Terrence Mawawa|Ms. Miriam Mutizwa, an activist and a member of Friends of SMM (FOSMM), a not-for-profit human rights group has said she is encouraged by the fact that calls for the government of Zimbabwe to accelerate the process of aligning all laws, policies and legal instruments with the 2013 Constitution are getting louder and directional.

The Ambassador of the Netherlands ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Barbara van Hellemond, at the launch of The Right Stuff, Human Rights Week, a programme set to run until Saturday, in Harare yesterday, urged President Mnangagwa’s administration to accelerate the process of aligning all laws, policies and legal instruments with the Constitution.

She said:“The Constitution of Zimbabwe was made a supreme law in 2013; five years later, many laws are still not aligned to it.

Progress has been made, but it is not enough.

The Netherlands Embassy stands with the United Nations and other international development partners in urging the government to accelerate the process of aligning all laws, policies and legal instruments with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.”

Ms. Mutizwa said: “By the Ambassador urging, a government that is largely not accountable to its people, to uphold the Constitution and respect the rights, dignity and security of all Zimbabwean residents at all times; it is our hope that this pressure will soon yield positive results.

We must accept that our fragmentation as non-state actors has real and constitutional consequences. The voices of Zimbabweans on constitutional and legal matters are not coherent and loud enough for public office bearers to listen.

We have seen that most of our fellow citizens are pervasively illiterate on matters that are of concern to our common future.

I am elated that by the South African Constitutional Court’s ruling that the decision by SADC heads of State to alter the mandate of the SADC Tribunal was irrational, unlawful and unconstitutional.

It is significant that South Africa’s courts are showing intolerance to the gross human and property rights abuses that have characterised the Mugabe and post-Mugabe administrations.

President Mnangagwa has made the right noises on the need to restore Zimbabwe to a constitutional path but the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.

We are yet to see any strong voices from civil society, parliament and the judiciary pushing for the acceleration that H.E. van Hellemond is calling for after five years of the new constitutional dispensation.”

Mr. Elvis Mugari, an activist based in Harare said: “It is really a pity that after 38 years of independence, we do not seem to have any organised constituency for promoting and upholding the rule of law.

The systemic fatalism that has taken root in Zimbabwe unless addressed by us will never allow our country to be an address of constitutionalism.

We now have to rely on foreign people to do what we have to do to ensure that no government can benefit from undermining its own laws.

The mere fact that the drive for Zimbabwe to accelerate its laws with the 2013 Constitution must worry some of us as activists as this speaks volumes about the missing dots in our legal and constitutional ecosystem.

It is unfortunate that some Zimbabweans see citizenship as an act of benevolence from public office bearers not as an obligation by all of us to be guardians of the values we want to see in practice.”

A ZIMBABWEAN journalist has been left hospitalised after he was assaulted by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Tuesday 12 December 2018 while carrying out his professional duties.

Former Highfield legislator, Psychology Maziwisa and his accomplice Oscar Pambuka have been released from prison on $800 bail pending appeal.

More to follow…

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened investigations into how former Harare town clerk Tendai Mahachi and six other senior council officials allegedly siphoned over $1 million through dubious allowances and perks.

While council parted ways with Mahachi four years ago, it has resolved to part ways with two other directors, Tendai Kwenda (finance) and Cainos Chingombe (human capital), while chamber secretary, Josephine Ncube and city health director Prosper Chonzi’s fate is yet to be decided.

A full council meeting on Monday approved criminal investigations by Zacc against city bosses.

Mayor Herbert Gomba confirmed council had given Zacc the green light to probe the matter, although civil proceedings were not yet complete.

“As you may be aware, I was not in council yesterday, but I have been informed that the matter was already under investigation by Zacc and as council, we had to make a resolution to support the probe and help the commission,” Gomba said.

The audit, done by the Local Government ministry in 2017, alleged Mahachi, Ncube and other top directors allocated themselves hefty salaries and allowances without council approval and in some cases, looted public funds.

According to the report, Mahachi and three other senior directors allegedly siphoned $282 000 from council without explanation.

The audit shows that the $282 000 was transferred by Kwenda into personal bank accounts belonging to Mahachi and three other executive members for unknown reasons.

Among the senior managers implicated are former water director Christopher Zvobgo, works director Philip Pfukwa and Chingombe.

Two months ago, the council resolved to dismiss Kwenda, who is currently on suspension and Chingombe on allegations of financial abuse after a disciplinary hearing.

Ncube did not attend the hearings due to ill health, while Chonzi is yet to appear, but remains suspended.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent| MDC Deputy National Chairperson Tendai Biti is set to get his passport back following the successful application by his lawyer to have the travelling document returned.

As the hearing continued this morning, the state agreed to give him back his passport in order to allow him to travel for the festive season and for medical attention.

Biti, is set to travel over the festive season to seek medical attention outside the country.

The final verdict is set to be announced at 2pm Wednesday. — THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY –
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

State consent to Tendai Biti getting his passport back to enable him to travel over the festive season and seek medical attention outside the country #TendaiBiti Trial update

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 12, 2018

The MDC has demanded the removal of Chief Prosecutor, Michael Reza from the National Prosecuting Authority saying threatening judicial officers must be a thing of the past and urged that all trumped-up charges against members of his party be dropped.

Last month, Reza was removed from prosecuting Biti by Takundwa after the MDC deputy chair’s lawyer Mtetwa complained that the lead prosecutor was conflicted, partial and unfair after he filed an offensive affidavit before the court.

Reza and Biti almost came to blows in court after the public prosecutor accused the opposition leader of playing a role in the fatal shooting of six civilians by the army cracking down on post-election violence on August 1.

This prompted Mtetwa to seek Reza’s removal from the case saying he had already convicted her client before the commission of inquiry had finished its investigations.

Yesterday during the trial of Biti, Reza was at it again after erroneously sent a text message to advocate Thabani Mpofu allegedly insulting magistrate Gloria Takundwa who had granted permission for livestreaming of Biti’s case saying such a decision was made without consulting Chief Justice Luke Malaba.

According to Biti’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa the message was directed to the Presidential Anti-Corruption Unit boss Thabani Mpofu.

In the message, Reza described Takundwa as “very brave or very stupid or both”.

“Cde Mpofu, its Reza, how are you? Another strange ruling by the magistrate trying Biti. They applied for live streaming of the case, with cameras and journalists in court and proceedings beamed all over the world. She has just agreed to that without authority of her boss the Chief Justice. She is either very brave or very stupid, or both, kkkk,” the message read.

Mtetwa filed her complaint before Takundwa saying Reza’s message is likely to compromise the independence of the Judiciary by taking orders from the Executive.

The human rights lawyer has since applied to have Reza held for contempt of court.

The State, represented by Jonathan Murombedzi told the court that they will institute an inquiry into the matter.

The MDC also condemned Reza’s utterances describing them as shocking and unacceptable.

In a statement, MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said Reza’s utterances were clearly contemptuous of court and a clear expression of personal interest in the matter.

“The revelation that Michael Reza is questioning the decision by a Harare magistrate allowing journalists to live stream Hon. Tendai Biti’s trial is not only shocking, but unacceptable.

