No one links his failing health to the 2017 military coup than Chiwenga himself. In his own words he curses the day he staged a coup in Zimbabwe. “Today we want to set the record straight on one issue now that journalists are here. When we did our operation to normalise things in the country, I was with General (Phillip Valerio) Sibanda and many others, they are brave men indeed…”

Zanu Pf Distances Self From Economic Mess, Says Its RBZ

By Own Correspondent| Zanu Pf’s Midlands provincial spokesperson Cornelia Mupereri has distanced the party from the current economic crisis and laid the full blame on the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

Mupereri said that the party had made the decision to supervise the government after noting that the central bank had abused bond notes by printing well over a billion dollars worth.

When the notes were introduced, the RBZ and the government claimed that only $200 million would be printed.

Speaking at a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) discussion last Friday, Mupereri said:

“We were told that RBZ was only going to print bond notes worth only $200 million because that was the amount of money in United States dollars that backed the notes as bond.

However, from the intelligence the party has gathered, we hear they have printed over one billion…So, what we are saying is that as Zanu PF, we have resolved that henceforth we will be supervising government.

We will be summoning top government officials to come and explain their activities to us at the party level.”

When asked to comment, RBZ governor Mangudya denied the allegations and told a local publication not to publish the story.

Said Mangudya:

“Your headlines are not progressive. We are trying to stabilise the market and we do not want such things published.”

The party has also previously blamed the opposition MDC of sabotaging the economy to force a government of national unity (GNU) although MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has repeatedly said that his party is not interested in a compromise deal.-TheStandard

George Charamba Continues With His Rhetoric That Chamisa Is Begging ED To Dialogue, When Will He Understand That Chamisa Says No?

George Charamba who is the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet in charge of Presidential communications has revealed that Nelson Chamisa had so far sent various emissaries to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to facilitate dialogue between the two top leaders.

“For a fact Chamisa has been sending envoys, diplomats… he wants eminent persons to engage us. Church leaders including Shingi Munyeza (senior pastor at Faith Ministries) have been coming to us with the same message.

“Accompanying the request is that he wants to manage his constituency which includes largely the youth that he had whipped into victory frenzy. We understand the pressure he has at the moment because he is moving from bellicose to desperation,” Charamba said.

The presidential spokesman maintained that they were going ahead with their plans to establish the office of the opposition leader in line with Commonwealth practice.

He said: “This office will be part of the state not government. Chamisa now appreciates the reason for creating this institution, but at the moment he wants to ride on the present economic turbulence to bring the president to the negotiating table. It’s not a favour from him (Chamisa), but his duty as a citizen.

“We all retreat to the market as citizens after elections and we should get away from blackmail. In a way Chamisa is walking the same path as his predecessor the late Morgan Tsvangirai. Former President Robert Mugabe had wanted Tsvangirai to be in parliament. Mugabe wanted to offer one of the MDC-T MP’s an ambassadorial role and in his place Tsvangirai would sit in parliament. This is the same goodwill President Mnangagwa had extended to Chamisa.”

Mnangagwa, Charamba said, was at the moment seized with building institutions that will address issues affecting the country and its people.

“We are busy building institutions that will create an enabling environment for the people and we will not tolerate things that threaten the stability of the country, so we will not allow Chamisa to disturb our programmes. There is a cut off to which he could do. Short of a gun we will not be moved. Beyond the words, what can they do?” asked the 57-year old civil servant.

According to government plans, the Office of the Opposition Leader will be involved in the running of the State and not in government.The opposition leader will be provided with perks equivalent of a cabinet minister where he will be provided with security, a house and a chance to participate in State issues.
In the State hierarchy, the Office of the Opposition Leader comes after the Chief Justice, Senatorial and House of Assembly speakers and the Presidency.
Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda told Business Times “we can’t comment on their agenda”.

However a Zanu PF insider told the Business Times that Chamisa had stretched President Mnangagwa’s patience with regards to negotiations on the way forward.

“ED is a bit irritated by the level of immaturity by Chamisa. He is actually surprised that the young man is so unreasonable as to think his legitimacy hinges on Chamisa. He has taken his theatrics too far,” said the source.

Zimbabwe wants to adopt the British style of the Leader of Opposition who leads the official opposition in the United Kingdom. The Leader of the Opposition by convention leads the largest party not within the government: where one party wins outright this is the party leader of the second largest political party in the House of Commons.
The current Leader of the Opposition is Jeremy Corbyn leader of the Labour Party, who was elected to the leadership of the Labour Party on September 12 2015.

The Leader of the Opposition is normally viewed as an alternative Prime Minister, and is appointed to the Privy Council. They lead an official shadow cabinet which scrutinises the actions of the cabinet led by the Prime Minister, as well as offer alternative policies. To date, Margaret Thatcher is the only female Leader of the Opposition to become Prime Minister.The Leader of the Opposition is entitled to a salary in addition to their salary as a member of parliament. In 2010, this additional entitlement was available up to £73 617.

In South Africa, the Leader of the Opposition is a title held by the leader of the largest party, not forming part of the government, in the most important house of Parliament.

He or she acts as the public face of the opposition, leading the official opposition shadow cabinet and the challenge to the government on the floor of Parliament. They thus act as a chief critic of the government and ultimately attempt to portray the opposition as a feasible alternate government.

The current Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly in South Africa is Mmusi Maimane of the Democratic Alliance. He is also the national party leader.

BusinessTimes

“Guvheya Dzoka Urapwe PaHarare Hospital”

By Own Correspondent| EFF leader Julius Malema’s statement calling in the Zimbabwean leadership including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to stop frequenting South African hospitals and be treated locally has triggered mixed reactions with citizens here calling on politicians to “enjoy their cake” and be treated locally.

Zimbabwe’s leaders including the former president Robert Mugabe are in the habit of being flown abroad whenever they get sick.

Following the Bulawayo bomb blast which occured last year, the now Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Vice President Kembo Mohadi were airlifted to South Africa for medical attention.

This was the same for President Emmerson Mnangagwa when he was poisoned on August 12 2017 in Gwanda and he was also flown to South Africa for medical attention.

Mugabe’s daughter Bona Mugabe Chikore flew to Singapore to have her first baby only to fly back a few weeks later to have the baby weighed.

Recently, Vice President Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga was reportedly flown to South Africa for treatment while the same was also done for Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo.

Following EFF leader, Malema’s statements urging Zimbabwean politicians to seek medical attention locally, citizens here have also added their voice calling on politicians to “enjoy their run down health facilities”.

Below are some of the sentiments expressed by citizens:

Minister, AMH Owner Fallout Escalates, As Mutodi Threatens To Punish Media Mogul

By Own Correspondent| Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi has warned Trevor Ncube, the owner of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) to shut up and stop ranting otherwise his business stands to lose all government business.

Ncube fell out with Mutodi after AMH increased the prices of its newspapers by 100 percent last week.

AMH prints the Newsday, The Standard and the Zimbabwe Independent.

The price increase, effected last week did not go down well with the deputy minister who warned all newspapers against increasing their prices describing the move as speculation.

Ncube took to social media and justified the increase in prices arguing that the current prices are unsustainable.

Last Friday, the AMH boss accused Mutodi of organising thugs to attack vendora trading his newspapers and burn them.

Mutodi denied any involvement in the attack and responded by threatening Ncube with financial hardship after warning him that he may not be as clever as he thinks.

Writing on Twitter, Mutodi said:

“If Trevor Ncube continues with his thoughtless rants against licensing authorities, government will be forced to instruct all its departments, parastatals and associated companies to stop adverts and subscribing AMH products. You are just Trevor Ncube, not Clever Ncube.”

However, Ncube reacted to the minister’s threats and appears not to be backing down.

The publisher also tweeted his own message in which he defiantly claimed that all the Ministers and high profile people he had fought with on matters of principle had ultimately lost the battles.

Ncube gave examples of former first lady Grace Mugabe and former ministers Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere and Terence Mukupe.

Said Ncube:

“Below are the chaps I have fought with on these streets on matters of principle.
1. Jonathan Moyo
2. Tyson Kasukuwere
3. Grace Mugabe
4. Terrence Mukupe

I wonder where they are now.

So who is next? I wonder.

God fights all my battles.”

Mnangagwa: I’ll Meet Putin Next Year

ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa will meet Russia’s President Vladmir Putin early next year, as he continues his engagement and re-engagement drive that is calculated to integrate Zimbabwe into the global family of nations and spur growth as part of the vision to create an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

In August this year, his deputy Gen. Constantino Chiwenga was in Moscow as Mnangagwa’s special envoy, to relay a message to the Kremlin.

Writing for state owned Sunday Mail in his inaugural column, Mnangagwa said his charm offensive on the sidelines of this year’s United Nations General Assembly had yielded a “solid stock of goodwill”.

That goodwill, he said, had helped Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube make significant headway on an arrears clearance deal with creditors last week.

“As I write, our delegation led by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, is in Bali, Indonesia, where it is meeting development partners and creditors. This initiative, which is a continuation of our engagement and re-engagement policy, has elicited good responses from IFIs and development partners,” said Mnangagwa.

“The numerous contacts I made on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly gave our country a solid stock of goodwill which our delegation in Bali has fully exploited. Key countries which include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, South Africa, the EU bloc and even the United States of America, have responded favourably to our engagement overtures, and have welcomed our debt-settlement plan for the US$5,6 billion we owe IFIs and the Paris Club, and our Transitional Stabilisation Plan which we will now fully implement.

“The People’s Republic of China continues to support us both bilaterally and internationally, including by way of private sector investments which continue to enhance national capacity.

‘‘Early next year, I am set to meet President Putin in Russia to explore ways to enhance our co-operation,” he said.

Last week, Prof Ncube announced that the IMF and World Bank had endorsed Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance plan and two-year Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).

The African Development Bank, EU, France, UK, USA, Australia, Netherlands and South Africa also expressed their support.

The TSP will guide the country’s economic thrust through to December 2020.

Zimbabwe arrears currently stand at $5,6 billion, which are spilt into $2,2 billion (multilateral creditors), $2,7 billion (Paris Club) and $700 million (non-Paris Club $700 million).

Prof Ncube told The Sunday Mail last week that next month Government would engage two specific sponsors who are G7 members to secure bridging finance required to clear arrears with multilateral creditors. The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Government will engage the G7 as a bloc and also two specific creditors within G7, as potential sponsors. I have already told the two potential sponsors that I will be approaching them at the end of November,” Prof Ncube said.

In a speech at Chatham House — an international affairs think-tank in London — last Monday, Prof Ncube said the plan was likely to be “adhoc” and “custom-made”.

“In the end the arrears plan for Zimbabwe will be adhoc; it will be custom-made.

‘‘I think it will be similar to the Myanmar one, where Japan was the sponsor, so even for us, we need a sponsor to make this happen, then cajole the rest of the club for debt restructure,” he said.

Myanmar, which was saddled by a debt of $11 billion, met the Paris Club on January 25, 2013 and the latter agreed to cancel half of the arrears in two stages and rescheduled the rest over 15 years, with a seven-year grace period.

Norway cancelled all the $534 million owed to it, while Japan cancelled more than $3 billion.

The Japan Bank for International Co-operation extended $500 million to help clear arrears to the Asian Development Bank.- state media

IS HE TELLING THE TRUTH? – Mthuli Says Prices Will Stabilize

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said the price shocks that were recently experienced by the market are temporary as the economy adjusts to the new policies, which he has described as “bitter medicine” that will help the economy stabilise.

Prof Ncube said consumers and retailers resorting to panic buying and speculative activities are likely to incur heavy loses.

In an interview from Bali, Indonesia, where he was attending the IMF and World Bank meetings, Prof Ncube said there is need for the market to be patient.

“Ordinary Zimbabweans should not go into panic buying of goods and commodities, as prices will drop and they will lose money. Likewise, wholesalers and retailers should not hoard goods in anticipation of obtaining higher prices in future. They will incur loses. I urge everyone to be patient. We will turn around the fundamentals of the economy through various measures contained in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme,” he said.

The TSP is a recently adopted economic blueprint that will guide the economy through December 2020.

Prof Ncube said while the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax of 2 cents per every dollar is painful, it is necessary to achieve sustainable economic growth.

“The interventions that I have put in place are designed to restore fiscal equilibrium and general macro-economic and monetary sector stability. This will then create the right environment for growth. The price shocks are temporary but inflation will stabilise as the markets finds equilibrium again.

“Sometimes bitter medicine causes the patient some discomfort as they swallow it. As a country, we have to take the pain early enough so that by year two of the reform agenda, we will have completed the bulk of reforms enunciated in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme.”

Last week, economist Mr Clive Mphambela cheered Professor Ncube’s 2 cents tax, saying it is a quick-win for revenue generation.

“There are many reasons why Zimbabweans must share the pain of economic adjustment. For decades now, the grey or black economy participants such as smugglers, informal traders, money changers and second-hand vehicle dealers have made fortunes yet they have declared nothing to the fiscus.

“However, everyone enjoys the benefits of subsidised health care, education and transport. Every citizen also enjoys subsidised electricity and fuel. Many informal and informal business do not pay PAYE or remit VAT to the revenue authority.

“Taxes will get us out of the woods. Successful countries generally have high taxes. Scandinavian countries are known for having very high taxes on income. According to the OECD, Denmark (26,4 percent), Norway (19,7 percent) and Sweden (22, 1 percent) all raise a high amount of tax revenue as a percent of GDP from individual income taxes and payroll taxes. This is compared to the 15 percent of GDP raised by the United States through its individual taxes and payroll taxes,” he said.

A recent research note from Old Mutual stockbrokers indicated that the new tax will widen the tax collection base in the informal sector.

“Review of the transfer tax significantly widens the tax collection base, particularly in the informal sector. The efficacy of the measure is enhanced by limited transaction media in the absence of cash. At current transaction values, the measure has potential to generate an additional $2,6 billion annually. On the flipside, the tax presents an additional cost, typical of a contractionary fiscal policy. Overall (though full implementation modalities are still outstanding), the motive to fund Government expenditure through tax enhancement is welcome,” read the research note.

However, the estimate on revenue generation was made before a cap on thresholds was later made by Treasury.

Government has already stated that it will ring-fence the 2 cents tax to ensure that it is directly channelled to service delivery and programmes that will directly benefit the people.

Prof Ncube said the falling parallel market exchange rate between the US dollar, the bond note and RTGS balances was expected as rates were being driven by “over-speculation”.

He said the rates are expected to reach parity, or even decline further.

“There was over-speculation in the parallel market when the rates were going up. We have guaranteed value and the conversion rate of 1:1 and rates should move to that parity rate or even lower.”

By yesterday, the parallel market exchange rate had dived from an all-time high of 1:6 (US$100 for $600 RTGS) reached last week to 1:150 (US$100 to $150 RTGS).

However, there were very few sellers.

Treasury contends that the cash shortages will be solved in time once the full effect of the economic stabilisation programmes takes root.

“This cash shortage issue is not new. There are many reasons behind it. It’s got to do with the confidence and also the banking sector. We are working on building this confidence, recapitalising the banks but also making sure that we limit inflation erosion on whatever cash balance the people have.

“We issued the 5 percent reserve during the monetary policy statement, but we also hope that the introduction of FCAs will help the citizens to put more money into the banking sector so that money returns to the banks. It’s a matter of building confidence, showing that we are dealing with the micro-balances and people believing in what we do.

“It’s not a quick fix, it’s not a silver bullet that will heal in one day, it takes time, but I would like the nation to be patient. We will fix it for the benefit of everyone,” said the Finance Minister.

A snap survey conducted by The Sunday Mail in some major supermarkets in the capital yesterday showed that prices were gradually adjusting to normal levels. Retailers were restocking following stock-outs induced by a bout of panic buying last week.

Some retailers were rationing the quantities consumers could buy in order to guard against hoarding. – state medi

Mnangagwa Gonorizes Zimbabwe, Says He’ll Arrest All Black Market Traders

ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa has set his sights on illegal currency trading, describing it and related illicit financial activities as a threat to national security.

In the first installment of his new weekly column in the state media starting today, Mnangagwa said he is determined to restore sanity.
It is also understood that Mnangagwa last week summoned his security cluster and discussed the matter, paving way for the imminent arrests of high-profile figures who are suspected of masterminding black market activities.

In that meeting were Defence Minister Oppah Muchunguri-Kashiri, Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema, State Security Minister Owen Ncube and Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation Ambassador Isaac Moyo. Also present were Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, and his deputy Mr George Charamba.

This followed a sudden spike in black market currency trading that saw the bond note trading as low as 1:6 to the US dollar at some point, a spike in prices of basic commodities at retail point, panic buying of fuel that resulted in long queues at service stations, and propagation of angst within the citizenry by opponents of Mnangagwa’s Government with a view to sparking street protests.

Government’s contention that the currency, supply and price madness that gripped the country last week was driven by criminal shady business practices and political duplicity was validated by the sudden plunge in black market activities by Thursday evening.

Further, the supplies of fuel and basic commodities has firmed. In his inaugural column, Mnangagwa says: “A great threat to our bid to stimulate productive activity in the economy comes by way of non-productive, speculative activities operating below the radar but involving millions in precious foreign currency and bond notes.
“These nefarious activities thrive on different electronic platforms. New measures will be pursued to stop such malpractices.
“I call on all of us to tread back into the real economy, away from the current practice where currencies become key commodities that transact in dark markets, controlled by shadowy figures.
“The costs and havoc this wreaks on the whole economy have become quite apparent and most unfortunate. A bold response is merited.

“To that end, this problem is now being treated as a serious security threat which requires a different response so that we get back to clean, productive and disciplined economic activity operating within norms and rules of the market.”

In addition to strategies that have been – and continue to be – rolled out to create an environemtn conducive for doing business, the State is also understood to be working on legal instruments to root out criminality as corruption had become entrenched in the prior administration.

ARE THEY TELLING THE TRUTH? – Govt Says Fuel Problem Fixed This Week

Government expects the fuel situation to normalise this week after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe increased weekly allocations for imports for the second time this year to over $30 million. This follows a huge increase in demand for fuel, and rising international oil prices.

Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Jorum Gumbo told the state media yesterday that retailers were taking delivery of bulk fuel bought via a $41 million RBZ facility. Government has also relaxed regulations to allow bulk fuel to be transported at night, and given the National Oil Infrastructure Company the green light to load fuel around the clock.

“We have enough fuel in bond at Masasa and Mabvuku. There is no need to panic, the country will not go dry. The challenge we have is that of rising oil prices on the international market, which is something we have no control over and it is something that caught us unaware.

“You are also aware that the RBZ raised its weekly allocation for fuel from $10 million to $20 million earlier this year as a result of increasing demand and the skyrocketing prices of the commodity on international market,” said Min Gumbo.

