Terrence Mawawa|Renowned political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has pointed out that the people of Zimbabwe are likely withdraw their obligation to be obedient to the government, given the impending economic mayhem.
“Social theorists posited that when the government fails to secure their natural rights (Locke) or satisfy the best interests of society (called the
“general will” in Rousseau), citizens can withdraw their obligation to obey, or change the leadership through elections or other means,” argued Dr Ruhanya.
He added:”You cannot just wake up and make critical and swift economic policies without wide
consultations with industry, labour and citizens and expect them to positively respond to your ECONOMIC DICTATORSHIP. People have rights. A social contract doesn’t
work that way!”
We are about to go LIVE on the ongoing police chaos in Harare’s CBD. Several vendors were at the time of writing being ambushed by baton stick wielding ZRP officers.
Terrence Mawawa|Respected political analyst and social commentator Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has said Zanu PF bigwigs must uproot corrupt elements within their structures to ensure economic growth and revival.
“Instead of setting up a prices hikes probe team composed of clueless Zanu PF officials,the ruling party should simply stop its corrupt
practices to instil confidence in the market; address the political governance deficits too,” tweeted Dr Ruhanya.
“FAILURE is an achievement in ZANU PF; otherwise the majority in this government should not be where they are. Our economy is tired of these failed politicians and bureaucrats to the extent that it can no longer play the ball!
Zimbabwe is a facing a fundamental
GOVERNANCE QUESTION not an ECONOMIC one!”
Terrence Mawawa|Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has described the midterm monetary policy presentation as ruinous to the already ailing economy.
“The #newmess at the Min of Finance has created total mayhem in the marketsShops are upwardly adjusting prices and many have shut
down until certainty.
It’s 2008 de javu. A
complete dog’s breakfast but one which many dogs will not touch , not by a mile.#RiggingDoesNotPay,” tweeted Biti.
Zimbabweans have described the midterm monetary policy presentation as a document loaded with high sounding words that are largely ineffective.
The three Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) top executives arrested yesterday have appeared in court for their initial remand hearing on charges of criminal abuse of office involving over $35 million in underhand deals involving an Indian company, PME.
Engineer Joshua Chifamba, the group’s chief executive officer, Engineer Julian Chinembiri, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution (ZETDC) managing director and his finance director Thokozani Dhliwayo— were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before Chief magistrate, Mr Mishrod Guvamombe.
They are also facing allegations of awarding an advertising contract to Fruitful Communications (Pvt) Ltd without going to tender in 2016 and the subsequent payment of $20 000 to the company by ZETDC.
Prosecuting, Mr Michael Reza did not oppose bail. He proposed that the trio to be placed on remand on $3000 bail each coupled with stringent conditions.
Mr Guvamombe has asked the prosecutor to furnish the court with a list of state witnesses before he announces the bail conditions this afternoon.
Terrence Mawawa|The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has cancelled the consultation day during the third term of the school calendar as part of precautions to combat the deadly cholera epidemic.
This term the consultation day usually known as the visiting has been suspended as a result of advice from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“Basing on advice we got from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, we decided to suspend the consultation day,” an official in the Ministry said in an interview with ZimEye.com.
By Dorrothy Moyo| Amid the salacious rumours published by the Daily News that got Zimbabweans believing that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is currently hospitalised, the state owned Herald has produced the below pictures of the man alive and well at a politburo meeting today. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…
Lawyer and ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Mudzi South Jonathan Samukange has dumped his client Saviour Kasukuwere claiming that representing him in a corruption case is retrogressive and puts him in a conflict of interest situation.
Samukange’s withdrawal from representing former Local Government minister and G40 kingpin Kasukuwere in a criminal abuse of office case comes amid huge pressure from members of the ZANU PF Youth League in Mashonaland East province who accused him of being unpatriotic by representing Kasukuwere who was ousted from the party.
Provincial youth spokesperson Micklam Mhingidzi last week said the party viewed Kasukuwere as an enemy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa because of his G40 faction links when he was the ruling party’s national political commissar under former President Robert Mugabe.
“We are saying, if the President wants all corrupt people to face the full wrath of the law, as the youth league, we are surprised as to why Samukange, who is a member of the Zanu PF, is defending them,” he said.
Kasukuwere was granted $3 000 bail by Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya on accusations that he fraudulently parcelled out vast tracts of land to former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s sister, Shuvai Gumbochuma, among others.
Asked to comment on other Zanu PF officials who engage lawyers who are often opposition party officials, Mhingidzi said Samkange’s case was different, as he was a ruling party MP, therefore, should not defend those accused of graft, as this could be seen as defying the party leader’s vision.
“What we are saying is that these other lawyers are not indebted to Zanu PF. But the honourable (Samkange) is Zanu PF,” Mhingidzi said.
Terrence Mawawa|There was commotion at Golden Hill Mine in Mashava last week when a Zanu PF activist produced a gun and threatened to shoot mine workers.
Martin Chadzamira stormed the mine premises and threatened to shoot workers arguing they were operating illegally at his farm.Martin Chadzamira is an uncle to Masvingo Provincial Affairs State Minister Ezra Chadzamira.
“Martin produced a 303 Rifle and threatened to shoot workers at Golden Hill Mine.
One of the workers called us and we rushed to the mine. We managed to disarm Martin Chadzamira who claimed the workers were carrying out illegal mining activities,” police sources said.
Ezra Chadzamira was not immediately available for a comment on the matter.
By Farai D Hove| The Minister Of Health, Obadiah Moyo on Thursday afternoon appeared to blame the late former Prime Minister, Ian Smith for the ongoing Cholera outbreak.
Speaking to the Senate Thursday afternoon, Obadiah Moyo said “Cholera is caused by drinking our own faeces when they have entered our mouths. The sewers, the way in which they were built is not correct, they are now rotten those pipes.
“What is happening is that people down the line are now drinking the faeces. Those pipes were built [in Rhodesia] 60, 70 years ago You find some properties are built… and then a septic tank is assembled. People then drink water from that infected septic tank.”
Our faeces, Mr President at the ones that cause cholera.
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe must speedily re-enter the global exporting stage, something possible if local firms embrace joint venture partnerships to produce quality products and value add them.
Addressing stakeholders during the 2018 ZIMTRADE exporters conference in Harare this morning, Cde Mnangagwa said “the fact that 80% of our export products are primary is undesirable,” adding that “if we are to sustain economic growth, we need to export manufactured products. A robust innovation with new cutting edge technology across all sectors is critical in enhancing export competitiveness.”
“Utilising existing bilateral agreements is the first port of call to have maximum benefit in growth. Intra African trade must be the mindset of exporters from this going forward,” he also said.
The President also spoke about the government’s re-engagement efforts and the proposed industrial and trade policies meant to drive economic through modernising the value chain.
“Re-engaging international partners is my thrust to leverage our economic growth. Now, my government is depending on ministries to devise and expedite policy to grow economy. The new industrial Policy will soon be unveiled for growth,” he said.
The President’s sentiments were also echoed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu, who addressed the gathering before Cde Mnangagwa.
“At policy level, we are coming up with export policy towards vision 2030 and will be unveiled by year end. Streamlining regulations and procedures to enhance ease of doing business is my thrust. I encourage Exporters to be on point with global developments in order to stay competitive,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that ‘agriculture and mining are earmarked for enhancing our growth trajectory,’ and emphasised that the attainment of a shared vision is dependent on all stakeholders working together to achieve a middle income economy by 2030.
The President said the government is aware of foreign currency challenges that the industry is facing, saying that the central bank and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development are working towards prioritising foreign currency allocation to key sectors.
“l am aware of the foreign currency challenges that you are facing to import raw materials,machinery and equipment and other essential services.The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe are working to ensure that critical imports are prioritized on foreign currency allocation,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said his government will continue the ongoing efforts to re-engage with the International Financial Institutions to support the recapitalisation and re-tooling of industry as well as trade finance to boost capacity utilization and production for export.
“As our engagement and re-engagement efforts begin to yield visible benefits ,l challenge industry to anticipate the expanded export market and develop business strategies with this in mind.
“Meanwhile my government will continue the ongoing efforts to re-engage with the International Financial Institutions to support the recapitalisation and re-tooling of industry as well as trade finance to boost capacity utilization and production for export.
“We are to date encouraged by the positive response we are receiving as a result of our re-engagement efforts, l call upon companies to harness this goodwill and establish joint venture partnerships with potential investors that are keen to do business in Zimbabwe,” added Mnangagwa.
Despite promises of economic turnaround by President Mnangagwa during his inauguration in November last year, foreign currency shortages have persisted.
A FORM four pupil at Stanmore Secondary School will receive four strokes as punishment for raping his 10-year-old cousin as her three-year-old younger brother watched.
The teenager who cannot be named for ethical reasons was convicted on his own plea of guilty to rape when he appeared before Gwanda regional magistrate, Mr Mark Dzira.
He was sentenced to receive four strokes that will be administered with a rattan cane by a designated officer at Gwanda Prison.
In passing sentence, Mr Dzira rebuked the teenager for engaging in sexual activities at such a young age.
“You are still in school and should be focusing on your studies and not sexual activities. Leave sexual activities to adults and focus on your education because the two can’t go along. You committed a serious offence which calls for a deterrent sentence as you violated a 10-year-old girl thereby destroying her future. To make matters worse she is your cousin.
“However, I will take into consideration that you are a school pupil therefore I will spare you a jail sentence but I will not let you go unpunished so that you can leave your bad habit and so that like minded teenagers can also learn a lesson,” he said.
Prosecuting Mr Mncedisi Dube said the teenager raped the juvenile on September 30 last year.
At the time the victim was doing Grade Five pupil at a local primary school while the teenager was a Form Three pupil.
“On 30 September last year the accused was left alone with his 10-year-old cousin and her two siblings aged three and five-years-old.
“He prepared lunch for them and after they ate he tasked his cousin to go and fetch firewood. The complainant left and took her three year old brother with her.
“The teenager followed them into the bushes and upon catching up with them ordered his cousin to have sexual intercourse with him. The juvenile refused and her cousin went on to rape her while her three year old brother watched and warned the complainant against reporting the matter,’’ he said.
Mr Dube said upon her mother’s return the juvenile disclosed what her cousin had done to her.
He said the matter was reported to the police resulting in the teenager’s arrest.
Opposition MDC parliamentarians are up in arms against Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube for failing to attend yesterday’s question and answer session, threatening to lobby for a contempt of parliament charge against him.
Government on Monday introduced a raft of financial reforms which stirred a storm among citizens with experts warning that the proposals are meant to wipe off ordinary people’s little earnings.
Speaking to 263Chat in an interview, MDC National Chairperson and opposition parliament boss, Thabitha Khumalo said Ncube contravened the constitution which makes it a requirement for ministers to come to parliament charging that Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda pledged that ministers who bunk off or abscond parliament business will be charged for contempt.
“It’s a violation of the standing rules because it’s a constitutional requirement for them to be in parliament. When we went for orientation as members of parliament the speaker promised us that this time around we will charge the ministers that do not adhere to that constitutional requirement for contempt of parliament,” said Khumalo.
Khumalo said the people of Zimbabwe are tired of the excuses ministers make when they deliberately avoid parliament sessions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa fronts the ‘New Dispensation’ banner, a template presumably understood as bidding to usher in a new culture of governance alien to his predecessor.
However, when reached for comment, the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda jumped in Prof Ncube’s defense saying the minister’s absence in parliament on the ‘question and answer’ session was communicated to his office earlier rendering the MDC’s contempt of parliament penalty chorus, null and void.
“Normally they would have asked for leave of absence. It’s not just failing. He had given us a leave of absence, there is no issue there. He did write to the speaker,” he said.
Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs, Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the contempt of parliament only works against ‘unruly’ behavior by parliamentarians, a position that exonerates Ncube from any punishment.
“Contempt of parliament is when you either fight another member of parliament or show a total disrespect to another member,” said Mangwana.
263Chat could not get a comment from Prof Ncube on why he missed yesterday’s parliamentary session as his mobile was unreachable.
Meanwhile, the MDC is preparing a dossier aimed at turning tables against Ncube’s new proposed financial reforms announced on Monday at the Mid Term Monetary Policy presentation.
By Own Correspondent| A 17 year old woman has been hauled before a Harare magistrates court after she allegedly stabbed and killed her husband following an altercation over food and her roles as wife.