“This is clearly contemptuous of the court and a clear expression of personal interest in the matter,” Mafume said.

“This bias is, however, a reflection of wider challenges within the National Prosecution Authority. The Constitution makes it clear that the NPA must be independent. However, Reza has exposed his bias in contravention of this principle.

-Newsday

A TRADITIONAL healer who used his slot on state-owned television monopoly ZTV to make shocking claims about albinisim has brought both himself and the broadcaster under fire from human rights bodies and activists.

On Monday, Patriarch Nyaude claimed on ZTV that a concoction made from a mixture of dried termites and soil from a pregnant woman’s footprint poured onto a termite mound, followed by some occult incantations turns the human embryo into an albino.

The remarks invited a backlash and by yesterday morning, ordinary Zimbabweans and civil society organisations were breathing fire over the utterances demanding corrective action from government.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) stressed that albinism is only a clinical situation and no longer in any respect associated with witchcraft.

“ZADHR urges the nationwide broadcaster ZTV and the Ministry of Information to publicly factor a observation denouncing the harmful lies expressed by means of Mr Nyaude. In addition, ZTV must air a program devoted to teaching the country about Albinism and the more than a few demanding situations confronted by means of this segment of the neighborhood and the more than a few tactics people and communities can give a contribution to make stronger the lives of this prone crew.

“We call for extra accountable airing of techniques from the nationwide broadcaster. In Tanzania, greater than 90 other folks with albinism were murdered for ritual functions since 2000. The final thing we would like is our inhabitants associating some spirituality or witchcraft, with genetic issues, to not even point out the stigma that can get up from such reporting.

“These ideals and myths stem from incorrect information and lies which can be systematically pedalled to target one particular neighborhood, and it is rather unlucky that the nationwide broadcaster determined to air such perspectives with out a counter narrative from clinical professionals.”

Human Rights Watch Southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga said: “The ZBC TV acted irresponsibly when it aired on the night of December 10 a programme on healing and spirit medium in which one Patriarch Nyaude made outrageous and patently false claims that Albinism is caused by witchcraft.

“It is dangerous for ZBC TV to allow people like Nyaude to propagate their false claims because in countries like Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania people with albinism have been hunted down and killed or maimed for their body parts based on false beliefs that their body parts have healing powers and that their bones glow in the dark.

“A national broadcaster must not be used to perpetuate false and harmful beliefs. We urge the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to urgently intervene and have the ZBC put on air a proper medical expert to correct Nyaude’s falsehoods. If these falsehoods are not quickly corrected, they could lead to harm for children and people living with albinism.”

Mercy Maunganidze director of Zimbabwe Albino Association bemoaned lack of sensitive reporting by ZBC.

“That’s madness, they need psychiatric help. Albinism is a genetic condition that is hereditary from parents. People who say such things must be arrested because we have been trying to demystify these beliefs, but they continue to be perpetuated,” she said.

“The media should play a role in demystifying some of these beliefs, yet they are at the forefront spreading such information. Albinism is not found in humans only, but even in animals, so can that person also explain how the same witchcraft happens to animals. Imagine in areas where there is no access to information and children living with albinism are exposed to such information, what will happen to them? They will be traumatised.”

Zimbabwe Peace Project said Nyaude’s views promote hate and perpetuate stereotyping of people with disability in violation of the Constitution.

“The utterances by Nyaude buttress the mistaken belief that albinism is a result of evil spirits which has resulted in persons with albinism being rejected, discriminated against or killed for ritual purposes.”

NewsDay

Jane Mlambo| In a surprising move that exposes, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s cluelessness on measures to put in place to rescue the economy, cabinet that set yesterday discussed about people purchasing fuel using jerry-cans, can you imagine?

According to Minister of Information, Monica Mutsvangwa, Energy minister Joram Gumbo briefed Cabinet on the state of fuel supply in the country, which he said remained constrained.

“Cabinet noted with concern that some unscrupulous individuals were purchasing in jerry cans and reselling it at extortionate prices to the general public,” Mutsvangwa said.

Cabinet also threatened to scrap off the roll ‘errant’ civic society organisations accused of meddling in politics.

Acting Labor and Social Welfare minister Kazembe Kazembe said the State was worried with how “some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were dabbling in politics.”

“We are not at liberty to disclose the names, but we are warning them and say they must stick to their mandate,” Kazembe said.

“Should these organisations continue with this behaviour, the government will not hesitate to withdraw their registration certificates.”

FORMER President Robert Mugabe’s daughter Bona Chikore is battling Chinese investor TianBao Minerals Industries over ownership of a Mazowe-based gold claim.

Bona, who owns Confidence Mining (Pvt) Ltd, has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking a Spoliation order to stop the Chinese miner from taking over her claim.

In her founding affidavit, Bona who is represented by Chivore Dzingirai Group of Lawyers submitted that Confidence Mining Company was carrying out mining operations at Smithfield Farm in Mazowe after being granted a special grant by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, sometime in 2016.

Bona then installed a gold mill at the farm. It is alleged on December 3, TianBao came with police and threatened to unlawfully take over the gold mill without a court order.

It is alleged TianBao executives and their accomplices said they were politically connected and could do whatever they wished. Bona submitted that TianBao produced a letter which purported to give them authority to evict her from the property.

Bona said the letter was not a court order and does not give the lawful right to evict her. She further said even if TianBao has the mining claims at the farm that does not at law entitle them to dispossess her of the gold mill or interfere with her operations.

TiaBao, which is represented by Ngwerume Attorneys is yet to respond to the summons.

-Newsday

 

Correspondent|seems opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s political career as presidential candidate will be rescued by the most unlikely person: President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The MDC leader’s political career hangs by a thread after key ZANU-PF wings, the War Veterans and the Women’s League, moved proposals to review the minimum age for presidential candidates from the current 40 years to 52. The party wings contend that Chamisa has shown political immaturity.

If adopted by the ruling party’s ongoing annual people’s conference in Esigodini, the ruling party will use its two-thirds parliamentary majority to block Chamisa from contesting presidential elections until at least 2033.

But President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reportedly poured cold water on plans by the Zanu PF Women’s League and the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) to bar opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from contesting in the next two elections.

Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi distanced Mnangagwa from the proposals saying that Mnangagwa would never support such a proposition.

Said Mutodi on Twitter: “Let me make it clear that His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa will not seek to outdo his rival in the last election Nelson Chamisa by increasing the age limit for Presidential candidates.

“Instead, his policies and actions will do the bidding for his next term.”

Government has threatened to de-register civic society organisations which it claims are dabbling in politics and are seen as hostile to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF party, in a throwback to the dark days of former ruler Robert Mugabe.

Acting Labour and Social Welfare minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday read the riot act at a Cabinet briefing, saying the State was worried with how “some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were dabbling in politics.”

“We are not at liberty to disclose the names, but we are warning them and say they must stick to their mandate,” Kazembe said.

“Should these organisations continue with this behaviour, the government will not hesitate to withdraw their registration certificates.”

Zimbabwe had a love-hate relationship with NGOs during Mugabe’s brutal 37 years in power, and he frequently de-registered them, accusing them of supporting the rival MDC party despite relying on them to distribute food aid and maintaining social services which his broke government could not afford.

