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By Farai D Hove| In a rare development, the first of it’s kind, the Zimbabwe Republic police has blocked supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa from their protest solidarity action scheduled for today.

The zanu PF supporters were planning to march in Harare at the same time that supporters of the MDC Alliance are holding their protest for electoral reforms in the capital city.

For years, the ruling party supporters have received favourable treatment by the police. But in what appeared like a sweet suckly turn Of events, the police yesterday declared that they will block zanu PF supporters the whole day. They were ordered to instead hold their own protest the following day, Wednesday.

Youth leader Godwin Gomwe said, “I am communicating with you all with regards to the solidarity march for peace that we had scheduled for tomorrow the 5th of June 2018.

“As a peaceful and law abiding Youth League we had taken precaution and sought police clearance for our solidarity march. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has turned down our request for a police clearance citing that a certain political party had been granted permission prior to our application. As a leadership we automatically accepted and embraced this decision by the police.”

A UK based Zimbabwean is one of two arrested over fake tea – the khat drug.

The man was arrested after being caught with a consignment of the dangerous drug —with a street value of $135 000 which was destined for Britain.

 

ABOUT KHAT – effects and risks.

The two main stimulants in khat speed up the user’s mind and body, like a less powerful amphetamine.

It makes people happy and talkative but can cause insomnia and temporary confusion. Chewed for a few hours it leaves users with a feeling of calm, described by some as “blissed out”. The drug could make pre-existing mental health problems worse and it can provoke feelings of anxiety and aggression. It can also inflame the mouth and damage teeth, and there are concerns about the long-term risk of mouth cancers. (Source: Talk to Frank).

ZRP Detectives arrested a UK-based Zimbabwean man Mufaro Shaba and Samaita Chinembiri from Nkulumane suburb for allegedly dealing in dangerous drugs.

The police said khat is relatively rare in Zimbabwe but is common in Eastern African countries.

The drug looks like dried vegetables (umfushwa).

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango yesterday said police intercepted the contraband after it was shipped from Ethiopia en-route to the United Kingdom.

She said police sources informed detectives that a consignment which was supposed to be collected by Chinembiri contained dangerous drugs.

“We have arrested two suspects in connection with dealing in dangerous drugs. Our detectives received a tip-off that a consignment of dangerous drugs was destined for Tshabalala suburb.

“The detectives monitored its transportation from Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare to Bulawayo where it was due for collection by one suspect called Chinembiri,” said Insp Simango.

She said instead of Chinembiri receiving the parcel in Bulawayo, Shaba flew into the country to collect the consignment.

“Shaba lied to courier services agents that Chinembiri had visited his rural home and he would be collecting the parcel on his behalf. He was told to bring Chinembiri’s ID.

“He brought it later but it turned out that Mr Chinembiri was actually in the city. The two were arrested with the drug, street valued at $135 000,” she said.

The provincial police spokesperson said the duo is assisting law enforcement agents with investigations.

Insp Simango said police were concerned that hard drugs are being been intercepted in the country as they are being smuggled to other countries.

She said the latest incident comes barely two months after the police intercepted 3,14 kgs of cocaine with a street value of $470 000 bound to South Africa from India.

“We are worried that the country and its citizens are being used by drug dealers to smuggle narcotics. Zimbabwe has no history of dealing with these hard drugs and we believe drug dealers want to exploit the country’s reputation to smuggle these drugs without being anticipated in other countries. Ethiopia is much closer to Europe so the question is why someone would want to send their contraband via Zimbabwe?” she asked.

Insp Simango said police are alert and will continue to arrest such criminals, urging the city’s citizens to desist from accepting parcels from dubious sources.

A detective assigned to the police CID drugs station Detective Sergeant Lovemore Ncube said khat is hardly used in Zimbabwe. Its users chew its leaves especially when it’s still wet and get high.

The drug is said to cause euphoria and loss of appetite. Dt Sgt Ncube said it can be processed into powder and tablets which can be very addictive.

Shaba and Chinembiri appeared briefly before before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure yesterday and were not asked to plead to charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs for the purpose of dealing in that drug.

Their lawyer Mr Byron Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practitioners is set to apply for bail today. (state media/ additional reporting)

State Media – Zimbabwe is set for a major economic take off and will be among the fastest-growing economies in the world soon, a visiting investor mission from Britain said yesterday.

The delegation represents 21 organisations.

The group met President Mnangagwa and other senior Government officials in Harare yesterday.

President Mnangagwa said he was impressed by the size and diversity of the delegation, the first of its kind he had met in a long time.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, head of delegation Mr Robert Hersov, who is also chairman and chief executive officer of London-headquartered Invest Africa, said his team chose to come in early to explore opportunities ahead of an influx of foreign capital into Zimbabwe due to the positive investor sentiment.

