Mutare Magistrates court has acquitted three villagers, who had been on trial for allegedly insulting a traditional leader, whom they had allegedly denounced for disapproving their support to an opposition political party.

The three villagers namely Trymore Kutadzaushe, aged 34 years, Chipo Mushonga, aged 38 and Justine Mapfumo, aged 68 years, had been on trial on charges of disorderly conduct in a public place as defined in section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors charged that the villagers, who live in Chimombe Village in Buhera North constituency, Manicaland province, provoked a breach of peace by insulting Causemore Chimombe, a traditional leader on 23 June 2017 by telling him that “We are tired of being intimidated. We no longer need to be oppressed. We are not bothered that someone is a Chief. With your age, can’t you see that you support what is useless? I cannot be forced to support a party which I do not like. We do not have a headman. Councillor, Chief, Member of Parliament and President”.

In their defence, the villagers, who were represented by Blessing Nyamaropa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that Chimombe, who doubles up as a ZANU PF party youth leader in their village laid the disorderly conduct charges against them after he had been infuriated by seeing one of them wearing the opposition MDC-T political party regalia and expressed his reservations about support and activities conducted by the opposition party in the area of his jurisdiction.

Kutadzaushe, Mushonga and Mapfumo told the court that they only responded to Chimombe by telling him that he had no powers to order them not to support the MDC-T party.

In acquitting the trio, the court on Wednesday 31 October 2018 ruled that the state failed to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt and that the words allegedly uttered by the villagers did not constitute a crime.

Acting Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi was yesterday grilled for allegedly not doing enough to effectively prosecute high profile corruption cases in his first 93 days as head of prosecution amid complaints that he was pre-emptying investigations through premature press briefings.

Appearing before a panel of 11 commissioners of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday, Hodzi said he had taken a record 27 high profile graft cases to court but panellists questioned the quality of some of the dockets considering acquittals were being recorded at the courts.

Hodzi was part of the 10 aspiring Prosecutor Generals publicly interviewed in Harare yesterday. He was the fourth candidate to be interviewed yesterday.

Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza was the first to quiz Hodzi, asking him to state the number of high profile cases which had been taken to court in his first 93 days in office.

Hodzi said: “We have taken at least 27 high profile cases to court since my appointment as Acting Prosecutor General.”

Justice Gwaunza quizzed him further: “Why are we not hearing about them?”

Hodzi responded by proposing the training of judicial officers on how to properly preside over corruption-related cases.

“Our magistrates need special training on anti-corruption cases. Even some judges need to be properly trained on how to handle graft matters. We also need to have judges properly trained to effectively deal with cases of corruption,” he said.

Commissioner Priscilla Madzonga weighed in with a follow up question on the progress made in the first 93 days.

“Can you tell us about just one high profile corruption case that your office has so far effectively prosecuted with a conviction?”

Hodzi informed the panel that he was working on at least two cases which will soon be brought to court.

“I have put resources on two or three high profile cases of corruption that are coming soon . . .”

Comm Madzonga questioned him on the quality of the 27 dockets which Mr Hodzi said had been referred to court.

“Were the dockets ready for trial? Were the 27 cases properly investigated? We hear some of the cases are not being properly investigated.”

Hodzi insisted that the cases had adequate evidence for conviction.

Comm Josphat Tshuma said JSC was in possession of a written complaint that the Acting PG was pre-empting investigations through abuse of the media.

“We have received a complaint against you of inappropriate use of the media, pre-empting corruption investigations. How do you respond?”

Hodzi said his engagement with the media was meant to ensure accountability to be public, being a public officer.

“There was no any impropriety in me dealing with the press. In fact, so many complaints have been raised against me with some wrongly accusing me of interfering with a judge,” he said.

Comm Tshuma added: “Is it appropriate for you as Acting PG to be the NPA spokesperson, dealing with the media?”

“I no longer chair the meetings. I have created a corporate affairs department to speak for the NPA headed by Mrs Angeline Munyeriwa.

“I only speak on issues to do with the prosecution and the media will be present to ensure accountability and transparency. This is meant to ensure that I will not have anything to hide,” he responded.

Comm Lloyd Mhishi questioned Hodzi on another complaint written to JSC in which he was accused of appearing before a Harare magistrate in a matter that was being handled by his juniors simply to introduce himself as the Acting PG before addressing the court on how to deal with corruption cases.

In that case the complainant said he objected to Hodzi’s approach saying he had used the wrong platform to discuss such issues.

“The complainant one Mr Kurunera said you appeared in a court before magistrate Mujaya and you started addressing the court on how you were going to handle corruption cases. Mr Kurunera said he questioned your approach. Is that correct?” asked Comm Mhishi.

“When I went there it was just a courtesy visit to my officers. After all I have a right of audience in any matter. I just opened the matter and handed it over to my juniors. There is nothing wrong with that,” said Mr Hodzi.

Comm Mhishi asked MHodzi whether he was just taking people to court before investigating because in most cases people were being acquitted.

“I understand former Cabinet ministers and a businessman have been taken to court but in most of the cases, the accused have been acquitted. Can you tell us how you deal with cases at your office. Are you taking people to court before making the decision to prosecute?”

“We first decide on whether to prosecute or not. If there is enough evidence, we then take the case to court,” he answered.

Comm Mishrod Guvamombe asked Hodzi to comment on the public perception that most of the so called high profile cases were not being properly prosecuted.

“There is a perception that in most of the cases you are referring, you simply arrest to investigate and the matter end there. Can you comment on that?”

Hodzi said: “We agreed that we are not going to have cat fights between prosecutors and magistrates on who is not doing his or her job.

“The public is not interested in our cat fights. We agreed to work together as a seamless machine. If the police do their investigations poorly, the whole system will suffer disrepute. We just need to work together well,” said Hodzi.

State Media

AN inyanga from Gokwe escaped from police during crime scene indications at his homestead following his arrest after he was found in possession of a missing police officer’s belongings.

Pardon Nzanga (31) of Siyamuzula village, under Chief Simuchembo in Gokwe, was implicated in the case of a missing Constable Edmond Sibanda who is stationed at Tsholotsho Police Station.

Cst Sibanda reportedly went missing on October 10 during his deployment at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) offices at DDF premises in Tsholotsho.

Sources close to Cst Sibanda said he disappeared while tracking $1 900 that he had mistakenly sent to a stranger via EcoCash.

“Nzanga is the one he sent the money to. Upon follow-up, the inyanga ordered him to personally come to him to recover his money and that was the last we saw of him,” said the source.

Cst Sibanda had been deployed to guard duties as from October 10 to October 16 but he only reported for duty on the first day and thereafter disappeared.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident saying police suspected foul play.

She said security had been increased around the traditional healer as he assisted police with investigations.

“We are investigating a case of a police officer from Tsholotsho who allegedly went missing on October 10 and his belongings which include his car, driver’s licence and R2 500 were found with an inyanga in Gokwe,” said Chief Insp Makonese.

A source close to investigations said Const Sibanda’s relatives tracked down Nzanga on Monday after officially filing a missing person report on October 15.

“Through their investigations, they found Const Sibanda’s vehicle — a silver grey Toyota Axio registration Number AED 7571 — at Gokwe Centre being driven by Pardon Nzanga (31) of Siyamuzula village, under chief Simuchembo in Gokwe for pirating purposes,” said the source.

A report was made to the police and investigations led to the recovery of Sibanda’s vehicle, R2 500 and his driver’s licence which the suspect kept in his wallet and was using it.

“Nzanga said he received the vehicle from a man only identified as Admore,” said the source.

“There was R2 500 stashed in a pocket at the back of a seat inside the vehicle. This led to strong suspicion that the suspect knew of the victim’s whereabouts and was immediately arrested,” said the source.

Sources close to Const Sibanda said he loved his car and it was highly unlikely that he could have just left it with a stranger.

Nzanga took to his heels after he had directed a police investigations team to his home, saying the missing man was there recovering after he had treated him for an undisclosed ailment.

Villagers, who had gathered at his home to witness what was taking place, gave chase and caught up with him in some bushes.

The suspect is said to have allegedly given contradicting statements to the police.

State Media

A 38-year old Bulawayo man has been arraigned for beating up his wife after she refused to take the money he had offered her for groceries saying it was very little.

Richard Moyo of Pumula South slapped and punched Mrs Melody Moyo (31) after a misunderstanding erupted between the couple.

Mrs Moyo was given money to buy groceries by her husband but she felt the money was not enough.

She told her husband she was not going to accept the money. Moyo pleaded guilty to assault charges when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Lungile Ncube. Mr Ncube fined him $100 or 90 days in prison.

In sentencing him, Mr Ncube said the court had considered that he was a first offender.

“I have considered that you are first offender and that the complainant was not injured. You will be fined $100 or 90 days in prison,” he said.

On October 14 at around 6PM, the court heard, Moyo and his wife were at their home.

Moyo gave her money to buy groceries and she refused to take the money saying it was insufficient to buy household goods leading to their misunderstanding.

“Moyo got angry and assaulted her using his hands and fists several times on her face,” she said.