The accused was not asked to plead when she appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa charged with murder.
She will be back in court today.
It is the State’s case that the accused stabbed her husband on the right side of his back using a kitchen knife.
Her husband died the same day due to the injuries he had sustained.
Circumstances are that the accused left home intending to have her hair done whilst the husband was at work.
The now deceased returned from work and discovered that she was not at home and he became angry.
He demanded food and she said there was no food and he asked why she did not wash his clothes.
The deceased punched the accused on the face and neighbours restrained them and they entered their home.
Deceased asked for a kitchen knife from the accused and was given. He threw it at her intending to stab her and she evaded.
The accused got hold of the knife and stabbed him on the right side of his back once and left the knife stuck on the back.
She surrendered herself to the police leading to her arrest.
Meanwhile, another woman Beverly Mavunga appeared in the same court answering to a murder charge.
The State opposed bail and the matter was remanded to October 16.
It is alleged that on September 30, the accused, Mavhunga struck her husband with a stone on his head inflicting injuries which caused his sudden death.-StateMedia
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga missed a trip to Lesotho this week as a newspaper reported that he has been hospitalised.
Chiwenga was due to represent Zimbabwe at a SADC forum on early childhood nutrition in Maseru, which started on Tuesday.
Professor Paul Mavhima, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, ended up heading the Zimbabwe delegation.
The Daily News reported on Thursday that Chiwenga had been hospitalised in Harare with an undisclosed ailment.
ZimLive confirmed with two government sources that Chiwenga attended a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but left in the middle of the meeting which ran into the evening after complaining that he was not feeling well.
“He collapsed later on Tuesday evening, we think it’s a mild stroke,” one official said, asking not to be named.
Condition worsening … Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo has been flown to South Africa to continue his treatment
Chiwenga was admitted at the Avenues Clinic in Harare – the same hospital where Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo has been in the intensive care since September 19 following complications from a kidney ailment.
Meanwhile, sources told ZimLive that Moyo’s condition had worsened and he was flown out to South Africa on Wednesday evening.
Moyo has been receiving dialysis for years.
He is believed to have undergone some sort of surgery – but not a kidney transplant, which is the only cure to kidney failure.
The two men, both former army generals, led a military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe from power last November, installing current President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his place. They swapped army uniforms for suits after securing positions in the government along with the former Air Force chief Perrance Shiri, now the Agriculture Minister.
The last public sighting of Chiwenga was on September 28 when he attended his late sister’s memorial service in Marondera.
On the evening of September 30, pictures emerged on the internet purporting to show Chiwenga’s motorcade arriving at a private hospital in Harare.Moody … Mary Chiwenga, wife of the Vice President, is reported to suffer from a heart ailment and was seen with swollen hands at President Mnangagwa’s inauguration on August 26
Chiwenga and his wife, Mary, have both been seen in recent public appearances with swollen hands and feet. They have both also visibly lost their skin pigmentation.
The Vice President, who fell and hurt his hand in April just before a Zanu PF politburo meeting, addressed the skin condition in May as he denied allegations that he was bleaching.
Speaking at his sister’s burial, he said the mystery illness developed around the time of the coup last November.
“I had this skin sickness (nhuta) that affected my whole body from beneath my feet to my back and the journalists started saying I was using skin lightening creams, but that was not the case. I was sick,” he said.
“I have decided to talk about it because that is what you see, but you should know that everything that happens comes with a price. We sent everything to South Africa to find out what was causing the sickness, but they failed to treat it.
“It was then that my (late) sister Margaret approached Sister Redemptor (Roman Catholic nun) and was given herbs that I began taking until I was healed. But before I took the medication they also prayed for me.
“This is what had affected me and had also affected my wife.”
ZimLive has heard from several sources that Chiwenga’s wife, Mary, has a heart problem and is currently undergoing treatment.
“She’s on heavy medication. Her feet and hands swell badly and she has had water drained from there. The heavy medication has induced mood swings and she can be pretty impossible to those who live with her,” a source revealed.
By Own Correspondent| Zanu-PF secretary for War Veterans and Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans, Victor Matemadanda has said MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is “desperate for the attention of real war veterans”.
Matemadanda said this in response to Chamisa’s statements last week that the war veterans leader is “enjoying alone” while fellow war veterans are suffering.
Chamisa said this while welcoming National People’s Party chairman Dzikamai Mavhaire and other defectors to his party at Morgan Tsvangirai house in Harare.
Matemadanda, who is Gokwe Central legislator, said it was just unfortunate that the opposition leader was desperate to get the attention of “real war veterans”.
“It’s naive for a person who has hopes to lead this country to think that any person who once belonged to Zanu-PF is a war veteran. This is a clear sign of desperation,” he said.
He said Mr Chamisa was a son of a Rhodesian African Rifles soldier who does not know the definition of a war veteran.
“May he respectfully be told that if Mavhaire is a war veteran, then he is the class of Chamisa’s father, a Rhodesian war veteran and not the veteran of the liberation struggle,” Matemadanda said.
Matemadanda said the opposition leader was misinformed as President Mnangagwa has already done a lot to improve the life of the war veterans.
“If Chamisa lives in Zimbabwe he should know that (Douglas) Mahiya is my deputy in the Politburo and that he is full time secretary in my department.
“Cde Headman Moyo is a director in the same department. In fact, the department has several war veterans. We are not like him who is only concerned about himself,” he said.
“The President has already done a lot to improve the life of the war veterans, President Mnangagwa and the entire war veterans’ leadership are called to serve their people and they are all happy.”
Recently, war veterans across the country were given party cars for the day to day running of their departments.
Matemadanda’s appointment was hailed by war veterans across the country.
Cde Matemadanda has worked tirelessly in uniting the war vets, ensuring that their grievances have been addressed by the President.-StateMedia
Staff Reporter|A ZIMBABWEAN court has ordered the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister to pay more than $13 000 in damages to 64 year-old Gogo Lillian Chinyerere as compensation for the pain she suffered in 2016 after some ZRP officers assaulted her during an anti-government protest.
High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi recently granted an order compelling ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema to pay $13 500 in damages to Gogo Chinyerere for the pain and suffering she endured emanating from the assault and some injuries she sustained on 26 August 2016, when some armed riot police officers kicked her repeatedly with booted feet and struck her several times with truncheons, while sitting near a courthouse in Harare.
According to summons filed in the High Court by her lawyers Kudzayi Kadzere and David Hofisi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Gogo Chinyerere, who suffers from high blood pressure and is diabetic, suffered the ignominy of a brutal assault on her aging body in full view of the public and also suffered physical harm as well as harm to her dignity as she was humiliated in full view of the public.
The 64 year-old Gogo Chinyerere suffered injuries to her back and shoulder and was unable to proceed with her job as a tailor due to the injuries sustained and has since been relying on well-wishers for her sustenance.
In court, Matanga and Mathema, who were represented by lawyers from the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office, had denied the allegations levelled against ZRP officers and claimed that she had made the assault allegations in a bid to tarnish the image of ZRP.
But Justice Mathonsi ordered Matanga and Mathema to pay $13 500 to Gogo Chinyerere broken down as $5 000 for damages for pain and suffering, $5 000 being damages for contumelia (indignity), $2 500 being special damages for loss of income and $1 000 as damages for past and future medical expenses.
Zanu-PF secretary for War Veterans and Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans, Victor Matemadanda has rubbished claims by MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa that he is “enjoying alone” while fellow war veterans suffer.
Chamisa said this while welcoming National People’s Party chairman Dzikamai Mavhaire and other defectors to his party.
Matemadanda, who is Gokwe Central legislator, said it was just unfortunate that the opposition leader was desperate to get the attention of “real war veterans”.
“It’s naive for a person who has hopes to lead this country to think that any person who once belonged to Zanu-PF is a war veteran. This is a clear sign of desperation,” he said.
He said Chamisa was a son of a Rhodesian African Rifles soldier who does not know the definition of a war veteran.
“May he respectfully be told that if Mavhaire is a war veteran, then he is the class of Chamisa’s father, a Rhodesian war veteran and not the veteran of the liberation struggle,” Matemadanda said.
Matemadanda said the opposition leader was misinformed as President Mnangagwa has already done a lot to improve the life of the war veterans.
“If Chamisa lives in Zimbabwe he should know that (Douglas) Mahiya is my deputy in the Politburo and that he is full time secretary in my department.
“Cde Headman Moyo is a director in the same department. In fact, the department has several war veterans. We are not like him who is only concerned about himself,” he said.
“The President has already done a lot to improve the life of the war veterans, President Mnangagwa and the entire war veterans’ leadership are called to serve their people and they are all happy.”
Recently, war veterans across the country were given party cars for the day to day running of their departments.
Matemadanda’s appointment was hailed by war veterans across the country.
Matemadanda has worked tirelessly in uniting the war vets, ensuring that their grievances have been addressed by the President.
A SECOND-YEAR finance student at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Atumisoe Makhurane, who was found hanging in his hostel room at the institution on Saturday was buried on Tuesday in Matanamombe, Gwanda.
Nust spokesperson Lindiwe Nyoni said the university was saddened by the loss of one of their family members.
“The institution is saddened by the loss of one of our family members and we are grieving with the family of the deceased. He is being buried today (Tuesday) in Gwanda and Nust has sent members of staff and students to pay their last respects to the student,” she said.
Nyoni said the matter was still under investigation.
“We have not received any information so far from the police as the incident is still under investigation,” she said.
Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson, Inspector, Abedinico Ncube said the investigations were still in progress.
“The investigations are still in progress and we do not have something tangible so far,” he said.
Makhurane’s body was found decomposing after security noticed an unusual amount of flies on the curtains, windows and a foul smell emanating from his room.
Reports say the hostel warden had assumed the smell was from a blocked sewer pipe.
ZANU PF secretary for legal affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana on Tuesday said the narrative that the concept of devolution was a Matabeleland issue was wrong, and that it was being spread by secessionist Mthwakazi Restoration Movement in a bid to curve the country into tribal fiefdoms.
Mangwana said this while addressing journalists during a Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) discussion on devolution in Harare.
“There is no merit in the narrative that devolution is going to benefit the people of Matabeleland alone, and generally that is a narrative which is being spread by Mthwakazi Restoration Movement, but the people of Matabeleland do not even support Mthwakazi, they support Zimbabwe,” Mangwana said.
“Devolution is not about creation of a separate state in Zimbabwe, it is not about breaking up Zimbabwe, and that is why in the Constitution we started with the preamble that Zimbabwe is a unitary State, but provided limited self-governance within provincial councils through devolution with local authorities at the lowest level, provincial councils in the middle and the national government,” he said.
Last week, 66 Matabeleland civic society organisations met in Bulawayo and drafted a communique to be handed to government, suggesting the campaign was rooted in the desire to control resources found in Matabeleland and play an active citizenship role in their governance.
The organisations said through their lobbying, devolution was included in the Constitution [Chapter 14] and its implementation would boost development in marginalised Matabeleland communities.
Mangwana said the Zanu PF government was committed to implementing devolution, and that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to follow the Constitution on the matter.
“Devolution means you are giving powers exercised by central government to the other tiers (local authorities and provincial councils) so that power is devolved from the centre to the provinces, but they will not exercise the power of taxation on their own, and they will get their budget [5% allocation] from Treasury to look at their own development,” he said.
Mangwana said devolution required an Act of Parliament to be operational.
“What has not been done is promulgation of an Act that will give meat to the skeleton of devolution, and deal with issues like what type of employees are provincial councils going to have, what type of budget so that the Act minimises duplication of responsibilities by the three tiers of government,” he said.
The Zanu PF official said provincial ministers had nothing to do with provincial councils, as they were part of the central government, adding that there was no constitutional provision which requires cities such as Harare, Bulawayo or Masvingo to have a provincial affairs minister.
“I cannot give a timeframe of when devolution will be implemented because I am not in government, but there is political will to do so,” Mangwana said.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s supporters across the country are backing his stance to reject President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to placate him by officially recognising him as the ‘Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.’
“The people are very clear in all the provinces we have held provincial council meetings so far. They are saying they support Chamisa in rejecting Mnangagwa’s offer for him to be drafted in his government. The grassroots masses are saying Mnangagwa is illegitimate,” said MDC Alliance organising secretary, Amos Chibaya.