In April 2007, Mugabe de-registered all NGOs and told them to submit new applications as he sought to weed out ‘hostile’ groups as the country prepared for the 2008 elections.

Five years later, he suspended 29 NGOs in Masvingo, including Care International, citing registration irregularities.

Zanu PF has previously attacked NGOs at its annual conferences too, and after the 2005 meeting recommended a crackdown on NGOs which it claimed were aligned to the MDC.
This year’s ruling party annual conference started on Monday at Umzingwane High School in Esigodini, near Bulawayo.

Mnangagwa has endured a difficult four months since winning a disputed election held on July 30, which regional and international observers noted suffered from a democracy deficit, and revealed a deep polarisation of the country.

Since then, inflation has raced into double digits while the scarcity of the United States dollar, which the country adopted in 2009 after ditching its inflation-ravaged currency, worsened, leading to shortages of basic goods and fuel.

He has also struggled to bring in new investment despite changing the controversial empowerment laws and hosting a series of conferences in Africa and abroad.
Unemployment is seen at around 90% and discontent is spreading among government workers, with doctors in public hospitals on strike for the past 10 days while teachers are marching from Mutare to Harare on foot in protest for better salaries and working conditions.

NGOs were among many local and international organisations invited to observe the July 30 elections, and their opinions were unflattering.

Zimbabwe has nearly 400 registered NGOs, according to local data.

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa also told journalists that Cabinet had discussed the on-going industrial action by junior doctors, which has reached the 10-day mark, and authorities were pleading with medical practitioners to return to work while their grievances were being looked into.

Cabinet, according to Mutsvangwa, ruled that the strike was illegal and said doctors should “respect the sanctity of life”.

Energy minister Joram Gumbo, according to Mutsvangwa, also briefed Cabinet on the state of fuel supply in the country, which he said remained constrained.

“Cabinet noted with concern that some unscrupulous individuals were purchasing in jerry cans and reselling it at extortionate prices to the general public,” Mutsvangwa said.

Cabinet did, however, not discuss proposals by fuel dealers to sell in foreign currency as a way of alleviating shortages.

Cabinet has also approved an increase in wheat prices to $630 per tonne, up from $500 the previous season.

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said Cabinet was, however, encouraging bakers and millers to establish outgrower schemes to ensure productivity and consistency in supply.

-Newsday

 

Jane Mlambo| Deputy Minister of Information, Energy Mutodi has dashed to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa whom he said is not in support of the idea to raise the Presidential age limit from 40 to 52.

Posting on Twitter yesterday evening, Mutodi said Mnangagwa will not seek to block Chamisa through increasing Presidential age limit.

Let me make it clear that His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa will not seek to outdo his rival in the last election Nelson Chamisa by increasing the age limit for Presidential candidates. Instead, his policies and actions will do the bidding for his next term.

— Dr Energy Mutodi (@energymutodi) December 11, 2018

Last week, War Veterans Secretary General, Victor Matemadanda irked the opposition after announcing that former liberation war fighters had agreed to push through a proposal for the Presidential age limit to go up to 52.

The Zanu PF Women’s League followed suit, pushing for the constitutional amendment.

With Mnangagwa appearing disinterested, it could be a major relief to opposition considering that Zanu PF has the numbers to push through the amendment.

Former President Robert Mugabe’s daughter Bona Chikore is battling Chinese investor TianBao Minerals Industries over ownership of a Mazowe-based gold claim.

Bona, who owns Confidence Mining (Pvt) Ltd, has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking a Spoliation order to stop the Chinese miner from taking over her claim.

In her founding affidavit, Bona who is represented by Chivore Dzingirai Group of Lawyers submitted that Confidence Mining Company was carrying out mining operations at Smithfield Farm in Mazowe after being granted a special grant by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, sometime in 2016.

Bona then installed a gold mill at the farm. It is alleged on December 3, TianBao came with police and threatened to unlawfully take over the gold mill without a court order.

It is alleged TianBao executives and their accomplices said they were politically connected and could do whatever they wished. Bona submitted that TianBao produced a letter which purported to give them authority to evict her from the property.

Bona said the letter was not a court order and does not give the lawful right to evict her. She further said even if TianBao has the mining claims at the farm that does not at law entitle them to dispossess her of the gold mill or interfere with her operations.

TiaBao, which is represented by Ngwerume Attorneys is yet to respond to the summons.

-Newsday

 

Zanu PF yesterday said all inter-district meetings held across the country have endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the party’s leader and presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

This is despite the fact that the economy is on its knees due to failure by Mnangagwa’s administration to steer the country forward since the fall of Robert Mugabe last year.

Addressing journalists after yesterday’s politburo meeting, spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said a report by political commissar Engelbert Rugeje showed unanimity among provinces that Mnangagwa would be the party’s presidential candidate in 2023.

“The national political commissar Lieutenant General (Retired) Engelbert Rugeje gave a report on recently held provincial inter-district meetings coming up with resolutions to be presented to the conference,” Khaya Moyo said.

“What was cutting across in all the inter-district meetings was unanimous endorsement of President Mnangagwa as the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. This was common in all inter-district meetings recently held across the country.”

Khaya Moyo said Mnangagwa emphasised that the politburo meeting was aimed at building a consensus on topical issues to be reported to the central committee which is scheduled to meet today.

He added: “Politburo committee member advocate Jacob Mudenda, on behalf of the secretary of legal affairs, presented the draft central committee report page by page covering an array and analysis on all party activities sector by sector including the political, economic and social matters.”

He said about 6 000 delegates will attend the conference and the party had extended invitations to a number of affiliates.

-Newsday

Former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who is facing charges of abuse of office for allegedly parcelling out land illegally, has approached the High Court again, seeking an order to quash trial proceedings and to set aside regional magistrate Hoseah Mujaya’s ruling denying his previous application for an exception to the charges.

Mujaya denied the former minister’s application last week, but Kasukuwere, in his application for review, accused the magistrate of being biased in the manner he has handled his case so far.

Through his lawyers Chinyama and Partners, Kasukuwere filed an urgent chamber application yesterday arguing that Mujaya’s determination on his application for exception was irregular since the charges preferred against him did not disclose any offence, adding his actions were a bona fide exercise of administrative power and authority.

“In the (initial application), I seek an order setting aside a ruling made by the first respondent (Mujaya) on November 29, dismissing my exception to the charges. I also seek the quashing of the proceedings on account of the fact that the first respondent’s ruling was grossly outrageous in its defiance of logic. It simply did not address the exception at all,” Kasukuwere said in his founding affidavit.

“The danger now looms that unless the present application is heard by this court before December 12, 2018, the first and second respondent (Mujaya and Zivanai Macharaga) will want to proceed with the trial even where the weight matters, which are raised in the court application for review, have not been determined and dealt with.”

NewsDay

LOCAL authorities are battling to procure water purification chemicals as local suppliers are demanding payment in foreign currency, Urban Councils’ Association of Zimbabwe president Josiah Makombe has revealed.

The revelation comes after Harare City Council said it had run out of water purification chemicals and was reducing the volume of water supplied to residents.