Organisations represented in the delegation have interests in energy, mining, infrastructure development, tourism, hospitality and agriculture.

The delegation came as a follow-up to an invitation by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Busi Moyo (Retired), who attended yesterday’s roundtable.

“The President and his ministers were very open, honest and frank about the situation that Zimbabwe is in right now but also the potential that your country has,” said Mr Hersov.

“We are great believers in the country, the most literate country in Africa, (with) almost every mineral and metal and it has a very diverse and extraordinary investment opportunity,” he said.

“So the delegation that came here is quite a big delegation, 22 of us, and there are private investors and also senior decision-makers from very large investment companies.

“The opportunity is very broad. There are a number of people here that are in energy, mining, tourism and hospitality, the logistics sector and the agri-sector and Zimbabwe offers opportunities in all of those,” he said.

Mr Hersov said Zimbabwe was poised for massive growth and could be the best in the world.

He said President Mnangagwa’s administration was doing everything to make the country a destination for foreign direct investment.

Mr Hersov did not reveal how much they intended to invest in Zimbabwe, only saying those with interest in energy and infrastructure development were talking “big figures”.

He said the delegation would organise another trip to Zimbabwe after elections.

“I think this is the beginning of something big for Zimbabwe. I think Zimbabwe now, with free and fair elections coming up, the President has put his name to it and I am very proud of him for doing that. We think this country has huge upside. It should be one of the fastest growing countries in the world and for a very long time,” added Mr Hersov.

“There are also investors here who are interested in smaller investments – hotel and hospitality, logistics – it is a broad range of things and you know small investments can turn into big businesses,” he said.

“We are very happy to be here. You have a lovely country. We will be back with an even bigger delegation very soon, probably after the elections because you know the country has to focus on the elections now.

“There is a very positive mood among the investors and sometimes it is always better to get in before the rush of money comes so we like to be early.

“Listen, you have very literate and competent people and also there is an extraordinary potential reverse Diaspora of Zimbabweans living in South Africa, rest of Africa and worldwide, who would love to come home and they are being trained in different businesses. They have different skills and opportunities but they all want to come back home,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said he and his team, which included Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, were very frank with the visiting delegation about the situation in the country.

“I have been informing the delegation that I have been in Government since 1980. It is almost 38 years now. I have never seen such a huge delegation, very diverse, very global, coming together to little Zimbabwe in southern Africa,” he said.

“This is a great moment for this country. We have done everything possible to honestly brief them about our situation.

“The challenges which we face, the weaknesses which we have and the strength we have. I have exposed that to the entire delegation. I hope they will look at it and make their own decisions.”

Also in attendance were Ministers Simon Khaya Moyo (Energy and Power Development), July Moyo (Local Government, Public Works and National Housing), Reserve Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya and other senior Government officials.

MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has received sudden ZBC profiling.

The development comes a day after a top US senator criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for failing to complete electoral reforms. Below was the full text of the ZBC article:

The MDC Alliance candidates, who recently won in the party’s primaries for the National Assembly and local council elections, have started mobilising for support in preparation for the July 30 harmonised elections.

The election fever is reaching a crescendo with all political parties now focused on winning seats.

In Harare’s Glen Norah constituency, winning candidates from MDC-T Chamisa faction primaries, are already engaging the community with a view of selling themselves ahead of other political parties.

Mr Wellington Chikombo squares off with Zanu PF winning candidate and Grassroots Empowerment Trust founder, Mr Alexio Mudzengerere for the Glen Norah seat.

ZimEye brings you Part 2 of Fungai Maruta’s Madzimai Akatendeka Funeral Plan scandal.

ZimEye digs deeper into the activities of Madzimai Akatendeka exposing how contributors were reportedly fleeced of thousands of Pounds through funeral contributions and fines.

Watch the video in the link below for the latest analysis and more.

 

By Own Correspondent| Zanu Pf Youths Assembly solidarity march for President Emmerson Mnangagwa slated for June 5 2018 will now be held on Wednesday 6 June 2018 following the refusal by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to grant police clearance to the youth wing, it has emerged.

Below is the full text of communication  from Zanu Pf Chairperson Godwin Gomwe regarding the march which will now be held on Wednesday June 6 2018.

04 Jun. 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

ZANU (PF) Harare Province Youth Statement on the Planned Peaceful March.

