The whole of Zimbabwe will be watching out for former President Robert Mugabe as he is expected for the first time inside Parliament this afternoon. Follow ZimEye.com for more

By Paul Nyathi|A survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat), officially launched last week says that the country’s literacy rate stands at 94 percent still remains the highest in Africa. 

However, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces have the highest number of people who have never been to school.

Data from the 2017 ICDS on education reveals that 12 percent of the population age 3-24 years have never been to school.

“Of the total population education age 3-24 years, 27 percent have left school where the proportion for males is 23 percent. For females the rate stands at 27 percent,” it says.

According to the study, about 63 percent of the school-going population are attending school.

“About 12 percent had never been to school and the highest proportions are in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces. The majority of those never been to school are 5 years and below,” reads the ICDS.

“In Zimbabwe there are equal proportions of males and females who have never been to school and there are slightly more males than females in school. Among those who have left school, there are more females than males and the same is observed towards higher levels of education,” reads the report.

The survey was conducted by Zimstat from 18-23 August 2017, with technical, financial and material support from UNFPA, Unicef and International Organisation for Migration.

“The 2017 ICDS results could not have come at a better time than now when there are a number of national development processes which require baseline and updated data, such as the preparation of the successor programme to the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset), mid-term review of the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) for the period 2016-2020, annual review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the joint assessments in line with the country’s re-engagement thrust with the international community,” said UNFPA country representative Dr Esther Muia.

Former President Robert Mugabe was offered asylum by his visiting old time friend Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the president of Equatorial Guinea.

Nguema offered the ageing former leader asylum if he needs it.

Obiang met Mugabe at his private mansion in Harare on Friday and Mugabe had a few complaints about the way he’s been treated.

“You should be glad they left you alive.”

That was what Equatorial Guinea president Obiang Nguema told his former ally Mugabe when they met for a tete a tete, closely watched by high-ranking ministers from the new Zimbabwe government.

The Standard newspaper says that Obiang stated that Mugabe could have asylum in Equatorial Guinea if he needed it.

By Paul Nyathi|ZANU PF has convened a two day summit to try and bring together its members after the chaotic primary elections that have seen more disgruntlements than celebrations.

The workshop will be addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a circular to all provincial chairpersons, the Zanu-PF Department for the Commissariat said the workshop organised through the Chitepo School of Ideology, will be held at the Zanu-PF Headquarters Main Hall.

“The Commissariat Department, through the Chitepo School of Ideology has organised a healing and reconciliation workshop to unite all candidates who participated in the party’s primary elections for Senate and the National Assembly,” reads part of the circular.

“Provincial chairpersons are requested to invite all their respective winning candidates and losing candidates in the said primary elections to attend this very important meeting scheduled to be addressed by His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF Cde ED Mnangagwa on Wednesday 30 May, 2018.”

Rumours have swirled that First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has clashed for the shine with VP Constantino Chiwenga’s Wife, Marry.

Mrs Mnangagwa was yesterday said to have taken over the running of Mushamukadzi Foundation, an organisation started by Marry.

Sources claimed that this was done to prevent the First Lady from being outshined.

“Just imagine, can someone just handover her charity projects that have been in place for six years, just like that,” a source was quoted by Newsday saying.

They continued adding that, “this is a very sensitive issue and as a sign of respect to the First Family and avoid unnecessary competition, Marry had no choice, but to handover the foundation to the First Lady’s Angel of Hope Foundation.”

Meanwhile however, Marry  dismissed the claims in her handover speech saying:

“I don’t know where you are getting such information and the motive of the people peddling such malicious rumours.

“As I said at the dinner yesterday, (Saturday), we have all agreed as a team that the First Lady inherit the work we have taken all the six years.”

A comment from Mrs Mnangagwa could not be obtained at the time of writing.

By Paul Nyathi|Former President, Robert Mugabe is set to appear before parliament this Monday afternoon to answer questions on the notorious missing $15 billion diamonds revenue, the big question is, will he attend?

According to the law if Mugabe does not attend he will face contempt of Parliament charges as this will be the second official invitation after he failed to show up last week on Wednesday before the Mines and Energy portfolio committee.

