By James Gwati- Self-imposed CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, has donated the Mabvuku-Tafara parliament seat to Zanu PF’s Scott Sakupwanya.

Friday, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared Sakupwanya as the uncontested winner of the parliamentary seat after Thursday, the High Court ruled in favour of Tshabangu’s order to bar CCC candidates from partaking in the Sartuday by-election.

CCC had fielded Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi for the Mabvuku seat. Kufahakutizwi is one of the 14 MPs illegally recalled by Tshabangu in October and won the Mabvuku seat in August.

Tinashe Sambiri

CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has exposed Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hypocrisy.

In a strong statement, President Chamisa accused the Zanu PF leader of blessing corruption and rampant looting of resources.

According to President Chamisa, the whole system is fraught with irregularities and fraud.

See statement below…

BEHOLD A BANANA REPUBLIC

Somewhere in a country which is essentially a Banana republic, State institutions are moved by lies.

An incorrigible criminal and fraudster engages in a criminal and fraudulent act.

A blatant lie is acted upon by and moves the whole government, the whole Parliament, the whole Judiciary, the whole Electoral Management Body & a whole ministry( Local Government, Justice & Finance).

The whole electorate and citizenry is abused and taken for fools.

A whole President is moved to gazette a fraud , criminal act and a lie!

The whole nation loses revenue to this lie in a state where hospitals have no medication, schools have no books and roads have craters of potholes.

The whole scheme is diversionary so as to shift the citizens’ focus from the stolen and rigged election! A classic case of a rapist telling a rape victim to forget about the assault and move on !!

This nation must return to majority rule and find a new national consensus through a broad based settlement and pact. #OnePeople

YOU CAN’T RECALL A CALLING…A delay is not a denial. Mkoma, don’t waste state resources for silly pursuits and foolish exploits.

We will emerge out all of this even stronger and purer. So indomitable and uncontainable

Cowards deploy and abuse tortoises! This level of cruelty invites bad omen..

By A Correspondent- Revelers at night clubs around Chikanga’s TM area in Mutare were lucky to recover their stolen cellphones which had been tucked in knee-high socks of a thief who was fatally assaulted by his colleague after refusing to share the loot in the late hours of last Friday.

The nasty incident happened at a night club in Chikanga.

Police confirmed the death of McDonald Muparutsa (31) of New Chisamba, Sakubva, at the hands of his colleague, Lovemore Biggie Nyanzou (26) of Muchena section of the same suburb.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said Nyanzou allegedly murdered his colleague after the latter refused to share the stolen kitty.

“The incident occurred at Rio Night Club at Chikanga TM area in Mutare. On the fateful night, the two were drinking beer together and Nyanzou saw Muparutsa snatching a cellphone from a patron’s pocket and went outside the night club. Nyanzou followed him and demanded a share of the loot. MacDonald refused to give him anything. After that, Nyanzou head-butted Muparutsa. When Nyanzou saw that Muparutsa had collapsed, he ran away.

“However, onlookers gave chase and apprehended him. When police attended the scene, they found Muparutsa’s body lying in a pool of blood and Nyanzou was arrested,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

However, when imbibers dialled their numbers, they heard their phones ringing from the deceased Muparutsa’s socks.

A witness, Mr Lawrence Zvamunongoda, told our Mutare Bureau: “It was shocking to see cellphones being retrieved from the deceased person’s socks.”

“Following Muparutsa’s murder, police attended the scene. People who were enjoying themselves in other night clubs around the area rushed to witness the incident.

“Those who had lost their phones during that night, dialled their numbers using other people’s phones. They heard the phones ringing from Muparutsa’s socks. I noticed five cellphones being retrieved from the socks,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Female lawmakers are pushing for the tabling of a Sexual Harassment Bill  to protect women in politics against persecution by their male counterparts.

The calls were made during a recent sensitisation workshop for women leaders by the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence.

The women leaders had the opportunity to air out the challenges they encounter while discharging their political duties in their various constituencies.

Budiriro North constituency legislator Susan Matsunga said she hoped that such a Bill would be tabled soon.

“We have come up with a motion that we have moved to debate in Parliament as we find that it is not necessary to commemorate these 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence of which the whole year women will be facing challenges with no one to take care of them. GBV is not only in our communities that we lead, it is everywhere even in Parliament,” she said.

Epworth Local Board’s recalled chairperson Anna Sande said there was need for several institutions to be sensitised against harassment of women in politics.

“We really need to sensitise all institutions that work with women; calling for the establishment of a sexual harassment Bill to protect female politicians is a noble cause.

“Female politicians face many challenges than an average male politician faces, hence women ought to be protected from any form of sexual harm,” she said.

Sande said the policy would enable women to effectively carry out their mandate as policymakers and duty bearers.

Chairperson of the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s Women’s Caucus, Senator Maybe Mbowa, said the Bill would strive to cater for men who are also victims.

“It’s not only women who are harassed sexually. These days men are also harassed so all forms of harassment should be dealt with according to how bad they are. We no longer want sexual harassment; we want a Parliament which is well visioned,” she said.

Sexual harassment in workplaces in Zimbabwe has been described as a pervasive and insidious problem too familiar to many women in Zimbabwe.

A recent study by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, indicated that as many as 30% of women have experienced sexual harassment at work leading to an outcry by various gender activists to end the scourge.

Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested on allegations of human trafficking, after they were found on a bus with 14 undocumented children.

This is the second incident of human trafficking involving children in the past few days.

Over the weekend the commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA) Mike Masiapato said they intercepted 443 children, under the age of eight, who were allegedly trafficked from Zimbabwe into South Africa.

It is alleged on Tuesday night the two suspects – a 46-year-old male and a 41-year-old woman – were seen boarding boarding a bus in Midrand with 14 undocumented children.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said there were eight boy and six girls, aged between six and 14-years-old.

“Police were alerted to the incident by a vigilant passenger in a bus from Midrand in Johannesburg en route to Cape Town.

“The bus made a stopover in Kimberley, the passenger called an off-duty police officer, who in turn alerted the multi-disciplinary team.

“The suspects claimed to be taking the kids to their parents in Cape Town, information the police could not verify, leading to the arrest.”

Thebe said the victims were inspected and looked dirty, without any additional clothes or bags, and looked hungry.

“Provincial Trafficking in Persons rapid response team lead by Department of Social Development was contacted to assist with placing the kids at a place of safety and providing food.”

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Northern, Cape Major General Steven Mabuela appreciated the information from the vigilant caller and the efforts of the off-duty police officer, Sergeant Phumla Mpolokeng, which lead to the police’s timely intervention.-IOL

In a defiant stance against the ruling party’s conditions for dialogue, Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), declared that he would not congratulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his victory in the August 2023 elections.

This comes as the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) insisted that any discussions with Chamisa hinge on a public acknowledgment of Mnangagwa’s win and a cessation of allegations of electoral fraud.

Chamisa, who has persistently sought a meeting with President Mnangagwa since 2018, responded to a call for congratulations from an X user, Cindy Shoko, with a resolute refusal. “I don’t celebrate crime. I don’t congratulate fraud! I’m not a pretender!!” Chamisa stated, emphasizing his unwavering belief that the elections were rigged.

The CCC leader’s reluctance to extend congratulations follows a longstanding and unsuccessful effort to engage with the ruling party. ZANU PF had set forth conditions for dialogue, requiring Chamisa to publicly recognize Mnangagwa’s victory and refrain from contesting the legitimacy of the electoral process.

By A Correspondent- Aspiring legislator for Mabvuku Tafara constituency representing Zanu PF in tomorrow’s by elections Pedzisai Scott Sakupwanya on Thursday doled out freebies to residents which include bread, mealie meal and flour.

Residents received a 10kg bag of maize meal, 2kg packet of flour and a loaf of bread each.

Sakupwanya, a former councillor in Harare, was defeated by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi in Mabvuku-Tafara at August’s General Elections.

The two men’s names are on the ballot paper again for the by-election following the recall of Kufahakutizwi by Sengezo Tshabangu, a CCC activist who claims to be the party’s interim secretary-general.

The event was attended by ZANU PF Harare provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa and ZANU PF Treasurer Patrick Chinamasa.

Chinamasa stood in for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Guest of Honour.

Chiwenga was at the Harare Magistrates Court, where his ex-wife Marry Mubaiwa’s attempted murder case was being heard. Said Chinamasa:

The fights in the CCC are an opportunity for us to win, let us win on Saturday. Their issues are not ours, those are their problems.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono urged CCC members to assist Kufahakutizwi to ensure that he reclaims the seat. Chin’ono posted on X:

Everyone who can MUST assist the CCC candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara to win back this constituency, this man needs to win it!