“What we have done is that officials from my Ministry have been negotiating with the RBZ to increase the allocation further to between $30 million to $35 million a week.

“During the meeting I had with officials from the oil industry on Friday, we agreed that an allocation of around $30 million to $35 million will meet demand and meet the gap caused by the international prices. We are happy that the RBZ has taken our recommendation and will do so,” he said.

Dr Gumbo said letters of credit from the $41 million drawdown started reflecting on Friday.
“The other challenge is that when the RBZ released the $41 million for fuel imports, this was done through letters of credit and it takes between three and four days for the LCs to start reflecting at the suppliers’ side.

“So by yesterday (Friday), most of the LCs began maturing and deliveries commenced. The situation is now stabilising in spite of the continued panic buying, but as the LCs continue to mature, deliveries will continue as well and within three days we could be back to normal. But as long as people hoard the product, the situation may drag for a few more days.”
Government, he said, did not want to increase fuel prices despite increases on international markets.
Prices are pegged at $1,31 for diesel and $1,41 for petrol.

He added: “We are aware of some companies that are demanding US dollars payment for fuel; that should stop.

“We now have teams from (Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority) and (Zimbabwe Republic Police) who are carrying out impromptu checks to see which service stations are selling only in US dollars.

“The public should report such illegal activities and the law will take its course. It is Government that is providing them with foreign currency for the fuel and it is not the fuel dealers who are sourcing the forex. Mobile money and swiping are legal ways of tendering in Zimbabwe.”

October 13, 2018October 14, 2018

Chaos As AFM Finally Breaks Up

Leadership structures in Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFM)’s two camps are already being set up as moves are made to seal the divorce between church president Dr Aspher Madziire’s camp and that of deputy president Reverend Cosam Chiyangwa. The two groups are holding parallel elections to choose new leadership.
Dr Madziire and Rev Chiyangwa locked horns over reforms to amend the church constitution. Last week, The Sunday Mail Society gathered that Dr Madziire’s group is known as the ‘Reform AFM’ while Rev Chiyangwa’s camp is referred to as the ‘Original AFM’.

It is said Rev Chiyangwa’s camp is sticking to the original constitution of the church.
Rev Chiyangwa’s team held provincial elections on the 6th and 13th of October 2018 to choose new leadership in preparation for national executive elections on Saturday while on the other hand, Dr Madziire’s camp will hold polls on December 31, 2018.

In a notice dated October 11, 2018, the interim general secretary in the ‘Original AFM’, Dr Nathan Nhira said an extraordinary workers council will be held at Rufaro conference centre in Chatsworth on October 20, 2018.

A total of 320 delegates will form an electoral college to elect the church’s new leadership on Saturday. Part of the agenda of the meeting is to elect national leadership.

Rev Chiyangwa’s spokesman, Rev Togara Mapingure said the majority of assemblies are aligned to their group. He claimed 276 assemblies are behind them, against the 87 that are in Dr Madziire’s corner.

He said a total of 762 ordained pastors, out of 855, are rallying behind Rev Chiyangwa.
Rev Mapingure said judging from the provincial elections, their camp had more numbers with 4 072 councillors participating against 1 130 in Dr Madziire’s ‘Reform AFM’.

“The problem is that the reform team (Dr Madziire’s camp) violated the constitution by postponing the elections which were due in April this year. The constitution’s Chapter 9 and also Chapter 9 of the regulations all provide that elections must be held after every three years but the reform team wanted to change that,” he said.

“The September 22, 2018 workers council passed a vote of no confidence against Madziire and Madawu (general secretary) because there was a two-thirds quorum of the workers council. Madawu says he fired Rev Chiyangwa. He can’t do that because he was also fired by the 22 September meeting.

“The reform team also tempered with the constitution so that Madawu succeeds Madziire but he can’t do that because he is less than 50 years old. So if they decide to leave AFM, they can do so because they are the ones who are trying to bring new doctrine to the church.”

On the other hand, Rev Madawu wrote to the church leadership under Dr Madziire that the new constitution will be adopted once contributions from members of the church have been included.
He said the workers council will consider the input from the church members by December 15, 2018, after which the new constitution will be adopted.

“At the workers council meeting at which national elections shall be conducted, the apostolic council resolved to table its interpretation before the workers council and seek the condonation of the workers council and the ratification of all elections conducted in line with the apostolic council interpretation of the resolution of the workers council,” wrote Rev Madawu.
In a bid to quench the nasty church fight, AFM International president Pastor Frank Chikane sent a circular to all AFM presidents on September 28, 2018, issuing instructions on how to solve the AFM Zimbabwe problems.

He said the AFM Zimbabwe apostolic council must resolve the constitution amendments by January 2019.

“No one should be made to feel that the proposed amendments to the constitution are imposed on them without their consideration and views,” said Pastor Chikane.

“It is our prayer that you will all find it within yourselves – with the help of the Lord – to execute these decisions to ensure that the unity of the church is not impacted negatively because of a reform process.”

The AFM International secretary general Pastor George Mahlobo also wrote on September 6, 2018, saying AFM Zimbabwe conflicts “have reached a level where they are affecting the life, integrity and credibility of AFM International”. He urged the AFM Zimbabwe to desist from using the courts to resolve problems but use an out of court settlement agreement to avert the crisis.

“Having done our assessment, we are convinced that the protagonists and antagonists in the battle relating to this reform process are prepared to rack or destroy the church as well as impede the move of the Holy Spirit within the church, in pursuit of their interests, individually and collectively. This is what the AFM International is out to stop in the interest of the AFM Zimbabwe, AFM International and the church of Christ,” said Pastor Mahlobo.

“We are calling on all members and assemblies of the AFM Zimbabwe to engage in 24-hour chain prayers about the crisis, that the Lord touch leadership at all levels to act in a way that will save the church and ensure that it continues to pursue its ministry and mission the Lord has called it to pursue; and not allow administrative and constitutional matters to divide the church.” – state media

PICTURE: TAX or PURE THEFT? – $36 PER EVERY $100: Contributor Reveals Total Govt Is Now Taking Away

Contributor Mr Evans Kanojerera on ZimEye on Saturday night, presented the below calculation showing that Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is now taking away $36 per every $100 transacted in a chain (the more nodes, the more money Mthuli takes away). ALSO READ PREVIOUS ARTICLE…

Mthuli Introduces New $33 Daily Tax

By Business Reporter| Emmerson Mnangagwa’s designate to the Finance Ministry, Mthuli Ncube has introduced a tax that makes it possible for tbe government to take away just about $33 from each person every day.

Another contributor, Evans Kanojerera worked the figure out as $36. SEE GRAPH BELOW:

ZimEye reveals how the $33 was arrived at: On average citizens in Zimbabwe send money digitally at least 500 times per month.

Please take note of the DAILY TOTAL INSTANCE FACTOR… because nearly every transaction in Zimbabwe is digital, people are forced to send and receive at least 16 times per day. Mthuli Ncube knew of this factor and made it appear as if the tax is just 2 cents. It is not even $2.00 it is $33.00. ( since this is tax not on any production but on a mere transaction).

The calculation is as follows:

Number of transactions per month – 500
Transactions per day (divide by 30 days) – 16.67
____________
Tax Amount paid per day – $33.33 (arrived at using the piling of blame factor).

This tax is on gross amount transacted not income, making it the worst in the world. Mthuli Ncube’s tax hits even the poorest citizens, meaning everyone is treated at

1-The 2% tax will make the average citizen worse off. Mthuli Ncube will charge them for bank-to-wallet transfers & again charge them for further transactions from their Eco-wallet transaction, meaning that’s double taxation.

2-The tax defeats the whole purpose of financial freedom and inclusion for every citizen because it was felt that using mobile money will give most citizens, who now own mobiles an opportunity to manage their money

3-Under the arrangement, business people will not be charged for making transactions between accounts because they have argued that it will make it virtually impossible to continue business if they were to pay the tax considering they operate far too many transactions Mthuli justifies this move by saying he wants to balance the burden of the nation’s economy across all citizens reasoning that business already pay loads of money to inland revenue. This is illegal. Say for argument’s sake someone is getting their pension out of the bank, one would assume they have already been taxed for it, so why should they be further taxed. Same applies to the workers being paid through the bank, Mthuli has said they will not be charged. This is ridiculous because a civil servant for example has earned that money through a service (their job), same as the vendor or mushika-shika who get paid through their respective business. Since the informal traders are not registered as being paid by a formal employing body it means they will bear the burden of Mthuli’s tax. If someone in the diaspora sends money to their parents whose pensions have been eroded by the 2008 inflation and dollarisation, usually the sender has already incurred charges & it just does not seem right to be taxed again to receive that money. I do not understand the purported fairness or balance in this? Business people are aware of a certain levy that is charged by banks for card transactions, this is why for small purchases they don’t accept card payments.

4-If the bank does not even charge for basic savings and instead reward you some interest for entrusting your money to the bank, why should the government then take away your money? We actually need to read between the lines here. In the following clip, it seems like it was the governments intention to promote use of plastic money & in the clip the VP suggested it would be unacceptable to levy charges for transactions. What seems to have happened now, does the government want to raise money by extorting and impoverishing citizens to desperation or do they want to discourage citizens from taking their money out of the bank? Obviously they are aware of the lack of public confidence in the financial system so, when citizens get their money, they are most likely to buy from outside the country since shops are closing.

Mnangagwa Family Appointed Boss of National Building Society

Mnangagwa appointment discouraging

By Jacob Mafume| The MDC is irked by the decision to appoint Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa on the National Building Society Board.

Just like any other form of corruption, nepotism has no place in a Democratic society. We have made the point of a total failure to break from the past by the regime.

In previous arrangements, we witnessed appointments of President Mugabe’s kins and folk into influential positions including the appointment of both Bona Mugabe and her husband to state institutions.

The MDC in the SMART document argued then, as we do now, that combating corruption and parastatal reform is part of rethinking the state in an endevour to create a modern functional state.

We are of the view that the NBS must be concentrating on a radical housing program specifically for Development and Urbanisation of Rural Areas (DURA).

Appointing a Mnangagwa to the board will not help this cause. As a NSSA-owned bank, a clear appointment criteria must be used and appointments must be made public.

In our SMART document we suggest public interviews for appointments of this level.
We also restate that NSSA reform is imperative to ensure the commercial section brings back profits to the core business of paying out pensions, we find this kind of corruption to be an impediment.

More importantly institutions meant to combat corruption must investigate these kinds of decisions.

The Judiciary, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission must be strengthened and their independence guaranteed in line with reforms outlined in President Chamisa’s five point plan.

Khupe Expresses Concern Over Zim’s “Economic Demise”

By Own Correspondent| Leader of the splinter faction of the MDC T, Dr Thokozani Khupe has expressed concern on the country’s economic demise calling on government to prioritise citizens’ welfare.

Spokesperson of the MDC T led by Dr Khupe, Linda Masarira said her party met today (Saturday) and deliberated on progressive methods to be employed by the party towards contributing to the country’s economic revival.

Said Masarira:

“The MDC T is concerned with the demise we are facing as a nation and wants to ensure that every Zimbabwean’s socio- economic rights are respected.

Zimbabweans want bread and butter and the government should ensure that they deliver jobs, quality service delivery, quality health care and education.”

Below is the full text by Dr Khupe:

Soldier Assaults Woman For Refusing To Pay Bribe

By Own Correspondent| Police in Beitbridge are investigating a case in which a suspected member of the Zimbabwe National Army reportedly assaulted two local women for allegedly for refusing to give him a bribe.

The armed soldier, allegedly beat up the two women on Tuesday this week after an altercation and one of the women, Esnath Mbedzi, had to be treated for injuries sustained at Beitbridge District Hospital.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele, confirmed that police were investigating the case.

Said Ndebele:

“We received that report and we are investigating. At the moment, we cannot say it is a member of the ZNA because no arrest has been made,” he said.

It is understood that the alleged ZNA member was arrested on Wednesday at Mbedzi’s homestead where he was trying to have her withdraw the case while also carrying a firearm. The case was referred to the Law and Order Section under case number RRB 3278330.

According to a local publication, Mbedzi and her friend, Miriam Moyo, were walking past a Zimbabwe Republic Police and ZNA security checkpoint along the Limpopo River opposite South Africa’s gate number 6 when they were stopped by three men. Two of the men were in civilian attire and the other in military fatigue, armed with a rifle.

The men allegedly demanded payment from the women so that they could pass through the checkpoint into Zimbabwe.

The women, who reside in Chipangwe Village, refused to pay, saying they were not coming from South Africa.

The soldier allegedly said since they did not want to pay, they should go “back” to South Africa for official deportation, but the women refused.

The soldier then took a stick and started beating the women before releasing them.

Mbedzi proceeded to Beitbridge police where she filed a report-Newsday

Chiwenga And Moyo Hospitalised As Guvheya Regrets Nov Military Coup That Made Mnangagwa President

No one links his failing health to the 2017 military coup than Chiwenga himself. In his own words he curses the day he staged a coup in Zimbabwe. “Today we want to set the record straight on one issue now that journalists are here. When we did our operation to normalise things in the country, I was with General (Phillip Valerio) Sibanda and many others, they are brave men indeed…”

By Israel Dube| Undoubtedly, the mention of these two names, General Chiwenga and Moyo, evokes the bright memories of a successful Zimbabwe coup d’etat of 2017. But of late it has come to light that the two are frequenting the hospitals. What is eating the top Zimbabwean generals?

The architect of the Zimbabwe coup, now Vice President of Zimbabwe, Rtd General Chiwenga has collapsed many times during meetings and rushed to hospital more than once. Then there is an unexplained mystery of swelling hands and uncontrollable vomiting that has also landed him in hospital. This week things got worse and he was airlifted to South Africa.

Rtd General Sibusiso Moyo played the role of coup Spokesman, known for sweet talking the world into believing that an obvious coup d’etat was just a corruption bursting campaign targeting criminals surrounding former President Robert Mugabe, was airlifted to South Africa too, but earlier last moth, for treatment of a serious half explained. He has not been seen in public since he is still detained in a private South African hospital. He was rewarded with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a share of spoils of the coup.

No one links his failing health to the 2017 military coup than Chiwenga himself. In his own words he curses the day he staged a coup in Zimbabwe. “Today we want to set the record straight on one issue now that journalists are here. When we did our operation to normalise things in the country, I was with General (Phillip Valerio) Sibanda and many others, they are brave men indeed.

“We also informed vaMatanga (then Deputy Commissioner General of police but now Commissioner General) about the plan, it was during that time that I fell ill. I had this skin disease (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.

“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.”

The sickness of two main coup architects at the same time is too much of a coincidence to be ignored by people with functional brains.

There is no honour or trust among thieves especially after a successful coup d’etat. Your best friend becomes your worst enemy as there is too much at stack. As we opined before the post coup era is the time to watch your back, that is if you are a player participating in dirty political games. Here, there are no sacred cows.

It is at this crucial stage one suddenly discovers that are better surrounded by blameless angels than experienced coup plotters with fresh blood stains of their former President on their hands.

As cause for more concern, disturbing reports of two centers of power in Zanupf and government have been flying all over. It makes sense for Emmerson Mnangagwa to remove stumbling blocks that stand on his way of assuming total power to be in full control of Zanupf and government. Even if it means getting rid of his best Cdes and fellow coup plotters.

The one who strikes first wins. Strike or be rattled! That is the game in the criminal worlds.

But there are always consequences, both intended and unintended. In this case how is the army going to react to news of death of their commanders turned politicians?

How is the public of Zimbabwe together with neighbouring countries and the world going to react? How about Matabeles who have suffered immensely at the hands of Zimbabwe successive governments, what route are they going to take? When two bulls lock horns its the grass that suffers.

Talking in terms of security, this is a recipe for the second coup. The army played a crucial role in this bloody coup business. We do not imagine them sitting idle in the barracks while their leaders are brutally eliminated from highest echelons of power through death.

For Matabeles this would be a bonus index provided by the Almighty God that should be welcomed and grabbed with both hands. We should use all means available to break the York of oppression under the shona supremacist government.

The end justifies the means.

Bayeza bantwana, bazonikhulula!

Izenzo Kungemazwi!

Israel Dube

MLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs

Deadly Combination, Chamisa, Malema And Owina Team Up Against Madhara

Popular young opposition leaders from East Africa say they are uniting efforts with others in West and Southern Africa to form a movement to drive change against the misrule that has plagued the continent.

Kenyan legislator Babu Owino said late Friday in a talk with Ugandan pop star-turned-opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi and Kenyan activist-turned-politician Boniface Mwangi they are reaching out to South Africa’s Julius Malema and Zimbabwe’s Nelson Chamisa, among others.

Kyagulanyi, who is facing treason charges in Uganda after being arrested and tortured for allegedly organizing the stoning of the presidential motorcade, said there’s a deliberate effort in Africa to distance youth from politics and governance, yet 70 percent of the continent’s population is below 35.

BusinessInsider, UK

Latest On Harare Shooting- ZRP Says Shooter Was Acting In Self Defence

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) indicated in their court papers that Llyod Boniface Kobekile (24) was acting in self-defence when he shot and killed a suspected parking tout in Harare’s CBD on Wednesday.

Witnesses to the shooting incident which occured at the corner of First Street and Kwame Nkurumah avenue emerged with others alleging that Kobekile was refusing to pay for parking space.

He allegedly threatened the touts before they teamed up against him and started assaulting him.

Police, on their part, say the deceased confronted Kobekile’s sisters who had remained in the car while the shooter was pursuing some private business within the city centre.

Read part of the police statement:

“During that time some of the deceased’s colleagues broke the window of the accused’s motor vehicle, stuffed some cardboard boxes and set it on fire.

The accused tried to escape but the deceased and his friends continued to attack him with stones and iron bars.

The accused ran away along Kwame Nkrumah towards First Street and the deceased and his friends gave him a chase and continued stoning him. The accused then produced his AG Brevet pistol, serial number 330822 and fired three warning shots in the air but the deceased and his colleagues continued attacking him.

When they arrived at the intersection of First Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, the accused fired and shot the deceased in the head.”

Kobekile was on Friday hauled before a Harare magistrate facing murder charges. He was ordered to apply for bail at the High Court.

Kobekile is being represented by lawyers Oliver Marwa and Tendai Rusinahama, who are fighting to have the murder charge reduced to culpable homicide.

“I Dazzled Chatunga With My Dance Moves, He Is Only Afraid Of Grace,” Zoey

Correspondent|Sultry dancer Zoey Sifelani has stuck to her guns over the Chatunga Mugabe controversy maintaining that she indeed fraternized with the former president’s son but he is just afraid of his mother Grace Mugabe hence his denial that the two have met.

Zoey insists that she spent time with Chatunga and he even invited her back to South Africa.