1. I am communicating with you all with regards to the solidarity march for peace that we had scheduled for tomorrow the 5th of June 2018. As a peaceful and law abiding Youth League we had taken precaution and sought police clearance for our solidarity march.
2. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has turned down our request for a police clearance citing that a certain political party had been granted permission prior to our application. As a leadership we automatically accepted and embraced this decision by the Police.
3. All bonafide members of ZANU PF are hereby instructed not to engage in any actions that may resemble a solidarity march tomorrow as such actions are not only illegal but are unsanctioned by your leadership.
4. Our planned solidarity march will be held on WEDNESDAY 6th JUNE same time same VENUE.
5. I take this opportunity to encourage all Zimbabweans to engage in peaceful and law abiding politics as we play our part in this new dispensation of mature politics. We urge as well, the ZRP to arrest without fear or favour all persons who breach the peace in our country.
6. To all ZANU PF cadres, let us keep campaigning peacefully and be vigilant in the face of a provocative opposition whose embrace of impending electoral defeat is unfounded attempts to discredit our elections without just cause. I thank you, Comradely yours

Cde Godwin Simbarashe Gomwe (0773219386)
Chairman Harare Province Youth League.

By Lionel Saungweme| The trial of twelve Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) members, accused of Contravening section 36(1) (a)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 (Public Violence), over the 4 March 2018 violence at the party offices in Bulawayo, has kicked off.

The dispute arose after Thokozani Khupe and Abednigo Bhebhe, respectively MDC-T Vice President and National Organising Secretary at the time, allegedly gate-crushed a provincial elections directorate meeting. A physical fight for the venue ensued between supporters of Khupe, who were holed up inside the party office and premises, with those backing MDC-T President, Nelson Chamisa, who were outside the venue.

During the fight bricks, iron bars and stones were used as weapons. Five office window panes valued at $150 were broken and five vehicles were damaged leading to the arrest of 12 party cadres.

A “Land Rover Discovery, Registration Number AEI 1831 belonging to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, used by Thokozani Khupe,” sustained a “damaged windscreen, rear screen and side windows valued at $2000. A white Honda Fit vehicle registration number ADP 0783 had its quarter glass smashed while a grey Honda Fit registration number AEE 2897 was left with a “damaged windscreen and two dents on the bonnet valued at $200.” A Nissan XTrail registration number AEO 6470 had a “damaged windscreen valued at $500” while a Toyota Fortuner also known as the Toyota SW4 whose South African plates read FV 31VN GP got a “damaged windscreen and all windows valued at $2500.”

A report was lodged with the police leading to the arrest of Mlandu Ncube, Gift Banda, Felix Mhaka, Kunashe Muchemwa, Raymond Dudzayi Gombedza, Robson Tera, Donaldson Mabutho, Michael Mubasa (sic), Takunda Madzana, Sibongubuhle Sibanda, Gono Erick and Edith Moyo. The 12 are respectively cited as accused persons in court papers.

At the start of trial complainant, Artwell Sibanda, took to the witness’ stand. He stated that a meeting was “called by national leadership, specifically the Vice President Thokozani Khupe and National Organising Secretary Abednigo Bhebhe.”

“I was tasked with security operations. We received intelligence that there were some people who were planning to disrupt the meeting owing to political differences amongst the top echelons of leadership.

“I received information that Accused Number 5 (Raymond Dudzayi Gombedza) and others had locked the offices and had instructed the security guards to leave the premises. At about 9am, I instructed Alfred Ncube to use an alternative key to unlock the gate. I also approached members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police [Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI)] and spoke to Tapi informing him of the impending disruptions and he assured us that no violent activities will take place.

“Police structures started vetting people entering the venue of meeting. At around 11am, I noticed people from the Youth Wing and Women’s Wing and the Main Wing together at various points around the offices. I alerted the same PISI officers of the impending violent acts. When the meeting started Accused Number One (Cllr Mlandu Ncube) and Accused Number 12 (Edith Moyo) approached the offices from the intersection of 2nd Avenue/Fort St and were headed towards the office.

“As I approached them Accused Number One (Cllr Mlandu Ncube) whispered to Hon Dorothy Bhebhe to drive off as they now wanted to work. Accused Number One gestured to other people to follow him. I then moved to the offices where I observed Accused Number One (Cllr Mlandu Ncube, Four (Kunashe Muchemwa), Five (Raymond Gombedza) and others charging towards the offices.

“Accused Number Six (Robson Tera), Seven (Donaldson Mabutho), Nine (Takunda Madzana), Ten (Sibongubuhle Sibanda), Eleven (Erick Gono) and Twelve (Edith Moyo) were coming from the direction of 2nd Avenue. Accused Number Six (Robson Tera) stoned a white Honda Fit vehicle damaging its rear window on the right side in full view of the PISI officer (Tapi) I mentioned before. The rest of the Accused persons started stoning the security details who were at the entrance in the process injuring people, damaging cars including the one owned by Vice President Khupe.