“He was not voted by majority of the people of Zimbabwe. Accordingly, he cannot try to window-dress his legitimacy crisis by an illegal offer to the people’s favourite, our party leader Nelson Chamisa.”
He said the party held provincial council meetings across the country in the past week and the grassroots supporters back Chamisa’s stance.
“From what is coming out in the provincial council meetings, the people are still solidly behind our leader, Chamisa, despite the setback of losing the elections whose results we still dispute. The people are saying our victory was stolen, but God is in it and so Chamisa will eventually rule this country. They are still solidly behind him,” he said.
Chamisa, who says he was the legitimate winner of the elections and accuses the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of voter fraud despite losing a Constitutional Court petition challenging the results of the vote, has called for political dialogue to resolve the issue of legitimacy.
In a memo to party structures last week, Chamisa said the dialogue must be premised on several conditions that “shall be anchored on a five-point plan (that) includes return to legitimacy and democracy, the respecting of the win and will of the people, respecting the true outcome of this election.”
“The reforms must include electoral, political, constitutional and legal reforms that allow for the holding of truly free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.”
Staff Reporter|THE disciplinary hearing into the conduct of suspended Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive officer Nancy Masiyiwa-Chamisa fell apart yesterday after it emerged a member of the independent committee headed by Justice Moses Chinhengo, which was set up to probe her, is related to a witness in the matter.
Masiyiwa-Chamisa, who is now being represented by human rights lawyer Advocate Sylvester Hashiti had sought a postponement of the hearing, but Zinara, represented by Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba, refused to budge.
Hashiti confirmed that the hearing had stalled.
“We found out that one of the members of the panel was related to a witness so we shared notes with our colleagues representing Zinara.
The next step is for us to agree on what should happen now, specifically the composition of the independent committee.
“It is our considered view that the whole panel must be disbanded because it is compromised,” Hashiti said.
The member of the committee reportedly claimed to have “forgotten” he had a relative employed at Zinara.
Masiyiwa-Chamisa was suspended in June this year, initially without benefits before they were re-instated, for allegedly seeking the dismissal of two senior directors without then Transport minister Joram Gumbo’s approval.
New Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza has indicated he is aware of the problems bedevilling Zinara, a key parastatal under his portfolio.
“I have met with the board and have assigned my deputy (Fortune Chasi) to look into Zinara and make sure we are on sound footing for take-off. But I can assure you that in all our parastatals, corruption is not going to be tolerated. We will not be apologetic about that,” Matiza said last week.
By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has retired several senior police officers who have reached the compulsory age of retirement in line with reinventing its operations.
All senior officials who are above the age of 50 have been sent home as the service continues its restructuring exercise.
According to a local publication, over 20 senior police officers from the rank of superintendent and above were this week served with retirement letters.
The letters, signed by commissioner-general Godwin Matanga, were headlined “Retirement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Terms of Section 22(3) of the Police Act Chapter 11:10”.
According to the Police Act Chapter 11:10, the retirement age is 50 and once a police officer reaches that age, they have to renew their contract at the discretion of the bosses.
“This letter serves to advise you of your retirement from the ZRP in terms of section 22 subsection (3) of the Police Act Chapter 11:10,” reads one of the letters.
“…The Commissioner General of police avails himself this opportunity to sincerely thank you for having diligently served the organisation and the people of Zimbabwe.”
Police spokesperson Charity Charamba could not be drawn to comment on the matter saying she was away from work and directed questions to deputy spokesperson Paul Nyathi.
Reached for comment after questions had been sent to his mobile phone, Nyathi apologised for not being able to answer his phone.
“I am headed into another meeting may you call me after one hour 30 minutes,” he said after the Daily News had put the question to him. Subsequent efforts to reach him were futile.
The exercise follows the retirement of 10 members of the police service namely commissioners Grace Nomsa Ndebele and Mekia Tanyanyiwa; senior assistant commissioners Godfrey Munyonga, Justice Chifunye Chengeta, Robert Tendero Masukusa, Erasmus Makodza, Prudence Chakanyuka, Eve Mlilo, Grace Maenzanise and Munyori Taedzerwa.
The police have also been undertaking widespread promotions as part of improving the effectiveness in law enforcement.
The promotion procedures are conducted as a regular exercise in the service and are motivating tool aimed at rewarding officers who are hardworking, the police has said.
On July 26 this year, the ZRP promoted close to 500 senior police officers to various ranks.
The change came after close to 2000 junior police officers received their biggest relief yet after they were promoted to various ranks.
Matanga announced the major movements in a radio transcript.
The radio further announced that eight assistant commissioners had been promoted to Senior Assistant Commissioner.
In the communication, Matanga also announced that 15 chief superintends who include Tedeus Madondo, Silungile Ndlovu, Paul Nyathi, Nelson Charumbira, Steven Kazingizi and Givemore Munjeri had been promoted to assistant commissioner.
Thirty three Superintendents were also promoted to Chief Superintendent, while 71 were regraded to the rank of Superintendent, 182 inspectors and deputy inspectors were promoted to Chief Inspector and a further 350 promoted to Inspector.
The changes came as morale in the police service was at an all-time low, as officers felt increasingly undervalued, underpaid and overstretched.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who swept to power on the back of the military intervention, made a number of changes in the ZRP, with long-serving commissioner-general, Augustine Chihuri, being retired and replaced with Matanga.
And just recently, several senior officers in the Police Protection Unit who were providing security to Mugabe were redeployed.
The Zanu PF-led government is desperate to boost morale among a police service that is now focused on reinventing its operations.-Daily News
Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri yesterday claimed no one was killed during Operation Restore Legacy, a code name for the November 2017 de facto coup that forced former President Robert Mugabe to resign after 37 years in power.
She was responding to a question by Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala, who wanted to know the number of people who died during the period and the number of Zimbabweans who escaped the country in fear of the military.
“Operation Restore Legacy took place from November 17 to January 18 and if the MP was referring to people who died of various ailments, then the best answer would be provided by the Registrar-General’s Office that deals with registrations and births,” Muchinguri said.
“But if the MP is referring to victims or casualties of Operation Restore Legacy, which I believe he was, then Mr Speaker, the answer is none as far as we are concerned because no one was killed during that operation.
“The new government never at any time ordered anyone into exile and, instead, those that purport to be in exile and left during the operation did it out of their own volition, and in this regard, government will not give statistics of such persons.”
Muchinguri said immigration laws allowed people to travel in and outside the country, as long as they have valid passports.
“We cannot refer to people that skip the country to evade the law as people that have been exiled, and if anything, that is self-imposed exile,” she said.
“I have alluded to the fact that government has not exiled anyone or threatened anyone.
Those in self-imposed exile know better why they are staying out of the country, but a number of individuals in such situations have returned home and are staying here safely and free.”
Muchinguri cited former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi and Dickson Mafios as examples.
“However, if those in exile have criminal cases, they should account for those in the courts of law as is happening in most cases,” she said.
MDC Alliance MPs later walked out in solidarity with Sikhala, who was ordered out of the House for calling Bindura North MP Kenneth Musanhi a baboon for heckling him.
Staff Reporter|A BEITBRIDGE man who offered a stranded woman a job as a maid but allegedly raped her over six days, has been let out of custody after police in the town delayed to bring the man to court.
Lonias Shoko, 44, of Makavhani Village near Lutumba Growth Point, allegedly locked his victim, whose name has been withheld to protect her identity, in his bedroom from September 18 to 23, with just a bucket to use for ablution.
He allegedly told the woman that she was now his wife and proposed to acquire a birth certificate for her young child in his name. He eventually released her after six days and threatened to kill her if she divulged the rape and imprisonment.
But she told her story to a relative who reported the matter to the police, leading to Shoko’s arrest.
Shoko appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Nyatsine who granted him freedom after his lawyer, Jabulani Mzinyathi submitted that his client had been over detained.
According to the law, an arrested person must appear before the courts within forty eight hours of their arrest. Any further detention should be granted by the courts.
The court ruled that Shoko will only be summoned back to appear in court when police complete their investigations.
Local socialite Pokello Nare, who is being divorced by her Ghanaian husband Elikem Kumordzie, has now filed her papers to challenge the matter at the High Court, setting the stage for a fiercely contested divorce case.
The couple got married after meeting at the 2013 Big Brother Africa reality television series.
Through his lawyers, Mahuni Gidiri Law Chambers, Elikem petitioned the High Court on September 11, 2018, seeking to nullify his three-year-old marriage to Pokello, claiming the union has irretrievably broken down.
But Pokello, through her lawyers, Samukange Hungwe Attorneys, indicated in papers filed on September 28 that she would challenge her husband’s litigation.
Part of Pokello’s notice reads: “Please be advised to take notice that the defendant (Pokello) has entered an appearance to defend the above action at 14:30pm on this September 28, 2018. Further, take notice that the defendant was served with summons on September 27, 2018.”
After presenting a picture-perfect marriage to the world in a life largely lived on social media, the bubble seems to have now burst for the former love birds.
In his declaration filed alongside the summons, Elikem said he has not been staying together with Pokello as husband and wife for the past year and as a result, he has since lost love and affection for her.
Elikem also said he is offering to maintain the couple’s minor child, whose custody must be awarded to its mother. According to the court papers, the couple was blessed with one child born on December 23, 2015.
Elikem further submitted that during the three-year period he had been with Pokello, the couple did not acquire any movable or immovable properties together.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s supporters across the country are backing his stance to reject President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to placate him by officially recognising him as the ‘Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.’
“The people are very clear in all the provinces we have held provincial council meetings so far. They are saying they support Chamisa in rejecting Mnangagwa’s offer for him to be drafted in his government. The grassroots masses are saying Mnangagwa is illegitimate,” said MDC Alliance organising secretary, Amos Chibaya.
“He was not voted by majority of the people of Zimbabwe. Accordingly, he cannot try to window-dress his legitimacy crisis by an illegal offer to the people’s favourite, our party leader Nelson Chamisa.”
He said the party held provincial council meetings across the country in the past week and the grassroots supporters back Chamisa’s stance.
“From what is coming out in the provincial council meetings, the people are still solidly behind our leader, Chamisa, despite the setback of losing the elections whose results we still dispute. The people are saying our victory was stolen, but God is in it and so Chamisa will eventually rule this country.
They are still solidly behind him,” he said.
Chamisa, who says he was the legitimate winner of the elections and accuses the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of voter fraud despite losing a Constitutional Court petition challenging the results of the vote, has called for political dialogue to resolve the issue of legitimacy.
In a memo to party structures last week, Chamisa said the dialogue must be premised on several conditions that “shall be anchored on a five-point plan (that) includes return to legitimacy and democracy, the respecting of the win and will of the people, respecting the true outcome of this election.”
“The reforms must include electoral, political, constitutional and legal reforms that allow for the holding of truly free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.”
Traditional leaders in Matabeleland and the royal Khumalo family crowned the new King of the ‘Ndebele nation in a secret ceremony.
Chief Ndiweni, who attended the ceremony revealed that Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo, who is 33-years-old, went through a series of rites held across seven days before he was installed as king on September 28.
The coronation was originally set to be held on March 3, but Local Government Minister July Moyo had stated that it was illegal.
The high court said they could not set aside Moyo’s order because there was “no relevant constitutional provisions for the coronation of a King in Zimbabwe.”
The royal family and traditional leaders insisted their demands were constitutional and decided to take matters into their own hands.
Last Saturday, the new King was introduced to a carefully selected group at Mhlahlandlela, 22km outside Bulawayo on Old Gwanda Road during annual commemorations of Ndebele nation founder, King Mzilikazi.
Chief Ndiweni told the gathered people to chant “Bayethe!” (Hail to the King) as a way of announcing the King’s presence.
“I’m happy to reveal to you that we now have a King. We installed Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo on Friday, September 28, at 6.15PM. Please spread the word that the nation of Matshobana is now up, alive and well,” Chief Ndiweni said to loud cheers.
“This is an aspiration we had early on in the year when we witnessed a travesty of justice whereby our choice of a monarch was interdicted and yet at that very same time there were actually two reigning monarchs in Zimbabwe, Peter Zwide Khumalo and Stanley Raphael Khumalo,” he said.