“We had a good time, I danced for him (Chatunga) and he liked my act and he has invited me back to SA. The problem is that he is afraid of his mother”

Aside from dancing, Zoey has launched her own mineral brand ‘Zoey Still Water’ which has turned out to be a hit with the male patrons after being told that the water is packed with women in racy clothing.

IHarare

ZCTU Leaders Freed On $50 Bail

By Own Correspondent| A Zimbabwean court has set free seven Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leaders including its President Peter Mutasa and Secretary-General Japhet Moyo on $50 bail.

The seven leaders namely ZCTU President
Peter Mutasa, Secretary-General Japhet Moyo, Benice Maluleke, Prescilla Jonhi, Simon Mutasa, Munashe Chirovamari and Ezekiel Matema were picked up on Thursday at the labour union’s offices and charged with disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.

However, the ZRP later altered the charge to contravening section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.

They were represented by lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Chiwenga Must Go Back To Zimbabwe Hospitals: Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President, Julias Malema has challenged Zimbabwe government officials including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo to seek medical attention in their own country.

The former ANC Youth League President made the remarks while addressing a press conference in South Africa on Thursday.

Chiwenga and SB Moyo are believed to be battling for life in South Africa.

He threatened to unleash ex-Zimbabwe soldiers if the senior government officials do not heed his call.

“We don’t want politicians who lie to their people. When problems come to them they seek comfort zone to South Africa. We know where they are hospitalized… we are going to release the foot and angry soldiers if we are not heard..” said Malema.

How Chivhayo and Ginimbi Fooled Dexter Nduna

Zanu PF legislator Dexter Nduna on Thursday told a court how he lost R535,000 to Genius Kadungure and Wicknell Chivayo in an elaborate con in 2012.

Nduna said he had been blacklisted by banks after borrowing money to buy mining equipment which he thought he was supplying to Marange Resources in Chiadzwa.

In reality, a court heard, he had fallen victim to a swindle masterminded by the two men, famous for flaunting their wealth online.

“My business was doing well. But now the banks don’t trust me because I could not pay back the loan as planned. They brought me down,” the Chegutu West MP told.

Kadungure and Chivayo are accused of defrauding Nduna and another man, Evon Gatawa, in separate incidents.

They posed as procurement agents of Marange Diamonds, it is alleged. They asked Nduna and Gatawa to supply some mining equipment, but before doing so, they had created fictitious companies registered in South Africa complete with bank accounts, websites and landline numbers.

Nduna and Gatawa, magistrate Morgen Nemadire heard, were then advised that Marange Diamonds’ recommended supplier was the companies the duo had registered.

“The profit margin convinced me,” Nduna said. “The profit was above 50 percent. I had $65,000 which translated to R335,000 on me so I wasn’t worried to use it.

“I thought I was dealing with genuine people because all the communication emails were captioned, ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’.

“When the parcel was delivered later, I realised I had been duped. It struck me like lightning coming in three dimensions (sic).”

He only reported the fraud two years later, both in Zimbabwe and in South Africa.

He said the ABSA bank account of Always on Pumps had been quickly closed, the website taken down and the phones were no longer going through.

Nduna also told court that after reporting the swindle, Kadungure had called him saying Chivayo was the one who stole his money.

“He (Kadungure) confessed having stolen money from Gatawa, but said he did not take my money.”

On Tuesday, Kadungure admitted in court that he had received R500,000 from Chivayo through a third party, a foreign currency dealer only named as D. Kabwebwe, but insisted he did not know that it was stolen.

Kabwebwe said Kadungure had called her looking for R500,000 in South Africa intending to buy wholesale gas. Kadungure had the equivalent amount in United States dollars in Zimbabwe.

She testified that she knew Chivayo had money in South Africa, and called him to arrange the exchange. Kadungure, she told court, had later called her fuming that she had given him stolen money.

Gatawa, meanwhile, testified that Kadungure had approached him and promised to pay him $50,000 so that he would drop charges, but he had only paid $20,000. Kadungure said he only agreed to pay to make the charges go away.

Kadungure, represented by Jonathan Samukange, is shifting the blame to Chivayo, who is represented by Advocate Lewis Uriri. Chivayo says he is ignorant of the alleged transactions and no evidence has been presented so far linking him to a crime.

-ZimLive

ZRP Alters Initial Charges For ZCTU Leaders Arrested For Disorderly Conduct

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Friday 12 October 2018 altered charges faced by seven Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) leaders to public violence after initially charging them with
disorderly conduct.

The ZCTU leaders, who appeared at Harare Magistrates Court on Friday will return to court on today (Saturday) where Magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini is expected to hand down his ruling on their bail application.

The leaders are represented by their lawyers Tinomuda Shoko and Kossam Ncube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR.

In a related development, in Mutare, ZLHR lawyers Natsai Nyamwanza, Peggy Tavagadza and Passmore Nyakureba secured $50 bail for each of the 20 ZCTU leaders and members, who were arrested on Thursday 11 October 2018 for allegedly
participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

In Gweru, ZLHR lawyer Takashinga Pamacheche also secured the release of three ZCTU leaders namely Moses Gwaunza, Charles Chikozho and Bernard Sibanda, who were arrested and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority ordered ZRP officers to proceed by way of summons if they intend to prosecute the labour union leaders after citing lack of evidence gathered by the law enforcement agents.

ZANU PF Chefs Remove Stickers On Vehicles In Order To Queu For Fuel

By Paul Nyathi|Senior ZANU PF officials driving party branded vehicles were reportedly removing the branding on the cars in order to be able to join fuel queues unnoticed.

Party officials who spoke to ZimEye.com, indicated that it was difficult for them to be seen in fuel queues in party branded vehicles as they normally get victimised by fellow motorists in the queues.

The officials who would not want to be identified claimed that they got reports that one of their party drivers was heavily harassed in a fuel queue in Bulawayo last weekend which has forced them to remove the branding on the cars.

The party has however threatened to repossess the cars from any of the errant cadres who are removing party stickers from their official vehicles.

In the run-up to the July 30 polls, the ruling party gave all its parliamentary candidates branded cars to enable them to campaign in their respective constituencies.

The party claimed that the officials are removing the stickers to personalise the cars and not to avoid being harassed at fuel queues.

“Those cars belong to the party; they must be used for party business in that particular constituency,” said the party’s secretary for administration Obert Mpofu.

“…It is not allowed to personalise those cars and I want to tell you from the reports we are receiving, we are going to take back some of those vehicles. We are going to deal with that matter because it’s not good for the party.”

NPRC Speaks On Tribal Wars In Informal Mining

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has expressed concern over continued reports of violent clashes in the artisanal mining sector in Matabeleland South Province amid revelations that some are motivated by tribal undertones.

On Monday the 8th of September, 28 year old Ndodana Ncube of Nyamandlovu was brutally murdered while five others were seriously injured at Vova Mine in Gwanda during violent clashes over gold claims.

While the increase in such incidents is a cause for concern, it is the ethnic dimension of the conflicts that has seen the NPRC descends on Gwanda yesterday to investigate the matter and proffer solutions.

Chairperson of the commission Retired Judge Selo Nare who identified the source of the conflict as based on control of resources between locals and fortunes seekers from other regions, recommended the formalisation of the mining sector.

“The challenge as we here it is the invasion of mining areas by people from as far as Gokwe and Kwekwe who come into areas that have been pegged by locals and start elbowing them out. I believe everyone should benefit from resources in Zimbabwe but we must do it in a polite way and proper way.

“It also worrying that certain remarks were said by arrival group of miners who visited that area which are tribal and very disturbing as especially at a time when we are trying to heal our nation,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Christian Alliance Church Convergence on Peace director Reverend Useni Sibanda concurred on the need to urgently deal with the unresolved issue of land and mining rights in the province adding the policy on devolution power will be the answer to the long standing problem.

“It is important to make local people not feel like other people are coming to take their local resources because I think that is an issue of conflict. But what is also important is formalising the artisanal miners, formalise the process of getting people who are involved in mining to have proper documentation. It also points to the issues of devolution which is central because it will be part of national healing because it’s saying to the people, how do you have access to your own resources,” he said.

The NPRC which also announced plans to launch its strategic plan in the coming week said they will be visiting communities in Matabeleland and Midlands to engage them on pre-post independence conflicts with a view to heal and reconcile the nation.

The meeting was also attended by the Provincial Minister of State for Matabeleland South Province Cde Abednico Ncube, representatives of the Human Rights Commission and members of the Joint Operations Command.

Zbc News online

Government Unsure On Civil Servants Bonus

PUBLIC Service minister Sekai Nzenza on Thursday told Senate that payment of civil servants’ bonuses this year was uncertain as she was yet to negotiate the issue with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

Civil servants traditionally receive bonuses from November, but in the last few years, the gratuities for the 250 000-strong workforce have been staggered to the following year due to a financial squeeze.

The issue was raised by senator Chief Zama Nthua Mkwananzi Ngungumbane, who demanded that Nzenza must clarify the issue of bonuses since the year was coming to an end.

“At this stage, we are reviewing our pension funds and the wage bill, which also includes the bonuses,” Nzenza said.

“Given the current economic turmoil, we would also take that into consideration and if you can bear with me for a while, we will be able to get back to you with the correct information. I am not able to answer your question at this stage. That question can only be answered in consultation with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and all the other ministers involved.”

In July, just a few days before the elections, the cash-strapped government dangled a 17,5% special civil service allowance with other incentives like cash in-lieu of leave (CIL) for teachers who had accrued more than 123 days’ vacation leave, from reduction and alignment of rentals at institutional accommodation to housing allowances paid to various grades of civil servants.The civil service wage bill has been chocking government and the economy as it gobbles 91% of the national budget. In 2017, government proposed to cut the wage bill from 91% to 50% by 2019.

Harare Metropolitan senator Elias Mudzuri (MDC Alliance) said government should also accept that civil servants’ salaries were designated to dollars.

-Newsday

Dynamos Coach Accuses Players Of Throwing Away Matches

DYNAMOS assistant coach Murape Murape has hit out at some of his players, sensationally claiming that they are deliberately underperforming, stifling efforts by the Glamour Boys’ coaching staff to steer the team away from the drop zone.

The struggling giants are occupying the last relegation slot having accumulated 31 points with six matches before the season ends.

DeMbare have performed dismally and they have collected a paltry two points in their last five matches where they have failed to score.

That pathetic run claimed the scalp of Lloyd Mutasa who has since been sacrificed along with his assistants Joseph Takaringofa and Zondai Nyaungwa who paved the way for Lloyd Chigowe and Murape.

Despite Mutasa being sacked, the losing script continued with the pair’s first match in charge ending in a 0-2 defeat to leaders FC Platinum.

Their championship winning captain Murape, however believes there is more to the underperformance of his team this year than meets the eye.

Murape questioned some of the players’ loyalty to the Dynamos cause.

“Look at some of the players we have at our disposal, most of them are not totally committed to the Dynamos cause, so it becomes difficult for any coach to work with such kind of players.

“The level of indiscipline sometimes is shocking. Most of these players do not know what it means to play for Dynamos,’’ Murape said.

Former captain Ocean Mushure and midfielder Panashe Mutasa are AWOL while Denver Mukamba who has also battled disciplinary demons all year, resurfaced at the team’s training session only two days ago after he had disappeared from the radar for almost a week.

Murape suspects that some of the underperformers in the side could probably be sympathetic to the sacked Mutasa as their behaviour was not encouraging.

“Some of these players are not able to appreciate the changes in terms of coaches. They are not able to cope with the philosophies so we need to work extra hard to change all that.

“There is a certain way which we want them to move and we have been trying to instil that unto them but you find that there is resistance in some of the players so it’s a big challenge to us as coaches.

“But, we are convinced that those who are really committed to the Dynamos cause will help pull the team out of the situation where we are.

“Those are some of the problems which we have as we head for the final decisive stretch of the marathon,’’ Murape said.

He said if players wanted to remain at Dynamos, they should toe the coaches’ line and show that they are prepared to fight for the badge.

“We don’t have to beg the players to be committed to the team’s cause. It’s up to those players, they have to show a good work ethic because at Dynamos it’s not about Murape or any individual, and it’s about all the stakeholders.

“It’s supposed to be these players who should bail us out of this quagmire. So it’s up to them to commit themselves and give extra effort.

“This is Dynamos, a reputable institution and it’s a privilege to play for the institution so one has to prove why they are part of the squad.

“I believe when the team is winning, losers will not be seen but we are losing that is when the winners should stand up.”

With the team facing rivals Caps United in the fierce Harare Derby tomorrow, Murape who has been involved in many of these battles as a player, said Dynamos needed to pull up if they are to come out victorious.

If DeMbare win in this outstanding fixture, they will climb four places up the ladder, effectively putting their destiny in their own hands.

“Winners will get you out of the situation which you are. It’s now up to the players to stand up and be counted. Everyone should be fighting for Dynamos at this moment. We will not get relegated, we will fight but we should do that in the right manner.

“Caps United is a big team and it’s always tough facing them. We have to be a united front on Sunday if we are to beat them.

“I think they have less pressure as compared to us so we need to play well if we are to beat them,” said Murape.

State Media

11 Appear In Court Over Gwanda Mining Tribal Clashes.

A GANG of eleven miners have been arrested for killing a man in a mine claim conflict in Vhovha, Gwanda.

The gang, whose members come from Mberengwa, Masvingo, Gokwe and Gwanda, were armed with logs, machetes, axes and stones when they attacked Ndodana Ncube at Mascot Mine on Monday.

Samson Chihombodo (35), Tererai Guri (32), Tinomuvonga Zhou (31), Melusi Dube (29), Tinashe Mutasa (23), Tinashe Muengedzwo (28), Praise Gondwe (25), Joseph Tshuma (31), Learnmore Makonese (24), Comfort Ncube (30) and Prosper Nyoni (25) were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda provincial magistrate, Mr Maphios Ncube, facing murder charges.

They were all remanded in custody to October 24.

Prosecuting, Miss Keneiloe Nare said the gang attacked Ncube on October 8 at around 8AM.

“The accused persons who are all gold panners at Vhovha Mine teamed up and went to Mascot Mine while armed with logs, machetes, axes and stones in search of Ndodana Ncube and his workmates over an outstanding tribal conflict.

“Upon arrival at Mascot Mine, the gang didn’t find anyone as Ncube and his workmates had fled into the bushes. The gang pursued Ncube and his workmates.

“They attacked him with the weapons and he died on the spot. The matter was reported to the police who carried out investigations leading to the arrest of the 11 men,’’ said Miss Nare.

The gang also left several of Ncube’s workmates severely injured during the attack. Two of the victims are admitted to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital, three others were referred to Mpilo Hospital while several others were treated and discharged.

In separate interviews, two victims who are admitted to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital said the altercation was a result of a tribal conflict over who should operate from Vhovha mine.

Harare Killer Raises Self Defence In Court, State Appears Ready To Accept His Plea

By Paul Nyathi|Lloyd Boniface Kobekile Moyo who is accused of shooting dead a Harare parking marshal will plead not guilty to murder and raise self defence as the motive behind his shooting of the man.

Moyo, 24, appeared before Harare magistrate Victoria Mashamba on Thursday and was remanded in custody to October 26 for bail hearing.

His lawyer Oliver Marwa told journalists outside the courts that they will present overwhelming evidence that Lloyd Moyo acted in self defense after being chased for 200 meters by a group of marauding touts before he even drew his licenced firearm.

The case as presented by prosecutors had stripped the crime of all the political connotations which emerged in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

Witnesses who spoke on the sidelines of the shooting incident indicated that the fiasco started after he refused to pay for the parking, saying the rank marshals had no authority from the Harare City Council, and this had quickly turned into a row over some ZANU PF political gear which was spotted on the back seat of his car.

Prosecutors in court said that Kobekile parked his vehicle at the corner of Angwa and Nkwame Nkurumah Avenue before he proceeded to the Deeds Office nearby.

He left his two sisters, Takudzwa Mugabe and Lorraine Kobekile, in the vehicle.

Mwakapira, who was a rank marshal, then arrived and challenged Kobekile’s sisters, telling them they had parked in parking bays he controlled.

When Kobekile returned, a row ensued and he was attacked by Mwakapira and his colleagues, said the prosecutors.

Mwakapira and his crew allegedly broke the window of the Kobekile’s vehicle, stuffed some cardboard boxes inside and set it on fire.

“The accused tried to escape but the deceased and his friends continued to attack him with stones and iron bars,” said Sebastin Mutizirwa for the prosecution.

It is alleged that Kobekile ran away along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue towards First Street with a mob giving chase. According to the state, he fired three warning shots from his AG Brevet pistol before shooting Mwakapira in the head. The victim died on the spot.

Kobekile’s lawyer, Oliver Marwa, told court that the state made an error by writing down his charge as murder.

Marwa complained that his client was facing a lesser charge of culpable homicide because he had acted in self defence. He gave notice to take the issue up at the High Court where he will apply for bail.

Fuel Delivery Truck Spotted Feeding Hundreds Of Litres Of Petrol Into The Black Market

By Paul Nyathi| ZimEye.com sources have revealed that fuel truckers from Dharwizi transport company were spotted in Bulawayo on Thursday night delivering fuel at an excluded place to black market dealers before getting to the filling stations.

The sources revealed that a Red twin cab Reg No: ABP 8203 was seen syphoning fuel for black market with drums straight from Dharwizi tankers (Truck number: H123, H142,103).

The sources managed to capture a glimpse of the truck accused of supplying the blackmarket with the fuel.

With the on-going fuel shortages black market traders are making a killing from the fuel sales selling the commodity at between two to three times the normal cost.

The dealers who seem never to be running short of the scarce commodity are selling petrol for between $3 and $4.5 per litre depending on how dire the situation is at the filling stations.

Efforts to get a comment from management at Dharwizi transport on the alleged delivery were not successful.

Fadzayi Mahere Sues Petina Gappah $1m For Defamation Of Character

TOP lawyer and civil rights activist, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is suing another legal practitioner and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office employee, Petina Gappah, for $1 million for alleged defamation of character.

Through her lawyers Coghlan, Welsh and Guest, Mahere filed summons at the High court on Thursday this week and Gappah is yet to file her appearance to defend.

In her declaration, Mahere said Gappah recently published a series of tweets on her micro-blogging Twitter account @VascoDaGappah accusing her of corruptly enrolling at the University of Zimbabwe and the Cambridge University and also attempting to seduce Gappah’s boyfriend at some point.

“In a series of tweets on Twitter on the night of Saturday September 29, 2018, defendant (Gappah) published a series of tweets about plaintiff (Mahere) to the effect that plaintiff did not qualify to be admitted into the University of Zimbabwe for her Law degree,” Mahere said.