Mrs Moyo reported the matter to the police but did not seek medication since she was not injured.

The amount of the money Moyo had given his wife was not mentioned in court.
Mr Kenneth Shava prosecuted.- state media

Binga Rural District Council chief executive officer, Joshua Muzamba, and two senior council officials have been arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office and fraud.

Muzamba (53), who resides at number 176 Lakeview in Binga, allegedly promoted an employee without following procedure in terms of the Urban Councils Act which requires that there must be a council resolution before a job is advertised.

The RDC boss allegedly promoted Lovemore Siamunya who was a revenue officer in 2014 to a higher position without seeking the consent of councillors.

Muzamba was not asked to plead to criminal abuse of office when he appeared before Binga magistrate, Mr Talent Phiri, on Monday.

He was remanded out of custody to next week Monday on $200 bail and ordered to surrender his travel documents, report once on Fridays at Binga Police Station and not interfere with witnesses.
Prosecuting, Mr Bruce Maphosa said Muzamba favoured Siamunya.

“On November 3, 2014, Muzamba promoted Siamunya without advertising or carrying out interviews while there was also no council resolution to employ a public officer,” he said.
Siamunya also appeared before the same court to answer to a charge of fraud for allegedly forging a receipt of $600 paid by a client for lease renewal.

The prosecutor said on January 12 last year, Siamunya received $600 from Mr Edmore Siabechu to renew a shop lease for Mr Peter Mudenda. Instead of receipting the money, Siamunya allegedly issued the customer with an old counterfeit receipt which was used in 2015.

It was not mentioned how the offence came to light. Siamunya was remanded to today when he is expected to bring a lawyer. He was released on $100 bail and ordered to report at Binga police station daily.

The third official, Naison Siamuloba (46), who was employed as a revenue officer, appeared in court last Friday when he was jailed for an effective three months on a count of fraud and fined $100 on the second one.

Siamuloba received $600 from Mrs Mary Magdalene Esterhuizen of Mlibizi Resort for renewal of a lease.

Siamuloba under receipted the money and pocketed $500, after giving the client a fake receipt with the correct figure while council master copy had $100. On the second count, Siamuloba received $270 from the same client and converted $100 to his own use.

He had repaid all the money when he appeared in court. The magistrate sentenced Siamuloba to six months in jail for the first count and fined him $100 or alternatively two months in jail for the second count.

He will serve an effective three months after half of the sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour within five years. – state media

By Own Correspondent| Prophet Walter Magaya has apologised for skipping government as the regulatory authority in his announcement about his purported HIV medicine which he claimed cured both HIV and cancer.

Magaya, who is the PHD ministries leader said this at a joint press statement with the ministry of Health and Child Care held in Harare on Thursday.

He said he regrets prematurely announcing the “cure” when the regulatory authorities had not “scrutinised and certified it”.

Said Magaya:

“I spoke before I looked into authorities regulations. For me to come and apologise, it is a sign of regret that I rushed the announcement.

When I discovered what I discovered which was tested in India, I was holding a report which I overwhelmingly went on and announced what I was carrying in my hands without taking note of the authorities of Zimbabwe.

I have however learnt that the authorities of Zimbabwe and all the regulatory authorities were supposed to scrutinise, analyse and be satisfied with what I was holding before I prematurely announced.

The apology that I carry is an apology of saying we rushed to announce what we were carrying without the authorities analysing it but at the same time, I want to salute the Ministry (Health) which has handled me like a child and showed me what I should have done.

The reason why I rushed to make the announcement was because of excitement of what I was holding, the excitement which overwhelmed me.”

Zimbabwe’s per capita income has grown from US$900 to US$1 900 over the past year in spite of the appearances of worsening economic climate, setting it on course to meet its target of being a middle income country by 2030, a senior government official has sensationally claimed.

Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri told Zanu PF supporters at Mutasa DC, who had gathered to celebrate her appointment as the first female to hold the post in Zimbabwe, said the improved per capita income was revealed by the international community.

She said this was a result of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s efforts to foster unity in rebuilding the country’s economy which was in the dump for nearly two decades at the back of Zanu PF’s ruinous economic policies.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said all the improvements have come about since his ascendancy to the presidency at the back of a soft coup last November.

“President Mnangagwa’s call from the beginning is a call for unity as Zimbabweans because the work at hand is to develop this country through opening the country for business and transform it into a middle income country — moving it from US$900 per capita income to a bigger value in 2030.

“We were at US$900 but the economy has already improved in his short time in office and that has gone up to US$1 900. This is being confirmed by the international community as we were even looking down upon ourselves,” she said.

Muchinguri-Kashiri — who is also Zanu PF chairperson — said the improved per capita income can also be shown through the improved lives of farmers and the sheer volumes of vehicles on the country’s roads.

“This is being witnessed through our tobacco farmers’ lifestyles, the huge volume of vehicles on the roads, it’s because of current economic activities and the growth of the economy,” she said.

She added that the current crippling diesel shortages were due to an increase in economic activities with the country’s diesel consumption increasing more than threefold from $4 million to $14 million per annum.

“Even the consumption of diesel. We would use $4 million a week for its importation but we are now consuming $14 million. This means demand has grown due to ongoing economic activities. Industry and farmers are demanding diesel as they are appreciating the thrust and vision of our president,” the Defence minister said. – Daily News

President Mnangagwa this afternoon announced the discovery of oil and gas deposits in Muzarabani Basin by Invictus Energy.

Details of the discovery will be announced tomorrow.

THE price of bread is set to marginally rise to $1,40 with effect from tomorrow, after Government moved in to provide more assistance to the baking industry.

Last week, bakers had proposed to increase the price of bread to $2,20 from $1,10 to defray what they claimed were unsustainable operational costs. Government rejected the increase as it came amid a wave of price madness and commodity shortages across all sectors of the economy.

The National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) today said after realising that bread had become the most affordable staple for Zimbabweans, they had “made every effort to keep the bread price affordable”.

“We therefore notify the public that the price of a standard loaf should not exceed $1,30 and $1,40 to the wholesale and consumers respectively, flour being at a maximum price of $36,50 per 50kg bag.

“This watered down increase has been arrived at following the Government’s intervention through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe that has committed to avail to the bakery industry at least 80 percent of its monthly foreign currency requirements from a current maximum of 35 percent allocation,” reads the NBAZ statement.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu confirmed that Government had agreed to increase its support to bakers.

“They really did not need our permission to do that (increase the price), but they notified us. They initially wanted to be $2,20 (but) then we had to come up with ways of mitigating that and there is now more assistance that they are getting which could not be 100 percent really, to keep the prices where they were.

“So they told us that with the assistance and having looked at their costs and having looked at everything, the wholesale price from the manufacturers will be $1,30 and from the retailers it will be $1,40,” said Minister Ndlovu.

-State Media

ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa has been accused of rigging the soccer mother body’s presidential elections set for next month by employing unorthodox ways to bar his rival, Felton Kamambo, from contesting.

Kamambo, who was part of the current Zifa board before he quit early this year, has taken the incumbent out of his comfort zone after he declared his interest to contest for the top post.

In a bid to maintain his grip as the Zifa boss, Chiyangwa is allegedly employing all dirty tricks in the book, including amending the electoral rules.

On top of frustrating Kamambo to access a nomination form, it has emerged that prospective candidates for the executive committee posts were required to pass an integrity test by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

It is believed Chiyangwa, who has strong links with senior officials in ZACC, was desperate to ensure that his challenger was banned from contesting on a technicality.

Traditionally, background checks for people eyeing top positions, even for Zifa executive committee elections, were carried out by the police, and Chiyangwa’s decision to involve ZACC this time around raises stink.

Kamambo believes he is the one being targeted by the new rules, and cried foul after he failed to get a letter from ZACC, which should be attached to his nomination form.

As it stands, his bid will fail on a technicality.

“I went to ZACC, but they denied me the letter. It’s surprising because this is the letter I was supposed to attach to my nomination form. Whatever the letter contained, I was supposed to be given that letter,” Kamambo said.

“So I had to submit my nomination form without the letter. These are all efforts to try and disqualify me.”

Reports also suggested yesterday that councillors who nominated Kamambo to contest the post were being investigated as part of a broader strategy to intimidate them ahead of the elections scheduled for December 1.

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said he could not comment on electoral matters as it was incumbent on the electoral committee to decide.

“I am not in a position to comment on electoral matters suffice to say the electoral committee will decide,” he said.

Former Njube Sundowns director Gift Banda submitted his nomination form seeking to challenge for the Zifa vice-presidency post, where he will go head-to-head with incumbent Omega Sibanda.

Banda, now a House of Assembly member for Njube-Lobengula constituency in Bulawayo, feels he still has more to offer to Zimbabwean football, having also been part of the Zifa board.

Zifa board member for finance Philemon Machana has said he would seek re-election.

Sports caster and businessperson Barry Manandi has also thrown his hat into the ring for an executive committee position.

Chiyangwa’s close ally, Chamu Chiwanza, whose football background is dubious, is also seeking election into the Zifa board, as is public relations practitioner Sugar Chagonda.

