimstats, adding that NSSA figures show that there has been a rise in employment levels in the country.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda berated MPs for parroting what Ncube said in the budget statement.
This was after several Zanu PF MPs contributed to the budget speech, giving thanks instead of critiquing it.
“The whole aspect of debating a budget is to discuss its impact on budgetary allocations, and not to repeat what Ncube said in his statement,” Mudenda said.
Mutare Central MP Innocent Gonese (MDC Alliance) said while Ncube pretended he was cutting spending by the Executive, several ministers have been seen driving new state-of-the-art Range Rover vehicles, with some even bragging about them on social media.
“The 5% salary cut of the Executive is a deception, because at their level, most of their remuneration is allowances and perks from gallivanting around the world for mega deals they always claim,” Gonese said.
“My proposal is that the minister must announce the austerity measures because you cannot hire a $2 million private Swiss jet for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. At least former President Robert Mugabe used Air Zimbabwe.”
Mthuli Ncube also defended the payment of import duty in foreign currency in his 2019 National Budget Statement saying the measure was premised on the ability to pay the principle.
Prof Ncube said the number of imported vehicles had increased by 700 000 within the last 12 months and that there was need to curb such imports using scarce foreign currency.
He said this in the National Assembly while responding to several concerns from backbenchers that it was wrong to levy duty in hard currency on people whose salaries was paid in bond notes or RTGS.
Harare East legislator Mr Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance) had also indicated that levying of duty in hard currency only was unlawful as bond notes were also legal tender.
“This measure is based on the ability to pay principle. In order to import, an individual requires foreign currency, therefore the source of foreign currency to import can also be the source of foreign currency to settle the duty requirement component. This brings out the element of ability to pay. It is also worth noting that this proposed measure is a demand management mechanism which is aimed at reducing the propensity to import using scarce foreign currency resources,” said Prof Ncube.
“I must add that Zimbabwe has about 1,7 million cars and in the last 12 months we had an increase of 700 000 cars in one year alone. This is a huge increase, it is increasing the demand for fuel.”
Prof Ncube also dismissed assertions that the introduction of excise duty was inflationary.
“The proposed review of excise duty on fuel is not expected to have a significant impact on the level of prices since international oil prices have been declining hence provides leverage against inflationary pressures in the first place. The current pump prices bear testimony to this fact. Retail prices are lower than those that were obtaining prior to the increase in excise duty. On the contrary they have been dropping,” said Prof Ncube.
He said Government would ring-fence $310 million from the 2 percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax so that it would support devolution and social services such as education and health.
NewsDay
Chicken Inn Begins Selling Fast Food In Foreign Currency
Own Correspondent|The current foreign currency crisis facing country has forced local fast food chain, Simbisa Brands to demand United States dollars, a move the company says is meant to help them meet their franchise fee obligations.

Simbisa Brands own Chicken Inn, Bakers Inn, Nandos and Pizza Inn.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the company said their bankers are failing to provide them with adequate foreign currency at the regulated exchange rate hence the decision to offer discount prices for those paying with foreign currency.
“As a company, we require foreign currency to meet the franchise fee obligations and to import franchise related raw materials which cannot be substituted locally due to intellectual property agreements such as Nandos, Ocean Basket, RocoMamas and Steers.
“The import duties and taxes on imported raw materials also now have to be settled in foreign currency.
“Due to the prevailing national circumstances all our bankers are failing to provide us with foreign currency at the regulated exchange rate of 1.1 between USD and local dollars,” reads part of the statement.
Simbisa brands assured its customers that they will not abandon the option to purchase their favourite meals using other methods such as the local bond notes and electronically.
“We currently employ 4000 associates and serve at least 4.5 million customers every month. For us to remain in business and continue to serve you your favourite meals, we have resolved to discount our prices to below costs where payable in USD so that we start generating the foreign currency we desperately need.
“We continue to accept RTGS, local cards, mobile money and Bond notes as valid modes of payment. Our customers will therefor continue to have the option to purchase their favourite meals using any of these payment methods,” they said.
Teachers Not Returning To Work In January When Schools Open
Schools in Zimbabwe may remain closed on opening day next month as teachers strike to press for higher pay.