Mugabe has kept the committee guessing after he failed to confirm whether he would attend the hearing as invited by committee chairman Temba Mliswa.

He was served with letters inviting him to appear before the committee and clarify claims he made in 2016 that Zimbabwe had lost $15 billion through diamond leakages.

Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, said parliament has been making frantic efforts to get confirmation on Mugabe’s attendance.

“We have not got anything as yet. Our expectation is that he attends Monday’s hearing as agreed by the committee,” said Chokuda.

Mliswa said they remained optimistic that Mr Mugabe would attend the hearing given that the former Head of State and Government understood the Constitution and the role of Parliament.

“We expect him to have time to appear before Parliament. We expect him to co-operate and Parliament has power to summon anyone,” said Mliswa.

“I think he will comply because he is a man who understands the Constitution and he is our statesman.”

He said Parliament had been magnanimous for Mugabe by arranging that he comes in the afternoon and not in the morning as initially scheduled.

“In view of the time, we have resolved that we will write to Mugabe to appear before us at 2pm, taking into cognisance the fact that 9am was too early because when he was in office, he would do Cabinet meetings late in the afternoon at 2pm,” he said.

The decision to call Mugabe followed a claim during an interview to commemorate his birthday in 2016 where he said Zimbabwe had lost $15 billion through diamond leakages.

Last week the committee waited for over two hours for the arrival of Mugabe before calling off the meeting.

By Paul Nyathi|Splinter MDC-T Deputy President Obert Gutu is visiting the United States of America on a mission to meet leaders of the United States Government to seek backing for his party.

Gutu told the Voice of America in an interview on Saturday that he is visiting the United States on his party business to garner the super power’s backing ahead of the upcoming elections.

“I will be meeting with members from the US Department of State on Monday,” said Gutu.

Gutu said that the agenda of the meeting will be to discuss the roadmap to a free and fair election in the elections coming up in July.

“The topical issue in the country which we can’t ignore is the issue of rigged elections and thats what we will discuss so that we get free and credible elections this year,” he said.

Gutu also said that he is going to discuss the issue of targeted sanctions the US put on Zimbabwe.

“We are also going to discuss the issue of the targeted sanctions with a plea to have the sanctions lifted as they are inflicting suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans instead of those that they are targeting,” said Gutu.

By Farai D Hove| The state media has made claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa ate ice-cream deliberately laced with poison, during the events that eventually led to Robert Mugabe’s removal last year.

The claims have however been dismissed by the president himself. Health Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa says Mnangagwa suffered from gastroentitis, while the man himself says he never ate ice cream.

But the state broadsheet says Mnangagwa was poisoned.

The report says in part: the Head of State and Government survived hanging — on an age technicality — by the Rhodesian regime after his death sentence was commuted to 10 years in jail for bombing a locomotive at Masvingo Railway Station in 1965. His colleague in the locomotive bombing, Cde Matthew Malowa, was executed.

President Mnangagwa was to skip the border in November last year to South Africa via Mozambique when his life appeared to be in danger from G40 cabalists who were reportedly baying for his head following his dismissal from Government on spurious charges.

He also survived poisoning after eating ice cream laced with poison at a Zanu-PF Youth Interface rally in Gwanda last August.

There was drama at the Mutare Civil Courts last Friday when a local man accused his sexagenarian wife of promiscuity and demanded that the court divorce them immediately.

William Magosvongwe (70) went out of control and begged magistrate, Ms Nyasha Kuture, to legally separate himself and his wife, Emily Magosvongwe (62) whom he accused of being unfaithful.

He alleged that she was in an extra-marital affair with their 25-year-old neighbour.

The husband made all these claims after Emily had dragged him to the civil court accusing him of physically and emotionally abusing her by insulting and assaulting her in public.

He however, did not deny that he was mistreating his wife but told the court that the reason why he was acting in such a manner was because his wife was no longer faithful to him.

“Your Worship, you have to divorce us today. If you do not, the next time I come before you it will be because I would have murdered this woman due to her wayward ways,” he begged the court for a divorce.