“Local authorities have been facing a challenge in sourcing water treatment chemicals because suppliers are charging in foreign currency, yet councils do not have that kind of money,” Makombe said.

“What it entails is that because local authorities do not have adequate supplies of foreign currency, they have reduced quantities they buy from local suppliers, but I still have to check with my secretary-general to get full details on the actual state of supplies (water treatment chemicals) in the market.”

Harare City Council’s acting director for water, Mabhena Moyo said the local authority had engaged the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for forex to procure chemicals as all local suppliers had nothing in stock.

“We have reduced the water we are treating because we don’t have chemicals. We have engaged the RBZ but we are yet to get a favourable response. We checked with all our suppliers locally, we don’t have sulphuric acid and we hope that the central bank will help very fast,” Moyo said.

The situation is dire and exposes residents to waterborne diseases.

Already Harare is battling to meet water demand as it pumps 420 mega litres per day against the required 1 000 mega litres.

Last month, there were reports that Bulawayo had run out of the water treatment chemicals with fears that the local authority could be forced to stop the purification of the precious liquid due to foreign currency shortages.

NewsDay

FORMER President Robert Mugabe’s daughter Bona Chikore is battling Chinese investor TianBao Minerals Industries over ownership of a Mazowe-based gold claim.

Bona, who owns Confidence Mining (Pvt) Ltd, has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking a Spoliation order to stop the Chinese miner from taking over her claim.

In her founding affidavit, Bona who is represented by Chivore Dzingirai Group of Lawyers submitted that Confidence Mining Company was carrying out mining operations at Smithfield Farm in Mazowe after being granted a special grant by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, sometime in 2016.

Bona then installed a gold mill at the farm. It is alleged on December 3, TianBao came with police and threatened to unlawfully take over the gold mill without a court order.

It is alleged TianBao executives and their accomplices said they were politically connected and could do whatever they wished. Bona submitted that TianBao produced a letter which purported to give them authority to evict her from the property.

Bona said the letter was not a court order and does not give the lawful right to evict her. She further said even if TianBao has the mining claims at the farm that does not at law entitle them to dispossess her of the gold mill or interfere with her operations.

TiaBao, which is represented by Ngwerume Attorneys is yet to respond to the summons.

NewsDay

The member of the Kgalema Motlanthe Commission of inquiry, the constitutional lawyer, Prof Lovemore Madhuku has dismissed War veterans Secretary General Victor Matemadanda’s proposal to change the presidential age limit from 40 years to 52 years.

Matemadanda has said, “(We) call upon the ZANU PF conference to ask Parliament to amend the age limit of those who can contest on the presidential election from the age of 40 to 52 so that ages for contesting (sic) will be as follows, council and MP, 18 years upwards, senator 40 years upwards, president 52 years upwards.”

But Madhuku called Matemadanda an unrepentant element of the old order. Speaking at a Human Rights Forum in Harare on Monday, Madhuku said:

“The likes of (Victor) Matemadanda are elements of the old order, calling for Constitutional amendment to make 52 years the minimum age for one to qualify to be president. Even Robert Mugabe did not go that far.”

“There will always be elements of old order. Some people feel threatened by change and may want to go back. The New Dispensation keeps being warned that change is dangerous, hence in ZanuPF they are going back to the old order.

“Elements of old regime exist resisting and are change, like someone claiming to be a war veteran who said president minimum age should be 52years by constitutional amendment. Those are elements of the old order. This is the challenge. There are people that believe they have a right to govern and they want to remain in power,” prof Madhuku further added.-Agencies

VICTORY celebrations by a local soccer team in Mutasa ended in tragedy after one player died while several others were injured after a footbridge over Pungwe River in Honde Valley collapsed.

The tragedy occurred as the players were singing and dancing as they crossed the bridge on their way home.

Police confirmed the incident, saying investigations were in progress.

Constructed decades ago, the makeshift Murara footbridge was, according to locals, used by liberation war fighters to cross Pungwe River during the independence struggle.

Authorities have, since then, not build a new and safer crossing.

Deputy Manicaland province police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luxon Chananda said, the tragic incident occurred Sunday evening.

He said the bridge gave-in and collapsed under pressure as players from Muparutsa Academy Football crossed after a soccer match.

The deceased player was identified Francis Mugota of Mabota village, Chief Mutasa.

He drowned after the celebrating players fell into the river after the bridged gave in.

“Muparutsa Soccer Academy had a match with Murara Football Club at Murara grounds. The match ended around 5 pm with Muparutsa emerging as victors,” said Chinanda.

“The Muparutsa team celebrated their victory resoundingly but while the players were in the middle of the Murara footbridge, it collapsed throwing all the players in the Pungwe River.

“Mugota drowned whilst others were injured.”

The injured were rushed to the nearest clinic for treatment while the deceased was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary.

Cops from Ruda Police Station attended the scene.

“As police, we urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution when crossing small footbridge especially during rainy season.

“Most footbridges may not be in good condition,” said Chinanda.

THE 2019 National Budget fails to adequately fund the industrialisation programme that would help revive Zimbabwe’s ailing economy after only $27,5 million was allocated to the Industry and Commerce ministry for the purpose against a bid of $306,1 million, a parliamentary committee has said.

A report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry which was tabled in the National Assembly last week said $102 million was needed to capitalise the ailing State-owned conglomerate Industrial Development Corporation, while $200 million was supposed to go towards special economic zones (SEZ) infrastructure.

The total allocation for the ministry, at $47 055 000 was, however, a 119% increase from the 2018 budget of $21,4m.

“While the ministry is happy with overall allocations to the policy and administration and trade development programmes, the main concern of the committee is on the industrialisation programme which had a bid of $306,1 million, but was allocated $27,5 million,” the committee report reads.

“The major items were $102 million for industrial retooling/venture capital under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and $200 million earmarked for SEZ infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, only $30 million was allocated to the IDC whilst allocations for SEZ seem to have been included in the blanket figure of $41,8m given to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) under the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) vote.”

Zimbabwe imports most goods after its manufacturing industry collapsed at the height of hyper-inflation in 2008 and has since failed to retool. But a shortage of US dollars, the currency Zimbabwe adopted in 2009, has resulted in regular price spikes and shortages of fuel, cooking oil and basic commodities.

“While the need for austerity measures, especially with respect to government is very apparent, more-so is the need to accelerate the industrialisation drive if we are to turn around the economy and steer it towards the achievement of Vision 2030,” the report reads.

While government failed to fully fund the industrialisation programme, the budget Blue Book shows that the President’s Office was allocated $15,7m in 2019 for foreign travel expenses, and $1,5m for domestic travel expenses.

In 2018, the OPC was allocated $17m for foreign travel expenses, but spent $23,1m while for domestic travel, $700 000 was allocated, but expenditure had reached $2,6m by September.

NewsDay

The High Court is today expected to deliver judgment in a case in which Intratrek Zimbabwe managing director Wicknell Chivayo sued the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for US$25 million for instigating malicious criminal charges of fraud against him and frustrating his company from performing its obligations at the Gwanda Solar Power Project.