This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa has invited teachers to a meeting on Friday to open the wage talks.
In a letter dated December 10, to Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe (pictured), Mnangagwa’s permanent secretary William Gwatiringa said his principal had agreed to meet him and his executive on Friday.
“Thank you for your letter of December 5, 2018 requesting PTUZ to meet … the president. Kindly be advised that the president has accepted to meet the union at State House on Friday December 21, 2018 at 10am.” Gwatiringa wrote.
But leaders of two teacher groups spearheading the walkout were sceptical.
The teachers’ unions called for the strike after negotiations did not resolve major disagreement over salaries.
Some of the challenges that the teachers want addressed include their salaries which they want paid in US dollars, their allowances, nonmonetary incentives, pensions, issues to do with student teachers, those with disability and harmonisation of the country’s labour laws among several others.
The militant union had also warned Mnangagwa if the challenges are not addressed as a matter of urgency, his government would have to contend with a wave of demonstrations beginning January next year.
“The above and other challenges are creating waves of discontent and disillusionment that is likely to lead to a series of industrial actions come January 2019. Our engagement with your good office will obviously help quell such,” Majongwe wrote on December 5.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) secretary-general Tapson Sibanda and PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou confirmed the plan for industrial action next term.
“Zimta would like to categorically state that it is busy consulting its members and a mother of all strikes in the civil service is looming come opening of schools in 2019 if teachers’ concerns are not addressed,” Sibanda said.
This comes after the association had called upon government in mid-October to consider paying teachers in US$ as the cost of living had skyrocketed massively, only for their request to be shot down by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry which said government cannot afford to pay teachers in foreign currency as its main focus at the moment is channelled at improving schools’ infrastructure.
This comes as Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has been embarking on a march in protest over salaries that have been eroded by the continued rise in the cost of living. The teachers were arrested and briefly appeared in court yesterday.
Zimta has since condemned the arrest of the Artuz leadership saying “an injury to one is an injury to all.” He said government needs to dialogue with teachers instead of arresting them.
“It is only the petite bourgeoisie who would feel threatened by this mere expression by genuine citizens,” Sibanda said.
Zhou said due to price hikes and the valueless teachers’ salary, the educators were now condemned to poverty.
“It is sad to note that teachers, whose basic salary is $280, cannot dream of sending their children to a boarding school. When a teacher’s salary cannot buy a uniform for one child, it speaks volumes of the educational vandalism by those in leadership,” Zhou said.
“Why then should teachers teach other people’s children when their own children are receiving the worst education by virtue of government-engineered poverty.
“It is within this vein that we call for an urgent improvement of teachers’ salaries and conditions of service, let alone payment in foreign currency. This is a cause towards the status restoration of teachers that has fallen from grace to grass.”
Zhou said the decision to open or not to open schools next term will be determined by whether the Finance minister addresses the teachers’ grievances.
He said a meeting will also be held to determine if the industrial strike will start a week after schools open or before schools open.
“For now I can say there is a plan for industrial action but the final decision will be made next year towards schools’ opening, depending on the action by the government,” Zhou added.
Daily News
War Veterans Sue ZBC
HARARE – An organisation calling itself War Veterans Welfare Group has dragged the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to
court, alleging breach of contract.
In an urgent chamber application filed at the High Court, the group said it entered into an agreement with the public broadcaster, in terms
of which ZBC was supposed to flight
advertisements inviting former liberation war fighters to participate in a demonstration held in Harare yesterday.
“ZBC agreed to flight the adverts thrice and on consecutive days beginning Saturday December
15.
“ZBC has, however, and at the 11th hour stopped flighting of war vets’ paid for and previously accepted adverts for the demonstration, but
failed to give good and sufficient reasons warranting interference with war veterans’ fundamental rights, except that his stance was malicious and discriminatory,” the application
reads in part.Daily News
SA Enlists Interpol To Effect Arrest On Grace Mugabe
SOUTH African police are seeking Interpol’s help to enforce an arrest warrant for Zimbabwe’s former first lady Grace Mugabe over an alleged assault of a model in Johannesburg last year, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
After the alleged beating with an electric cable came to light in August 2017, the South African government granted Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity. That immunity was overturned by a South African court this year after the alleged victim, Gabriella Engels, challenged the decision.