… I urge ALL opposition leaders in Harare to go and campaign in Mabvuku, the symbolism of winning this seat will keep our HOPE alive!

By-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has withdrawn the candidature of 22 CCC legislators recalled in October from contesting for seats under the party banner in tomorrow’s by-elections in compliance with a High Court order which has nullified their nomination.
Several of the recalled MPs and Senators wished to stand again, but the High Court has said that since they were recalled by being expelled from the party, they could not re-contest under the party label.
Of the 22 recalled legislators, eight were directly elected under the “first past the post system” while others were elected under the proportional representation system for the National Assembly or Senate.
In a statement last night, ZEC chief elections officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana said they had since withdrawn the ballot papers printed and distributed earlier and would reprint and redistribute new ones that excluded the barred candidates.
“Kindly note that this will not affect the number of ballots to be printed and the number remains as notified in the notice published on the 27 November 3023. The printer remains Printing and Minting Company.”
Those who won constituency seats in August and who are now barred from standing in by-elections are Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Vanya Bright Moyo (Lupane East), Raphael Pashor Sibanda (Cowdray Park), Jane Nocola Watson (Bulawayo South), Ereck Gono (Lobengula Magwegwe), Morgan Ncube (Beitbridge West) Obert Manduna (Nketa) and Desmond Makaza (Mpopoma Mzilikazi)
In an interview earlier, ZEC deputy chairperson Ambassador Rodney Kiwa said all was set for the by-elections.
The by-elections came after self-imposed CCC interim secretary general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu, recalled the MPs from Parliament saying they had ceased to members of the party.
“We have been able to mobilise all the resources and election materials are available. Naturally most of the election material have been deployed to Bulawayo where most of the voting will be taking place. So yes I can confidently say we are ready,” said Ambassador Kiwa.
A total of 266 150 ballot papers are expected to be printed for the conduct of the by-elections for the National Assembly which is expected to serve at least 248 347 voters.
This comes as another round of by-elections has been fixed on February 3 in six National Assembly constituencies after Tshabangu recalled 18 CCC legislators last month.
The Nomination Court will sit on December 18 to receive names of candidates interested in contesting in the by-elections. The court order barring expelled legislators from standing again will probably still apply.
The by-elections will be held in Pelandaba, Goromonzi South, Seke, Chegutu West, Zvimba East and Mkoba North.
-Herald

By-Former “Mr Ugly”, Mison Sere, has died of suspected drug abuse.

He was 51. 

Sere reportedly collapsed while relieving himself in the toilet at his family house in Mabvuku.

H-Metro reported family spokesperson Danny Sere, as saying they believe his death was probably caused by illicit drugs and illegal alcoholic drinks he was consuming. Said Danny:

Mison has been abusing drugs and drinking illicit alcohol for some time.

At one time, he would show signs of mental disturbances due to drugs.

He would move around looking for houses where people are gathered for funerals.

There was no funeral gathering around Mabvuku, which he didn’t attend, just for beer only.

He would spend more than three days camped at a funeral.

Chainyanyorwadza ndechekuti ainwa tudoro utwu asinakudya.

Sere won the title of “ugliest person” four times, beating inaugural winner, William Masvinu.

However, his win in 2015 courted controversy as some critics argued that he was too “handsome” to be counted among the contestants.

Sere’s detractors argued that he only had missing teeth and should not be among the ugly contestants.

ZANU PF candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency in the 09 December by-elections, Pedzai Sakupwanya, reportedly donated mealie-meal, meat, tomatoes and vegetables for the funeral.

By-The Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says it has appealed against a High Court decision to disqualify its candidates from contesting in the 09 December 2023 by-elections.

High Court Judge Justice Never Katiyo, Thursday granted an application by the party’s self-declared interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu to bar recalled CCC candidates from participating in the upcoming by-elections.

CCC’s deputy spokesman Gift Siziba said the party has appealed against the decision by Justice Katiyo at the Supreme Court. He said:

In the Supreme Court, we have appealed against the decision of the High Court to side with Tshabangu at el in removing our candidates from the by-election.

There’s no way we can have an election without candidates that were legitimately nominated.

ZANU PF is afraid of an election, they were rejected even in a flawed election 23rd. We will not accept this, we will fight!

Meanwhile, Tshabangu’s lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri was reported as saying that the order granted by the High Court today in the case of the recalled CCC MPs standing in by-elections is “declaratory and an appeal will not suspend the order.”

However, CCC legislator, Fadzayi Mahere argued that Uriri’s assertion is incorrect. Said Mahere:

That’s incorrect. An appeal suspends the operation of a court order. In the case of Musa Kika v Luke Malaba CJ HH 287/21, the court held that an appeal suspends an order appealed against including declaratory orders that grant consequential relief such as an interdict.

This is exactly the case in the by-election recalls case. Once an appeal is noted, that order will no longer be operative. That’s the law.

Justice Katiyo barred the 22 recalled CCC Members of the National Assembly from contesting in Saturday’s by-election after ruling that the move by the nomination court to accept their papers was unlawful.

By A Correspondent- The High Court has granted the order sought by self imposed opposition CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, to expunge the names of the recalled legislators and councillors from representing the party in the by-elections slated for this Saturday, 9 December 2023.
Following the granting of the High Court order, Gift Siziba posted on twitter:

?Justice Chitapi has ruled that Tshabangu is an imposter and lacks the authority to recall our members or represent our party CCC. Shockingly, Justice Katiyo has disregarded this ruling and granted Tshabangu the power to prevent our illegally recalled MPs from participating in… pic.twitter.com/iuBoT91IcA

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) December 7, 2023

“In the Supreme Court, we have appealed against the decision of the High court to side with Tshabangu at el in removing our candidates from the by-election. There’s no way we can have an election without candidates that were legitimately nominated. Zanupf is afraid of an election, they were rejected even in a flawed election 23rd. We will not accept this, we will fight!”

By James Gwati-In developments seen to be pushed by the ruling Zanu PF party, the High Court has granted an order sought by CCC imposter Sengezo Tshabangu to block CCC MPs and senators he recalled from participating in the 09 December 2023.

Tshabangu recalled 14 MPs from the National Assembly and eight senators in October, claiming they had ceased to be CCC members.

Presiding over the case, High Court Judge Justice Never Katiyo ruled in favour of Tshabangu.
Yesterday, Justice Katiyo reserved the judgment, a development many believed he wanted to consult with Zanu PF before handing over the ruling.
Writing on social media after the shocking ruling, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba threatened mass protests.
He wrote:
Justice Chitapi has ruled that Tshabangu is an imposter and lacks the authority to recall our members or represent our party CCC. Shockingly, Justice Katiyo has disregarded this ruling and granted Tshabangu the power to prevent our illegally recalled MPs from participating in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, ZEC has already printed and distributed ballot papers for our candidates in different wards and constituencies in preparation for the by-election. Zimbabwe is currently facing a constitutional crisis that can only be resolved by the highest court, the PEOPLE. We are a peace loving movement but that doesn’t mean we are WEAK.

By A Correspondent- The High Court has granted the order sought by self imposed opposition CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, to expunge the names of the recalled legislators and councillors from representing the party in the by-elections slated for this Saturday, 9 December 2023.

Following the granting of the High Court order, Gift Siziba posted on twitter:

“In the Supreme Court, we have appealed against the decision of the High court to side with Tshabangu at el in removing our candidates from the by-election. There’s no way we can have an election without candidates that were legitimately nominated. Zanupf is afraid of an election, they were rejected even in a flawed election 23rd. We will not accept this, we will fight!”

By A Correspondent- The High Court has granted the order sought by self imposed opposition CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, to expunge the names of the recalled legislators and councillors from representing the party in the by-elections slated for this Saturday, 9 December 2023.

Following the granting of the High Court order, Gift Siziba posted on twitter:

“In the Supreme Court, we have appealed against the decision of the High court to side with Tshabangu at el in removing our candidates from the by-election. There’s no way we can have an election without candidates that were legitimately nominated. Zanupf is afraid of an election, they were rejected even in a flawed election 23rd. We will not accept this, we will fight!”

By A Correspondent- The High Court has granted the order sought by self imposed opposition CCC interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, to expunge the names of the recalled legislators and councillors from representing the party in the by-elections slated for this Saturday, 9 December 2023.

Following the granting of the High Court order, Gift Siziba posted on twitter:

“In the Supreme Court, we have appealed against the decision of the High court to side with Tshabangu at el in removing our candidates from the by-election. There’s no way we can have an election without candidates that were legitimately nominated. Zanupf is afraid of an election, they were rejected even in a flawed election 23rd. We will not accept this, we will fight!”

By A Correspondent- Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has taken to social media to mock jailed opposition activist Jacob Ngarivhume.

