By Paul Nyathi|A ZIMBABWEAN court on Thursday allowed Tendai Biti, an opposition party legislator to attend a crucial continental meeting in Uganda after vetoing a decision by Acting Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi, who had turned down his request for the temporary release of his passport to allow him to travel outside the country.

Hodzi had early this month turned down Biti’s application for the temporary release of his passport, which is currently being held by the Clerk of Court at Harare Magistrates Court as part of his bail conditions, to allow him to attend a crucial continental meeting convened by the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala, running from 19 November to 23 November 2018.

In declining to release the MDC-Alliance party legislator’s passport, Hodzi claimed that Biti is facing criminal charges at Harare Magistrates Court and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was keen to afford him a fair and public trial within a reasonable time as provided in section 69 of the Constitution.

But Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa on Thursday granted an application by Biti for the variation of his bail conditions and ordered the Clerk of Court at Harare Magistrates Court to temporarily release his passport to allow him to attend AFROPAC.

Magistrate Takundwa ruled that the State failed to provide cogent reasons of how granting the application for the release of Biti’s passport would jeopardise the interests of justice.

Magistrate Takundwa said Biti is unlikely to abscond given his parliamentary duties as a legislator for Harare East constituency.

Meanwhile, Magistrate, Takundwa on Thursday also granted an application by Biti seeking the removal of Michael Reza of the NPA as lead prosecutor on the basis that he was biased and unsuitable to preside over his prosecution.

Magistrate Takundwa stated that she had not found anything showing bias on the part of Reza until in his own words he admitted that he had responded in a notice of opposition to an affidavit filed by Biti in the High Court in another matter in a political tone.
Magistrate Takundwa ruled that under no circumstance is a prosecutor allowed to respond in a political manner or assume a political tone in his or her work and that Reza’s conduct fell short of what is expected of a prosecutor in terms of both section 260 and 261 of the Constitution.

Magistrate Takundwa stated that there was a real possibility of bias against Biti if Reza continued presiding over the trial.

Biti returns to court on 10 December for his trial.

Source: ZLHR

By Own Correspondent| A report by the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) said that the military was responsible for the fatal shootings on August 1.

The shootings took place in the afternoon of August 1 after protests over alleged delays in announcing presidential results became violent.

The army had been called in to restore order and reportedly used live ammunition against fleeing and terrified civilians.

At least six people were shot dead while more than 12 others were confirmed injured by police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charity at a press conference held on August 2.

In a report released by ZADHR, state security agents allegedly attempted to destroy evidence of their culpability.

In a Newsday article, the ZADHR’s report reads in part:

“A male (41) who was shot in the chest by soldiers and died on the spot. He was certified dead by a ZADHR doctor at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

However, when the doctor tried to examine the body to ascertain the full nature of the injuries, he was stopped by a suspected State agent and the body was whisked away.

Post-mortem results could not be obtained… Reports by medical personnel indicated that most of the entry gunshot wounds and exit wounds of victims were consistent with those of individuals shot whilst fleeing.”

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned 40 vehicles for the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The vehicles, comprising 35 pick-up trucks and five lorries at Morris Depot were commissioned after the Presidential Graduation Parade.

The 40 vehicles are the first batch from the 109 recently purchased by Government out of 897 vehicles authorised for procurement to the police. The vehicle were bought to enhance the ZRP ’s operations.

In his address at the graduation, the President said government was aware of the need to provide police with resources.

Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Perrance Shiri thanked government for its support to the police saying the realisation of Vision 2030 was dependent on the existence of a peaceful environment.-StateMedia

YESTERYEAR musician Brian Rusike of the Ruva Rangu fame has been dead for nearly two months before his decomposing body was discovered on Tuesday this week at his Gunhill home in Harare where he reportedly lived alone.

Although a post-mortem to establish the cause of death was yet to be done, the family suspect it could have been a stroke or heart attack which happened around September 14.

Brian’s cousin, Kelly Rusike — who said he would not be able to attend the funeral due to work at his base in Spain where he is based said that they have also received such information.

“Yes, apparently they say two months… I’m currently working in Spain so I won’t be able to make it back home in time,” he said.

Brian’s remains were reportedly discovered by a friend who had failed to reach him and had to jump over the pre-cast wall.

Kelly said Brian’s wife, who is based in the United Kingdom, was expected back in the country last night ahead of burial scheduled for tomorrow at his family home in Dema, Seke.

NewsDay Life & Style understands the late Rusike was separated from his wife, who was now living in the UK with their two children.

Mourners are gathered at 14155 Sauer Road in Gunhill, Harare.

NewsDay

Own Correspondent|Over forty people are feared dead after a bus travelling to Messina in South Africa from Bulawayo went up in flames on the Bulawayo – Beitbridge highway outside Gwanda.

The bus belonging to Brooklyn Express burst into flames while in full speed shortly after mid night on Friday morning.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to ZimEye.com claim that at least fifty people could have been in the bus and only a few survived.

Emergency services personnel from nearby Collen Bawn Mine and Gwanda are attending to the incident.

Details on the accident are still coming through…..

Own Correspondent|Prominent public transport operator, Kukura Kurerwa Bus Company is set to lose its fleet of buses in a liquidation auction sale set for next week Friday.

The company put up an advert for the auction in the paper.

This follows after former employees recently obtained a writ of execution to attach the property to recover over $442 000 in outstanding salaries and terminal benefits.

Back in August the company’s director Mr Patrick Nyariri in an interview with Newsday said because of the debilitating economic conditions, the company was struggling and owing its creditors over $2 million which they had failed to pay back.

The company was also indebted to African Banking Corporation to the tune of $1 588 164 plus interest arising from an overdraft facility with the bank which the company, because of the position it finds itself in, is failing to service.

There goes another remnant of our childhood memories…

Own Correspondent|LEADER of the opposition MDC, Nelson Chamisa, has said he will only present himself before the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 shootings if President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputies are also invited to appear before the Commission.

Chamisa’s latest stance follows the decision by the team headed by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe to subpoena him and other top MDC officials to appear before the Commission which is looking into the events surrounding the August 1 shootings in Harare.

Addressing a press conference in Harare this Thursday morning, MDC Secretary-General Douglas Mwonzora has confirmed that Nelson Chamisa, MDC Vice President Morgen Komichi, MDC Deputy Chairman Tendai Biti as well as former ZanuPF Harare Provincial Political Commissar Shadreck Mashayamombe have all received subpoenas calling them to testify before the Commission of Inquiry next week.

Mashayamombe is now an MDC member, having fallen out of favour with his erstwhile comrades in ZanuPF.

Speaking at the press briefing, Mwonzora said the MDC officials will present themselves before the Commission provided certain legal conditions have been met, although he did not clarify the set conditions.

According to Nelson Chamisa, he will only appear if President Mnangagwa and his two deputies are also called to testify.

“Following statements by the army and police generals at the Commission of Inquiry hearings, we’re now prepared for the worst,” Chamisa said Thursday morning.

He added: “The MDC is however prepared to provide leadership to the people of Zimbabwe to enter into Canaan.”

Mwonzora has also rubbished claims by former MDC MP and founding member Gabriel Chaibva who appeared before the Commission this week Tuesday.

“The MDC youths most likely shot themselves playing around with a pistol. They were definitely not shot by the army,” Chaibva told the Commission.

Chaibva, who now leads an NGO called Free and Fair Foundation after “quitting politics”, said he saw youths at the MDC headquarters on August 1 getting drugged by hot substances.