The civil trial was heard last month and Justice Tawanda Chitapi reserved judgment. The judgment is expected today after ZPC lawyer Mr Trust Manjengwa, who had requested to peruse the record of Chivayo’s bail application in the criminal proceedings, had made his final submissions.

At the hearing last month, Chivayo’s lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri argued that the criminal prosecution of his client was designed to frustrate him and his company from performing their obligations.

He accused ZPC of acting in bad faith, arguing that allegations against Chivayo were meant to create the basis for terminating the deal on the grounds of breach of contract due to non-performance.

It emerged during the trial that ZPC never filed any report to either the police or Zimbabwe Ant-Corruption Commission against Chivayo regarding the criminal charges he is facing. Mr Manjengwa confirmed this while defending the claim.

He acknowledged in his submission that most of the pre-commencement works had been done, saying the geotechnical survey was 82 percent complete, while a third of the land to be used for the project had been cleared. The power company also conceded that the delay in the fundraising for the project implementation was caused by Government’s failure to clear Sinosure arrears. Intratrek accused ZPC of making false allegations of fraud and corruption against both Chivayo and his company, when its procurement team adjudicated and awarded the tender through the then State Procurement Board.

Both parties subsequently signed an Engineering and Procurement and Construction contract of $173 million. Chivayo is seeking an order declaring that the procurement contract Intratrek signed with the power utility valid and binding to the parties. He also wants the court to grant him a decree of specific performance and that the pre-commencement works satisfaction period deemed to have been relocated for a period of 24 months from the date of the order.

State Media

THE High Court has ordered a Bulawayo woman who allegedly defrauded musician Mrs Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi of nearly $100 000 in a suspected illegal money changing deal that went sour, to pay back the money.

Simanga Gwemende of Emganwini suburb allegedly connived with two other women and swindled Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi of $100 000 bond notes before alleging that she lost the money to three suspects — two men and a woman.

She claimed that the three had offered her a lift from Beitbridge to Bulawayo only to speed off without her after they had taken a recess in Colleen Bawn.

Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi gave Gwemende the bond notes so that she could source US$55 923 from the parallel market. Gwemende only remitted US$2 900.

The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Makonese follows a chamber application for default judgment by Ms Ndebele-Sibindi, who was a self-actor, citing Ms Gwemende as the defendant.

“It is ordered that the defendant pay the sum of US$53 023 to the plaintiff as claimed in the summons,” ruled the judge.

He also ordered Gwemende to pay the money with a five percent interest calculated from October 18, 2018 to the date of full and final payment including the legal costs incurred by Ms Ndebele-Sibindi.

In papers before the court, Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi said on October 12 this year, she approached Gwemende who offered to assist her change her bond notes into United States dollars.

“On October 12, 2018 and at the defendant’s request and instance, I advanced the defendant the sum of $100 000 bond notes to purchase US$55 923 and defendant only remitted US$2 900. On 18 October, the defendant agreed to pay US$1 000 daily and signed an affidavit,” she said.

Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi said despite demand, Gwemende has failed and neglected to repay the money.

Gwemende was served with summons on November 6 and she failed to respond within the stipulated period resulting in Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi applying for a default judgment.

Gwemende’s accomplice, Lindiwe Moyo, has since appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure charged with fraud. She was remanded out of custody to December 14 on $300 bail.

Gwemende allegedly ganged up with Moyo and one Amanda Onwuchukwu and hatched a plan to defraud Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi of her money.

They misrepresented to Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi that they were in a position to source foreign currency for her and she gave them $100 000.

It was not mentioned in court papers how the accused person and her accomplices intended to source the foreign currency.

It is however, a punishable criminal offence to illegally deal in foreign currency.

Upon being given the money, Gwemende and her accomplices failed to source the foreign currency and hatched a plan to file a false report at West Nicholson Police Station purporting to have lost Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi’s money to robbers.

Gwemende alleged that she lost the money while bringing it back to Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi who wanted it.

She said she lost the cash after people who had offered her a lift from Beitbridge sped off leaving her behind in Colleen Bawn.

The report was later proved to be false and the matter was reported to the police.

State Media

 

Rural teachers have so far walked
more than 50km following the commencement of their 275km march from Mutare to Harare in a
protest to demand salaries in United States dollars.
Amalgamated Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) President Obert Masaraure recently told the Daily News that 102 protesters will arrive in Harare on December 19 and will camp at the ministry of Finance offices until their demands are met.
The protesters left Mutare on Sunday mid-morning and by yesterday had reached Shamu, an area which is 50km way from Mutare.
The union president said although some teachers experienced challenges during the first lap of the
journey, they are all committed to completing their journey as they want their pleas to be heard.Daily News

Police in Bulawayo have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly kidnapped and raped a three year old girl in Entumbane suburb before dumping her on the outskirts of the suburb.

The minor’s mother went to bath at around 4AM on Sunday and the girl subsequently went to the toilet located outside the house leading to the kidnapping.

The minor was found an hour later during a search by family members and fellow tenants.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.

He said the incident occurred when the victim’s mother was bathing, preparing to go to work. “The child told her aunt that she wanted to relieve herself and the aunt (35) allegedly told her to go to the toilet which is situated outside their house.

“When the victim’s mother later realised that her child was not in bed, she asked the aunt about her whereabouts and was told that she was outside. The mother went out to check for her but did not find her. She quickly informed other tenants and they began to search for her,” he said.

Insp Ncube said one of the tenants found her on the outskirts of the suburb and the child had bloodon her private parts.

The matter was reported to the police. Late last month, Bulawayo police expressed concern over the upsurge in cases of juveniles being raped in the city averaging more than 10 a week.

“Police said some individuals still believe that juvenile sex cures certain ailments. Most of the crimes are said to be committed by relatives and some parents have been accused of concealing the matters under such circumstances.

“As police we’re worried about cases of sexual abuse and we’re appealing to members of the public to help combat the crime. We’re disappointed that we’ve individuals who still believe that juvenile sex cures certain ailments. Juveniles are being raped by close relatives such as uncles, cousins, their mothers’ lovers and tenants,” said Insp Ncube

In 2016, the national chief police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba revealed that 325 teenagers were raped monthly countrywide. – state media

The National Geographic Traveller has named Zimbabwe as one of the 19 must-see tourism destinations in the world in 2019.

Being one of the world’s leading geographic magazines, National Geographic has ranked the country number nine, the highest ranking for any African country.

The remarkable endorsement follows a recent report by Lonely Planet, another leading travel organisation, which listed Zimbabwe as the third destination the world must see next year.
Setouchi in Japan topped the list with the next African country being Eritrea at number 12, followed by KwaZulu Natal in South Africa at 13 and Uganda at 16.

Zimbabwe has emerged as a formidable tourism player globally with abundant business opportunities and wider room for improved viability.

With tourism seen as a critical pillar in the country’s economy and Africa at large, National Geographic says there is an abundance of tourist attractions in Zimbabwe and in its “The Cool List 2019”, it gives space to destinations that entail futuristic cityscapes, modern architecture, pristine rain-forests and rehabilitated wildlife.

In its report, the National Geographic alludes to the issue of change of Government in Zimbabwe and notes how the departure of former President Robert Mugabe has yielded positive gains for the tourism sector under President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

There is also mention of how despite the political and economic challenges which the country is going through, tourists are very safe.

