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:
Website: www.zanupf.org.zw
Facebook: ZANU PF PARTY
Twitter: @ZANUPF_Official
Tiktok: zanu.pf.official

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.

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).

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.

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.

By Investigate Correspondent | ZimEye | The self proclaimed opposition leader, Sengezo Tshabangu has been caught on camera meeting a man he recognises as a secretarial aide of the ZANU PF GoldMafia implicated election contestant for Mabvuku, Scott Sakupwanya at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harare.

For weeks, he has been saying he is not at all working with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF, but Tshabangu was last night caught unawares weeks after continuing Emmerson Mnangagwa-ZANU PF based conversations with an undercover journalist who in November joined into his parliamentary-recall-operations with which he (Tshabangu) says he is fronting the interests of the Nelson Chamisa led, Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) party, an institution he says he represents as its Secretary General, an appointment rubbished by the party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa and under which he has been told by the world’s oldest organisation,
the Inter Parliamentary Union to reverse his recalls of elected representatives. The CCC party describes him as an imposter who presented a fraudulent letter to the Speaker Of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda in October.

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

Tshabangu’s recalls, part of ZANU PF’s 44 year old rain-making rituals turning election winners into corpses, began with the abrupt kicking out of 23 elected representatives in October, and have led an aura of violence in which the CCC’s Mabvuku constituency winner’ campaign agent, Bishop Tapfumaneyi Masaya has been killed.

Tshabangu arranged for the Crowne Plaza Hotel meeting to thank the Mabvuku “MP-hopeful” Scott Sakupwanya for assisting him in writing a letter to the Inter Parliamentary Union so to cover up for what he has been doing. Unbeknown to him the letter had been assembled by an undercover journalist, Simba Chikanza disguised as “Cde Mabhunu” who only revealed himself via Facebook LIVE video after Tshabangu had spent tens of minutes waiting at the hotel with 5 other Sakupwanya Aides.

Scott Sakupwanya who is described in Al Jazeera’s GoldMafia documentary as one of the mafia members, is Zimbabwe’s largest gold buyer and Emmerson Mnangagwa’s business runner or front.

Chikanza has been participating in the ZANU PF operations with Mr Tshabangu since the 21st November 2023 under video which documentary the CCC can now use to put to rest Tshabangu’s grand-claim that he is not working for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF.

The tight rope around Tshabangu’s neck’s career isn’t just the live video footage, but the murder-cover-up letter he wrote to the IPU which was wholly constructed ‘by an aide of Scott Sakupwanya,’ under his full knowledge that he is being instructed by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s personal gold buyer and parliamentary wishful for Mabvuku.

The development is also offloaded in the upcoming GoldMafia LIVE files production, part of which was on LIVE Facebook video last night on ZimEye (click to watch).

BREAKING- The self imposing opposition leader, Sengezo Tshabangu (standing with a brown trousers and flat cap, while waiting) has just turned up for a ZANU PF meeting at Crowne Plaza with a notorious Mabvuku man working for the GoldMafia's Scott Sakupwanya, he has been getting… pic.twitter.com/Y1NZzoIgHd

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 4, 2023

Commenting over the development, Tshabangu sent a short two worded message to ZimEye saying all this is “pathetic journalism.”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

FB LIVE VIDEO, TWITTER

– ZimEye

By- Fired deputy Industry minister Roy Bhila is facing prosecution over allegations of corruption involving cement import licenses.

ZimEye reported last week that President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Bhila for associating with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

 On top of plotting a coup against Mnangagwa, NewsHawks said he also convinced his ministry officials and business traders to charge “facilitation fees” during the licensing process, which proved to be a lucrative scheme. 

On the Mnangagwa coup issue, Bhila was recorded in louding Chiwenga.

 Sources told NewsHawks:

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.

By-A South African vigilante group in Diepsloot Friday stoned and burnt two innocent Zimbabweans to death.

The two Zimbabweans, Talent Moyo and Felix Nkomo, were stopped by the hooligans while going for an overnight prayer at Imsebenzi Yamapostoli Church.

The vigilante group said they were looking for marauding thieves in Number 13, Diepsloot.

According to Mehluli Ncube of Imsebenzi Yabapostoli Church, some vigilante groups suspected that the two were causing havoc in the local community, where there have been several theft cases.