Both Zwide and Stanely have declared themselves King, claiming to be the rightful heirs of the Ndebele throne. But chiefs in Matabeleland and a large majority of the Khumalo royal family – including those in South Africa – have embraced Bulelani.
Chief Ndiweni said they had to conduct the ceremony in secrecy to stop government authorities from causing disruption.
A 97 year old sangoma has been arraigned for allegedly fondling a teenage girl’s private parts and breasts during a cleansing session.
Joseph Nyoni was convicted on his own guilty plea when he appeared before Masvingo magistrate Peter Mandibha.
He was sentenced to one-year in prison with three months suspended on conditions.
Prosecutor Edmond Mapope told the court that on an unknown date but in September this year, the teenager’s family consulted Nyoni a bid to drive away evil spirits tormenting them.
Court heard that a week later the traditional healer visited the family homestead with the intention of casting out the evil spirits.
He told them that he had to perform some treatment procedure (kutema nyora) on each family member.
Court was told that Nyoni then ordered the family members to come into the kitchen hut one-by-one for the marks.
When it was the minor’s turn, court heard that he took out a razor blade and cut two marks on the minor’s forehead.
After that, the elderly man inserted his finger into the teen’s privates and fondled her buttocks before cutting more marks on her breasts and buttocks.
-263Chat
By Own Correspondent| Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri has told parliament that no life was lost during Operation Restore Legacy which saw the exit of former president Robert Mugabe and the ascendancy of his predecessor President Emmerson Mnangagwa into office.
Responding to Zengeza West legislator, Job Sikhala’s question with notice in parliament (Wednesday) on the number of people who died during Operation Restore Legacy, Muchinguri Kashiri said the operation was very peaceful and no life was lost.
She also disclosed that the new administration had not in any way conducted itself in a manner that threatened anyone and those who had gone into exile had done so out of their own voalition.
Said Muchinguri Kashiri:
“Not even a single life was lost during this operation. which spurned over the period from November 17 2017 to 18 January 2018.
If the honourable member was referring to people who died of the various ailments then that is best answered by the registrar general, whose office is responsible for the registration of births and deaths.
However if the Honourable member was referring to victims or casualties of Operation Restore Legacy which I believe he was, the answer is none.
As far as I am concerned no one was killed during this operation.
Madam speaker, since the coming to power of President Mnangagwa, the new government never at any time officially ordered anyone into exile.
Instead those that purport to be in exile did so during the Operation and they did that on their own volition.
In this regard the government cannot give any statistics on such persons.
Zimbabwe immigration laws allow people to travel freely as long as there are in possession of their valid traveling documents.
We therefore cannot refer to people who skip the country to evade the law as people who have been exiled and claim that it is exile.
If anything that is self imposed exile. We have not exiled anyone and therefore not a threat to anyone.
Those that are in self imposed exile know better why they are there. Those that returned home are staying here and safely.”
Government has warned small scale miners against destruction of infrastructure and vegetation saying their unregulated operations should be done in responsible and accountable manner.
Speaking during the great dyke tour launch held at the Great Dyke investments in Darwendale yesterday, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Polite Kambamura condemned the destructive role mining is playing in society.
“Many a time miners suffer from the unfortunate tag of being insensitive to the environment. In Zimbabwe our small scale miners in particular have come under serious scrutiny for their wanton destruction of infrastructure, vegetation, especially in areas where chrome mining is most practiced.
“The Zvishavane Shurugwi road is the latest of such occurrences,as a ministry we have no desire to see mining playing a destructive role to society. We demand responsible and accountable mining,”he said.
He urged the Great Dyke to fully take its place to ensure that Zimbabwe transforms from current economic challenges to middle income status by 2030.
“It is no secret that the Great Dyke is Zimbabwe and indeed one of the world’s most prized mineralogical region.
“Yet despite this common knowledge the Great Dyke remains under explored and still to fully take its place to ensure that Zimbabwe transforms herself from current economic challenges to middle income status as espoused by his excellence, President Mnangagwa,” said Kambamura.
‘Tour de Great Dyke 550 km Annual Cycling Festival’ is a program aimed at enhancing awareness of the immense investment opportunities across the Midlands Province organised by a Zvishavane based radio YaFm running from the 2nd to the 6th of October.
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is in the eye of a storm for allegedly courting an Estonian company to roll out an electronic voting system, which it plans to use in 2023 to allow Zimbabweans in the diaspora to vote.
The system, called Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), according to informed sources, will be handled by NetGroup Estonia, a move that has irked local ICT firms.
“We are always impressed when government is introducing Information and Communication Technology solutions of our ever-changing environment. What we don’t understand is why our government chooses international companies over our own local technologists, who are now outstripping farming and tourism in terms of GDP [gross domestic product]?” the Zimbabwe Information and Communication Technologies (ZICT), a subdivision of The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, asked.
“Why is government engaging an Estonia company called NetGroup Estonia to develop and implement an e-voting system that allows Zimbabweans based in the diaspora to participate in future national elections?”
Zec, which implemented a biometric voters’ roll for this year’s eletions, bought its biometric voters’ registration kits from a South African company based in China, Laxton Group, shelling out over $8 million, before securing AFIS software from an American company, Ipsidy Inc, ahead of the July 30 general elections.
The procurement of the e-voting system is reportedly being handled by Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who was not picking his phone at the time of going to print last night.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, met with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas to discuss wide-ranging issues, including how Zimbabwe could tap into Estonian knowledge on e-voting.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba confirmed the meeting to the State-owned media while in the United States.
“Estonia is, in fact, a leader in terms of ICT development and for Zimbabwe, we looked at three critical areas of ICT co-operation with Estonia; e-health, e-governance, but more critically, e-voting. You are aware that we do have a big diaspora community, whose fervent call has been for them to be given the power to vote, except the logistics of it has been forbidding,” Charamba said.
Zec vice-chairperson Emmanuel Magade said there was discussion at the electoral body to adopt the e-voting platform, but a decision had not yet been reached.
“Let me say that this is a moot point at the moment, which still has to be discussed at the highest level at Zec. As far as I know, there is no concrete decision that has been made, but in other countries in the region like Namibia, e-voting has been adopted successfully,” he said.
LMaverick businessman Phillip Chiyangwa yesterday branded Zanu PF politicians “fools”, bluntly decrying the former liberation party’s policies which he said have ruined business.
The real estate tycoon said his colleagues in Zanu PF were financially illiterate, chasing away investors and eliminating indigenous business while some were being bought with bottles of whiskey while the economy implodes.
“Cash talk breaks no friendship,” Chiyangwa bellowed at the Affirmative Action Group’s empowerment conference held in Harare yesterday.
“We need a more proactive government, government official, ministers and people in Zanu PF where I am. The problem iripo havazive mari (they do not know money),” he said to uproarious laughter.
“This problem is very serious. Ukauya ukanzi nemunhu ‘bhodhoro rewhiskey, baba vangu, wakutoenda naye nyika ichiparara (Zanu PF politicians are being swayed by bottles of whiskey while the country burns). You cannot take me kupusa kwakaita sei kwekuti Marange igotorwa zvinhu zvigopera tozoziva zvapera. Kupusa kwakaita sei ikoko? (How foolish our politicians are that our diamonds are looted in Marange and we only find out when nothing is left, that is foolishness of the highest order).
“We operate in a blind way yet Zimbabwe has produced serious business people that ought to be with us but they are now cut outside the country because the country has no vision for satisfying business people who should be here.
“And sometimes we are even eliminated. I often say Strive Masiyiwa is one of those people and many others.”
Self-exiled Masiyiwa is the chairman and founder of Econet, a diversified telecommunications group with operations and investments in Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific.
His business interests also straddle renewable energy, water treatment, Coca Cola bottling, financial services and hospitality; and also serves on a number of international boards.
Chiyangwa demanded that political leaders should not put barriers in front of those trying to get the economy running and make money.
“Right now, we have cash shortages, how do I feel that someone prints a paper, signs it and calls it money?” Chiyangwa said.
“How does that make me feel? For me, I want a situation where our economy is running well. Right now, I am coming from Cameroon (on football business). Each and every one in that country knows and appreciates the value of cash, yet Zimbabwe is much more illiterate. But kupusa (we are daft when it comes to) pacash big time. Big time!”
The businessman, never far from controversy, urged the government to put in place progressive policies that allow for development of the economy.
“A lot of my stands are sold at a deposit of $150 because I want everyone to have a roof over their heads. But you see politicians complaining how did Chiyangwa get all this, ndakaita buck wanga uripi? (when I was making money where were you?).
“I am young man who has made it on my own. I know the road I have walked. I was avoiding these politicians, then I joined them so that I criticise them while I am among them. Haikona kutiza chokwadi uri kundinzwa (don’t run away from the truth). Cash talk breaks no friendship. You (Zanu PF politicians) must address the issues that affect us.”
The Native Investments Africa Group founder said every businessman should speak against what they felt was an uneven playing field, saying no one will be arrested for speaking the truth.
Staff Reporter|A 25 year old unemployed man has pleaded for forgiveness from Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba for circulating a fake social media Twitter message attributed to her.
The tweet said: “I can’t wait for the election fiasco to come to an end. I could do with a holiday and some good sex. My body needs a break.”
Night Tawona Shadaya, 25, pleaded guilty to criminal insult after telling a magistrate that he was drunk when he retweeted the fake Twitter account in the name of Priscilla Chigumba.
It was just days after the July 30 elections when Shadaya retweeted the parody account.
Shadaya told Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa: “It was a mistake.”
The Harare man, said he had downed a few beers and was not thinking clearly.
“I had three Black Label quarts. I was tipsy and I simply retweeted the post. After I realised the mistake, I undid the retweet. I undid the post the following morning after I regained my sober senses.
“I don’t know who owns that account or its origin and all I can ask for is mercy. What I did was not intentional, even when I heard about the charges I’m facing, I apologised on all social media platforms and even warned others against making the same mistake.”
He admitted that his retweet impaired Chigumba’s dignity and asked for forgiveness. Chigumba was forced to issue a statement clarifying that she did not have a Twitter account.
Shadaya was remanded in custody for sentencing on Thursday.
Jane Mlambo| Leading online news organisation, ZimEye has been fingered as one of the news platforms used by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa to churn out defamatory remarks against controversial land baron and Chivi South lawmaker, Killer Zivhu.
According to Zivhu, Mliswa, whose Twitter handle “Hon. Temba P. Mliswa @TembaMliswa”, has since April 25, 2017 to date been using the social media platform to tweet defamatory statements against him, insinuating that he is a thief and a corrupt individual.
“… The defendant [Mliswa] has been using the social media platform to tweet defamatory statements implicating that the plaintiff [Zivhu] is corrupt and that he is a thief who corruptly acquired land in Norton which he has failed to develop and sells dubious stands to Galloway residents and does not provide them with title deeds,” Zivhu said in his declaration.
“The defendant’s Twitter account is widely viewed as he has a large number of followers and these particular tweets have been retweeted by other twitter users, thereby further broadening the viewership of these defamatory tweets and allegations. Printouts of the mentioned tweets and published articles are hereby attached.
“Moreover, several articles have been published on several news websites including ZimEye, The Sunday Mail and the Zimbabwean.com who all quoted the defendant as the source.”
The Chivi South legislator said he, together with his organisation ZAHA, have been reported to different police stations, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Fraud section, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), former President Robert Mugabe, army and various government departments by Mliswa, for his arrest, but no action has yet been taken.
“The defendant’s words, in the context of the tweets and numerous articles, are untrue, wrongful and defamatory of the plaintiff in that they were intended and were understood by the readers and followers on Twitter account to mean that the plaintiff is dishonest, manipulative, pretentious, divisive, unscrupulous, cold-hearted towards the public and unworthy of leadership,” Zivhu said.
“The defendant’s said words were further understood to mean that the plaintiff is a criminal with intentions of defrauding the poor public members and residents of Galloway Norton of their money in selling those stands, where he will not deliver title deeds to the stands nor develop the area. It also imputes that the plaintiff has high profile connections that are quick to cover up his fraudulent dealings.
“… The damage caused to the plaintiff is continuing because the articles are still available online and the tweets continue to circulate on social media platforms, thereby perpetuating the harm that has been perpetuated on the plaintiff’s reputation … plaintiff seeks general damages against defendant in the sum of $1 000 000 for defamation of character.
