By- Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has announced that inmates can now be granted temporary absence from prison where they can visit their families back home and come back.

ZPCS says on its Facebook page that this is done in strict adherence to the Prisons and Correctional Service Act and its Mission, which emphasises exercising humane treatment of inmates.

The paramilitary organisation was chronicling a story of one such inmate who was released to attend a funeral.

Below is the unedited text from the ZPCS Facebook page on the story:

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) temporarily released Sibukane Mguni, an inmate, serving 18 months for robbery at Anju Prison Farm in Mat North Province, to allow him time to attend the burial of his wife.
The permission to attend the burial was granted in terms of Section 169 of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Act which explains provisions of the Temporary Absence of Inmate, and which states that:
1) The Commissioner-General may, subject to such conditions as he or she may specify, grant an inmate permission in writing to be absent from prison or correctional facility under escort for a specified period for personal, family, or other reasons if, in the opinion of the Commissioner-General, the circumstances of the case warrant the granting of such permission.
2) The Commissioner-General shall notify the Minister of the absence of such inmate.
Mguni expressed appreciation for being granted the temporary absence from prison. He said, “I am very thankful that I was allowed to say goodbye to my wife and also to see her final resting place. I also got to meet my new baby though it was not a favorable time because of the circumstances. I am now more concerned about the well-being of my children but I know I have the support of my family and they will look after them for me.”
The provincial chaplain and the rehabilitation officers promised to make follow-ups on his behalf and encouraged his family to visit him so that he is kept well-informed of how his children are doing
.
“Attending the funeral is also going to lighten the process of grief for Mguni and it might also be a catalyst that will motivate him to be fully invested in his rehabilitation as he knows that his children await his return and they will need him to work towards their welfare. Social workers will also continue with psycho-social interventions to support and help him cope as he finishes the remainder of his sentence,” said Principal Correctional Officer (PCO) Katsvairo, the provincial rehab officer.
It is the view of the ZPCS that attending the funeral allows an inmate to have closure as it assists him/her in dealing with the loss of a family member. Whilst prison inmates are individuals who would have committed crimes, they are still human beings. Therefore, attending funerals is a key element of maintaining family connections and also getting the necessary support for their psychological well-being.

Prominent preacher Frederick Shumba, founder of World Harvest Ministries in Norton, has been divorced by his wife of 32 years, who accuses him of having many adulterous affairs.

The couple’s divorce was granted by High Court judge Fatima Maxwell after establishing that their marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Among other reasons, Shumba’s wife, Consilia said the cleric would publicly accuse her of prostitution while he himself had many concubines, embarrassing her in front of the world.

She also said Shumba, on three occasions, accused her of trying to kill him.

According to her divorce summons, the parties were married in terms of the then Marriages Act [Chapter 5:11] on the 7 of September 1991.

The couple’s union was blessed with three children.

On 27 August 2019, Consilia issued summons claiming a decree of divorce and ancillary relief.

In her declaration, she stated that the parties’ marriage has irretrievably broken down to such an extent that there were no reasonable prospects of reconciliation.

“She further stated that the defendant committed adultery with several women and treated her with such cruelty as is inconsistent with a normal marital relationship.

“She also stated that the defendant publicly accused her of prostitution and attempting to kill him on three occasions.

“She averred that defendant deserted her for over three years and told her in front of his brothers and her sisters that he no longer loves her and had ‘divorced’ her three years earlier,” read court papers.

Consilia stated that during the marriage, the parties acquired both movable and immovable assets.

She suggested a distribution plan and prayed that each party bears its own costs.

Testifying in court, Consilia accused her husband of trying to elbow her out of their marriage empty handed.

To this end, she said, Shumba had formed a Trust which was registered in his name.

Consilia stated that the properties in the Trust must be subject to distribution as she was not consulted and did not consent to their transfer to the Trust.

She submitted the couple’s house in Norton should be awarded to her and together with other stands in Norton and Gweru.

Shumba’s wife proposed that the cleric be awarded a house in Poorle Road, Twinlakes, Norton and a commercial stand for lodges in Kariba.

She stated that in terms of value, she was getting less than what she proposed should be given to Shumba.

She produced valuation reports prepared by Josephine Chidora of Global World Properties.

The properties were valued as follows; 764 Hertfordshire in Gweru (US$96,000), Govans in Norton (US$18,000), Poorle Road in Norton (US$75,000), Stand 473 in Norton (US$170,000) and stand 1036 in Kariba (US$140,000).

Consilia also testified that the parties were both employed but she earned more than the defendant.

She acquired a family car while her estranged husband got a loan to buy an incomplete house in Kuwadzana.

The court heard the loan was not enough and the car was used to cover the deficit.

However, the parties did not complete the house. They sold it and went to Norton where Shumba had been given a house by his employer.

According to Consilia, they started a car selling business before Shumba left employment and became a full-time pastor, though continuing in the business.

After he left his job, Shumba asked Consilia to leave employment so that she accompanies him in his many visits to congregants’ homes.

She eventually left her employment in 1998.

Justifying her claim, Consilia said they acquired their wealth together and in his absence, she would be the pastor at church and the housewife at home.

She said Shumba would travel to America and bring lots of money and at times she would accompany him on international trips where at times she would sing before he preached.

Consilia said she would also look after their extended family and Shumba’s father.

It was her testimony that three of her children are in America and that in 2017, she visited and found them out of school and with no food in the house.

He said Shumba has not been paying rates and charges for their matrimonial home yet he would bring congregants home for prayer and she would take care of them.

Shumba’s position was that the assets do not belong to the parties and were not available for distribution.

He narrated how a Trust had been formed stating that it was not logic for his wife to say the property registered under a third parties name “was theirs”.

He pointed out that the six-hectare agricultural plot in Norton is state land was not subject to distribution.

Under cross-examination, Consilia conceded that she had not given evidence that the Trust was a fraud and was only registered and valid as at the time of her testimony.

The court then ruled that what is subject to distribution is what belongs to the parties.

The judge ruled, “A decree of divorce be and is hereby granted.

“Plaintiff be and is hereby awarded Stand No. 3 Poorle Road, Twinlakes, Norton as her sole and exclusive property.

“The defendant be and is hereby awarded the commercial stand for lodges in Kariba as his sole and exclusive property.”

From 1989 to 1996, Shumba served as a senior member in the United Assemblies in Africa (UAA) church after rising through ranks.

He was fully employed by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZETDC).

He then founded his church, World Harvest Ministries which has since spread to major towns in Zimbabwe. Zimlive

By A Correspondent- Civil servants are not happy with government splitting payment of their annual bonus into two batches, saying the arrangement was meaningless considering their meagre salaries.

They have been demanding a once-off payment of their bonus in both foreign and local currency.

The State workers have started receiving part of their bonus, with the remainder expected next month.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said the bonus was way below what they used to earn in 2017.

“Before the coup of 2017, teachers were to get bonuses of not less than US$520. It was 100% with the gross income. But now the 100% of the gross income today is way below what teachers used to earn before the coup,” he said.

Masaraure said there was no relief for educators given the split payment of their bonus.

“You cannot be able to keep the US$150 this month waiting for the other US-dollar payment next month. There isn’t much relief that is going to be enjoyed from this particular bonus,” he said.

“It’s very unfortunate that the incapacitation crisis remains unresolved and teachers’ morale will remain very low.”

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo expressed similar sentiments.

“Nurses got their bonuses in US dollars. However, the money is not enough. We also urge the government to give us full bonuses. We can’t plan with this meagre salary,” Dongo said.

Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions chairperson Cecilia Alexander, however, said civil servants were happy.

“They are happy because this year there has been some improvement. Firstly, all the workers have been treated the same unlike before where some sectors would be paid earlier while others received the 13th cheque late,” Alexander said.

“Secondly, the larger chunk of the bonus is in US dollars so at least it’s better as the majority of their income is not affected by inflation. Government has been very responsible this year and we commend it for the efforts.”

Efforts to contact Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister July Moyo for comment were fruitless.

In recent years, government has staggered the payment of the 13th cheque due to lack of funds.

Government and civil servants have been engaged in endless battles over salary and working conditions issues, with workers demanding a pre-October 2018 US$540 minimum salary. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Agitated parents are plotting to confront Msengezi High School authorities after robbers allegedly broke into the female students’ hostel and got away with laptops without the latter’s security notice.

Allegations are that on Monday a robber found his way into the female students’ dormitory in the wee hours of the morning and stole two laptops belonging to some of the students.

One of the students who tried to get her laptop back was left injured in the scuffle.

A letter to parents and guardians signed by the School Head, Rambanepasi G confirmed the incident.

“We had an unfortunate incident last night whereby a thief entered into the A ‘Level girls Hostels around 2 am. He took two laptops.

“Police have been informed and investigations will be done soon. A brave Form 5 girl sustained an injury as she tried to negotiate for her laptop to be returned to her room,” the letter says in part.

Contacted for comment over the issue the School Headmaster declined to provide a comment.

“Government policy does not allow us to speak to the media. You can reach out to responsible offices,” he said.

A group of parents is now questioning the security measures in place at the school.

“These are female students for God’s sake. The school’s report does not even show what the matron, or responsible guard, did to protect our kids. They ended up defending themselves and throughout that scuffle was the school guard asleep?” one parent said anonymously.

Another parent also alleged that a similar incident was recorded recently at the neighbouring Moleli High School.

“This simply means that security at these institutions has to be beefed up to prevent worse scenarios from happening,” she said.

But contacted for comment and challenged to share the state of affairs of boarding schools, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry’s spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro called for calm highlighting that several of such cases are beyond the schools’ control.

“We are working closely with the law enforcement agents to find a lasting solution over such regrettable incidents. However, we urge parents to be calm and appreciate the fact that such matters are often way beyond the control of school authorities.

“We have recorded incidents where some of our boarding schools’ security guards have been sometimes beaten up by armed robbers. Some even force marched to the Head’s house and then force marched at gunpoint to the school safe,” he said. NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF Midlands Provincial Chairperson Edson Chiherenge has said the party lost the Kwekwe Central seat in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s backyard due to the “bhora musango” campaign where disgruntled members sabotaged candidates.

Addressing party supporters at Zanu PF offices in Kwekwe recently Chiherenge vowed to reclaim the seat from Citizens Coalition for Change’s Judith Tobaiwa.

Tobaiwa was re-elected Kwekwe MP after trouncing Zanu PF’s Energy Ncube in the August polls.

Chiherenge attributed Ncube’s defeat to internal strife.

“We know they are people in the party who used money to decampaign our candidate. We know that they are people who bribed our supporters to vote in favour of the opposition. We are aware of those shenanigans,” he said.

Chiherenge said the ruling party would soon hold disciplinary hearings to deal with the sabotage.

FAZ and the CIO are alleged to have rigged Zanu PF’s internal elections in favour of anti-Mnangagwa candidates and G40 members a move which saw several party bigwigs losing their seats and angered the electorate.

Philip Chiyangwa, Joseph Chinotimba, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Fortune Chasi, and Dexter Nduna are some of the former MPs who suffered surprise defeats in the internal polls.

“We are going to deal with those people, disciplinary hearings will be undertaken. If you are found to have wronged the party in such a way then definitely we will deal with the issue decisively,” he raged.

In the 2008 elections, bhora musango was an underground campaign where party members did not vote for then Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe as president as a form of punishment. It was a counter to the ruling party’s official bhora mugedhi campaign.

The Zanu PF chairperson added that the sabotage was also experienced in other parts of the country and slammed ‘opportunistic’ party members who only protect their interests.

“This issue of bhora musango was a plague across the country but as a party, we are going to deal with the issue decisively. We cannot continue having a situation where we lose Kwekwe despite the fact that this is the President’s hometown. As a provincial chairperson, I am going to make sure that we reclaim the seat. We are aware that there are people who voted for a councillor but skipped on the MP and President or vice versa, that must stop.

“We have people within our midst who are opportunistic who joined the party not to build but to defend their interests, we have people in the party who are only concerned about their welfare, that’s not the Zanu PF way of operating,” he said. NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told exiled G40 politician Mandi Chimene to “come back home” after the former Zanu PF rivals met in Mozambique Thursday through the facilitation of the neighbouring country’s leader Filipe Nyusi.

Chimene took refuge in Mozambique November 2017 when the Zimbabwe military ousted then President Robert Mugabe and installed Mnangagwa in his place.

A former ally to the late founding leader, Chimene was among some Zanu PF politicians coalescing under the moniker Generation 40 (G40) who found themselves united by their resistance against Mnangagwa, then vice President, succeeding Mugabe.

The controversial politician met Mnangagwa in Mozambique’s Manica province for the first time in six years with Mnangagwa, considered a vengeful politician, telling his nemesis to return home.

“He said come back home and I said I am coming,” Chimene said with a gay chuckle while talking to state media.

The former Manicaland political heavyweight said caught up with Mnangagwa after Nyusi had suggested she makes time to meet the Zimbabwean leader upon his planned Thursday visit to the neighbouring country for the official commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Machipanda railway line.

Chimene played down her long absence from home saying she was in Mozambique to join her maternal uncles whom she was assisting with farming projects.

“I am here not because I am a refugee. No, I am not a refugee. I am actually a niece here. I am in my uncles’ home,” she said in Shona.

The controversial politician said she would prolong her stay in Mozambique to see through her uncles’ farming projects before she could consider returning home.

She denied ever taking sides in Zanu PF’s factional wars.

“I was never on any of the sides; both factions were uncertain about my affiliations,” Chimene said, adding that both factions tried to lure her to their camps but she rubbished their advances.

Narrating her escape to Mozambique, the former Manicaland minister of state said she got wind of the coup while at the airport in China November 2017 when “alarmists” told her soldiers had besieged Zimbabwe’s main airport and her home in Mutare.

Chimene said she was forced to change destination for Mozambique fearing for her life. Zimlive

By A Correspondent- The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has resolved to step up efforts towards engaging President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying dialogue is essential in resolving the country’s crisis following the disputed August 23 and 24 elections.

CCC president Nelson Chamisa has previously made efforts to engage Mnangagwa, but Zanu PF hawks closed the door on him.

At a meeting held in the capital on Wednesday, the CCC, however, said talks anchored on disputed elections as well the establishment of a transitional framework were needed.

“The assembly reaffirmed its decision, mandating the leader, Chamisa, to pursue political dialogue as the only way to decisively resolve the nation of Zimbabwe’s ongoing and worsening political crisis through peaceful resolution of the political stalemate,” CCC said in a statement.

“The assembly reiterated that dialogue must be principle driven and value laden.”

Chamisa recently sent an emissary to Mnangagwa to initiate dialogue but Zanu PF hardliners thwarted the move.