“I can confirm that a warrant for the arrest of Grace Mugabe was issued last Thursday,” South African Police Service spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said, adding police were seeking Interpol’s help to enforce it.
The incident took place at a hotel in the affluent Sandton neighbourhood when Engels was with two of Mugabe’s sons, according to the model. Grace Mugabe arrived and lashed out at her without reason, she said.
Mugabe later was allowed to return to Zimbabwe without being prosecuted.
Representatives of Mugabe have said Engels was the aggressor in the altercation.
The warrant means should the former first lady – sometimes dubbed “Gucci Grace” for her lavish lifestyle – now enter South Africa she will be arrested.
AfriForum, a South African group that represented Engels, said the court ruling allowed police to proceed with an investigation. “We believe that this sends out a strong message that nobody is above the law, not even if your surname is Mugabe,” said Kallie Kriel, the group’s CEO.
Grace Mugabe is widely loathed in Zimbabwe for her expensive tastes and her political ambitions.
Her sons with Robert Mugabe – who was deposed by a military coup last November – are also known for their decadent spending and hedonistic lifestyles.
— News24
Mnangagwa Fully Adopts “Mugabeism”
When President Emmerson Mnangagwa took over from former president Robert Mugabe, he was received with much zeal and hope.
In his inaugural speech, he promoted the slogan the “Voice of the people is the voice God.” This literally meant that he was going to be a listening
president.
As such, locals, the continent and the
international community alike saw huge investment opportunities in the country.In no time, investors were trickling in and Mnangagwa on several occasions signed mega
deals, he did a lot of ground-breaking ceremonies most of which were never to be as his true colours began to unfold.
Today, the economy is on a free fall, with inflation double figures for the first time since 2009, forcing basic commodities out of reach of many.
Less than six months after he was elected to the throne, in a tightly-contested plebiscite Mnangagwa is proving to have fully adopted Mugabeism.
Fast forward to the just-ended Zanu PF’s annual people’s conference, one is bound to conclude that if anything, Mnangagwa is never about the economy as he wants the nation to believe. He is all about power and nothing else. He seems to have read well from his former boss.
In any case, he has overtaken Mugabe in many ways. Talk of security, expenditure and bootlicking that characterised the two-day
gathering at Mzingwane High School in Esigodini.
Mnangagwa has strongly beefed up security in a way that makes the environment where he will be
present so tense and unpleasant.
Several check points coupled with military drones and CCTV stitched at every corner at the conference signified how the unresolved White
City bomb has secretly continued to haunt his tenure.Daily News
Mnangagwa To Fire Incompetent Ministers- Mutodi
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to reshuffle his Cabinet, firing underperforming ministers barely four months after their appointment, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Energy Mutodi has revealed.
This comes as Mnangagwa’s government is failing to stem the economic meltdown in the country, which has been characterised by
widespread shortages of basic commodities — especially fuel — and sky-rocketting prices, amid biting foreign currency shortages.
Posting on his Twitter handle, Mutodi said his boss will reshuffle his Cabinet to stop the current economic crisis.
“Cabinet reshuffle: After all what has happened, it’s now clear that some ministries are being messed up and president Mnangagwa has to take action. A reshuffle is coming and those messing up your days are numbered,” Mutodi wrote.
Mnangagwa’s government seems to be running out of solutions for the economic crisis that has gripped the country, which has continued despite
the country holding relatively peaceful elections on July 30 and especially worsened with the
introduction of the two percent transactional tax by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.Daily News
Teacher Sexually Abuses Four Visually Impaired Pupils
A TEACHER at Fatima High School in Lupane district allegedly indecently assaulted four deaf-blind pupils during an auditory training
session before raping them on separate occasions over a period of two months.
The victims are aged between 13 and 17 years.
This emerged when Raymond Chipunza (46) of Mzilikazi suburb in Bulawayo filed an application for bail pending trial at the Bulawayo High Court, citing the State as the respondent.
Chipunza took a class of eight deaf-blind pupils to an area long the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road for an auditory training programme during which he allegedly fondled the breasts of four girls and touched
their buttocks.