Miss Kuture however told him that her court had no powers to end marriages and advised him to seek marriage counselling to save their marriage.

“What I do not understand is why a 62-year-old woman who already has grandchildren and children who are staying abroad would have extra-marital relationships. Something is amiss here,” Miss Kuture asked.

Magosvongwe stood his ground and said he saw his wife and her lover leave the toilet together.

“I came across their chats and I confiscated her phone as evidence. I have it and will not give it back to her until you grant us a divorce,” he said.

Emily vehemently denied her husband’s claims that she had a younger lover.

“Your Worship, If I needed a lover, why would I pick a child in his mid-20s? I would obviously pick someone who is close to my age. Besides this man is very violent and that is the reason why he is bringing all these lies before the court,” she defended herself. Manica Post

Former President, Mr Robert Mugabe, faces contempt of Parliament charges if he fails to attend a hearing set for today on alleged leakages of diamonds at Chiadzwa during his reign which he is on record saying amounted to $15 billion. Mr Mugabe failed to show up last week on Wednesday.
Mines and Energy portfolio committee chairperson, Mr Temba Mliswa rescheduled the hearing to today. Mr Mugabe has been keeping Parliament guessing after he failed to confirm whether he would attend the hearing.

He was served with letters inviting him to appear before the committee and clarify claims he made in 2016 that Zimbabwe had lost $15 billion through diamond leakages.

Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, yesterday said they had been making frantic efforts to get confirmation on Mr Mugabe’s attendance.

“We have not got anything as yet. Our expectation is that he attends tomorrow’s hearing as agreed by the committee,” said Mr Chokuda.

Mr Mliswa said they remained optimistic that Mr Mugabe would attend today’s hearing given that the former Head of State and Government understood the Constitution and the role of Parliament.
“We expect him to have time to appear before Parliament. We expect him to co-operate and Parliament has power to summon anyone,” said Mr Mliswa.

“I think he will comply because he is a man who understands the Constitution and he is our statesman.”

He said Parliament had been magnanimous for Mr Mugabe by arranging that he comes in the afternoon and not in the morning as initially scheduled.

“In view of the time, we have resolved that we will write to Mugabe to appear before us at 2pm, taking into cognisance the fact that 9am was too early because when he was in office, he would do Cabinet meetings late in the afternoon at 2pm,” he said.

The decision to call Mr Mugabe followed a claim during an interview to commemorate his birthday in 2016 where he said Zimbabwe had lost $15 billion through diamond leakages.
Last week, several photojournalists gathered outside Parliament to capture Mr Mugabe’s appearance before the committee.

The committee waited for over two hours for the arrival of Mr Mugabe before calling off the meeting.
Mr Mugabe resigned in November 2017 after Parliament had instituted impeachment proceedings against him over a litany of allegations.

Last week, Mr Mliswa read out to journalists a letter written by Deputy Clerk of Parliament Mrs Nomasonto Sunga to Mr Mugabe.

It read: “The purpose is for you to brief the committee on the alleged loss of $15 billion in diamond revenue and the context in which you are alleged to have said that statement. The mines committee believes you may have useful information for the committee to conclude its report.”- state media

By Terrence Mawawa| Veteran journalist and political analyst Lance Guma has slammed the manner in which the MDC-T is conducting its primaries.

He bemoaned the commotion in the opposition party.

Guma yesterday said: “Let’s tell each other the truth. The way the MDC-T is conducting its primary elections is an absolute embarrassment.

We do not expect this kind of confusion, poor organisation, corruption, nepotism, violence and intimidation from an aspiring government in waiting.

For years you have relied on the goodwill of the people – sick and tired of the murderous Zanu PF
regime. That goodwill will expire very soon”.

By Clement Moyo| A top Emmerson Mnangagwa MP has deserted ZANU PF and gone Blue to Roof, literally.

Kwekwe Central MP, Hon “Blackman” Masango Matambanadzo announced his sudden decision at the weekend saying, ” I considered joining MDC, ZIPP, but then later remembered there is NPF where Baba is.”

ZimEye.com is broadcasting this development LIVE on Sunday afternoon.