Ncube said, “We saw the two before they were killed. They were supposed to attend an evening church service with us. One of them forgot his church garb and when they had collected it and were on their way to church Moyo and Nkomo were ‘detained’ by a few people who suspected that they were criminals. They managed to tell the group what they were doing but another agitated vigilante group came to see what was happening and without asking any questions started stoning and burning them with tyres.

“Moyo and Nkomo died while begging the vigilante group to let them go. There was blood all over the place they were killed and one could see some burnt tryes. It’s so sad that they were killed in the same manner the late Elvis Nyathi was slain by a vigilante group in Diesploot in April 2022.”

He said Zimbabweans are now living in fear in Diespsloot as they think that they are being targeted by some groups that want all foreigners to leave South Africa.

Police spokersperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told reporters in Johannesburg that killers of the two Zimbabweans will face charges of murder. No arrests have been made.

Five suspected thieves were detained, stoned and set on fire on the same day in Diepsloot. They are all believed to be South Africans.

Meanwhile, Ncube said they are appealing for help in raising at least R20,000 for ferrying bodies of the slain men to Zimbabwe.
-VOA

By- Zanu PF has disowned its terror group, Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), saying it’s a stand-alone entity that has nothing to do with the ruling party.

Zanu PF uses FAZ to intimidate people in the rural areas.

The terror grouping emerged ahead of the August 2023 harmonised elections and frog-marched rural voters, forcing them to vote for Zanu PF at the same period terrorising opposition CCC supporters.

Zanu PF national political commissar Mike Bimha said just like the other 94 ruling party affiliates, FAZ applied for and was accorded affiliate status after expressing interest to aid the Zanu PF campaign drive as a stand-alone organisation ahead of the August harmonised elections.

During a press conference at a Masvingo hotel where Bimha spoke about this weekend’s councils and National Assembly by-elections, he was responding to a question from journalists who wanted to know the relationship between Zanu PF and FAZ.

”I think if you recall, one of the developments, recent developments in Zanu PF campaigning was the emergence of affiliates (before this year’s elections) and this contributed immensely to our success because there were people, in their various persuasions, who felt comfortable to work as affiliates rather than coming in under the (Zanu PF) Youth League or Women’s League. That is why you found Teachers 4ED, Nurses 4ED, you found a whole range, even Rastas 4ED, who felt that they had something to offer coming to support the developments, people who felt comfortable working with Zanu PF,” said Bimha.

He said the fires of affiliates in Zanu PF were first stocked following the formation of Young Women for ED which he branded a ”champion affiliate”.
”The real champion was the Young Women 4ED because when it started and emerged, the issue of Zanu PF affiliates spread like veld fire,” said Bimha.

By A Correspondent- The state has withdrawn its charges against opposition CCC spokesperson Ostallos Siziba and four others accused of defacing campaign posters belonging to Soneni Moyo.

BREAKING: Our change champions, including Deputy Spokesperson Hon @Cde_Ostallos
Siziba, who have faced unjust charges in court, have been freed because the complainant failed to provide evidence against them.

This confirms the regime in Harare’s abuse of state institutions to harass, inconvenience, torture, and murder members of our party.

We strongly condemn these lawfare practices.

Seke- Defeated Zanu PF Seke constituency legislator Munyaradzi Kashambe who is desperately seeking a second term, subtly exposed Zanu PF’s selective development.

Kashambe confirmed that the the ruling party bigwigs prioritise development in their local areas at the expense of national and comprehensive development.

Addressing villagers in Seke on Saturday, Kashambe also dismissed reports that he paid self proclaimed CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tagabangu, bribing him to recall the winning candidate Willard Madzimbamuto and pave way for his second shot at the seat during by-elections.

“I have never met Tshabangu,Im not CCC, its their internal fights.

” What I paid is USD2000to the High Court when I challenged the results and I have the results,” he said.

At the same occasion he indirectly took aim at the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Youth minister Tinoda Machakaire and political commissar Mike Bimha for flexing their political muscles in rehabilitating roads that are only accessible to their home areas.

Chiwenga and Machakaire hail from Wedza.

He said in vernacular:

“Nhai vabereki, madii kusiya mwana apedza two terms dzake.

“Imo muno maSeke, tikabvunzana nhai vabereki,timbori nei chatinonongedzera pahutungamiri?