“I saw youths on August 1 in the morning being given “hot stuff” at their party headquarters. l also saw a lot of smoke and l don’t think it was from our normal Madison,” Chaibva said.

“The MDC wanted nothing short of dead bodies to push their agenda after the July 30 elections,” said Chaibva.

Chaibva has also said that MDC youths had a pistol and were smoking “something that is not like our usual Madison.”

Mwonzora has dismissed Chaibva as a disgruntled former MDC Member who has “since joined ZanuPF.”

Claims by the state media that MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has openly described the August 1 protests as stupid have riled political observers.

See below the story that was published by a state run daily paper:
MDC leader, Mr Nelson Chamisa, yesterday described the violent August 1 demonstrations by his supporters as stupid and uncalled for in a desperate attempt to cleanse himself of blame for the post election violence that resulted in the death of six people.
Mr Chamisa made the sentiments during a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Harare in response to an invitation on Wednesday for him to appear before the Post Election Violence Commission of Inquiry after he was fingered in testimonies as having played a part in the violence.
He said it was impossible for him to have incited the violence as he was not aware of the results and waiting for the announcement by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).
This is contrary, however, to Mr Chamisa’s tweets on August 1 alleging that he had won the election and accusing Zec of delaying the
results so that they manipulate them on behalf of Zanu-PF. State media

President Mnangagwa yesterday spoke out against people abusing the democratic space ushered in by the Second Republic saying
such behaviour had no place in the new dispensation.
Addressing a Presidential Graduation Parade at Morris Depot, on the first anniversary of the launch of Operation Restore Legacy that
ushered in the new dispensation, the
President urged people to entrench
constitutionalism and promote democratic tenets.
“The advent of the new dispensation and the Second Republic saw the expansion of democratic space in our country, as enshrined in our Constitution. This culminated in the
holding of peaceful, free, fair and credible harmonised general elections.
“However, it is regrettable that some
retrogressive, unpatriotic and selfish
individuals are bent on abusing the
democracy we now enjoy,” President
Mnangagwa said.
The new dispensation opened up democratic space with individuals and civic groups now openly expressing themselves although some have taken advantage of the openness to engage in violent demonstrations and propagation of hate speech, especially on social media.
He added that the findings of the
Commission of Inquiry into the violence that took place on August 1 would be made public once it completes its work.
“The unfortunate and violent incident that took place in the streets of Harare on the 1st of August 2018, is not only regrettable, but has no place in the new Zimbabwe.
“The Commission of Inquiry looking into the event is expected to complete its work soon and its findings will be made public,”President Mnangagwa – state media

During a media briefing on Thursday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said he discussed the importance of Zimbabwe and the
lifting of any sanctions still in place against the country.
Ramaphosa had talks with European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday. Said Ramaphosa:Zimbabwe is on a path of great reforms. This needs to be supported, as Zimbabwe has turned a corner.
Ramaphosa is in Strasbourg, France on a working visit to the European Union. Fin24

War Veterans in Mashonaland East Province have joined their Mashonaland West counterparts’ quest to recall Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa on allegations of sowing divisions and undermining their patron, President Mnangagwa.

Mutsvangwa also stands accused of alienating himself from the membership of the association after being appointed President Mnangagwa’s special advisor, a post he no longer holds.

War veterans in Bulawayo said the decision required a national executive meeting, while Midlands chairperson Virginia Mpaso said their executive would meet on Monday to discuss the issue.

ZNLWVA Mashonaland East provincial chairman Daniel Sigauke last night said their membership was disturbed by the allegations being levelled against their national chairman and were going to meet over him.

He said it was unfortunate that Mutsvangwa was sowing divisions at a time when the President was working towards reviving the economy.

He said it was unfair that Mutsvangwa would say negative things about President Mnangagwa who was only four months in office.

“As Mashonaland East, we are saying it is unfortunate at this hour; the transitional period where we are working to stabilise things that Cde Mutsvangwa says bad things.

“It is unfortunate that Mutsvangwa says that Cde Mugabe was better after all what we as war veterans went through.

“We were victimised. As a province, we rally behind President Mnangagwa and his policies, mostly because there is opposition and land barons who do not want to expose corruption. He ( Mutsvangwa) is derailing development.

“We have called for an emergency meeting and among other issues, we will discuss Cde Mutsvangwa’s issue,” he said.

Sigauke said if Mutsvangwa said the things being attributed to him, then they consider that as his personal, but unacceptable opinion.

“The President has done a lot to realign the economy and it will be asking for too much to start complaining at this early stage,” he said. Cde Mpaso said they were yet to decide on the matter.

“As Midlands, we have not yet met. We are meeting on Monday and we will also discuss this issue,” she said.

ZNLWVA provincial chairperson for Bulawayo Cephas Ncube said the decision to recall national chairman Mutsvangwa is a national issue, which requires a full national executive meeting.

“This is a national issue and we cannot handle it as a provincial thing because there is a constitution that has to be followed,” he said. “All I can say is that the national executive will take a position.”

Masvingo chairman Ignatius Murindi confirmed that they would meet today (Friday) and a position would have been made by afternoon.

Harare chairman, Hoyini Bhila said while the province had not yet called for a meeting, the general feeling was that most members were siding with Mashonaland West for recalling Cde Mutsvangwa.

He said Mutsvangwa had deserted his fellow comrades and only became vocal when he would have been affected personally instead of fighting for the interests of the war veterans.

“Personally, I totally support Mashonaland West stance. If they (Mashonaland West) made observations, they have a right to recall him. Their observations are genuine and not allegations. It’s unfortunate that when things were bad for the war veterans, Mutsvangwa was busy travelling out of the country.

“He has not been attending meetings. He is someone who always comes out when personally affected. He is ego-centric and always raises issues that have nothing to do the welfare of the war veterans,” he said.

Efforts to get comments from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South Sonny Mguni and Section Ncube respectively were fruitless as their phones were not available.

The war veterans’ provincial leadership comprising the executive, national members from the province and district chairpersons met in Chinhoyi on Tuesday where the resolution was passed.

ZNLWVA provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West Province Cornelius Muoni confirmed the resolution by the war veterans.

He, however, said that the provincial executive was yet to write to him.

Responding to news of the Mashonaland West provincial executive decision to recall Cde Mutsvangwa, ZNLWVA national spokesperson Cde Douglas Mahiya said the resolution remains a desire until the national executive sat and ratified it.

“If it is their desire to recall the national chairman Cde Chris Mutsvangwa, their decision can only be respected if all the other provinces agree. It would have been wiser if they had consulted other provinces. Their desire can only be ratified by a full national executive meeting which the national chairman (Mutsvangwa), who is the only one mandated by our constitution to call for meetings, calls for such.

“It is the prerogative of the national chairman to call for national executive meetings other than those that are already scheduled. As it is now, the Mashonaland West resolution remains wishful thinking. Bear in mind, Cde Mutsvangwa has a High Court order declaring him the chairman of the ZNLWVA until our national congress in 2022 or 2023,” said Mahiya.- state media

Terrence Mawawa|Norton MP and chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy Temba Mliswa has been heavily criticised for literally endorsing the controversial Reconstruction Act.

Mliswa was criticised on the Friends of Shabanie Mashava Mines platform after he had indicated that the Reconstruction Act would remain in place. Under the Act government has
already taken over Shabanie Mashava Mines(SMM) and Hwange Coal Mine.

Mliswa said: “While the Reconstruction Act is a good piece of legislation Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, the timing and implementation is what is put to question. If Hwange is a State indebted company, how many others are they out there and should not the Reconstruction Act be similarly invoked on them for consistency?”