“Plaintiff was admitted into the University of Zimbabwe only because her father was a permanent secretary in the government and he used his influence to get her admitted because she was not qualified to be admitted on her credentials.”

Mahere further said Gappah indicated she wrote her the “essay that enabled her (Mahere) to get into Cambridge University for her Master’s Degree”, adding Gappah further said: “Mahere tried to get into her (Gappah) then partner’s pants”.

The advocate also said Gappah’s allegations were highly defamatory, given that they were retweeted several times and published on various electronic social media platforms.

“The allegations were false and highly defamatory. These false allegations were seen not only by the defendant’s followers on Twitter, but were also retweeted several times and carried on various electronic, social media platforms and online newspapers as the defendant must have known would happen,” she said.

“They have damaged plaintiff’s standing as a lawyer, law lecturer and practicing advocate and caused irreparable harm to her political career and her influence as a civil society activist,” Mahere said, adding Gappah refused to retract the allegations and apologise despite demand.

NewsDay

LATEST VIDEO UPDATE: Chiwenga’s Health Struggle

https://youtu.be/4hoevuB-z_o

Mthuli Launches His Cruel New Tax On Drinking Water, Basics

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Finance Ministry designate, Mthuli Ncube has begun taxing the poor on basics such as drinking water.

Ncube’s 2% tax hits every online transaction at gross level making it the worst tax ever levied on Zimbabwean soil since the nation began.

Ncube gazetted his 2% transaction tax in Statutory Instrument 205 of 2018 which becomes operational today.

The new tax has been introduced by way of amendments to section 22G of the Finance Act (Chapter 23:04) and the Thirteenth Schedule of the Income Tax Act (Chapter 23:06).

Reads part of Ncube’s Statutory Instrument:

“With effect from the day after the promulgation of these regulations, the intermediated money transfer tax chargeable in terms of section 36 G of the Taxes Act shall be calculated at the rate of zero comma zero two (0,02) United States dollars on every dollar transacted for each transaction on which the tax is payable: provided that if a single transaction on which the tax is payable is equivalent to or exceeds five hundred thousand ($500 000) United States dollars, a flat intermediated money transfer tax of ten thousand ($10 000) United States dollars shall be chargeable on such transaction.”

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube proposed the tax last week, saying it sought to expand Government’s capacity for capital funding and retooling of the manufacturing sector.

Last Friday, he announced upper and lower limits for the Intermediary Money Transfer Tax and types of transactions to which the tax would not apply.

The Statutory Instrument extends the types of transactions the tax will not apply to.

According to SI 205 of 2018, “transaction on which the tax is payable does not include any of the following transactions — the transfer of money for the purchase or sale of marketable securities; the transfer of money for the purchase or redemption of money market instruments; the transfer of money on payment of remuneration; the transfer of money to or from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for the payment or refund of any tax, duty or other charges, and the intra-corporate transfer of money between the Treasury account and any trading account held in the name of the same company.

“The transfer of money from (but not into) specified trust accounts; the transfer of money into and from nostro foreign currency accounts; the transfer of money by Government from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or from funds established in terms of section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act; the transfer of money to any pension fund or to beneficiaries of such a fund; the transfer of money for the

procurement, production or sale (wholesale or retail) of a petroleum product by a petroleum company licensed in terms of Part IV of the Petroleum Act (Chapter 13:22), and the transfer of money involving a transaction other than one mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs, if the value of transaction is $10 United States dollars or below.”

Since its proposal, the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax has received mixed reactions from different sections of society, with some unscrupulous retailers moving on to increase prices over the last few days despite the tax having not come into effect.

Earlier in the week, ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Intermediary Money Transfer Tax would be implemented as it was critical in transforming the economy, which has suffered from two decades of stagnation.

Mnangagwa said the tax was not designed to hurt ordinary people and companies, but to help the manufacturing sector get funds for retooling and modernisation, as the economy gears to ramp up production.

He said there was room for the tax to be refined going forward if suggestions were proffered, to create a win-win situation for individuals and companies on one hand, and the economy on the other.

Mnangagwa Dishes Himself A 2nd Doctorate In 48hrs | WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS?

In a case showing forth as purely self serving, Great Zimbabwe University yesterday awarded their own chancellor Emmerson Mnangagwa an Honorary Doctorate of Politics and International Relations (Honoris Causa) during its 12th graduation ceremony.
Mnangagwa was on Wednesday conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of Zimbabwe.

In a citation accompanying the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate to Mnangagwa at Great Zimbabwe University, former Midlands State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebhe, said Mnangagwa deserved the recognition for the role he played in shaping the country’s history.

Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa overcame many challenges in his struggle to create a free and just Zimbabwe after colonial rule.

“His Excellency more than deserves this highest honour and distinction that Great Zimbabwe University bestows upon anyone in recognition of an individual’s striking and unparalleled achievement or contribution to society,” he said.

“Such illustrious and distinguished individuals come rarely in any society and we are fortunate to have one in the person of Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”

Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa defied his humble background and rose to become a towering figure in the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle after being among a cast of the first group of young people to skip the country’s borders and undergo military training to confront the settler regime.

“His indomitable fortitude saw him endure excruciating, brutal torture and severe hardships of colonial imprisonment,” he said. “Most of the time he served his prison sentence, he lived in a D cell, a cubicle almost the size of a big kitchen refrigerator.’’

Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa overcame the challenges culminating in his admission to the Bar of the High Court in Zambia in 1976.

He was later to serve former president Mr Robert Mugabe with distinction after his appointment as his assistant during the liberation struggle.

Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa showed his political skills when he successfully superintended over the integration of warring armies, namely Zanla, Zipra and Rhodesian forces, to create one unified army that developed to become the envy of Africa and beyond.

“Cde Mnangagwa has held several ministerial posts starting with that of State Security,” said prof Bhebhe. “That was a post that brought him face to face with Apartheid South Africa, a pariah State which sought to preserve its domestic colonial oppression of Africans by means of military destabilisation of its neighbours.

“It is a chapter of our history which left us with deep scars and bruises.’’ Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa deserved to be honoured as a fierce opponent of the death penalty, a stance that saw him refraining from signing death sentence when he was Minister of Justice.

Mnangagwa escaped death sentence during the Rhodesian era after bombing a train in 1965. The sentence was commuted to 10 years on account of his young age.

Prof Bhebhe said Mnangagwa was a tolerant leader, who kept his cool despite being publicly tormented by his detractors before he eventually assumed the presidency.

“Once in power, His Excellency set about ending Zimbabwe’s isolation and reinventing our politics, placing the economy at the heart of our national narrative with the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is open of business’.

“He committed his Government to eliminating all forms of corruption and to re-engage the West and the rest of the world in an effort to achieve national economic recovery,” he said.
Prof Bhebhe said President Mnangagwa showed the world that he was a leader with rare fortitude after promising free and fair elections and kept the promise by leading the country to arguably the most peaceful polls in post-independent Zimbabwe on July 30.

He said Mnangagwa also showed bold leadership by appointing a Commission of Inquiry to probe the August 1 political violence.

Mnangagwa said he was humbled by the recognition from GZU. He noted that his past and future contribution to Zimbabwe was not about acclaim. Mnangagwa said there were many unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe to be what it is today.

“Ours was for the love of our country and motivated by the desire to see a better quality of life of all the people of this great land,’’ he said. “I receive this award, therefore, fully cognisant of this rich heritage, which this university, the education sector and the country in general must reclaim, revive and restore.

“Our national confidence, pride, boldness and determination must be re-ignited once again, as we journey towards the modernisation and industrialisation of our country to attain Vision 2030.” Mnangagwa emphasised love,unity, peace and freedom.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira paid tribute to Mnangagwa for guiding the country towards the use of heritage-based science to develop the economy.

IS HE TELLING THE TRUTH? – Obadaiah Says There’s $7 Million For Drugs, Medicines

Government has availed nearly US$7 million for the purchase of medicines, a development set to ease drug shortages and price distortions.

Pharmacies started closing their doors from last week because of lack of foreign currency to import medical drugs. A few which are still operational resorted to charging in United States dollar while some increased their prices by up to 300 percent.

The worst affected patients are those suffering from chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and asthma whose conditions may worsen if they do not adhere to medication.

In a statement yesterday, the Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe president Mr Portifa Mwendera applauded Government for releasing the money and for investing in Natpharm which will increase capacity to serve the local market and also export some drugs

“The Minister of Health and Child Care Obadiah Moyo has advised the industry that the RBZ has allocated USD6,7million from a total requirement of USD29 million as of yesterday (September 11). The importers will advise us on how much the availed foreign currency can unlock of the closed supplier accounts and also how much medicines will be availed in due course considering that the amount released so far is still not adequate for immediate return to normalcy,” said Mr Mwendera.

He said the organisation was in continuous engagement with the Health Ministry as more funds were required to restore normalcy in the sector.

“The cause of the current shortage of medicines and price distortions in private pharmacies has been mainly due to the unavailability of foreign currency required to fund importation of raw materials for local production and finished products,” he said.

Mr Mwendera said the society was happy that there was also an allocation to Natpharm to fund public sector supplies and to local manufacturers so that they can also increase capacity to serve the local and export markets.

“Considering the fairly long lead times that exist in the pharmaceutical supply chain, the society will want to urge the public to remain calm in this period which has been characterised by some pharmacy closures and price uncertainties,” he said.

Mr Mwendera urged retail pharmacists to continue trading in a way that is both legal and keeps their practices viable. – state media

October 12, 2018October 13, 2018

Man Killed Trying To Protect Girlfriend

A MAN (26) was killed by three suspected gold panners in Esigodini after he tried to protect his fiancé from indecent assault, putting an end to their dream wedding that was set for December.

Nkosi Ndlela was in the company of his wife-to-be, whose name was not revealed by his family, on Thursday at around 8PM when the incident occurred.

Ndlela left home as he normally did to wait for his fiancé at the bus stop as she was coming home from work. As they walked home, the gold panners started proposing to her and fondling her and Ndlela was killed while trying to protect her.

His fiancé’s brother, Mr McKenzie Mlauzi, was also stabbed a few hours later and is battling for life at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after tipping off police on the whereabouts of the suspects who are all still at large.

Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that we are dealing with a murder case which occurred in Esigodini, Habane Township. The matter is under investigation,” said Chief Inspector Ndebele.

The deceased’s elder brother, Mr Mzondiwa Ndlela said his brother had died a painful death yet he lived all his life a peaceful man. “His wife was called by some gold panners who were drinking at the shops.

They started shouting obscenities at her and were proposing love to her in his presence. He asked them to stop as she was his wife and they started assaulting her. He tried to stop them but they turned on him and started assaulting him. She begged them to stop and not to kill him when they told him that they would kill him.

“However, one of them struck him on the thigh with an axe and he started bleeding profusely. They stoned him and left him for dead.

“He died on admission to United Bulawayo Hospitals,” said a visibly heartbroken Mr Ndlela.
“He was very quiet. He was taking care of our 89 year old father. Our mother is late. Life will be very difficult for us. He was the second last born child in our family and he was preparing to formalise marital relations with his in-laws.”

He said the deceased was set to wed in December. A Chronicle news crew visited Esigodini yesterday and spoke to some residents.

One of the mourners at the funeral wake said they now fear for their lives due to gang violence from gold panners. “It is very dangerous because we now fear for our lives. Our children can no longer play outside and we have to take our daughters to school and back because it is just not safe anymore,” said Mrs Concillia Ncube.

“I was born here and inherited this house from my parents but the place has just become inhabitable. I’m planning to sell it and go and live in Bulawayo or Gwanda. Esigodini is just a place of lawlessness now,” said another resident who identified himself as Mr Nkomo.

Other residents called for transfers of police and judicial officers, saying they no longer had faith in them as they allegedly “protect” some known violent criminals.
Residents held a meeting yesterday afternoon and shared sentiments that violent gold panners should be evicted from their area.

They called for the intervention of the Zimbabwe National Army into the frequent gold wars caused by the panners.

Gangsterism is rampant in the mining area, with a number of locals being forced out of their homes due to unbearable violence.-state media

VIDEO: Gen Chiwenga’s Health Latest: ED’s Security Shut Guvheya’s Road 3 Hrs, Soldiers Won’t Go Into Further Details

ZimEye brings our valued readers and listeners an update on Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga following his health struggles this week. This comes at a time when floating rumours claimed something bad has happened.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ZimEye reveals from military sources they shut the road leading to Chiwenga’s house 3 hours earlier than usual Thursday evening.

“We shut his road Bon****** *******(name witheld) at 18.00hrs instead of 21.00pm, the usual time,” security sources confirmed to ZimEye.

ZimEye could not obtain from the sources the reasons why this was done and this all of a sudden.

Due to the nature and sensitivity surrounding Chiwenga, the senior security sources would not be drawn into disclosing further details.

Down in the Midlands area, several sources told ZimEye they witnessed at least two airforce jets flying past their houses towards Harare. They said this is very unusual.

“Most of the time when we see these jets flying towards Harare something will have happened, so we are all in suspense,” said one source.

Meanwhile, 2 days before Tuesday night, Mnangagwa soldiers severely beat up two male gardeners of houses nearby when they had humiliated Mnangagwa’s motorcade screaming aloud, “mbavha, mbavha!” Mnangagwa visited Chiwenga private residence twice Monday and Tuesday afternoon, our security sources revealed. He spent nearly 45 minutes on each visit.

ZACC Ready To Have Mpoko Picked Up

By Paul Nyathi|Sources at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) report that the commission has finalised a criminal docket for the former Vice President, Phelekezela Mphoko, and will hand it over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution within the next few days.

“We have completed a docket and soon NPA will commence prosecution over his (Mphoko) abuse of office and corruption charges,” the source said.

Mphoko faces arrest for defeating the course of justice after he abused his power as the then acting president and released the Ex- Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) acting chief executive officer Moses Juma and non-executive director Davison Norupiri from police custody in 2016.

Juma and Norupiri had been arrested by ZACC on allegations of defrauding the parastatal of US$1,3 million.

“Once NPA is done then Mphoko will be picked up for questioning,” the source said.

“We have a strong case against him because he interfered with the investigations and arrests of the culprits during his days in government.

Besides allegations of criminal abuse of office ZACC is also investigating Mphoko over the US$20 000 fuel coupons which he allegedly sold to the black market in Bulawayo.

The coupons were tracked back to Mphoko after ZACC investigated the source of the ZINARA coupons in 2016.

Government sources this week said Zimbabwe is likely to witness an increase of high profile corruption cases being prosecuted after the formation of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet.

The unit is reportedly poring through tons of documentary evidence which could be used to prosecute cases of grand corruption, with some bigwigs facing arraignment before the courts. The crack unit was established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to improve efficiency in prosecuting graft cases.

Mphoko joins a growing list of former powerful figures who are facing criminal charges. Former cabinet Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Walter Chidhakwa appeared in court this week, while another, Samuel Undenge was convicted.

M&T

MDC Councillors Who Beat Up Khupe Win Court Appeal

Correspondent|Two Bulawayo MDC Alliance councillors, Mlandu Ncube and Felix Mhaka along with party activist Eric Gono who were found guilty and convicted for assaulting break-away MDC-T faction leader, Thokozani Khupe, got a reprieve as their sentences were suspended pending re-trial.

Ncube, Mhaka and Gono were jointly sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, Magistrate Sithembile Ncube later ordered the trio to serve 210 hours of community service each at local schools after six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

Mlandu was to serve his sentence at Coghlan Primary School, Mhaka was to serve at Khumalo Primary while Gono was scheduled to serve at ZRP Magwegwe.

Represented by Prince Butshe Dube of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, the trio appealed against the sentence arguing that the court had relied on evidence presented by witnesses who were accomplices in the scuffles.

“The court aquo erred at law by relying on the evidence of accomplice witnesses without cautioning itself against the dangers of relying on the uncorroborated evidence of such witnesses who contradicted each other.

“The court aquo erred in fact and law when it adopted the boxing ring approach in appointing blame on the applicants when the evidence led was just that of the state witnesses against the appellants,” reads their appeal, served at the High Court of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on July 25.

In March this year the trio, as well as nine other people, including former Bulawayo deputy mayor Gift Banda appeared in court in connection with intra party violence that broke out at the Provincial party headquarters in Bulawayo that saw break away leader Khupe and her aides being seriously injured and their cars damaged.

Khupe’s faction was at the time in control of the party’s Bulawayo provincial offices. Khupe’s personal assistant, Witness Dube, suffered a deep cut on the head during the clashes.

The disputes were rooted on factional fights between the then MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe and MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa’s camps over who was the legitimate party leader after the death of founding party leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

M&T

Harare Murder Man Denied Bail

Correspondent|The Zhombe man who shot dead a suspected tout in Harare CBD over a parking altercation will spend the next two weeks behind bars after Harare Magistrate, Victoria Mashamba denied him bail.

Lloyd Boniface Kobekile Moyo (24) will be back in court on the 26th of October.

Circumstances surrounding the matter are that Lloyd Boniface Moyo shot dead the now deceased following an altercation over parking dispute at the intersection of First Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.

According to the state, Lloyd parked his Subaru car along Angwa Street, leaving his two sisters inside.

The now deceased who is a parking marshall reportedly came and started questioning the sisters why their car was at his parking lot without his knowledge.

The court also heard that the now deceased demanded the removal of the car from the parking point and then ganged up with his colleagues who were now tearing cardboard boxes and put them into the accused’s car and set it on fire.

Lloyd Boniface Moyo tried to escape but the now deceased and his friends attacked him with stones resulting in him allegedly pulling out his 6.35mm AG Brevetto pistol and fired three warning shots in the air before aiming at the now deceased.

Lloyd appeared in court with a visibly swollen face and blackened eye from injuries he sustained from the parking touts. He also had his head heavily bandaged.

Prosecutor Sebastian Mutizirwa appeared on behalf of the state while Rusinahama Tendai and Marwe Oliver represented the accused person.

Lloyd’s family has mining interests in Kadoma, Venice Mine and Chakari. He has provided an Avondale address to the courts.

Zm Zim

October 12, 2018October 14, 2018

Gold Panners Kill Another Man In Esigodini, MDC Council Candidate Battles For Life

Violence on Thursday reared its ugly head again in Esigodini and one man was reportedly stabbed to death while a losing MDC Alliance council contestant is fighting for dear life in hospital after a bloody fight with gold panners who are reportedly linked to ZANU-PF.

It is alleged the deceased was escorting his girlfriend home (Habane) from work and the fight erupted as he was trying to protect her from being bullied and abused by a notorious gang of gold panners.

According to the source that preferred anonymity, the losing MDC Alliance council contestant Mr McKenzie Mlauzi allegedly got stabbed after giving a statement and helping police identify the culprits.