It is coming at  time when a poll done by ZimEye claimed that Mnangagwa is garnering a paltry 19% of the national vote, while the MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa takes 81% – this is a few points (7%) ahead of the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s official Presidential election win in 2008. SEE BELOW

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State Media- No evil dooms us hopelessly except the evil we love, and desire to continue in, and make no effort to escape from, once said novelist Marry Anne Evans in her 19th century satire, Daniel Deronda.

And no one understands this better than Nyasha Kandira, a 22-year-old theft convict from Beatrice.

Having been convicted barely two months after his release on a Presidential amnesty in March, it appears the youthful Kandira is doomed in his unbecoming conduct and does not intend to quit.

“After close to a year in prison you would expect that one has repented but for him it’s like he saw nothing, he heard nothing and he learnt nothing,” says one of the guards at Harare Central Prison where Kandira is now serving a two-year sentence.

Yet in his own words, Kandira does not see himself at fault, but the world around him, his parents, the society and the economy are to blame.

“It wasn’t going to turn any other way for me except to return,” he said with a stone face, perched on the red floor in one of the penitentiary’s admin digs.

“I don’t get along with my stepmother so I found it hard to live with my parents after I was released.
“And without a proper education and a proper job, I didn’t have any other means to survive on my own but to steal.”

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Kandira’s story is that he returned to steal from the very prison which he had been set free from a month earlier.

“Like previously they caught me stealing a phone, this time from the house of one of the prison guards,” Kandira said.

Pressed on where he found the guts to steal from the very people who looked after him, Kandira inhaled deeply, as if to savour the aroma of burning crumps of lunchtime sadza which wafted through the door.

“I was hungry and when you are hungry you are not afraid of anything and you can do anything,” he finally answered.

“I was hoping I could find a phone, a laptop or something I could sell quickly to buy food.”
Kandira dropped from school at the age of 12 upon completing Grade 7.
Despite his hardened and brazen expression, Kandira accepts that he has a problem and longs for help.

“I do not enjoy it here, if only I could get assistance to learn a skill or start a business I am sure I would lead a normal life,” he says.
“If the economy was performing well maybe I would go and find a job, anything that would keep me away from crime, I will take.”

However, Kandira is just one of the many perpetual offenders who since the amnesty are already back in the dungeons.

According to Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, 44 of the 3 000 pardoned convicts are back in reformatory facilities across the country.  Prison officials say while the majority have been convicted on small crimes, the trend exposes the difficulties that convicts face in fitting back into society.

Such a scenario is typified by 33-year-old Hazvinei Tambara who before the amnesty had served five of a nine-year sentence for robbery.

Tambara had during his stay in prison defied odds to pass his “O” and “A” Level studies before attaining two diplomas in theology.

Yet with all the promise, Tambara still found it difficult to stay off crime, giving life to Mark Twain’s adage, “give man a reputation as an early riser and he can sleep till noon”.
“I know the wardens are disappointed because they expected better things from me, especially given the education I attained while I was in here,” he says.

“But you see, to survive you need a lot of things like food and clothes and having an education does not mean that all of these things are readily available to you.

“The next thing is you resort to the bad ways because you just want to survive for that day.”
Tambara also says the society, including his relatives and wife, have not embraced him, thereby living him in the cold.

“In an economy like ours it’s very difficult to find a job and without the support of your family, it becomes even more difficult,” he says.

“I have been in prison for too long I have lost touch of the reality and even if I had the desire to make things work I need someone to take me by the hand and lead me. “And I am not just saying this for myself but for others who are in my situation because the truth is that no one wants to be here in prison.”

Tambara feels betrayed by non-governmental and church organisations who pledge to assist prisoners, only to disappear when they are released. Another pardoned convict who has since returned to the cells, Fungai Rondozayi (31), blamed social neglect.

“When I was released I was happy and all was well for me but I soon faced realities when I got home,” he says.

“After spending eight months in jail, my wife left and stopped paying rent for a small room we rented in Chitungwiza.