Responding to Mliswa’ s remarks former chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy Daniel Shumba said:”
In terms of the Committee’s diary I started to introspect issues regarding SMM and the Reconstruction Act. This led to my removal from the chairmanship and eventually from Parliament on 18 January 2018.

The Reconstruction Act is Unconstitutional in multiple respects and is being used to expropriate businesses and assets from targeted individuals. SMM, Air Zimbabwe, and now Hwange have fallen victims of the greedy hands of corrupt politicians and their cronies.”

He added :” Parliament has procedures, there are committees that deal with various issues as they arise. You may already know that I am finalizing my Constitutional Court Application to challenge the constitutionality of the Reconstruction Act.”

By Own Correspondent| Bulawayo City Council has proposed mandatory cremation for people aged 25 and below as it grapples with a shortage of burial space in the city.

According to the latest council report, West Park Cemetery is now left with burial space for 200 graves with some councillors mooting the idea of mandatory cremation of young people and double burial in one grave.

The Director of Health Services, Dr Edwin Sibanda, said West Park Cemetery would be decommissioned as at end of October, there was space for only 200 graves.

Other cemeteries are set to be opened in Marvel Township and Pumula South suburb.

By Own Correspondent| Popular socialite Ginimbi whose real name is Genius Kadungure has been arrested for tax evasion.

Ginimbi, who was picked up by detectives at Harare magistrates court Thursday is accused of prejudicing the state of $22 million in unpaid taxes.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development and said Kadungure is set to appear in court tomorrow.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for details.

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC has implored the Kgalema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 shootings to get their answers from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a press statement issued Thursday, MDC President Nelson Chamisa said while the Inquiry was largely unnecessary, the testimonies of some of the leaders’ of the State institutions exposed to the world the absolute disregard of the truth and leadership dearth.

Said Chamisa in a statement:

The Movement for Democratic Change has been following political and economic events in the country. Among other ills, we note with concern the unpalatable suffering of the masses, price hikes and currency shortages. Drugs are now either being sold in US dollars or are unavailable.

Shortages continue unabated and the government continues to intensify the suffering of people by imposing heavy, unjustified taxes.

Further to that, we have noted events at the commission of inquiry into the murder of innocent and unarmed civilians on the 1st of August 2018.

Given the clear constitutional provisions governing the deployment of armed forces in Zimbabwe, the Commission of Inquiry was largely unnecessary. The answers are clearly located in the President’s office.

The testimonies of some of the leaders’ of our State institutions have exposed to the world the absolute disregard of the truth on their part. This is, however, common in largely corrupt, irresponsible and unaccountable governance systems worldwide.

It appears to us that these leaders seem to have temporarily forgotten that these events took place in the full glare of the public and received comprehensive, fair, balanced and uncompromised reporting from the local and international media.

Various media organisations took and aired live footages of events as they unfolded on the 1st of August. The brazen lies and perjuristic testimonies by high ranking state security and government officials have vindicated what we have always said about the culture of our governance.

Historically, we have been at pains to explain how Zimbabweans are living under oppression and subjugation from a captured state. It is characterised by the following;-

i. There is no iota of accountability
ii. There is total disregard of constitutionalism and the rule of law
iii. There is blatant abuse of State institutions
iv. Absence of transparency
v. Total disregard of people’s rights and freedoms

The democratic movement and the People’s Party, we owe a responsibility to the people of Zimbabwe, the region and our international partners to set the record straight in view of the brazen lies being concocted at the Commission of Inquiry. The sole purpose of this concoction is covering up the heinous crime against humanity perpetrated against the people of Zimbabwe.

The MDC wishes to set the record straight regarding –
i. Why the MDC is not participating in the Commission of Inquiry
ii. The history of state sponsored, state sanctioned and state protected violence in Zimbabwe
iii. The founding and existential values of the MDC
iv. The publicly known events of the 1st of August
v. The Vanguard
vi. The internal procedures of the MDC for Party demonstrations
vii. Our rights as enshrined under s59 of the Constitution and the MDC’s commitment to peace
viii. The testimonies heard at the Commission of Inquiry
ix. Relationship between the MDC and state institutions

2) The Commission of Inquiry

The MDC was invited to make written, as opposed to oral submissions to the Commission of Inquiry. That was totally unacceptable to us as it amounted to giving evidence in private.

However, regardless of these preliminary misgivings, the Party leadership met in October to deliberate on the role and work of the Commission and took a well-considered and informed decision not to participate in the proceedings of the Commission for the following reasons.

– The MDC regards the Commission of Inquiry as a perpetuation of the fruitless and wasteful expenditure characteristic of the Zanu-PF government which has brought untold suffering to our people. In any case there is a constitutional commission in the form of the NPRC whose terms of references are dependent on the constitution not a conflicted individual.

– We concur with the common sentiment among our people that the shooting and killing of unarmed and innocent civilians by the military happened in the full view of everyone and therefore what happened is public knowledge which means the Commission is completely unwarranted.

– The Terms of Reference of the Commission of Inquiry suggest a compromised process deliberately calculated not to answer the key and only important question which is – Who ordered the killing of innocent unarmed civilians? The Terms of Reference are clearly calculated to achieve a sinister agenda of imputing the responsibility of the 1 August killings on leaders of the democratic movement.

– The appointment of the Commission appears to be a mere cover-up for government PR purposes rather than a truth and fact-finding process.

– The appointment of some compromised and conflicted members of the Commission casts doubts on the transparency, professionalism and integrity of the both the process and outcome thereof.

– The deployment of the military is clearly and deliberately the prerogative of the President in terms of the Constitution. President Mnangagwa cannot establish a Commission of inquiry to investigate himself. We have precedent from South Africa where the Constitutional Court ruled that where the President is conflicted, he cannot appoint a commission of Inquiry in the matter.

– If the military did not act in terms of the orders from the Commander-in-Chief therefore he was supposed to take action on those members of the armed forces without any need for a Commission of Inquiry.

– If President Mnagagwa did not deploy the military, he was simply supposed to take action on whoever did, thereby acting illegally and in violation the Constitution.

– The proper procedure for appointing of the Commission was not followed which casts doubt on the legitimacy of its work and the outcome thereof. In that the President ought to exercise his powers through Cabinet in terms of the Constitution of which no cabinet was in place at the time of appointment of the commission.

– The police had already pre-empted the Commission by vicariously imputing liability on the MDC for uninvestigated actions.

3) The History of Violence

To those in the know, there is nothing new or surprising about the killing of innocent unarmed civilians by the state. The only difference is that the 1st of August killings happened in front of international cameras.

Zimbabwe has a long and perilous history of state sponsored, state sanctioned and state protected violence against civilians. The MDC and other civic organisations have kept records of these footprints of torture and brutality that Zimbabweans have had to endure.

At each and every turn, the State comes up with flimsy and unfounded allegations to justify harassing and killing citizens for political reasons.

We have seen this established culture from – The mass murders of civilians in Matabeleland in the 80s in what is commonly known as the Gukurahundi

– The cold blooded murder of democracy activists such as Tonderai Ndira, Tichaona Chiminya, Gift Tandare, and others by state security agents who are known but protected by the state.

– The shooting of Former Gweru Mayor the late Patrick Kombayi by known perpetrators who were later pardoned by the head of state Robert Mugabe.

– The brutal daylight attacks of many democratic movement leaders including MDC President Nelson Chamisa.

– The mass and brutal killings of civilians following the MDC electoral victory in 2008 which closely resembles the 1 August killings.