“Leading the people who stoned the vehicle were Accused Number One (Cllr Mlandu Ncube). Accused Number Nine (Takunda Madzana) then went to the building adjacent the MDC premises and started stoning vehicles and people. That is when a Toyota Fortuner, which is a South African vehicle was stoned.

“Thokozani Khupe’s driver, Witness Dube, tried to flee in a Land Rover Discovery vehicle. He fled going to the 3rd Avenue direction. At the robots (traffic lights) I told him to turn into the sanitary lane. The lane was blocked by a kombi whose driver was nowhere to be seen. He has to use the 2nd Avenue entry to the sanitary lane where he parked the vehicle at the back door.

“When we instructed the VP (Miss Thokozani Khupe) to get into the vehicle she refused and the mob was also gathering blocking the alley (sanitary lane) and the driver (Witness Dube) drove off towards 2nd Avenue and in the process Accused Number Nine (Takunda Madzana) threw a stone that hit the driver on the forehead. The driver drove towards Fort Street and was received by a hail of stones until he decided to flee to make a report at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

“In the meantime, I instructed some security personnel to form a human barricade to allow Hon Bhebhe to drive off to Bulawayo Central Police Station. I also drove off to Bulawayo Central Police Station to make a report.

The trial continues.

Terrence Mawawa

Presidential Spokesperson and Information, Broadcasting and Media Services Permanent Secretary George Charamba has said the State broadcaster ZBC must desist from forcing citizens who reside in areas without radio and television transmission to pay licences.

Addressing stakeholders at a Zim Digital Workshop in Chiredzi last week, Charamba said ZBC should not force citizens to pay radio and television licences without receiving transmission.

“People should not be forced to pay radio and television licences. I can tell you that there are many areas that have poor transmission,” said Charamba.

“We expect all communities to be served by ZBC and those who are not receiving standard transmission cannot be expected to pay radio and television licences,” added Charamba.

By Own Correspondent| Chitungwiza’s three man caretaker commission led by Madzudzo Pawadyira to run the affairs of the local municipality following the suspension of councilors and management by the former local government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere gobbled over US$155 000 in salaries and allowances, it has emerged.

The caretaker commission, comprising of Pawadyira, Chitungwiza district administrator Ms Zivai Chisango and retired councillor Joshua Mabhiza was appointed by former Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister, Kasukuwere to run the affairs of Chitungwiza Municipality from May 2017 to March this year.

According to the municipality’s finance report for the period March 20, 2017 to April 21 this year, Mr Pawadyira got a monthly allowance of $6 287, while Mr Mabhiza and Ms Chisango pocketed $3 685 and $3 574 respectively, bringing the total amount to $135 460.

The trio was also allocated 3 900 litres of diesel and 483 litres of petrol during their tenure, which amounted to $5 264.

The report also shows that council paid $20 055 in allowances for breakfast and lunch for the trio.

However, the report also indicated a decrease in the revenue collected for the 11 month period when the affairs of the local municipality were run under the Pawadyira commission.

“Revenue collected for the period decreased from $896 971 to $734 131,” reads the report.

Terrence Mawawa

In spite of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ mantra, a senior Zanu PF official in Chiredzi is clandestinely pushing for the invasion of Tongaat Hullet Sugarcane Plots, it has emerged.

Former Tongaat Hullet Director for Agriculture, Farai Musikavanhu, who will represent Zanu PF in the Chiredzi West Parliamentary election, is working with senior ruling party officials to grab Tongaat Hullet plots.

Sources at Tongaat Hullet revealed at the weekend Musikavanhu was holding secret secret meetings with war veterans and Zanu PF supporters- purportedly to address pressing issues in the area.

“Musikavanhu and his supporters are targeting Tongaat Hullet Sugarcane Plots.They are determined to takeover productive land in a move that is likely to result in job losses,” Tongaat Hullet sources said.

However Musikavanhu claimed his detractors were desperate to discredit him before the elections.

Terrence Mawawa

Police in Buhera have confirmed the death of a commuter omnibus driver, Owen Mungofa last Sunday in a shocking suicide case.

According to the police, Mungofa(37), hanged himself following a series of road accidents in the past four months.

“A commuter omnibus driver was found hanging on a few tree near Nerutanga Business Centre in Buhera.

His friends said he had indicated he was being haunted by the number of accidents that happened in the last four months,” police in Buhera said last week.

Workers at Wake Transport where Mungofa was employed expressed shock at his untimely death.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Masvingo City Mayor, Councillor Hubert Fidze has released a touching farewell message thanking the people of Masvingo for supporting him during his tenure.

Fidze was elected on an MDC ticket in 2013.

” Thank you all for your support throughout my period in office as the Mayor of this city.