By Farai D Hove| Controversial preacher, Walter Magaya has apologised for making an HIV cure claim.

The Health Ministry which held a meeting with the man today, afternoon, has announced that Magaya has poured out apologies.

The ministry statement read: “Prophet Magaya’s medication for HIV/AIDS is not yet approved Hon Minister Dr O. Moyo has confirmed and the Prophet has apologized for not following the procedure of registration.”

ZimEye could not at the time establish Magaya’s full statement or apology as claimed by the ministry. – THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY

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ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially announced oil and gas deposits discovery in Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central province, following a study carried out by an Australian company, Invictus Energy Limited.

In a televised address to the nation late afternoon today, Mnangagwa said, government in the last few months worked with and facilitated Invictus, which is quoted on the Australian Stock Exchange, to undertake oil and gas exploration studies in Muzarabani.

He revealed that government has been advised by Invictus that the findings “are positive and point to oil and gas deposits in this area”, adding that Invictus and their partners will be making a statement to their shareholders through the Australian Stock Exchange in a few hours.

“Invictus is utilising data which was generated by Mobil Oil in the early 1990s when extensive oil and gas geophysical work was undertaken in the greater Muzarabani area.

“As part of its exploration studies, Invictus has engaged a number of world-wide professional companies with extensive experience in oil and gas,” said Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa said the findings by Invictus are an exciting development for the country, adding that government will work closely with the firm.

“The govt of Zimbabwe will work very closely with Invictus to ensure that the Invictus realises its plans to sink an exploration well by mid-2020. After exploration well, the next stage will be commercial exploitation of the resource,” he said.

Mnangagwa further highlighted that in the interim, additional geophysical work is on-going to identify further exploration targets, while updates will be given as and when the planned exploration work results come in.

He noted that, on its part, Invictus has committed itself to enter a production-sharing agreement will the government of Zimbabwe, which will be applicable when the project proceeds to commercial production stage.

Invictus Energy Limited is an independent oil and gas exploration Australian firm focused on high impact energy resources in sub-Saharan Africa.

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“…Now will the end of Western sanctions end all our problems?

Absolutely not!”

Econet boss, Strive Masiyiwa has hit back at critics who say his statement calling for an end to sanctions is cruel and misguided.

The attacks saw revelations showing his earlier political life in the 90s when he was colleagues with ZIFA boss Phillip Chiyangwa and Peter Pamire.

Masiyiwa titled his response:  “Reflection: This is the place I comment.”

He also used a famous quote:

“I BELONG TO EVERYBODY, AND I BELONG TO NOBODY”

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Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa will this week invade Gwanda and Beitbridge where he is set to hold his next ‘Thank You’ rallies.

Chamisa who garnered 2,4 million votes, has refused to accept the election results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission citing various irregularities including intimidation of his supporters.

The Thank You rallies are meant to salute his supporters for voting in large numbers.

Voters have often accused politicians of only appearing when they are looking for votes and fast disappearing soon after elections and Chamisa’s move will definitely go well with his supporters and keep the momentum high.

TOBACCO farmers, who are battling to access exorbitant inputs, are demanding that the government pays them in foreign currency before the next selling season starts so as to cushion them from currency volatility ravaging the economy.

This came at a time non-contracted farmers are battling to procure inputs whose prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of many.

Tobacco outperformed initial projections by 5%, with the output reaching 250 million kilogrammes in 2018, well in excess of the previous all-time high of 235 million kilogrammes achieved in 1999.

Zimbabwe Tobacco Association chief executive Rodney Ambrose told NewsDay that farmers need an upfront incentive in line with the current economic environment.

“Without a doubt, the incentive, if going to be in effect in the 2018/19 season, has to be reviewed in line with the economic environment that may be prevailing during April/May 2019. Farmers are facing a number of viability challenges and the right framework must be in place well before any proposed opening of sales next season,” he said.

During the just-ended season the central bank was paying farmers half of their money in US dollars. Tobacco, one of the country’s biggest forex earners, raked in a total of $725,9 million, which is 30% higher than the $547 million realised in 2017. As such, Ambrose believes tobacco farmers who are principal generators of foreign currency need fair economic recognition.

“With the separation of RTGS FCAs and nostro FCAs [foreign currency accounts] and key inputs soon only to be purchased only through nostro FCAs, tobacco growers should be awarded a portion of their sales into nostro FCAs,” he said.

Despite being key forex generators, the central bank through the mid-year monetary policy statement early this month prescribed that tobacco producers would retain 20% of their foreign currency proceeds, with the rest going to the central bank.

According to the policy, gold producers retain 30% of export proceeds; and platinum, diamonds and chrome producers 35%.

The apex bank has been allocating forex for fuel and pharmaceutical products, among others.

Appearing in Parliament on Monday, Finance secretary George Guvamatanga did not respond to the question from legislators whether farmers were going to paid through nostro foreign currency accounts.

While growers under contract have received their required inputs for this season, Ambrose said uncontracted farmers were facing a torrid time in buying inputs.

“For many farmers not under contract, this is a major issue. However, a fair portion did buy some critical inputs using their proceeds during the selling season. For those trying to source inputs and re-tool now, it is a very difficult task,” he said.

Federation of Farmers’ Union president Wonder Chabikwa said: “Now we face a huge challenge with unstable prices, yet we have done our seasonal budgets. Farmers are now subjected to volatile input prices and availability, with some suppliers demanding US dollars or cash,” he said.

-Newsday

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PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was disappointed by the behaviour of local manufacturers who abused laws meant to protect them from cheap imports, by holding the market at ransom.

Speaking at the commissioning of a $7 million ProDairy milk processing plant in Ruwa, Mnangagwa said his government had to suspend the Statutory Instrument (SI) 122 due to mischief by manufacturers, who had withheld their products to push prices up.

He said SI 64, which was replaced by SI 122, was his brainchild and was meant to encourage and capacitate manufacturers.

“I was greatly disappointed three weeks ago when some of the manufacturers were now hoarding and not releasing products to the consumers. This is why I have now moved to remove SI 122 to allow, temporally, the inflow of some of these goods,” Mnangagwa said.

He warned manufacturers against ambushing government with price hikes and withholding goods, and called on them to work to help improve the economy.

“If there is need to look at the cost drivers in your products, it should be done properly, have dialogue with the markets and everybody will sleep happy, no ambushes, the war finished in 1980. That’s when we had ambushes, no more ambushes,” he said.

The ProDairy plant employs 175 workers.

“This is a commendable response by ProDairy to my government’s thrust towards value addition and beneficiation of local resources. It is our hope that the company’s products will enter the domestic market at favourable prices, thereby, widening consumer choice,” he said.

-Newsday

Westlake International Finance Limited has petitioned the High Court seeking an order to compel former Information and Communication Technology minister, Supa Mandiwanzira, to settle a $317 166 debt in high interest loans to a company owned by the MP for Nyanga South over six years ago.

The micro finance institution filed summons at the High Court on October 29 through its lawyers, Gill, Godlonton and Gerrans, citing Mandiwanzira and Florence Erina Ziumbe — a lawyer and businesswoman — as respondents.

“During the period stretching from January 2012 to February 2013, plaintiff (Westlake International) concluded three separate loan agreements with Tarcon (Private) Limited (“Tarcon”) in terms of which the plaintiff lent and advanced the following sums of money to Tarcon, that is $700 000 on or around January 2012; $615 960 on or around August 1, 2012 and $416 100 on or around February 4, 2013,” the firm said.

According to the court papers, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe bound themselves as sureties and co-principal debtors to the loan.

“In terms of all the three loan agreements, the aforesaid Tarcon was obliged to repay the advanced sums of money, together with interest thereon within a period of 180 days from the date of each advance. Despite signing several acknowledgments of its indebtedness, Tarcon has failed and/or neglected to repay the full amount and has to date, accumulated arrears in the total sum of $317 166, 33.”

In the same litigation, the financial company said it was also demanding interest at the rate of 8% calculated from the loan payment due date to the date of payment in full.

However, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe are yet to respond to the lawsuit and the pair has 10 working days to file an appearance to defend.

-Newsday

The Supreme Court has ruled that international organisations have absolute immunity from every form of legal process and execution in Zimbabwe, overturning its own 2004 position in which it ruled that international organisations have limited immunity.

In a 2004 matter between the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Supreme Court ruled that international organisations enjoy limited immunity just as sovereign states and can be sued in local courts for breach of contracts of employment.

However, in today’s landmark ruling, Chief Justice Luke Malaba sitting with Justice Paddington Garwe, Justice Anne Mary Gowora, Justice Antonia Guvava and Justice Susan Mavangira made a far reaching judgement, declaring all international organisations immune from legal processes.

This followed an appeal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs against a High Court order which held that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an international organisation, did not enjoy absolute immunity from every form of legal process and execution in Zimbabwe.

The background to the matter is that in 2004, FAO employed Michael Jenrich as an Emergency Programmes Officer and renewed the fixed term contract for six consecutive years.

In January 2015, FAO did not renew Jenrich’s contract following the abolition of the post of Emergency Programmes Officer, amid allegations of misconduct.