“KuWedza tinavo vanaVP nana Tinmac, pane zvimwe zvigaro zvekuti ukapinda muzvigaro izvi wane simba rekudhonza budiriro kuuya munzvimbo yaunogara.(There are some political positions that give you power to bring development to your home area)

“Seke Road inogadzirwa kusvika paChikwanha yojamba yotangirwa pa10 miles yavakuenda kuWedza, iyo straight kuMarondera kuenda kwaMutare,iyo yorovawo neBeatrice yakuenda kwanaVaBimha.

“Muno manzi mwana wenyu muCentral Commitee ya second term mobva mamutanhaura momukanda pasi mavakutanga mumwe kubva pasi.

“Zvino tinekwatinoenda here nhai vabereki,” said Kashambe who was describing how rehabilitation of Seke road selectively ‘jumped’ other areas only to resurface at the junction which leads to Wedza and Mutare.

Express Mail Zim is in possession of an audio recording where Kashambe spit venom.

Efforts to get comment from Mashonaland East spokesperson Tatenda. Mavetera hit a snag as her mobile phone remained unanswered at the time of writing.

The Seke constituency is tightly contested with 10 Zanu PF candidates having expressed interest to contest in the primary elections.

President Mnangagwa last week fixed February 3, 2024 as the date for by-elections for the six vacancies created in the National Assembly following the recall of 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 vacancies arose following the recall of sitting legislators by Tshabangu. The announcement of the dates was made in a Statutory Instrument of a Government Gazette published last week.

Government says it is considering decentralising the recruitment of teachers with special focus on the marginalised rural areas.

Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo revealed this last week while responding to questions from legislators who raised concern on the current centralised system.

The legislators blamed the centralised system for deploying teachers to areas that they are not interested in.

“Government has a deliberate policy to ensure that teachers, come 2024, we are going to have a decentralised recruitment Mr Speaker Sir, so that we deal with those. “Most disadvantaged districts are going to have teachers and our learners will not be disadvantaged as teachers are deployed to areas that they are not interested in.

“It was a culmination of the policy of centralised deployment.

We have identified the disadvantages of centralised deployment whereby a person from Manicaland is deployed to Matabeleland North,” Moyo said.

Moyo said teachers did not stay in the area they are deployed to.

“After serving for two months, that person wishes to go back to Manicaland. In order to address that problem, that is why we are going to resort to decentralisation so that we encourage teachers from Matabeleland to be deployed in areas of their choice, most likely in their home provinces,” he said.

Moyo said such challenges had forced government to consider decentralising recruitment of teachers.

The government recently said it planned to train more teachers to address the shortage of nearly 20 000 educators.

However, the authorities are embroiled in a labour dispute with educators over poor salaries and working conditions.

The teachers are demanding a pre-October 2018 salary of US$540 per month before President Emmerson Mnangagwa re-introduced the local currency in 2019.

Teachers have also been quitting the profession for the diaspora in search of better pay, leaving a huge shortfall in the country.

According to the education ministry, Zimbabwe has a component of 136 000 teachers.

By A Correspondent- Students from Zimbabwe have reportedly flooded Zambian universities, stretching accommodation facilities at the neighbouring country’s institutions of higher learning.

Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Zambia, Charity Charamba, confirmed the development and appealed to parents to ensure the well-being of their children enrolled at Zambian universities.

“It’s fantastic to see our students thrive here. Zambia and Zimbabwe are like family, and education is a bridge that connects us,” she said.

Charamba, however, acknowledged challenges including accommodation, permits, and navigating a new environment faced by foreign students.

“That’s why we are here. The embassy is your home away from home. We’re here to support, guide, and advocate for you,” she said.

The embassy encouraged students to take advantage of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa trade benefits, empowering them to become entrepreneurs and contribute to both Zambia and Zimbabwe’s economies.

In a recent announcement, the University of Lusaka, a magnet for Zimbabwean students, said Sadc students will pay fees similar to the locals.

“All United States dollar-denominated fees have been abolished. Sadc students, including those from Zimbabwe, will now pay the same tuition fees as local students, in Zambian kwacha or US dollar equivalent at the ruling rate,” the notice read.

The move has been hailed as a game-changer, making Zambian education even more accessible to aspiring scholars from across the region.

“This changes everything,” a computer science student at Copperbelt University. “Suddenly, Zambia isn’t just an affordable option; it’s the most accessible choice for quality education.”

Another student, Tariro said who is studying towards a law degree at the University of Zambia said: “It’s a no-brainer.