He later invited each of the girls to his cottage on separate occasions and allegedly raped them.
In his bail statement, Chipunza, through his lawyer, Mr Innocent Mafirakureva of Moyo and Nyoni Legal Practitioners, said he has
demonstrated and discharged the onus on himself that in the interest of justice he would not abscond if released on bail.
He said if granted bail, he would not
interfere with State witnesses.
Chipunza argued that the State’s assertion that he would abscond if granted bail were not backed by tangible evidence.
“The applicant denies the charges and has no previous convictions. It is common cause that the applicant is facing allegations that have not yet been proven before the court at this point hence the presumption of innocence, which is fully entrenched in our law and is in favour of the applicant,” said Mr Mafirakureva.
Chipunza was granted $100 bail after the State, which was represented by Mr Trust Muduma, conceded to his application.
Mr Muduma said there were no compelling reasons for denying Chipunza bail pending trial. He also said there was no likelihood
that if granted bail, Chipunza would abscond trial.
As part of the bail conditions, Chipunza was ordered to report twice a week at Mzilikazi Police Station and to reside at his given
address until the matter is finalised.Chronicle
VIDEO: Luxembourg To Become First Country To Offer Free Public Transport
By Business Reporter| Luxembourg is in few weeks’ time to become the world’s first country to offer free public transport.
Fares on trains, trams and buses will be lifted next summer under the plans of the re-elected coalition government led by Xavier Bettel, who was sworn in for a second term as prime minister last week.
Bettel, whose Democratic party will form a government with the leftwing Socialist Workers’ party and the Greens, had vowed to prioritise the environment during the recent election campaign.
On top of the transport pledge, the new government is also considering legalising cannabis, and introducing two new public holidays.
Luxembourg is a small European country, surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany. It’s mostly rural, with dense Ardennes forest and nature parks in the north, rocky gorges of the Mullerthal region in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is famed for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs.
Put down the Metrocard and tokens. Luxembourg is making all its public transit free ? pic.twitter.com/pWeep6Ds2r
— Bloomberg Originals (@bbgoriginals) December 19, 2018
Gov Diplomats Living In Squalid Conditions In Foreign Nations
Parliament has been told that Zimbabwean diplomats in foreign missions are living in squalid conditions that have forced some of them to desert their houses as they are now health hazards.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs has recommended that treasury allocates resources towards the purchase and construction of properties for use by Zimbabwean foreign missions across the globe.
The committee made the recommendation after noting that Zimbabwe does not own any properties in at least 20 countries in which it has foreign missions, a situation that has resulted in treasury running an unsustainable bill accruing from rentals and other services offered to the missions.
Also in parliament today, the Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement said the money allocated for the importation of maize to boost the strategic grain reserve must be channeled towards other capital projects because the country has enough stocks to feed the nation in 2019.
Meanwhile, the National AIDS Council (NAC) has invited parliamentarians to public HIV testing and cancer screening, among other diseases, tomorrow as part of efforts to raise awareness and demystify the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa will lead the proceedings to be held in the Africa Unity Square.-state media
EMA To Punish Litter Offenders

By Own Correspondent| The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has tevealed that it is investigating residents of Makokoba and Mzlikazi for dumping garbage on undesignated points.
The organisation said those found guilty will be sanctioned.
In an interview with a local publication, EMA Bulawayo provincial manager Decent Ndlovu said:
“In Makokoba, people have improved in terms of their homes; they are clean, but they still practise illegal dumping.
They do not want to reveal those responsible, and we will look for those who are illegally dumping litter at night.
We have been informed that there are some people who are paid to collect the rubbish at night, using push carts. We will investigate that and measures will be taken.”-SouthernEye
MPs Allowed To Criticise Motlanthe-Ngagwa Report – Minister
By Ephat Moyo| Members of Parliament have full rights to criticise the commission of inquiry into the 1 Aug violence report which was presented by Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa this week, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said.
Ziyambi said the report which was made public by Mnangagwa is a public document meaning it is open for public scrutiny.
Responding to Mbizo constituency legislator Settlement Chikwinya who had requested that MPs be allowed to bring the report into the house for debate, Ziyambi said, “Indeed the report is in the public domain and it is within the rights of Parliament to discuss any document that is in the public domain, so we will consider it.