Meanwhile, the CCC has shrugged off criticism for having Chamisa as the sole administrator of all party organs and operations as outlined in its constitution.

Chamisa’s name in the party’s constitution as the “Supreme leader” has sparked criticism with some critics saying it is undemocratic.

Article 7,3 of the CCC constitution reads: “There shall be a leader and change champion-in-chief (Adv Nelson Chamisa) who shall be the administrator and President tasked by the citizens to champion the process of the movement…”

CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba said yesterday that there was nothing untoward in having Chamisa as the administrator of all party operations and organs.

Siziba said they was a new party “that is still developing its culture, structure and strategies”.

“We have a founding constitution,” Siziba said.

“A constitution is a living document that defines who we are. It cannot define what Zanu or our opponents wants. There is absolutely nothing astonishing or unusual for a founding constitution to mention names.”

Siziba said they named Chamisa in the Constitution to ring fence him from attackers.

“In fact the CCC was fully aware that criminals and agents of the evil one will come trying to destabilise and destroy the young baby called CCC,” he said. “It’s called democratic centralism,” Siziba said.

“Zanu PF is close to the Chinese and it should know that the Chinese Communist Party’s constitution as last revised in October 2022 states President Xi’s name.”

Law expert Lovemore Madhuku also said there was nothing peculiar with the CCC constitution and the composition of its structures.

Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said naming an individual in a Constitution was not very common. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) says an estimated 10% of children with disabilities in Zimbabwe do not have access to education.

Unicef said this in a message to commemorate World Children’s Day.

Monday’s commemorations were held at Malala Primary School in Beitbridge.

“Poverty and disabilities are among the main triggers for children in primary school not to be in school. It is estimated that only 10% of children with disabilities are today in school,” Unicef said.

“Children with disabilities are often deprived of their right to education as schools and teachers are lacking the resources, training and skills to ensure inclusive education.”

Unicef said every child deserves to enjoy the rights to education.

“As the right to education has no borders and that all children, without any discrimination, should be assured of their right to education, including children on the move.”

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader, Obert Masaraure, said the Education Act prioritises the provision of education to learners with disabilities.

“However, the infrastructure in most schools is not friendly to the learners, making it difficult for them to access the classroom,” Masaraure said.

He said there was a shortage of specialist teachers for learners with disabilities.

“Learners are also failing to access assistive devices for effective learning. Braille literature, among other critical materials, is either acutely short or completely unavailable in Zimbabwe’s schools.” NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman yesterday approached the civil court seeking a protection order against her alleged ex-lover and business partner, accusing him of forcing her into a sexual relationship.

Shylet Kushaya told Harare magistrate Sharon Mashavira that Peter Motsi was her business partner before they started a sexual relationship.

She, however, told the court that the relationship soured after Motsi started demanding intimacy and for them to co-habit.

“We first met as business partners and we would go together to Mazowe to sell different products. I insisted that we stay at our different places during the course of our relationship because I wanted to know him more, but later on, he started nagging me for sex and demanding that I move in with him,” Kushaya said.

She told the court that Motsi became abusive after she snubbed his advances.

“He went to the police and made false allegations against me that I stole his money leading to my arrest,” she said.

Kushaya admitted to the charges after Motsi lied that he had bribed the magistrate.

“I only admitted to stealing his money because just before our court hearing, he told me that he had paid US$25 to the magistrate to release me, urging me to admit to the charge,” she said.

Motsi, however, denied the allegations, adding that he had given Kushaya maize worth US$15 on credit, but she refused to pay and he caused her arrest.

Mashavira dismissed Kushaya’s application for lack of merit. NewsDay

By- The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), August 2023 Bulilima Constituency candidate Bekezela Maplanka has won a court case challenging the result of the polls.

The High Court ruled in her favour and overturned the election of Zanu PF MP Dingumuzi Phuti, who was initially declared the Constituency winner.

 Maplanka was granted a default judgment as Phuti did not contest the challenge. Read the ruling:

WHEREUPON after reading documents filed of record and hearing Counsel: 

1. It is declared that the declaration by the Constituency Elections Officer of DINGUMUZI PHUTI as the duly elected Member of the National Assembly for Bulilima Constituency in the Harmonised Elections held on 23rd August 2023 is hereby nullified. 

2. It is declared that the national assembly election at Bulilima Constituency produced an undue return and is nullified. 

3. It is ordered that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission be and is hereby ordered to conduct a fresh national assembly election at Bulilima constituency.

The judge also stated that the Registrar of the Electoral Court should send a copy of the judgment to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Clerk of the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Additionally, the judge ordered Phuti to pay the costs of the lawsuit.

Phuti is currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services. 

By A Correspondent- Police in Mashonaland West province have appealed to the public to identify the decomposing body of a man who hanged himself on a tree in a Hurungwe Game Park.

The body of a male adult was found by two herdmen on Wednesday.

One of the informants, Anyway Muropa (19), spotted the body in Hurungwe’s Nyamakate area in the International Anti-Poaching Foundation concession, where his cattle had strayed.

Muropa later informed local headman Kufainyore Mateke, who made a police report.

ZRP Mashonaland West provincial deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Aggary Jaure confirmed the incident.

“We urge people to seek counselling whenever they have challenges,” she said in a telephone interview.

The deceased was clad in a striped golf T-shirt and blue Chino trousers.

An empty black satchel was found near his body, but there were no indicators that could lead to the deceased relatives.

Chief Abel Mbasera Chundu called on the local community to help identify the deceased.

“This matter is urgent. The remains have been taken to Karoi District Hospital,” Chief Chundu said over the phone. NewsDay

By- The High Court has overturned the election of Zanu PF MP Dingumuzi Phuti, who was initially declared the winner of the Bulilima Constituency election in August 2023.

The nullification came after Bekezela Maplanka, a candidate from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), challenged the election result. Maplanka was granted a default judgment as Phuti did not contest the challenge. Read the ruling:

WHEREUPON after reading documents filed of record and hearing Counsel: 

1. It is declared that the declaration by the Constituency Elections Officer of DINGUMUZI PHUTI as the duly elected Member of the National Assembly for Bulilima Constituency in the Harmonised Elections held on 23rd August 2023 is hereby nullified. 

2. It is declared that the national assembly election at Bulilima Constituency produced an undue return and is nullified. 

3. It is ordered that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission be and is hereby ordered to conduct a fresh national assembly election at Bulilima constituency.

The judge also stated that the Registrar of the Electoral Court should send a copy of the judgment to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Clerk of the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Additionally, the judge ordered Phuti to pay the costs of the lawsuit.

Phuti is currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services. 

By- The High Court has overturned the election of Zanu PF MP Dingumuzi Phuti, who was initially declared the winner of the Bulilima Constituency election in August 2023.

The nullification came after Bekezela Maplanka, a candidate from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), challenged the election result. Maplanka was granted a default judgment as Phuti did not contest the challenge. Read the ruling:

WHEREUPON after reading documents filed of record and hearing Counsel: 

1. It is declared that the declaration by the Constituency Elections Officer of DINGUMUZI PHUTI as the duly elected Member of the National Assembly for Bulilima Constituency in the Harmonised Elections held on 23rd August 2023 is hereby nullified. 

2. It is declared that the national assembly election at Bulilima Constituency produced an undue return and is nullified. 

3. It is ordered that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission be and is hereby ordered to conduct a fresh national assembly election at Bulilima constituency.

The judge also stated that the Registrar of the Electoral Court should send a copy of the judgment to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Clerk of the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Additionally, the judge ordered Phuti to pay the costs of the lawsuit.