Back home, fees were crippling. Here, I can focus on my studies without constant financial worry.”

Tariro’s sentiments are shared by many.

Parents like Michael Mubairi, who sent his son to study medicine in Lusaka, echoed the sentiments.

“Zambia offers a quality education at a fraction of the cost,” he said. “It’s an investment in his future, and mine.”

Zambia is one of the countries with low tuition fees in the Sadc region.

By A Correspondent- A suspected notorious armed robber from Chegutu yesterday appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa  facing three counts of armed robbery.

Benjamin Chipiri (38) was advised to approach the High Court for bail application.

He was remanded in custody to December 28 for routine remand pending finalisation of investigations.

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that on December 2 this year around 3pm, Chipiri and his two accomplices who are still at large, broke into Josephine Bhunu’s house and held the  family hostage. They allegedly tied the family members with electric cables and stole US$7 300.

Chirenje alleged that Chipiri and his accomplices also stole BP monitors, solar lights and two laptops.

One of Bhunu’s nephews managed to sneak out of the house and alerted neighbours about the robbery.

The neighbours confronted the robbers but Chipiri’s accomplices managed to escape with the bulk of the cash and only US$300 was recovered.

Meanwhile, a teenager from Epworth was brought before Gofa charged with robbery. The teenager and an accomplice, Enest Bwoni (28), were remanded in custody to December 28 for routine remand.

Chirenje said on December 1 this year, the duo approached a man who was driving towards Chiremba shopping centre.

The duo allegedly hired him to take them to Munyukwi shopping centre.

On arrival, the two told the driver that they wanted to be taken to Glenwood, Epworth.

The court heard that when they got to Glenwood the duo disembarked from the motor vehicle ostensibly to relieve themselves but suddenly grabbed the complainant by the neck, drew knives and demanded car keys and other valuables.

The driver reportedly tried to wrestle with the teenager who was holding a knife and he was stabbed on the chest.

During the scuffle, the duo stole a cellphone and US$700 which was stashed in two envelopes under the mat.

The robbers dragged the driver out of the vehicle before attacking him with stones.

The following day, detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad received information that the duo was selling the vehicle in the Magaba area, Mbare, Harare, for US$1 000.

The detectives reacted to the information, leading to the arrest of the duo and the recovery of the vehicle.

By A Correspondent- Self proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu has refuted claims that he is working with the ruling Zanu PF party to rip the opposition outfit apart.

Tshabangu recalled 14 CCC legislators and more than 17 CCC councillors claiming that they had ceased to be members of the party with critics labelling him a Zanu PF member.

However, speaking to Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on the platform In Conversation with Trevor, Tshabangu said he was a legitimate member of the opposition party.

“CCC is an offshoot of the MDC Alliance, we never came from heaven, we were born by MDC-A. The same process that really appointed president Nelson Chamisa to be the presidential candidate of the CCC is the same process in which I was elected (that is), the strategic ambiguity,” he said.

Tshabangu said he recalled CCC legislators and councillors to clean up the mess in the party which made it lose the August 2023 general elections.

By-The evil, Xenophobic South African vigilante group in Diepsloot Friday stoned and burnt two innocent Zimbabweans to death.

The two Zimbabweans, Talent Moyo and Felix Nkomo, were stopped by the hooligans while going for an overnight prayer at Imsebenzi Yamapostoli Church.

The vigilante group said they were looking for marauding thieves in Number 13, Diepsloot.

According to Mehluli Ncube of Imsebenzi Yabapostoli Church, some vigilante groups suspected that the two were causing havoc in the local community, where there have been several theft cases.

Ncube said, “We saw the two before they were killed. They were supposed to attend an evening church service with us. One of them forgot his church garb and when they had collected it and were on their way to church Moyo and Nkomo were ‘detained’ by a few people who suspected that they were criminals. They managed to tell the group what they were doing but another agitated vigilante group came to see what was happening and without asking any questions started stoning and burning them with tyres.

“Moyo and Nkomo died while begging the vigilante group to let them go. There was blood all over the place they were killed and one could see some burnt tryes. It’s so sad that they were killed in the same manner the late Elvis Nyathi was slain by a vigilante group in Diesploot in April 2022.”

He said Zimbabweans are now living in fear in Diespsloot as they think that they are being targeted by some groups that want all foreigners to leave South Africa.