– The forced disappearance of democracy activists such as Itai Dzamara at the hands of the state.

These are just examples of documented state brutality. The 2008 killings in particular, again show how the state behaves in the face of Zanu-PF electoral defeat. There is nothing new about what happened on 1 August.

History tells us that when Zanu-PF loses elections to the MDC, they employ brutal tactics by abusing state security agents to silence dissent and suppress the true expression of the people’s will.

4) The events on the 1st of August 2018

The people of Zimbabwe were quite expectant of a new bright era of transformation, opportunities and prosperity. That hope which culminated in a record voter turnout invariably caused anxiety when it became clear that results were not going to be announced in time to possibly allow for manipulation.

The demonstrations that took place on the 1st of August were clearly neither organised nor sanctioned by the MDC. Ordinary citizens were protesting on their own volition, it was normal for them to have been singing or chanting the name of the people’s movement.

Ironically and for reasons best known to themselves, the Police were permanently stationed at our Headquarters throughout the elections.

What is quite telling is that the police present at MRT House on the day enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the anticipating MDC members gathered at their headquarters. Pictures and videos taken on the day cause an estimation of scores of people including excited and hopeful passersby.

Only after the killings by the armed forces when the town had been cleared was there a raid on the MDC Headquarters primarily targeted at disrupting and collapsing the Party’s internal voter tabulation system.

The killing of civilians and demonstrations on the day in question happened in the full view of everyone.

The demonstrations took place under the watch of the police without any need for the use of force.

Of course the MDC associates itself with the victims and commiserates with those who lost their loved ones in this sad event.

5) The Vanguard

It is clear through the constitution that there is only one army in the country and one police service in the country. These are meant to serve everyone irrespective of party, gender, ethnicity, race or class.

The attempt to paint of a military wing within the MDC is a step towards the State responding militarily to the opposition.

A lot has been said about the MDC Vanguard and that it is responsible for the killing of innocent unarmed civilians on the 1st of August. These are blatant lies and part of a narrative to cover up the evil machinations of the regime.

History tells us that when the state wants to destroy the MDC and democracy activists, it creates stories and blames them for all kinds of ills before unleashing instruments of terror. The MDC Vanguard was a non-violent peaceful youth group that was disbanded in February 2018 following a party decision to that effect.

There is no relationship between the concept vanguard and violence and neither was there ever intention that the Vanguard should be involved in any violent activities.

We must state categorically that the MDC Vanguard was not an armed group. It had no capacity to procure any weapons and neither did it ever have any intentions of having any weapons. Any blame on the Vanguard for the violence that took place on the 1st of August is once again part of this shameless cover up. The Vanguard no longer exists.

The Vanguard could not therefore have brought people into the CBD only to shoot and kill the same.

6) The MDC founding Values

There is also an idea that is being peddled at the Commission that the MDC is some kind of a violent terrorist Party. Again, the MDC reiterates the point that when the Zanu-PF government wants to decimate the opposition with state sponsored violence, it peddles serious allegations.

Since the MDC was formed in 1999 its main objectives were and remain to promote and advance human rights, freedom and good governance in line with Party character as outlined in article 4 of constitution that –

– The MDC is a pro-poor, people-centred social democratic, non-racial and non-sexist movement.

– The MDC is against all forms of violence and does not believe in the use of violence as a way or means of attaining any political, social, economic or religious objective.

– The MDC considers democracy as a core value, to that extent, its policies are to be determined by its membership, and further, its leadership shall be accountable to the people.

– The MDC firmly believes in freedom of speech, freedom of expression and further, the free circulation of ideas and information within the movement.

Above all this the MDC believes in the smooth transfer of power through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means. That is why we have continued to participate in a series of blatantly manipulated elections as rightly reported by all credible observer missions.

We have sought legal recourse when in fact it was illogical to do so. We have sought dialogue with our erstwhile oppressors. That has been the life and character of the MDC in the face of brutality of suppression.

Internally, any of our members who have been fingered in any activity that violates the core values of the MDC has been disciplined by the Party. There are numerous examples of such cases.

Pretending that the MDC is a prohibited organisation that harbours terroristic ambitions is absolute nonsense and must be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.

– The MDC is by far the biggest political party in Zimbabwe.
– The MDC control 28 out of 32 Urban Councils.
– The MDC has 88 parliamentarians in the National House of Assembly alone
– The MDC President received more than 2 million votes across the country and that is more than any other candidate for that matter.
– The MDC was in Government from 2009 to 2013.
– Despite winning elections that were stolen, the MDC has never resorted to any violent take over.

We have struggled to maintain a democratic party in very difficult circumstances but we continue to do so.

7) The nature of MDC Demonstrations

There is an attempt by others at the Commission of Inquiry to try and attribute the demonstrations of the 1st of August to the MDC. For the avoidance of doubt, the MDC would like to make it clear that the Party did not organise any demonstrations for the 1st of August.

Equally so, it is undeniable that the young and urban people of this country see their future under an MDC government. Most importantly, it is common sentiment that Zanu-PF was working with ZEC to manipulate the election. Therefore the people who would demonstrate would invariably be those that are tired of poverty and oppression and therefore associating themselves with the MDC vote.

When the MDC organises demonstrations a certain process is followed –

– The organ that wants the party to demonstrate proposes the issue through the Secretary General’s office
– The Secretary General tables the matter before the standing committee
– In some cases the issue goes up to the NEC and the NC
– When a decision is taken by the Party it is referred to Party administrators to address the administrative issues which includes notifying the police

This is a rigorous internal process. No single individual gathers people for a demonstration in the MDC. That is why:

– Our demonstrations are always peaceful
– They are attended by hundreds of thousands yet not even one flowerbed is trampled on
– Party leadership always lead from the front
– No one is injured
– No property is destroyed

In this sense, it is mischievous and largely dishonest to ascribe the few hundred demonstrators of the 1st of August to the MDC. When the MDC demonstrates, it does so after following through a rigorous internal process. There is always public notification and meticulous organising.

In fact, the MDC through its Secretary-General, had warned of possible spontaneous reactions if ZEC would not urgently release results which were already in its possession.

It is therefore clear that the main cause of the demonstrations was the anxiety that was created by ZEC’s failure to manage the electoral process to the satisfaction of the electorate.

8) Section 59 Rights and the MDC’s commitment to peace

After all is said and done, it must not be forgotten that the people of Zimbabwe have rights enshrined under the constitution. Section 59 of the Constitution clearly states that “every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions …”

The MDC is committed to holding authorities accountable to the dictates of our Constitution and the law. In view of this, we are committed to exercising our democratic right to demonstrate in a peaceful manner as required by the constitution.

We are the agents of peace, we have always shown. We will continue to pursue our peaceful and democratic means to end the oppression and suffering of our people, regardless of the lies and mechanisations of this Commission of Inquiry.

9) Commission of Inquiry Testimonies

We have followed the testimonies presented at the Commission of Inquiry. Although the Party maintains its reservations about the legitimacy of this Commission of Inquiry, we have certainly been moved by witnessing the most untouchable State officials appearing before the Commission despite earlier signs of resistance.

One thing we must all learn going forward is that no one is above the law.

However, the wanton and shameless lies by full grown and respectable men and women we have witnessed shows that Zimbabwe has a serious dearth of leadership.