Phuti is currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services. 

By Own Correspondent- Media mogul Trevor Ncube, a former adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has attacked the opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The attack on Chamisa is seen as Ncube’s covert agenda to manipulate opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to benefit the ruling Zanu PF party.

Ncube, who owns Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) alongside Mnangagwa’s son-in-law Gerald Mlotshwa, launched fresh attacks on Chamisa, accusing him of selfish motives.

According to reports from NewsHawks, Ncube has persistently criticized Chamisa, going so far as to label him a tribalist and dictator.

The media tycoon, who presents himself as a neutral political observer, is alleged to be a partisan player with a history of shifting political allegiances from Zapu to MDC, Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, Alliance for People’s Agenda (APA), and most recently, aligning with Zanu PF.

Ncube’s political manoeuvres are described as opportunistic and self-serving, with critics asserting that his actions lack discernible ideological foundations.

Notably, he is accused of exploiting political transitions, such as the 2017 coup, to further his media business interests and regain influence after losing control of Mail & Guardian in South Africa.

Further allegations suggest that Ncube sought radio and television licenses to expand his media empire while settling a $2 million debt to the Media Development Investment Fund.

The accusations imply that Ncube’s involvement in Mnangagwa’s advisory council was driven by personal gain rather than a commitment to political principles.

Ironically, Ncube has been vocal in his criticism of Chamisa for not heeding his advice during the period when he served as Mnangagwa’s adviser.

However, a closer examination by NewsHawks reveals that Ncube’s claims of engagement with Chamisa are based on a single meeting in 2016.

Chamisa’s advisers assert that this meeting, which centered around the formation of APA, ended on a sour note when Chamisa declined Ncube’s invitation to join the party.

Chamisa’s camp contends that Ncube’s accusations of non-collaboration and dictatorship are unfounded, emphasizing that Chamisa welcomes ideas and criticism from well-meaning individuals.

They dismiss Ncube’s narrative as a malicious campaign and question the credibility of advice coming from a known Mnangagwa ally.

As tensions escalate between Ncube and Chamisa, the opposition leader remains focused on his role as a bona fide alternative to the current leadership, emphasizing the need to address the country’s critical issues collaboratively.

-NewsHawks

By- The opposition MDC, led by Douglas Mwonzora, has escaped embarrassment after the Police details and ZESA officials raided its head offices in search of illegal power connections and found nothing.

The party said this happened after allegations that it was not paying electricity bills and tampering with electricity meters at its headquarters.

Mwonzora emphasised that the MDC is a law-abiding and professional party that would never allow its offices to be involved in criminal activities. He said:

Yesterday, acting on a false and malicious “tip off,” ZRP and ZESA officials visited our headquarters, demanding to carry out certain investigations. We agreed, and they did their work. Nothing amis was found at our headquarters all. 

We are grateful at the level of professionalism shown by the investigators in this case. What was clear is that people opposed to our leadership wanted to harass and embarrass our organisation through abuse of state institutions. 

The MDC is law-abiding and professional and can never allow its offices to be used for crime. We are busy with the program of serious reconstruction of our party to be the effective vanguard of the people to deliver democratic change.

Mwonzora’s post came after the MDC released a statement alleging that the police and ZESA received false information from the MDC’s enemies. Read the statement:

By- Police details and ZESA officials have raided the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Harvest House offices in search of illegal power connections and found nothing.

The Douglas Mwonzora-led opposition said this happened after allegations that the party was not paying electricity bills and tampering with electricity meters at its headquarters.

Mwonzora emphasised that the MDC is a law-abiding and professional party that would never allow its offices to be involved in criminal activities. He said:

Yesterday, acting on a false and malicious “tip off,” ZRP and ZESA officials visited our headquarters, demanding to carry out certain investigations. We agreed, and they did their work. Nothing amis was found at our headquarters all. 

We are grateful at the level of professionalism shown by the investigators in this case. What was clear is that people opposed to our leadership wanted to harass and embarrass our organisation through abuse of state institutions. 

The MDC is law-abiding and professional and can never allow its offices to be used for crime. We are busy with the program of serious reconstruction of our party to be the effective vanguard of the people to deliver democratic change.

Mwonzora’s post came after the MDC released a statement alleging that the police and ZESA received false information from the MDC’s enemies. Read the statement:

By A Correspondent- A fight over a man by two women from Mabvuku suburb in Harare ended badly when the “girlfriend” had her left eye permanently damaged.

The legally married wife, Mellisa Mhishi (23), is alleged to have used a broken bottle to attack Ngonidzashe Kureva (18), who she suspected of dating her husband.

Mhishi appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Simon Kandiyero yesterday and pleaded guilty to assault.

She will be sentenced today.

Prosecuting, Ms Faith Mandizha told the court that on November 17 at around 6am at a bus stop near Kasi Kasi Bar in New Mabvuku, Harare, Kureva was approached by Mhishi who accused her of having a love affair with her husband.

They started fighting and Mhishi took a bottle and cut Kureva’s left eye.

A medical report was produced in court to confirm the degree of injury sustained by Kureva. The Herald

By A Correspondent- Self-imposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu says he is ready to tackle election rigging in the December 9 by-elections.

Tshabangu has recalled several CCC legislators and councillors triggering the by-elections although Nelson Chamisa, the opposition party president, is battling to block him through the courts.

Last week, Tshabangu recalled another 13 National Assembly members and five Senators as turmoil continues unabated in the opposition party.

However, High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi barred the recall of MPs, Senators and councillors.

Tshabangu’s spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni yesterday told Southern Eye that rigging started when the party rigged its own internal nomination process allowing Zanu PF to claim electoral victory in the August 23 harmonised elections.

“I am not sure about the talks by the Sadc team but the SG has said on numerous platforms that the rigging started when CCC rigged its own internal nomination process. This weakened the whole system and it gave Zanu PF an opportunity. Tshabangu has started addressing that so that going forward the party is ready to thwart any rigging that might happen,” he said.

However, political analyst Effie Ncube said elections in Zimbabwe were unnecessary, adding that there was a need to deal with the provisions of the Constitution and international human rights issues.

“What we urgently need is anything that will assist the country to produce a dispensation that fully embraces in theory and in practice the provisions of the Constitution and international human rights instruments.

“We need a dispensation that will address the prevailing political and economic crisis that has led to debilitating poverty. This political and economic crisis cannot be addressed until we have addressed disputed electoral outcomes and transitioned away from authoritarian ways of governance,” he said.

Ncube said Zimbabwe needed deep reforms that would enable the country to hold free, fair and credible elections, enable peaceful transfer of power to the winners, and address international isolation. Southern Eye

By A Correspondent- A 22 year old Harare man appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court facing armed robbery charges after he allegedly teamed up with his accomplices and robbed a motorist of US$128 932 cash.

Learnmore Chiko appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, who remanded him in custody to December 14 this year.

It is the State’s case that on an unknown date, Chiko together with Roy Pedzisai Jambaya, George Mapudzi, Massat Chikomo and Justice Chigayo, who are still at large, hatched a plan to rob Bethel Jiri.

The court heard that on the night of August 21 this year, the group armed themselves with wheelspanners and pursued Jiri as she collected cash from two shops.

The accused blocked Jiri at the intersection Bute/Leopold Takawira Street in Harare with Nissan Caravan and Toyota Corolla vehicles.