MDC Rejects August 1 Commission Of Inquiry Report, Says Mnangagwa Read His Own Judgement
By Own Correspondent| Spokesperson of the opposition MDC has rejected the August 1 Commission of Inquiry Report describing it as a public relations show by Zanu Pf.
Jacob Mafume, said in the report, President Emmerson Mnangagwa read his own judgement with the expectations that the victims would be satisfied.
Said Mafume in a statement:
MDC notes the release into the public domain the report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Violence of 1 August 2018, which report has confirmed what we all knew that the military shot innocent Zimbabweans on that fateful day.
With respect it was just a public relations show for Zanu PF, we reject the report in its entirety but sadly for Zimbabwe we are back to square zero.
The MDC is a peaceful organization which must be applauded for resisting unconstitutional means of redress despite years of suffering. Any attempt to blame the victims in the report is a clear ploy of equalization.
As we have always predicted, the outcomes of the commission are clearly bound on whitewashing the killing of unarmed innocent civilians by soldiers and create a climate of impunity for such killings while equating the victim with the perpetrator.
The Commission was compromised so it could not therefore finger those whole stole power .Justice has not been done, victims are turning in their graves, families have been insulted and millions of tax payers’ money have been wasted.
It was a waste of time, resources and a lost opportunity to move the country forward. A lost opportunity to save Zimbabweans from the above situation.
In the preamble of the report, the Commission recognizes that what was at stake was the direction that Zimbabwe is supposed to take. It was therefore incumbent upon the commission to outline a pathway that would take Zimbabwe out of a culture of violence which clearly dominates the national political space.
The commission also had an opportunity to contribute to Nation Building, laying a foundation for transitional justice and setting the tone for National Healing.
More importantly the commission had an opportunity to deal with the issue of militarization of the Zimbabwean State as well as setting a foundation for electoral sustainability as a pathway to constitutional democracy in Zimbabwe.
Sadly, the recommendations and the findings of the commission fall short of addressing the above as a result blowing the opportunity to answer the national question once and for all.
The unarmed civilians were killed to entrench ZANUPF in power immediately after a disputed election which we all know was won by MDC President Nelson Chamisa.
We are therefore not deceived by the effort of President Mnangagwa to create a sense of urgency in releasing the report.
While the commission correctly locates the soldiers as responsible for the people’s deaths on the 1st of August, the report attempts to put blame on the MDC for organizing a demonstration and planning violence while also falsely claiming that the protestors were armed, something that cannot be confirmed using any of the available video footage including recordings of international media.
There is a shocking recommendation that the soldiers and the police are supposed to investigate themselves despite the fact that the military personnel who were interviewed by the Commission denied any wrong doing.
Is it is ironic that the Commission expects the people who have already exonerated themselves to lead their own investigation.
It is also ironic that when death occurs through the hand of an individual it is murder which according to our laws must be dealt with through the justice delivery system entailing a trial of the suspects at the High Court yet the commission recommends an internal investigation by the murderers.
The report shockingly claims that the law was followed in the deployment of the army basing their arguments on POSA when the constitution outlines how deployment must take place.
Once the Commission found that the law was followed it ought to have placed responsibility squarely on the deploying authority in this case Mr. Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
We restate that the Terms of Reference were problematic in that they were judgmental and couched as a witch hunt in a way that could result in immunity for those who killed unarmed civilians in the full glare of the public; international community and; those who commanded them to do so.
A number of the Commissioners appointed had issues of potential bias and conflict of interest that our President Nelson Chamisa and his team adequately explained before the COI. They were compromised in a way that made these findings fairly predictable.
This is why the COI tries faint heartedly and suggests that campaign speeches of the MDC heightened tensions and contributed to violence.
The MDC supporters have been recipients of gratuitous violence from both Zanu PF and the state as these two institutions are unfortunately conflated.
The conflation of Zanu PF and the state in the history of Zimbabwe has resulted in the unfortunate systemic and serial killing of civilians seen as opposition from immediately after independence to now.