Jenrich challenged the termination of his contract on the basis that he had a legitimate expectation that the contract would be renewed, the abolishment of his post was unilateral and the termination was unlawful.

The matter was taken for conciliation and FAO took the view that it enjoyed absolute immunity from any legal processes instituted in the local courts.

FAO absconded the proceedings which followed at the Labour Court in 2014 and a default judgement was subsequently handed down on the 13th of February.

The Labour Court ordered FAO to reinstate Jenrich without loss of salary and benefits from the date of termination of his contract and if reinstatement was no longer tenable FAO was ordered to pay him $623 000.

FAO’s Legal Advisor from Rome, Italy wrote to the Registrar of the High Court that the international organisation had not waived its immunity rights under the treaties and the agreement and it was not going to participate in the proceedings before the local courts or respond to the allegations raised by Jenrich because this would be tantamount to interference with its independence and impartiality in the discharge of its affairs.

Jenrich then sought an order of the court for execution of FAO’s property to recover his damages.

The High Court ruled in favour of Jenrich with the effect of activating garnishee order against FAO.

The minister of Foreign Affairs then sought legal ways of protecting FAO’s property from execution and issued a ministerial statement in terms of section 14 of the Privileges and Immunities Act chapter 3:03, attesting that FAO’s property enjoyed absolute immunity.

However, the High Court took a different view and ruled that FAO did not enjoy absolute immunity and its property could therefore be executed through a garnishee order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs then approached the Supreme Court, appealing against the High Court decision and the 5-member bench unanimously overruled the decision of the High Court.

Handing down the ruling, Chief Justice Malaba said each specialised agency such as FAO has provisions for appropriate modes of settlement of disputes arising out of contracts or other disputes of private character.

The mechanisms were specifically created to enable the organisation to deal with disputes arising out of contracts to which it is a party to ensure that justice could be done to aggrieved parties who would otherwise be without remedies due to immunity enjoyed by the organisation.

Accordingly, the court upheld the appeal lodged by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with costs, and set aside the order of the High Court.

The court declared that FAO enjoys absolute immunity from any form of legal process and execution in Zimbabwe and finally overruled the decision in the case of ICRC versus Sibanda and another 2004 ZLR 27 SC extending the principle of restrictive immunity applicable to sovereign states to international organisations on the basis that it is wrong at law.

Zbc News online

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

High Court Judge Justice David Mangota on Wednesday 31 October 2018 reserved judgment after presiding over the hearing and determination of an application filed by a relative of a shooting victim of the August 2018 violence, challenging the legality of ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa’s executive decision to appoint the Commission of Inquiry set up to probe the post-election violence including its composition.

Justice Mangota reserved ruling after hearing the urgent chamber application filed by Alison Charles, whose brother was shot and killed alongside six other civilians in post-election violence on 1 August 2018.

Charles and the Counselling Services Unit (CSU), who are represented by Advocate Eric Matinenga instructed by Chris Mhike of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are challenging the legality of Mnangagwa’s executive decision to appoint the Commission of Inquiry, its composition and its terms of reference.

Charles and CSU, who are the applicants have cited President Mnangagwa, former South African leader Kgalema Motlanthe, who heads the Commission of Inquiry, the Commission of Inquiry, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema, Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri, Commissioner-General of Zimbabwe Republic Police Godwin Matanga, Commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Philip Sibanda, Attorney General Prince Machaya, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Professor Charity Manyeruke, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as respondents.

Charles, lost a brother Gavin Dean on 1 August 2018 after he was shot dead by soldiers, who opened fire on ordinary citizens and opposition political party supporters in Harare during a post-election protest over the mismanagement of the 2018 harmonised elections.

Correspondent|In a move that borders on corruption the Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) board has agreed to ‘sell’ two million tonnes of coal fines to Woolwork Investments (Pvt) Ltd at a massive $8 million discount in exchange for vehicles for its executive officials and equipment.

Investigations show that instead HCCL could have raised $28 million if it had sold the coal fines at the current market price of $14 per tonne.

Industry sources also said HCCL could have even raised over $30 per tonne by beneficiating the coal fines through briquetting, a project that Woolwork are pursuing.

Internal sources said Woolwork, a subsidiary of Croco Motors, will receive the coal at a huge 29 % discount as it has to provide vehicles and equipment valued at $20 million.

Sources said the terms of the agreement are so favourable for Woolwork and can be viewed as another example of corruption and unethical practices within the ailing HCCL.

The company is not receiving any advanced payment from Woolwork, which in normal circumstances would justify a discount.

Secondly, Woolwork does not have to provide the prices of the vehicles and equipment it will provide, essentially meaning the goods may not even reach the agreed upon $20 million value.

Another surprising aspect in the deal is there is no provision of timelines for Woolwork to provide the vehicles and equipment, essentially meaning non-delivery could continue indefinitely.

HCCL reportedly has accumulated a coal stockpile of about 345 000 tonnes and according to the source had recently put up a tender for the beneficiation of coal.

A partner was found willing to invest $5,5 million in a briquetting plant but this was put on hold, which sources say, was meant to pave way for the Woolwork deal.

“This deal is another dubious decision by senior executives at the company as Woolwork could have applied for the tender when it was offered,” the source said.

The Mail and Telegraph reported this week that infighting between senior management and the board has highlighted the rot at the very top of Zimbabwe’s largest coal company.

Providing a questionable discount as HCCL is failing not only to repay its creditors but also pay its employees maybe indicative of the culture of “unethical business practices characterised by financial improprieties.”

The Zimbabwe Independent reported earlier this month that the mining company had been paying its workforce 50% of their salaries since the beginning of last year and in June the company paid 7 % of the employees’ 36 months outstanding dues.

Also this month the Herald reported HCCL had defaulted on a “Scheme of Arrangement” it entered into with creditors to manage its $352 million debt. Under this scheme employees were to receive a monthly payment, but reportedly the company is $7,6 million in arrears, owing a total of $4,6 million to its employees for the past two months.

M&T

President Mnangagwa has warned some Zanu-PF party members behaving like loose cannons by discussing internal issues outside
party structures to stop such behaviour or risk being kicked out of the party.
He said the revolutionary party had a clear channel of airing grievances that should be used by all members who feel aggrieved.Addressing members of the Youth League
during a Young Assembly meeting held at the Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa called for dialogue and
self-introspection among party members.
“Party officials at every level are expected and obligated by the constitution to be faithful and loyal to the ideals, values and principles of the party,” said President Mnangagwa.
“They are further required to strive
continuously to raise the level of social, political and economic consciousness and understanding of party policies. If you have a problem with the party, you don’t debate it
with the world. The world is not the party. If you have a problem with the party it must be discussed in the party and not outside it, but if you insist then you are asking us to kick
you from the party so that you can freely debate your party outside our party.”
President Mnangagwa continued: “In Zanu-PF, we have our ways of airing out grievances from the grassroots to the top. If one says he or she is a member of Zanu-PF, we expect that person to understand party procedures on airing out grievances. These days we are hearing some voices from the wilderness speaking and splitting the party.The Herald

JOHANNESBURG — Vlakfontein community welcomed Sibusiso Ernest Khoza in as one of their own. Nobody could have imagined that a couple of months later, he would leave the community with the stench of murder and a lot of unanswered questions.

The story of Sibusiso is a complex one. One would have to go into the psyche of a person who has been through the toughest upbringing to even understand his thought process and how he empathised with tragic events.

The family Sibusiso claims to have biologically belonged to was murdered and buried in heaps of sand inside the house he stayed in, in Vlakfontein, a small town that is situated on the south of Johannesburg.

To get a better picture of what authorities are dealing with, let us have a look at the life of the prime suspect in the multiple homicides case the Johannesburg detectives are investigating.

The only record of Sibusiso’s early existence we received came from an orphanage in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Two social workers and a caregiver from Baphumelele Children’s Home, who have opted to remain anonymous, told us about how they had first come across Sibusiso.

The caregiver stated that Sibusiso was brought to the orphanage between 2010 and 2012 by police officers. At the time, the police only knew that he was a boy born in 1994 and that he was in Cape Town looking for his estranged father.

Sibusiso had told the police that the information he had led him to a house somewhere in Cape Town, where he was welcomed by a family. He told the police that soon after he had been welcomed by the family, they allegedly molested him and he was forced to make an escape.

The police, concerned about the well being of the young Sibusiso, took the boy to Baphumelele where he was accepted and groomed as an orphan.

The caregiver reflected about how kind Sibusiso was and how the social workers at Baphumelele were so drawn to his personality, a quiet boy who could do nothing wrong.

The Baphumelele programme works with Masiyile Secondary School, a high school in Khayelitsha, just too far away from the children’s home, in providing the orphaned kids with access to education.

Sibusiso was one of those children who was accepted into the high school through the programme. We spoke to the school’s principal, who remembered the quiet boy from Baphumelele.

The principal was able to confirm with us that Sibusiso had left the school at Grade 11, stating that he had received a scholarship to study overseas.