Said Charamba in a tweet:

I always tell people never to flaunt bravado, especially when pitted against the State. The State definitionally, has an endless life. It bears no birth certificate as, like God, its life is INFINITE!!! Just see how haggard and lonely Ngarivhume now is. Vaya vaimupururudzira vachiti mwiroo in their homes while he wallows muboma!!! Imika imi!!!!!

By A Correspondent- Opposition CCC has claimed that another party member Silvester Chiundiza from Epworth was abducted yesterday and forced to drink a poisonous substance.

Said Gift Ostallos in a tweet post:

Abduction Alert

Silvester Chiundiza was abducted yesterday 6 Dec 2023 around 5pm in Epworth Ward 7 and was then dumped at his residence at midnight. He was tied and only managed to say that he was forced to drink what he suspects to be poison. His body was full of mud from head to toes. He is in bad shape and is currently hospitalized. #StopTheseAbdctions#NotAnother5Years.

We reported a case of abduction of our member Silvester M Chiundiza( 47 years) who was abducted yesterday in Ward 7 in Epworth.

Police have refused to accept our report arguing that the victim, who was brutalized must come and report to the police. We have deployed our legal and welfare team to ensure that our Champion is safe and Justice is served.

This is a the tragedy of a regime that lost and election and has gone after it’s own Citizens. A country where no one is safe to exercise their right.

Zimbabwe has recorded a staggering 16 444 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and 31 deaths since January this year with men cited as the main perpetrators.

Speaking during a media workshop organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Zimbabwe on 16 days of activism against GBV in Harare yesterday, national police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said there was urgent need to address the scourge.

In the year 2022, we had 26 females who were killed by their partners. This year, we have 31 killed,” Nyathi said.

“The issue of domestic violence is so real and as we move towards the end of the year, the Commissioner-General of Police [Godwin Matanga] will present his report mid-January and we will see how the figures would be.”

He said men were the primary perpetrators of violence.

“From January to October 2023, we received about 16 444 cases where females have been abused and 2 463 cases where men have been abused. So basically, the girl child and females are victims of violence,” he said.

Nyathi also raised concern over journalists and other women victims not reporting cases of sexual harassment at their workplaces.

“Those who reported actually fear for their careers, marriages and what their peers are going to say in the media industry,” Nyathi said.

“So, at the end of the day the victims are not free and as a result this perpetuates a culture of sexual harassment in the newsroom.

“Even our young journalists when they are doing their duties with the sources, they are at risk of being harassed by these politicians etc. So, they need to be protected.”

Speaking at the same event Women Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government remains committed to preventing and reducing violence against women and girls.

“As such, my ministry continues to coordinate efforts towards addressing GBV through various interventions, particularly by ensuring that the legal and policy frameworks are strengthened and are protective of women and girls,” Mutsvangwa said.

“We continuously collaborate with different stakeholders that include the government, civil society, development partners, traditional and religious leaders and the private sector in efforts to prevent and respond to GBV through a whole of government and whole of society approach.”

She said the government was coordinating the review of the National Strategy for Preventing and Addressing GBV, a strategy document that will provide guidance towards GBV programming.

The strategy is expected to be launched this month.

Misa Zimbabwe chairperson, Golden Maunganidze, said the organisation was taking measures to ensure that women freely exercise their freedom in the media sector.

“However, as you may all know, at Misa we take issues of freedom of expression very seriously — we, therefore, found it fit to take this opportunity to hold this event with the hope that it will mark the start of well-co-ordinated efforts to, not only publicise Resolution 522, but also to take concrete steps towards preventing and eradicating digital violence against women, particularly female journalists in our motherland,” Maunganidze said.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists secretary-general Perfect Hlongwane, said there was need for media houses to put in place measures that protect women from sexual harassment.

“We need to have an independent board that is going to make sure that it takes appropriate disciplinary action against perpetrators,” he said.

“We need to create safe spaces for female journalists and also spaces to ensure that they also take up top leadership positions.”

Gender and Media Connect executive director Patience Zirima said about 48% of female journalists were being violated online.

In a statement to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said GBV disproportionately affects women and girls.

“My ministry recognises the gravity of this problem and has implemented programs to combat it while enhancing access to justice for GBV survivors,” Ziyambi said.

“Their goal is to ensure that survivors receive the necessary care and assistance required for their recovery and the rebuilding of their lives.

“Our approach as a nation, therefore, entails tackling GBV through evidence-based strategies tailored to the specific needs of survivors, emphasising the promotion of gender equality, social justice, and human rights.”

Ziyambi said the government had tightened laws against GBV by criminalising child marriages through the Marriages Act, while pushing for the criminalisation of sexual activities with minors under the age of 18.

He said the government had also established specialised courts and support services with necessary resources and assistance to provide assistance to all marginalised communities in Zimbabwe.-Newsday

Anglican mission school, Daramombe High School, raised the Zimbabwe’s flag high after outflanking schools from Botswana and Swaziland in a quiz competition held last week.

The National School Quiz Championships (NSQC) was held from December 2 to 3 at the Gaborone International School in Botswana.

The NSQC competition, considered as the most widely televised academic tournament and is broadcast in over 80 countries since inception, was making a return after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Zimbabwe’s sole representative, Daramombe’s students showed their academic prowess as they topped the competition to get the US$45 000 scholarship to India, among other prizes.

Daramombe went into the competition’s finals, facing the host. The final round saw the Zimbabwean representatives go head-to-head with the brilliant minds of St Josephs in a series of sudden death questions.

When asked who had won the 2010 Federation International de Football Association World Cup, Daramombe rose to the occasion saying Spain had won the tournament.

Botswana’s Believers Destiny Academy (Team 1) emerged the ultimate winners under the primary schools’ category to pocket BWP18 000 in sponsorship to participate in MARCH OF THE NERDS, among other prizes.

Gaborone International School primary teams 1 and 2 also scooped BWP12 000 and BWP6 000 for taking second and third positions, respectively.

Daramombe quiz team’s patron Ndaizivei Shasha said they were excited to emerge champions at such a level.

Shasha said the support from the school’s head (Amos  Takatya) and colleagues had made it possible for them to reach such a milestone.

“The headmaster’s faith in my abilities as the patron of the Daramombe quiz spurs me on. I just told him that my team was invited to participate at the Botswana tournament, and I wanted to go… he has never disappointed us and can go an extra mile,” she said.

“Words fail me, but I also want to thank the team that has never disappointed. The guys are just amazing. They stood the heat. It was not a walk in the park, the level of competition was very high, and they proved their worth and managed to represent Zimbabwe well.”

She said her junior policy approach had been their secret to victory.

“I recruit form ones why, because the quiz needs a lot of research so if they are doing nine subjects, I tell them the quiz is your 10th subject.  That much has saved me a lot…I also emphasise on good moral fibre,” Shasha said.

“There is no winning if the kids are morally corrupted and above all I encourage patriotism as pupils who love their country would represent it well like they did at the competition. Hats off to captain Ashley Gatsi, vice Thabo Sibanda, Samuel Huni, Rashid Shekienda, Minerva Takatya and Anisha Juawo for representing the school, district, province and the country of Zimbabwe at large.”

Daramombe High School headmaster Takatya said he was humbled by the performance of the team.

“I had faith in them right from the beginning. I want to thank them for flying our banner higher as a school and as able representatives of Zimbabwe. To the patron, I want to say keep the reins tight as you soar higher with your team,” he noted.

“Keep the mental gymnastics a culture that will always be inscribed on the history of our great institution. I also want to thank all stakeholders who gave us maximum support in the pursuit of this golden goal. These include the highly esteemed officials from the  Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, our school development committee and our much revered responsible authority, the Anglican Diocese of Masvingo.”

The NSQC founder and chief executive producer Ian Venganai told NewsDay Life & Style that this first NSQC tournament since the end of COVID-19 will be televised from January on Botswana Television and Mindset DStv channel 319.

“It was nothing short of a spectacle and brilliant performance of academic gladiators from primary and secondary schools,” he said.

“There are plenty of opportunities that come with taking part in the auspicious NSQC Universe, which is widely known as the Nerd Galaxy by many students across the world.”

Venganai promised more academic tournaments for 2024, startingwith the NSQC Zimbabwe scheduled for Saturday February 3 in Harare.

A businessman from Dzivarasekwa, Harare, lost US$3,600 which he was keeping in a safe at a tuckshop when armed robbers pounced on the tuckshop on the 5th of December 2023.

A police report seen by this publication states that the man was sleeping when two robbers armed with a pistol pounced on the tuckshop and attacked him before getting away with the cash and other valuables.

Read the report:

Police in Dzivarasekwa are investigating a case of robbery which occurred at a tuckshop in Nehanda, Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare on 05/12/23 at around 0120 hours in which two unidentified male suspects armed with a pistol attacked a victim who was sleeping before stealing US$ 3 600 cash which was in a safe among other valuables.