Zimbabwe has also been ranked above the United Kingdom in terms of the world tourism destination safety, the UK Telegraph Travel reported this year.

“As a destination we pride ourselves on our record of safety and peace, which is one of our selling points, and we are happy to be recognised as such.

“The biggest publications have confirmed this and are selling our story the way we want. This will bolster our arrivals,” Zimbabwe Tourism Authority corporate affairs manager, Mr Godfrey Koti, commented.

“We have just come from Turkey as well where we were marketing destination Zimbabwe, a country of remarkable safety and wonders. Being ranked above the UK in terms of safety is a good and great achievement for us.”

The main attractions for Zimbabwe include Victoria Falls and the whole surrounding area, which encompasses the Zambezi National Park as well as the Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Gonarezhou National Park, to mention a few.

Although the country could not make it into the top 20 countries with highest safety and security ratings, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the 2017 biennial Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report published by the foundation, shows the country commands formidable respect in safety terms, way above its developed counterparts.

The level of peace and security is a key factor for the success of the tourism industry.

Travellers are highly nervous and tend to shun places of conflict and those with poor security and safety perception.- state media

Two Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials from Matabeleland South Province are feared dead after a vehicle they were travelling in was swept away by a flooded river.

Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director Mr Lifias Masukume said the incident happened on Monday evening at Mamsisi River bridge in Ntalale, Gwanda South. A search is underway to locate them.

Mr Masukume said Samukeliso Dlamini, who is the Gwanda District Schools Inspector and a Ministry accountant who was only identified as Mr Nyandoro were on their way from Ntalale when the incident occurred.

“I can confirm that there is a vehicle of ours that was swept away by flood waters on Monday evening. The occupants of the vehicle were Samukeliso Dlamini who is the Gwanda DSI and Mr Nyandoro who is an accountant. As of now we don’t know if they are alive or dead because their bodies haven’t been found but a search for them is underway.

“We have alerted the Provincial Administrator who is also the chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit Committee and they have also deployed a team on the ground to investigate. All we can do for now is sit and wait for an update but we are praying for a miracle. Dlamini and Nyandoro had gone to Ntalale to carry out their duties and it seems it started raining while they were on their way back to Gwanda Town,” Mr Masukume said.

Ntalale Ward councillor Coster Ndlovu said the vehicle was found yesterday morning in Mamsisi River, about 200 metres from the bridge it attempted to cross. He said their area received heavy rains on Monday which left rivers flooded. Cllr Ndlovu said the vehicle was swept away and was found by villagers.

“Villagers found a vehicle that had been swept away yesterday morning. When I got to the scene, I found the vehicle lying on its roof about 200 metres from the bridge. The occupants of the vehicle were nowhere to be seen but I suspect they were swept away by the river because the water level was quite high.

“We received rains at around 8PM on Monday and it seems these people who were in the car tried to cross the flooded river and their vehicle was swept away. By afternoon all the water had flowed away and the vehicle which was partly buried beneath the sand was fully visible. As I speak to you I’m at the scene and there is no water in the river, it has all flowed away,” he said.

Clr Ndlovu said the incident had left villagers shocked as they were eagerly awaiting the rains but they were now claiming lives.-state media

Two teenagers aged 16 and 18 years old committed suicide by hanging themselves in separate incidents, over undisclosed reasons.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said the 16-year-old from Silima Village in Mangwe District, Mondli Cheme was found hanging from a tree on Sunday while 18-year-old Great Dube from Gungwe area in Gwanda was found on Monday.

He said Mondli’s body was found four days after he had gone missing.
“I can confirm that we recorded two cases of sudden death where two teenagers are suspected to have committed suicide by hanging. In the first case which occurred in Silima Village in Mangwe, Mondli Cheme left home on Wednesday evening and went to his uncle’s homestead to assist in slaughtering a beast.

“He, however, didn’t come back home as expected. His parents made a follow up with the boy’s uncle and found out he wasn’t there. They alerted neighbours who conducted a search in the area and neighbouring villages but couldn’t locate the boy.

“Mondli was later found hanging by a rope from a tree in a thick bushy area on Sunday by a villager who was looking for his cattle.” Chief Insp Ndebele said Mondli’s body didn’t have any visible injuries.

He said in the second incident, Dube left home in Gungwe area of Gwanda on Sunday morning going to the shops and didn’t return in the evening.

He said he was last seen at the shops at around 12 noon. “His body was found hanging from a tree on the following day by Mr Umphile Nyathi who was coming from the fields. Mr Nyathi was passing by when his attention was grabbed by his dogs who were barking ceaselessly. When he went to check he found Dube’s body,” he said. Chief Insp Ndebele said investigations were underway.

He urged members of the public to seek assistance when faced with challenges and not to resort to suicide as it has never been a solution. – state media

An impromptu visit to Gweru provincial registrar’s offices by the Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, Cde Larry Mavhima has once again unearthed the lethargic attitude still existent in the civil service.

The surprise visit comes after the Minister had witnessed long winding queues for a couple of days and wanted establish the causes.

Servant leadership is what every civil service employee has been tasked to implement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa but it appears this work ethic is yet to be grasped by many.

When Minister Mavhima visited the registrar’s offices, some staffers even failed to respond to the Minister’s inquiries.

“The behaviour of the civil service employees is in direct conflict with what the 2^nd republic intends to achieve and some offices do not even resemble a public office that holds or keeps records of the nation,” the Minister said.

Midlands Provincial Registrar, Mrs Agnes Gambura told the ZBC News that the increase in the number of people waiting to be served by her staff was due to the fault within their operating system since their operations are now digital.

She however assured the nation that everything will be fine and running soon and they will attend to their clients even until after working hours.

Some of the people said they have now spent two days without being saved and some had applied for emergency passports which are supposed to be out within 24 hours but were not sure if they will get them in time.

The government has in the past few years decentralised the issuance of passports to ease the backlog of people waiting for their documents at the main centre in Harare.

-State Media

The government will always prioritise service delivery and will only commit to buying vehicles for ministers once the fiscal situation allows it to do so.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Mr George Guvamatanga says gone are the days when the government would splash on vehicles for new ministers as it seeks to walk the talk in reigning on expenditure to reduce budget deficit.

Mr Guvamatanga said government is therefore still to purchase ministerial vehicles for the new cabinet despite it being its contractual obligation to do so.

“Treasury is yet to fork out a single cent for the vehicles of the cabinet ministers.  We have always maintained that when conditions improve that is when we will consider that,” said Mr Guvamatanga.

Government balanced its budget in September and achieved a primary surplus in October owing to its fiscal consolidation measures.

Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Cde Energy Mutodi says priority is on people, which is why in the month of September government re-directed resources to fight the cholera epidemic.

“We are conscious to the fact that ministers need cars but we can’t purchase vehicles when people are suffering. That is why government stopped buying vehicles for parliamentarians to channel resources towards fighting the cholera epidemic,” Cde Mutodi said.

The comments follow widespread unfounded media reports that suggested treasury had splashed millions on top of the range vehicles for ministers.