The Gukurahundi experiences in the 80s; the targeting of white farmers and hundreds of thousands of farm workers in the early 2000s; Operation Murambatsvina (drive away the filth) in 2005 that left more than 1.5 million people homeless; post-election violence in 2008 with widespread and systematic extra-judicial killings are some of the examples of the result of this conflation of party and state.
This is why the Commission ends up finding that the election was free and fair despite all evidence to the contrary that had been presented to them specifically from credible election observer missions.
The deliberate failure or omission to implement the Constitution is part of a process that Zanu PF uses to reduce our electoral process into a charade meant to use electoral democracy as an instrument to acquire state power and place it at the hands of a small cabal that has conflated security, executive and economic power to the detriment of Zimbabwe’s development.
In short the report has several contradictions, it waters down its own findings for the purposes of exonerating the ruling elite from doing.
And even worse the report was released by a subject of the investigation thereby bringing doubts on whether it wasn’t doctored. The accused in essence read his own judgement and expects the victims to be satisfied.
Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson
Arrested ARTUZ Leaders Released, State To Proceed By Way Of Summons
By Own Correspondent| Protesting Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) members today (Wednesday) appeared in court facing charges of disorderly conduct in contravention of Section 41(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification&Reform) Act for allegedly blocking a road in Ruwa, Harare.
The ARTUZ members who embarked on a peaceful march from Mutare to Harare were on Tuesday afternoon arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) led by one Superintendent Makunike.
Police detaila arrested the 14 ARTUZ leaders and their members in Ruwa, just outside Harare as they were about to complete the last leg of their 266 kilometers journey from Mutare to Harare, intending to camp and picket at Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s office.
The teachers are demanding payment of their salaries in foreign currency and the full payment of their 2018 annual bonuses.
However, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said that the Union president Obert Masaraure and others have been released and the State will proceed by way of summons.
Said the ZLHR:
“The State will proceed by way of summons if they intend to prosecute ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure for convening an unsanctioned gathering after conceding that ARTUZ is included in the class of groups that can gather without giving notice to the regulating authority (ZRP).”
Civil Protection Unit Warns Citizens To Assist Accident Victims Instead Of Prioritising Social Media Pictures
By Own Correspondent| In text messages circulated via mobile text messages, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has warned citizens to prioritise assisting accident victims instead of taking pictures of them and circulating them on social media.
Pictures taken at accident scenes circulate especially on social media, in a development that has seen relatives learning of the deaths of their loved ones via social media.
Said the CPU in text messages sent to citizens:
“Show the spirit of Ubuntu. Consider how distressful it can be to learn of the death of a loved one on social media!
Call an ambulance, offer help instead of taking pictures of tragedy. In case of emergency dial 112.”
Zimbabwean journalist, Violet Gonda Mugged In SA
By Farai D Hove| Journalist Violet Gonda has said she was robbed in South Africa.
Gonda commented saying Zimbabwe apepars better than South Africa on managing crimes on the street.
She said she the alleged robbers were in a “getaway car which stopped in the middle of crossroad.”
The “thug came from opposite side of road, snatched my phone, ran into car & sped off,Mugged in SA.Getaway car stopped in the middle of crossroad.Thug came from opposite side of road. Snatched my phone, ran into car & sped off,” she tweeted.
Mugged in SA.Getaway car stopped in the middle of crossroad.Thug came from opposite side of road. Snatched my phone, ran into car & sped off. #SAPS wanted my cell serial Nos, b4 opening case.Who moves with serial Nos?Zim appears to be doing better thn SA on managing street crimes
— Violet Gonda (@violetgonda) December 19, 2018
Zanu PF To Consult Spirit Mediums For Guidance On National Matters
ZANU PF’s naivety was once again exposed at the just-ended Annual People’s National Conference held in Esigodini, Umzingwane District. One of the Party’s resolutions was to
invoke spirit mediums for spiritual guidance. The resolution reads as follows:
There should be ceremonies in honour of ancestral spirits that guided the nation during the armed struggle; this should be conducted by the party and government.
Spirit mediums should also lead the
nation in correcting the wrongs that
supposedly happened spiritually after independence in our country.