Chivi South legislator Killer Zivhu (Zanu PF) has taken his Norton counterpart Temba Mliswa (independent) to court for defamation and is seeking $1 million compensation after the latter allegedly labelled him “a thief and a corrupt individual” on Twitter.
Through his lawyers, Machiridza Commercial Law Chambers, Zivhu, who is president of the Cross-Border Traders’ Association and the chairman of the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association (ZAHA), filed summons at the High Court on October 2, 2018.
Mliswa is yet to file an appearance to defend.
According to Zivhu, Mliswa, whose Twitter handle “Hon. Temba P. Mliswa @TembaMliswa”, has since April 25, 2017 to date been using the social media platform to tweet defamatory statements against him, insinuating that he is a thief and a corrupt individual.
“… The defendant [Mliswa] has been using the social media platform to tweet defamatory statements implicating that the plaintiff [Zivhu] is corrupt and that he is a thief who corruptly acquired land in Norton which he has failed to develop and sells dubious stands to Galloway residents and does not provide them with title deeds,” Zivhu said in his declaration.
“The defendant’s Twitter account is widely viewed as he has a large number of followers and these particular tweets have been retweeted by other twitter users, thereby further broadening the viewership of these defamatory tweets and allegations. Printouts of the mentioned tweets and published articles are hereby attached.
“Moreover, several articles have been published on several news websites including ZimEye, The Sunday Mail and the Zimbabwean.com who all quoted the defendant as the source.”
The Chivi South legislator said he, together with his organisation ZAHA, have been reported to different police stations, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Fraud section, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), former President Robert Mugabe, army and various government departments by Mliswa, for his arrest, but no action has yet been taken.
“The defendant’s words, in the context of the tweets and numerous articles, are untrue, wrongful and defamatory of the plaintiff in that they were intended and were understood by the readers and followers on Twitter account to mean that the plaintiff is dishonest, manipulative, pretentious, divisive, unscrupulous, cold-hearted towards the public and unworthy of leadership,” Zivhu said.
“The defendant’s said words were further understood to mean that the plaintiff is a criminal with intentions of defrauding the poor public members and residents of Galloway Norton of their money in selling those stands, where he will not deliver title deeds to the stands nor develop the area. It also imputes that the plaintiff has high profile connections that are quick to cover up his fraudulent dealings.
“… The damage caused to the plaintiff is continuing because the articles are still available online and the tweets continue to circulate on social media platforms, thereby perpetuating the harm that has been perpetuated on the plaintiff’s reputation … plaintiff seeks general damages against defendant in the sum of $1 000 000 for defamation of character.”
-Newsday
Zesa Holdings chief executive Engineer Joshua Chifamba has been arrested in connection with $35 million underhand deals involving an Indian company, PME.
Two other Zesa bosses, Eng Julian Chinembiri and finance director Thokozani Dhliwayo were arrested yesterday in connection with the same case.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi has
By Own Correspondent| Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri has revealed that she does not have the mandate to comment on the progress regarding investigations into the August 1 2018 shootings arguing that the onus rested on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the appointing authority to the Kgalema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry.
Muchinguri Kashiri said this in parliament (Wednesday) while responding to a question with notice from MDC Alliance’s Hwange West legislator Godfrey Dube who wanted the Defence minister to appraise the house on progress of investigations into the shooting of civilians by soldiers on August 1 2018.
Said Muchinguri Kashiri:
“Regarding the progress, allow me first to thank the honourable member for the question that he has asked.
I am sure that the honourable member is aware that on the 19th of September 2018, his excellency the president (Emmerson Mnangagwa) swore in a Commission of Inquiry investigating the events of August 1 2018.
The terms of reference for the Commission are such that it reports directly to its appointing authority who is none other than his excellency the president, who in turn decides on when to share details and progress on the information with the nation.
In this regard I do not have any update neither do I have the mandate to do so.”
By A Correspondent| News subscribers last night were left tongue tied when the US government funded broadcaster, Voice Of America journalist, Blessing Zulu shot down an- audibly-suffering man telling him to stop talking about MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa on the program. He told him to concentrate on a ZANU PF awards program which dominated their last night’s LIVE discussion session avoiding crucial bread and butter issues such as the Bond Note Scandal and the government’s Pickpocket Tax announced 2 days ago.
The man calling right from the jungles of Mukumbura, Mash Central had telephoned the broadcaster seeking to send his personal message to Chamisa. The troubled caller did not want to talk about anything else as he felt that his troubles will only be resolved by Chamisa in person.
At a time when the whole country was burning and so much agony countrywide, last night Mr Zulu was seen playing what some said was social media engineering craft on a suffering rural based caller, who had conveyed to him his problem, but the journalist quickly shut him up saying, we are not talking politics today, today we are focusing on the [ZANU PF Conrad Mwanza] Zim Achievers Awards ceremonies.
BELOW IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROGRAM SECTION (timeline 20:00 to 23:45):
Zulu: But we have our first caller. Who is this person who is on the phone?
Caller: Yes, this is Pardon.
Zulu: How are you my brother Pardon?
Caller:Yes I am well Mr Zulu.
Zulu:Where are you Pardon?
Caller:I am in Mukumbura.
Zulu: How is it in Mukumbura?
Caller:Oh my, we are now in so much trouble, real suffering.
Zulu:Things are not well?
Caller:Things are not well here in Mukumbura.
Zulu: But your phone appears not clear, maybe your radio is too loud, are you able to speak up?
Caller:Can it be heard now?
Zulu: Yes it is now clear.
Caller: Things are not well here, things are too heavy for us.
Zulu:What is bad in Mukumbura?
Caller: We were just pleading that our leader President Nelson Chamisa he must refuse to compromise and unite with ZANU PF, we will suffer even more than this. He must remain resolute the way he is at present so to fix things.
Zulu [INTERJECTION]: But now my brother Pardon we are not hitting politics. We just wanted to hear how you are seeing what other Zimbabweans are seeing in foreign countries [the ZANU PF Zim aligned Achievers Awards run by Conrad Mwanza], in ways of assisting people in foreign lands and also other people who are based in the country. Do you not have people who are lifting your works in your area?
Caller: Oh no, here we do not have anyone.
Zulu: There is no one?
Caller:There is no one here, here we live in the bush (forests), we do not have any such people.
Zulu: But in this case what about those Zimbabweans outside the country who are listening, who might want to help the people in Mukumbura, what is it that you want them to do for you?
Caller: Oh no, over here we are concerned with jobs so that we can work.
Zulu: So which works are these, do you mean farming works alone?
Caller:Farming alone, but there is no money you will be given, so we continue to suffer. My prayer is to those who are outside that they should maybe help us start a few businesses, whatever they can help; but aah, it is still difficult [exclamation]!
Zulu [QUICK INTERJECTION]: Oh no, we thank you very much my brother Pardon for getting into our program.
Caller:Thank you Mr Zulu.
Zulu: Than you very much.
Zulu: That’s Pardon there Chris in Mukumbura, that’s Mashonaland Central, he is saying that things are a bit tough in his community and he is saying that if there are well wishers that can help with funding to start small businesses. Back to you Chris!
……………….
At that time the VOA journo only identified as Chris, then continued to speak about the ZANU PF aligned Zim Achievers Awards program. The Zim Achievers is run by the ZANU PF trained Conrad Mwanza who works as ZANU PF’s diaspora Tourism ambassador.
– ZimEye attempted several times to get a comment from Zulu, but his phones went unanswered –
THE call for a four-day working week from Monday to Thursday is growing louder by the day and the big question is should Zimbabwe join in? There are advantages and disadvantages of working a four-day week. While there is nothing illegal about it, I believe employers and employees should engage and agree on changes. It must also be noted that this kind of arrangement cannot work in all industries.
In terms of our Labour Legislation as read with various collective bargaining agreements, there are stipulated hours to be worked in a week or a month.
However, how those hours are worked is a matter between the employer and his employees. Meaning that working a four-day week is legal as long as the employer and the employee agree at the same time parties should avoid compromising business interests.
Already in Zimbabwe there are many organisations that are working special agreed times, for example in mining, a number of mines have employees working 14 days in, 7 days out.
In other places workers do 21 days in and 10 days out but at the end of the month, the workers will have clocked their 208 hours required for the month and earn their normal salaries.
Productivity targets will have been met during the four days and at the end of the day, everybody is happy.
In the United States of America there are already many organisations on a four-day week and employers have benefited from reduction in costs that are related to everyday attendance by employees and employees have gained savings in areas such as reduction in fuel costs, paying less towards child care, reduced vehicle maintenance costs, reduced absenteeism and employee morale rises.
A major benefit for the employers has been reduction in energy use for retail industries, longer trading hours that allow working customers to access the shops and many others.
The downside has been that, working for longer hours to cater for the four-day week has brought up fatigue issues, health issues, loss on concentration and increased substandard work, customer services has been compromised and there has been employee safety and equipment safety issues as the workers get fatigued.
Closing a business for three days has proved inconvenient for customers who will be unable to access products and services for that period and for employees being away for long periods has created a strain on child care as parents are away from their children for long periods and at times, one leaves when the children are asleep and comes back when they are asleep again.
In conclusion, I believe the issue of a four-day working week should not even go for National debate but each business where possible should evaluate the pros and cons of a four-day week and make a decision that is in the interest of both the business and its employees.
Opinion By State Media columnist Davies Ndumiso Sibanda
Staff Reporter|On the introduction of Bond Notes in 2016, the Reserve Bank vowed that the currency will remain at par with the US dollar and would be recognised as such.
On Monday Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube declared that with effect from the 15th of October these two currencies will cease being considered the same.
THE Government has said the “coronation” of a new Ndebele “king” is a cultural event that has little significance in the governance of the country.
The Khumalo family defied a High Court order and installed South Africa-based Mr Bulelani Colin Lobengula Khumalo as the new Ndebele “king” at Mhlahlandlela on the outskirts of Bulawayo last Saturday.
Mr Bulelani Khumalo was initially set to be installed in March this year during a traditional ceremony scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium but the ceremony was stopped after another claimant to the throne, Mr Peter Zwide-Kalanga Khumalo, secured a High Court interdict blocking the event.
In an interview yesterday, the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Cde July Moyo, said Government had nothing to do with the coronation of the new “king”.
“It’s just a cultural ceremony that they did. We have nothing to do with it. Our Constitution does not recognise a king or queen. It has a chief, head man or kraal head,” he said.
Cde Moyo could not be drawn into saying what action Government would take against the Khumalo clan for defying a court order barring the installation of a king.
“As of now we don’t know what they did. When we are in the know of their ambition, we will react,” he said.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Mr Peter Zwide KaLanga Khumalo, said he could not speak on the matter since it was before the courts.
During Saturday’s ceremony, which was organised in secret and attended by a handful of people, Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayemangwe Khayisa Ndiweni declared Mr Bulelani Khumalo as the official monarch of the five houses of the Khumalo.
In March, the initial coronation of the king was stopped after Mr Zwide Khumalo approached the High Court challenging the planned coronation of his South Africa- based rival Mr Bulelani Khumalo in Bulawayo.
Zwide had earlier declared himself King Nyamande Lobengula II.
In an urgent chamber application filed at the Bulawayo High Court, Zwide cited Chief Mathema in his capacity as the chairperson of the Royal Crown Trust, Bulelani and the Royal Crown Trust, as respondents.
Zwide, through his lawyers Ncube Attorneys, said the intended coronation of Bulelani was necessitated by an unlawful process put in motion by the respondents.
In his founding affidavit, Zwide said no one succeeded King Nyamande hence the Ndebele people remained without a king for a long time.
He said he qualified to ascend the Ndebele throne after he was chosen following a series of meetings which were attended by representatives of King Lobengula’s various houses.
Minister Moyo, in a letter addressed to one of the organisers, Chief Mathema, said the coronation was unconstitutional and illegal.
This was followed by an urgent chamber application by Chief Mathema in his capacity as the chairperson of the Royal Crown Trust challenging the Government’s decision to declare the coronation illegal and unconstitutional.
High Court judge Justice Makonese ruled that there was no law in the country allowing the establishment of a monarch. — State Media
GOVERNMENT is coming up with appropriate interventions to address the recent wave of price increases which it says are largely unjustified.
This comes amid indications that the country’s industry is on a recovery trajectory characterised by increased capacity utilisation and production.