My period was full of experiences that I am personally proud of as an individual.

You have been good to me. It is God’s wish that I have lost the game this time around and I am proud the game ended on a high note with a decoration of one of the highest Awards on the land -which I received on Thursday night,” said Fidze.

” I am a proud winner of the Outstanding Local Governance Leader of The Year 2018 Award.

It is a year that I have scored another achievement after completing my degree studies with the Reformed Church University (RCU).

Throughout the same period I have stood fort as the vice president of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (LOGIC ), Chairman of Audit and Finance Committee of UCAZ and Chairman of the Local Government Investment Conference (LOGIC).

My Church mates have been fantastic. Fellow councillors, management and staff of Masvingo City Council, thank you.I will miss this civic duty so much and I bow down with a soft and down to earth heart. I shall give my state of the city address before I leave office. I shall also stand firm in support of my political party and rally behind the winner. May the Almighty bless you all,” added Fidze.

By Own Correspondent| Protestors for the MDC Alliance peaceful march will assemble at Africa Unity Square and march to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices before proceeding to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offices at Munhumutapa Building in Harare to deliver their petition on electoral reforms, Amos Chibaya, one of the organisers of the protest has confirmed.

Addressing a press conference at Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare today, Chibaya, who is MDC T National Organising Secretary dispelled speculation that the electoral reforms protestors would not present their petition to the President adding that the protest had been approved.

“The onus is now on citizens to make their voices heard by coming in their large numbers. The Constitution protects those who engage in peaceful protests and tomorrow’s event is one such.

We are saying the police has been notified according to the dictates of the law hence we are going to present our petition to President Mnangagwa,” said Chibaya.

Below is the full text of the press statement.

Free and fair election peace march on tomorrow

Tomorrow, we are holding a Free and Fair election peace march in Harare . We are meeting at Africa Unity Square at 9am, and we march together to the ZEC offices and present our fully comprehensive petition that speak to the fundamental reforms that need to be implemented before we can hold a free, fair and credible election.

From there, we, proceed to Munhumutapa building to present the same petition to the Mnangagwa administration. We will use Samora Machel Avenue.

We then march taking Second Street (Sam Mujoma) to Africa Unity Square where the people will be addressed by the people’s president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

This is a crucial time. We must be vigilant as we demand an Environment for credible elections in Zimbabwe.

The ballot paper remains a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s democracy. As long as the paper has not been scrutinized, and the printing of the ballot paper remains shrouded in secrecy, then there cannot be an election.

As long as the voters’ roll has not been audited by credible and an independent external auditor, there cannot be an election.

As long as the securocrats remain entrenched in the ZEC systems and interfere with our democratic right to choose a leader we want, and transfer power to the winning candidate then Zimbabwe cannot have elections.

As major stakeholders in the political affairs of Zimbabwe, we want to participate in the National Logistics Committee so that we run this election in a manner that will produce an uncontested outcome.

We are aware that Zanu has organized it’s overzealous supporters to infiltrate and cause havoc and paint us in the bad picture. We will not have that. We encourage the people of Zimbabwe to exercise restraint in the face of provocation. We encourage the participants not to participate in any act of violence, looting or damage.

As we have said, this is a Free and Fair Election Peace March.

Hon Amos Chibaya
National Organizing Secretary

 

By Own Correspondent| Protestors for tommorrow’ s demonstration organised under the MDC Alliance have been barred from marching to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offices at Munhumutapa in Harare where they were hoping to deliver a petition compelling the Zanu Pf leader to prioritise electoral reforms ahead of the July 30 elections.

The demonstration, which concides with Zanu Pf’s solidarity march for violent free, free and fair elections organised by the party’s youth wing on the same day, June 5 2018 intended to march to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices before protesters would proceed to Mnangagwa’s offices at Munhumutapa Building in Harare.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference last week, Tendai Biti who was representing the Alliance spokesperson, Welshman Ncube revealed the route to be taken by protesters indicating that the demonstrators would assemble at Africa Unitg Square and march to ZEC where theu would hand in their petition and proceed to Mnangagwa’s offices to deliver another petition.

However, Home Affairs minister, Obert Mpofu warned the MDC Alliance against marching to President Mnangagwa’s offices arguing that the demonstration ceased to be peaceful if ptotestors went to Munhumutapa Building.

Below is the approval letter from the ZRP indicating the route to be taken by MDC Alliance protesters.

LIVEBLAST – refresh to watch

By Own Correspondent| Despite Presidential Spokesman George Charamba’s claims published in the Herald Monday morning, MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has said his party will not be included in a government of national unity.

Advocate Chamisa spelt this out in the below exclusive interview with ZimEye last month. He was speaking in response to a question on the possibility of a government of national compromise, should that be necessary at some point in the future.

