Zimbabwe’s election campaign has been marred by a growing number of reports of voter intimidation and threats of violence, a UN body has said.

This includes people being forced to attend rallies in rural areas, the UN human rights office said.

It did not blame any party, but the ruling Zanu-PF has been accused of violence in previous elections.

Monday’s elections will be the first since long-serving ruler Robert Mugabe was forced to resign in November.

A survey published last week predicted a tight race between his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The survey, by South Africa-based Afrobarometer, gave Mr Mnangagwa 40% of the vote and Mr Chamisa 37%, raising the possibility of a run-off.

“We remain concerned, however, at the increasing number of reports, particularly in some rural areas, of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion, including people being forced to attend political rallies,” it added.

Last month, a high court ordered Zanu-PF not to force schoolchildren and teachers to attend its rallies and to wear its regalia.

The case was brought by the Association of Rural Teachers Unions of Zimbabwe, which said it had acted to uphold the rule of law.

The BBC reports from the capital, Harare, that the head of one village told her that he had been warned that the violence of previous elections would be repeated if he voted for the opposition.

However, it is unclear how widespread voter intimidation is, she adds.

Most voters in live in rural areas, where traditional rulers wield enormous influence.

Zanu-PF has not yet commented on the UN’s statement.

At least two people were killed in an explosion at a Zanu-PF rally addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month.

He said he suspected that a faction linked to former First Lady Grace Mugabe was behind the blast in an attempt to kill him.

Mnangagwa has repeatedly promised that the elections will be free and fair.

He has invited European Union and US observers to monitor the elections for the first time in 16 years.

Mugabe had refused to allow them into the country.

The military has also promised to remain neutral, in a departure from previous elections when its senior commanders said they would reject an opposition victory.

Zimbabweans will vote in presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

More than 50 parties have registered to contest the elections, and there are 23 presidential candidates.

The youth vote is expected to be key. More than half of Zimbabweans are now under 25 and about 43.5% of registered voters are under 35.

-BBC

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says the ballot paper it has produced is very secure and can not be tampered with.

This was revealed by the ZEC commissioner Dr Qhubani Moyo in a statement responding to claims by the opposition MDC Alliance that the paper has a suspected scientific effect that moves a vote cast for its leader Nelson Chamisa to ZANU PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In an official statement on his social media platforms, Moyo said the commission would not allow the opposition parties to test the paper as that would be an “administration nightmare.”

Wrote Moyo on Tuesday:

“Today we held the last National Multi Party liason committee meeting with contesting political parties and independents to consider requests made to the Commission.

The Commission conceded to a request keep the voting booth as it has been placed traditionally. It also agreed as per the requirements of law that the numbers of ballot papers printed be published.

It however rejected a request for random testing of ballot papers on polling day to see if the mark X placed for one candidate migrates to another because it saw it as without substance on justification and will be an administrative nightmare and potential source of conflict.

The Commission is satisfied that the ballot paper is foul proof and can not be tampered with.”

A PAIR of twins have been jailed after repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl over a period of months.

Steven and Stanley Muchemwa, aged 31, were given 14 and 15 year sentences respectively at Bolton Crown Court after a judge branded the abuse “particularly shocking”.

The offences occurred at the twins’ home in Dunsop Drive, Bolton, where both men raped her, usually in their bedroom and sometimes when other children were also sleeping in the same room.

During the course of the trial the girl’s mother told Judge Graeme Smith that her world had “come crashing down around her” when she heard what had been happening.

The girl’s mother said she was “completely shocked” after her daughter revealed the ordeal to the head teacher at her school and “devastated” that she had trusted the men to take care of her.

She went on to say that there had been a “massive change” in the girl’s personality since the incidents, saying she had become “clingy” and was not sleeping well due to bad dreams.

The court heard that Steven first started touching the girl early in 2016 when she was just 10 years old, while the pair would go on to rape her in the school summer holidays after she had turned 11.

Giving evidence during the trial, the girl said that, when Steven first raped her, his brother Stanley had walked into the room while it was happening but had taken no action to stop it.

Both men had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, although Steven would go on to change his plea to guilty before the trial began.

Prosecuting, Kathryn Johnson, said: “Stanley had seen what his brother was doing. It was following that that Stanley started to rape her.”

Adding: “He would tell her he was teaching her what to do for when she had a boyfriend.”

Ms Johnson went on to say that Stanley had told the girl she would get into trouble if she told anyone about what had been happening.

She told her head teacher in October 2016, in what Judge Smith described as a “brave decision”.

Ms Johnson recounted what the teacher found, saying the girl was in an “extremely distressed state” when she began to explain her experiences.

She added: “Initially she wouldn’t explain why she was so upset. She told the headteacher she had been abused.

“Police and social services attended and spoke to her and her mother was contacted.”

Following a trial earlier this year, Stanley was found guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child under 13 and four counts of rape of a child under 13.

His brother Steven was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and seven counts of rape, both of a girl under 13.

He was also found guilty of one count of assault on a female, and a further count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

POLICE yesterday cited Norton constituency as one of the country’s potential political hotspots given the animosity between incumbent MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) and his Zanu PF rival Christopher Mutsvangwa.

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga told journalists in the capital that the hotly contested constituency is among many “hotspots” dotted around the country with potential of political violence flaring up.

He said they have deployed over 71 000 police officers across the country, including members of the Special Constabulary, to ensure an incident-free election.

“We have increased police visibility through focused deployments of personnel throughout the country in the build-up towards this election and we shall continue to do so on the day of election as well as the period after the election. Furthermore, identified hot-spots prone to political violence and other volatile areas are being monitored on a continuous basis,” the police chief said.

“We have identified quite a number of hotspots, but for now, I can talk of one. Though there are no physical fights, I can say Norton is one of them. There has been exchange of words and police have been deployed accordingly. There are other areas across the country and we are available to give that information, it’s no longer a secret. We must talk openly about them.”

With MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa openly agitating for confrontation with authorities over what he termed Zec’s biased decisions, Matanga warned police would not fold their arms.

“As Zimbabwe Republic Police, we remain steadfast in enforcing the law. In line with the Electoral Act, no person should interfere with a voter’s right to secrecy while casting their ballot,” he said.

“We also urge leaders of political parties and their members to refrain from making irresponsible, inflammatory statements or pronouncements which may incite irresponsible or even violent behaviour.”

This came amid reports of massive intimidation of voters, particularly in the rural areas.

Independent electoral watchdog, the Election Situation Room (ESR), in a statement yesterday said: “Intimidation had taken many forms including preventing people from attending rallies, prevention of people leaving party rallies and threats on how one should vote with the idea that voting will not be secret.”

ERS also raised a red flag on the text messages which Zanu PF sent to voters recently soliciting for votes, describing it as a “worrisome development and a classic case of intimidation”, as citizens are raising serious concerns on how the party managed to access their accurate personal information.

Newsday

Karo Mining has launched operations at its $4.2 billion platinum project in Mhondoro-Ngezi, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa blamed a “lack of vision” in former leader Robert Mugabe’s administration for frustrating the investment for a decade.

The project, co-owned by Karo and a Zimbabwe Government investment vehicle, will see opencast and underground platinum mining at the site on the mineral-rich Great Dyke. The first open pit mine is expected in 2020 with full production coming in 2023, Karo founder Loucas Pouroulis said at a ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday.

Karo Platinum is expected to mine approximately 14.4 metric tons per annum of run of mine ore, yielding 1.4 million ounces of platinum group metals (PGMs) by 2024. This would make it “one of the global market leaders within the next five to seven years”, Pouroulis said.

Pouroulis looked visibly relieved as he stood and chatted with Mnangagwa at the drill site of the new operation. For over a decade, he had planned to invest in Zimbabwe, but he had been kept waiting by ministers under Mugabe’s Government.

“Since 2004 we have invested a significant amount of time and energy to get us to the position where we are today,” Pouroulis said.

Mnangagwa, who has painted himself as pro-business, wasted little time in reminding the gathering that it was his Government’s efforts that was finally making the investment a reality.

Earlier, Pouroulis had politely thanked the Government for its cooperation. Mnangagwa said the businessman was not telling the whole truth.

“They have been very modest stating that they had cooperation from the Government. That is not true,” Mnangagwa said.

“Mr Pouroulis first came to Zimbabwe in 2007, wanting to look into the mining sector. By 2008 or 2009, we had identified this project. But we have lost eight to 10 years before we could reach this day, as a result of many people, several people, in offices of authority, who had no vision.”

The project would have long reached full capacity had it been given permission to start mining when Pouroulis first showed interest in 2007, Mnangagwa said, adding: “It is happening now because there is a wind of change.”

Mnangagwa told Pouroulis that “the man who was stopping you from being here is not here”, adding that his new Mines Minister, Winston Chitando, was more open to foreign investment than his predecessor, close Mugabe ally Walter Chidhakwa.

“I have a new Minister. I hope he will continue to have the spirit to allow investment. When he changes his mind, he will go,” Mnangagwa joked.

Karo has high ambitions for the project. At steady state, the complex is expected to produce 1.4 million ounces of refined PGMs per annum. The refineries will have the size to treat up to two million ounces, leaving spare capacity for toll refining for other PGM producers in the country.

“The Karo project will be one of the largest investments ever made in the history of Zimbabwe and we believe that this strategic investment will open the gateway for further diversified investment and development of the Zimbabwean economy,” Pouroulis says.

On how the company plans to fund this first stage, officials said the 26.8 percent purchase of a stake in Karo Mining by Tharisa, owned by the Pouroulis family, will see an injection of $8 million for initial geological and sampling work to confirm the resource.

The talk of creating 15 000 direct jobs, and a total 75 000 in various support services, sounds overly optimistic. But Josephat Zimba, Country Manager for Karo, says the 15,000 jobs would be created over several years. “It is a standard measure of the industry that one job created in the primary industry creates another five jobs down the value chain.”

It was originally proposed that Karo would establish a thermal power plant with a capacity of 600MW. After consultations with Government, which is keen to diversify energy sources, Karo will now instead build a 300MW solar power plant.

With increased demands from Government on resource firms to invest back into communities, Karo says it plans to build a school, a hospital and other public amenities.

Consultations are underway with Local Government and community leaders to relocate families. “Nobody will be shoved by a front-end loader out of this area,” Zimba says.

-Nezwire

It is with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the presidential race in the elections. I have sincerlerly searched within me for any alternative route but found none other.

I feel the ordinary people of Zimbabwe once again find themselves in the hands of politicians and organisation bent on championing gains far from national interest.

Zimbabweans are once again being robbed of a real chance at stability growth and exit from this quandary simple because an inability to find common ground.

The events of November in which we all participated in full spirit brought about real hope which stands to be shattered in this election.

It has become clear to me that in as much as we have tried to avert a disputed election by engaging ourselves in full spirit with all stakeholders to the platform of dialogue, all those efforts have been thwarted for reasons not quite reasonable to me. While the events of November have been interpreted in many ways, it is clear that indeed the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe for one day had real hope.

This spirit should have carried on as we build our nation. The events to me clearly showed that at times certain necessary things must be done when the peace stability and joy of the country is at stake. In that context I still find it hard to believe nor understand why Zec has found it very difficult to do what ever it takes to perpetuate that possibility of a new Zimbabwe.

While I respect the independence of Zec and their alignment to the law I feel that the stakes at hand are more higher than just what the law says. The real opportunity for our country to migrate to higher levels is surely much more valuable than a hard line position that Zec has decided to tour.