– The bare denials by the army Generals that soldiers did not shoot civilians is shocking.
– The lie that civilians had already died before the military arrived is sad.
– The fabrication that the MDC youths are armed is absolute nonsense.
– The narrative that the kneeling soldier who was slapped by his superior was shooting into the sky at 45 degrees is quite embarrassing.
– The further narrative that he was being slapped to shoot from a standing position assumes that Zimbabweans are stupid.
– The estimation that there were about 25 000 demonstrators betrays logic.
– The narrative that demonstrators shot civilians with rifles is nonsensical.

10) Relationship between the MDC and State institutions

The MDC wishes to clarify an important issue regarding its existence and the agenda thereof. The MDC is a democratic political party in terms of the laws and the constitution of Zimbabwe.

The Party participates in elections to occupy the democratic space and offer the people a new democratic order with transformation opportunities and prosperity.

The MDC was not formed to fight State institutions. In fact, we are always cooperative with all State institutions including institutions such as ZEC that have shown bias in total disregard of the law and the constitution. After all, we are already in government by virtue of our presence in Parliament and the fact that we control the majority of local authorities in the country.

We report all our cases to the police. We approach the courts of our land for legal recourse. No terrorist organisation holds rallies and campaigns.

When we participate in elections, we do not do so to fight state institutions such as the army, the police and others. We do so to compete against other political parties to sell an alternative agenda to the people. State institutions exist beyond political parties, therefore there is absolutely no ground for the cat and mouse relationship between the MDC and state institutions.

State institutions are there to serve the people not to work against the people. They must be prepared to accept the people’s will and not conflate themselves into political formations lest they become instruments of political repression.

Most importantly, the propaganda that the MDC seeks to negate the gains of our liberation struggle is an old and discredited story. We are the solution to the challenges facing this country. It is only the MDC which seeks to preserve the freedom and independence inherited from our forefathers.

We are not trying to fight the army or the police or the judiciary. We are competing for political space to provide the country with better political leadership.

11) Conclusion

The MDC would like to clearly state that it is a non violent party which wants to take power through peaceful and democratic means. It has always pursued dialogue in resolving key national issues. It has laid out its national programme through a five point plan. The MDC feels vindicated as the world gets a first-hand account of our crisis.

It is the people who are sovereign.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!

By Own Correspondent| There was drama at Rotten Rown court (Thursday) as controversial businessperson and socialite Wicknell Chivayo and Genius Kadungure were arrested on their way out of court.

The duo were picked up by detectives soon after appearing in court to answer to a fraud case in which they allegedly swindled Chegutu West legislator, Dexter Nduna.

It was not clear on why the two were picked up by police.

However, Chivayo was last week implicated in a $10 000 bribery case that resulted in the arrest of a Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) employee Nyasha Kazhanje.

Independent legislator for Norton, Temba Mliswa said Kazhanje was supposed to be arrested together with Chivayo as they both committed a crime.

Said Mliswa:

“Whilst Kazhanje (former ZPC Chair) was arrested on allegations of receiving a $10k bribe from Chivayo, isn’t corruption two ways unless it’s a set up? What of the one who proffered the bribe?”

This is a developing story.

Refresh this page for updates.

Terrence Mawawa|Health and Child Minister, Obadiah Moyo has warned that pharmacies that are demanding US dollars for the purchasing of drugs risk losing their operating licences.

Speaking during a question and answer session in the Senate today Moyo has said the government will launch a headhunt for defiant pharmacies that continue to demand United States dollars for the purchasing of drugs despite the scarcity of the greenback.

“We have received reports about pharmacies that are demanding payment of drugs in US dollars. That is totally unacceptable.

Our message is very clear, we expect retail pharmacies to cooperate with us in our quest to ensure the affordability of drugs,” said Moyo.

Chronically ill patients are struggling to purchase essential drugs as a result of the biting shortage of foreign currency.

Terrence Mawawa|Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo has revealed that the government is making frantic efforts to expose unscrupulous pharmacies that that are selling drugs at exorbitant prices.

Speaking in the Senate today Moyo claimed pharmacies were allocated foreign currency by the Reserve of Zimbabwe to purchase drugs.

Moyo has said it is unfortunate to note that pharmacies are demanding US dollars yet they are supposed to embrace all the payment methods that have been approved by the Central Bank.

“Sadly pharmacies are misusing the foreign currency they have been allocated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Their claims do not hold water because they are abusing the foreign currency they were given by the Central Bank.

We are therefore in the process of compiling a list of such unscrupulous pharmacies and as I have already indicated, appreciate action shall be taken against them,” Moyo said.

Terrence Mawawa|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that his party is in possession of arms of war.

Addressing a news conference at Morgan Tsvangirai House today Chamisa has said his party does not have arms of war but arms of love instead.

“Even if they arrest me, they will not arrest the will of the people. We don’t have any arms of war, we have arms of love,” said Chamisa.

“You are saying because I contested you, you want to punish me -we have deep seated divisions in this country, which cannot be addressed by this toomfoolery,” added Chamisa.

He also dismissed claims that the attempt to abduct him was a stage managed event.

Terrence Mawawa| MDC A leader Nelson has dismissed claims that his party is insinuating sinister motives meant to unseat Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s government.

Addressing a news conference at the party HQ today Chamisa said: ” Where have you seen a terrorist organisation which has its headquarters in the city centre ?We are not like Boko Haram, we don’t operate from the mountains. We operate from Parliament and local government. We are the government in local government. A terrorist organisation cannot hold rallies.”

He added:”If they call me they must call Mnangagwa, Chiwenga and Mohadi. Why must I go alone ? In fact , ED is very lucky that he has a democrat across the isle. Why, because he believes that our nation is more important.Our founding father Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested many times, even my role model Jesus Christ.”

Is this the late Vice President Simon Muzenda clad in his check-check fashion blast? – Not at all: it is none other than the Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba pictures aside the UK based Ray Murov. – WHAT DO YOU THINK HE IS SAYING?

By A Correspondent| ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for an urgent cabinet meeting.

This was revealed during the Senate session Thursday afternoon.

The Senate President announced while addressing Senators.

She said ” They (ministers) have just received messages that there is a cabinet meeting.”

As a result the Senate building was suddenly deserted Thursday afternoon. SEE PICTURE BELOW…

Cabinet in urgent crunch meeting, as Senate adjournes proceedings following the departure of ministers from the House pic.twitter.com/yiV3sZQAjO

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 15, 2018

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

ZimEye could not obtain the exact time the meeting will end . – THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY – REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE UPDATES

https://www.facebook.com/story.ZimEye/vudeos/1997413717017942

By A Correspondent| Below is a letter of a request made by the chairman of the 1 August violence Commission, Kgalema Motlanthe to MDC President Nelson Chamisa.

In the letter, Motlanthe says the “request” is due to the fact that Chamisa has been named as having incited violence. But Motlanthe has not made a similar request for his boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa and deputy Constantino Chiwenga who have been named for making clear declarations of intent to commit violence in order to reinstall Mnangagwa to state house.

POST ELECTION VIOLENCE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY 2018
to be addressed to the “SECRETARY”
14 November 2018
Dear Sir

RE: COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO POST ELECTION VIOLENCE WHICH OCCURRED IN ZIMBABWE ON THE 1ST OF AUGUST, 2018.

In the course of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry Into the 1. of August, 2018 Post Election Violence and hearing of testimony from witnesses, you name was mentioned among those who played a part in inciting the violence of 1st August 2018.

The Commission considers it fair and just that it should have the benefit of your comments and, accordingly, is inviting you to come at your convenience on 21 November, 2018 to share your views before concluding its proceedings.

Your cooperation in this regard would be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely.