-State Media

Correspondent|THE fight for the control of Choppies Zimbabwe between former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and his Botswana counterparts has once again taken a twist like a movie script with the Botswana business partners furnishing the media with copies of letters confirming deposit of dividends worth 7% of their shareholding.

The documents seem to confirm the assertion from Choppies Entreprises that all along the Mphokos while they own 51% on paper, they have been getting dividends worth 7% which is the proper shareholding that was signed by both parties on the onset.

The cover letter from the Botswana based Choppies Enterprise said, “Further to our message sent out on Sunday regards issues at Choppies, we hereby send you proof that we have been depositing funds to the Mphokos through their bank accounts. Attached to this e-mail is one of the deposit statements for the dividends that we paid out to them.”

Chopies Entreprises also emphasised that the Zimbabwe Investment Authority certificates that Mphoko’s daughter Siduduzo availed to the public are simply as merely paper shareholding that was done to comply with the Zimbabwean laws of indigenisation.

“We take note that they have, through one of Mr. Mphoko’s daughters, Siduduzile, sent you what you have described as V11s, simply put, evidence that the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) did register the shareholding arrangement that was entered into between Choppies Enterprises and the Mphokos.

“It is this shareholding arrangement that we have tried to clarify and we hope that we have done justice to the query as to the best of our knowledge.”

In a letter written to media houses in Zimbabwe on Sunday by the CEO of Choppies Enterprises Ramachandran Ottapathu, he alleged that the Mphoko Family own only 7% of the shareholding and the rest of the 44% was given to them so a fulfill the indigenisation laws of the country.

“Mphokos were given the 51% shares in an agreement which allows us to buy back the shares as and whenever we want as part of efforts to comply with the law. We gave them the shares on paper. Their 7% free carry shares was a way of thanking them for facilitating that we set up business in Zimbabwe.” Ottapathu said.

He further reiterated that the agreement they said with the Mphokos allow them to withdraw the 44% allotted to the Mphokos at any time they want to and that the other 7% shares can be bought back at US$1 per share.

Two senior Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials from Gwanda District are reportedly missing after their vehicle was swept away at Msisi river in Ntalale ward 11 last night.

The officials who were coming from Gungwe Secondary School are believed to have attempted to cross the flooded river, resulting in their vehicle being swept away.

The car was discovered this Tuesday morning 150 meters from the Msisi river bridge by a passerby.

Efforts to locate the two occupants have been fruitless, forcing e police to call in its Sub Acqua Unit which will begin e search tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department has repeatedly called for the public to stay indoors and off the road in light of the El Nino forecast.

State Media

Some senior Zanu-PF officials are trying to find a successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa just four months after he won elections, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Ruling party sources said some officials were worried Mnangagwa won’t see through more than one five-year term in office because of poisoning he suffered at a ruling party rally in 2017.

“This group is worried that Mnangagwa might not finish his current term due to the poisoning… and they are thus looking at having a successor in case that happens,” one unnamed source told the private Daily News.

Last year, at the height of ruling party power struggles, Mnangagwa became ill after eating contaminated food at a rally in southern Zimbabwe. His allies accused members from a faction linked to former first lady Grace Mugabe of trying to poison him.

‘Not supporting our president’

While president, Mugabe refused to name a successor and appeared keen to die in office, a situation that led to damaging factional wars that eventually saw him ousted.

The Daily News, quoting Zanu-PF insiders, said former loyalists of the president were “heavily involved” in a search for a potential successor. Other named officials confirmed there were some working against Mnangagwa.

“There are some people who are moving in their own direction, who are not supporting our president within the party,” senior official Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the justice minister, told the paper. “We are saying let the president serve his two terms.”

Victor Matemadanda, secretary general of the influential war veterans’ association, said: “There is no need to talk about succession now because the president is still serving his first term.”

In September Mnangagwa said that he would not cling to power. Under the constitution, he can stand for another five-year term in elections due in 2023.

“Even if the people would love me to the hilt, I will still go away because I believe constitutionalism is important,” local news website New Zimbabwe quoted him as telling US media on a visit to New York.

News 24

TWO Bulawayo residents have taken Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema, police commissioner Godwin Matanga and three police officers to court, demanding US$90 492 in damages over unlawful arrest and assault.

Bishop Moyo (40) and Butho Moyo (63) of Nketa 8 filed their summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Mathema, Matanga and three police officers — Langton Karombe (38), Andile Mahlangu (24), and Sindisiwe Sinyolo (26) — as respondents.

The three police officers are stationed at Tshabalala Police Station.

The complainants alleged that on March 29 this year at Nketa 8 Western Suburb in Bulawayo, police officers assaulted them with open hands, fists, booted feet and knobkerries all over their bodies for no apparent reason.

They were then arrested and detained overnight at Tshabalala Police Station, but were not told the reasons for the detention.

The duo said they suffered severe injuries due to the assault, with Bishop sustaining bruises all over his body and a fractured hand, while Butho suffered injuries all over his body and a fractured leg.

“Plaintiffs’ claim is for payment in the sum of US$90 492 being medical expenses and damages sustained as a result of an unlawful arrest and assault on the plaintiffs’ persons by Karombe, Mahlangu and Sinyolo all members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who were acting in the course and scope of their employment…,” the summons read in part.

“The total sum is broken as follows, first plaintiff (Bishop) US$186 being for medical bills, second plaintiff (Butho) US$136 being for medical bills, first plaintiff US$100 for future medical expenses, second plaintiff US$70 for future medical expenses, first plaintiff, US$20 000 being damages for pain and suffering, second plaintiff US$20 0000 being for damages for pain and suffering, first plaintiff US$10 000 being for loss of amenities of life and disfigurement, first plaintiff US$20 000 for unlawful arrest and detention, second plaintiff US$20 000 for unlawful arrest and detention.”

The duo also demanded interest at the prescribed rate, calculated from the date of issue of summons to date of full payment and costs of suit on a punitive scale.

The duo further said the respondents have been notified of the proceedings.

The defendants have since filed their notice of appearance to defend themselves against the claim.

The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

NewsDay

Own Correspondent|A ZimEye.com reader Desmond Mangwiro has brought to order the ZANU PF Secretary for youth Lewis Matutu on his call for Zimbabweans not to follow Chimurenga Music guru Thomas Mapfumo allegedly for singing against the ZANU PF government.

Matutu went wild on social media celebrating low attendance of the poorly promoted Mapfumo peace concert in Bulawayo over the weekend.

Matutu claimed that people did not turn up at the concert in protest to Mapfumo’s songs that allegedly denigrated the ruling ZANU PF for the economic situation in the country.

“Misguided little tat,” wrote Mangwiro. “When ZANU PF was still an opposition party Thomas Mapfumo was brave enough to sing against the Government of that time. You cant be born yesterday and start defining what a real National Hero like Thomas Mapfumo should sing. You sing for your supper, He sings for the liberation of the whole country.”

Matutu described the legendary Mapfumo as distrustful and divisive.

“Thomas Mapfumo used to be a great musician especially during his early days opposition politics brought him down his shows are now being attended by less than 200 people Zimbabweans don’t support divisive and disrespectful artists,” said Matutu.

This followed an incident at his Bulawayo concert where fans pointed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrayed as Mapfumo sang his popular songs “disaster” and “mamvemve.”