While I will be compelled by law to respect the decision taken by Zec as well as independence, I dread to realise that we are on the verge of yet another disputed election which I strongly feel could have been avoided. As such I find no sense in driving right into a storm that I can see well ahead of me and for that reason am withdrawing my candidature from the election.

While the so called big political players will be at each other’s throats for the next five years, It is the ordinary man on the streets who will sleep in bank queues buy cash in the street and have no job to go to. The big players will never know the feeling of that nor be affected by sanctions which are yet to be removed. It is the ordinary man who will bear the pain and cost of such a dispute.

What Zec has clearly failed to see is that the political giants will not in any way experience the wrath of the dispute but the ordinary man who has already had to shoulder nearly 4 decades of misery.

It is with a heavy heart that I tell my followers to think deeply as to were they will put their treasured vote which I’m sure will leave them with more questions than a fullfillment of their expectations… and as such must prepare themselves for what ever outcome.

I thank you

DIVINE MHAMBI HOVE
NAPDR PRESIDENT

THE John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust has thrown its weight behind zanu-pf Presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa ahead of harmonised elections set for next Monday.

The Trust said it supported President Mnangagwa as his continued call for peace and tolerance resonated with what the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo stood for.

In a statement on Tuesday, chairman of board of trustees, Jabulani Nkomo, said they hoped the peaceful environment prevailing in the country would continue before and after the July 30 polls.

“The patron, board chairman and trustees of the John Landa Nkomo Memorial Trust would like to state its support for His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa’s persistent and consistent call for all Zimbabweans to unite and embrace peace, love and tolerance before, during and after the July 30 2018 elections,” said Mr Nkomo.

He said the Trust, which was formed in 2014 for the purpose of remembering, promoting and protecting the late Vice President Nkomo’s legacy, was motivated to issue the statement because the President’s call resonated with what the late VP stood for.

“He was a well-known proponent of peace and he has been credited with coining the popular slogan ‘Peace begins with you, Peace begins with me and Peace begins with all of us’.”

“This slogan beseeches the nation to build peaceful co-existence,” said Nkomo. “This is a call to action for all Zimbabweans.”

Nkomo said when his father passed on in January 2013, he was declared a national hero and was described as a peacemaker, umlamlankunzi, muyananisi because of his desire to see Zimbabweans living in peace and harmony, which virtues are key prerequisites for the nation to develop and prosper.

“We pray that all Zimbabweans of whatever political persuasion conduct themselves in a peaceful manner as we go about our campaigns, voting process and announcement of the electoral outcome,” said Nkomo.

State Media

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned that he will use the hard hand on opposition members bent on what he called “inciting anarchy” in this year’s harmonised election period.

Addressing thousands of his ZANU PF supporters at a rally at Mubaira Growth Point on Tuesday, Mnangagwa warned that those who cause chaos would be dealt with.

“If anyone causes anarchy, the rule of law will prevail. We will not allow chaos in our country. We want peace. All those that are contesting are encouraged to contest in peace because we want law and order in our country.

“People should be allowed to do what they want, while respecting others and respecting peace.”

Referring to weekend statements by the MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa Mnangagwa said;

“We now have a certain party that says it wants to shut down Harare and to shut down the country. God forbid! We have asked ourselves what this small party intends to do and how it intends to do it and on what grounds. Kana wangova mukaka wawadya, ingodya mukaka wako ugute zvakanaka.

“We are preaching peace and we are saying everyone, including this small party, has the freedom to go around the country to woo the people’s vote. No one will stop any party from asking the people to vote for them.

“They are free to do so because we have created a democratic space to allow every party to go to the people and campaign freely but they should do so freely. We do not have a problem with those who say peace is OK.”

The President said his Government had opened the door to observers from all over the world to observe the elections because the country was now “mature and had come of age” in implementing democracy.

“We have opened the avenues for observers from the EU, Britain, America, Asia and so forth.

“They are free to come and observe our elections because our elections are going to be free, fair, transparent and credible. So we will not deny anyone the opportunity to do what they are doing.

Opposition political parties have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of seeking to instil fear in the electorate ahead of the July 30 harmonised elections. This follows reports that Mnangagwa will be meeting with National Youth Service graduates, popularly referred to as Green Bombers.

The Green Bombers have in the past been accused of perpetrating violence to ensure Zanu-PF’s victory in previous elections.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Welshman Ncube said,

“There is always a reason to be fearful where Zanu PF begins to meet with institutions or groups that have been used in the past for coercion and intimidation…If anything, the President must have moved to dismantle that whole group.

“These youths were used as Zanu PF stormtroopers and activating them a week before elections should be a cause for concern.”

Deputy president of the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T, Obert Gutu said,

“It’s not a coincidence that Mnangagwa is meeting this terror group on the eve of an election. It is meant to invoke sordid memories of the Green Bombers’ activities, especially in 2008.

“Mnangagwa’s meeting with this Zanu PF hit squad is meant to ignite fear and remind the populace of its existence.”

Coalition of Democrats (Code) presidential candidate, Elton Mangoma added,

“Obviously, there is cause for alarm if perpetrators of violence get this kind of treatment from the top. We had asked for peace pledges from the army, police, intelligence and the militia. Without that, they are p aying a double game.”

Newsday

The involving of soldiers during the upcoming elections to transport ballot papers has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will deploy 71 000 officers for the country’s harmonised elections next Monday.

Speaking at a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Comm-Gen General Godwin Matanga said police had already increased visibility through focused deployments throughout the country in the build-up to the elections and would continue on the day of election, as well as the period after.

The development comes after the military spoke in public saying that they are going to assist the police with transporting ballot papers. This development within would see contradictions with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Priscilla saying the very opposite that military will not be involved.

“We had planned to deploy something like 64 000 officers and not too long ago the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission increased the number of polling stations by 1 390,” he said.