No official documentation stating such was ever presented to them though. The caregiver also confirmed that, at this time, Sibusiso had been progressing well as a lead cyclist at the Velokhaya Life Cycling Academy.

At the time, the caregiver stated that he was still the ever-so-kind boy who was soft spoken and got into very little trouble.

However, because at Baphumelele, children were only allowed to stay there until a certain age, Sibusiso was soon forced to move out to provide more space for other children who need assistance.

That is when he was allegedly taken in by one of the social workers who had grown close with Sibusiso. The lady did not live too far from the children’s home, so it was not that much of a change for him.

In 2015, social workers at Baphumele were taken aback when police officers paid the children’s home a visit, asking for Sibusiso, who had allegedly stolen the social worker’s husband’s car, handgun and a bible and fled.

This is the last time anyone at Baphumelele had heard of Sibusiso – until now. The next time he was seen was when he showed up in Johannesburg, claiming to be the long-lost family member of the Khozas.

We spoke with a close family friend of the Khozas who, in fear for her safety, has asked to remain anonymous. She revealed to us that Sibusiso had, at some point between 2015 and 2017, tracked down the Khoza family to the house in Vlakfontein and did his research on them.

In July 2018, he introduced himself as a long-lost relative, the son of the late brother of the two women who were later found dead in the house.

His story was that he had studied medicine at a college in New York and was a general practitioner at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. We have made contact with the college and the hospital, however, we have not heard back from any of them. Thus, we were not able to confirm whether this information is true or not.

Fast forward to October this year and here we are, an entire generation of a family and three women found murdered at their house with Sibusiso nowhere to be found.

The Gauteng police’s spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo, revealed, on Tuesday, that the police considered Sibusiso a possible suspect in the case. He was asked to hand himself in for questioning as investigators believe he holds crucial information that could blow the case wide open.

The husband of one of the women whose lifeless body was recovered from the house has been in the police’s custody. Sibusiso’s last known activity was on Tuesday when he changed his profile picture on Facebook after word had gotten out that he was wanted by authorities.

The last time he was seen was during the weekend. When he was asked by members of the community about the whereabouts of the family — who they had not seen in days –he told them that the Khozas had travelled to Pietermaritzburg to attend a funeral.

Our source revealed to us that the Khoza family is originally from Harewood, in Pietermaritzburg. She lives in the same area as the family in Harewood. When we asked her about a funeral that may have taken place recently, she was able to confirm that this was not true, that there was never a funeral at the Khoza home in Harewood.

Furthermore, another source we spoke with (she asked for anonymity in fear of her safety), who was a close friend of one of the women that passed away in the house, stated that the last time she spoke to her friend was on Saturday, 27 October.

She stated that she had found her friend’s response to be strange and was left uneasy after a brief chat with her. On WhatsApp, our source had commented on the friend’s profile picture, stating how much she loved it, to which she replied with laughing emojis.

According to our source, who was able to provide us with a screenshot of the WhatsApp message, this was unlike her friend’s behaviour. However, she brushed it off and thought nothing of it, not knowing that two days later, her friend would be found buried beneath a heap of sand in her home.

Moreover, our source was able to provide us with evidence suggesting that Sibusiso was not the suspect’s real name. It is alleged that the police have found ID documents and a passport that identified the suspect as a Zimbabwean national.

We will continue to provide updates on the case as it comes in, as this is still a developing story.

The South African

PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader prophet Walter Magaya is considering taking his Aguma herbal supplement — which he claims can cure HIV, Aids and cancer — outside Zimbabwe in the wake of the backlash he received following his announcement last Sunday that he had found a cure for HIV, Aids and cancer.

This followed a raid on PHD Ministries offices by police last night to collect samples of the Aguma capsules.

A highly-placed source at PHD, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Magaya was planning on launching Aguma outside Zimbabwe.

‘‘Just say a close source says Magaya is planning to go and launch from outside where many countries seem to be offering a good deal and ease of doing business,’’ the source said before cutting the phone.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintended Paul Nyathi confirmed the raid

He said ZRP was acting within its law enforcement mandate.

“I can confirm that Magaya is assisting police with investigations in connection with enquiries the ZRP is currently conducting,” he said.

“It is the duty of the police to detect, investigate and prevent crime and this is precisely what we are doing.”

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi announced the raid on his Twitter handle saying it marked the beginning of an investigation into the matter.

Health experts, he said, had said there was no cure for HIV and Aids yet.

“I can confirm police this evening raided Prophet Walter Magaya offices to recover samples of his Aguma medicine, which he claims cures HIV. The raid marks the start of an investigation into this matter. Health experts say there is no cure yet,” Dep Minister Mutodi said.

Government on Monday dismissed the PHD leader’s claims saying prophet Magaya had not submitted Aguma for assessment as a herbal supplement and people should not buy medicines from unapproved and unlicensed persons.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Government was concerned with these claims as there were processes and procedures in Zimbabwe that medicines go through before they are recognised as effective and safe for use by patients.

“The ministry strongly urges all clients on treatment for HIV and Aids to continue on their prescribed medication. Any form of discontinuation or switch made without the guidance of medical professionals may lead to adverse consequences on their health status,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Prophet Magaya had similarly urged people on ART to continue their medication till Government certified his Aguma.

State Media

Correspondent|Westlake International Finance Limited has petitioned the High Court seeking an order to compel former Information and Communication Technology minister, Supa Mandiwanzira, to settle a $317 166 debt in high interest loans to a company owned by the MP for Nyanga South over six years ago.

The micro finance institution filed summons at the High Court on October 29 through its lawyers, Gill, Godlonton and Gerrans, citing Mandiwanzira and Florence Erina Ziumbe — a lawyer and businesswoman — as respondents.

“During the period stretching from January 2012 to February 2013, plaintiff (Westlake International) concluded three separate loan agreements with Tarcon (Private) Limited (“Tarcon”) in terms of which the plaintiff lent and advanced the following sums of money to Tarcon, that is $700 000 on or around January 2012; $615 960 on or around August 1, 2012 and $416 100 on or around February 4, 2013,” the firm said.

According to the court papers, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe bound themselves as sureties and co-principal debtors to the loan.

“In terms of all the three loan agreements, the aforesaid Tarcon was obliged to repay the advanced sums of money, together with interest thereon within a period of 180 days from the date of each advance. Despite signing several acknowledgments of its indebtedness, Tarcon has failed and/or neglected to repay the full amount and has to date, accumulated arrears in the total sum of $317 166, 33.”

In the same litigation, the financial company said it was also demanding interest at the rate of 8% calculated from the loan payment due date to the date of payment in full.

However, Mandiwanzira and Ziumbe are yet to respond to the lawsuit and the pair has 10 working days to file an appearance to defend.

A Bulawayo woman has been denied spousal maintenance but got maintenace for her two children.

Mr Linda Nyamandi who wanted $540 in spousal maintenance and the upkeep of her two children got $160 maintenance a month for the children. Ms Ulukile Mlea said since Mrs Nyamandi was not divorced, she could not claim spousal maintenance.

“Spousal maintenance is paid to individuals divorced who do not have the means to provide for themselves,” said Ms Mlea.

The court heard that Mr Nyamandi sold their family shop and established a bakery as well as a maize business. On the lease papers he put his name, his friend’s name and asked his wife to sign the papers.

“Nyamandi told me that since it’s a family business there was no need to write my name since his name was already on the lease papers. I fell for the trap and he later started abusing me, starving me and eventually threw me out of our matrimonial home,” she said.-state media

The World Health Organisation (WHO), which is responsible for prequalifying medicines before use, has said the only legalised and tested remedy available for HIV clients is antiretroviral therapy.

This follows claims by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya that he has found the cure for HIV which has claimed millions of lives the world over.

Scientists have spent the last three decades trying to find a cure for the pandemic which affects about 1,3 million Zimbabweans and so far only ART has been proven to suppress the amount of virus in the body.

In a statement in response to questions from the state media yesterday, WHO said no one has approached the international body about any treatment to cure HIV.

“There are standard procedures and guidelines for WHO prequalification of medicines which are available to the public. A lot of research is going on in this area but none has demonstrated a cure for HIV among humans,” read the statement. “Therefore, there is no cure for HIV, although antiretroviral treatment can control the virus, meaning that people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. Once someone stops taking the treatment, the virus re-emerges.

Therefore, no one should stop taking their medicines for HIV treatment.”
United Nations Zimbabwe communications specialist Mr Sirak Gebrehiwot added that there is no known and proven cure for HIV to date. “Zimbabwe has very well-established procedures for clinical trials.

Clinical trials are the process by which any new medical approaches including drugs are rigorously evaluated to determine whether they are safe and effective in the prevention and/or treatment of any ailments,” he said. “The United Nations in Zimbabwe wishes to remind and encourage any researchers involved in developing possible new treatments for any ailments, including HIV and Aids to subject these to the Ministry of Health and Child Care national clinical trial processes and procedures,” added Mr Gebrehiwot.

An HIV and Aids activist Mr Dumisani Nkomo urged authorities to subject Magaya’s claims to the usual tests.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National Aids Council should test his herbs for efficacy. He should be given a chance and until authorities research on his product, they should not dismiss him,” said Mr Nkomo.