The police are calling on anyone who has information about the crime to report it at the nearest police station.

Crime rates, such as armed robberies, theft, and murder, have been increasing for several years. Criminals use weapons like machetes, guns, iron bars, knives, or explosives. The situation has become so serious that there have been cases involving active and retired members of the police, army, and intelligence agencies.

The authorities advise people not to keep large amounts of money at home or in unsafe places to avoid being targeted by robbers.

By- CCC self-imposing interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu was Wednesday left guessing by the High Court after Justice Never Katiyo, who is presiding over an appeal seeking the disqualification of CCC MPs and senators he recalled from participating in the 09 December 2023 reserved judgment.

Tshabangu recalled 14 MPs from the National Assembly and eight senators in October, claiming they had ceased to be CCC members.

The MPs would later lose two appeals filed with the High Court and the Supreme Court.

However, the MPs successfully filed their nomination papers for the by-elections under CCC which triggered the latest challenge by Tshabangu.

When the case was argued before Justice Never Katiyo in the High Court yesterday, Tshabangu’s lawyer Lewis Uriri said the MPs should be barred from contesting under the name of a party from which they were recalled. He said:

They were recalled and as a result, by-elections were called for.

We submit that ZEC should not have accepted nomination papers of recalled members without confirmation of their restoration to the party.

Tshabangu filed his application citing CCC as the first applicant.

The CCC led by Nelson Chamisa then sought to be joined in the proceedings.

Uriri insisted that the CCC (led by Chamisa) which joined the proceedings was bogus.

Alec Muchadehama, representing the recalled legislators, argued the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. He said:

In our papers, we raise a number of preliminary issues and we still stand by them. This court has no jurisdiction to entertain this matter.

It is an electoral matter which ought to have been filed in the Electoral Court.

He also argued that Tshabangu’s request has been overtaken by events. Said Muchadehama:

Ballot papers have already been printed and sent to constituencies in readiness for the election.

All systems are now in place for the election to be heard. To take submissions already overtaken by events will be pointless.

Please stop majoring in minors; it would help if you addressed real issues

Passengers Association of Zimbabwe & Zimbabwe Passengers Transport Organisation & Cedarwood Memorial School of Mortuary Sciences with The Assistance of Environmental Management Agency and City of Harare National Clean Up Day Event at Mbare Main Bus Terminus.

Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) organized a National Clean Up Day event on the 2^nd of December 2023 at Mbare Main Bus Terminus.  Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO), and students of Cedarwood Memorial Trust (CMSMS) led by the Head also participated. Environmental Management Agency (EMA) provided brooms, latex gloves and plastic bins. Harare City workers at the rank also aided with bins for waste collection and disposal.

Participants cleaned up Mbare Main Bus Terminus and also conducted an awareness campaign, which included distribution of bins to vendors and takeaways. City of Harare representatives, PAZ and CMSMS encouraged vendors and takeaways at the terminus to keep their environment clean, especially as there is a cholera epidemic. They were advised that if they fail to observe proper hygiene and keeping their working environment clean, they may forfeit their right or privilege to operate.

PAZ was led by its National Coordinator Mr. Tafadzwa Goliati, and representatives from ZPTO participated, whilst ten students were led by the founder of Cedarwood Memorial Trust, who is also the head of Cedarwood School of Mortuary Sciences, Mr. Johan Yadyo.

The National Coordinator of PAZ, Tafadzwa Goliati, called for commuters and vendors to ensure that they keep bus ranks clean and that there should be proper vending as commuters no longer have space for their mobility, such that they end up walking in the midst of the road, where they may be hit by buses and other vehicles.

‘We also appeal to EMA and City of Harare to ensure that there is  proper and complete collection of refuse from Mbare Main Bus Terminus. There is an eyesore of piled up refuse, which is burnt 24hours affecting commuters,  rather than collected by dump trucks for proper disposal. We look forward to having clean bus termini all over Harare, as well as in all cities and towns and look forward to all councils prioritizing this issue,’ said PAZ National Coordinator, Tafadzwa Goliati.

Students of CMSMS viewed the clean up exercise at the very busy bus rank as an eye opener, outside their mortuary science training. Mr. Johan Yadyo, then stated that, ‘As Cedarwood Memorial Trust, we want the funeral practitioner to appreciate that they have a social responsibility beyond ensuring that the dearly departed have a deserving send off, and helping the survivors to cope with grief. Seeing members of the public brushing shoulders with us outside a funeral occasion and joyously cleaning up is a delightful experience.

A bus crew member said that it is important to keep bus ranks clean and, in the future, they will keep participating in these activities. ‘We thank President Mnangagwa for coming up with this day and we thank EMA and all partners for appreciating the importance of Mbare which provides transport to all corners of Zimbabwe.’

The National Day of Clean Up was proclaimed by President Mnangwagwa, on the 15^th of December 2018, to be on the first Friday of every month and since then various stakeholders including government departments, companies, Community Based Organisations, NGOs and churches have participated on clean ups during this day. PAZ, ZPTO and CMT choose Mbare Main Bus Terminus, because of its significance as the largest bus rank in the country and Mbare the oldest Harare township has the most business and commuting traffic in Harare.

END  

The government of Zimbabwe has defended the proposed increase in taxes and fees included in the 2024 National Budget, stating that they are necessary to provide critical services across the country. The budget includes plans to raise tollgate fees, and passport fees, and introduce a wealth tax, and a tax on soft drinks, among other measures. Some citizens have expressed displeasure with these proposals.

Finance and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, claims that the aim of increasing passport fees is to ensure that passport services are accessible to all parts of the country, according to ZBC News.

He said:

When this is done, we will definitely review the fees downwards. As for the proposed increase in tollgates, we want to upgrade our roads, for instance, the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls which is being attended to. It is costly to construct roads it needs lots of money. As for the wealth tax, Zimbabwe like most countries in Africa has challenges with inequality and wealth tax is one way of redistributing the wealth and we have linked it to the value of property. Money in wealth tax will be used to develop urban infrastructure such as water which is currently a challenge.

We have since increased royalties for platinum and lithium to 7% from something that was as low as 2.5 %, that was progress. In the budget, I propose that there must be further beneficiation for instance, lithium must be refined to lithium carbonates.

If this is not done, a company will pay an export tax as a penalty for meeting the beneficiation target. Once the minerals are beneficiated like that, will earn more in export earnings and that’s positive for the country.q

The government’s statement about increasing passport fees to ensure accessibility is unclear. It is also unclear how the government plans to use the passport fees, especially considering that in 2021, they engaged a security printing company, Garsu Pasaulis, to set up modern infrastructure for producing new e-passports and other identification documents in a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) deal.

Typically, in a BOOT model, the company invests its own resources and recoups the costs during its operation of the facilities. Therefore, it is unclear why the government needs to increase passport fees if the infrastructure has already been established.

Several people have criticised the proposed budget, saying it takes too much money from citizens who are already heavily taxed. Some argue that taxes in other countries are justified because they receive good services in return, but in Zimbabwe, service delivery is poor or nonexistent.

They believe their taxes are being misused. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, John Mangudya, defended the proposed budget saying that Zimbabwe has had less access to credit from international financial institutions, so the government needs to find revenue from within the country to meet its financial obligations.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) statement on the fatal shooting of three armed robbery suspects in a shootout with the police in Kadoma:

ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS AFTER A SHOOT-OUT INCIDENT IN INGEZI, KADOMA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of two foreign national armed robbery suspects after a shootout incident in which Peter Ngulube (38), Shylock Makoni (41) and Tendai Madiki (52) died at Tandara Shopping Centre, Ingezi, Kadoma.

On 05th December 2023, detectives from CID Homicide, Bulawayo acted on received information and arrested two foreign national suspects in Bulawayo.

The two suspects admitted to committing several armed robberies around Bulawayo and they revealed that they were in transit to Kadoma where they would meet their accomplices, Peter Ngulube, Shylock Makoni and Tendai Madiki intending to commit another robbery.

The two suspects led the detectives to Tandara Shopping Centre, Ingezi Kadoma where they positively identified the three suspects who were driving a silver Toyota Raider D4D registration number AFR 4376 to the detectives.

On seeing the detectives, the suspects opened fire whilst speeding off and a shootout ensued.

The detectives searched the suspects’ motor vehicle and recovered an A.38 Smith and Wilson Revolver with one round, seven spent cartridges, two gas-operated pellet guns, a bolt cutter, a crowbar, a machete, a pepper spray, two balaclavas and three pairs of woollen gloves.