“We had to run around and mobilise disciplined members of our police constabulary. The figure is no longer at 64 000, but it is coming up to something like 71 000 as a round figure,” he said. “Furthermore, identified hotspots prone to political violence and other volatile areas are being monitored on a continuous basis.”

Comm-Gen Matanga identified Norton as one such area where a lot of exchange of nasty words had been noted although there were no physical fights reported.

He said the force would deploy adequate numbers of police officers at each polling station to maintain law and order, as well as provide assistance if called upon by the presiding officer.

“To effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities, all our officers have been retrained on various aspects and laws governing the holding of democratic elections, as well as the preservation of law and order in the country,” he said.

“In fact, let me highlight that all police officers are now ready for deployment and they are fully acquainted with the role of police during the forthcoming harmonised elections as well as their duties and responsibilities.”

Speaking on recent postal ballots, which received mixed reactions from various quarters, Comm-Gen Matanga said these were provided for under Section 72 of the Electoral Act and 4 606 people had applied for the facility.

“The law does not provide for the presence of ZEC officials or observers or political party agents, hence these persons were not present during the postal voting of police officers,” he said.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act, police officers were afforded the opportunity to vote through the postal vote at their own convenience.

“The rest of the police officers will actually cast their ballots at their respective polling stations on July 30, 2018 as earlier revealed by the ZRP and ZEC in numerous meetings and workshop briefings. I would like to assure all Zimbabweans that we guarantee their safety and security throughout the election period. We also guarantee the safety and security of all election observers and journalists alike.”

Comm-Gen Matanga said no person should interfere with the voter’s right to secrecy while casting their vote and urged political leaders and their members to refrain from making irresponsible, inflammatory statements which may incite irresponsible or violent behaviour.

He denounced violence against women and thanked Zimbabweans for exhibiting a high level of political maturity by conducting themselves peacefully throughout the campaign period.
Comm-Gen Matanga said there were isolated incidences of intra-party and inter-party political violence that were reported, including defacing, destruction and superimposition of campaign posters.

A 43-year old woman has been found dead near an illegal crossing point along the Limpopo River in Beitbridge amid fears that she was killed by a hippopotamus.

The woman from Chitungwiza was found by police officers patrolling the area at around 4AM on Monday. Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident.

He said the woman was identified as Nosiza Sibanda and her relatives have been notified.

“I can confirm that a 43-year-old woman was found dead along Limpopo River yesterday morning. It is suspected that a hippopotamus killed her while she was trying to illegally cross over to neighbouring South Africa,” said Insp Ndebele.

He said the woman was travelling from Harare where she was staying.
“Police officers discovered her body next to the bridge yesterday at around 4AM while doing patrols and no foul play is suspected,” Insp Ndebele said.

He said it is better for people to raise $53 to get a passport than risk their lives crossing the border at illegal points.

“We have always encouraged people to use proper channels as passports cost only $53. They would rather use passports than resort to illegal border jumping,” Insp Ndebele said.

He said there are crimes that take place at illegal crossing points in Beitbridge which members of the public should be wary of. “People are always robbed or even raped and we wish to warn people to stop putting their lives at risk,” said Insp Ndebele. – state media

By Paul Nyathi|The Nelson Chamisa led MDC-T has called for an urgent National Executive Committee meeting to pave a way forward after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission refused to budge to its concerns regarding the ballot paper and the voters’ roll to be used in the elections set for Monday.

The urgent meeting comes up after Chamisa made several threats at his election campaign rallies that if the ZEC fails to listen to the party demands then elections will not be held.

The Chamisa led MDC-T working under the banner of the MDC Alliance has been making demands that ZEC withdraws the ballot papers that have been printed and ready to be used in the elections on Monday.

The opposition alliance of seven political parties claims that the ballot paper being used by ZEC was imported from Russia and has a scientific effect that will shift ballots cast for the opposition to the ruling ZANU PF as an election rigging method.

The MDC Alliance further claims that the ballot paper has been designed in a manner that favours ZANU PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a meeting held with the electoral commission on Tuesday, the MDC Alliance demanded that the ballot paper be redesigned and be reprinted in the presence of all contesting parties, a demand which was turned down by the Commission.

The party meeting set for Wednesday morning will come up with a decision on how to proceed following ZEC’s decision on the concerns they raised.

Meanwhile, police in Harare have also refused to sanction an urgent public gathering set for Wednesday requested by the MDC Alliance. The police claim that they have already sanctioned a rally for the party in Harare set for Saturday and can not sanction another gathering.

The MDC intended to demonstrate against ZEC and march to the elections body offices in Harare where the party supporters would camp outside until its demands are met.

ZimEye.com is keeping watch on the events as they unfold.

By Farai D Hove| The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has refused to address among others, the contentious issue of the ballot paper design, re-printing, and the escorting of the ballot papers from storage until the end of the voting process.

The only issue ZEC conceded on was on the demands by political parties to revert back to the traditional polling booth system.

All this was revealed during the Multiparty Liaison Committee meeting in Harare today. ZimEye beamed the function LIVE.

During the session, members of various political parties called on ZEC to revert back to the traditional polling booth system where the booth faces the wall in order to protect the secrecy of the ballot.

MDC Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora spoke out laying several areas of alleged misconduct by ZEC. Most of these have been proved with impeccable evidence. (WATCH VIDEO)

Responding to it all, ZEC Commissioner and Chairperson of the Multiparty Liaison Committee, Mr Qhubani Moyo said ZEC had no problems with that but indicated that after thorough scrutiny, the electoral mother body could not accede to some unconstitutional demands by some parties which include escorting the ballot papers from storage until the end of the process, and testing the ink, among others.

Some political parties accused the electoral mother body of favouring the ruling party, accusations which were immediately rubbished by Zanu PF representatives led by Paul Munyaradzi Mangwana.