Several years ago ZANU PF was sold a dummy by a spirit medium, Rotinga Mavhunga, when she convinced the politburo that diesel was oozing out
of rocks at the Chinhoyi Caves. The party then sent a high-powered delegation to prove the veracity of the claims only to discover that they
were on a wild goose chase.Zim True Patriots
Kaizer Chiefs Coach Wary Of Billiat Fitness
Terrence Mawawa|Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has admitted that he has some concerns over Khama Billiat’s availability after the winger picked up a knock during the CAF Confederation Cup tie against Madagascar’s Elgeco Plus over the weekend.
Billiat who made two assists in the game which Chiefs won 3-0 is now a doubt for the trip to the Indian Ocean island for the second leg on Saturday.
Middendorp told the club’s official website that they were monitoring the 28-year-old together with Mario Booysen who also has injury concerns.
“We are just worried about Mario Booysen and Khama Billiat who came out with some niggles after the game. We have to monitor them carefully,” said the coach.Meanwhile, Billiat has managed to score nine goals and eight assists this season across all competitions, including a hattrick in the last round of the CCC that helped them see off Zimamoto.
Kadewere Bankrolls Tournament In Honour Of Late Father
Terrence Mawawa| Tinotenda Kadewere has announced the date for the third edition of the O. Kadewere Soccer Tournament.
The event is in honour of his late father and football coach, Onias, who died in January 2015.
Onias founded the Highfield Soccer Academy in the 90s where his son cut his football teeth before making a name at Harare City.
He once played football before going on to become a coach and later started an Academy. Tinotenda took over the project after the death of his father and launched a memorial junior tournament which is now in its third year.
This year’s edition will be held at Takashinga Sports Club in Highfield, Harare on the 24th of December.
The event will start at 9 am, and it will be open to players under the age of fourteen years.
Jonathan Moyo Shreds Motlanthe Report
Correspondent|”The Report of the Kgalema Motlanthe Commission is poorly written, badly reasoned and self-contradictory. It’s the worst published Report by a Commission of Inquiry since 1980,” Exiled Former G40 Kingpin Professor Jonathan Moyo has said.
Responding to the report that was released yesterday, Moyo said the Motlanthe Commision had produced a Public Relations report that sought to save the face of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF.
We publish Moyo’s full statement below:
It’s notable that the Motlanthe Commission Report does not extricate the Commission from the antecedent toxicity, arising from its flawed composition and terms of reference, that exposed it upfront as a compromised Zanu PF Public Relations scheme. In fact, the report confirms these flaws.
The fact that the Commission did nothing to liberate itself from its founding prejudices, especially with regards to its flawed composition and terms of reference, means its report cannot be expected to meet legitimate public expectations. Something never comes from nothing.
There’s something instructive from the old-age Shona adage that “rine manyanga hariputirwi”. This is particularly true where atrocities are involved. It is impossible to use a Commission or anything else for that matter, to hide or escape from gross crimes against humanity.
The smoke and mirrors in Motlanthe Commission’s Report cannot obfuscate the fact that everyone knows why the Commission was setup in the first place. On 1 August, civilians were gunned down by soldiers and some were killed in cold blood and others brutally injured in broad daylight!
What happened was self-evident to the eye. What was not obvious and needed to be established for purposes of accountability was the identity, names, of the soldiers on rampage and crucially, the authority that deployed them with lethal ammunition in a civilian situation!
Mnangagwa publicly told the nation and the world that he did not know who deployed the soldiers; meaning that it was not him. That he did not know was the only reason why Zimbabweans and the international community demanded an independent international commission to investigate!
Notwithstanding the antics by Motlanthe’s Commission to dance in the dark with smoke and mirrors; and not withstanding its convulted terms of reference, only two key questions needed factual answers: (a) who are the soldiers that killed civilians and(b) who deployed them?
Who deployed the soldiers?
The Commission had no stomach to bluntly say it was Mnangagwa. It confirms the fact by claiming the deployment “was lawful”, a matter of law for a court, and by attaching on page 100 Obert Mpofu’s and Chiwenga’s letters which say it was Mnangagwa.
The finding that Mnangagwa deployed the soldiers is significant in two respects:
(a) Clearly Mnangagwa lied in August that he did not know who had deployed the soldiers. This is egregious.