Speaking during a tour of businesses in Norton, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the price hikes were speculative and unjustified.
“I have not received a brief on price increases and the magnitude but I know it is a culture that has been developing in the last few weeks, people just increase prices,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“Largely, it is not justified but it is something that I will need proper briefing on before I can comprehensively comment on it. I have not heard of the increases as from the announcement of the Monetary and Fiscal policy pronouncements.”
He said the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) to be launched soon would address industry concerns and help improve its competitiveness for the regional and global export market.
Minister Ndlovu said policy interventions such as Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 and its successor Statutory Instrument 122 breathed life into industry.
“What we have seen here in Norton has left me with no doubt that indeed 2030, a middle class economy is possible. From what I have seen here companies have sacrificed through the hard times and indeed they have picked up production and capacity utilisation is increasing,” he said.
“Surely anyone who doubts that a middle class economy by 2030 is possible, think again. We need to generate more forex therefore we cannot overemphasise the importance of export-led growth. As we are improving capacity utilisation, I wish to encourage our companies to explore the export market.”
Minister Ndlovu said Government through the TSP wants to promote local production and Brand Zimbabwe. He said a study has been initiated to establish the impact of interventions such as SI64 and 122 with preliminary indications that they led to local industry increasing capacity.
“We have SI122 now, it replaced SI64 and as a Ministry we are conducting a comprehensive study to assess and analyse the impact of these interventions we have made,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“Indications so far are that local industries have increased capacity remarkably. Just here at Dandy they have managed to increase their production three-fold. We cannot operate in isolation, we have to be realistic about that. We have to expect that there will be products from outside. So we need to focus on the competitiveness of our products.”
He said Government would continue to protect local companies but within reasonable limits with emphasis being on how to improve their competitiveness for the regional and global market.
The Minister toured Best Fruit Processors, Dandy Zimbabwe, engineering firm Hastt Zimbabwe, Wilson Furnitures and Central African Batteries, manufacturers of Lucas Batteries.
The tour was organised by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa.
“We all know Norton as an industrial hub and that is no longer the case. Whilst there are companies that are struggling, others are doing well and increasing production. Dandy is one of the beneficiaries of SI64 because chewing gum was now being imported when it is produced locally,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu hailed Honourable Mliswa for organising the Norton Stakeholders Business Tour saying such initiatives should be replicated in other areas to operationalise devolution.
Mashonaland West Minister of State Mary Mliswa said industrial hubs in the province including Norton and Kadoma should be urgently resuscitated.
The tour was also attended by Industry and Commerce deputy Minister Raj Modi, Special Economic Zones chairman Dr Gideon Gono, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Sifelani Jabangwe, the Norton Development Association and industrial players among others.
CABINET Ministers, Members of the House of Assembly and Senators have been ordered to declare all their assets by end of day Friday.
In an interview, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said legislators were expected to submit their declarations for purposes of transparency and accountability.
“As enshrined in Section 198 of the Constitution, holders of public office are expected to make regular declarations of assets. Legislators are expected to declare all their assets within 30 days of being appointed and sworn into office. Declaration forms are expected to be submitted by end of day this Friday 5 0ctober 2018,” said the Minister.
He said the process was in line with the Constitution which has a provision for regular declaration of assets by legislators. Each MP was upon taking oath given a declaration form which they are expected to hand in tomorrow.
“Section 198 of the Constitution which provides for regular disclosure of assets and Standing orders 49 and 48 of the National Assembly and Senate state that every member shall and not may, register all his or her financial interests in a book to be maintained under the direction of the Speaker and president of the Senate. Such registration shall be in a manner specified in the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament. To satisfy those requirements, Parliament came up with the forms of declaration of assets. Legislators are expected to submit their declaration forms within 30 days after taking oath,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said the process was good as it sought to promote transparency and accountability while ensuring public trust in holders of public office.
Minister Ziyambi said the move was meant to address speculation on how certain bearers of public office amass wealth.
“This is good in two ways. Where a member is elected into Parliament and all of a sudden they acquire wealth that is unexplained, it is easy to go back to the declaration form and say where did you get this wealth. And some may be wrongly accused that they amassed a lot of wealth yet when they became Members of Parliament they already had those assets.
“So this is good in two ways, for the members as well as the generality of the public. It acts as a deterrent for suddenly increasing your wealth yet you declared moderate wealth it will be an indication that something has happened,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi said the move was standard practice and in line with best practices.
“And those that already have wealth, they may be wrongly accused. The public may speculate that you got into Parliament and became rich. However, it will be easy in Parliament to say that no this is what this person declared when he assumed office. So this is a way to control Members of Parliament and also to protect them. So everyone, Minister, MP, Senator, are all expected to declare.
“It is now standard practice in line with corporate governance that we as Cabinet Ministers declare our assets. We are declaring simultaneously with Parliamentarians and Senators,” he said.
By A Correspondent |Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri claims that no-one was killed by the soldiers during the Operation Restore Legacy coup executed on former President Robert Mugabe between November 17 last year and January 18.
https://youtu.be/dW271AnyRDU
Responding to a question in parliament by Zengeza Member of Parliament Job Sikhala, Kashiri said as far as government knows, no-one was killed nor forced into exile as a result of the action.
“If the Hon. Member is referring to victims of casualties of Operation Restore Legacy which I believe he was Mr. Speaker Sir, the answer is none. As far as we are concerned, no one was killed during this operation,” said Kashiri.
The Minister further indicated that government never forced anyone into exile.
“Madam Speaker, since the coming in to power of the new dispensation in November 2017, the new Government never at any time officially ordered anyone into exile. Instead, those that purport to be in exile left the country during the operation and did so on their own volition and for reasons best known to themselves.”
“Those that are in self imposed exile know better why they are staying outside the country. A number of individuals who were in such situations have returned home and they are staying here safely and freely. Examples of such people are former Vice President Mphoko, Former Minister of Local Government Mr. Kasukuwere and his brother Dickson Mafios as well as the Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Walter Muzembi.”
“However, it should be noted that if any of those people in self-imposed in exile have any criminal cases, they should come back and account for their cases in the courts of law as is happening with some of them.”
Contrary to Kashiri, former President Robert Mugabe has in previous interviews indicated that several members of the Central Intelligence and presidential guards were killed during the operation.
His sentiments were also echoed by exiled former Minister Jonathan Moyo.
With effect from Jan 2009, I lost all my Zim dollar accounts. I changed bankers and opened USD accounts. This was in line with the law. Sometime in 2016, you acknowledged that I have a foreign currency account, and also acknowledged that the government had mismanaged the currency flows in the country and thus introduced “bonds”, which you admitted were not a currency, but a form of tender acceptable in lieu of real currency on a 1:1 basis. In your recent monetary policy you maintained this position, and yet directed all banks to seperate FCA accounts from what you are now calling RTGS accounts.
Now I want to know from you John, exactly what currency are these RTGS accounts denominated in? Exactly why are you forcing me to potentially have two accounts with the same bank, one being a specificed FCA and the other being denominated in a namelss and faceless currency with no source of origin and backed by God knows what? I do not what that account. I do not want that God forsaken currency. Keep it to yourself and your ilk.
I want to operate on the basis on the FCA account which I opened in 2009 following the demonetization of the Zim dollar. If you cant sustain that, go back from where ever you came from. I certainly wont miss you.
PS, you dont have my regards. Just RESIGN. Watadza, Wapererwa. Waomerwa. Just be man enough and own up to that truth. I will respect you for it.
A first year Industrial Engineering student from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo died after he was attacked by unknown assailants in Magwegwe suburb, police confirmed yesterday.
Tinashe Nemakonde (22) of New Lobengula suburb sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital after he was beaten up by the suspects during a beer drink at about 9PM on Tuesday.
He died on Tuesday morning from injuries sustained during the attack.
Bulawayo acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that a Nust student was attacked by unknown assailants in Magwegwe at around 9PM while he was having a drink with a friend. The deceased was found by a relative who rushed him to hospital where he died.’’
Insp Ncube said police are investigating the case and any member of the public who may have information should report to the police.
He urged members of the public to desist from going out late at night as they become exposed to robberies.
“Police are worried about murder cases that are reported especially in recent weeks. We appeal to members of the public to desist from night walking. When they want to go out for drinks or anything, they should go to nearby houses where it is safer than bushy areas,’’ Insp Ncube said.
This is the second death within a week at Nust after another student allegedly committed suicide last week.
Yesterday, The Chronicle caught up with Nemakonde’s family who were making funeral arrangements and they expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Family members said the student’s death was a blow to the family because they had hopes of a bright future for him.
Nemakonde’s father said his son was initially a conventional student (students who attend lectures during the day) but he switched to being a parallel student (students who attend lectures in the evening) so that he could get a job during the day to earn money to sustain him at school.
“The very first day he attended the evening classes is the day he was attacked,’’ said Mr Nemakonde.
“I am in pain and l do not know how to explain my son’s death. I never expected a sudden death because he was a healthy and happy looking young man. As a father, I noted great potential in him. He was intelligent and disciplined,’’ he added while forcing back tears.
Mr Nemakonde said he last saw his son in August because he lives in the rural areas while his son stayed with his uncle in the city.
“I never had time to bid him farewell. I had entrusted my younger brother with this boy while l stayed with the rest of the family in our rural home. If l could have had time to hear his last words, then my soul could be at peace,’’ he said, looking depressed with watery eyes.
Nemakonde’s uncle, Mr Sengai Nemakonde, described him as a “quiet and disciplined young man who loved church and books.’’
“I last saw him going to school. Around 10PM, l heard people knocking on my door saying your son has been attacked,’’ he said.
Nust Information and Public Relations officer Mrs Lindiwe Nyoni said the institution was saddened by losing two students within a week.
“We encourage students to prioritise their safety. They should consider walking in groups,’’ she said.
THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) chief executive officer, Engineer Joshua Chifamba, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution (ZETDC) managing director Engineer Julian Chinembiri and his finance director Thokozani Dhliwayo were yesterday arrested in connection with over $35 million underhand dealings involving an Indian company PME. ZETDC is a subsidiary of Zesa.
PME was at the centre of the storm in 2014 over transformers it unprocedurally supplied to Zesa Holdings unit, Zent Enterprises.
Zent lost millions of dollars in insurance and storage fees for more than $16 million worth of transformers received from the Indian firm without placing an order.
Fears were abound that there could have been connivance between officials from PME, Zesa Holdings and its subsidiaries for delivery of equipment not requested.
Police confirmed the arrest of Chifamba, Chinembiri (53) and Dhliwayo (51) for contravening Sections 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
They are expected to appear in court today.
“The arrest is in connection with the two’s criminal abuse of office in the awarding of a contract involving Zent (Pvt) Ltd and an Indian company called PME for the supply of transformers and other equipment worth $35 million,” said police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“The equipment was meant for a project in Chiwaridzo (Bindura), Senga (Gweru), Aerodrome (Bindura) and Cowdray Park in Bulawayo.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said the duo was also facing allegations of awarding an advertising contract to Fruitful Communications (Pvt) Ltd without going to tender in 2016 and the subsequent payment of $20 000 to the company by ZETDC.
“Further police investigations into the cases are currently underway,” he said.
Chifamba was arrested later in the day.
“I can confirm that Eng Josh Chifamba has been arrested. He is facing similar charges with Chinembiri and Dhliwayo,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Fruitful Communications is owned by former ZBC employee, Oscar Pambuka, and former Zanu-PF legislator, Psychology Maziwisa.
The pair is now on trial over the corruption scandal. They are being accused of unlawfully billing $12 000 to ZPC for no actual work done.
It is, however, their defence that they indeed carried out projects for ZPC. The State alleges that Pambuka and Maziwisa misrepresented that President Mnangagwa authorised them to do public relations work for ZPC and went on to claim payments.
A ZBC bulletins manager, Mr Moses Charedzera, who has since given evidence in the trial told the court that the duo did not broadcast any radio or television project for ZPC.
According to Charedzera, their records indicate that other projects which had nothing to do with ZPC, energy or Zim-Asset, were aired on the days in question.
Former Energy Minister Samuel Undenge who advised ZPC to engage them has since been convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment over for criminal abuse of office.
He is out on bail pending at the High Court against both conviction and the sentence.