In a statement the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association said Mr Magaya’s claim will have far reaching repercussions if people pin their hope on his statements.

“We wish to advise relevant authorities that Press statements alone are not enough to restore sanity on this subject. We say so because such Press statements may not reach all the people.

Mr Magaya should be asked to publicly reverse and retract his utterances in the manner that he first announced the subject,” said ZHDA spokesperson Dr Mxolisi Ngwenya. “Until such a time that the robust and rigorous research is done, with enough medical clearance and verification through animal studies, Mr Magaya’s new drug should be quarantined and isolated from humans. Life is too precious.

We encourage all clients to adhere to all their medication as per doctor’s prescription,” he said.
The only human who was cured of HIV is Mr Timothy Ray Brown who underwent a bone marrow stem cell transplant in 2007. Mr Brown’s procedure almost cost him his life twice and scientists the world over are closely monitoring a rare genetic mutation in the person who donated bone marrow to
Mr Brown which may have had a central role in his cure to formulate a cure for HIV.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe weighed in saying Zimbabwe has made great strides towards reducing new HIV infections, reducing HIV prevalence, prevention of mother to child transmissions and promoting safe and responsible health seeking behaviour and the medical claims (on HIV cure) have a potential to reverse the hard earned gains aimed at the eventual eradication of the disease.

“Given this background PSZ would like to caution opinion leaders to desist from misleading the public with unsubstantiated claims. We call for responsible leadership and following of due processes necessary for any innovation within the medical fraternity,” said the PSZ in a statement.- state media

Zimbabwe’s gold miner RioZim has closed its Kadoma mine, Cam & Motor, and two other mines due to a shortage of dollars, the company said in a letter to the central bank on Wednesday.

RioZim is Zimbabwe’s third largest producer of gold, operating Cam and Motor, Dalny and Renco mines. Early this month, the miner threatened legal action to force the Reserve Bank to pay it more U.S. dollars for part of its output.

US dollar shortages in Zimbabwe have worsened since 2016 and earlier this month, the miner threatened legal action to force the central bank to pay it more U.S. dollars for part of its output.

Gold mines are required by law to sell their produce to Fidelity Printers, an arm of the Reserve Bank which then exports the mineral. From the beginning of this month, they are allowed to retain 30% of the export earnings, down from 50 percent before that while the balance is transferred to their local accounts via electronic transfers.

RioZim previously said was “facing severe challenges arising from the Company’s inability to access its foreign currency earnings that are required to fund its operations and sustain its growth.” “As per our previous communications, we regret to confirm that Cam and Motor Mine, Dalny Mine and Renco Mine involuntarily stopped operations after running out of consumables and spare parts recently,” Chihota wrote to RBZ governor, John Mangudya in the letter dated October 26.

“As you are aware, the stocks of critical imported consumables and spares ran out due to an acute forex shortage including cyanide, activated carbon, caustic soda, explosives, forges steel balls, spares for the repair of crucial equipment and numerous other items.”

He added that RioZim only received 14% of its forex allocation since 2016, with almost no allocations at all over the past nine weeks.

“As you will agree, this disruption is very harmful to us all that is our employees, our creditors, the Government of Zimbabwe along with all other stakeholders. However, we very much hope that this stopping of production is temporary and that we will resolve the issues currently facing us as we continue to engage yourselves and hope that at the end of it we shall come out stronger to the benefit of all stakeholders,” he said.

Dalny Mine stopped operating on 19 October while Cam and Motor Mine and Renco Mine closed on the 22 October.

The Cam and Motor Mine is situated 130km south west of Harare, 10km to the east of Kadoma, at Eiffel Flats on the site of the former Cam and Motor Mine. The mine was once the largest producer of gold in Zimbabwe and produced in excess of 150 tonnes of gold in its entire life.

Three main ore bodies were mined by the Cam and Motor Gold Mining Company, the previous owners of the mine. These were the Motor Lode, Cam Lode and Petrol Lode. In 1968, the mine was closed with the gold price at US$35 per ounce and the mine operating at depths of 1,800 metres when operations were no longer viable. At that stage, the mine cut- off grade was 8 grams/tonne and so it was considered likely that there could be significant resources adjacent to the old workings that would now be economic to mine.

RioZim commissioned an exploration program to search for the expected lower grade zones surrounding the mined ore bodies.

ZOOMZimbabwe has not been able to verify whether the mine will be reopened anytime soon.

Renco Mine is 100% owned by RioZim Limited. The mining rights are held through mining claims, a mining lease and a special grant covering a total area of 2 736 hectares. The mine is located in the South-East of Zimbabwe in Nyajena communal lands, approximately 75km southeast of Masvingo.

Gold mining in the Renco area started as early as the 15th century when artisanal miners worked near surface outcrops. Impressed by the quality of the deposit, Mr Hewlett, of Coronation mine, started a minor gold rush in 1938 when he moved out to begin work on the site. By March 1939 Messrs Rennie and Connick formed the Renco syndicate and took control over the area.

Gold fields of South Africa bought the mine from the Renco syndicate and were also granted an exclusive prospecting order over the area. During the tenure of the EPO they drilled several surface diamond drill holes and mined underground to a depth of 25m.

The claims and the mine were transferred to a local exploration company, Anglo American Mineral Searches, who developed the mine to 50m depth and sold it in 1969 after concluding that the deposit was too small and complicated to sustain a large scale mine.

By the end of 1981 over 1,000,000 tonnes in indicated ore resources and 200,000 tonnes in proved ore reserves were declared and the modern Renco mine was commissioned in 1982. The mine has produced continuously since then, with underground and plant infrastructure being upgraded as and when required.

To date 37 tonnes of gold have been produced from 7.2 million tonnes of ore milled at a recovery grade of 5.96g/t gold. Renco Mine is currently producing an average of 60kg gold per month against a potential of above 70kg per month.

In an angry statement recently Rio Zim said monetary authorities had effectively broken their own rules by withholding its foreign earnings without explanation.

“Therefore, in addition to the other measures that the company is considering to address the situation, the company has proceeded to formally serve the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with its notice advising it of its intention to file legal proceedings against the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for a claim demanding that the Central Bank complies with its directives and policies, and also, for compensation for any losses that the Company has suffered as result of the Central Bank’s non-compliance with its directives from 2016 to date,” read the statement in part.

Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), Rio Zim said failure to access foreign currency its was negatively affecting the mining group’s viability.

“The company is currently facing severe challenges arising from the company’s inability to access its foreign currency earnings that are required to fund its operations and sustain its growth.

“Whilst the Central Bank’s policy from April 2016 to September 2018 was that gold producers were entitled to access 50% of their receipts in foreign exchange automatically in their nostro account and the balance 50% by application (this policy has changed to 30% with effect from 1 October 2018), the company has not received even the first 50% let alone the balance as per the directives issued by the Central Bank in respect of its foreign exchange allocation.

“Since 2016 to date, the Company has only been allocated an average of circa 15% of the foreign currency that it has generated.”

ZOOMZim

MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe has called on the MDC Alliance to acknowledge President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner of the July 30 presidential election to allow the country to move forward.

“In any election, there is only one winner. Once there is a winner, we must rally behind those that would have won, put our ideas together and move this country forward. We cannot be talking about the just ended elections forever,” Khupe, a losing presidential hopeful, said.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa disputes Mnangagwa’s victory, citing vote fraud and has refused to accept a Constitutional Court ruling that upheld the win.

Khupe said Zimbabwe “cannot be in election mode forever.”

“It should not be just about power, but all Zimbabweans who want a better life but if we pull in different directions, it is not going to help any of us. The people who will suffer are our followers, let us talk about the future. We would want a situation where there can be a platform where we as opposition can put ideas on how to solve the problems the country faces. That must be our preoccupation.”

MDC Alliance Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Felix Magalela Mafa-Sibanda, however, dismissed Khupe’s comments as offside, before accusing the former deputy Prime Minister of being a Zanu PF decoy.

“As the MDC, we are not keen to criticise other progressive opposition parties. We feel Khupe must just join hands with Zanu PF since she’s the one who acknowledges that Mnangagwa won the elections. We see her as a Zanu PF surrogate,” Mafa-Sibanda said.

-Newsday

Terrence Mawawa| World-renowned economic commentator, Steve
Hanke has spoken against the economic sanctions against other countries as they mostly affect the poor.

Hanke shares the same sentiments with Econet boss Strive Masiyiwa.He described sanctions as war crimes.

Hanke’s views are also in sync with what most of the local business people have said.There has been a lot of talk around the amended ZIDERA and Zanu PF bigwigs argue that the punitive economic measures have to go in order to give the local economy a new lease of life.

Hanke wrote on twitter:” Sanctions are economically illiterate and they punish innocent civilians rather than targeted governments. Often times the political elite get rich while the
ordinary citizens are left to live off scraps. It’s time

to call sanctions what they are: war crimes.”

Zimbabwe’s cash- strapped government is splashing close to $11 million on school fees for war veterans’ children.