(b) Responsibility andaccountability for what the soldiers did is with Mnangagwa!
Who killed and injured civilians?
“The Commission’s finding on a balance of probabilities from all the evidence is that the deaths of six (6) people and the injuries sustained by thirty five (35) others arose from the actions of the Military and Police”.
Regarding the causes of death and injury of civilians on 1 Aug, the Report says on page 40:
“The Commission has NOT RECEIVED ANY CONCRETE EVIDENCE THAT ANY PERSON other than the Army and Police used guns during the protests on 1 August 2018”.
This puts paid to Vanguard crap!
Whereas the Report clearly says the six civilians who died were killed by the Army or Police and the 35 civilians were injured by the Army, the Commission fails to name the soldiers and police officers who committed specific atrocities. This renders the Report a big cover up!
The Commission’s failure to name the culpable soldiers and police officers is a dereliction of duty against its mandate. Even worse is its recommendation that the Police should investigate the 1 August crimes and the Army should identify and sanction its culpable soldiers.
The Report says the Army or Police killed the six dead and the Army injured the 35 injured, and that no one else but the Army and Police used guns; and that Mnangagwa deployed the soldiers yet the Commission assigns no accountability to him, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses.
The Commission’s position that only soldiers and police officers should be held accountable after further investigations and that no political and legal accountability should attach to Mnangagwa, his VP, ministers, Army and Police bosses is contrary to domestic and international law.
The Commission belabours the point that it was a fact-finding process, and not a court of law. Yet its Report makes findings of law, notably that the military deployment was lawful. The Commission had no basis or competence whatsoever to draw such a scandalous conclusion.
The Commission alleges that the 1 August demonstrations, which it acknowledges kicked off peacefully, “had been incited, pre-planned and well organized by the MDC-Alliance”. But the Report does not have any evidence that shows or proves any PRE-PLANNING by the MDC-Alliance.
“Pre-planning” means “organising in advance”. It is revealing that the only pre-planning about 1 Aug that is proved in the Report was done by the Army and the Police on 29 July BEFORE even voting started on 30 July. The Report’s Appendix 7 has police letters that prove this!
Nothing in the Report explains why the Police and Army were planning about 1 August protests on 29 July. All of their 1 August letters refer to 29 July. Is this not the smoking gun that points to who planned and orchestrated the 1 August protests? Why was this not investigated?
The Army and Police pre-planning on 29 July is damaging given the Report’s finding that the Army deployment “COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE POLICE WERE ADEQUATELY EXPERIENCED, better equipped and more suitably organized”. This is damming. Why blame the MDC-Alliance for this!
The Report of the Motlanthe Commission is poorly written, badly reasoned and self-contradictory. It’s the worst published Report by a Commission of Inquiry since 1980. Its saving grace is that it puts paid to the lie that Mnangagwa did not know who deployed the Army on 1 Aug.
Why Former NPP Members Are Solidly Behind Chamisa
Terrence Mawawa|Former National People’ s Party(NPP) members are solidly behind MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa because he is a humble and intelligent leader.
In a statement, former NPP spokesperson, Jeffryson Chitando, who has since rejoined MDC A, has indicated there are no regrets for rejoining the popular movement.
See the statement below “:
Let me categorically state that former NPP members who joined the MDC Alliance did it on admiring the alliance’s visionary leadership and secondly they saw Zimbabwe’s future in President Chamisa. It’s not for us to hide that we are solely behind President Chamisa in everything he is planning for the party and for the people of Zimbabwe.
We believe President Chamisa won the 2018 elections after garnering 2,6 million votes. If any former NPP member supports any other person besides Chamisa and current the leadership he or she off the rail.
We believe the Congress is there to consolidate the leadership and strategize around claiming the stolen election.We aren’t in MDC Alliance for positions but we believe that “there is greater strategy in numbers”.Every Zimbabwean must understand that the people’s choice is Chamisa so as former NPP we will swim with the povo not against the people.
The most popular politician in the country at the moment is President Chamisa.We must not disturb the millions who do not come to Congress by imposing a ZanuPF agenda on them.Anything which is supported by Zanu PF means it has an advantage to them.The push to change the Presidential age limit shows there is panic in Zanu PF.