Two suspects, Peter Ngulube and Shylock Makoni were seriously injured and were rushed to Kadoma General Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Tendai Madiki was shot when he tried to run away during indications in Muzvezve, Kadoma where detectives were recovering other weapons used to commit criminal acts by the suspects. The suspect was taken to Kadoma General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects are also clearing two (02) stock theft cases which occurred at Chivuyini Village, Chief Sitaudze, Beitbridge, where two she-goats were stolen and another which occurred at Chogomere Village, Chief Matibe, Beitbridge where two goats were stolen.

Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to thank the public for the continued supply of positive information in the fight against crime.

By- The High Court has left CCC imposter Sengezo Tshabangu in suspense Wednesday after it reserved judgment in a case in which he is seeking the disqualification of CCC MPs and senators he recalled from participating in the 09 December 2023.

Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC’s interim secretary general, recalled 14 MPs from the National Assembly and eight senators in October, claiming they had ceased to be CCC members.

The MPs would later lose two appeals filed with the High Court and the Supreme Court.

However, the MPs successfully filed their nomination papers for the by-elections under CCC which triggered the latest challenge by Tshabangu.

When the case was argued before Justice Never Katiyo in the High Court yesterday, Tshabangu’s lawyer Lewis Uriri said the MPs should be barred from contesting under the name of a party from which they were recalled. He said:

They were recalled and as a result, by-elections were called for.

We submit that ZEC should not have accepted nomination papers of recalled members without confirmation of their restoration to the party.

Tshabangu filed his application citing CCC as the first applicant.

The CCC led by Nelson Chamisa then sought to be joined in the proceedings.

Uriri insisted that the CCC (led by Chamisa) which joined the proceedings was bogus.

Alec Muchadehama, representing the recalled legislators, argued the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. He said:

In our papers, we raise a number of preliminary issues and we still stand by them. This court has no jurisdiction to entertain this matter.

It is an electoral matter which ought to have been filed in the Electoral Court.

He also argued that Tshabangu’s request has been overtaken by events. Said Muchadehama:

Ballot papers have already been printed and sent to constituencies in readiness for the election.

All systems are now in place for the election to be heard. To take submissions already overtaken by events will be pointless.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership has prohibited former Public Service minister Petronella Kagonye from carrying out party activities following her release from prison.
Kagonye was jailed in June last year for converting laptops donated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to personal use during her time in office.

Upon her release from prison, Kagonye announced that she had resumed her role as the provincial women’s league secretary for administration.
According to a prohibition order dated November 28, signed by provincial disciplinary committee chairperson Kudzai Majuru, the former Goromonzi South legislator remains barred from carrying out party activities pending a disciplinary hearing set for December 19.
“Please take note that the Zanu-PF Mashonaland East province executive council has decided on the 19th of November 2023 to invoke chapter 5 Article Section 528 of the Zanu-PF Constitution 2022 against your conduct,” the prohibition order read.
“As such, you are hereby barred from visiting party offices for the purpose of attending any or carrying out such for and on behalf of the party.
“This also prohibits you from holding any party or attending any party meeting until finalisation of the matter against you. The hearing has been pencilled for the 19th of December 2023.”
Kagonye was sentenced to three years in jail, but 12 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
A further eight months were suspended on condition that she reimburses Potraz US$10 000, leaving her with an effective 16-month jail term.
She was confined to Chikurubhi Female Prison and launched several bids at the High Court to have her sentence reversed.-Newsday

By-Zanu PF has blamed the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC for the fresh sanctions the Joe Biden administration introduced on government officials undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.

The ruling party has a history of stealing elections and has been under sanctions imposed by America and her Western allies since 2002.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement Tuesday saying under this policy, the U.S. will pursue visa restrictions, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.
Blinken said, “Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from electoral processes; restricting the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance, or human rights related activities; or intimidation of voters, election observers, or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence.
“They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery, that undermine the electoral process; interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary during its adjudication of electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe. Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.”
He said the visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals “involved in these acts, and is not directed at the Zimbabwean people. The United States supports Zimbabweans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.”
The USA has criticized the manner in which the recent general elections were conducted.
Observers from the Southern African Development Community, African Union and European Union said Zimbabwe’s harmonized elections fell short of regional and international standards.

Responding to the US statement, Zanu PF chief whip, Pupurayi Togarepi, said Chamisa and his party influenced the renewal of these sanctions.

ZimEye/VOA

By-The Joe Biden administration has slapped sanctions on Zanu P.F. officials undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said under this policy, the U.S. will pursue visa restrictions, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, for individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.
Blinken said, “Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from electoral processes; restricting the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance, or human rights related activities; or intimidation of voters, election observers, or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence.
“They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery, that undermine the electoral process; interfering with the independent operation of the judiciary during its adjudication of electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe. Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.”
He said the visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals “involved in these acts, and is not directed at the Zimbabwean people. The United States supports Zimbabweans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.”
The USA has criticized the manner in which the recent general elections were conducted.
Observers from the Southern African Development Community, African Union and European Union said Zimbabwe’s harmonized elections fell short of regional and international standards.

-VOA

By A Correspondent- Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has defended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec ) for logistical boobs on election day particularly its failure to print enough ballot papers.

Voting was extended in several polling centres especially in Bulawayo and Harare after Zec failed to distribute ballot papers in time.

Zec had told Zimbabweans before the August 23 and 24 elections that it had printed enough ballot papers.

Addressing legislators in Parliament on Wednesday last week during the question and answer session, Ziyambi acknowledged the delays in the distribution of ballot papers but shifted blame to the several court cases that he said affected planning.

He, however, said it was the function of Zec to ensure that elections are conducted efficiently by making sure that ballot papers are printed and delivered on time.

“On August 23, 2023, we witnessed or heard about the logistical challenges that the commission faced, as a result, hindering the execution of its earlier mentioned function,” Ziyambi said.

“Mr Speaker Sir, the commission faced challenges in the production and distribution of ballot papers for a few constituencies and wards emanating from the unprecedented number of court challenges that it faced.”

“More than 100 post-nomination applications were filed in the Electoral Court and the High Court of Zimbabwe.”

Ziyambi added: “Due to the large number of court challenges and the late determination of the same, the ballot papers could not be designed and printed without confirmed candidates.”

He said this affected the designing, printing and distribution of the ballot papers.

Ziyambi said the commission calculated ballot papers to be printed based on the voting population per polling station across the country.

“This information was submitted to printers who were working on the said projections but the actual printing unfortunately, had to be stalled pending the outcome of pending cases,” he said.

“The commission adopted a production and distribution strategy which prioritised the remote and more distant provinces to ease the distribution challenges against limited timeframes. For this reason, it should be noted that delays were largely experienced in Harare because the printing and distribution was done last due to the province’s proximity to the printer.”

Ziyambi said there were few reported cases of errors, resulting in ballot papers being reprinted at the last minute, further delaying their distribution.

“Further Mr Speaker, in mitigation of the said challenges, efforts were made to ensure that voters were not disenfranchised,” he said.

“The commission requested the President to consider exercising his powers under section 38 of the Electoral Act and alter his earlier proclamation so that voting could be extended to 24th August, 2023 in those areas that had been affected by the delays.  As a result of these efforts, a statistical analysis of the average voter turn-out by polling station showed no significant difference between affected and none affected polling stations.”

Zec attracted brickbats over the logistical boobs on election day with the opposition charging that it was a deliberate strategy to rig the elections in favour of the ruling Zanu PF.

-newsday

ZANU PF PRESS BRIEF BY NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON CDE C. MUTSVANGWA

Live @ ZANU PF HQ

Present

Director for Information and Publicity Cde Farai Marapira, members of the Media. We are on the last month of the year and we felt it was good to have you along and to give you pointers of where we are going both as part and Government. The President Cd EDM is working hard with the election win against Nelson Chamisa bringing a sweet win to ZANU PF. This has been the highlight of the President achievement during the year. We also had the conference in Gweru which focused on the economy

The story of President has never been known in Africa. It’s only because of toxists political environment in Zimbabwe. They don’t want to acknowledge what is good they always try to blind side everyone. Some of the naysayers I met them in Vic Falls. Every time and again the President is cutting ribbons of different colours on major economic importance. To the opposition if a steel plant is built to them or does not exist. When billionaires comes for our Lithium they don’t acknowledge. The billionaires are exploiting the fifth largest lithium resource in Zimbabwe. It’s sad when the opposition does not acknowledge the world being done but we are not blind to investors coming here. The President is being invited everywhere in Saudi Arabia, Dubai etc. These are new investors who are coming.