“So when I got there the landlord was furious and demanding his money so I had to look for a job.”
Rondozayi then started doing part-time jobs to raise money to pay rent. “I then met someone who wanted me to mould bricks for him but I didn’t have enough tools to do the job.

“So I borrowed a drum from someone but the person would not lend me so I ended up stealing it from him and that led to my arrest.”

Questions have been raised about the criteria used to rehabilitate convicts. As such, policy makers have been challenged to look into the issue and adjust the system accordingly so that it can rehabilite offenders properly. – state media

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised not to punish his political enemies,  in what strongly pointed at professor Jonathan Moyo and the recently returned former minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.

Mnangagwa was quoted by the state media saying he will not seek revenge against his opponents. The development connected well with his previous proclamation made soon after becoming president while on a visit to South Africa last year December.

Mnangagwa yesterday said he will never seek retribution against those who tormented him before he was temporarily hounded out of Government in November last year, saying he will continue to be an ambassador for peace, love and unity.

Addressing thousands of people, including members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) who were gathered at Mnangagwa Farm in Masvingo at the memorial service of his late nephew Garikai Nyathi — killed in a road traffic accident near Nyika Growth Point in March this year — the Head of State and Government urged Zimbabweans to promote peace, love and unity in the country.

President Mnangagwa, who was subjected to incessant attacks by the former First Lady Grace Mugabe at Zanu-PF Youth Interface rallies, which culminated in his expulsion from Government and Zanu-PF on November 6 and November 8, 2017 respectively, said he will continue to preach love and unity among Zimbabweans.

“Wherever I go, I preach the gospel of unity, I preach the gospel of love, I always exhort Zimbabweans to unite, to live in harmony and work for the development of our country, and this will surely guarantee me a ticket to Heaven,’’ he jokingly said to roars of laughter from the crowd.

“Have you ever heard me preaching the gospel of hate? Those who used to do that are there and you know them, those who were at the receiving end of endless attacks (himself) always stood for what is right,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said he never thought that one day he would be President, especially after his unceremonious dismissal from Government by the then President Mr Robert Mugabe.

“God has his own way of doing things, is it not true? The day I left the country as a border jumper I never knew I was going to come back and be the person I am today. I was pre-occupied with thinking about how I was going to live in exile as a border jumper, but God plans in his own ways and what God plans, no person has the power to stop it.’’

He assured Zimbabweans that he will dutifully work as a servant of the people to lead the country to prosperity.

“I want to be a servant of the people, I want to continue preaching peace, love and unity, encouraging Zimbabweans to live in harmony. In the same line, I want to appeal to traditional leaders to promote unity and harmony in their areas of jurisdiction. I also want to thank churches for the work they are doing because there is no church that preaches the gospel of hate and encourages people to fight,’’ he said.

The President assured churches that he will continue to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees Zimbabweans the right to worship in churches of their choice.

“The truth of the matter is that Government is responsible for the physical needs of its citizens, but churches play the important role of moulding the spiritual aspect,” he said.
President Mnangagwa, who constantly referred to Bible passages, urged Zimbabweans to pray relentlessly for the country to prosper.

‘’There are some who might dismiss me, saying what is this man who was a guerilla talking about when they hear me preaching, not knowing that during that time (liberation struggle) we were also guided by God to win the war (armed struggle) and now we are asking for the same God’s hand for our country to have peace and prosperity.’’

‘’Now we are praying for peace, peace, peace, love, love, love, unity, unity amongst all Zimbabweans. We want all the churches to be free to worship, free to worship their God and I will make sure the Constitution of this country is observed for churches to be free to worship,’’ he said.

He took the opportunity to encourage politicians to be God fearing, saying being a President or a Cabinet Minister is not a passport to inherit the Kingdom of God.
President Mnangagwa said his administration will not relent in its quest to rid the nation of corruption.

Turning to his late nephew’s family, the President assured them that they will always be looked after.
The President narrated the late Nyathi’s history, up to the time of his untimely death in March and praised him for worshiping God during his lifetime.

President Mnangagwa also thanked Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, the leader of ZCC, for taking some time off his busy schedule to join the Mnangagwa family in remembering Nyathi.