“McKenzie got stabbed after helping the police and giving a statement. It happened that as the police turned to ask other people about the incident, the same group that stabbed the deceased attacked him. The shocking part is at that time police had not gone far. It’s so hard here, we don’t know what is becoming of our people, they are not moved by taking a life,” he said.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the murder.

“I received a report on the murder that happened at Esigodini but I haven’t received full details of the incident,” he said.

State Media

LIVE – BREAKING: Chiwenga The Preacher Finally Holds Press Conference

Government Gazettes Companies And Other Entities Bill

By Own Correspondent| Government has gazetted the Companies and Other Entities Bill (H.B 8. 2018).

The Bill seeks to modernise the registration and management of companies and improve corporate governance.

It will also replace the outdated Companies Act promulgated in 1951.

The Companies and Entities Bill is the first Bill to be gazetted following the legislative agenda outlined by President Mnangagwa when he presented his State of the Nation Address and officially opened the First Session of the Ninth Parliament last month.

A memorandum says the Bill seeks to “replace and update the law relating to companies and private business corporations. The present Companies Act was passed in 1951 and needs updating.”

Features covered under the Bill include: “(a) Provision for the issuance of non–par–value shares rather than shares with a fixed value, together with provisions for the valuation of no-par-value share,

(b) the introduction of an electronic registry for the incorporation and registration of domestic and foreign companies and private business corporations

(c) to update and modernise the Companies Registry by re-registering all existing companies and PBCs and removing all defunct companies and PBCs within 12 months of the date of commencement of the Act resulting from this Bill

(d) the substitution of criminal penalties by civil penalties wherever possible (e) to establish an inspectorate to better enforce the provisions of this Bill.”-StateMedia

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

Refresh this page for updates.

LIVE: BREAKING: Nelson Chamisa’s Spokesman Speaks On Mthuli Ncube’s Tax Which Becomes Operational Tomorrow

Universities Compete To Confer Mnangagwa With Honorary Doctorates

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa was today conferred with another Honorary Doctorate of Politics and International Relations by the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).

The doctorate, according to the GZU, is in recognition of his selflessness and sterling service to the nation.

On Wednesday Mnangagwa was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law by the University of Zimbabwe where he capped over 3 500 graduates.

Mnangagwa was also installed as the Chancellor of the GZU by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rungano Zvobgo.

He was installed at the university’s graduation ceremony and is now officially the head of the institution.

Mnangagwa takes over from former President Robert Mugabe whom he deposed last November as the Chancellor of state universities.

When he was conferred with his Doctorate at the UZ on Wednesday, Mnangagwa was also installed as the institution’s Chancellor.

LIVE – EU Presser In Harare

Chamisa Says 2018 Is MDC’s Year Of Misfortunes

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has described the year 2018 as a year of misfortunes for the party.

Nelson Chamisa and the late Morgan Tsvangirai Nelson Chamisa and the late Morgan Tsvangirai In his condolence message last weekend to the family of the late MDC founding president Morgan Tsvangirai following the death of his brother Casper, Chamisa lamented the fact that the passing on of Casper, who was 61, came a few
months after the tragic death of the former trade unionist.

Tsvangirai died in February this year after succumbing to cancer of the colon at a South African hospital.
“The year 2018 has been unkind to the MDC family, we lost our founding father Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai and, we have had to bury a sister of the late freedom champion recently,” he said.

Chamisa also expressed concern that the MDC has also lost some of its stalwarts during the year, among them former national housing minister Fidelis Mhashu and Sithembile Mlotshwa, a former
Senator. Mhashu and Mlotshwa were both former national executive members of the MDC.

To add salt to the wound, Chamisa had his bubble burst by the Constitutional Court (Con-Court) which upheld President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory in the July 30 elections after the MDC leader had
challenged the poll outcome in the superior court.
As if that is not enough, the MDC has accrued a debt in excess of $3 million owed to Zanu PF lawyers who defended Mnangagwa in the Con-
Court, which threw out Chamisa’s application with costs.

Chamisa’s efforts to get the attention of the international community are not yielding positive results.
The 40-year-old politician took over as MDC leader in controversial circumstances amid a leadership
wrangle among the party’s three vice presidents.Daily News

LIVE – WE ARE NOT TO ALLOW MNANGAGWA TO CONTINUE AS PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE, YOUTHS DECLARE

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TOUCHING VIDEO: Man Killed By Midlands Businessman Body Taken Around Harare

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LIVE – BREAKING: Coffin Of Man Gunned Down By Midlands Businessman Paraded In Harare

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Mthuli Ncube’s 2% Tax Effective Tomorrow, As Gvnt Gazettes SI205

By Own Correspondent| Government has gazetted the 2 percent money transfer tax which was announced by Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube.

The government gazetted Statutory instrument 205 of 2018 Finance (Rate and Incidence of Intermediated Money Transfer Tax) Regulations, 2018 which states that the tax will be chargeable from the day after the promulgation of the regulations.

Here is an excerpt from the new regulations:

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Finance has, in temv of section 3 of the Finance Act [Chapter 23:041, mole the following regulations: —

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Title

1. These regulations may be cited as the Finance (Rate and Incidence of Intermediated Money Transfer Tax) Regulations, 2018.

PART II

Amendments to Finance Act [Chapter: 23:04]

Amendment of section 22G Cap. 23:04

2. With effect from the day after the promulgation of these regulations, section 22G the Finance Act [Chapter 23:04] is repealed and the following is substituted:

“”22G Intermediated Financial Transactions Tax

With effect from the day after the promulgation of these regulations, the intermediated money transfer tax chargeable in terms of section 36G of the Taxes Act shall be calculated at the rate of zero comma zero two United States dollars on every dollar transacted for each transaction on which the tax is payable:

Provided that if a single transaction on which the tax is payable is equivalent to or exceeds five hundred thousand United States dollars, a flat intermediated money transfer tax of ten thousand United States dollars shall be chargeable on such transaction.”

Legal watchdog, Veritas is on record pointing out that the Finance minister’s announcement was illegal because the minister does not have the power to change an Act of Parliament through a ministerial statement.

Veritas:said the Minister should have been advised to gazette regulations changing the rate of the tax on the same day as his statement, the 1st October since he has the power to make such regulations under section 3(2) of the Finance Act.

While the minister appeared to have complied with this advice, Veritas said:

“If any provision contained in regulations referred to in subsection (2) is not confirmed by a Bill which –

(a) passes its second reading stage in Parliament on one of the twenty eight days on which Parliament sits next after the coming into operation of the instrument: and

(b) becomes law not later than six months after the date of such second reading;

that provision shall become void as from the date specified in the instrument as that on which the rate of tax duty, levy or other charge shall be amended or replaced, and so much of the rate of tax, duty, levy or other charge as was amended or replaced, as the case may be, by that provision shall be deemed not to have been so amended or replaced.”

This means that if the time limits for confirmation are not complied with, any changes they may have made will fall away as if never made at all [same Act, section 3(3)] [i.e. taxes, etc collected might have to be refunded]

Tsikamutanda Powers Fail To Fire And Is Killed By Snake He Tried To Rid

A CLEANSING ceremony turned horribly wrong when a self-proclaimed witch-hunter commonly known as a tsikamutanda died when he allegedly ran out of magical powers leading him to being bitten by a “possessed” snake he was getting rid of.

The shocking incident happened at village head Mafuriranwa’s homestead in Gokwe in the Midlands Province where a cleansing ceremony was being conducted.

Although Midlands’s provincial police spokesperson Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the tragic incident she, however, didn’t substantiate reports that the tsikamutanda, Kudakwashe Mushonga, died while conducting a cleansing ceremony.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of sudden death involving a man from Gokwe who died after being bitten by a snake,” said Insp Mukwende.

Meanwhile, according to reports gathered by B-Metro village head Mafuriranwa engaged the services of Mushonga claiming his family was being tormented by some mystical creatures.

It is alleged that before the exorcism a family member narrated what was happening to their household.

“They revealed that a ‘possessed’ snake was causing havoc at the homestead. Dressed in his robes the tsikamutanda entered one of the bedroom huts where he removed some items which he claimed were also juju tormenting the family.

“After sometime he went back into the bedroom hut and captured a snake measuring about one metre under a bed which he said was also troubling the family. While holding the huge snake, the tsikamutanda struggled with it for sometime before he became powerless.

“The reptile then went on to bite him three times on the hand and thumb. Moments after the bites the tsikamutanda became unconscious,” said a source from the area adding that people were devastated by the incident.

Mushonga reportedly died upon admission at Gokwe District Hospital.

The source said there was commotion as people ran for cover when the tsikamutanda was struggling with the huge reptile.

Chief Nemangwe whose jurisdiction, village head Mafuriranwa’s homestead falls under also confirmed the shocking incident.

“It was a tragically unlucky accident and we have since summoned the village head where the cleansing ceremony was being conducted to explain what happened on the fateful day,” said Chief Nemangwe.

Source: State Media

Mudzuri Denies Harbouring Presidential Ambitions

Terrence Mawawa|MDC Alliance deputy president Engineer Elias Mudzuri has denied he is harbouring presidential ambitions.

This comes after the alleged altercation between Mudzuri and party president Nelson Chamisa over a tweet attributed to the former.

A senior party official yesterday said: “The president asked him what he was communicating to the party given that nothing about congress had been discussed so far in terms
of canvassing for support.
In his defence, Mudzuri apologised saying his account was hacked by his detractors.”

Mudzuri said: “I am not keen on commenting on such issues because my name has been abused for a long time by people who say things they do not know. Those who bring it to the party are the ones who are behind it just to tarnish my name but I have my own thinking regarding that and I am old enough that I don’t need anyone to say things on my behalf.
I will say what I think when the time comes otherwise I will make them happy by responding.”

Bosso Deny Madinda Ndlovu’ s Wife Has Died

Terrence Mawawa|Bulawayo Giants
Highlanders Football Club have dismissed rumours on social media that the wife of the club’s Technical Manager, Madinda Ndlovu has passed away.

The club clarified that it was actually Madinda’s cousin who had lost his wife. In a statement on social media, the club said: Contrary to the message circulating on social media that our Technical Manager Madinda Ndlovu lost his wife, it is, in fact, his cousin’s wife Mrs Silibaziso Mudimbe who passed away.
Our thoughts are with the Ndlovu
family on this difficult time. May Her
Dear Soul Rest in Peace!”

A Place Called “Nhamoyebonde”, Where Is It In Zimbabwe: Binga, Mutare, Guruve, Or Gweru?

A Place Called "Nhamoyebonde", Where Is It In Zimbabwe: Binga, Mutare, Guruve, Or Gweru?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 12, 2018

Police Ordered To Release ZCTU Leaders

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has ordered the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to release three leaders of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) from Gweru citing lack of evidence.

Moses Gwaunza was arrested in a
midnight raid at his home on Thursday while Charles Chikozho, the ZCTU Administrator in Gweru and Bernard Sibanda, the ZCTU’s District
Secretary were arrested in the early hours of Friday. The trio was charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence,
breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
However, after reviewing the case, prosecutors from the NPA ordered the police to release all three men and to proceed by way of summons
because there was no evidence linking the man to a crime. The three were represented by Takashinga Pamacheche of the Zimbabwe
Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

Bosso Team Bus Still Attached Over Debt

Terrence Mawawa| Bulawayo Giants Highlanders’ Iveco team bus is still attached by the officer of the Deputy Sherrif.

The Bulawayo giants are yet to pay National Society Security Authority (NSSA) US$43 551-85. The debt is from NSSA contributions as at last date of inspection 15 March 2016.

Bosso are also being ordered to pay an interest of the sum of $34 555-85 at the prescribed rate from the date of summons until the date of full and final payment.

The club is already grappling with arrears close to $1 million, a development that has seen an ambitious crowd-funding initiative aimed at raising about R30 million to clear the team’s debt take off, with the club’s South African supporters’ chapter opening a bank account where followers can deposit their contributions.

The other team bus which was sourced by the club’s longtime benefactor Tshinga Dube in 2015 is currently grounded.

Mthuli Ignores Advice, Goes Ahead To Gazette His New Tax

MTHULI NCUBE presenting Chamisa’s Smart Agriculture in London earlier in the week

By Farai D Hove| Emmerson Mnangagwa’s designate to the Finance Ministry, Mthuli Ncube has ignored advice and gone ahead with his 2% transaction tax.

Prof Ncube today went ahead to gazette his transaction tax.

Wrote Ncube announced on his portal Friday afternoon saying: “in line with the economy recovery Transitional Stabilisation Programme, today we promulgated the Intermediated Financial Transactions Tax. The government will also be cutting down on expenditure. The shared goal of our nation is to rebuild Zimbabwe with a stronger and inclusive economy and improved livelihood for all Zimbabweans.

“In the coming months, our industries will be retooled and we will continue to accelerate international re- engagement and facilitate investment to make
strides toward that shared goal.”

Murape Murape Blasts Mushure, Mukamba For Indiscipline

Terrence Mawawa|Dynamos assistant coach Murape Murape has castigated Denver Mukamba and Ocean Mushure for lack of commitment towards the team’s cause.

Mukamba and Mushure have been dodging training in the past week, and the duo also missed the club’s Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final triumph over Herentals citing family problems.

“We are very disappointed by their attitude. It’s their lives they are messing up because Dynamos will always move on, it’s bigger than individuals. We cannot include them in the team against Caps United,” said Murape.

The Dynamos assistant coach called on the club’s leadership to come up with a deterrent measure on the pair so that discipline is restored within the squad.

“It can’t go on like this because Dynamos is a big institution. We cannot be held at ransom by wayward individuals. What are we teaching other players if we are always pardoning them, so I think the management has to do something to force them to do their work. If they don’t, we will be setting a wrong precedent to other players.”

Mukamba who missed the last two matches against FC Platinum and Herentals pitched up for training on Wednesday having disappeared on Friday ahead of last weekend’s clash.

Dynamos play Caps United on Sunday in their rescheduled league match.

Dr Mnangagwa Conferred With Second Doctorate

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Politics and International Relations (honoris causa) by the Great Zimbabwe University in recognition of his selflessness and sterling service to the nation.

The ZANU PF leader was installed as the Chancellor of the University, making him the head of the institution with full rights to preside over all graduations at the university.

He was installed by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Rungano Zvobgo.

Speaking soon after the installation, President Mnangagwa said he is honoured to serve as the university’s second chancellor.

He urged the university to increase its visibility and impact towards Vision 2030 of making Zimbabwe a middle class economy.

President Mnangagwa said in the Second Republic, institutions of higher learning must not take pride in enrollment figures and good infrastructure but should strive to ensure the education they offer answers the needs of the economy.

The university was also called upon to contribute to the work of turning around Masvingo into a green belt using the Tokwe Mukosi dam.

Trevor Ncube Suggests Mutodi Is Behind Attacks On AMH Vendors

Correspondent|Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube has seemingly implicated Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi after newspapers vendors who were selling AMH titles, NewsDay and The Zimbabwe Independent were attacked by a group of men.

Ncube described the attack as well organised after the group was reportedly transported in two vehicles. Ncube then revealed that the editor of NewsDay, Wisdom Mdzungairi, was threatened by Mutodi after AMH increased the prices of its titles by 100 per cent this week.

Mutodi was not impressed by the decision and warned the group not to indulge in speculative behaviour saying that newspapers should remain pegged at $1 only.

Relating the alleged attack on the newspaper vendors, Ncube wrote:

“Approximately 8:30 am today, a group of young men transported in 2 cars attacked NewsDay Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Independent vendors and burnt newspapers. This was well-organised operation. The culprits are at Harare Central police station.

“As this was happening Deputy Minister of Information, Energy Mutodi Energy Mutodi called NewsDay editor Wisdom Mdzungairi threatening that he would fight AMH if we didn’t adjust the cover price of our newspapers. This conduct is regrettable and must be strongly condemned.

“On Wednesday Energy Mutodi tweeted a veiled threat saying newspaper price increases would not happen under “our watch”. The question is – is it him who organised these young people to commit this crime? So far all indications point to this.”

Trevor Ncube continued: “Energy Mutodi’ s threat reminds me of Jonathan Moyo’s threat to the Daily News before their printing press was bombed. I refuse to think we are back to those dark days. I am aware of getting rid of Mugabeism in some people is a process, not an event.

“The 8 young men are currently at Harare Central police station having been caught by members of the public and our vendors. Vendors have made warned and cautioned statements. This type of behaviour has no place in a country we are trying to rebuild.”

Is Jessie Majome The Next Prosecutor General?

Jane Mlambo| Losing Harare West parliamentary candidate, Jessie Majome has shocking appeared on the list of candidates set to be interviewed for th position of Prosecutor General of Zimbabwe.

Majome who was recently fired from the opposition MDC Alliance after she defied the party directive not to contest as an independent candidate will tussle it out with Florence Ziyambi, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, Chesa Maphios and seven others in interviews set for the 1st of November 2018.

The interviews will be open to the public.

Daydreaming Is To Imagine That Someone Who Won An Election Will Give Up Power- Obert Gutu

Terrence Mawawa|Controversial MDC deputy president Obert Chaurura Gutu believes those who are pushing for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation are “flogging a dead horse.”

In a tweet, Gutu described such elements as daydreamers.” Daydreaming is to imagine that someone who won an election will give up power and surrender it to an electoral loser. Dream on…..!

Kurota hakurambidzwe…..!”

Gutu has come under fire for his spirited efforts to prop up cornered Zanu PF leader, Mnangagwa’ s image.

Zanu PF Sympathisers Accuse Biti Of Attempting To Cause Unrest

Terrence Mawawa|Zanu PF sympathisers are in panic mode after being stunned by MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Tendai Biti’ s remarks on the shooting of a Harare resident two days ago.

The Zanu PF sympathisers claimed Biti’s attempt to whip up emotions against the Government hit a brick wall when “his lies were exposed by witnesses to the shooting incident, who dismissed his claims as shameless falsehoods.”

On Wednesday Biti tweeted: “The junta has shot down two people in
Harare’s CBD this morning. The blatant fascism of this murderous regime is totally unacceptable. Surely
the citizens can’t live in perpetual fear of State hooliganism.”

A Twitter user @mapfumon claimed Biti was offside and exaggerating things. “You are offside Biti. Was
there myself. It was some touts vs a civilian who was armed. Please we don’t want such extents of exaggeration and misinformation please,” said the user.

Another user @xandatoto responded: “This is grossly irresponsible. A national leader shamelessly
spreading falsehoods. Munasvoda.”
Adding to the criticism, @tpericson hit out at Mr Biti posting: “Remorselessly lying this ‘Tendai Biti’, I was there and a civilian shot another over a raw deal. No wonder our country is in a mess right now.
Focus on having people’s lives better not lying so that some day you assume power, such selfishness,
shame. Should it not be people first?”