Even the British are excited about what Zimbabwe is doing. This is the country which used to be negtive about us. The President has been in London several times and this is a vote from the country which sponsored the formation of opposition in Zimbabwe. They are opening a new page. The opposition is always preaching negative messages which are their imagination

After the departure of Tsvangirai the MDC became a wapusa wapusa. ZCTU is our formation during the liberation of was subverted to be against Government. A coup within MDC resulted in this confusion there are no structures in the CCC. It’s not possible that a structureless party can transform Zimbabwe. Now the people are realising that CCC will not take them anywhere and are beginning to vote for ZANU PF. We are now winning by elections. Investments in the rural areas are now spilling over into the urban areas. Now our people will now have more than one job. Never has Chamisa been seen with a business man When investors come from airport they don’t meet the Mayors in Harare they go to rural areas where they invest.

For two decades we have never seen a CCC town father opening any investment. We now have central government coming in to provide services. Look at Kuwadzana there is sewage in vegetables and now cholera because of lack of water reticulation. If the Cory father’s had foresight they could have encouraged solar panels to be build in town homes. The CCC is obsessed by State power not knowing that across the path there are powered centers including local council. Very soon we will have investment desk at the airport.

The normal place for investors to visit is local council because they are the ones with space to invest but in our case local authorities are not active. Elections are over what we are now doing are by elections. The opposition still talks about re-run through SADC but SADC can not order an election and they are happy with the result. The much touted EU report has nothing because it was written at Harvest House. The EU is not an empirial power over Zimbabwe.

It will not end well in CCC Tshabangu is the one with historical structures. How can you win when you don’t have structures. In this wapusa wapusa there is Mahere who continues to make statements. She talks of things she can’t comprehend she talks about the budget though she is a lawyer. She makes lengthy statement about the budget about this country when she is not well knowledgeable about the subject. Her statements about her budget are nonsensical the budget is progressive.

The budget will trun out to an interim given the boom in steel the country will experience. We have imported about 6.3 billion dollars so far in two month time we will start producing more than we need and the budgeted money will be earned money for use locally saved from the steel imports. Gift Mugano has never visited one lithium plant but he always wants to speak on Zimbabwe from an uninformed position. He throws around funny figures because he is out of touch with reality.

Look at the frequency of meetings between Zimbabwe and Mozambique through the Manhize plant.

You have people who say the country is toxic yet countries are coming onboard to invest. Within a year the President has led the country towards energy sufficiency through the commissioning of two power plants that will be supplying over 600MW.

ZIM1

NyikaInovakwaNeVeneVayo

IlizweLakhiwaNgabanikaziBalo

---

Distributed by
ZANU PF Headquarters:: INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
Follow us:
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By A Correspondent | The self imposing opposition character, Sengezo Tshabangu has confirmed several pictures revealed by ZimEye during a LIVE video conversation with him while he arranged (watch) to meet a notorious Scott Sakupwanya aide at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harare on Monday.

Tshabangu was at the time planning to conclude a notorious ZANU PF operation filmed by ZimEye since 21 November to sabotage Nelson Chamisa’s CCC party by doing several things which include writing to the international body, the Inter Parliamentary Union. Tshabangu was assisted to write the letter by a man he fully understood to be an aide of the ZANU PF contestant for the upcoming Mabvuku bi election, the GoldMafia implicated, Scott Sakupwanya. Unbeknown to him, the notorious man is an undercover journalist, Simba Chikanza who is also Al Jazeera’s researcher on the GoldMafia documentary, part 1 to 4 which is on the Qatar based broadcaster’s YouTube channel.

The meeting (video) coincided with a physical meeting up with Tshabangu by Scott Sakupwanya himself and Emmerson Mnangagwa’s nephew, Tongai a few hours later the following day. Sakupwanya is Mnangagwa’s gold runner.

LIVE video as Sengezo Tshabangu was arranging a ZANU PF meeting with an EDscarfed man he recognises to be the Mabvuku election contestant, the#GoldMafia's Scott Sakupwanya's aide, Cde Mabhunu during an operation to further sabotage @nelsonchamisa and the @CCCZimbabwe party. The… https://t.co/Uf4K89sYu9 pic.twitter.com/pfX6fXALEs

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 4, 2023

Responding to the investigation, Tshabangu through his lawyer in a statement published by the exiled former minister Prof Jonathan Moyo, complained against Chikanza’s investigation saying among other things that “Chikanza has relentlessly pursued our client under a barrage of assumed personas. In these calls and messages he has pretended to be a supporter of CCC, a Professor, and a prospective donor.”

At no time in the phonecall meetings which began on 21st November 2023, did Chikanza at any time pose as a CCC supporter, he was from day one a gangsterish aide of Scott Sakupwanya’s who opened his conversations last month with an offer to make a bank transfer payment to him (Tshabangu).

Is It Ethical Journalism to Disguise Your Voice So To Extract Tshabangu's Secrets?, asks @ahawadi

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 5, 2023

On Wednesday last week, the Sakupwanya aide connected Tshabangu with the ZANU PF appointed ambassador to South Africa and several other important people.

At the weekend, the Sakupwanya aide executed vigorous legal work for Tshabangu right up to the time he assisted him in authoring a lengthy legal correspondence with the Inter Parliamentary Union, IPU.

The correspondence accuses Nelson Chamisa and his party of violence against Tshabangu who insists saying he is not a Mnangagwa planted imposter, has no association with ZANU PF, and yet the Scott Sakupwanya aide assembled letter alone contradicts his claim.

His lawyer’s press statement avoids mentioning the notorious letter assembled for the IPU, which was constructed by Chikanza posing as a Mabvuku based Cde Mabhunu, on camera.

His statement concludes saying he is being trolled and harrassed by Chikanza. It reads in part:

“We condemn the harassment and trolling of our client as well as the false and defamatory statements by the said Chikanza. All this is being sadly perpetrated under the guise of journalism.

“Our client denies any association with Scott Sakupwanya or any of his associates. He will however continue to receive communications and interact freely with any concerned citizens who want to interview him, advise him, express their concerns or even to express their disagreement with him. He will have to navigate and sieve out the fraudsters but will not stop interacting with Zimbabweans.

“We attach the said accompanying photographs, taken by the snooping thugs, showing our team in their engagements.”

The Speaker Of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda who recalled several of Nelson Chamisa’s MPs and councillors using Tshabangu’s letter that claims he is a legitimate Secretary General of the CCC, was still to respond at the time of publishing.

LIVE video as Sengezo Tshabangu was arranging a ZANU PF meeting with an EDscarfed man he recognises to be the Mabvuku election contestant, the#GoldMafia's Scott Sakupwanya's aide, Cde Mabhunu during an operation to further sabotage @nelsonchamisa and the @CCCZimbabwe party. The… https://t.co/Uf4K89sYu9 pic.twitter.com/pfX6fXALEs

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 4, 2023

ZANU PF PRESS BRIEF BY NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON CDE C. MUTSVANGWA

Live @ ZANU PF HQ

Present

Director for Information and Publicity Cde Farai Marapira, members of the Media. We are on the last month of the year and we felt it was good to have you along and to give you pointers of where we are going both as part and Government. The President Cd EDM is working hard with the election win against Nelson Chamisa bringing a sweet win to ZANU PF. This has been the highlight of the President achievement during the year. We also had the conference in Gweru which focused on the economy

The story of President has never been known in Africa. It’s only because of toxists political environment in Zimbabwe. They don’t want to acknowledge what is good they always try to blind side everyone. Some of the naysayers I met them in Vic Falls. Every time and again the President is cutting ribbons of different colours on major economic importance. To the opposition if a steel plant is built to them or does not exist. When billionaires comes for our Lithium they don’t acknowledge. The billionaires are exploiting the fifth largest lithium resource in Zimbabwe. It’s sad when the opposition does not acknowledge the world being done but we are not blind to investors coming here. The President is being invited everywhere in Saudi Arabia, Dubai etc. These are new investors who are coming.

Even the British are excited about what Zimbabwe is doing. This is the country which used to be negtive about us. The President has been in London several times and this is a vote from the country which sponsored the formation of opposition in Zimbabwe. They are opening a new page. The opposition is always preaching negative messages which are their imagination

After the departure of Tsvangirai the MDC became a wapusa wapusa. ZCTU is our formation during the liberation of was subverted to be against Government. A coup within MDC resulted in this confusion there are no structures in the CCC. It’s not possible that a structureless party can transform Zimbabwe. Now the people are realising that CCC will not take them anywhere and are beginning to vote for ZANU PF. We are now winning by elections. Investments in the rural areas are now spilling over into the urban areas. Now our people will now have more than one job. Never has Chamisa been seen with a business man When investors come from airport they don’t meet the Mayors in Harare they go to rural areas where they invest.

For two decades we have never seen a CCC town father opening any investment. We now have central government coming in to provide services. Look at Kuwadzana there is sewage in vegetables and now cholera because of lack of water reticulation. If the Cory father’s had foresight they could have encouraged solar panels to be build in town homes. The CCC is obsessed by State power not knowing that across the path there are powered centers including local council. Very soon we will have investment desk at the airport.