Former Sunday Mail Editor Edmund Kudzayi will on Friday spill more beans on alleged vote rigging. The development will be beamed LIVE on ZimEye.com

State media journo Tichaona Zindoga on Tuesday wrote swearing that if MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa wins the upcoming elections (outrightly), he will cut his hair off. FULL TEXT:

IF CHAMISA WINS…
If @nelsonchamisa forces a runoff against @edmnangagwa on July 30, I will cut off my hair and put locks back after 1 year. If he wins outright I will cut my hair and never wear locks ever again.
(PS: pin this tweet and tag your friends and her for future ref) pic.twitter.com/hTKL0PfOOm

— tichaona zindoga (@TichZindoga) July 24, 2018

The Minister made the call in a circular to all councils on the 13th of June according to information from the Bulawayo City Council.

The Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube revealed this in a letter to his councillors informing them that there are no more council meetings until after the holding of the harmonised elections.

According to the circular sent to councillors last Monday, Mr Dube informed them that his office had on 13 June received a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to stop holding special council meetings as some incumbent councillors were now abusing special full council meetings for personal gain.

The ministry ordered that if any special full council meeting was to be held councillors should submit a full agenda of the meeting 10 days before the meeting.

“As you may all be aware the current term of all councillors expires on 29 July 2018. In this regard, my office has received complaints against some councillors who are abusing special full council meetings for personal gain. Accordingly, in terms of Section 155(2) of the Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13, I hereby direct all councils not to convene special full council meetings without my approval in an effort to preserve the scarce council financial resources.

In addition to the above, local authorities intending to sit for a special full council meeting must submit the full agenda of the same to my office at least 10 days before the scheduled day of the meeting, unless otherwise directed by this office,” reads part of the circular.

In an interview, Mr Dube justified the cancellation saying they had noted that it was not logical for them to hold any further committee meetings as this would have to culminate in a council meeting which would only be held after the expiry of the current councillors’ term in office.

“In the circular, the ministry has made it clear that council can no longer hold any unscheduled meetings and in terms of the Bulawayo City Council we had already held most committee meetings but for us to continue holding these meetings will not be logical as the decisions can only be held with a full council meeting, which in our case can only be held on the first Wednesday of the month and this will be after the harmonised elections. However, this is not to mean that council has been dissolved, it is just a decision that has been reached noting the time frames and council policy,” said Mr Dube.

Contacted for comment the city’s mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo confirmed receiving the communication from the town clerk saying while they had wanted to conclude council business with a special council meeting this was now impossible.

Tune into ZimEye as a CIO boss submits ZRP evidence saying he was never arrested over the White City bombing attack as reported in a weekly at the weekend.

The short LIVE bulletin beings at 9.30 am (8.30 am UK time)

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THE MDC Alliance has labelled Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba and her officials as a serious threat to national security for reneging on their earlier pledge to implement electoral reforms proposed by the opposition to ensure credible polls on July 30.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Welshman Ncube, who is also the leader of the MDC, told supporters at a campaign rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo at the weekend that it was now clear Zec was not committed to free and fair elections.

“We are tired of this junta government. The biggest national threat today, the challenge to national security today, the biggest obstacle to a new Zimbabwe is Chigumba and her colleagues at Zec,” Ncube said.

The opposition movement has accused Chigumba of conniving with Zanu PF to rig polls on behalf of the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a charge Zec denied.

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has ruled out chances of postponing next Monday’s national elections, insisting it was all systems go despite complaints by opposition parties that the ground was not yet level for a free and fair contest.

Briefing accredited observers in Harare yesterday, Zec deputy chairperson Emmanuel Magade said they had handled the election preparations in a manner that did not warrant a disputable outcome.

The opposition MDC Alliance has threatened to block the holding of elections until Zec has guaranteed transparency in the security of the ballot paper.

Magade said if anyone had problems with the Electoral Act, they should go to Parliament because the commission’s role was to implement the law.

“We pride ourselves in being servants of the law,” Magade said. “There is no way we can subvert the Constitution. I think if there are things that are humanly possible for us to rectify, to intervene in the time left between now and July 30 then that can be done, but postponement of the election is out of the question.”

“In terms of the Constitution, we have to abide meticulously and religiously by the provision of the Constitution.”

With regards to the “shambolic voters’ roll”, Zec commissioner Qhubani Moyo said it was in a good and usable state.

“Our position as a Commission is that we are satisfied that the voters’ roll is in perfect order. It is a new voters’ roll that has been under construction since last year in September,” Moyo said.

“We gave it out for people to check their names or any errors and omissions that needed to be corrected. We went on to check for ourselves using the AFIS system to see if there were any duplications and we are very much satisfied that the roll is very much in order.”

Moyo admitted that there could have been some typographical errors, adding that those had since been rectified.

Moyo said Zec had been engaging the parties so that they could point the exact areas where there were inconsistencies.

The commissioners also expressed disheartenment over the nature of abuse spewed against the female commissioners, especially on social media.

Newsday

Acting Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi has hit the ground running, directing the prosecution of at least five high-profile figures on corruption charges, with the cases expected in court soon.

Hodzi, who took oath of office before President Mnangagwa on Monday morning, immediately ordered the prosecution of the suspects, whose dockets had since been completed.

Hodzi took up the post in an acting capacity pending an investigation into why Advocate Ray Goba allegedly failed to execute his duties to expectation.

Adv Goba was recently suspended on allegations of failing to prosecute high-profile cases, travelling without Cabinet authority, use of abusive language, among other charges.

In an interview, Hodzi said his priority was to effectively prosecute all corruption cases without fear or favour in line with Government’s thrust to create a corruption-free society.

He said all corrupt elements were going to be prosecuted regardless of their status.

“Today, my first directive to the NPA office and all the key stakeholders who answer to me in terms of my constitutional mandate, was to ensure that key corruption cases be formally brought before the court henceforth,” said Hodzi.