He said, “it’s good to talk, it’s good to dialogue, but I don’t know what exclusivity you are taking about.

 

“We are not going to be included, we are going to be including.

 

“There is a difference between being included and including. When you are included, it means that you are not the winner. When you are including, it means that you are the winner.

 

“We are willing to be inclusive by including, but we are not willing to be inclusive by being included. We are the winners, we are going to speak to any Zimbabwean who is progressive.

“The future is non partisan, as I indicated I believe we must change Zimbabwe for the better, whether ZANU, MDC, the future cannot be about parties. The future is about a victory for the people of Zimbabwe. I think about Zimbabwe first. I think about Zimbabwe than any other.”

By Farai D Hove| Zimbabweans at the weekend laughed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa after the head of state said words interpreted by many as a boasting about merely announcing the election date.

President Mnangagwa mlsaid this during his rally, last week.

Wrote one Twitter user, “Mnangagwa boasts about announcing election dates. Uku Madam ndivo MC!”

So what exactly did Mnangagwa say?

In the video below, Mnangagwa says, “Pamberi ne ZANU PF. Pamberi nekuhwina ma elections! Pasi ne mhandu.”

He then continues saying, “the day before yesterday, I spoke about elections and said they are on the 30th July, isn’t it?

RT @aubtery: RT @revesaymutede: Hehehehede. Mnangagwa boasts about announcing election dates. Uku Madam ndivo MC??  @… pic.twitter.com/kXHzgzNcBk

— Twim Bo (@twimboz) June 3, 2018

“All these days before then, there were so many others who were saying in every place, elections, elections. No, this is all just mere talk. The Owner is us ( English – “me”).

“We are the ones who later on came, and now every one else is now coming bound by the date which we alone could announce. So where ever you are you must know, in those places nowhere people talk about what happens. Pamberi ne ZANU PF!, Pamberi ne ZANU PF!, Pamberi ne ZANU PF!”

VIDEO:

 

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba has claimed that the opposition is lying when they say that the voters roll is not yet available.

IS SHE TELLING THE TRUTH? – Chigumba Says Voters Roll Now LIVE Online

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 4, 2018

Justice Chigumba was quoted by the syate media saying she is not at all denying the MDC Alliance access to the voters’ roll. She said the voters’ roll is available as a link on the ZEC website.

Justice Chigumba said, “the provisional voters’ roll is available as a link. There is a link that we have made available and anyone requiring it is free to access it and we have made this known to political parties in our regular meetings.

“All I can say is that the provisional voters’ roll is available and any other issue is sub judice because we have been taken to court over the issue of the voters’ roll.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba has reacted to United States Senator Chris Coons who recently told the Chinese broadcaster, CGTN Africa that President Mnangagwa’s administration has disappointed on its steps to ensure free and fair elections.

Charamba said Mnangagwa has in fact taken steps to ensure peaceful elections and invited election observers.

Said Charamba, “First, Government has guaranteed a peaceful poll, which is why the President has been unambiguous in his call for peace as well as taking the unexampled decision to meet with opposition parties once the Nomination Court has confirmed who is genuine and who is not.

“The idea is to get all parties to commit themselves to a non-violent free poll. Equally, the security structures are under strict orders to undergird peace in the country before, during and after the elections.

“That’s a key responsibility of Government. Second, the Government has taken a decision to invite international observers of all colour and manner to ensure the whole plebiscite unfolds in the full glare of the world.

“What Government cannot do and will not do, consistent with the law, is to instruct Zec on how to run the elections. Maybe what is unclear to the Senator is that Zec is a constitutional creature whose independence is provided for in the law.

“Whether, when and how it releases the voters’ roll and in what format, is for it to determine without undue influence from any player national or international, inside Government or outside Government. How it deploys resources availed to it to arrive at a decision on who will provide voting material, including voting paper, ink and all the attendant paraphernalia, is its prerogative.”

The minister who barely 7 months ago single-handedly humiliated president Emmerson Mnangagwa, has caused a stir.

He is the man who was part of the deadly terror network that terrorised the head of state, eventually chasing him out of Zimbabwe on the 7th of November – the same minister who announced Mnangagwa’s letter of expulsion from work, this time has come out announcing his claims that the MDC is a violent party.

Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo said, “he revolutionary party learnt with utter dismay the conduct and threat utterances by MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa and his alliance partners threatening to shut down Harare and stop elections set for July 30 should ZEC fail to accede to their demands of electoral reforms.

 

“In fact the claims being made by Chamisa and crew are bare and not ground on the position of the law. What comes out clear is that the MDC-T is a violent and retrogressive party whose existence strives on chaos and suffering of the people hence the utterances cannot come as a surprise.