Police spokersperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told reporters in Johannesburg that killers of the two Zimbabweans will face charges of murder. No arrests have been made.

Five suspected thieves were detained, stoned and set on fire on the same day in Diepsloot. They are all believed to be South Africans.

Meanwhile, Ncube said they are appealing for help in raising at least R20,000 for ferrying bodies of the slain men to Zimbabwe.
-VOA

By A Correspondent- Divisions are threatening the survival of the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA), with some members coming out openly denouncing the executive, whose tenure in office they claim to have expired a long time ago.

Yesterday, three Zimta members Mr Mundava Jameson, Mr Albert Mukando and Promise Keti held a media conference claiming the institution had been individualised by a minority in the executive.

Mr Mundava said he did not support the executive’s position as their term of office had expired according to the Zimta constitution.

“After suspecting the national executive’s intentions to secretly amend the Zimta staff conditions of service with the intention of extending the retirement age of Zimta workers from 60 years to 65, to allow the chief executive officer to continue for five more years, we wrote a second petition, signed by concerned Zimta members to block the national executive’s intentions.

“The suspected alteration and manipulation of Zimta worker’s conditions of service was the main cause of the second petition that was submitted to the office of the national executive committee,” he said.

Mr Mundava said the union was not respecting the association despite members paying subscription fees to air their views.

“As ordinary Zimta subscribing members, we have noted that there are some issues which are not going on very, very well within the association. We have tried by all means to have these issues addressed internally, but it was to no avail.

“Desirous of a lasting solution to the opaque way of doing business in the association, we escalated our case to various organisations and bodies and this incensed the once ‘deaf’ association leadership to action,” he said.

Mr Mundava said there was no communication between the different tiers of power within the association, especially those on the lower structures.

“I think this needs no further explanation as it is very clear that the Zimta national executive and management were making unilateral decisions without consulting lower level structures and the general membership. There was a disconnect between the general membership and the national executive committee,” he said.

The executive, said Mr Mandava, abused several schemes and specific purpose funds such as the Retirement and Bereavement Fund (RBF) and the Loan Fund, to which every Zimta member was contributing.

“Circular Letter No. 3 of February 7, 2014 gave birth to this fund which we all welcomed as Zimta members. As clearly spelt in this circular, this fund was being run and managed at head office with provinces managing allocations in paper money.

“In 2016, through Circular Letter Number 26 of 13 July 2016, ten vehicles were recalled and disposed of at the lowest acceptable bid of US$10 000 and the proceeds were channelled towards the Loan Fund,” he said.

Zimta CEO Dr Sifiso Ndlovu denied the allegations, saying the people accusing him wished to desecrate the union’s constitution and overthrow him.

“These people have gone for three years trying to overthrow the current executive. They were summoned for a disciplinary hearing last year but they never showed up for that hearing,” he said.

Dr Ndlovu claimed those opposing his executive were merely seeking media attention.-statemedia

Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi has rejected the allegations of abduction, torture, and murder made by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in connection with the disappearance and subsequent death of opposition activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya.

Masaya was abducted in mid-November while engaged in door-to-door campaigns for Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, CCC’s parliamentary candidate for the Mabvuku Tafara constituency.

In a statement released on Monday, Nyathi stated that preliminary investigations suggested Masaya’s death resulted from a non-politically motivated murder. This assertion contradicts eyewitness accounts that detailed Masaya’s abduction, identifying individuals and vehicles involved.

“The Police emphasize that investigations are ongoing, and any pertinent information will be shared with the media and the public. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) urges the public and politicians to refrain from hindering or influencing the investigation process. Although the investigations are ongoing, the current findings indicate a purely criminal murder case. A comprehensive report will be provided upon the conclusion of the investigations,” Nyathi stated.

Residents, speaking to NewZimbabwe.com at Masaya’s funeral, implicated Zanu-PF parliamentary candidate Scott Sakupwanya for the same constituency. They claimed that some of his vehicles were observed during Masaya’s abduction, while his colleague, who was later released, also faced a similar fate.

CCC activists and witnesses filed a report at Mabvuku Police Station, identifying the alleged perpetrators. One resident, claiming to have witnessed the incident, stated, “It is evident that Sakupwanya is involved, but we are unsure how the police will interpret our statements, especially in light of Job Sikhala’s situation. We hope that the ZRP acts on the information provided, at least ensuring a measure of justice is served.”