It is further alleged that the group smashed the rear passenger windows with wheelspanners and stole US$128 932 stashed in two boxes on the back seat and sped off.

However, detectives from the CID Homicide on September 5 were informed that Chiko was involved in the robbery and they detained him at ZRP Mutasa.

Chiko was interviewed and confirmed his involvement in the robbery. He also told the police that he had used his share to buy a Honda Fit vehicle.

Chiko’s co-accused, Jambaya, has already been arrested and he is in remand awaiting trial. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) takes cases involving missing persons seriously and is making strides to assist relatives in search of their loved ones within and outside the country, it said yesterday.

Zimbabwe yesterday participated in the International Conference for Families of Missing Persons, a unique forum that brings together families whose loved ones went missing due to conflicts, migration, or other situations of violence.

Zimbabwe has recorded several cases of missing persons including political and human rights activists such as Itai Dzamara, among others.

Approximately 700 families of missing persons from all over the world are meeting to share their experiences and gain inspiration.

Speaking at the conference hosted by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in Harare yesterday, ZRP Assistant Commissioner Crispen Lifa said it was their mandate to ensure that thorough investigations for those that are missing are carried out.

He said urged citizens to report all cases of missing persons at the nearest police stations around the country so that it is recorded and the investigations are carried out.

“Whether it’s a missing person within the borders of Zimbabwe or it’s a missing person beyond the borders, police officers are there to assist and investigate.

“In most cases we are dealing with someone who has gone beyond the borders, we engage our Interpol and they ensure that they make follow ups,” Lifa said.

He said the public should ensure that they bring accurate information, which the police will then use to make follow up searches.

Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary general Elias Hwenga said the event marked a significant milestone in their joint efforts to provide solace, support, and crucial information to families affected by the heart-wrenching experience of having a loved one go missing.

“This conference offers a unique opportunity for families to be part of a global solidarity network, providing strength through unity.

“This platform will also provide a chance for dialogues with Red Cross and Red Crescent practitioners globally, allowing an understanding of search processes and associated challenges,” Hwenga said in a speech read on his behalf by the society’s human resources and administration director Geshum Hombarume.

He said the meeting served as a conduit for government authorities to establish or reestablish connections with families, fostering ongoing support even in the absence of immediate updates. NewsDay

By– A brave Gwanda mother has narrated how she saved her 18-month-old baby from the mouth of a baboon that was about to devour the baby.

Petronella Moyo was cleaning her house in West Nicholson on November 16 when the baboon sneaked in and snatched her son after sinking its teeth in his buttocks.

“I was scrubbing the floor in the bedroom and the child was playing near the door. Suddenly I heard the baby screaming and when I turned to check what was happening I saw the baboon already dragging him,” Moyo told the Voice of America’s Studio 7.

“I started chasing after it until it let go of him. The wound is very deep.”

Moyo said she had almost given up hope of getting her son alive.

“The verandah for my house is quite high and when I saw the baboon jump over with him, I feared the worst. I thought he was dead,” she said.

The baby is expected to make a full recovery at Gwanda Provincial Hospital.

Attacks on humans by baboons are extremely rare, and victims are usually hunters who would have cornered the animal.

Survivor … The horrific injuries suffered by child in baboon attack (VOA PHOTO/Albert Ncube)

Treatment … 18-month-old survivor of baboon attack being treated at Gwanda Provincial Hospital (VOA PHOTO/Albert Ncube)

Baboons have very sharp canine teeth and claws which can injure and even kill their victims.

A well reported death in a baboon attack occurred in June 2003 in the remote North West village of Madipelesa outside Pampierstad in South Africa.

A young mother watched helplessly as a baboon snatched and ripped open the skull of her three-month-old tot and ate his brain.

Lettie Goitsimang Tukane, 34, said the baboon climbed up a telephone pole and ate the brain before disappearing into nearby bushes.

Tukane said her son Neo was sleeping in a bed in one of the rooms while she was busy washing dishes in another room when she heard his screams.

She said when she rushed outside, she saw a big baboon carrying Neo under one of its arms. She tried to scare it off but the baboon was aggressive and it wanted to attack her too.

She blamed witchcraft.

• ZimLive

By- Thirteen CCC members of parliament have been expelled from parliament, according to an online portal, ZimLive.

The website reports that this was announced by the speaker of parliament, Jacob Mudenda, on Tuesday.

More to follow….

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s large-scale mining companies have painted a gloomy picture of the economic outlook as business confidence wanes due to an unfavourable operating environment and depressed commodity prices.

The capital-intensive sector is the southern African nation’s top foreign currency earner followed by tobacco exports.

According to the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, the mining industry currently contributes 70% to foreign direct investment, 80% to exports, 19% to government revenues, 3% to direct formal employment, and 13.5% national income (GDP and GNI).

A new survey by the Chamber of Mines has shown that mining executives are generally pessimistic about prospects of their business in 2024.

“Notable variables that weigh down their confidence include depressed commodity price outlook, gloomy investment environment, inadequate foreign exchange and infrastructure bottlenecks,” reads the State of Mining Industry Survey Report for 2024.

“Mining executives expect the mining policy and legislative environment to remain challenging in 2024 citing frequent policy reversals and unresolved legislative and policy matters as environment for the mining industry as key areas of concern.”

The mining business prospects are measured by the Mining Business Confidence Index (MBCI) which gauges the mining business sentiments (optimism or pessimism) about the prospects of the mining industry in the next 12 months.

The MBCI is interpreted from a scale ranging from -100 to +100, with the lowest score representing the least level of confidence and the biggest score representing the highest level of confidence.

A score of 0 to +100 indicates that mining executives are optimistic about the prospects of their businesses while a score of 0 to -100 indicates that mining executives are pessimistic about the prospects of their businesses.

The MBCI gauges the mining business sentiments (optimism or pessimism) about the prospects of the mining industry in the next 12 months.

The 2024 prospects for the mining industry, as measured by the MBCI are negative and lower than that recorded for 2023.

This means that mining executives are generally not confident (pessimistic) about the prospects for their businesses in 2024.

The study shows that overall MBCI will drop to -0,3 from 9,4 this year. The study also shows that most mining executives are expecting the profitability of their business to decline, largely weighed down by subdued commodity prices and high-cost structure.

“Most mining executives expect their mineral earnings to decline on the back of softening commodity prices and high-cost structure,” the study shows.

“While mining companies plan to ramp up production to compensate revenue losses due to low prices, the increase in production will be more than offset by a disproportionate decline in prices.

Ezoic

“Most mining executives expect the commodity market conditions to worsen in 2024. They are anticipating commodity prices to further slowdown in 2024, mostly for PGMs and base metals citing geo-political tensions and weak global economic outlook.”

Mining executives expect their cost of production to increase upwards of 10% due to anticipated electricity tariff increases, high cost of funding and high royalties and taxes, the study further shows. The NewsHawks

By A Correspondent- Government has said the Cabinet meeting which was scheduled for tomorrow will be held on Wednesday.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya announced the development in a statement on Monday afternoon.

“The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet would like to advise Cabinet members that the Eighth Cabinet Meeting has been moved to Wednesday, 15th November, 2023 at the usual time and venue. Members should therefore plan accordingly’ said Dr Rushwaya. The Chronicle

Police in Harare have launched investigations into a case in which some bogus security agents are moving around with a Toyota Wish “arresting ” and extorting motorists after accusing them of committing traffic offences in and around the city.

The bogus security agents target motorists at traffic-controlled lights.