For: Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe

Chairman of the Commission

The 1 August military massacre Motlanthe Commission has invited MDC President Nelson Chamisa to give testimony before it next week Wednesday.

Chamisa has been invited based on reports that he incited the violence which occurred on August 1.

The violence was quelled by the police and moments later the military descended into town and began shooting innocent civilians. They killed 7 unarmed civilians . The letter written to Chamisa reads “In the course of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry into the 1st of August, 2018 Post Election Violence and hearing of testimony from witnesses, your name was mentioned as among those who played a part in inciting the violence of 1st August, 2018.

“The Commission considers it fair and just that it should have the benefit of your comments, accordingly, is inviting you to come at your convenience on 21 November 2018 to share your views before concluding its proceedings. Your cooperation in this regard would be highly appreciated.”

Speaking on the development, Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda said, “when a Commission of Inquiry, that is instituted by a potential player, sits and listens to demonstrably false claims by top army officers, subpoenas no documents or evidence from them, then threatens to subpoena President Chamisa then bad intentions are declared.”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is set to hold a press conference this morning at the party’s headquarters, Morgan Tsvangirai House.

The presser comes a day after the party’s highest decision making body the National Standing Committee yesterday met at the same venue.

ZimEye will be livestreaming the presser on our facebook page.

Refresh this page for latest updates

Correspondent|A number of international journalists who covered the July 30 harmonised elections have reacted with disbelief to claims by Zimbabwe generals that their soldiers shot and killed anyone on the 1st of August. At least six people died after soldiers used live bullets to quell a protest by opposition supporters which had turned violent.

However, appearing before the Commission Of Inquiry which is investigating the events of the day, Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda and Commander Presidential Guard and National Reaction Force, Brigadier General Anselem Sanyatwe categorically denied that any soldier disobeyed orders and shot into the protestors. General Sanyatwe even claimed that a soldier who was captured on video kneeling was actually doing so to avoid missiles and that he fired into the air as his gun was at a 45-degree angle.

This astounded a number of journalists who covered the events first hand. Washington Post Africa Bureau chief Max Bearak wrote,

For Zim generals to claim the opposition is culpable in Aug 1 shootings is an extraordinary lie. Maybe not their faction — but in the moments after the video, I took below, the soldiers you see shot 2 men next to me, one in the arm, other’s penis blown off.

Jason Burke the Africa Correspondent of The Guardian, said

Zimbabwean generals deny troops shot and killed 6 protesters. Which is just extraordinary. I was there, and took cover as soldiers, yes, military servicemen with automatic weapons, opened fire, then cleared streets at gunpoint.

The Financial Times’ Southern Africa correspondent Joseph Cotterill also said,

I happened to see this soldier (from the well-known picture) from behind during that moment of the August 1st shootings in Harare. I didn’t see stones being thrown at him.

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police will be stepping up police highway patrols in a move aimed at reducing road carnage.

This was said by Minister Of Information and Publicity Monica Mutsvangwa.

Speaking during a news briefing after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said:

“Cabinet expressed grave concern over the recent road traffic accident which took place near Rusape and which claimed 46 lives. To minimise such painful occurrences and alleviate the plight of road traffic accident victims, Cabinet called for greater enforcement of the use of integrated traffic management systems and increased highway police patrols.

According to the law, drivers of public passenger vehicles are required to go for defensive driving examinations and re-testing after every two years.”

Police had in recent years, maintained a high presence on the country’s roads. However, the police were accused of demanding bribes from drivers at the numerous roadblocks which had become an eyesore and a hindrance to the free flow of traffic.

Police roadblocks were reduced after former President Robert Mugabe was overthrown in a military coup last year and replaced by the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa.

By Own Correspondent| Civil society groups here have blasted the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe National Army top brass for presenting misleading testimonies to the Kgalema Motlanthe led 7 member Commision of Inquiry into the August 1 post election violence.

The police chief Godwin Matanga absolve the army from the accusation of shooting at fleeing civilians on August 1.

On the other hand, the military blamed the MDC for the heinous crime.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, said in a statement:

“As CIZC, we maintain that truth-telling processes require sincerity and denialism perpetuates a fractured society. We have also noticed conflicting statements from the police and top army brass with a senior police officer seemingly blaming the army for the shootings.

We note an apparent attempt to blame the opposition, business and ordinary citizens for the shootings and this will likely lead to a witch-hunt that will see continued persecution of hundreds of activists that were arrested in the aftermath of the August 1 killings on false charges.”

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa says he is unfazed by threats of arrest by the police and will continue to do his party work as usual.

This comes after the acting officer commanding (crime) Harare, Detective Chief Inspector Edmore Runganga early this week told the commission of inquiry into the August 1 shootings led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe that the police would soon arrest Chamisa for allegedly inciting his supporters and ordinary Zimbabweans to protest.

Runganga said police were still clueless on who was responsible for the shooting that claimed six lives when members of the Zimbabwe National Army fired live ammunition in a bid to quell post-election violence, but plan to arrest Chamisa for “causing” the demonstrations.

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga also told the commission that the police planned to arrest Chamisa “soon”.

“He can be arrested any time soon. The evidence is there, the documents are there, crime does not rot like meat, he will be arrested,” he said on Monday.

But Chamisa retorted yesterday, telling NewsDay that his hands were clean.

“I have clean and harmless hands. I am, however, equally concerned that police want to link my statements at rallies and calls for electoral reforms to the violence that occurred on August 1,” Chamisa said.

“My statements are known and are in the public domain and they are not in any way related to the unfortunate development of August 1.”

Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda also said his principal was not moved by the threats of arrest and would continue with his work as the leader of the party.

“He is not moved. He will continue to do what he knows best,” Sibanda said.

Earlier on while making a presentation at Hudderfield University in United Kingdom on the History and Outcomes of World Tyrants, Sibanda said Mnangagwa would have crossed the Rubicon if he arrests Chamisa.

He said Mnangagwa was one of the many world leaders who have resorted to use of violence, torture and harassment on opposition supporters.

Sibanda said threats to arrest Chamisa all but show that Mnangagwa wants to maintain his position in that “premier league”.

He said Chamisa was briefed three months ago that Mnangagwa was planning to nail innocent people for his political gains.

“Even by Mnangagwa’s own standards that he set throughout his life, of impunity, disrespect of the law, he will be crossing the Rubicon if he decided to arrest president Chamisa,” Sibanda said.

“He will be crossing the Rubicon. He will certainly be visiting no-man’s land to be so reckless as to arrest the leader of the largest opposition political party in the country.”

Sibanda said Chamisa had always committed to dialogue, not violence, and would not be deterred by threats, especially when he knows he hasn’t committed any crime.

— NewsDay

Paul Nyathi|ACTING Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi has turned down a request by Tendai Biti, an opposition party legislator, seeking the temporary release of his passport to allow him to travel to Uganda to attend a crucial continental meeting convened by the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC).

Biti, the legislator for Harare East constituency had through his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa written to Hodzi applying for the release of his passport to allow him to attend AFROPAC’s 3rd General Meeting and Conference in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala, running from 19 November to 23 November.

The Clerk of Court at Harare Magistrates Court is currently holding Biti’s passport as part of his bail conditions in a matter in which he was arrested in August 2018 and charged with contravening the country’s electoral laws.

The request for the release of the passport came after AFROPAC invited Biti to attend the meeting and conference in his capacity as Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to which Kennedy Chokuda, the Clerk of Parliament formally accepted the invitation and communicated the list of legislators who would be attending to the Secretary-General of AFROPAC.

As Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Biti will be the leader of the Zimbabwean delegation of legislators attending the AFROPAC meeting and conference.

Mtetwa said as a former Finance Minister during the coalition government, Biti’s attendance at such a crucial continental meeting would be valuable to the Public Accounts Committee that he chairs and would compliment government’s position to zero tolerance for corruption, lack of accountability by public officials and the profligacy that has generally afflicted public sector spending.

But in response to Biti’s request, Hodzi turned down the MDC-Alliance party legislator’s application for the temporary release of his passport on the basis that he is facing criminal charges at Harare Magistrates Court, where on Monday he challenged the suitability of Michael Reza of the National Prosecuting Authority as the lead prosecutor. Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa will on Thursday hand down her ruling on Biti’s application.

Hodzi claimed that the NPA was keen to afford Biti a fair and public trial within a reasonable time as provided in section 69 of the Constitution and hence the temporary release of his passport would interrupt his trial and is likely to jeopardise the criminal proceedings in his case as he doesn’t know how long it would take to finalise it.

Matabeleland chiefs have written a petition to President Emmerson Mnangagwa bemoaning their alleged economic marginalisation which they said should be corrected under the new dispensation.

In the petition, Avoca Filabusi Communal lands chief, Vezi Maduna-Mafu, noted that locals in most Matabeleland regions including Hwange, Lupane, and Binga, among others, are excluded in developmental projects which are supposed to benefit them and their communities.
Mafu noted that the marginalisation dates back to as early as 1981 when the Gukurahundi genocide occurred but has now transformed into economic genocide.
He urged the president to create a commission that is not the National Peace and Reconciliation commission (NPRC) to look into the Gukurahundi genocide which he feels is the root cause of Matabeleland locals’ problems.
“Appoint a new commission which is separate from the NPRC to specifically handle the 1981 to
1987 Ndebeles’ genocide/Gukurahundi,” Mafu
said.
He pointed out that government has been turning a blind eye on the issue yet most people still have unhealed wounds.
The Filabusi leader added that as chiefs, they have been trying to have an interface with Mnangagwa to lodge their complaints but were
blocked.
“All these points, if taken into account, make it very difficult to directly engage in dialogue over
the 1981 to 1987 Ndebele massacre/
Gukurahundi as these points clearly indicate a sign of no sincerity over the past unhealed wounds.Daily News

Correspondent|OPPOSITION party MDC president Nelson Chamisa has claimed that state security agents gave his wife’s car a high-speed chase as she was driving home last Friday.

“Some eerie figures gave high-speed chase to my wife’s car last Friday,” Chamisa said in an interview with a Daily News journalist. “They play with people’s lives; I will reveal all this on Monday when I hold a press conference.”

However, when Monday came, no mention of Chamisa’s wife’s high-speed chase was done by party spokesperson Jacob Mafume.

At the press conference, Mafume made no mention of Chamisa’s wife ever being chased. Mafume only addressed the issue of Chamisa’s alleged kidnap which he said happened on Saturday evening while his convoy was entering Harare from a Marondera rally.

Chamisa claimed there was an attempt by military intelligence agents with the help of British secret service to kidnap him in Ruwa.

“A minimum of eight armed men follow me at any point in time,” Chamisa claimed on Monday in a Twitter post.

The government disputed Chamisa’s version of events, with the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa dismissing the incident as pure road rage between Chamisa’s security detail and a private citizen who was merely driving behind the opposition leader’s convoy.

“Where have you seen a witch who acknowledges their act, or a thief who acknowledges his loot?” Chamisa asked the Daily News reporter.

He said the government was in the habit of denying everything, as they did with Gukurahundi and other human rights abuses.

“What do you want them to say” Chamisa asked rhetorically. “That’s the normal statement with them. You bewitch and deny.”

Manicaland provincial education director (PED), Mr Edward Shumba, confirmed to The Herald that five boarding schools in the province are seeking permission to either increase boarding fees or close early citing dwindling food supplies due to
shortages and high prices.
Two of the schools are Marange High and Mutare Girls’ High. He said schools can only increase tuition fees after agreeing with parents and then send their request to his office for approval. He said schools can only increase fees temporarily.
Said Shumba: “Schools should agree with parents first then write a request to my office for approval, but this must be just for the remaining days of the term and not a permanent feature.
Private schools such as Hillcrest, which have since requested parents to top up on school fees.”The Herald

In an interview at the close of the 67th East, Central and Southern Africa (ECSA) Health Community (Ministers of Health conference) in Victoria Falls yesterday, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro said pharmacies must not demand foreign currency because they are buying from Government using swipe.

Said Mangwiro:”Drugs are still a problem but the situation is improving because we have moved to capacitate NatPharm to sell
to private pharmacies and also supply Government health facilities with drugs.

This will allow patients to get drugs at a much cheaper price and there is no need for pharmacies to demand foreign currency because they
are using Real Time Gross Settlement or swipe to pay for the drugs at NatPharm. We have said NatPharm should import and distribute.”

Responding to Government’s directive, Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe spokesperson Mr Portifa Mwendera said they have not received adequate foreign currency
allocations.Chronicle

A British journalist who was present before, during and after the on 1 August massacre by the military in Harare explains that the so-called protesters who exchanged a stick and teargas battle with police officers dispersed way before soldiers had arrived, and when the military eventually traveled to the area, there was no need for intervention and no protesters in sight. Instead of some riot management work, solders suddenly unleashed automatic fire on innocent shopppers in the central business district.

The account family coincides with LIVE footage ZimEye.com presents.

The Guardian has its own footage from the cruel incident that sawat least 7 people killed.

Last night, another witness, Annah Mubaiwa speaking LIVE on ZimEye.com revealed she was physically inside TV Stores And Hire that afternoon. SEE VIDEO BELOW:

Meanwhile, Guardian journo, Jason Burke wrote of the ongoing commission which this week saw senior officers testifying.

But the senior officers’ testimony, made on Monday, contrasts markedly with the recollection of many witnesses to the violence, which followed scattered confrontations between police and protesters from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) angered by alleged electoral fraud.

The Guardian reveals it: was present before and during the shootings, which occurred as a small number of protesters carrying stones and sticks clashed with riot police armed with teargas and water cannon.

The protesters appeared to be dispersing when the police suddenly withdrew. After a short time, soldiers could be seen moving through the streets of the market area in central Harare pointing their weapons at shoppers, office workers and others. Volleys of automatic fire could also be heard. The Guardian saw patrols of soldiers clearing away panicked pedestrians at gunpoint. The pedestrians fled the area.

TV footage shows soldiers firing repeatedly in the direction of civilians.

Continual and intensive fire from automatic military grade weapons ceased when the streets were almost deserted. Armoured military vehicles appeared shortly afterwards.

Both Sibanda and Sanyatwe suggested that the violence was caused by armed supporters of the opposition.

They provided no evidence to back up the charge, which has been denied by the MDC.

David Coltart, a co-founder of the MDC, said the generals’ denials were “ridiculous”.

Zanu-PF has resolved to recall two Chiredzi Town councillors for violating the party’s constitution after they were found guilty of consorting with MDC-Alliance councillors to elect a council chair from the opposition, despite the ruling party enjoying numerical advantage in council.

The ruling party, which controls four wards in Chiredzi town to the MDC-Alliance’s three, with one more ward under the control of an independent candidate, surrendered the Chiredzi town council chairmanship after its candidate Clr Blessing Mazinyane lost to the MDC-Alliance’s Gibson Hwende by five votes to three.