MDC Condemns Shooting OF Harare Resident, Blames Zanu PF For Nurturing Culture Of Violence

Terrence Mawawa|The country’ s main opposition party, MDC Alliance has strongly condemned the shooting incident in which a Harare resident was killed in controversial circumstances.

Below is the MDC Alliance statement on the shooting incident:Shootings a manifestation of bigger problems

The cold blooded murder(in broad daylight) of a Harare man is a justification of the call in President
Chamisa’s five -point plan on the need for dialogue to attain peace in Zimbabwe.

The MDC condemns the shootings in the strongest terms, violence has no place in society.
We restate our position that the culture of violence was propagated in our society by Zanu PF.
Tension in our society is a result of the economic challenges which have become unbearable.The State has the responsibility to protect citizens
yet it is the one exposing Zimbabweans to danger.
We urge authorities to get to the bottom of the issue and ensure the perpetrator is subjected to the
justice delivery process of the land.

We know there is temptation to develop cold feet considering that the shooter was a Zanu PF member.
Our prayers are with the family of the deceased.Jacob Mafume MDC National Spokesperson

Who Needs Who?Chamisa Is Not Desperate To Join ED Government- Analyst

Terrence Mawawa| Respected political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has dismissed claims by Zanu PF that MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is desperate to join the government as cheap politicking.

“Zimbabweans should know that they changed a person; former President Mugabe and not the clientellistic, parasitic, patronage and prebendal system that oils the corruption and decomposition of Zimbabwe. Now, what used to happen under Mugabe happens under ED including violence etc,” said Dr Ruhanya.

“I dont understand why ZANU PF through Obert Mpofu thinks that @nelsonchamisa wants to join this failed and corrupt regime. The results of ZANU PF’s failed policies are there for everyone to see; the ECONOMIC CHAOS IS TESTAMENT. Who needs who between Wamba
and ZANU PF?”

Interview With Dismissed ZIMRA Board Chairperson

FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube recently terminated the tenure of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) board. The Zimbabwe Independent news editor Owen Gagare (OG) spoke to outgoing board chair Willia Bonyongwe (WB) about her tenure at the tax authority and the state of corporate governance at the organisation:

OG: Your board was in office from June 2015 to October 1, 2018. How would you describe the tenure?

WB: The Zimra board was appointed on June 19, 2015, and the tenure expired on June 18, 2018. However, the former minister of finance and economic development (Patrick) Chinamasa extended it by a period of six months in terms of paragraph 2 (2) of the Fifth Schedule to the Revenue Authority Act, which provides that, upon expiry of their term of office, board members shall continue to hold office until either they are re-appointed or a new board is appointed for a period not exceeding six months. The tenure was very hectic because prior to our appointment, Zimra had been without a board for almost two years and a lot of the corporate governance issues emanated from that vacuum. You will recall in May 2016, the then commissioner-general (Gershem Pasi) and about six executive managers were sent on leave, some were subsequently dismissed following disciplinary action. The commission-general and the head of ICT and Infrastructure chose to resign than go through disciplinary proceedings. We had to spend a lot of time on corporate governance issues. We had a board audit in that regard from the Institute of Directors of Zimbabwe and fared very well, the International Monetary Fund Tadat (Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool) auditors were also quite impressed with governance at Zimra. We also replaced the executives and management and restructured and replaced the ICT personnel. Despite the huge capital expenditure in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Zimra operated a semi-manual system, unlike the banking and insurance sectors, which were fully automated. This led to genuine leakages and presented opportunities for corruption. Plugging the leakages and fighting corruption also took a great deal of our time.

OG: What was the major mandate of your board and how successful were you in implementing your objectives?

WB: As a board we had the general oversight responsibilities, that is, ensuring that the organisation is doing what it is supposed to do in terms of the Revenue Act. We were responsible for setting up a structure and systems of control to manage risk and achieve the goals of the organisation. We were supposed to ensure that the senior management was in place and were adhering to corporate governance best practices. You will recall when we were appointed, Zimra was struggling to meet its revenue targets and civil servants salaries were being staggered at some stage. So the minister said we needed to increase the tax base. We needed to accelerate the roll out of the ICT systems, in particular, complete fiscalisation and we needed to fight corruption because Zimra was not only perceived to be corrupt, but this was substantiated by surveys carried out by independent consultants for Zimra. We introduced a battery of revenue enhancing measures, which resulted in a steady rise in revenues and as we leave we were surpassing revenue targets consistently and in real terms. The measures increased the tax base by netting evaders and those not paying tax in full. However, compliance is still very low and Zimra is looking to upgrade its revenue systems and link it up with the relevant data bases to net in everybody. During our tenure we pioneered many things, including the Independent Hotline, as part of our anti-corruption fight. We introduced the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) against serious resistance. We saved government millions of dollars in overpriced systems, among other things.

OG: What challenges did you face during your term of office? Please also comment on allegations that politicians were interfering with your work, as an example, exerting pressure on officials to allow goods to come into the country duty-free. The Zanu PF campaign vehicles and party regalia which were imported ahead of the July 30 elections quickly come to mind.

WB: The challenges were to do with resistance from management to do things differently, previous management withholding vital information from the board, and when we introduced the hotline and the ECTS, people within Zimra and outside Zimra had issues and hence there were allegations. Of course, this was not true because the funds were availed through the AfDB facility through an international tender won by a Tanzanian company. The board was never told of government officials exerting pressure to allow goods duty-free because this was an operational not policy issue and management would deal with it, but also because the policy is very clear. On the Zanu PF party regalia and campaign material, again this would be dealt with by management being an operational issue. However, the issue was raised just before elections at a Zimra workshop with parliamentarians and the Commissioner-General (Faith Mazani) indicated that proper importation procedures were followed.

OG: The Zimra board had asked for an extension but was instead dismissed by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube. Why do you believe an extension was necessary and do you think the government’s decision to fire the board was justified?

WB: I have already indicated that the board’s tenure had expired and it is unfortunate that someone talked about firing and governance problems in relation to the board. You cannot fire one with no tenure, our extension letters were very clear that we were going anytime. Unfortunately when the minister was meeting stakeholders, he did not meet the Zimra board to know who was offering himself or not, we do not know who advised him that we had asked for an extension. People need to generally be sensitive. These are people with professions and reputations built over years. Both the former minister (Chinamasa) and permanent secretary (Willard) Manungo know that this was a very demanding job and not everyone in the board was rooting for re-appointment. This is a storm in a tea cup — really nobody was fired and nobody to my knowledge asked for an extension. As for whether minister Ncube was justified or not to reappoint, big Yes, he is the appointing authority and can choose anyone to the Zimra board. He might retain some members for continuity or have a completely new team that is his prerogative, no question about that.

OG: What is your response to the allegation that during your tenure board members were enriching themselves through high sitting fees and allowances? Last year for example board members pocketed US$292 582 up from US$268 225 in 2016?

WB: I am not aware of anyone who was enriched during our tenure. I have explained before that there are 10 board members. That year was a unique year in that we had two forensic audits and the usual external audit by the Auditor-General and some ad hoc committees to spearhead fiscalisation and the ECTS, which meant the board met more than usual. I can assure you that we never met for sitting fees, infact, we had many more meetings for no fees than with fees. These are professionals who earn five times in an hour what the board gives them in a sitting. As for the level of fees, these were done in comparison with peer organisations and were all approved by the parent ministry. I actually remember reducing them when the then board secretary presented them before they went to the ministry.

OG: How true are the allegations that as chairperson you were domineering figure in the board and that you would make decisions unilaterally?

WB: That is an insult to my colleagues in the board who by the way do not share that view. There are professional people with varied skills and experiences which we used collectively as a board. All our decisions were decided in terms of the majority and there are some issues which I lost, but were carried. I know some people tried to divide the board to make it dysfunctional, but lost dismally. There are some who believe a woman should not be assertive, but I rose through the corporate ladder and learnt that there is no gender in the boardroom and I make no apology.

OG: There are some smuggling syndicates involved high-profile persons, the police, immigration and Zimra officials. How did your board try to stamp them out and with what success?

WB: These are what I called organised syndicates and they cost government billion dollars in forgone revenue. I would say they come from anywhere, not limited to those you put in your question. Automation is the answer, but it is still work in progress. The ECTS got a sizeable number of them although they were working with border officials to avoid sealing. When the electronic sealing was introduced, there was a 60% decline in transit fuel cargo, which gives you the level of transit fraud in that sector.

OG: You spoke several times about fighting corruption and ensuring transparency and yet Zimra is still associated with corruption. What bottlenecks did you face in fighting corruption?

WB: There are measures which were put in place to fight corruption, including strengthening the loss control function. In the previous executive, loss control was the centre of all corruption. Zimra is also reinvigorating its relationships with state agencies mandated to deal with corruption. There is need for the police, public prosecutors and magistrates to be capacitated by training in order to minimise the delays and acquittals that occur in cases referred for prosecution. The authority is also taking a leading role in the implementation of the Asset Forfeiture Act and has so far referred two cases where assets of the concerned employees are supposed to be forfeited to the state. Forfeiting the proceeds of crime is a great deterrent, it was very successful in India they call it disgorgement.

OG: Zimra was accused of delaying clarification of tax issues around a US$100 million commercial loan advanced by the British government, through the state-run Commonwealth Development Fund (CDC), to Zimbabwe’s private sector. What’s your comment on this? Is there a strategy on tax issues around this loan?

WB: That is a technical issue which management, the ministry and the Reserve Bank were looking into. What I can say is Zimra implements government policy; there is no way they can refuse to implement policy as an agent of government working to promote government objectives.

OG: During your term of office Zimra increased its revenue collection. Do you see it continuing in the long term?

WB: Yes there is no reason why they should not, especially given the current low compliance rate, the upside potential is huge. All the systems audits we carried out have diagnosed the problems and what is left is implementation. They need to strengthen the ICT systems. We were also very happy with the calibre of the commissioner-general, Ms (Faith) Mazani. She is a best fit for the post and we would be quite enthused if the revenues increase. Infact, we would be surprised if the revenue falls because we have build a very strong foundation.

OG: Although you command respect and are a professional in your own right — but because of our patriarchal society — some people still attach the marriage tag to professional women. What have been the challenges in your work at Zimra and other bodies in relation to this, since you are married to the country’s former intelligence boss?

WB: In general, professional women don’t get support from their spouses and this is a problem if you are rising on the corporate ladder and you get to come home late, to be away from home on business. So in the past you either chose career or marriage, but that is changing. Women can now have it all. Some male counterparts and bosses do not believe there is equality and there is a glass ceiling. Consequently, women have to work much harder than their male counterparts to be recognised. Fortunately we now have many role models in every field and that helps the young ones who come to us for mentoring. Now to why I said you have become the problem. I met my husband whilst I was at university and he was in the army and we had both just come back from the liberation struggle. He joined from St Augustine and I from Dadaya. He has supported my career steadfastly, and I am very grateful to him, but I have always been employed on merit and not on marriage. And I do not know why this keeps cropping up. Nobody cares about what this or that chairman’s wife does or who she is. This is 2018 and we do not expect it.

There Is No Improvement, Do Not Be Misled: Jonathan Moyo

Terrence Mawawa|Professor Jonathan Moyo has remained sceptical of claims by the state media that the country’s economy is on the recovery path following the tumbling of black market rates.

“Black market rates tumble” #Herald 12 Oct 2018 1. The law of believability is that if you did not report, or worse if you sought to cover up, the soaring rates; you can not report the tumbling rates and expect to be believed. 2. But

great news. If true!” Moyo tweeted.

VIDEO – There Is No Amount Of Ammunition That Can Kill All Our People, We’re Entering A Season Of Service And Sacrifice – Tajamuka

“In conclusion, we are calling unequivocally for a total and final shutdown… we are entering a season of Service and Sacrifice together as citizens of Zimbabwe we are going to confront this regime… and there is no amount of ammunition which can kill all our people…,” said Tajamuka leader Promise Mkwananzi.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW

Tajamuka/ Sesjikile Threatens Week Long National Shut Down

https://www.facebook.com/ZimEye/videos2110367232548618

Tajamuka LIVE: Nobody is Safe In Zimbabwe, We Need To Come Together And Protect Ourselves

Mkwananzi LIVE: “I think we have seen the level of police brutality in this country…nobody is safe don’t think that you are safe. We need to come together and protect ourselves.”

WATCH LIVE- TAJAMUKA/SESJIKILE PRESSER

LIVE – Tajamuka Fires Warning At Mnangagwa

“Minister Should Ban All Cellphones In The Country To Save Petrol”

Below were some reactions to Energy Minister Joram Gumbo who has repeated saying there is enough fuel in the country but social media is causing the shortages:

Deputy Minister Mutodi Implicated In AMH Fracas

By Own Correspondent| Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube has seemingly implicated Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi after newspapers vendors who were selling AMH titles, NewsDay and The Zimbabwe Independent were attacked by a group of men.

Ncube described the attack as well organised after the group was reportedly transported in two vehicles.

Ncube then revealed that the editor of NewsDay, Wisdom Mdzungairi, was threatened by Mutodi after AMH increased the prices of its titles by 100 per cent this week.

Mutodi was not impressed by the decision and warned the group nit to indulge in speculative behaviour saying that newspapers should remain pegged at $1 only.

Relating the alleged attack on the newspaper vendors, Ncube wrote:

“Approx 8:30 am today group of young men transported in 2 cars attacked NewsDay Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Independent vendors and burnt newspapers. This was well-organised operation. The culprits are at Harare Central police station.

As this was happening Deputy Minister of Information, Energy Mutodi called NewsDay editor Wisdom Mdzungairi threatening that he would fight AMH if we didn’t adjust the cover price of our newspapers.

This conduct is regrettable and must be strongly condemned.

On Wednesday Energy Mutodi tweeted a veiled threat saying newspaper price increases would not happen under “our watch”. The question is – is it him who organised these young people to commit this crime? So far all indications point to this.

Energy Mutodi’ s threat reminds me of Jonathan Moyo’s threat to the Daily News before their printing press was bombed. I refuse to think we are back to those dark days. I am aware of getting rid of Mugabeism in some people is a process, not an event.

The 8 young men are currently at Harare Central police station having been caught by members of the public and our vendors. Vendors have made warned and cautioned statements. This type of behaviour has no place in a country we are trying to rebuild.”

Whatsapp Admin In Trouble For Leaking Nudes

By Own Correspondent| A Mutare social media group administrator has landed himself in hot soup for allegedly circulating nude pictures of a fellow group member’s wife on several Whatsapp groups.

The suspect’s alleged actions were in contravention of the Censorship and Entertainment Act.

Brian Shongedzai Jambaya (25), of Dangamvura, Mutare was arrested and arraigned before Mutare magistrate Mr Tendai Murendo.

He was charged with contravening Section 13 (1) (a) as read with 1(a) 2(a) of the Censorship and Entertainment Act, Chapter 10:04 which criminalise the publishing of indecent or obscene pictures.

Jambaya pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the trial suffered a false start when the complainant Madeline Muchazoreka failed to pitch up. This prompted the State led by Mr Fletcher Karombe to apply for a warrant of arrest for her.

Mr Murendo granted the application and Muchazoreka was subsequently arrested for defaulting and was arraigned before the court.

The warrant was then cancelled and the social media pornography case was then adjourned.

Mr Karombe told the court that Jambaya, on November 19 2017 circulated Madeline Muchazoreka’s nude pictures on Whatsapp group Guinness Book of Jokes, which he administers.

The complainant’s husband Lloyd Muchazoreka stumbled on the nude pictures on the group, in which he was a member and confronted his wife.

“The complainant then took Jambaya’s phone number, downloaded his profile picture and made a police report. On May 30, 2018, at Moto Moto in the CBD, of Mutare, Muchazoreka located Jambaya and effected a citizen’s arrest on him.

“She then took him to police where she had previously made a report,” said Mr Karombe.-Manica Post

Chamisa Never Demanded A Vice Presidency From Mnangagwa As Claimed By Senior MDC Sources

ZimEye would like to correct an earlier news release in which senior MDC sources made claims that party President Nelson Chamisa has demanded a Vice Presidency from ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chamisa has made it clear on numerous occasions that he has no other desire to fulfil “other than the position people voted for me( the presidency).”

This is the official position and any other insinuations can only be private expressions, and Chamisa has also told the Voice Of America, “One thing for certain, no to GNU. No to the issue of repeating what they did to president (the late Morgan) Tsvangirai. This is a new ball game, this is a new direction. If we are to have any kind of engagement, it has to be an engagement on issues to save Zimbabwe.

“We have to put on the table five critical issues that have to be discussed. First one is the issue of legitimacy, the issue of the will of the people. It doesn’t make sense for people to go for an election, vote for a candidate of their choice only for that vote to be disregarded, discarded and ignored. We want the vote to count, we want the voice of the people to be respected. For that to happen we need to understand the contours of engagement, the terrain of engagement. Who does what, when and how?”

He said the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, which killed six people in Harare a day after the harmonized elections in July when some agitated people were angry over delays in releasing presidential election results, should be confined to the barracks in order to map the way forward for Zimbabwe.

“We do not want our soldiers, our military to be there dictating to the electorate who should be leading. Let not the gun guide politics. Politics must guide the gun.”

Zanu Pf Stalwart Suspended Over Unsanctioned Hotel Bill

By Own Correspondent| Zanu PF has suspended National Youth league Secretary for External Affairs Sibongile Sibanda over allegations of abuse of office.

Sibanda (35), from Bulawayo Province, is alleged to have accumulated hotel bills on activities that were not sanctioned by her party.

In a letter glimpsed by a local publication, Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu said Sibanda has been suspended from conducting Zanu-PF business pending investigations into her alleged misconduct.

Part of the letter reads:

“This letter serves to inform you of your immediate suspension from all Zanu-PF activities pending the finalisation of investigations into your conduct. Accordingly, you are required to immediately surrender all Party properties in your possession to the appropriate departments. Further all unauthorised expenditure by you on hotel lodgings and other related activities will be in your personal account.”

In an interview with a local paper (Thursday), Mpofu said Sibanda was set to appear before a disciplinary hearing but he did not disclose the exact reasons that led to her suspension.-StateMedia

ZANU PF Councillors In Trouble For Going To Bed With The MDC

The Zanu-PF provincial executive here has summoned four Chiredzi Town councillors for a disciplinary hearing for gross misconduct and disloyalty after they allegedly sold out to the MDC-Alliance by allowing the opposition party to land the council chairmanship despite the ruling party being the majority in council.

The councillors were last month given prohibition orders by the party provincial leadership pending their appearance before a disciplinary hearing after allowing the MDC Alliance’s Councillor Gibson Hwende to land the chairmanship in the sugar growing town council dominated by Zanu-PF.