By A Correspondent- In a disturbing incident, a man from Mufakose st__abbed his girlfriend’s two children after she dumped him.

The tragic incident happened on Sunday as the mother of the children was away. She had reportedly gone to watch a football game.

Upon her return from the football game, she found her two children stabbed. Unfortunately, one child died, while the other one survived.

Video of the woman crying uncontrollably is doing the rounds on social media.

By- South Africans in Diepsloot have stoned and burnt to death two Zimbabweans who were on their way for an overnight prayer at Imsebenzi Yamapostoli Church.

Talent Moyo of Kezi and Tsholotsho native Felix Nkomo are the two who fell victim last Friday night to the locals looking for marauding thieves in Number 13, Diepsloot.

According to Mehluli Ncube of Imsebenzi Yabapostoli Church, some vigilante groups suspected that the two were causing havoc in the local community, where there have been several theft cases.

Ncube said, “We saw the two before they were killed. They were supposed to attend an evening church service with us. One of them forgot his church garb and when they had collected it and were on their way to church Moyo and Nkomo were ‘detained’ by a few people who suspected that they were criminals. They managed to tell the group what they were doing but another agitated vigilante group came to see what was happening and without asking any questions started stoning and burning them with tyres.

“Moyo and Nkomo died while begging the vigilante group to let them go. There was blood all over the place they were killed and one could see some burnt tryes. It’s so sad that they were killed in the same manner the late Elvis Nyathi was slain by a vigilante group in Diesploot in April 2022.”

He said Zimbabweans are now living in fear in Diespsloot as they think that they are being targeted by some groups that want all foreigners to leave South Africa.

Police spokersperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told reporters in Johannesburg that killers of the two Zimbabweans will face charges of murder. No arrests have been made.

Five suspected thieves were detained, stoned and set on fire on the same day in Diepsloot. They are all believed to be South Africans.

Meanwhile, Ncube said they are appealing for help in raising at least R20,000 for ferrying bodies of the slain men to Zimbabwe.
-VOA

By-The Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has re-introduced the National Youth Service programme, which is a bid to bring sanity and discipline among youths.
The National Youth Service training will complement skills training that youths are getting
from vocational training centres across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Youth, Tino Machakaire, during the graduation of 204 youths at Chaminuka Technical College in Mt Darwin on Thursday.
He said the Government is also in the process of establishing vocational training institutions
across all provinces and districts in the country. The graduation was held under the theme; “Vocational Education, the Drive Towards
Attainment of Vision 2030”, which was in full support of Government’s thrust. Machakaire said empowering youths with different life skills is in line with the country’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 1(NDS 1), which identifies human capital development as one of the key pillars for attaining Vision 2030.
The Government, through the Ministry of Youth, is concentrating efforts on establishing at
least one vocational training centre in all the districts of the country. Currently, there are three (3) established VTCs and five (5) satellite VTCs in Mashonaland Central Province.
Increasing the number of VTCs will ensure that a significant number of school leavers will be
able to get relevant skills for entrepreneurship and industry growth. The VTCs does not consider any academic qualifications when enrolling students, everyone is welcome as long as they are literate.
To ensure standard and competitive training, the Ministry is also currently in the process of
reviewing the Vocational Training Curriculum and producing training programmes that will
fit into the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) with 28 new modules already in place.
The current trends in the modern environment call for a shift from the traditional courses to
new training demands that speak to the existing local and global markets which are
characterised by the latest technologies and emerging training for green jobs.
Entrepreneurship skills are beneficial to young people, regardless of whether they start their
own business or not, because entrepreneurial behaviour is an asset in any workplace.
“As such the training model adopted by all the VTCs is the Training for Enterprise (TFE). In
the same vein, I hope that centres in Mashonaland Central, like many others that have arable
land, fully utilise the Training for Enterprise model and expand agriculture production
beyond just self-sustenance to commercial levels,” he said.
Vocational Training and Skills Development is key in the fight against drug and substance
abuse also.
The National Youth Service Programme was initially introduced in Zimbabwe in 2001 by
then Gender Youth and Employment Minister, the late firebrand Border Gezi and the first
training camp was established at Mount Darwin in 2001. The programme is intended to transform and empower youths for nation building through life skills training and leadership development.
The programme has been disbanded, reinstated, and rebranded several times over the years.
Some of the youths, who were trained under the programme, are grown up men and women.
They say that they were instilled with a sense of national identity and patriotism.
“The trainings should just be re-introduced, it’s almost overdue, cognisant of the rate at
which youths are abusing drugs and substances.
“If only they had undergone the trainings, they were not going to engage in such bad
behaviours,” said Kudakwashe Murwira, a former National Youth Service student.
According to Minister Machakaire, the programme needs to be re-introduced as soon as
possible and preparations are already at an advanced stage. New Ziana

By-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the death of one of its top cops, Chief Superintendent Caven Tachiona.