Clr Hwende’s victory meant that some ruling party councillors voted for him instead of their party’s preferred candidate.

The Zanu PF Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) at the weekend resolved to recall Cllrs Obert Ngwenya (Ward 2) and Josphat Nzombe (Ward 8) after they were found guilty of having violated the party’s constitution by working with the opposition in Chiredzi Town Council. The decision to recall the pair now awaits approval of the zanu-pf National Disciplinary Committee.

If the committee upholds the Masvingo PCC’s decision, the party will inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, paving way for council by-elections in the two wards.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial spokesperson Cde Ronald Ndava confirmed the decision to recall the two ruling party councillors from their positions.

“We resolved to recall the two councillors in Chiredzi town for violating the party’s constitution and we have since written to the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) of Zanu PF which will undertake automatic review of our resolution before deciding what to do next,” he said.

“We will know whether there will be by-elections in wards 2 and 8 in Chiredzi town after the NDC has made its decision, so as of now are waiting.” – state media

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has claimed his wife Sithokozile was followed by state security agents in a high-speed chase in Harare. Daily News editor Gift Phiri talked to Chamisa. Find below excerpts of the interview.

Q: It seems you remain trapped in election mode almost four months after the election. What do you want?
A: We want political dialogue on the five issues we have emphasised.

Q: What are the issues?
A: Number one, return to legitimacy. Number two, comprehensive political reforms, electoral reforms and constitutional reforms. Number three, nation building and peace building.

Number four, international re-engagement to deal with the debt question and also to deal with multilateral support. Number five, an emergency rescue programme and a humanitarian agenda.

Q: Is there scope for a mediator?
A: Izvo zvinobuda (That will come) later, because there is a deadlock, a political deadlock. Whether they want to declare it or whether they don’t want to declare it, whether they want to acknowledge it or ignore it, it is there. So, the fundamental issue is how do we move forward because we control the majority.

Q: But President Emmerson Mnangagwa controls the majority, according to election results. What do you mean you control the majority?

A: We were voted by more people than Mnangagwa and we are the government at local government level because we control all the cities. So, de facto, we are in charge.
But you see vanaMnangagwa, by the fact that they have declared themselves, they are also in charge of central government.

So, for this country, in order for it to move, it must move on the basis of shared understanding of what the way forward is around the issue ye (of) legitimacy, around the presidential election, the issue ye the reform agenda, the issue ye national building and peace building, how do we heal the nation nema (of) wounds of the past, kwete zvavo zvekuita zvima (not the route they have taken to set up a) Commission of Inquiry. That will not heal the nation. Kwete zvavo zvekuti isu tisu tirikupa (Not what they are saying that they are ushering in a) new dispensation, that will not give a new dispensation.
A new dispensation will come when the entire population is working in unison for an issue. We can’t have people voting and their vote being ignored, people voting and their vote being bastardised, or just being disregarded.

Q: What exactly do you yourself want, is it a post for yourself? Is it only about the five issues you allude to?
A: No, this is about the people of Zimbabwe. The challenges we are facing are as a result of the elephant in the living room.

The elephant in the living room is absence of rule of law, democracy, good governance, free and fair elections.
We were able to dilute this elephant in the living room during the inclusive government. That’s why things started moving. But we went back to the default setting of the elephant in the living room after the 2013 election.

That’s why the problem has continued. So, we are in 2018, we are going to deal with the elephant in the living room because of the November (soft coup) incident.
We thought it was a journey towards dealing with the elephant in the living room.
We have realised now that the elephant in the living room has not been moved out. If anything, it has changed the colour.

Q: So, what, you want a reincarnation of the GNU?
A: Not a GNU, not a GNU, I am not interest in that. I want resolution yekuti chii chatirikuita ne (around what we are doing around) reform, political settlement.

Q: So, this is forward-looking?
A: No, it’s now.

Q: It’s now? But you are talking of electoral reforms, and the next election is in 2023?

A: No, no, no, but there are elections anoitwa (held) every time, the by-elections. There can be an election next week if we say we are dissolving this thing because taita (there is a) stalemate.

Q: You mean like another harmonised election?

A: There can be an election anytime depending on political developments.

Q: So, you are saying this can only happen after political dialogue. Who will be the stakeholders there?

A: No ka, but there are two major parties akaenda kuma (that went to) elections, vane (with a) presence in Parliament, in local government and central government.

Q: But Mnangagwa has ruled this out. So, what, you are bringing pressure to bear through this hwamanda (shofar or trumpet) which you say you will be sounding soon for the commencement of anti-government demos?

A: No, no, no, look. They have said it’s out but we are saying there has to be political dialogue. And as citizens, as a party iri (which is) democratic, we are not a rebel movement, we are not an underground movement, we are not a terrorist organisation, okay, we are a democratic party.

Therefore, there are democratic tools available to confront, one of which is demonstrations, the other one is petitions in terms of the Constitution, yah?

That one is democratic pressure through diplomatic engagement and international diplomacy, regional diplomacy, continental diplomacy, so there are many tools that are available to be able to resolve issues affecting us.

Q: You claim there was an attempt to abduct you. Why do you think the State would take such a route?

A: It is a pattern and a trend that has been taking place for the past three months.
It’s a phenomenon I have observed yekuti vanhu ivava ava vanenge vachinditeera (that they trail me), everywhere I go.

Q: You think it’s not for intelligence gathering, because if what you are saying is true, then this has now taken a dark turn, almost a morbid turn if you like?

A: No, there is no intelligence gathering. What intelligence do you gather by chasing after my vehicles and blocking them?
If you are intelligence gathering, you just want to know what I am doing, whether lawful or unlawful. But when you then block my car, you attempt to side-swipe my vehicle, is that intelligence gathering?

Q: Of course not. But you saw the Information minister disowning those thugs. She says they are not part of the system.

A: But where have you found a witch who acknowledges their act?
Where have you seen a thief own up to his own loot? So, is that new to you? Are they not saying they don’t know about the Gukurahundi, Mugabe said it was “a moment of madness?” What have they said about Dzamara? What did they say about Tonderai Ndira, what did they say about Patrick Nabanyama, what about Cain Nkala, and Rashiwe Guzha?

Q: A history of denials and subterfuge?
A: Yes. So, what do want them to say? It’s actually the normal statement from them. That is expected. You bewitch and you deny.

Q: Vari sei Mr Ashley namama vavo (How is your son Ashley and his mum?) How are they taking all this?
A: Ko ivo vakadzingirirwa ka. Some eerie figures gave high-speed chase to her car.

Q: Someone chased her vehicle?!
A: Yah.

Q: Where?
A: In the road on her way home.

Q: You don’t say?! When was this?
A: Last week, on Friday, yah.

Q: Ah!
A: Ndokutaurira ka (I’m telling you the gospel truth.) And I am going to reveal those things pa press conference (on Monday which was later addressed by MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume).

Q: This is serious stuff?
A: And then they are now lying that my kidnap attempt was “road rage!”

Q: Yes, minister Mutsvangwa has called it “road rage.”
A: Can you imagine? Unoziva (You know) they play games with people’s lives.

— DailyNews

By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West Cornelius Muwoni confirmed they resolved to recall the grouping’s national chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa on allegations of sowing divisions within Zanu Pf.

The resolution was made at a provincial council meeting in Chinhoyi Tuesday.

However, Mashonaland West province is yet to write to Mutsvangwa advising him of the developments.

Mutsvangwa also stands accused of alienating himself from the membership after being appointed the Special Advisor to President Mnangagwa, a post he no longer holds.-StateMedia