This comes as government is failing to adequately fund the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam) initiative, meant to assist orphaned and vulnerable children, those living with disabilities or in foster care under poor parents, street children, or children with chronically ill guardians or in child-headed households with their school fees.

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said the money paid to war veterans’ children was contributing towards the country’s ballooning budget deficit, which is expected to reach $2,3 billion by the end of 2018. “This has far reaching consequences in the economy in terms of government crowding out private sector lending.

Additionally, continued payment of government obligations through an overdraft will also worsen the liquidity challenges in the economy,” he said in his 2019 pre-budget statement released last week. According to official government figures, treasury pays over $6,4 million every term in school fees for 22 000 children of war veterans, while Beam that caters for over 200 000 students is not being funded.

University of Zimbabwe political analyst Eldered Masunungure said the move to pay school fees for war veterans’ children was a cheap political game as they are lot of disadvantaged children in the country who lack access to basic education.

“Beam has not been funded for years now but it’s a facility that caters for the underprivileged children and schools are suffering. When a segment of population is being given favourable treatment, then it raises suspicions of political interests,” he said.

Masunungure noted that the Zanu PF led government wants to draw political advantages from such actions, adding that the move is not meant to advance the welfare of war veterans children but is merely politically motivated.

“The war veterans’ children are lucky that they are being privileged but it’s a drop in the ocean in relation to the needs of all the children at a national level, particularly those schools that have been catering for Beam-funded nutrition.

“You cannot segment people with similar needs differently,” he said.

National director of the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children Taylor Nyanhete said government should lobby enough resources for children under Beam.

He, however, said the government also has an obligation to pay for the war veterans children.

“The paying of school fees for war veterans’ children is in the War Veterans Act, so they have to pay,” he said.

-Daily News

Businessman Kuda Tagwirei, has triggered off fresh fissures within Zanu PF and government, with the Sakunda Holdings founder wittingly or unwittingly driving a wedge between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and some of his allies over the tycoon’s unsettling influence.

Barely a year after a soft coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s administration is facing a huge crisis caused by an imploding economy.

The meltdown has led to finger-pointing, with Tagwirei coming under scrutiny for his octopus-like grip on the fuel industry, hit by serious shortages of petrol and diesel.

One of Zimbabwe’s richest men, Tagwirei is accused of monopolising fuel infrastructure, and flaunting his wealth to influence government to make decisions in his favour.

He is reported to have amassed excessive influence over the three arms of the State, with critics claiming his actions — real or perceived — amounted to State capture.

Tagwirei has openly financed Command Agriculture ahead of the July 30 elections, a programme the opposition alleges was designed to pursue a narrow electoral agenda, specifically securing a Zanu PF victory in the harmonised elections.

He has declined to speak to the Press about these allegations.

Despite his fabulous wealth and power, he now seems to have fallen afoul with Mnangagwa, and is facing unrelenting persecution, with his business being hammered endlessly.

A Communications Taskforce appointed by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and headed by Acie Lumumba made shocking allegations last week, claiming “Queen Bee” — widely viewed as Tagwirei — was part of a syndicate fuelling the foreign currency black market by supplying street dealers with bond notes and corrupt allocations of foreign currency from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

Grey-haired and tall, with piercing eyes and a quiet, hushed voice, the Sakunda boss was then lynched by Mnangagwa’s special advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa, who brazenly accused him of “dividing the presidium”.

Mutsvangwa alleged there was a powerful political hand helping Tagwirei to jump the foreign currency allocation queue at the RBZ and called for his monopoly in the fuel industry to be crushed.

The former War Veterans minister seemed to suggest that Mnangagwa and his powerful deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga were not seeing eye-to-eye on the Tagwirei issue.

But Mnangagwa’s spokesperson — George Charamba — rejected the claims yesterday, saying: “We will tell you when we are divided.”

Asked if there is still unity in the presidium, Charamba retorted: “To answer that question means there is a problem.”

“Not a single day passes without a conversation between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa and, as a matter of fact, the same person who is accused of dividing the presidium is the very person who is providing vehicles?” he asked rhetorically, referring to the allegations that Tagwirei had purchased top-of-the-range vehicles for the presidium and their spouses, service chiefs as well as other top Zanu PF and government officials.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily News, Charamba said claims that an oligarchy has captured the presidium, with Tagwirei’s influence said to be extending right up to the RBZ, were not true.

“This is just an allegation and we will treat it as such and nothing else. At the heart of it all is just a simple commercial issue which doesn’t need so much political bicker. What it needs is capital, business acumen and business decisions —finish. The presidency speaks for itself — it doesn’t need an interlocutor body,” he said referring to Mutsvangwa.

Charamba also dispelled claims that Mutsvangwa was Mnangagwa’s hired gun.

He said: “Really, I don’t know. You know what, to be frank with you, no one in the presidency is concerned about that allegation, whether hired or shooting on his own — who cares? The country goes on, and as you can see, at the height of the allegations, solutions are being made, which is what matters; and solutions which are all encompassing, including the persons making the allegations; they also go to the same oil companies to refuel.”

Charamba said Tagwirei must actually be commended for ending fuel shortages, referring to the move by Sakunda to give government 100 million litres of fuel this week, which will only be repaid after 12 months.

He said a monopoly cannot be ended by “bickering but by organising and importing”.

Asked about Sakunda taking over the Feruka pipeline, Charamba retorted: “No, the pipeline you rent to use it. It’s not like it is always pumping 24 hours.

“The way to stop a monopoly is to make sure you get in as a player. There is no law, there is no convention, there is not even an economic principle that stops anyone from getting into the fuel sector,” he told the Daily News.

He declined to comment further on the allegations.

Tagwirei — whose father’s death earlier this year halted government business as virtually all ministers abandoned their workstations to attend his burial — was recently interviewed by the police, although it is not clear whether the police team unearthed evidence of illegality or if the questions were simply exploratory in nature.

Police also wanted to search his home but he reportedly left for Wedza for Chiwenga’s rural home, where he was recuperating far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Government insiders alleged Mutsvangwa was hammering Tagwirei because he was keen to replace dominance of Sakunda with MOGS Oil & Gas Services — a Johannesburg-based fuels company which owns and operates pipelines, fuel storage facilities and other oil and gas infrastructure across Africa and further afield.

Mutsvangwa, who has been vocal about breaking Sakunda’s monopoly in the fuel industry, was said to be MOGS’ front, and reportedly approached Mnangagwa with a proposal to have the pan-African leader in the oil and gas midstream infrastructure sector to build a second fuel pipeline from Feruka.

He was said to be in partnership on the MOGS deal with former senior MDC official Eddie Cross.

The Daily News heard that towards elections, Mutsvangwa reportedly told Mnangagwa that he had been working with Cross on the MOGS deal since the coup and that Cross will no longer root for opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the elections.

Cross has since exited the MDC Alliance after pouring scorn on the party.

Reached for comment, Cross said “there is a measure of truth” in the claims.

He said he has been involved in talks to have MOGS build a second pipeline since the days of the government of national unity (GNU), a project he said was mooted by then Energy minister Elton Mangoma.

“During the GNU, I was asked by Mangoma to find a company which could build a new pipeline from Beira to Harare to supply regional states from regional fuel pool in Harare, centred in Mabvuku, where we have a large fuel storage facility that can take 400 000 cubic metres of fuel,” Cross told the Daily News.

He said he embarked on a programme to find a suitable partner and opened talks with MOGS.

Cross said the deal was put on ice after the dissolution of the GNU.

Then after the coup, Cross said he was asked by Mnangagwa as part of his 100-day plan to revive the deal with MOGS.

He said a deal was reached on December 13, 2017 with MOGS.

Cross said at the end of January, the deal was put to Cabinet but was blocked by “senior elements”.

“The reason given was that the pipeline was a strategic asset and (a) private company can’t own shares,” Cross said.

Mutsvangwa rubbished the allegations made against him yesterday.

“I have completely nothing to do with this except promoting those who want to invest. Ask (the) permanent secretary in the ministry of Defence. This company MOGS has been here since 1994. All companies come to my office. It’s one of many; there are 15 other companies that are interested,” Mutsvangwa told the Daily News.

Asked if he was in a partnership with Cross, Mutsvangwa said: “It’s nonsense.”

Asked if Cross was a front for MOGS, Mutsvangwa said: “I don’t know, I can’t speak for other people. I can only speak about companies that come to my office. Why don’t you speak to Eddie, I can’t speak about Eddie’s business.”

The Daily News can exclusively reveal that Mnangagwa met with Errol Gregor, the chief executive officer of MOGS, on Monday to tie up the deal to start work on the second pipeline, with the project said to be worth $800 million.

The meeting was also attended by Joram Gumbo, the minister of Energy.

This has heightened tensions with Sakunda.

Recently, Gumbo clarified that Tagwirei’s Sakunda, through Trafigura, does not hold the sole and exclusive right to transport all petroleum products imported into Zimbabwe through the pipeline.

He also denied claims that Sakunda now controls the pump station at Feruka, the pipeline and ancillary assets from Feruka to Msasa, the pump station at Wilton near Marondera as well as the tank farm at Msasa.