They then accuse the victims of driving through a red traffic light before or interfering with the movement of a motorcade or senior Government officials before robbing them.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations are now being conducted with a view of arresting the perpetrators.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are currently underway in connection with the viral social media audio on alleged robbers or criminals who are using a Black Toyota Wish vehicle and posing as members of the security services from Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army and President’s Office, to target and prey on unsuspecting motorists.

“The targeted motorists are initially accused of either going through a red traffic light, disturbing or interfering with the movement of State motorcade or senior Government officials before being robbed,” he said.

He said one of the suspects is reported to be moving around wearing the Zimbabwe Republic Police uniform while others claim to be from Zimbabwe National Army or President’s Office.

“Motorists are implored to drive to any nearest police station if approached by this syndicate and to alert the Zimbabwe Republic Police, National Complaints Desk on telephone number (0242) 703631 or Harare Operations number (0242) 748836.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified efforts to ensure that the suspects are arrested for the law to take its course,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. The Herald

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been accused of covering up its officers’ attack on a handcuffed suspect, who later died in holding cells at Banket Police Station, last month.

The now deceased David Kanyenze (26) was assaulted by three unidentified ZRP Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) members within the police camp and succumbed to injuries on October 21.

The victim was reportedly rushed to hospital already dead, merely to conceal the fact he had passed on within police premises.

His body was transferred from Banket and put in a non-functional mortuary at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, where it decomposed before a postmortem to establish the cause of death was done.

Initially set for November 9, 2023, the postmortem was hurriedly conducted five days earlier when the body was already rotten and maggots feeding on the few remaining pieces of human flesh.

David was laid to rest at Banket Cemetery on November 5 amid doubt that justice had been served by police.

The Kanyenze family is distraught and feels there was unprofessionalism on the part of ZRP, which allegedly let the body rot to destroy evidence and shield its members from facing justice for cold-blooded murder.

Family spokesperson and deceased’s elder brother, Brian Kanyenze said he experienced horror seeing his late sibling’s body riddled with maggots.

“Police informed us that the postmortem had been rescheduled for November 4 at Harare Hospital. We then proceeded to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary to collect the body but we found freezers switched off and the state of the deceased’s body was horrifying, it had decomposed and it was all maggots.

“The body had decomposed to the extent that when it was taken for postmortem in Harare, the doctor noted the state of decomposition and said he could not conclusively say what caused my brother’s death.

“As a family we were not satisfied with the doctor’s findings as well as an explanation by police detectives who argued the matter could not be taken any further since there no longer was concrete evidence to nail alleged perpetrators,” said Brian.

He said they later grudgingly buried David’s remains to allow his soul to rest in peace, but the family had pursued the spirituality route to get “supernatural” justice as the law had failed them.

“Both our parents are deceased but as siblings we agreed and consulted traditional and faith healers to trigger David’s avenging spirit to deal decisively with his killers because the justice delivery system has failed us concerning his death,” said Brian.

Although efforts to get comment from ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi this week proved fruitless, earlier police pledged to leave no stone unturned in establishing what transpired on the fateful day leading to David’s death.

Nyathi recently confirmed unidentified members were now under probe, although one of them has disappeared from his homestead.

“There are a number of issues we need to clarify as ZRP command…It’s a matter we are currently investigating as we await postmortem results which will also guide our investigations.

“But l can assure you, it is an issue we are seriously looking into so that we really establish what transpired, from the arrests, we are looking at all the events leading to the unfortunate death.

“We will not sweep anything under the carpet. We will be very open and objective in our investigations, that l want to assure the public,” said Nyathi then.

Sources said that the three police NWC members in question took turns to beat up Kanyenze using unidentified objects resulting in him sustaining grievous bodily injuries. As if that was not enough, one of them stomped the suspect twice on the neck and chest, thereby choking him.

The now deceased, a tout for pirate taxis plying the Banket—Chinhoyi route, was wanted by police for malicious damage to property after allegedly destroying a weighing scale at a butchery situated at Kuwadzana shopping center in Banket.

The butchery equipment was damaged in an altercation between workers at an adjacent canteen and David, who refused to pay for food he had eaten complaining it was poorly cooked.

Following his arrest, the now deceased was hauled to Banket police where he was thrown into cells but later escaped from lawful custody.

He was re-arrested at Kuwadzana shops by NWC members and, again, taken to the station, where they started beating him up around 5pm.

They later abandoned the bloodied victim in the cell battling for his life.

Other cell inmates raised alarm after sensing the victim was having difficulties in breathing. He was then rushed to Banket District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has expressed interest in assisting the Kanyenze family to get justice for their slain relative.

“I can confirm that papers for that particular case have been prepared and are ready for filing at court,” said a ZLHR official. NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Council proceedings at Insiza Rural District Council were abruptly halted on Monday due to a boycott by ZANU-PF councillors, reportedly in protest against the council chairperson, Reason Msipha, who was elected with the support of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members.

Sources within the council indicated that the ZANU-PF councillors are unhappy with Msipha’s chairmanship, which they believe was only possible due to CCC votes.

“We had a full council meeting today, we were supposed to start at 10 am, but right now it’s 12 midday and we are still waiting, when we got here, all ZANU-PF members went outside and had their meeting, we don’t know what is happening or what they are planning. The rumour is that they want to change the whole structure of chairpersons. They want Reason Msipha to step down, we don’t know what to do,” said one councillor.

The councillor added that the boycott was meant “to frustrate us so that we could leave and they vote again on their own and change everything. They don’t want the chairperson of social services”.

The Zanu PF councillors held a separate meeting outside the council chambers before adjourning the full council meeting without providing any explanation.

According to another councillor, the ZANU-PF members are seeking to change the council’s leadership structure to remove Msipha and replace him with their preferred candidate, Luke Dube, who lost the election to Msipha. They are questioning how Msipha secured votes from CCC members and are reportedly pressuring him to resign.

Msipha, however, has reportedly refused to step down, stating that he was duly elected and should not be forced out.

Contacted for a comment, Msipha declined to comment saying he would first consult his party before responding. CITE

Government says it is troubled by late payments of cotton farmers by contractors including the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) which still owes textile growers over US$6.8m from last season.

Responding to questions on government policy over late payments to cotton farmers in parliament recently, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka said his office summoned COTTCO who promised to clear the arrears by the end of November.

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change legislator for Chipinge South, Clifford Hlatshwayo quizzed Masuka on why COTTCO was taking too long to settle payments to farmers in time.

“Farmers who delivered their cotton to COTTCO are yet to be paid. What is Government policy in paying those farmers so that they can go back to the land,” queried Hlatshwayo.

In response, Masuka said the government only played an oversight role between farmers and cotton contractors.

“What happens is that companies that deal with cotton and the cotton farmers will have to make arrangements but the Government will oversee that the cotton farmers have the necessary inputs and are paid in time,” said Masuka.

“Government looks forward to cotton companies paying the farmers on time so that they can prepare for the next farming season. I only know of COTTCO, these are the farmers that are behind in being paid. Government has 30% shareholding in COTTCO.

“We discussed about it yesterday and they said they still owe US$6.8m, and they have promised to pay their farmers before the end of this month as they are now able to sell the cotton.”

Following up on Masuka’s submissions, Hlatshwayo said the money owed to farmers was now being eroded by inflation due to late payments.

“I was suggesting that they be paid before the rains come. Farmers are worried about the non-payment of cotton delivered last year. The money is now being eroded by inflation and farmers are not being advised on the issue of payment, they are just assuming.