 In a statement, police spokesperson and Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that Tachiona was 51 years old. Read the statement:

DEATH OF A ZRP SENIOR OFFICER – CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT CAVEN TACHIONA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police family wishes to express its deep sorrow on the untimely death of Chief Superintendent Cavin Tachiona (51), who passed away on 02 December 2023 at House Number D Jock Douglas Road, Mkushi Training Academy after a long illness.

At the time of his death, the late senior officer was the Staff Officer and aide de camp to the Commissioner-General of Police. He was born on 15th August 1972 and was attested into the Zimbabwe Republic Police on 25th November 1999.

Soon after training, he was posted to ZRP Sakubva, Mutare in Manicaland Province. His policing career took him to various stations in Manicaland and Police General Headquarters where he held several positions as he through the ranks.

A church service for the late senior officer was held at Mkushi Training. Academy Chapel on Monday 4th December 2023. Burial has since been scheduled for Zororo Cemetery, Harare at 1400 hours this afternoon.

The Commissioner-General of Police, Tandabantu Godwin MATANGA, senior officers and the entire ZRP family is deeply saddened by the untimely passing on of the illustrious and dedicated senior officer.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

By-There are fears that members of the Central Intelligence Organisation assigned by Zanu PF to abduct opposition activists are injecting them with cancer.

CIO is on a spree abducting, torturing, and injecting opposition activists with unknown substances.

 These injections have raised fears that they may contain a slow-acting poison, leading to the gradual deterioration of the victims’ health.

The opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change, led by Nelson Chamisa, has publicly accused state security agents and the ruling party, ZANU PF, of being responsible for these acts. They believe that these actions are part of a broader campaign of violence and attacks targeting opposition activists.

Victims have come forward to share their experiences, describing the physical and emotional pain they endured during their abductions and torture. Medical professionals suspect that the unknown substances injected into them may pose a long-term health risk. CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, told The Daily Beast:

We are not aware what the substance is but experts in one of the cases indicated that it could lead to a deadly cancer within five years if not drained out [of the body] in time.

Womberaishe Nhende, a Harare city councillor and member of the CCC, says he was abducted, beaten, and injected with an unknown substance. He believes his involvement with the CCC and organising protests against the alleged theft of the August 2023 election made him a target. He said:

But l have never shifted on my resolve to fight for a better Zimbabwe for all, though disturbed by the methods of engagement being used by ZANU PF. I know for a fact it’s ZANU PF-sponsored state agents, for they were blunt in their conduct. 

The doctors have recommended further treatment outside Zimbabwe. Nothing conclusive has been reached hence the need to have further tests in highly specialized laboratories.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights has sent some victims for testing in South Africa, but the results are pending. International organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the worsening human rights situation in Zimbabwe and called for thorough investigations into these crimes.

The abductions and assaults on opposition activists have also raised concerns among the US and European embassies. The government has in the past dismissed claims of abductions as fabricated. 

List of Some People Allegedly Abducted over the Years:

1) Itai Dzamara – Allegedly abducted in 2015, his whereabouts remain unknown.

2) Womberaishe Nhende

3) Jestina Mukoko 

4) Joana Mamombe

5) Cecilia Chimbiri

6) Netsai Marova

7) Tapfumaneyi Masaya – Later found dead

8) Takudzwa Ngaziore

9) James Chidhakwa

10) Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya

11) Tatenda Mombeyarara

12) Dr. Peter Magombeyi

13) Tawanda Muchehiwa

14) Felix Biri

15) Robert Muwawa

16) Moreblessing Ali – Found dead

Some of the alleged abductions have not been reported to the police due to fears that the state might use the case against those who would have reported. This concern is based on incidents involving Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, and Netsai Marova, who reported their abductions but were later charged with faking their abduction to defame the government.