The normal place for investors to visit is local council because they are the ones with space to invest but in our case local authorities are not active. Elections are over what we are now doing are by elections. The opposition still talks about re-run through SADC but SADC can not order an election and they are happy with the result. The much touted EU report has nothing because it was written at Harvest House. The EU is not an empirial power over Zimbabwe.

It will not end well in CCC Tshabangu is the one with historical structures. How can you win when you don’t have structures. In this wapusa wapusa there is Mahere who continues to make statements. She talks of things she can’t comprehend she talks about the budget though she is a lawyer. She makes lengthy statement about the budget about this country when she is not well knowledgeable about the subject. Her statements about her budget are nonsensical the budget is progressive.

The budget will trun out to an interim given the boom in steel the country will experience. We have imported about 6.3 billion dollars so far in two month time we will start producing more than we need and the budgeted money will be earned money for use locally saved from the steel imports. Gift Mugano has never visited one lithium plant but he always wants to speak on Zimbabwe from an uninformed position. He throws around funny figures because he is out of touch with reality.

Look at the frequency of meetings between Zimbabwe and Mozambique through the Manhize plant.

You have people who say the country is toxic yet countries are coming onboard to invest. Within a year the President has led the country towards energy sufficiency through the commissioning of two power plants that will be supplying over 600MW.

ZIM1

NyikaInovakwaNeVeneVayo

IlizweLakhiwaNgabanikaziBalo

---

Distributed by
ZANU PF Headquarters:: INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
Follow us:
Website: www.zanupf.org.zw
Facebook: ZANU PF PARTY
Twitter: @ZANUPF_Official
Tiktok: zanu.pf.official

Ostallos Siziba, Deputy Spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has announced intentions to pursue legal action against the State after being acquitted of charges related to tearing Zanu-PF campaign posters and inciting violence. These charges had compelled him to attend court sessions in Bulawayo since August.

Siziba, accused of defacing Soneni Moyo’s campaign posters a week before the August polls and inciting violence at a Highlanders match in Barbourfields Stadium, had both charges dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Following the hearing, Siziba expressed that the verdict affirmed their consistent claims that Zanu-PF was utilizing the legal system to target opposition figures, labeling it as ‘lawfare.’

“We have received the magistrate court’s decision confirming that the state lacks evidence in our case, and therefore, the five of us are now acquitted,” said Siziba.

“This validates our longstanding position that what prevails in this country is lawfare, an abusive manipulation of the justice delivery system by those with differing views.

“We are undeterred… facing sponsored violence and terror. We stand strong, committed, understanding that these are trials and tribulations for advocating change and democracy.

“I plan to file a lawsuit against the complainant seeking no less than US$100,000, ensuring justice is served. I was meant to be in Parliament executing the people’s mandate but had to excuse myself for these court sessions due to concocted charges.”

Siziba is among several CCC members, including MPs, candidates, and activists, currently involved in legal proceedings. Job Sikhala, another opposition party member, has been in pre-trial detention for over 500 days, while Chirumanzu South candidate Patrick Cheza spent weeks in jail before his release.

Government has extended operating hours at the Civil Registry Department after its offices were flooded with desperate Zimbabweans applying for passports.

Snaking queues have emerged at the Civil Registry Department offices countrywide after Finance minister Mthuli Ncube proposed an increase in passport fees beginning next month. Ncube said he would increase fees for an ordinary passport from US$120 to US$200, while an emergency travel document will be priced at US$300 up from US$200.

This increase has triggered a massive demand for the travel document with some panicky citizens sleeping at the Central Registry Offices countrywide to beat the January 1 deadline.

In a statement yesterday, the Civil Registry Department said that its passport offices will now open from 0700 to1900 hours during weekdays and from 0800 to 1500 hours on Saturdays with immediate effect to cope with the demand.

“This is in response to an increase in the number of clients visiting our passport offices,” the statement read in part.

“Moreover, the recent announcement by the Government in relation to the proposed increase of passport fees with effect from 01 January 2024 has also contributed to clients rushing to apply for passports before the deadline.”

The Civil Registry also said the festive season is usually its busiest.

“With industry and schools closed, and returning citizens from the diaspora taking advantage of their visit to have their documents processed, the Department witnesses an influx of clients visiting its passport offices,” it said.

“In this regard, the department is extending its operating hours to facilitate efficient e-passport services in response to the high demand.”

By A Correspondent- The butcher of Mufakose, who stabbed and killed one of his girlfriend’s kids, in a murderous rage in which he targeted her three kids, had abandoned his family for TWO years as he plunged deeper into his extramarital affair.

He told his wife, after committing the murder on Sunday night, that he had messed up his life because of his extramarital affair.

Thomas Nyamhunga even hinted he was going to kill himself, apologised to his wife and pleaded with her to take care of their four children.

He ended up hiding in a kombi, in the Retreat neighbourhood of the capital, after his murderous act on Sunday night.

That is where he was arrested at about 3am yesterday.

His wife, Virginia Denhere, yesterday spoke about how Thomas’ two-year extramarital affair with Needmore Mauka, dragged her life into hell.

She chose to exclusively tell her story to H-Metro.

Virginia painted the picture of a husband who had lost his way, in recent years, and was transformed from a deeply religious man into one who was now alcoholic.

She blames Needmore for that transformation, even claiming that she “bewitched” him and turning him into a father who had turned his back on his family, and children, in the past two years.

Instead, said Virginia, Thomas was busy taking care of Needmore’s family.

“I suffered a miscarriage because of Needmore,” said Virginia.

“Akadyisa murume wangu zvekuti ndaipepuka usiku kumuwana achitaura naNeedmore pamwe pacho otongobuda mugumbeze ndakarara oenda kwaari pakati pehusiku.

“My children suffered because of Needmore.

“She scoffed at me saying Thomas was leaving me because I gave birth to four girls only.”

She added:

“Needmore was always a thorn in my flesh, collecting all his salary.

“Thomas airarisa vana vangu nenzara nyama yose aendesa kwaNeedmore.

“I discovered their illicit affair sometime in May 2021, when Needmore sent an audio message asking my husband to bring a light bulb, at around 10pm.”

Virginia said despite all their challenges, she never expected Thomas to turn into someone who would kill anyone, let alone children.

“Although Needmore emotionally and physically abused me, I did not expect Thomas to kill.

“I feel sorry for Needmore.”

Virginia said Thomas sent her a message after committing the murder.

She then met him at her younger sister’s house in Retreat where Thomas had sought refuge before his arrest.

“Thomas sent a message begging for forgiveness,” said Virginia.

“Hanzi sorry zvako mudzimai wangu ndazviuraira h**e.

“From that message I thought he had committed suicide.

“I was shocked to find him hiding at my younger sister’s house after committing murder.

“He went on to plead with me to look after our four children.”

She added:

“Thomas blamed Needmore for luring him into drinking alcohol.

“We used to attend church together but Needmore bewitched my husband, taught him to drink beer and he forgot his children.

“Needmore started turning her back on Thomas about three weeks ago.

“Hanzi akawana imwe mbinga inonzi Stan yaavekumhanya nayo.

“Needmore sent a message to Thomas claiming that Stan was a better lover because he does not fight her.

“All the property at Needmore’s home was bought by Thomas.”

By A Correspondent- Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has blasted the toll gates hike adding that the development will leave holes in passengers pockets.

Said PAZ in a statement:

The hike in toll gate fares will immensely disadvantage passengers as passenger transport service providers will pass on the cost to passengers.

This move that is set to leave passengers with empty pockets and burn holes in most ordinary citizens pockets as it triggers price hikes is unnecessary and practically unjustified.

This shocking decision in this year’s National Budget deserves a reversal. What is it that has lead to this decision? Are tollgates now very expensive to run?

PAZ Info Desk

By A Correspondent- Government has extended operating hours at the Civil Registry Department after its offices were flooded with desperate Zimbabweans applying for passports.

Snaking queues have emerged at the Civil Registry Department offices countrywide after Finance minister Mthuli Ncube proposed an increase in passport fees beginning next month. Ncube said he would increase fees for an ordinary passport from US$120 to US$200, while an emergency travel document will be priced at US$300 up from US$200.

This increase has triggered a massive demand for the travel document  with some panicky citizens sleeping at the Central Registry Offices countrywide to beat the January 1 deadline.

In a statement yesterday, the Civil Registry Department said that its passport offices will now open from 0700 to1900 hours during weekdays and from 0800 to 1500 hours on Saturdays with immediate effect to cope with the demand.

“This is in response to an increase in the number of clients visiting our passport offices,” the statement read in part.