“Those that are guilty of corruption will be rigorously prosecuted without fear or favour. Already, I have directed the prosecution of a number of high-profile corruption cases and five or so of the accused persons are expected to appear in court soon.”

Hodzi said he will respect the rights of the accused persons during the prosecution.

“I have also directed that rigorous attention be paid to the rights of all accused persons,” he said.

“This is a new dispensation. Gone are the days where accused were brought to court in leg irons and at the back of open trucks.

“Gone are the days when accused persons would be over-detained or harassed in any manner. But when it comes to prosecution, I will ensure that those that are guilty of breaking the law are prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Hodzi said he will carry out his duties impartially and in consultation with key stakeholders.

“I am a professional and have been professional for the past 33 years,” he said. “I intend to carry out my responsibility impartially and professionally, with integrity. I will do so in full consultation with key stakeholders, including the citizenry of Zimbabwe.

“I will work with the Law Society of Zimbabwe, Judicial Service Commission, the Attorney General’s office, to put in place case management rules to ensure cases are prosecuted at the earliest possible time and are completed within reasonable time.”

In an interview soon after holding a meeting with President Mnangagwa, Hodzi said the Head of State and Government had assured him maximum support in fighting crime.

“I have just had a brief with the President,” he said. “I promise the country that we are going to hit the ground running. There is plenty of work to be done. I have promised the President that we will prioritise the work of fighting corruption.”

Hodzi said they will also compliment Government thrust of ensuring an environment conducive for business and investment.

“We are going to ensure that according to the dictates of the new dispensation, we will ensure that whatever laws we will enforce, especially the prosecution, it will make the business environment very friendly for investment,” he said.

“We are also cognisant that we are moving towards elections. One of the priorities that I have as Acting PG is to ensure that we maintain the peaceful environment that has existed. I think we all agree that the election period has been the most peaceful environment.”

Hodzi said the President had been clear in terms of his expectation.

“The President has been frank,” he said. “He wants us to maintain a rigorous rule of law programme. He would also want to ensure that peace prevails in the country. He said he will give us maximum support to ensure that the laws of the country are observed.”

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Hodzi’s tenure would run for four months by which time a tribunal established by President Mnangagwa would have concluded an inquiry on Goba.

He dismissed claims from some quarters that the Special Prosecution Unit in the President’s office led by Thabani Mpofu would undermine the independence of the PG.

“The Special Unit is composed of prosecutors, but it is not a prosecution unit,” he said. “It is an anti-corruption unit to assist the investigators, to complete the dockets and recommend anything so that we have complete dockets ready for prosecution.

“What the Prosecutor-General would then do is that if he sees it fit he can then assign anyone of those prosecutors to proceed to prosecute and then issue a prosecution certificate. This unit is to enhance our work to fight corruption and the President saw it fit to have it in his office to show the seriousness that we have to fight corruption.”

THE Government is committed to fighting corruption by public officials as evidenced by the jailing of former Cabinet Minister Samuel Undenge and more prosecutions of that nature will help fight against graft, the Acting Minister of  Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Simon Khaya Moyo said on Monday.

Addressing Zanu-PF supporters in Maphisa, Matobo District, Khaya Moyo who is also the party’s national secretary for information and publicity said some officials were driven by greed to engage in corrupt activities.

“We know there are thieves, not you but us.  I saw a former minister was sentenced to four years in jail, if they arrest 12 to 15 of us, you will see this country changing because what is affecting us is greed,” he said.

Moyo said before the amendment of the indigenisation law some officials were abusing the piece of legislation to push corrupt activities and amassing unreasonable amounts of wealth.

“You find a person with 12 houses alone boasting with ill gotten wealth, we say down with thieves,” he said.

Undenge, the former Energy and Power Development Minister who was accused of prejudicing the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of $12 650, was last Friday sentenced to an effective two-and-a-half years in prison.

Undenge appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya facing charges of abuse of office and was convicted after a full trial.

He was sentenced to four years in prison, with one-and-a-half years suspended on condition he does not commit a similar crime.

His lawyers have since appealed against the sentence.

In what could be a dark reminder of the Jealousy Mawarire court victory against the late Morgan Tsvangirai in 2013, the High Court judge Justice Happias Zhou has ruled against the call by Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance party’s defence and demand for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to issue a voters’ roll with photographs.

Justice Zhou said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is right on not issuing a voters’ roll with photographs to political parties or any member of public.

The verdict goes on to state that the electoral body has rights not to be compelled on it.

A Zimbabwean woman Ms Ethel Tsitsi Mpezeni, had sought from the High Court an order barring ZEC from releasing a voters’ roll bearing registered voters’ pictures. The petition prompted opposition political parties and activists who comprised MDC-Alliance, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe, People’s Democratic Party, Coalition for Democrats, National Constitutional Assembly, Ms Theresa Manase, Pastor Evan Mawarire, Mr Harrison Nkomo, Mr Jeremiah Bamu, Mr Douglas Coltart and Mr Warship Dumba to combine and file a join application. They argued that they will be completely prejudiced by the order Mpezeni sought saying it would have a negative result on the credibility of the July 30 harmonised elections.

Justice Zhou ruled that Ms Mpezeni’s fears that the provision of a photograph will enable criminals to clone national identity documents were properly founded to warrant the court to grant the relief she sought. Justice Zhou said, “there is no reason why publication of the photograph should be allowed to people without a legitimate reason to have it. Granting of the interdict does not irreparably prejudice the respondents.”

Excerpt from 33 Strategies Of War:

ENVELOP THE ENEMY: THE ANNIHILATION
STRATEGY

People will use any kind of gap in your defenses
to attack you. So offer no gaps. The secret is to
envelop your opponents–create relentless
pressure on them from all sides and close off
their access to the outside world. As you sense
their weakening resolve, crush their willpower by
tightening the noose.