“Those companies that are representing farmers are not updating them,” said Hlatshwayo.

In response, Masuka added: “We said COTTCO is the one that has been owing farmers and they said right now they have $6.8 million that they expect to pay the farmers before the end of this month. I will repeat it before the end of this month. It is not the Government.

“It is the contractors that engaged the farmers and made contracts with farmers. Government is actually troubled by this. That is why we called them to tell us when they are going to pay the farmers and they assured us that they are going to pay before the end of this month.”

Masuka said that the government is currently enquiring to get terms and conditions agreed between farmers and contractors ahead of the farming season.

“We also need adequate information between all the contractors and the farmers so that we aggregate the information and see where there might be gaps in terms of information so that we ensure farmers are paid on time.” NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Munyaradzi Kereke, a former adviser to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, was yesterday granted US$200 bail in a case in which he is accused of fraud involving US$400 000.

Kereke, who is being charged together with suspended Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HMMAS) chief executive officer Everisto Rukasha, was granted bail by Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.

“Since both of the accused are on bail pending trial, it shows that they have never flouted bail conditions granted to them by the higher courts. To say they are flight risks when they have never shown any intention to flee does not hold water,” Gofa said.

Allegations are that sometime in early 2014, Rukasha and Kereke agreed to enter into an agreement, whereby the latter would sell his immovable property, Fortress Hospital located at number 9653 Ruwa Township, Chipukutu, Sebastopol, to HMMAS.

Kereke then appointed one Newton Madzika, the managing director of Health Body Images (Pvt) Ltd, to conduct the transaction on his behalf.

On November 7, 2014, HMMAS met its obligation by depositing the full purchase price of US$800 000 into Health Body Images’ bank account.

On March 18, 2022, Rukasha allegedly connived with Kereke to defraud HMMAS. Kereke wrote to HMMAS misrepresenting that the latter still owed him US$400 000 for the purchase of the property.

Kereke then approached the HMMAS board threatening to repossess the property which was still in his name and made it clear to it that he was still in possession of the title deeds to the property.

Resultantly, HMMAS authorised payment towards the liquidation of the fraudulently-generated debt.

The duo were remanded to December 13 pending trial. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Ruling Zanu PF party activists have been accused of intimidating suspected Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters as well as threatening to confiscate agricultural inputs they received from government ahead of by-elections held on Saturday.

By-elections were held in Gutu West to fill a vacant parliamentary seat.

There were also local government elections in Hurungwe, Kusile, Nkayi, Vungu and Zvimba.

Zanu PF won all the contested seats except Kusile that went to the CCC.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) condemned the intimidation of CCC supporters.

“There was a report of intimidation in Jotsholo Village 13 of Kusile ward 13, where it was reported that Zanu PF allegedly threatened to confiscate seed and fertiliser donations from villagers suspected of supporting the CCC party,” the report said.

“Zesn continues to encourage registered voters’ participation and voting in peace in all National Assembly and local authority elections as these are important and accord voters the opportunity to choose leaders of their choice who will be responsible for service delivery in their areas.”

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) last week also identified Zanu PF activists as the main perpetrators of political violence ahead of the by-elections.

Zanu PF acting director for information, Farai Marapira, however, said that the accusations were not true.

“The President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) has been very clear on this issue of us operating democratically and peacefully,” Marapira said.

“This is not Zanu PF characteristics and in the absence of evidence, we cannot say that this thing has happened because we have seen a lot of false accusations that come from the opposition. I do not believe that something like this actually happened.”

Meanwhile, Zesn noted with concern the low turnout in the by-elections, with an average of 35%.

“The low turnout clearly indicates that voters have less interest in local authority by-elections,” the report said.

“As of midday, Zesn observers noted that across the five polling stations in Kusile RDC [rural district council] ward 13, voter turnout stood at 32%.

“Across all the polling stations where Zesn had observers in Hurungwe RDC, voter turnout stood at between 25% and 30% as at midday. In Nkayi RDC ward 11, voter turnout stood at 40% after 578 out of 1 452 registered voters voted,” it said.

Only Gutu West had the highest number of people who turned out to vote, with an average of 60%.

Zesn called on political parties to promote voter education and awareness of local government elections to boost participation in electoral processes.

“Political parties should make efforts to increase the political literacy of their supporters so as to raise the level of interest in local authority elections.” NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF cleric Bishop Andby Makururu at the weekend forced his congregants to chant ruling party slogans and dance to Mai Welly, a ruling party campaign jingle produced by Chief Hwenje.

Makururu was addressing hundreds of his congregants in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province, on Sunday, where Provincial Affairs minister Marian Chombo was the guest of honour.

Makururu, who is the leader of Johannes Fifth of Africa Church, is on a whirlwind tour of the country’s 10 provinces meeting his members.

“Who said that we should not do a slogan in church?” Makururu asked rhetorically when called for a comment.

“It is there even in the Bible that we should support our government in power. The government which is there was put in place by the people and if you do not support the ruling government, then there will be no peace in the country.”

In her address, Chombo said apostolic sects played a key role in mobilising support for Zanu PF ahead of the August 23 and 24 polls.

“Churches played a crucial role for our peaceful elections and Bishop Andby Makururu was everywhere in the country praying for peaceful elections,” she added

Makururu also caused a storm at the Zanu PF conference in Gweru recently, where he said they would pray for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term of office beyond 2028. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Health experts have called for unsafe abortion to be considered a public health concern by amending laws on abortion.

Zimbabwe records an estimated 80 000 unsafe abortions annually.

My Age Zimbabwe director Onward Gibson said unsafe abortions were contributing to maternal deaths, infertility, among other health threats.

“There is urgent need to improve access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including contraception, family planning, and comprehensive sexuality education, which can help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and subsequently lower the demand for abortions,” he said.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said restrictive abortion laws must be amended or repealed.

“In the country, as in other southern African countries, four out of 10 pregnancies are unintended or unplanned and 25% of those unintended pregnancies end in abortion,” Rusike said.

“Many women and girls are driven into the shadows because of restrictive abortion laws and a lack of clarity about their provisions. The topic of abortion is taboo within the African context and cultures, as it is not openly discussed although evidence shows that it happens frequently.”

Indications are that many women and girls are seeking abortion services in unhygienic conditions where people, who are not trained to address complications when they arise, perform the abortions.

The 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act is the main legal document for abortion services.

“However this Act creates many challenges as it is not well known by most people who may qualify for the limited service that is permissible under the law,” Rusike said.

“Lack of awareness of the Act creates confusion and fear among women and girls preventing them from seeking safe abortion services, while the tedious legal procedure to procure the safe termination at some health institutions may also prevent service providers and others from helping them to access the service,” he said. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Beitbridge Municipality has been forced to introduce a four-day water-shedding regime after the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) restricted supplies over an outstanding debt.

This is at a time when cholera is spreading across the country with 7 000 confirmed cases and 142 deaths to date. The municipality owes Zinwa ZWL$1,7 billion for water supplies.

Zinwa took over all water and sewage functions from most councils countrywide in 2006 following a government directive.

The unpopular decision was reversed after it was challenged in court, but Zinwa is still responsible for water supply to councils such as Beitbridge.

In a statement, the municipality said it was forced to introduce a tight water-shedding regime after Zinwa restricted water supplies to the border town.

“(The) Municipality of Beitbridge would like to advise residents and stakeholders that the town is under a restricted water supply schedule. This is due to low or non-payment towards water debts by ratepayers,” council spokesperson Raniel Ndou said.