“Moreover, the recent announcement by the Government in relation to the proposed increase of passport fees with effect from 01 January 2024 has also contributed to clients rushing to apply for passports before the deadline.”

The Civil Registry also said the festive season is usually its busiest.

“With industry and schools closed, and returning citizens from the diaspora taking advantage of their visit to have their documents processed, the Department witnesses an influx of clients visiting its passport offices,” it said.

“In this regard, the department is extending its operating  hours to facilitate efficient e-passport services in response to the high demand.”

A number of Zimbabweans are seeking passports to escape the country’s never ending socio-economic crisis.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership has prohibited former Public Service minister Petronella Kagonye from carrying out party activities following her release from prison.

Kagonye was jailed in June last year for converting laptops donated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to personal use during her time in office.

Upon her release from prison, Kagonye announced that she had resumed her role as the provincial women’s league secretary for administration.

According to a prohibition order dated November 28, signed by provincial disciplinary committee chairperson Kudzai Majuru, the former Goromonzi South legislator remains barred from carrying out party activities pending a disciplinary hearing set for December 19.

“Please take note that the Zanu-PF Mashonaland East province executive council has decided on the 19th of November 2023 to invoke chapter 5 Article Section 528 of the Zanu-PF Constitution 2022 against your conduct,” the prohibition order read.

“As such, you are hereby barred from visiting party offices for the purpose of attending any or carrying out such for and on behalf of the party.

“This also prohibits you from holding any party or attending any party meeting until finalisation of the matter against you. The hearing has been pencilled for the 19th of December 2023.”

Kagonye was sentenced to three years in jail, but 12 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

A further eight months were suspended on condition that she reimburses Potraz US$10 000, leaving her with an effective 16-month jail term.

She was confined to Chikurubhi Female Prison and launched several bids at the High Court to have her sentence reversed.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Plans are underway to capacitate the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) that will result in the revival of abandoned passenger services to ease the pressure on the country’s major highways, Vice- President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

The once popular and affordable intercity passenger train services were stopped at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 to contain the spread of the virus.

However, even before the outbreak of the pandemic, the company was struggling. It was facing operational challenges that included obsolete equipment, its coaches and engines had long overstayed their life spans the tracks needed major repair works and trains were forced to reduce speed to 10km per hour at some sections.

Vandalism and theft of critical railway equipment have also been blamed for the poor state of the company which at its peak, used to have more than 21 000 employees, becoming the second biggest employer in the country after the civil service.

Dr Chiwenga was addressing hundreds of Zanu-PF supporters at a rally in Cowdray Park on Sunday where he was drumming up support for party candidates who will represent the revolutionary party at this weekend’s by-elections. In Cowdray Park, the party will be represented by Arthur Mujeyi in the National Assembly elections with Kidwell Mujuru standing in the local Government elections.

It is one of five constituencies in the city that will have by-elections, with the other being Nketa where Zanu-PF will be represented by Albert Mavunga, Lobengula-Magwegwe where Menziwe Dube will stand for the party, Bulawayo South where former Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi went in unopposed when the party held its primary elections.

The last constituency is Mpopoma-Mzilikazi with Zanu-PF set to be represented by Dzingai Kamamba. Dr Chiwenga said the Government has taken a deliberate position to make sure the economically cheaper and safer passenger train services were brought back with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development being allocated funds by the treasury.

In his 2024 budget presentation last Thursday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube announced that $1,2 trillion has been allocated to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to facilitate the rehabilitation and construction of transport infrastructure such as roads, ports of entry, airports, as well as facilitate the turnaround of the NRZ.

“What will excite you which I am going to say now is that we have taken a position that soon, our railway line from Harare to this great City of Bulawayo will be repaired as we bring back our passenger train.

The Government will give the transport ministry as well as the NRZ money so that they immediately get into the project of rehabilitating the railway line so that our trains are back on the rail again,” said Dr Chiwenga.

He said that once fully rehabilitated, use of the railway transport system will ease the burden on the country’s major highways while also providing a cheaper and safer way of travel for the people and the goods.

“So, we have a specific project that our railway system should be back to its yesteryear situation by this coming year. Various sectors such as Agriculture, and mining you name them have turned the corner which means there will need a reliable transport system to move this bulk cargo which is where the NRZ comes in. Pressure on our highways will be eased and the roads will have a longer life span,” said Dr Chiwenga.

NRZ spokesperson Mr Andrew Kunambura said the company was prioritising repairing of cautions and the works have seen a significant number of kilometres being covered

“Treasury has availed financial resources towards the resuscitation of the NRZ. So, our priority in this direction is repairing of cautions whose progress is going on well, the return of both inter and intracity city train is imminent now,” said Mr Kanambura.

In 2022, the Government and India signed a US$81,2 million deal that will see the NRZ receiving 315 wagons, nine locomotives, and DMU passenger coaches.

The NRZ already has plans to increase its freight capacity back to volumes of 18 million tonnes a year achieved in the 1990s. At present, the company is only moving around three million tonnes a year, a far cry from the huge volumes it carried in its heyday.

A combination of vandalism of infrastructure and underfunding have crippled the NRZ’s operations in recent years, resulting in businesses resorting to expensive road freight service.

Last month President Mnangagwa approved the appointment of Mrs Molly Dingani to the NRZ board where she comes in as the deputy chairperson, replacing General William Dube whose term of office had expired. Mr Mike Madiro chairs the NRZ board.

By A Correspondent- A 51 year old robber who targeted motorists along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway yesterday appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing two counts of murder.

Farayi Chakadzi was advised to approach the High Court for bail.

He was remanded in custody to December 15 for routine remand pending investigations.

Prosecutor Zebidiah Bofu alleged  that Chakadzi and his  accomplices would target motorists along the busy road.

In the first count, it is alleged that Chakadzi caused the death of Talkmore Vinga on September 22.

A witness, Timothy Shambare, who was standing by his haulage truck said he allegedly saw the accused attacking the deceased with spanners and a metal.

Vinga succumbed to the injuries.

On a different count, Chakadzi and his accomplices robbed Fredy Chigumira who was driving home from Kuwadzana and had briefly stopped along Bulawayo Road.

They robbed Chigumira of US$1 200 and a cellphone.

The court further heard that the robbery was interrupted when soldiers who were coming from work arrived at the crime scene and started chasing the suspects.

The soldiers managed to apprehend one of the suspects and took him to Kuwadzana Police Station.

The suspects implicated Chakadzi and his other accomplices.

Zimbabwe’s deputy minister of Industry and Commerce, Roy Bhila, was recently dismissed from his position over allegations of corruption involving cement import licenses.

According to official sources, ministry officials colluded with business traders to charge “facilitation fees” during the licensing process, which proved to be a lucrative scheme. The corrupt activities surrounding these money-spinning permits led to Bhila’s downfall, The NewsHawks’ Brenna Matendere reported.

In addition to the corruption allegations, Bhila found himself embroiled in a political controversy. Secret recordings of him surfaced, where he expressed the belief that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s co-deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, was gradually positioning himself as Mnangagwa’s successor.

Sources said:

Bhila was fired for abusing cement import permits and attendant corruption activities associated with that. The issuance of those permits, which are money-spinning instruments, was accompanied by payment of facilitation fees for the personal benefit of the ministry’s officials and those that they work in cahoots with.

Besides corruption, politics also contributed to Bhila’s dismissal. He was recorded telling the grassroots in his constituency in Chiredzi that Mnangagwa is on his way out and Chiwenga is coming in. He was specifically recorded as saying  ‘mudhara haasina basa as power is shifting to Chiwenga and people are now aligning themselves with him.

Chiwenga is the future. This was viewed as an attempt to incite subversion and a revolt against Mnangagwa’s leadership. This is a  manifestation of factionalism, infighting and succession battles. The unresolved leadership question in Zanu PF and government after the coup has not gone away.

Mnangagwa, who is officially 81 but believed to be 85, is reported to have ambitions for a third term and is allegedly manoeuvring to stay in power beyond 2028. However, Chiwenga’s rise is seen by some as a hindrance to Mnangagwa’s plans, as it could prevent any amendment to the constitution that would allow him to extend his term.

The corruption scandal involving cement import licenses only added fuel to the fire. Cement prices had been soaring on the informal market due to a combination of factors, including plant breakdowns and maintenance at major cement producers, as well as the expiration of import licenses.

In response to the artificial cement shortage and skyrocketing prices, the cabinet approved the importation of cement by individuals and companies with free funds. This move allowed Zimbabweans to freely import up to five tonnes of cement until December.

Cement producers had long argued for import restrictions to protect their industry from cheaper imports, but the government’s decision to limit imports led to corruption and arbitrage.

Bhila had served for only two months when he was fired.