During his trial, ZPC employees absolved the Minister of any wrong doing confirming that Fruitful Communications Pvt Ltd indeed did work for their company.
In their defence, Pambuka and Maziwisa claimed that they were paid for the services they rendered to the power company and did not defraud anyone.
The Bishop who prophesied that former president Robert Mugabe would run Zimbabwe till death has been slapped with an investigation for fraud.
The Emmerson Mnangagwa ru Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has begun investigating the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Bishop Johannes Ndanga on allegations of defrauding more than 20 000 followers of their money in botched housing stands and vehicle schemes.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating a case of fraud as defined in section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) Chapter 9:23 that was reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission,” according to a letter written by ZACC recently to officials from the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe.
“I hereto allude to the meeting that was held at my office with Bishop Komichi, Rev Manongwa, Pastor Dzvene and three investigation officers namely Masimba, Ndlovu and Jere in the same matter from which we resolve that the three elders of the church should go and collect the information from all their members who paid money towards some residential stands and did not get (them).
“This will facilitate further investigations and you will be advised of our progress as investigations continue,” reads the ZACC letter.- additional reporting state media
A BULAWAYO man yesterday demanded a paternity test alleging that a six year old child that he is paying maintenance for but has never seen, is not his.
A court heard that Nkosiyabo Mdlongwa and Ms Loveness Chikuni have one child. Mdlongwa said he does not even know the name of the child- state media
Dancehall artiste, Sniper Storm, was last Saturday involved in a road accident and escaped with minor
injuries.
The accident happened at Chaka Growth Point, 70km from Masvingo.
Sniper Storm who was in the company of his younger brother was going for an event at Masvingo
Showgrounds.
Speaking to H-Metro, Sniper Storm said he was glad to be alive.
“I am just glad to be alive, I just have minor injuries otherwise I am ok.
“I want to thank God because I don’t know how I made it out alive,” he said.H-Metro
By Own Correspondent| A Harare businessman Arnold Mutsondi has dragged Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube to court seeking a reversal of the 2% tax imposed on mobile money transfers.
Mutsondo said the tax is unconstitutional as it did not give the required tax notice hence it should be scrapped within 14 days failure of which he will approach the Constitutional court.
Minister Ncube increased mobile money tax from 5 cents per transaction to 2 cents for every dollar transacted, a development which has sparked serious price increases for most basic goods and services.
The US public broadcaster, Voice Of America journalist, Marvelous Nyahuye asked (The US sanctions criminal) Emmerson Mnangagwa for a job during his visit to New York. (VIDEO BELOW)
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
VOA Journalist (Donald Trump’s Employee) Who Begged Mnangagwa For A Job | WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS? https://t.co/pcseqxVj2G
Staff Reporter|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired long serving permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Sylvia Utete Masango with effect from the end of November 2018.
Utete Masango worked very closely with disliked former Minister Lazarus Dokora in the formulation and defence of the controversial new curriculum.
She will be replaced by former Matabeleland South Education Director Tumisang Tabela.
The president also retired three other senior civil servants as in the letter below.
By A Correspondent|A Harare businessman Arnold Mutsondi has instructed his lawyers to take Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube to reverse the 2% tax imposed on mobile money transfers.
The businessman cited various reasons against the tax which the opposition MDC has described as a means to pickpocket the poor by government. Top amongst the reasons ppl provided to the court is that the tax is unconstitutional as it did not give the required tax notice.
Minister Ncube increased mobile money tax from 5 cents per transaction to 2 cents for every dollar transacted.
Below is the letter raising the issue to the courts.
Terrence Mawawa|The MDC Alliance will on Friday hold a welcome meeting for former NPP members.
Below is a statement written by former NPP Spokesperson Jeffryson Chitando:Dear Former NPP members
RE: Masvingo Welcome Meeting :I would like to inform all Provincial members,District members and Ward members that on Friday 05 October 2018 the National and Provincial leadership of the MDC Alliance will welcome former NPP leadership.
The meeting will start at 0930hr at the MDC Alliance Provincial Offices. You are all encouraged to attend.
Terrence Mawawa| Youthful coach Tonderayi Ndiraya has wished Ngezi Platinum Stars well despite a shock sacking on Tuesday.
The Mhondoro-based side issued a statement on Tuesday saying Ndiraya’s departure was by mutual consent. The coach spent two and a half years at the club, winning the Chibuku Super Cup in 2016.
Speaking after his sacking, Ndiraya said: “I love Ngezi Platinum Stars because they gave me a platform and some success with them. I wish them all the success in the remaining matches and in their future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, former Dynamos coach Calisto Pasuwa is widely speculated to be the next coach to take over. Pasuwa’s agent Gibson Mahachi has been frequenting Ngezi very often these days and attending their home matches. The gaffer has also been linked with a move to Dembare, but it now looks his next destination is most likely to be in Mhondoro.
Ngezi Platinum are still within a chance to wrestle the title from their rivals FC Platinum Stars as they are five points behind with five games left before the end of the season.
By Own Correspondent| Opposition legislators (Thursday) walked out of Parliament at 16:20 hours after the deputy speaker of Parliament Tsitsi Muzenda ejected Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala over alleged “unparliamentary conduct”.
Sikhala lashed out at a Zanu Pf legislator who had initially shouted at him, and he was ejected from the august house, in a development which irked opposition legislators as unfair prompting them to walk out.
VIDEO LOADING…
https://youtu.be/dW271AnyRDU
Questions with notice in the august house however continued and in attendance were Zanu Pf legislators and Independent legislator for Norton constituency Temba Mliswa.
Terrence Mawawa|MDC Director of Information and Publicity Luke Tamborinyoka has described Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mangudya as a “lipsticked frog” who does not have the capacity to transform the economy.
In his Facebook message Tamborinyoka described Mangudya’s midterm monetary policy presentation as a farce.
” Mangudya has turned out to be another Gono. A
Luke Tamborinyoka
lipsticked frog. The old masquerading as the new…”wrote Tamborinyoka.
Terrence Mawawa|Veteran political activist and MDC Alliance Provincial Executive member, Stanley Manguma has charged that Zimbabweans should not remain mum and watch in anguish as the Zanu PF regime continues to plunder the economy.
“Zimbabweans should we keep quiet about our monies nooooooooooooo. Clueless Mnangagwa and the entire team must Go. Let’s confront the regime,” wrote Manguma on Facebook yesterday.
The Zanu PF regime is struggling to revive the country’s fragile economy in spite of the so called Zimbabwe is open for business mantra.
By Own Correspondent| Proceedings were temporarily halted in parliament as legislators across the political divide shared a lighter moment following Tendai Biti’ s remarks appreciating Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa ‘s dress code.
Following a question raised to her ministry on the issuance of broadcasting licences to more players, Mutsvangwa rose to respond and Biti remarked “makachena” meaning you are well dresses and on point
The august house broke into laughter prompting the minister to seek the protection of the Speaker.
Said Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda:
“You (Biti) are mesmerized. If your are mesmerized by the honourable member, keep it to yourself,” said Mudenda to Biti before the house broke into further laughter.
Terrence Mawawa|A 29 year man appeared before Harare magistrate Lovemore Mapiye facing disorderly
conduct charges after describing President Emmerson Mnangagwa as an incompetent leader.
Norman Machipisa’s arrest came after he was taken to the police by a citizen who allegedly overhead him shouting that Mnangagwa was an
incompetent leader.
Machipisa was at Central Vehicle Registry on the particular day he allegedly committed the offence that led to his arrest.
The prosecution team claimed that Machipisa was heard by one Donaldson Chikotera shouting vulgar
words.He also said Mnangagwa was incapable of running the country.
Chikotera was annoyed by Machipisa ‘s level of disrespect and took it upon himself to effect a citizen’s arrest before dragging Machipisa to the police.
Machipisa was formally charged with disorderly conduct as defined under Section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
After his appearance in court, Machipisa was granted $20 bail.
Staff Correspondent|A mini shake up allegedly aimed at recently elected Zanu PF Ward 10 Cllr Sengerayi Mnyanga has caused division in the Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Youth League structures.
Brain Munyoro who is the provincial Youth League chairman allegedly demoted Cllr Manyanga from the position of secretary general to deputy secretary for environment which is the 40th and last position in the structures of the party.
“Manyanga was demoted for reasons that I can not share with you at the moment as we are yet to inform the provincial executive committee (PEC) where we report to. As soon as that is done we will be in a position to share with the media why that was done,” said Munyoro when contacted for a comment today in the afternoon.
Manyanga also confirmed that he was demoted by a small group of the executive who are not happy with his questioning of certain decisions regarding cars and party meetings.
“Only a handful of the executive members met last week and demoted me to deputy secretary for environment while I was away. I have not received any formal communication regarding that, but in view of the latest visit by the Politiburo members at the weekend all that has been reversed and I am still the secretary general as they said there should be no reshuffling in the party,” said Manyanga.
Some members of the Youth League who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity said Munyoro is being dictatorial as he is alleged to be over the age limit of 40 years hence he trying to silence those who are vocal about. it is also alleged that Munyoro once sided with former chairman Nobert Ndaarombe and jealousy of Manyanga’s position as a councillor.
The war in the Youth League is just a tip of the iceberg according to insiders as more is to likely to come as camps have started emerging following the elevation of Ezra Chadzamira to the position of Minister Of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs ahead of the likes of Josaya Hungwe and Edmund Mhere.
Terrence Mawawa|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the forgettable era of economic quagmire that besieged the country in 2008 is now inevitable.
“THE NEW/OLD-Taxing electronic transfer is a blow to financial inclusion.Zimbabwe is in a financial mess occasioned by gvt galloping expenditure appetite and hyper-inflationary tendencies.Regressive tax meant to cover holes created by odious debt exports. This will take us back to 2008,” tweeted Chamisa.
Economists have warned that the experimental measures introduced by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mangudya will trigger hyperinflation.
Terrence Mawawa|A staunch MDC supporter Emmerson D Jendera has said only youthful opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has the capacity to revive the country’ s waning economy.
” NELSON CHAMISA FOR PRESIDENT 2018.Welcome to the month of OCTOBER.O nly in C hamisa there is T ransformation, O verflow of wealth, B reakthrough, E mpowerment and R estoration.
Nelson Chamisa
Happy New Month CHAMISA CHETE CHETE,”wrote Jendera on Facebook.
Chamisa is disputing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s controversial win in the July 30 polls citing gross irregularities.
Jane Mlambo| Murder tormented former warriors goalie, Brice Grobbelaar has revealed that he received a call from President Emmerson Mnangagwa who set up a meeting to discuss his decision to join politics.
In a wide ranging interview with the Guardian, Grobbelaar said he is hoping to meet Mnangagwa when he comes to Zimbabwe on the 10th of November.
“He (Mnangagwa) said: ‘Hello, Jungleman, how are you?” Grobbelaar told English newspaper The Guardian in a wide-ranging interview on Monday.
“I’m going back (to Zimbabwe) in November. As I told him, I would love to be the ambassador to sport, recreation and reconciliation. I still have a lot of hope for Zimbabwe and I would like to make a difference.”
“I’m going back to Zimbabwe for a function on November 10 and, while I’m there, I’ll be sitting down with the sports minister Kirsty Coventry (the former Olympic swimmer),” he told Liverpool Echo publication.
“Then I will, hopefully, see president Emmerson Mnangagwa. I need to have a word with him and I’d like to get into the political side. We’ll see what happens with that.”
Staff Reporter|An unidentified big spender joined the group of elite spenders who squander huge amounts of money at popular Harare night spot Club Sankayi.
The person whose receipt was published on social media spent $40 0000 in eight hours at the club giving a waitress a tip of $5 000 in the process.
Several high spenders have taken turns to spend big time at the club with five digit figures being the norm.
By Own Correspondent| Seke teachers college is set to hold its 34th graduation ceremony on Saturday 6th October 2018 for the institution’s Intake 16.
The graduation ceremony which had been scheduled for September 21 2018 but had been postponed indefinately following the ban on public gatherings due to cholera will see Early Childhood Development intake 12 graduating over a year after completing their studies.
According to a message from Seke Teacher’s College, compulsory rehersals are on at 11am on Friday 5th October 2018 at the institution’ s campus.
Last month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a statement temporarily suspending all public gatherings citing the cholera outbreak.