Is Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu plotting to destroy MDC Alliance leader by incriminating him?

State Media –

Government will not condone or tolerate any acts of violence, intimidation and incitement to commit lawlessness in the country during the election period and has activated all security institutions to be on high alert.

The MDC Alliance led by Mr Nelson Chamisa has been threatening violence at rallies if he loses harmonised elections set for Monday next week.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday afternoon warned Mr Chamisa against causing anarchy in the country, saying he should desist from student activism type of politics and focus on ensuring that the July 30 elections were conducted in a peaceful environment.

Addressing a press conference in Harare last night, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Dr Obert Mpofu said Government had a duty to maintain law and order and ensure that there was peace and security.

“The Government of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the nation and foreign visitors alike that the security situation in the country remains calm and peaceful,” he said.

“However, as Government we are deeply concerned with threats of violence, intimidation and use of hate speech that has been steeped up by some political parties, who have openly declared that they will shut down Zimbabwe and make it ungovernable.

“As the Minister of Home Affairs, let me categorically state that we will not allow or condone or tolerate any acts of violence, intimidation and incitement to commit lawlessness in the country.”

Minister Mpofu said Government took exception to such conduct meant to derail the peace prevailing in the country.

“Government has a duty to maintain law and order and ensure that there is peace and security,” he said. “It is against this background that I call upon all political parties to abide by the laws of this country.

“Every political party, group or individuals should share the same space while exercising their constitutional right and should be balanced with the maintenance of law and order in the country.

“Let me reiterate that both State and human security are of paramount importance to us as Government during this election period, hence our security institutions are on high alert. Let me also remind those who are planning demonstrations that they have an obligation to respect the laws of the country.”

Minister Mpofu said Government opened the democratic space, but that right must not be abused by anyone.

“The Government of Zimbabwe is doing all it can to ensure that every citizen exercises his/her democratic right to vote,” he said. “We have, therefore, put all State security apparatus on high alert and all those bent on causing disorder are being warned that the long arm of the law will be applied without fear or favour.

“The Zimbabwe Government is a signatory to various international conventions that guard against all forms of discrimination and violence against women.

It is, therefore, with deep concern and regret that we have noticed that some political parties have resorted to using violence and unpalatable threats against women through social media.

“Let me remind you all that as Government, we do not condone such behaviour and actions. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is currently pursuing all such cases of intimidation and threats perpetrated against individuals and duly constituted institutions with a view to bring such perpetrators to book.

“We are making a passionate appeal to all citizens to respect the dignity and liberty of other people. We urge those concerned to desist from such unbecoming actions.”

Minister Mpofu urged citizens and other stakeholders to remain peaceful and shun all forms of violence.

“We are appealing to citizens and stakeholders not to be hoodwinked into committing acts of violence and unlawful conduct,” he said. “Zimbabwe recognises the rule of law and let us all take advantage of the peaceful environment prevailing in the country to campaign peacefully.

“Let us also take heed of His Excellency, Cde E.D Mnangagwa’s continuous calls for peace and tolerance.”

Minister Mpofu said the police, together with other security organisations, will continue monitoring the security situation in the country.

The press conference was attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary Mr Melusi Matshiya, police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and police Deputy Comm-Gen Levie Sibanda.

Addressing hundreds of Zanu-PF supporters at Whitecliff Farm in Zvimba district during a campaign rally aimed at drumming up support for the revolutionary party, VP Chiwenga said Mr Chamisa should stop purporting to be speaking on behalf of all the opposition parties and their presidential candidates.

Mr Chamisa has been threatening to disrupt the elections if his demands are not met by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

He has also threatened to unleash violence on Zimbabweans in case he loses his presidential bid.

This is despite advice he has been getting from both local and international election observers and fellow candidates to approach the courts if he feels aggrieved.

“We have 23 presidential candidates,” said VP Chiwenga. “We now see others are now afraid. They ran a 21-kilometre race as if they were running a 100-metre race, they have now capitulated.

“They now say they want to direct Harare to disrupt everything, they want to stop Zec from conducting elections the same way they used to do at the university. Are you now the representative of all the political parties? You should respect the will of the people and if you lose the election accept it and say chero ndasara ndiri mupenyu (at least I have another chance next time).

“You need not to cause anarchy in the country. If you insult a woman you would have also done the same to your mother. Zec is an independent body. The executive has nothing to do with its operations. It is a commission put into being by Parliament through the Constitution of Zimbabwe. They are not subjected to any directive other than the Electoral Act and the Constitution.”

VP Chiwenga said the time of student activism and demonstrations where property was damaged was over.

He said those who would have been given loans should be honest enough and repay the money and not repeat what used to happen when Mr Saviour Kasukuwere was Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, where there was no culture of repayment.

“You will get loans to do projects from the Empowerment Bank for youths and Women Microfinance Bank and return the money where you would have borrowed after selling your products,” he said.

“We don’t want a repeat of the situation when Kasukuwere was minister when those who accessed loans did not repay them.  We want people who are honest, who are not corrupt.”

VP Chiwenga said Government would not tolerate corruption and offenders would be imprisoned. – state meda

A woman was caught in the act allegedly stealing from former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Choppies supermarket.

The Bulawayo woman has since been remanded out of custody for allegedly conniving with her husband to steal groceries worth more than $2 000 from Choppies Distribution Centre in Belmont.

A court heard that Sisasenkosi Maphosa (29) and her husband Mandlenkosi Maphosa, who is a cleaner at Choppies, loaded their vehicle with groceries on Saturday using the backdoor.

A security guard, Mr Gilbert Nyakatsopa, received a tip off from one of the people who noticed that the duo was stealing.

“I was on duty that night and as I was checking out the front view, someone told me something was happening at the back,” said Mr Nyakatsopa.