 

Terrence Mawawa|Police in Bulawayo have said that there are very few men who report cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the city.

This was revealed by Bulawayo
provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simnango.
The number of men who report GBV is very low compared to that of women. It is thought that the
major reason for the disparity is the social stigma associated with that since Zimbabwe is a patriarchal society. As a result, most men suffer
in silence. There are reports that police officers laugh at male victims of GBV when they report their cases.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the 16 days of Activism against gender-based-violence,
Chief Inspector Simango said:”
We are encouraging men to speak out.
Only a few cases of gender-based
violence whereby men are abused by
females have been reported.”

HARARE Magistrate Gloria Takundwa on Tuesday 11 December 2018 said she will approach the High Court to seek guidance on how to handle trial proceedings for human rights lawyer Tendai Biti after it emerged that a member of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had allegedly tried to interfere with trial proceedings.

One person died while 24 others were seriously injured after a suspended bridge they crossing failed to sustain their weight and collapsed in Honde Valley.

Eighteen of the 24 who were injured are still admitted at Hauna hospital where they are getting treatment.

The others have already been discharged.

Murara Bridge is a makeshift bridge constructed 5 years ago by the Zimbabwe National Army.

It joins two villages Muparutsa and Samutete.

The bridge collapsed after over 60 people coming from a social soccer match crossed the bridge at the same time.

As a result the bridge loosened a bolt as it failed to contain the weight exerted by the villagers leading to its collapse.

It is alleged the deceased hit his head on a rock when he fell.

Mutasa North legislator Chido Madiwa says the collapse of the makeshift bridge linking the two villages’ needs urgent attention as the volume of water has since increased due to the increased rains.

“The bridge needs to be repaired as soon as possible because people’s livelihood depends on it. It is the shortest route to the business centre where most of them conduct their businesses and if the bridge goes unrepaired it means a lot of families are going to suffer.

“People also risk being swept away by water as Pungwe River is a big river. The incident is a sad one and we are urging people to be cautious at all times as such incidents can be avoided,” said Madiwa.

Hope for the Muparutsa and Samutete villagers now lies in the construction of another bridge.- state media

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) join the nation and the whole world in commemorating this auspicious day, set aside to celebrate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.

This year, marks the 70th year anniversary of the UDHR, and as we celebrate this milestone and commemorates this day we remind ourselves of the basic principles of justice, equality, non-discrimination, inclusion and respect for the inalienable rights which every human being is inherently entitled to.  As ZLHR and the Forum commemorate this global expression of human rights and fundamental freedoms, we embrace the theme for this year #StandUPForHumanRights and reaffirm our commitment to fighting impunity and standing up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves.

We note, with concern that despite its membership of the United Nations and the ratification of several human rights treaties, human rights continue to be under threat in Zimbabwe.  Citizens are confronted with violations of the right to education, right to health care and the right to property. Protections against torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and arbitrary evictions are routinely disregarded. Environmental rights which are crucial for the wellbeing of the next generation of Zimbabweans are trampled upon
and children, the disabled and women continue to face a second class existence despite commitments made to accord them full and equal dignity.

Despite their crucial role in enhancing transparency, good governance and accountability, civil society organisations continue to be vilified and treated with suspicion by the government, and many human rights defenders have faced reprisals for their role in standing up for the rights of others.

The Forum and ZLHR call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to give effect to the guarantees set out under the UDHR, and the international human rights treaties to which Zimbabwe is a party. Specifically, we urge the government of Zimbabwe to:

1. Urgently complete the process of domestication of international human rights treaties in order to make them a part of our law, and ratify the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness as previously accepted;
2. Cease criminalising the work of civil society organisations and put an end to reprisals against human rights defenders;
3. Entrench a culture of constitutionalism by aligning all outstanding laws to the constitution and implementing laws purposively to give effect to constitutional protections;
4. Engender openness and transparency in all government proceedings by making reports generated by all Commissions of Inquiry since 1981 public;
5. Ensure equitable economic outcomes entrenching transparency and accountability in the public finance system as stipulated in the Constitution

Own Correspondent|Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo took to social media to celebrate and taunt critics after former Minister of Energy Samuel Undenge was found not guilty of abuse of office charges yesterday. Undenge was being accused of ordering the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to pay Chivayo’ company Intratek Zimbabwe US$5 million in highly irregular circumstances as the company did not have a bank guarantee.

The highly vocal Chivayo took to social media to remind critics that their perceptions of him were irrelevant as they did not understand the courts of law. Chivayo is now eagerly waiting for the High Court to decide on the $25 million lawsuit which he filed against the ZPC over the whole saga. Writing on social media, Chivayo said

The courts are fair and will deal with each case on merit. The challenge is the state is using BAR TALK as evidence. I was paid 5.6 million dollars based on contractual provisions and I delivered…Come Wednesday Ku High Court I’m optimistic and confident.

Wednesday 10 am is JUDGEMENT DAY for INTRATREK vs ZPC high court 25 million lawsuit….Isu tiri Madzimambo saka MBIRI HAISI YANGU MBIRI NDEYA BABA KUDENGA. Ndaka takura huta hwe NZOU ndikarova tsuro hapana chino buda…

I’m glad this useless court of PUBLIC PERCEPTION is presided over on SOCIAL MEDIA by hopeless idiots who absolutely have no clue or understanding of the law whatsoever…If it all it had convictions and custodial sentences I WOULD BE SERVING 5 LIFE SENTENCES.

I-harare

Own Correspondent|The ruling Zanu-PF’s Deputy Secretary for the Youth League, Lewis Matutu has called on Zimbabweans to boycott artists such as Chimurenga legend Thomas Mapfumo, alleging that they are divisive and disrespectful.

Matutu referred to Mapfumo’s poorly attended show in Bulawayo which he blamed on the musician’s decision to compose songs against the ruling party.

Said Matutu on Twitter,

“Thomas Mapfumo used to be a great musician especially during his early days opposition politics brought him down his shows are now being attended by less than 200 people Zimbabweans don’t support divisive and disrespectful artists.”

Correspondent|Business tycoon Mutumwa Mawere has threatened Genius Kadundure (Ginimbi) over the latter’s alleged refusal to pay the debt he owes to Mawere.

Responding to a Good morning post of Tweeter by Kadungure, Mawere said , “Please can you pay what you owe. I am not the govt of Zimbabwe. My patience is running out.”

Mawere alleges he borrowed Kadungure R340,000 as a business loan and it never came back.

“I paid R340,000 for gas which gas was supplied to his company, Pioneer Gas and delivered to Zimbabwe and sold. After selling, the profit was supposed to be shared with the principal being used to buy new gas. Little did I know I was converted into a bank. He then said it was a loan without security and paid a bit.” Mawere alleges.

He continued: “In the animal kingdom you expect this to happen. However, you expect common sense, reason and logic from human beings.

“A real human being knows what to do when history has its undeniable facts of debt and indebtedness. This is not the spirit of a human being in motion.”

Mawere fumed: “This is just optimizing on social media as a weapon for communicating. No need for sympathy because the message has been delivered.

“Gone are the days of postal mails. We live in the digital age and it is effective and efficient.”