“It’s a pipeline that is owned by a JV, a joint venture company, between the government of Zimbabwe and Mozambique CPMZ (Companhia Do Pipeline Mozambique). There is no problem about bringing in fuel into the country,” he said.

The 208-km long Harare-Feruka pipeline was owned and operated by Petrozim Line (Private) Limited — owned by National Oil Infrastructure of Zimbabwe (NOIC) and Lonmin, 50 percent each.

Lonmin Plc assumed the Lonrho shareholding.

In June this year, the South Africa-registered platinum group metals producer Lonmin announced it was disposing its 50 percent stake in Zimbabwe’s Petrozim for $14,8 million.

Lonmin — listed on both the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges — announced it was part of strategies to focus on core business.

“Lonmin … has … entered into a conditional sale of shares agreement to sell its 50 percent interest in Petrozim for a gross cash consideration of USD14 750 000 to the National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited,” the mining group said in a cautionary.

Subsequent to the disposal, Sakunda, through Trafigura, had reportedly rented the pipeline that has the capacity to deliver six million litres of fuel per day from Feruka to bonded warehouses in Msasa, Harare.

The pipeline delivers around 80 percent of the petrol and diesel requirements for the country.

-Daily News

HIGH Court Judge Justice David Mangota on Wednesday 31 October 2018 reserved judgment after presiding over the hearing and determination of an application filed by a relative of a shooting victim of the August 2018 violence, challenging the legality of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s executive decision to appoint the Commission of Inquiry set up to probe the post-election violence including its composition.

Justice Mangota reserved ruling after hearing the urgent chamber application filed by Alison Charles, whose brother was shot and killed alongside six other civilians in post-election violence on 1 August 2018.

Charles and the Counselling Services Unit (CSU), who are represented by Advocate Eric Matinenga instructed by Chris Mhike of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are challenging the legality of Mnangagwa’s executive decision to appoint the Commission of Inquiry, its composition and its terms of reference.

Charles and CSU, who are the applicants have cited President Mnangagwa, former South African leader Kgalema Motlanthe, who heads the Commission of Inquiry, the Commission of Inquiry, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema, Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri, Commissioner-General of Zimbabwe Republic Police Godwin Matanga, Commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Philip Sibanda, Attorney General Prince Machaya, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Professor Charity Manyeruke, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as respondents.

Charles, lost a brother Gavin Dean on 1 August 2018 after he was shot dead by soldiers, who opened fire on ordinary citizens and opposition political party supporters in Harare during a post-election protest over the mismanagement of the 2018 harmonised elections.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is moving to consolidate his grip on the opposition party ahead of its elective congress early next year, which is expected to make or break his political future.

Insiders who spoke to NewsDay said Chamisa’s plan was to build a public swell of support around himself so that it becomes difficult for any potential challengers to get into the ring with him.

“Chamisa is drumming up support and raving his popularity both within and outside the structures of the party, mainly to create an intimidatory fence that will deter other members of the party from challenging him at congress,” a senior official in the opposition party said.

“He knows he can’t stop the elections at congress, so he wants to make it seem like he can’t be challenged.”

Chamisa will be going on a whirlwind tour in the coming week to galvanise party structures across the country ahead of planned street protests seeking to unseat President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“We are going to be organising ourselves internally, then we go to programmes that we want to do throughout the country from next week,” Chamisa said at the MDC 19th anniversary commemorations held in the capital at the weekend.

“I will be going to every area, where I will be setting out the plan, something big in this country, hold your cards on the intended march to State House.

When we do this, we want to have a clear plan on what date we start and to the day we end. We will not go back home until we achieve the intended plan.”

Youth assembly secretary-general Lovemore Chinoputsa declared at the party’s 19th anniversary celebrations at Gwanzura Stadium that the party’s national executive was clear that Chamisa would remain leader of the MDC Alliance.

Chinoputsa said there was no need to change a winning team, saying it was time for the MDC family to endorse the leadership of Chamisa, claiming he polled 2,6 million votes in the July 30 presidential poll instead of the 2,1 million announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

“The general position of the MDC (Alliance) is that our president Chamisa won the election, which was stolen by the junta government.

He got 2,6 million votes. Why would we want to change a winning team? We have to rally behind him and improve our brand,” he said.

Chamisa followed suit, saying: “Remain in the direction of the party, that direction is (late MDC leader Morgan) Tsvangirai left power in my hands.

I will leave power in the hands of another, going on that direction, doing the work, going forward. You can’t seek to wrest power from me before I even reach the desired goal.”

-Newsday

Correspondent|A Zimbabwean has been killed by a mob at a bus rank in Gaborone, Botswana. The mob descended on the Zimbabwean after he was caught pick pocketing.

The mob gave chase, assaulting the victim and by the time the police arrived at the scene, he was unconscious. The deceased was rushed to the hospital where he was later that day certified dead by a medical doctor.

Police are still investigating the murder of the 29-year-old Zimbabwean and have not made any arrests yet.

“We managed to locate the victim’s parents who managed to identify him and a post mortem has been carried out,” Borakanelo station commander, superintendent Amos Solomon told Mmegi.

“The victim’s family might have taken his body to process the burial proceedings because they were given two days to move him from Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) mortuary to a private mortuary last Wednesday.”

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Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has been ejected from Parliament for Mutodi ejected for displaying a badge bearing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s face…more to follow…
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Correspondent|Harare City Council (HCC) officials who are accused of trying to steal humanitarian aid meant to stem Zimbabwe’s deadliest cholera outbreak in a decade are set to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The four, Philimon Rwafa a procurement and stores officer, Smart Mhuka a buyer, Tawanda Marange a cadex clerk and Tafadzwa Reza a buyer were accused of inflating prices of goods and services after Econet Wireless donated $10 million.

Econet founder and executive chairperson Strive Masiyiwa took to social media to blow the whistle on the alleged inflated prices.

After the billionaire voiced his concerns , HCC announced on its twitter page that it had suspended the four who were suspected of inflating prices for goods and services to be used in the fight against cholera.

In full council meeting minutes released yesterday, HCC resolved to bring the employees before the disciplinary committee for bypassing the internal audit process and to answer to charges of inflating prices for cholera relief items.

“The four employees mentioned in the Acting Audit Manager’s report appear before a disciplinary committee to answer charges of inflating cholera prices for items which resulted in council being exposed to a potential prejudice of US$30 951, US$81 114,50 ,US$38 801,50, and US$11 035 respectively.

“The employees mentioned should appear before a disciplinary committee for bypassing the internal audit process which verifies purchase orders and for not bench marking prices against manufacturer prices as per council resolution,” read part of the minutes.

Council also resolved to recover US$2 625 from Climbot Hardware.

“That council recovers US$2 625 from Climbot Hardware that was charged as Value Added Tax (VAT) on exempted goods,” further stated the contents of the minutes..

HCC also said the employees would be transferred to other departments.

“That the employees be transferred in the mean time to other sections of departments and their duties must not involve procurement.

“Buyers should stop contracting middle men as recorded in audit minutes dated February 2016 which state that prices should be bench marked against manufacturers/ main player or negotiable prices accordingly to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets,” council said.

Meanwhile, a quick search on some of the alleged looters social media handles shows that they have been living a flamboyant lifestyle as evidenced by the pictures posted on the pages.

M&T

Controversial Deputy Minister of Information and Publicity, Energy Mutodi was today ejected out of parliament for wearing a badge reflecting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

By Paul Nyathi|A civil society group by the name Citizen Manifesto has unveiled what it terms “THE CITIZNES’ CABINET”.

This is led by Briggs Bomba. The rest of the members are as follows:

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Terrence Mawawa|Controversial MDC- T deputy president Obert Chaurura Gutu has applauded business tycoon Strive Masiyiwa’ s stance on the removal of sanctions imposed on Harare at the beginning of the new millennium.

“The political change in Zimbabwe is real,President Mnangagwa is sincere, sanctions must go, politicking must stop and let’s focus on rebuilding the country,” said Masiyiwa.

In augmenting Masiyiwa’s sentiments Gutu tweeted:”Now when a whole billionaire like Strive Masiyiwa calls for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe,iwe zvako Mupurwa…iwe

zvako Zuze… you still clamour that sanctions
shouldn’t be removed! Who does that?”

Terrence Mawawa|Professor Jonathan Moyo has accused business tycoon Strive Masiyiwa of deliberately turning his back on millions of suffering Zimbabweans in a bid to please Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ilk.

Masiyiwa claimed the new dispensation introduced new ideologies conducive for economic revival such that sanctions on Harare should be removed.

“In times like these it’s fundamental for everyone, including @StriveMasiyiwa , to listen to the people who live from hand to mouth
while enriching billionaires. So as a billionaire, Masiyiwa must put his mouth where his money

is. It’s the people, not billionaires, who come
first,” Moyo wrote on Twitter.

Analysts have pointed out that Masiyiwa’ s gambit is meant to spruce up his image in the eyes of the regime at the expense of suffering Zimbabweans.