This saw several public gatherings including the University of Zimbabwe graduation ceremony and musical shows including those where international artists were billed to perform being shelved indefinately.
The ban also saw the postponement of the MDC Alliance’s 19th anniversary celebrations which was scheduled for Gwanzura stadium in Harare.
However, opposition stalwarts described the ban as “partisan conduct” by the ZRP after Zanu Pf held its inter district meeting in Mbare Harare last week and hundreds of party supporters gathered at Rufaro stadium attending the event despite the ZRP ban.
An 18 year old Tsholotsho juvenile pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to rape a woman under the influence of an illegal home brewed alcoholic beverage.
Simphiwe Ncube appeared before the resident magistrate of Tsholotsho Victor Mpofu on the 1st of October (yesterday) pleading guilty to the charges of attempted rape.
The 31 year old complainant, Michel Sebatha was walking at a nearby bush towards Mathuphula Primary School on the 19th of September at 7pm where she was attacked by the accused.
In the first attempt the complainant escaped to Mathuphula Primary School where the accused again caught up with her and attempted to rape her before the primary school staff came to the rescue.
Ncube blamed his behaviour on the influence of an illegal substance, ‘tototo’ for he could not recall his actions.
By Patson Dzamara|After the abduction of my brother Itai Dzamara by the Military Intelligence on the 9th of March 2015, my life (our lives) changed drastically.
I was forced to fight for justice over my brother’s abduction and subsequent disappearance. At the same time, I did and still do my best to continue with the work Itai started notwithstanding that his shoes are too big for me to fill.
In the process, I was not spared of the vicissitudes the path destiny chose for me led me through. Arrests, character assassination attempts, prison time, torture by state agencies, abductions, spending time in hospital, loss of property, loss of career opportunities and even relationships became the norm.
My only crime was demanding justice over the abduction and missing of my brother Itai and demanding a better Zimbabwe where the rule of law is upheld.
The case and sequence of events at a glance
1. For this case we were arrested at Africa Unity Square on the 8th of June, 2016. The charges were robbery and defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184 (1) (g) of the criminal law (Codification and reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
2. We spent 2 weeks at remand prison.
3. The case dragged for over a year before the Magistrates Court and that was deliberately done to drain and keep us off the streets. On a weekly basis I would go to court for this and other cases an average of 3 times.
4. On the 29th of June 2017, Magistrate Sande convicted and sentenced us to 12 months imprisonment of which 3 months were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior and the remaining 9 months imprisonment were suspended on condition that Haruziviishe and myself perform 315 hours of community service.
5. We completed 1 month of community service with the remaining 8 being suspended pending the appeal upon the successful application for stay by our lawyers.
6. After a thorough, empathic, time punching and brave fight by our lawyer from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Obey Shava, today High Court Judges, Justice Hungwe. J and Wamambo. J gave the following ruling.
Ruling
In setting aside the conviction and quashing the sentence, the court observed the following:
1. The police was not civil in its approach of the matter.
2. The context of the whole case points towards a political motive behind the arrest of Patson Dzamara and Makomborero Haruziviishe and that the court could not turn a blind eye to that aspect.
3. The police wanted Dzamara and crew out of the Africa Unity Square at all costs or by hook or crook and this was not a bona fide arrest.
4. The court also noted that when this incident occurred, the police was trying to arrest Dzamara and crew for an alleged robbery of two ladies but the state never proceeded to charge them with the said robbery. The two ladies (victims of robbery) disappeared from the scene immediately after the arrest of Dzamara and Haruziviishe. Therefore, the High Court could not ignore Dzamara’s version that these were trumped up and politically motivated charges.
It is in light of the above that the High Court allowed the appeal, set aside the conviction and quashed the sentence.
Evil shall not prevail, we will prevail. A new and better Zimbabwe is possible in our lifetime.
Staff Reporter|SPEAKER of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda yesterday named MPs who will sit in the Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC), seen as crucial in the appointment of parliamentary portfolio and thematic committees that have not yet started their work.
Section 151(1) of the Constitution stipulates that Parliament must appoint the SROC, whose main tasks are supervising the administration of Parliament, formulation of standing orders, considering and deciding all matters concerning Parliament, and exercising any other functions conferred on it.
Only four opposition MPs made it into the SROC, as its membership is supposed to reflect the political and gender composition of the Ninth Parliament.
Mudenda will chair the SROC, while Senate president Mabel Chinomona will be the deputy chair.
Other Zanu PF members who will sit in the SROC include the deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi, the deputy president of the Senate Michael Nyambuya, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Zanu PF chief whip in the National Assembly Pupurai Togarepi, chairperson of the Chiefs’ Council senator Fortune Charumbira, Midlands senator Tsitsi Muzenda, Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila, Mashonaland East senator Sydney Sekeramayi, Beitbridge senator Tambudzani Mohadi, Mashonaland West senator Sikelela Gumbo, Chiredzi North MP Matthew Nyashanu, Zvimba North MP Marian Chombo and Marondera West senator Siphiwe Mukunyaidze were also appointed into the committee.
SROC members from the MDC Alliance will include the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Thabitha Khumalo, chief whip Prosper Mutseyami (Dangamvura-Chikanga MP), Innocent Gonese (Mutare Central MP) and Midlands senator Morgen Komichi.
Correspondent|High Court judges Hungwe J and Wamambo J, has set aside the conviction of Patson Dzamara and Makomborero Haruziviishe.
Represented by Obey Shava a member of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the two activists had appealed against a decision of a Harare magistrate sitting at Harare Magistrates Courts on 29 June 2017.
Dzamara and Haruziviishe had been convicted of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(g) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which 3 months were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behaviour and remaining 9 months imprisonment were suspended on condition that Dzamara and Haruziviishe perform 315 hours of community service.
Dzamara and Haruziviishe had completed 1 month of community service with the remaining 8 being suspended after the appeal was filed.
In setting aside the conviction and quashing the sentence, the High Court judges said the police had not been civil in its approach of the matter;
the context of the whole case pointed towards a political motive behind the arrest of Dzamara and Haruziviishe and that the court could not turn a blind eye to that aspect;
the police wanted Dzamara and crew out of the Africa Unity Square at all costs or by hook or crook and this was not a bona fide arrest;
when this incident occurred, the police was trying to arrest Dzamara and crew for an alleged robbery of two ladies but the state never proceeded to charge them with the said robbery. The two ladies (victims of robbery) disappeared from the scene immediately after the arrest of Dzamara and Haruziviishe. Therefore, the High Court could not ignore Dzamara’s version that these were trumped up and politically motivated charges.
It is in light of the above that the High Court allowed the appeal, set aside the conviction and quashed the sentence.
By Own Correspondent| Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has established a war veterans wing in a move aimed strengthening the party’s rural foothold.
The war veterans wing is also expected to challenge Zanu-PF ‘s dominance in the rural areas.
Speaking at the Morgan Tsvangirai house in Harare (Monday), Chamisa expressed concern over the welfare of the war veterans and said his party recognised the important role they played during the liberation struggle and their welfare was one important issue which required to be addressed.
Chamisa said this during an official welcome ceremony of the National People’s Party Members who defected to the MDC Alliance.
Said Chamisa:
“We want the liberation icons like Mavhaire and the rest of you. We want integrate both the old and the young so that we go forward.
We now have a focus to go into the rural areas, our focus has always been urban focused, but without rural focus and going forward you will see that starting from this election, we want to reverse.
More votes must come from rural areas. We want the liberation icons like Mavhaire and the rest of you. We want integrate both the old and the young so that we go forward.”
FORMER Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s son, Siqokoqela, who was recently prohibited from interfering with the operations of their family businesses, Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises, following accusations of swindling the businesses of a combined $80 000, has approached the High Court seeking to have the order set aside.
According to the court papers, sometime in July 2018, Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises filed an urgent chamber application seeking to bar Siqokoqela and his wife, Nomagugu, from interfering with the businesses operations and the matter was determined on July 10, 2018 during which time a provisional order was granted at the High Court.
However, since then, Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises did not to pursue the matter, prompting Siqokoqela and his wife to file an application for dismissal of the matter for want of prosecution.
“On August 24, 2018, the first, second and third applicants [Siqokoqela, Nomagugu and Nanavac Investments (Pvt) Ltd] herein filed their opposing papers to the said application since that date the respondents (Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises) have not taken any steps to prosecute the said application and the matter has remained in limbo for no apparent reason. It could be that the respondents, for unknown reasons, developed cold feet about bringing the matter to finality while enjoying the benefits of the terms of the interim relief granted,” the Mphokos said through their lawyer Welshman Ncube.
“In the instant case, respondents being the applicants in the matter HC6297 have failed to file an answering affidavit nor have they filed heads of argument in terms of Rule 238(1) to enable them to apply to have the matter set down the application under the case amounted to an abuse of court process in seeking to draw this court into what are essentially shareholder and boardroom disputes which must be attended to through meetings of the board of directors and shareholders and hence respondents should be penalised with an order of costs on a an attorney and client scale.”
In the main application, Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises chief executive officer, Ramachandran Ottapathu, accused the Mphokos of siphoning thousands of dollars from the business and threatening employees with dismissals and deportations.
By Own Correspondent| Newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has promised to unblock all the people he had blocked on his personal social media accounts in order to promote openness.
Mangwana who took over from the long-serving George Charamba said that he would unblock people because his appointment called for engagement with people.
Writing on Twitter, Mangwana said:
“As a public employee, I am going to unblock most of the people that I had been blocked in my previous role. I hope we can all focus on issues about our country and avoid personal attacks and inappropriate language. Let’s all start on a clean slate as I am now wearing a different hat.”
Earlier this year, a federal judge in the United States ruled that it is unconstitutional for US President Donald Trump to block critics on his Twitter feed following a lawsuit by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, as well as seven other plaintiffs who had been blocked on Twitter by Trump.
With Mangwana coming on board, his ministry has also taken steps to be more open and has created a Twitter account.
Announcing the new account, the ministry said:
“This is the official Ministry for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Twitter. We will be giving updates and responding to pertinent quiries. Our responses may not be in real-time as we may need to gather info from relevant ministries but we will respond at some point. Thank you.”
By Own Correspondent| Two senior managers at the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) have been reportedly picked up by the police over a $35 million corruption scandal involving an Indian firm PME.
ZETDC managing director Julian Chinembiri together with his finance director Thoko Dhliwayo were picked by detectives last night and are still in police custody over the corruption allegations involving the Indian engineering company.
Sources privy to the developments revealed that the duo are set to appear at court.
However, their court papers are still being finalised.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
By Own Correspondent| Finance and Economic Development minister, Mthuli Ncube has reassured the public that government will not raid their foreign currency accounts (FCA)s.
In 2008, under the tenure of then Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono, holders of FCA accounts lost all their hard currency after the government raided the accounts to finance its projects and expenditure.
Said Ncube:
“I want to assure you that these FCAs will not be raided. They have been ring-fenced.
These are kept offshore and you have a mirror account (domestic) which reflects those accounts. You know what happened the last time we did that when we shut them down, the US dollar just disappeared.
So we have learnt that if you raid these FCA, if you shut them down, the US dollar disappears and you go back to disintermediation, which is what we have now…So we learnt a hard lesson.
I would not recommend that to anyone to say raid people’s accounts. It is not a good idea, not under my watch if I am allowed to watch over those FCAs as Minister of Finance.”
Announcing the mid-term monetary policy on Monday, RBZ governor John Mangudya ordered banks to seperate Nostro FCA from RTGS FCAs within the next two weeks in order to preserve value for exporters.-StateMedia
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution managing director Julian Chinembiri together with his finance director Thoko Dhliwayo have been arrested over a $35 million corruption scandal involving an Indian firm called PME.
They were picked by detectives last night and are still in police holding cells while their court papers are still being finalised.
Sources close to the developments confirmed to Business Times this morning that the two were picked for corruption allegations involving an Indian engineering company.
More details to follow…
rights. A social contract doesn’t
to the extent that it can no longer play the ball!
#RiggingDoesNotPay,” tweeted Biti.
immediately available for a comment on the matter.
name of the child- state media
made it out alive,” he said.H-Metro
I would like to inform all Provincial members,District members and Ward members that on Friday 05 October 2018 the National and Provincial leadership of the MDC Alliance will welcome former NPP leadership.
Facebook yesterday.