Zanu-PF bagged four wards in the town during the July 30 polls, while the MDC Alliance got three, with one seat going to an independent candidate.

Clr Hwende was duly elected Chiredzi Town chair after garnering five votes, while Zanu-PF’s candidate Clr Blessing Mazinyane managed two votes, with the remaining vote going to an independent candidate.

The development courted the ire of the party leadership in the province which accused some of its councillors of going to bed with the opposition by voting for Clr Hwende ahead of Clr Mazinyane.

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial vice chair Ailess Baloyi said the councillors Liberty Macharaga, Obert Ngwenya, Josphat Nzombe and Mazinyane had been summoned for a hearing this week.

In a letter to the four councillors, Baloyi said they will appear before a provincial disciplinary committee today.

“Prohibition order has been issued on you for the following charges: (1) In terms of Chapter 1, Article 3, Section 21, Subsection (1,2,3,4 and 5) of the Zanu-PF Party constitution in that you failed to perform duties required of a member,” reads the letter.

“Contrary to this Article, you disrespected the provincial leadership and the party at large by working in cahoots with members of the opposition MDC Alliance and some of our party renegades culminating in bringing the party into disrepute and ridicule,” continued the letter.

Baloyi said the councillors acted in violation of the party’s constitution by supporting Clr Hwende.

“In terms of Article 28, Section 262 (b) and (c) on general provisions of the party constitution, you failed to obey a lawful order as required of a member,” he said. “You are, in this case charged with gross misconduct and disloyalty.”

Zanu-PF last month warned that the party was going to follow internal party processes to deal with errant Chiredzi Town councillors for going to bed with the opposition.

State Media

Former ZRP Officer Nabbed For Fraud

By Own Correspondent| A former Zimbabwe Republic Police officer, Claudius Muzvimba (35) formerly of Avondale Police Station was convicted of 104 counts of fraud by Harare Magistrate Francis Mapfumo.

Muzvimba who was found in possession of fake traffic offence fines receipt books (Z69J) claimed that he had been given the books by his superiors for use in receipting traffic fines at roadblocks.

However, magistrate Mapfumo dismissed his claim saying:

“There is no way the money which was collected using fake books was handed over to the administration.

The receipt books were printed somewhere with criminal intention to swindle the motorists and government…The fake books were used concurrently with the original receipt books and the whole purpose of printing the Z69J was to make sure the money will not be remitted to the government.”

Muzvimba who was arrested after the police audited his books will be sentenced today.-Newsday

Musician’s Wife Commits Suicide Due To His High Infidelity

Correspondent|UPCOMING popular Mutare youthful musician Lionel “Caff” Matanda is facing the darkest moment in his life after his wife – Oreen Sheila Phiri – hanged herself from a roof truss at the couple’s Dangamvura Area 3 residence following an outburst over infidelity.

The incident which happened on Sunday morning shocked the showbiz fraternity, residents and relatives who failed to swallow the death of Phiri aka Ciara.

Caff is famed for hits like ”Perfect to Me” and ”Ndiwe”.

The deceased Phiri, who was an upcoming musician, was on the verge of releasing several videos shot by Big Joker Records. The couple has a five-month old son named Zane.

When media visited Caff’s residence at House Number 44 a few hours after the incident, baffled residents jostled to catch a glimpse of Phiri’s lifeless body.

The 19-year old, through a suicidal letter she allegedly wrote revealed that her soul will not rest until her five-month old baby is ”happy”.

She said she took her life because she had realised that Caff was having an extra marital affair.

Reads part of the letter: “Lionel just like I said before . . . I am sorry wandiwana ndisiri mhandara . . . I’m sorry I found out kuti you are dating someone else now if you wanna know why I did this it’s becoz handisisna mufaro nevanhu vekwaka Suza you have finally showed me by calling me names. Now I’m asking you kuti mhamha vangu vazotore mwana, that’s the only place where our son could be happy and I’m not going to rest until Zane is happy. I will always love you.”

Caff denied ever engaging in extra marital affairs. He alleged that his late wife had suicidal tendencies and once attempted to commit suicide three months ago.

The dreadlocked musician said he untied his wife from the roof trusses just after she had hanged herself.

“It’s sad my brother but I never cheated on her,” said the distraught Caff.

“She had just finished breastfeeding and she asked me to hold the baby. I was shocked to see her body hanging on the roof truss in another room a few minutes later. She was suspecting me of having an extra marital, something which is not true.

”Yes, I untied her thinking that she was still alive. I did not see this coming. I realised she was dead and there was nothing I could do. She had suicidal tendencies and at one time she once consumed some pills accusing me of having extra marital affairs.

”But I would always tell her to verify before accusing me. It’s sad it had to end this way,” he added.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said detectives were investigating the case.

“On October 7, around 11am, Matanda had a misunderstanding with the deceased over infidelity issues.

” She went to the bedroom and after an hour, Matanda saw Phiri’s lifeless body hanging from a roof truss. He reported the matter to police. Investigations are in progress,” said.

Pay Attention to EU Observer Mission Recommendations, Govt Urged

Jane Mlambo| Think tank and advocacy institution on elections and democracy, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) has called upon government to pay attention to the issues rais3ed by the European Union Observation Mission, insisting that the new administration must “change attitude on electoral reforms.”

The EU Observation team yesterday presented its final report on the 2018 election highlighting a plethora of electoral irregularities which could have been avoided if the government had paid attention to the statements of the local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Tawanda Chimhini, the ERC executive director, said its high time government changes its behavior on reforms.

“Now that the same things that we as ERC and others have said before have now been repeated by credible election groups who watched the 2018 elections at the invitation of Zimbabwean authorities, it is expected that the new administration’s attitude towards electoral reforms must change,” Chimhini said.

Chimhini bemoaned lack of political will to implement reforms by authorities.

“Sadly attempts to compel election authorities to adopt the necessary changes to improve elections in the past have fallen on deaf ears and have largely been ignored,” the ERC boss said.

The ERC executive director said authorities must walk the talk than just promising.
“The review done on the election by the EU suggests that going forward, it is no longer enough to base re-engagement efforts on mere rhetoric alone. It is no longer enough to just talk without acting,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa had promised the nation and the world that Zimbabwe would have free, fair and credible elections on July 30 a test that he failed.
Chimhini said Zimbabwe must be prepared to move away from the current method of running elections for it to be accepted and appreciated internationally.

“This therefore suggests that re-engagement efforts at the international level must be accompanied by substantive changes in our democratic culture at a domestic level which is exhibited and not just said,” Chimhini said.

Chimhini said any re-engagement efforts that are devoid of addressing the electoral inadequacies which are now obvious to all “will be nothing but hot air”.

Obadiah Moyo A Complete Fake, More Details Emerge.

HEALTH minister Obadiah Moyo is neither a qualified medical doctor nor a fellow of various international elite societies as stated on his curriculum vitae posted by Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH), where he served as chief executive before being appointed into Cabinet, investigations by the Zimbabwe Independent have revealed.

The investigations showed that Moyo is an academic and medical impostor, who is not a registered practitioner with the Medical Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ).

It also emerged this week that President Emmerson Mnangagwa ignored his advisers who disapproved the appointment of Moyo as Health minister due to his questionable medical qualifications.

Mnangagwa had asked for due diligence checks to establish Moyo’s suitability for the appointment, among other potential cabinet appointees.

On his CV posted on the CCH website, Moyo claims to be a “visionary leader with a proven track-record in the fields of medicine and executive management”.

He says he attained a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) in the West Indies, a region of the North Atlantic Ocean in the Caribbean, without specifying the country, university and year of study as is the norm.

Moyo did not respond to questions from the Independent, but investigations established there is no such qualification as MD throughout the Anglophone Caribbean region. Medical experts said in most Anglo-Saxon countries, practising medical doctors attain a Bachelor of Medicine and Dental Surgeries degree (MBChB) from a recognised university, as is also the case locally.

Elsewhere, the general qualification is known as MBBS, an abbreviation for Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in English.

Contrary to claims on the CV that he was a medical practitioner with a proven track-record, Moyo never practiced as a medical doctor in Zimbabwe.

The Health Professions Act requires practitioners to register with MDPCZ. Moyo’s name does not appear on the list of the 3 624 registered medical practitioners in the country.

MDPCZ officials, who confirmed the list to the Zimbabwe Independent, explained the stringent registration process.
“You need to be trained for seven years at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and thereafter work as an intern for two years. You will then be deployed as a government district medical officer for at least a year before you are eligible to get into private practice. All this while, you will be working under strict supervision and you can only proceed on strong recommendations,” an official said.

“If you received your training in the Sadc region, the council verifies your qualifications before allowing you to register without additional restrictions. If you are registered outside Sadc, you need to work for between six and 12 months under supervision before you are allowed to practice. You will then be granted an MDPCZ certificate, which is renewable annually. You cannot just walk in here claiming to be a doctor, it does not work that way.”

On his resume, Moyo claims to be a registered renal specialist and chemical pathologist, notwithstanding the fact that he is not on the MDPCZ register as it appears on its website: http://www.mdpcz.co.zw/mdpcz.

Moyo also claims to be a holder of a Master of Philosophy degree in medicine (MPhil Med) from the UZ, again without stating which year he graduated.

The university this week declined to shed light on Moyo’s academic credentials.

“The University of Zimbabwe regrets to advise that with all due respect, not all institutions and/or individuals can have access to confidential information about the institution’s clients, including students, staff and alumni with the exception of the clients themselves, current or potential employers and/or a government accredited investigating authority.

“Alternatively, such confidential information can be passed to a third party, if and when such a party, has expressly authorised the University to do so,” UZ Information and Public Relations director Daniel Chihombori told the Independent in responses to written inquiries this week.

The Independent investigation corroborates a cable dated November 2008 released by whistle-blower, WikiLeaks in which former US Ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee, in correspondence to Washington, wrote: “Moyo’s business card indicates he has both a PhD and a medical degree. After our initial meeting, we learned that he earned neither.

Rather, he was Sally Mugabe’s dialysis technician at Parirenyatwa throughout her long struggle with a kidney disease. After Sally’s death, Mr Moyo suddenly became Dr Moyo, and in 2004 he became CEO of Chitungwiza Hospital.”

Elite international medical societies to which Moyo claims to be a fellow dismissed his claim.

International Society in Nephrology (ISN), United Kingdom (UK) programme coordinator Marie-Pierre Smal, confirmed that Moyo was not a fellow of the prestigious medical club contrary to his claims.

He only joined the prestigious society in 2015 as an ordinary member. Fellowship to the society requires one to be a distinguished medical specialist.

“I confirm that Dr Obadiah Moyo is a member of the International Society of Nephrology since January 1, 2015. However he is not an ISN fellow and has never accomplished an ISN fellowship training with an ISN sponsored grant. Nephrology is a small world and medical achievements are very much based on peer review, networking and word of mouth,” Marie-Pierre Smal said.

“If the sector realises someone is claiming education he did not get, this would be very bad press for the person.”

Other clubs such as the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), (UK), Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH) (UK) and the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) (UK) said they could only comment with Moyo’s consent.

Medical sources said Mnangagwa however “did the exact opposite” of what his advisors had recommended when he appointed Moyo. “There were consultations with relevant stakeholders in the medical field. The idea was to assess if they were comfortable having someone who was not a medical doctor as their minister. They were also asked to suggest names of people they thought would be suitable for the appointment,” a source said.

“They were comfortable working with someone not a medical doctor as long as that person was not Obadiah Moyo. But the problem with Moyo is that he is an imposter. So industry was unanimous that Moyo was not a suitable character to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the health and medical profession.”

According to the sources, several other individuals including the ministry’s permanent secretary Gerald Gwinji, were shortlisted for the post.

Other candidates who were suggested include one army chief identified as major-general Celestino Bhasera and former Health minister Henry Madzorera, who was out rightly disqualified for his links to the opposition party, MDC.

Sources further said after Mnangagwa realised that Moyo’s appointment had torched a storm, he roped in Chikomba West legislator John Mangwiro, who is a respected medical doctor to deputise Moyo in order to “sanitise the ministry.”

Independent

Apartheid Heavyweight Pik Botha Dies

Apartheid-era foreign affairs minister Pik Botha has died in his Pretoria home at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday morning.

His son, Piet Botha, who is in the band Jack Hammer, confirmed to News24 that his father died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of the morning.

“His wife Ina was with him until the end,” he said.

“He was very sick during the last three weeks and his body just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Piet Botha added that he would always remember his father for having the ability to immediately sort out issues if there was any trouble, and that he will miss him dearly.

Botha was admitted to a Pretoria hospital in late September.

Roelof “Pik” Botha was the world’s longest-serving foreign minister. He was born in April 1932, and according to SA History Online the law graduate started in the foreign affairs department in 1953.

In April 1977, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and represented the constituency of Westdene in Johannesburg. Botha was appointed minister of mineral of energy affairs in 1994 and resigned from that post in May 1996.

Botha famously changed allegiance from the National Party to the African National Congress in 2000.

News 24

ZCTU Leaders To Spent Night In Custody

TWENTY-SEVEN leaders and members of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) will spent the night in police custody after they were arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Thursday 11 October 2018 and charged with disorderly conduct and committing public violence.

In Harare, ZRP officers charged seven ZCTU leaders with disorderly conduct in a public place as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The seven leaders, who are represented by Kossam Ncube, Tinomuda Shoko and Gift Mtisi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) include ZCTU President Peter Mutasa, Secretary-General Japhet Moyo, Benice Maluleke, Priscilla Jonhi, Simon Mutasa and two leaders only identified as Chinovamari and Marmish.

In Mutare, 20 ZCTU leaders and members, who are represented by Natsai Nyamwanza and Passmore Nyakureba of ZLHR, will spent the night in police custody after they were arrested and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry in contravention of section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The 20 ZCTU leaders and members include Tenson Muchefa, Barbra Chivinge, Deliwe Munyongwa, Laina Sharare, Superior Boka, Stevene Chandakabata, Beatrice Kwendepi, Giles Maoneke, Justin Muonda, Arshford Mariga, Dickson Chaeruka, Elias Matanda, Jackson Mtisi, Portia Sibanda, Adam Nhamo, Regis Duri, Isaac Kapeni, Edison Nyambanje, Allen Chakabuda and Christine Mukolosa.

In Masvingo, 12 ZCTU leaders and members, who were represented by Collen Maboke of ZLHR, were released after spending several hours in police detention. ZRP officers indicated that they would proceed by way of summons if they intend to prosecute the labour union members.

The 12 include Elliot Meso, Agnes Hlanga, Kevin Mawoyo, Gilbert Sibanda, Tasara Dunia, Richard Munyenye, Davison Madzivire, Tamutswa Chikonyora, Peggie Rukawu, Stephen Madoyi, Chrispen Matipedza and Maxwell Madhunha.

In Harare, ZLHR lawyers Lizwe Jamela, Obey Shava and Noble Chinhanu rescued 26 ZCTU staff and union members, who since morning had been illegally detained at their Gorlon House offices by ZRP officers after the arrest of the labour union’s leaders in a pre-emptive strike to thwart an anti-government protest organised to protest against government’s disastrous economic policies.

Meanwhile, Harare Magistrate Lanzini Ncube on Thursday 11 October 2018 dismissed an application filed by Chinhanu seeking to overturn the ZRP ban of ZCTU’s anti-government protest. In dismissing the ZCTU application, Ncube cited the current cholera outbreak and stated that the labour union’s protest could turn violent as there is discontentment among citizens over the current economic situation.

Biti Seeks Release Of Passport To Seek Medical Treatment

Jane Mlambo| High Court will on Friday 12 October 2018 hear an appeal filed by Tendai Biti, the Movement for Democratic Change-Alliance Vice-Chairperson challenging Harare Magistrate Francis Mapfumo’s refusal to temporarily release his passport to allow him to travel to South Africa to receive specialised medical treatment.

Biti petitioned the High Court after Magistrate Mapfumo on Thursday 27 September 2018 dismissed his application for alteration of his bail conditions which entailed releasing his passport to receive specialised medical treatment which is unavailable in Zimbabwe.

In his application filed by Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Biti argued that the interests of justice will not be prejudiced if the court grants his application for the release of his passport.

The opposition political party leader wants the High Court to order the release of his passport so that he travels to South Africa for medical treatment from the date the travel document is released to him until Tuesday 23 October 2018, when he will surrender it back to the Clerk of Court at Harare Magistrates Court until his matter is finalised.

Biti is currently appearing in court after he was arrested in August and charged with contravening section 66(A)(1) of the Electoral Act for allegedly announcing the 30 July 2018 harmonised elections Presidential results unofficially and for committing public violence
as defined in section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Budiriro And Glen View Record 40 New Cholera Cases

By Own Correspondent| Director in the Health ministry’s Epidemiology and Disease Control department Dr Portia Manangazira said as of Tuesday, 40 new cases of Cholera had been reported in Glen View and Budiriro, Harare.

She said two other suspected cases were reported in Chitungwiza.

Dr Manangazira however noted that there was low turn up for Cholera vaccination in Glen View and Budiriro.

Glen View and Budiriro are the epicentre of the cholera outbreak that has claimed 49 lives mainly in Harare.

Said Dr Manangazira:

“We expect vaccination to be effective from seven to 14 days, but what has been happening in Budiriro and Glen View is that even the turn up for vaccination was lower than other suburbs. We hope that residents will take heed of our call to get vaccinated.”-StateMedia

ED Agrees With EU

Jane Mlambo| ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa is in agreement with the European Union position that death penalty is an affront to human dignity and constitutes cruel, inhuman and is contrary to right to life.

Responding to the EU embassy in Zimbabwe on Twitter, Mnangagwa posted in agreement to the fact that death penalty makes judicial errors irreversible.

Mnangagwa is believed to have survived death penalty during the liberation struggle because of his age.

I wholeheartedly agree! https://t.co/QSAldicm8L

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) October 10, 2018

Female ZANU PF Youth League Leader Sleeps In Hotels And Bills ZANU PF

ZANU-PF has suspended National Youth league Secretary for External Affairs Sibongile Sibanda over allegations of abuse of office.

Sibanda (35), from Bulawayo Province, is alleged to have accumulated hotel bills on activities that were not sanctioned by the party.

In a letter, Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, said Sibanda had been suspended from conducting party business pending investigations into her alleged misconduct.

He said failure to comply with the above will leave Zanu-PF with no option but to take disciplinary action.

In an interview yesterday, Mpofu said Sibanda was set to appear before a disciplinary hearing but declined to disclose the exact issues that led to her suspension.

“She has to be hauled before a disciplinary hearing for misdemeanors that she was involved in as a senior youth at national level.

I know the accusations, but I cannot divulge them. I cannot dismiss some the allegations but the matter is a grave one and the party has started taking appropriate disciplinary action” said Dr Mpofu.