 

“These utterances are unfortunate, reckless, extremely irresponsible and uncalled for.”

 

Terrence Mawawa

The MDC primary election in Masvingo Urban Constituency has been marred by violent incidents, it has emerged.

Party sources revealed unruly youths stormed ward 8 polling station on Sunday and seized ballot boxes.

The unruly youths also threatened to assault presiding officers.

“Unruly youths wreaked havoc in Masvingo Urban Constituency. They seized ballot boxes and threatened to assault presiding officers,” party sources said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s party, ZANU PF youths are holding their own protest march seen to counter that of the MDC party’s on Tuesday.

The development comes as the MDC announced it is going onto the streets to demand electoral reforms.

Zanu-PF UK chairman, Nick Mangwana, said the march will be in solidarity with President Mnangagwa’s call for peaceful elections and no to violence call.

The plan is that ZANU PF members will gather at Robert Mugabe Square at 10am on Tuesday 5 June.

MDC Alliance protesters will on the other hand hold their own protest first at Africa Unity Square, after which they will march to the ZEC offices.

It is there where they will present their document of demands and then proceed to Munhumutapa building.

 

Terrence Mawawa

An opposition leader has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s supporters of desperately trying to denigrate youthful MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.

Multi-Racial Christian Democrats (MRCD) leader Mattheus Guchutu has defended MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa saying that he
is like the Biblical Joseph. Chamisa is being persecuted for nursing a life changing dream, according to Guchutu.

Guchutu’s MRCD is part of the coalition MDC Alliance.

“I have not seen anything related to overstatements or lies associated with our Presidential candidate. If I had any particular problem with him, I would go to him privately and say please improve on this and that.

Even in the bible, most of the
people who did very well saw beyond the current events.

You can talk of Joseph; he was called a dreamer and through those dreams, he became the first Prime
Minister of Egypt,” said Guchutu.

 

Terrence Mawawa

A columnist with a State controlled paper who writes under the
pseudonym Bishop Lazarus has claimed that exiled
G40 front man Jonathan Moyo is on his
way back home.

Bishop Lazarus, who is widely believed to be Presidential
spokesperson George Charamba has also said former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao may be left isolated.

“Tyson was very helpful and useful in clearing hazy pictures about the

great escape. Now he is back to
face some music. Not very
loud music by the way. On
the other hand, Prof Moyo of
the “it’s cold out there”
fame is also on his way
back home.

Yes, dear congregants he is on his
way back. Don’t be fooled by all that fake bravado. Lots of reaching out and selling out going on behind the scenes.

The Prof was just furious that he was beaten to the game by Tyson.

So, yeah the Prof is on his way back
— not with his tail between the legs.
True, let me leave this story
for now.
…But then dread Patrick Zhuwao is totally in the dark,” claimed Bishop Lazarus.

Terrence Mawawa

A declared Zanu PF activist has been appointed the new Chief Wedza in Zvishavane as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its support base in the area before the coming elections.

Ruling party insiders have indicated that Kennias Mnyamani Moyo is a Zanu PF activist.He was installed as Chief Wedza last week at a ceremony officiated by Midlands State Minister Owen Ncube.

Moyo’ s appointment is meant to drum up support for the ruling party because traditional leaders play a vital role in campaigning for Zanu PF, political observers have said.

“Moyo will obviously play a leading role in campaigning for the ruling party. This is a strategic move meant to drum up support for Zanu PF,” sources in Zvishavane said last week.

Terrence Mawawa

An MDC MP was allegedly assaulted by party youths as supporters clashed over selection of candidates.

“Honourable Prosper Mutseyami was attacked in Mutare yesterday.

The candidate selection programme was disrupted by senior party officials,” party sources alleged.

” Chairman Chimhini, Lynette Kore, Joyce Makonya, Wirimai Mkwishu, Itai Masaka, Tatenda Nhamarare and one Mr Tekeshe decided to defy the national directive and went on to conduct primary elections in all the wards in Chikanga/Dangamvura including ward 17 – which had already been done a week earlier.

As if that was not enough the cabal held a meeting at a private venue and planned a manhunt to attack the national leaders who had been deployed to conduct the election the next day.

More so they planned to attack fellow party officials, Hon Gonese and Hon Mutseyami.

Later in the evening they deployed thugs who followed the national team to town. They were driving a white Honda CRV,”added the party sources.

When Hon Mutseyami went outside to answer his phone he was hit on the forehead with an iron rod by an unknown man and he collapsed.

The thug took his car keys and his Iphone7 and drove off at high speed,”added the sources.

60% of local Zimbabweans have voiced that MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is winning the upcoming elections by 82%.