“Upon arrival I saw a Honda Fit that was already leaving and stopped it. Maphosa fled from the scene and left the driver and his wife in the car. I searched and found the stolen goods”.

Prosecuting Mr McLean Ndlovu told the court that on Saturday at around 7PM, Maphosa and his wife parked their Honda Fit at the shop’s backdoor and loaded it with goods from the shop. Maphosa and his wife stole groceries worth $2 013,48 which were later recovered.

Th wife pleaded guilty to theft before Bulawayo Magistrate Miss Adelaide Mbeure and was remanded out of custody to August 6.

Maphosa is still at large. – state media

Tweets by edhasmyvote

The dramatic characteristics of the Zimbabwean election is gone with the legendary former president Robert Mugabe as his exit left the political scene dull with unusual peace and calmness, an award-winning playwright has said.

Controversial playwright and actor Cont Mhlanga said with a few days to go to the Election Day and by normal standards when Mugabe was participating, this is the most boring election by comparison.

“Now that he is gone, the ‘Mugabe Must Go’ political factor energy and excitement has left many in our politics without a clear purpose and mission.

“Civil Society Organisations have also not been spared. Even the arts sector lost steam to zero.

“The international community too has responded to the Mugabe factor with election observers over flooding to this election.

“Like it or not this proves that Mugabe was the political soul and centre of Zimbabwean politics,” said Mhlanga.

He said Zanu PF had over focused on Mugabe as their sole Messiah while those in the opposition as their sole Lucifer forgetting that they will always be life after him (Mugabe) and a country to be developed.

“The swift activity decline and scattering of opposition politics to over 100 or so political parties and 23 presidential candidates speaks volumes of the impact of the ‘Mugabe Must Go political’ factor.

“It proves he was the glue that kept them united and the enemy that gave them purpose and reasonable speeches.

“In the Mugabe era they developed thick skins of the politics of blame and excuses.

“With Mugabe not in the centre of political action anymore they have to find a new enemy, new blame targets and new excuses, hence different focus and directions this time around in this election.

“And after the ballot we will see if Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has become the new enemy and a substitute to ‘Mugabe Must Go’ agenda.”

Mhlanga said Mugabe’s election campaigns have always been full of election violence drama and action since the 80s starting with Gukurahundi.

“This always gave political actors in Zimbabwe an emotional election agenda to take to the people and to the international community.

“Now that Mugabe is gone with his election violence drama, the political actors are now left politically bankrupt running with very shallow campaign agendas and issues.”

The playwright believes NGOs thrived in Mugabe’s election time in the field of Human Rights though narrow and selective.

“Now that Mugabe is gone, the funding for those activities has dried up and it is noticeable with their reduced appearances and activities in this election.”

He said Mnangagwa’s main election message is influenced by the Mugabe era.

“It is about how he fell from being vice president to rise to be president.

“All candidates are silent on how they will address current economic challenges facing the nation such as unemployment, cash shortages, rural economic growth, unplanned informal sector, urban planning chaos and so on.

“Political economy debate is very shallow, limited to Zimbabwe is open for business and international engagements… if not official launching of this or that.”

Mhlanga, however, said the removal of Mugabe from power — never mind how — has brought an immediate change to doing political business in Zimbabwe.

“Not just change but very positive change as witnessed by how Zimbabweans have conducted themselves during this first post Mugabe election.

“This for sure gives those who removed him credit even if it is the same people who sustained him for many years.”

He added that Zimbabweans have come to know and accept that there is life after Mugabe, and even better civilised ways of conducting political and government business.

“Now the next point of interest will be to see if Mugabe’s absence in government after the elections will also translate to immediate change in the economic sphere of the country like it did in the political sphere.

“Will we see a change in the ways government and citizens conduct business as a departure from doing business when Mugabe was still the centre of Zimbabwean politics?”

DailyNews

A former Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director with alleged links to former first lady Grace Mugabe was arrested on Saturday morning in a suspected clampdown against Zanu PF’s G40 faction.

Tadzingaira Tachiveyi, a deputy director in the spy agency until former president Robert Mugabe’s ouster in November last year, was allegedly picked up at his farm in Musana during an early morning raid.

Sources said Tachiveyi was arrested during a joint operation that involved the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Law and Order section, Zimbabwe National Army and CIO.

The team first raided his home in Harare before tracking him to Shamva.

Although details of Tachiveyi’s arrest were still sketchy at the time of this article, sources said he was being accused of trying to destabilise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba could not confirm Tachiveyi’s arrest, saying she was in Chinhoyi on business.

On Friday, Mnangagwa said his enemies tried to wipe out the presidium after an explosion rocked Bulawayo’s White City Stadium during a Zanu PF rally last month.

Two security agents were seriously injured and died a couple of days after the blast.

Vice-president Kembo Mohadi and Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri were seriously injured in the incident, but survived.

– The Standard

MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa yesterday urged his supporters to fast for the whole week to facilitate smooth transfer of power from the ruling Zanu PF party to the opposition after the July 30 elections.

Addressing thousands of supporters at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru, Chamisa said he was confident of victory adding that there was need for a week of national prayer and fasting to ensure smooth transfer of power from Zanu PF.

“This whole week (from Monday to Saturday) there is need for fasting,” Chamisa said.

“To all those who can (fast) please do so and fast for your country. Then on July 29, that is on Sunday, it should be a national day of prayer. We want to ensure a smooth cross-over.”

Chamisa’s call came after MDC Alliance women assembly early this month said they would fast every Friday for Chamisa for God to be with him in this election.

The women also declared that on July 30 they would camp close to polling stations until Chamisa gets keys to State House. The MDC Alliance leader told the gathering that there was not going to be a run-off in this year’s election as he would emerge the “ultimate winner” in the plebiscite.

“There is no run-off, in fact, there is a run over in this election,” he said.

“We are winning this election. In fact, we have already won this election.”