Sibanda was a proportional representation candidate for Nketa constituency in the July 30 polls.

State media

Cheeky Drunkard Drags Police Officer By His Balls, Gets 90 Days

A 23-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been arraigned for grabbing and pulling a police officer’s private parts after the officer reproached him for making noise in a bar.

Chrispen Mutenda (23) of Western Commonage Police Station grabbed and pulled the private parts of Marvellous Sibanda (36), who is a police officer at the station, following a heated argument.

The court heard that the two were drinking beer at Western Commonage canteen and Mutenda was speaking loudly.

This did not go down well with Sibanda who reproached him for his actions.

Mutenda stays with his brother who is also a police officer at the same station, the court heard.

He was convicted on his own plea of guilty to assault by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube. “I didn’t do it intentionally. It was a mistake. I was drunk and I didn’t even realise what I had done,” said Mutenda.

Mr Ncube fined him $100 or 90 days in prison.

Mr Kenneth Shava appeared for the State.

State Media

Musona And Nakamba In Belgian Clubs Match Fixing Scandals

THE Warriors’ duo of Knowledge Musona and Marvelous Nakamba’s Belgian sides Anderlecht and Cercle Brugge have been raided by law enforcement agents over allegations of match fixing and private corruption.

According to media reports, a massive corruption scandal has engulfed Belgian football as authorities carried out dozens of police raids in the country and around Europe in a vast probe into financial fraud and match-fixing.

A total of 44 police searches took place in Belgium on Wednesday and 13 more in France, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia, according to the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office.

Reports by mainstream global media houses quoted a statement from the Belgian prosecutor saying a year-long probe into football showed evidence of “suspect financial operations” by sports agents and indications “of possible influencing of games” over the last season.

The judicial investigation concerns “criminal organisation, money laundering and private corruption,” the statement added.

Belgium’s “Big Three” clubs Anderlecht of Brussels, Standard Liege and Brugge, all confirmed their premises had been searched.

Anderlecht said they were “fully co-operating” with authorities.

Reigning champions Brugge, who play in the Champions League, said their Croatian coach Ivan Leko was also taken in for questioning.

Mogi Bayatein, a well-known agent in Belgium, and a former Anderlecht manager, was also interviewed.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Belgium’s Justice Minister Koen Geens said: “Match-fixing undermines the integrity of sports. The Justice Department is working for a fair sport.”

According to a report by Aljazeera, some agents were suspected of hiding commissions on transfers, players’ pay and other payments from the Belgian authorities, the prosecutors said.

“It was during the investigation, the prosecutor’s office said, that indications appeared there may have been match-fixing during the 2017-18 season. Along with searches at “various football clubs”, the prosecutor’s office said club committee members, agents, referees, a former lawyer, an accountancy bureau, coaches, journalists and possible accomplices were also under investigation.

The raids, which involved 184 police officials, took place in just about every region in Belgium.

Musona joined Anderlecht in May this year from another Belgian side Oostende, while Nakamba signed for the Jupiler League champions in June last year from Vitesse Arnhem of Netherlands.

State Media

S.A. Says It Is Available To Help Battling Zimbabweans, All They Need To Do Is To Ask.

South Africa is always willing and ready to assist Zimbabwe at any time that the authorities request assistance, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday.

“Insofar as Zimbabwe is concerned, we stand very ready at all times to assist the people of Zimbabwe. We have had a very long standing relationship with the people of Zimbabwe from the time we were in the struggle,” said Sisulu.

“At any time they need our assistance, they are able to request our assistance.”

Sisulu, however, said Pretoria cannot play big brother to Harare, and waits for the neighbouring country bedevilled with massive economic challenges, cash shortages and food scarcity to ask for the specific aid.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday.
“We would not be able to go to Zimbabwe and say here is a bag of whatever and you will have it. I think international relations depends on reciprocity,” she said.

“As and when Zimbabwe requests our support in anything, we will be able to provide them with that support, fully. We wish the people of Zimbabwe well. It’s a country that we regard as a friend, and we would like some stability there. We would like the economic reforms that have been put in place to succeed there.”

Sisulu emphasised that if Zimbabwe requests help, South Africa would be “too happy to assist”.

Fuel shortages have intensified across Zimbabwe as long queues formed at service stations that selling the commodity amid widespread panic-buying of basic goods blamed on government’s new austerity measures.

On Thursday, human rights lawyers in Zimbabwe said police arrested dozens of trade union activists ahead of a planned protest in Harare as tensions simmer over the economic downturn — the worst in a decade according to analysts.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said police arrested members of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) — the country’s largest trade union.

Zimbabwe has been battling a cholera outbreak blamed on damaged water pipes, and broken sewerage systems have been in urgent need of repair for more then a decade.

Several shops in Harare have put up “closure signs” on their doors as the cash crunch deepens, signalling a worsening of the economic crisis epitomised by the return of fuel shortages last seen eight years ago.

Earlier this week, clothing store Edgars, eatery Teta, fast food outlets KFC and St Elmos Zimbabwe, as well as Corky’s Pub and Grill, all warned customers they were shutting up shop.

African News Agency/ANA

US Dollar Crumbles In The Parallel Market

By Paul Nyathi|The Harare parallel market exchange rates on Thursday afternoon took a shock turn as the United State Dollar exchange rate tumbled from $650 to $250 Bond Notes for US$100.

Currency dealers who spoke to ZimEye.com indicated that the rate which they claim is determined by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe had hit a shock $650 Bond Notes for US$100 by mid morning Thursday only for it to tumble by more than half later in the day when they tried to deliver the green buck to the Reserve Bank.

The dealers claimed that the fall may be temporary as the RBZ has reduced its demands for the US Dollars after sourcing enough currency to bring in fuel and wheat demands that had threatened to collapse the economy.

The Currenecy dealers on the streets of Harare were in a hurry to offload the cash as it became apparent that shortages of basic commodities were not going to persist. The rates are expected to continue falling into the weekend, and might begin gaining towards the end of the month, the dealers say.

$3 Million Vehicle Buyer In Court For Fraud

Own Correspondent|A registrar at the deeds office yesterday testified at the Harare Magistrate’s court in a fraud matter that implicates prominent businessman Frank Buyanga.

Allegations are that sometime in August 2009, one Steven Nyoka entered a loan agreement of $19,000 with Buyanga’s company, Orton Drift and was made to sign off his house which was valued at $130,000 at that time.

He allegedly tendered his tittle deeds as security for the loan and after a few months, he was met by aggrieved clients at Buyanga’s office as he was settling his debt.

He was advised that the deal he had made was shady and upon enquiry at the deeds office, he was told that his house was registered under Buyanga’s company.

The registrar, Ellen Mawere told the court that the transfer of the deeds from Buyanga’s company to another company that he owns as well had been stopped.

She told the court that all transfers involving Buyanga had been halted by order from the Attorney General’s office.

“The deeds that were tendered for transferring the said property were rejected as no properties involving Buyanga were supposed to be transferred as he had pending issues with the courts.”

However, through her testimony it was established that the deeds had already been transferred from Nyoka as he had surrendered his deeds.

The accused person in this matter is Bishop Jeche, a property manager at East Rivet Investments Pvt Ltd.

He is being charged with perjury, money laundering and fraud over the case.

Buyanga has however, not been brought to court over the case with the papers citing Jeche as the accused together with an unnamed accomplice who is said to be still at large.

M&T

Through his lawyer Admire Rubaya, Jeche said he was not involved in any transaction or arrangement with the complainant.

He denied the charges and has since written to the prosecutor general saying it is Buyanga who should be before the court.

Chamisa Lays Out Conditions For A Coalition With Mnangagwa

Correspondent|MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa has said that he will consider working with the ZANU PF governemnt only if he is made the third Vice President of the country and his party given the ministries of finance, home affairs, local government & three other ministries.

The party rubbished state media reports that Chamisa was instead demanding for a Prime Minister position.

In a media interview the MDC-T spokesperson Tabitha Khumalo said reports in the state owned newspaper were merely a tactic by the ruling Zanu PF party.

“The sad part about the politics of Zimbabwe is that for some unknown reason, they think that negotiations are done in public.

“We do not rely on newspapers and the Zanu PF leader (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) knows our channels of communication.”

Khumalo said her party leader has never engaged anyone for negotiations. She also said the announcement of the creation of a parliamentary position for the leader of the opposition held no interest for MDC Alliance.

“Zanu PF has no right to downgrade our president to a legislature and over and above that we won this election, so as far as we are concerned it is a non-event,” she said.

She also criticised Mnangagwa for making the announcement of the leader of the opposition position without direct dialogue with Chamisa.

“That is poor management of his (Mnangagwa’s) affairs because honestly if that is what he wanted, you need to negotiate with the president before you make a decision, we were never consulted,” she said.

Khumalo said the current economic climate reflected illegitimacy of the 2018 harmonised elections.

“When a country goes to an election the results are going to be confirmed by the service and delivery of goods and services within the country.

So I am sure you are aware that when Mnangagwa came in everything went sliding, the bond note has gone haywire, as I am speaking today US$100 equals to 300 bond notes and we have horrible fuel queues,” she said.

Senior government sources said Mnangagwa has, however, declined to grant Chamisa’s demands saying he won the elections and if the opposition is not co-operating then Zanu PF can go it alone.

“Mnangagwa will not hand over powerful cabinet posts to the opposition. He won the elections and has more than two thirds majority in parliament so Zanu PF can still soldier on alone,” said the source.

Minister Says Zimbabwe Has Enough Fuel But Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp Are Making It Disappear

…the fuel is there but there is a lot of panic buying which has already been fuelled by social media…

The Minister of Energy and Power Development, Joram Gumbo, has once again accused social media websites, Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp for causing fuel shortages.

Gumbo told the state media at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, that Zimbabwe has enough fuel.

He began by saying, “we have enough fuel stocks at Msasa and Mabvuku in Harare.”

He continued:”the RBZ are doing their best to release forex to oil companies for them to access that fuel. The fuel that I’m saying is at Msasa is enough for the country but it is bonded. It’s brought in by international companies into the country so that our own companies and those that trade within Zimbabwe can access it after paying for it using foreign currency.

That is where the snag is,” he said.

Gumbo said the country only needs 2,5 million litres of diesel and 1, 5 million litres of petrol per day .

“As I speak now we have enough fuel stocks to last us well into the coming months and also there is pumping still going on between Harare and Beira so definitely there is no need to panic as far as the product is concerned. People must be patient enough to allow the periodic releases of forex which are being done by the RBZ so that we can cover this gap that has been created,” he said.

Gumbo said panic buying and hoarding by some fuel companies was creating the crisis being experienced countrywide.

“From my own point of view, the fuel is there but there is a lot of panic buying which has already been fuelled by social media and also by the hoarding that is taking place by some of our companies.

“Some of the oil companies are holding onto the fuel for speculative purposes in the hope that the prices will go up and they can then sell and make a profit which is very unfair but the fuel stocks in the country are adequate”, he said.

“What has also happened is that some oil companies are now restricting fuel to their customers whom they would have pre-sold coupons particularly for companies that sell coupons. That is also causing discord in the provision of fuel in the country”.

Dr Gumbo appealed to fuel companies to release fuel to the market.

“They cause a lot of panic. When there is that kind of restriction, people tend to believe that there are no stocks of fuel in the country. Yes, we could have been having problems of accessing it through forex as required but Government is doing the best it can to make sure it provides the forex that is required for fuel,” he said.

Moses Mzila Flying To UK

by Thembani Dube, 1893 MHRRM’s Secretary for Information and Publicity| The 1893 Mthwakazi (Matebeleland) Human Rights Restoration Movement (1893 MHRRM) hereby confirms that Moses Mzila Ndlovu, a strong, principled and fierce advocate for Truth, Justice and Reparations for the Matebele “Gukurahundi” Genocide will be attending, as a Guest Speaker, the 1st Matebeleland “Gukurahundi Genocide Conference in the United Kingdom.

Mr Ndlovu is a former Movement for Democratic Change legislator in Zimbabwe. He is also a former Zimbabwean Minister of State in the Organ of National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration in the short-lived 2009 to 2012 Global Political Agreement (GPA) Government of Zimbabwe.

Mr Ndlovu’s strong, principled and fierce advocacy for Truth, Justice and Reparations for the Matebeleland “Gukurahundi” Genocide has landed him in rough and dirty Zimbabwean cells. On the 15th April 2011, Mr Ndlovu together with Reverend Marko Mkandla, was arrested on his way to Victoria Falls in Matebeleland North, for having addressed a Matebeleland “Gukurahundi” Genocide Memorial Service. At the time of this arrest, Mr Ndlovu was still a Minister of State in the Organ of National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration. The arrest was calculated to humiliate him and demean as well as ridicule his Ministerial position Since then he has received trumped up charges for various things but has been acquitted in court.

In 1983, the then Government of Robert Gabriel Mugabe unleashed a North Korean trained crack unit called the 5th Brigade of Zimbabwe in Matebeleland. This unit caused a lot of untold suffering in its genocidal forays in our territory and turned Matebeleland into its ethnic killing fields and ethnic “rivers of blood”. The result was the death of between 50 000 to 100 00 law-abiding and God-fearing Matebele people. Thousands endured torture and rape of unimaginable proportions. The survivors remain traumatised, enslaved and held hostage in Zimbabwe by the same tyrannical rulers who committed and continue to commit heinous crimes against them.

The Matebele Genocide Memorization events of the above Genocide remain banned in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean readily police pounce on any Matebeleland activists and leaders that peacefully arrange these memorial gatherings and prevent them from going ahead.

Mr Ndlovu’s attendance to the conference will be a big boost to the 1893 Mthwakazi (Matebeleland) Human Rights Restoration Movement as it ups its campaign for Truth, Justice and Reparations for the Matebeleland Genocide that happened in the 80s in Zimbabwe.

The Conference will be held on the 3rd November 2018 the United Kingdom. It will be the 1st Conference of its kind in the diaspora and will provide further opportunity to disseminate information about the genocide, offer a networking platform with other Nations that have suffered Genocide as well as maintain the campaign for Truth, Justice and Reparations on the international radar. The public are therefore invited to attend the Conference in numbers.

The Conference is scheduled to take place in Luton town, located 46 kilometres north of London, United Kingdom. The Conference will take place from 11:00 am to 5 pm on the day.

The venue for the conference is:

The Lansdowne Hall, The Lansdowne Club, 70 New Bedford Road, Luton, Bedford, LU3 1BS.

Several topics regarding the Matebele “Gukurahundi” Genocide will be presented, ranging from survivor’s narratives or testimonials to legal, forensic anthropology and human rights perspectives as well as sharing experiences of how other parts of the world are dealing with their own Genocides and campaigns for Truth, Justice and Reparations.

Professor Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch, an international organization that, “…exists to predict, prevent, stop, and punish genocide and other forms of mass murder” will be providing a short video on the Matebele “Gukurahundi” Genocide for watching on the day. The Movement will also avail Zenzele Ndebele’s recent documentary on the Genocide for watching on this day.

It is hoped that the Conference will emerge with a Consensus Statement on the way forward on the redress of this Genocide, a statement that will seek to create a road map and a comprehensive Agenda from survivors themselves and stake holders alike in dealing with this issue.

Fears That Govt To Scrap Payment of Duty In Bond Notes

State Media – THERE is a dramatic increase in motor vehicle imports through Beitbridge border post as dealers are rushing to buy cars in South Africa amid speculation that Government will soon suspend the payment of duty in Bond notes.

After a review of the monetary policy and the introduction of a 2 percent tax on RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlements) related transactions, car dealers went into panic mode that duty on all vehicle imports would be levied in foreign currency.

Dealerships on the South African side of the border where most pre-owned vehicles from Japan, United Kingdom (UK) and Singapore are bought and shipped to Zimbabwe, said they were having brisk business since October 2.

There are more than 27 dealerships at the border (South Africa) selling second hand vehicles. It is further reported that eight others are setting up shop following the windfall from Zimbabwean buyers.

The Chronicle is reliably informed that vehicle import documents being processed at both Manica and Malindi transit sheds in Beitbridge have increased by more than 100 percent.

“A few weeks ago we used to acquit an average of 80 vehicles per day, but that has shot up to 180. We understand people are in a panic mode that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development (Mr Mthuli Ncube) will introduce the payment of duty on all vehicle imports in foreign currency soon,” said an official from Malindi transit shed who preferred anonymity.
Border authorities also confirmed that the number of vehicles Certificates of Customs Clearance (CCC) produced per day had increased.

“We are capturing more than double the number of CCC daily as a result of a sudden increase in vehicle imports from South Africa,” said a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official at the border.

In separate interviews yesterday, car dealers in the neighbouring country said they were now selling between 30 and 40 vehicles per day in comparison to five prior to the announcement of the new monetary policy.

A sales manager at one of the biggest dealers (Wright Cars), Mr Clemence Mabidi, said there was a sudden demand for cars with bigger engines such as Mercedes Benz, Toyota Prado, Toyota Quantum, BMW, Honda CRV (RD7),

Toyota Hiace, Mark X and Volvo among others.
“We used to sell less than 20 vehicles per day and now sales have increased to about 40. There is a marked increase in the demand for vehicles with bigger engines, a deviation from the previous norm where people were buying smaller (light) vehicles which are fuel savers,” he said.

“You will note that there are 27 dealers around this area and others are contemplating leaving Durban to set up shop here. As a result of the demand we have also revised prices up, but still the cars are selling like hot cakes.

“For instance we used to sell a Honda Fit for $1 800. The same car now costs $2 300. Those with bigger engines are being sold for between $8 000 and $10 000”.

Mr Mabidi said even the small car dealers who used to sell between 5 and 10 cars per day were now selling up to 20 vehicles.

Major car dealers at the South African border include; Quest Royal, Wright Cars, Car Cade, Murree Motors, Noble Motors and KDG.

An importer needs at least $5 000 and $15 000 to import a vehicle with a small and bigger engine respectively. The amount is inclusive of purchase price and import duty. The duty is calculated at 96 percent of the buying price.

Daring Man Pulls ZRP Cop’s Privates In A Bar

A 23-YEAR-old Bulawayo man has been arraigned for grabbing and pulling a police officer’s private parts after the officer reproached him for making noise in a bar.

Chrispen Mutenda (23) of Western Commonage Police Station grabbed and pulled the private parts of Marvellous Sibanda (36), who is a police officer at the station, following a heated argument.

The court heard that the two were drinking beer at Western Commonage canteen and Mutenda was speaking loudly.

This did not go down well with Sibanda who reproached him for his actions. Mutenda stays with his brother who is also a police officer at the same station, the court heard.

Mr Ncube fined him $100 or 90 days in prison. Mr Kenneth Shava appeared for the State.