“Currently, the municipality is paying Zinwa ZWL$35 million a week, while Zinwa is demanding that we pay between ZWL$40 million and ZWL$50 million per week.

“During this period, Zinwa has advised that it will restrict water supplies to four times per week.”

Ndou pleaded with residents to pay their bills.

“This can improve if we all mobilise our resources and pay our bills. The municipality is thus appealing to residents and stakeholders to prompt up payments for water so that we are able to remit the wèekly minimum and return to the unrestricted supplies.”

Ndou said Beitbridge was owed an estimated ZWL$2,5 billion by residents.

Businessman Elias Chibi said there was need to consider Beitbridge as a key town that has to be spared water challenges.

“But what is most important is for government departments to pay their bills. Residents should not be made to suffer because of government departments which have those budgets. These ministries are responsible for the people’s rejection of the ruling party in urban areas,” he said.

“When government departments fail to pay, the municipality fails to deliver. This should be looked at as sabotage on the part of the ministries.” NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The government has awarded traditional leaders a 100% bonus this year as a “performance reward” after they played a key role in mobilising their subjects to vote for Zanu PF during the August elections.

Chiefs, headmen, village heads and their messengers will be awarded the bonuses both in United States dollars and in local currency.

In a circular dated November 7, 2023, addressed to Public Service Commission secretary Tsitsi Choruma, Finance secretary George Guvamatanga said the traditional leaders’ bonuses would be paid alongside those of civil servants.

“As you are aware, government has traditionally awarded performance rewards to the public service employees in the form of a 13th cheque (bonus) at the end of each year,” Guvamatanga said.

“In line with the stabilised tradition and recognition of the efforts of public service workers, government has approved bonus awards for public service employees and traditional leaders.”

Within the traditional leaders’ ranks, chiefs will be awarded the highest amount of bonus, earning US$300 and $337 000, which is equivalent to the earnings of teachers. Village heads and messengers have the least earning of US$100.

Chiefs, however, earn over US$200 and receive other perks such as top-of-the range cars, fuel, boreholes, farms and mines, among other incentives from government.

Zanu PF victories in rural areas have been largely attributed to the role played by traditional leaders in intimidating their subjects to vote for the ruling party.

Zanu PF vice-president and second secretary Kembo Mohadi was, from last year, crisscrossing the country addressing traditions leaders and ordering them to support Zanu PF ahead of the August elections.

Chiefs, who occupy the highest position in the traditional leadership hierarchy, have for long been indirectly regarded as organs within the ruling party, although the constitution prohibits them from participating in politics.

The Zanu PF-led government has in the past pampered chiefs with vehicles, land and houses among other benefits, to garner electoral support. In return, some chiefs have pledged their allegiance to the ruling party in fear of losing the freebies.

Section 281(2)(a) of the constitution states that traditional leaders must not be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics while section 281(2)(c) states that traditional leaders must not further the interests of any political party or cause.

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director Pedzisai Ruhanya said: “This is historic. It is the emergence of a patron-clients state where the states create clients that it dishes with patronage in return for political support. It is like those chiefs who collaborated with the Smith regime, who were given perks during the colonial era, but Zanu PF has gone a step further. 

“Further, because bonuses are for civil servants who are employed by the government. 

“Who employs the chief? It is the community members.

“It only exposes chiefs as collaborators of the system.

“It is a neo-patrimonial regime; just buying everyone. Zanu PF under Mnangagwa has bought everyone — chiefs, opposition leaders, churches — everyone.”

By A Correspondent- Over 1,5 million people are estimated to be food insecure, according to a latest Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) 2023 report.

“They will need 18 915 metric tonnes of cereal per month. Harare had the highest population of 705 480, which was projected to be cereal insecure,” the report read.

According to the report, Midlands had the highest proportion of households projected to be food insecure.

“Matabeleland South (22%) and Mashonaland Central (25%) had the least proportion of households projected to be food insecure,” the report said.

“Mashonaland East had a significant decrease in food insecurity from 53% in 2020 to 27% in 2023.

“Greater Harare 1 (5%), Kadoma (9%) and Gwanda (10%), had the least proportion of households projected to be food insecure. Redcliffe (71%) had the highest proportion of households projected to be food insecure.”

On children, ZimVac noted a poor quality of diets for children, saying this is resulting in stunted growth.

“Nutrition sensitive multisectoral approaches that target women of child bearing age are recommended to raise awareness on the importance of diversified diets.”

ZimVac based its analysis on security on “availability of food, access to food, the safe and health utilisation of food, the stability of food availability, access and utilization”.

“Household food security status was determined using four parameters: food poverty line, household monthly income, household food consumption score and household hunger scale.”

ZimVac, which was established in 2002, is a consortium of government, development partners, United Nations, non-governmental organisations, technical agencies and the academia.

The latest survey focused on urban households residing in the medium-density, high-density, and peri-urban areas of Zimbabwe and it covered urban council areas, administrative centres, growth points and other urban areas.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF’s shadowy affiliate, Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) is allegedly denying Pfumvudza agricultural inputs to suspected Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters.

A stand-off erupted when a suspected FAZ member, Enika Gomo, removed names of opposition sympathisers from the beneficiaries’ list in ward 25, Hurungwe West constituency, on Saturday.

The incident happened at Zvipani shopping centre.

One of the victims Morris Mubaiwa said that he was denied the agricultural inputs because of his links to the opposition.

“Mai Gomo — a well-known FAZ operative — tampered with the database and said anyone who was not attending Zanu PF meetings was not supposed to getthe agricultural inputs. Several households were denied the inputs. I confronted her and she quickly mobilised Zanu PF youths to harass me,” he said.

Zanu PF ward 25 councillor Edmore Nyamukumba confirmed the incident.

“I confirm that the incident happened and Mai Gomo is a member of FAZ. We have people who are in our database who have complied with the prerequisite of being a beneficiary of Pfumvudza. To be a beneficiary, one needs to have dug holes which are inspected but in this case, the people had not qualified,” he said.

FAZ president Kudakwashe Musanka said his organisation was just monitoring the distribution of the presidential inputs.

“As an organisation, we don’t choose the beneficiaries. We are there to avoid pilferage and make sure that the presidential inputs are reaching the intended beneficiaries. We also make sure that they are not being abused,” he said.

Government says it has mobilised over 360 000 tonnes of agricultural inputs, including seed and fertiliser, to support smallholder farmers under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa).

According to weather experts, this year’s summer cropping season will likely be affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which typically leads to delayed and below-normal rainfall.

Government is targeting cereal production of 3 512 658 tonnes — 2,8 million tonnes of maize and 712 658 tonnes of traditional grains and oil seeds — which are enough to meet local demand.

The country needs about 2,2 million tonnes of grain annually.

However, distribution of inputs to the targeted 3,5 million beneficiaries — which commenced on April 18 in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central province — has been marred by accusations of looting and nepotism. NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has accused opposition CCC of using “dead bodies” to resurrect its dying party adding that Zanu PF is a strong party which triumphs over opposition against all odds.

Said Charamba using his ghost account Dhonzamusoro:

“MaYERO, MUKADA KUSHANDISA ZVITUNHA MUPOLITICS, TINOSANGANA KUBWIRO NEKUMAKUVA. MUSAZOTI MAVARA AZARE VHU! We will fight you on any terrain of your choosing. Without blinking. Makajaidzwa!!! We cannot have politics of cannibalising zvitunha to make up for own blatant political failures. Never!!!!!”