How reliable are these results? https://t.co/DKPJlLX4VV

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 3, 2018

The 60% are from a large sample of 3,700 Zimbabweans during an online survey carried by ZimEye.com last month. To ensure reliability, a strict IP filter was used to ensure that participants are defined by their geographical IP address; a second IP filter was used to prevent duplications and ensure that only human beings vote.
Below were the results:

ZimEye will bring our valued readers LIVE updates from the MDC Alliance rally at Mahusekwa today, Sunday.

Refresh this page for the LIVE feeds.

 

 

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HWEDZA RALLY  – RECORDED

 

By Own Correspondent| A Rusape who is a qualified physiotherapist walked away from the 2018 Ok Grand Challenge 3 cars richer.

Clemence Muhle, who has in the past won 4 trucks from Metropeach and Browne Wholesalers Rusape and Murehwa branches competition (2015/16) attributed his luck to the Grace of God.

“I am very happy and excited for the God granted opportunity to divinely scoop the three cars,” said an excited Muhle.

“Unbelievable, but it’s a wonderful reality.”

He dispelled rumours that he uses juju to win cars adding that he does not come from Chipinge as was alleged by most of the people who attended the 2018 OK Grand Challenge.

Concidentally, Muhle changed his WhatsApp status to “Time to put faith in action and walk on water” on Friday.

“I am a christian and i do not use juju?” he said.

On what he was going to do with the three cars he said he was going to resell them and invest in his business while proceeds from the other car will be ploughed back into other competitions “to continue trying his luck”.

By Own Correspondent| The holding of elections without electoral reforms is a futile acitivity which will see Zanu Pf manipulating the electoral processes to its advantage, the splinter faction of the MDC T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe has said.

MDC T spokesperson, Linda Masarira said failure to implement electoral reforms by the Zanu Pf regime would plunge the country into an election that cannot pass the test of legitimacy.

Below is the FULL TEXT of the press statement.

Electoral reforms key to credible elections*

Doctor Khupe is a game changer as an epoch aspiring Zimbabwean woman President. Those that are painfully marginalized by male chauvinism and diabolic politics of patronage will find refuge through her leadership.

For the first time the republic will enjoy rule of law, equal opportunities for all, integrity in government, ethical and professionalism in public service especially in local authorities, municipalities and across the entire spectrum.

*Voter’s roll*

On the 29th of May the election date was gazetted, yet ZEC is still to publish a final and audited voters roll. This proclamation is extremely fishy and suspicious due to the fact that it was done whilst voter inspection was still in progress.

It would appear that the ZANU PF government is playing its usual tricks of manipulating the voters roll. Without a clean and audited voters roll Zimbabweans should simply forget about holding a free and fair elections that can pass the test of legitimacy.

There is an uneven election ground as the system is still ignoring the abuse of women in politics due to the patriarchal nature of Zimbabwean politics. It is worrisome that there is now a perpetual intervention and inclusion of the military and security sector in national politics.

In our quest to have a fair electoral process there is need of an intensive ballot audit and counting of votes soon after the election as delays might create an atmosphere of unfairness.

The military should play its constitutional role of promoting peace and protecting citizens rather than interfering in national politics.

We are still challenging the composition of ZEC administration/secretariat which constitutes 15% of retired army personnel. This crop of retired army personnel also form the reserve force of the army of Zimbabwe which poses a serious conflict of interest especially now since we came out of a military managed coup.

*Sub polling stations*

ZEC wants to cause confusion in the whole system by introducing more polling stations when voter registration which was polling station based has already been finished. After voter registration every registered voter was assigned a polling station where they would cast their vote.

During the BVR inspection people confirmed their polling stations where they are going to vote. Surprisingly, now after the exercise is over ZEC is planning on assigning voters to these 1500 new polling stations. Won’t we find ourselves in a scenario where people will be turned away enmasse from their original polling stations? Could this be a tactical way of removing someone from a voters roll? Is this not a way of opening up secret polling stations that will be new and no one knows their location?

MDC T will never allow these shenanigans and clandestine setting up of extra polling stations as this will cause confusion and probably duplicate polling stations where a single person can double vote as what happened in 2013.

In conclusion we are still in the same situation which necessitated the call for reforms so having elections without reforms is a futile activity. Boycotting elections is not an option as we will just be playing into ZANU PF’s plans.

Constitutionalism, institutional reform, electoral reform and a diametric shift in the trajectory of governance will reign and be the order of the day if we vote President Dr Thokozani Khupe as the President of Zimbabwe.

We will ensure transparency within the fiscus, pro-policies and prioritization of basic services as stated in our B.E.S.T manifesto.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
MDC-T Secretary for Information and Publicity
[email protected]
0719118783