The memorial service was attended by top Government and Zanu-PF officials, among them Special Advisor in the Office of the President Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa and his wife Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, who is also Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs; and Senator Josaya Hungwe, who is Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs.

By Own Correspondent| Irked by Deputy minister for Finance and Economic Development, Terence Mukupe’s statements, a Chitungwiza South citizen has registered to vote for the first time in the forthcoming polls.

Said Norman T M.

Mukupe's ill-advised speech and comments made me to think twice and I registered to vote for the first time in my life on thursday @Wamagaisa @TembaMliswa @advocatemahere @BitiTendai @tonysimo66 @tmukupe pic.twitter.com/YC32NKzhgK

— tinoooo (@Normant53161553) May 26, 2018

Mukupe’s statements where he said that the army would never allow MDC Alliance presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa get into power even if he wins the forthcoming polls courted controversy and retribution from all sections of society.

Adding salt to injury, the deputy minister also reiterated his statements at a public discussion at Kwekwe polytechnic where he indicated that he was nit apologetic that Chamisa would never get into power.

OAccording to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), over 5 million people have registered to vote with 4 million people  having so far checked their registration status and details in the 10 day on going voter verification exercise which started on May 19.

The country’s elections body revealed that to date, a total of 3 256 440 prospective voters had received bulk SMS detailing their registration details while 819 935 registered voters had used the USSD code *265# to check for their BVR details.

“As at May 24 2018, 4 770 405 people have so far checked their registration status while 694 030 have physically inspected the voters roll,” revealed the ZEC.

ZimEye.com brings our valued readers and viewers LIVE updates from the MDC Alliance rallies taking place in Mat South today, Saturday 26th May.

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ZimEye.com brings our valued readers and viewers LIVE updates from the MDC Alliance rallies taking place in Mat South today, Saturday 26th May.

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ZimEye.com brings our valued readers and viewers LIVE updates from the MDC Alliance rallies taking place in Mat South today, Saturday 26th May.

– REFRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH AND FOLLOW…-

ZimEye.com brings our valued readers and viewers LIVE updates from the MDC Alliance rallies taking place in Mat South today, Saturday 26th May.

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Manicaland – A Zanu PF official has expressed fear that disgruntled party supporters will vote for the opposition in the forthcoming elections in protest over the chaotic manner in which the party primary elections were held.

Ellen Gwaradzimba, an aspiring Zanu-PF senator told a provincial co-ordination committee meeting in Mutare on Thursday that there was need to conduct a “healing process” to bring back disgruntled supporters.

“Allegations are that there are some disgruntled people who are not happy with the primary elections. There are people who are saying that they will only vote for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a councillor, not for an MP. It’s a dangerous situation,” she said.

“This means that President Mnangagwa will be surrounded by ‘enemies’ in Parliament. In our constituencies, we know these people. Let’s talk to them because they are not politically mature. The party should come first.”

Gwaradzimba added that the primary elections had complicated the matter.

“With the new dispensation, we have a fertile ground to win elections, but we need people who are sensitive to issues of Zanu PF,” she said.

“We can’t do primary elections forever and this is a serious issue that might see us losing the elections. I have realised that the level of political maturity is different.”

Some disgruntled party supporters have been besieging the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare, protesting the imposition of candidates and rigging during the recent primary elections.

Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro told the meeting that there was no way the party could have held perfect primary elections.

“Going into the elections, we should now focus on our weakness; not strengths because this is common in us and naturally we cannot be perfect,” he said.

He said Zanu PF has an upper hand over opposition parties as it can use some arms of the government. “We have an advantage against other parties because we have arms of the government, and we should be on guard because of social media and a lot of money has been pumped to destroy us,” Madiro claimed. – state media

FINANCE deputy minister Terence Mukupe has found himself in fresh trouble after he allegedly assaulted the wife of NewsDay journalist, Blessed Mhlanga − Florence − before he allegedly stole her mobile phone.

Mukupe and Mhlanga had gone to a State radio station to debate over a story in which the minister was quoted as having said the military would not allow MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa to take the levers of power if he wins the forthcoming elections.

According to Mhlanga, the minister accused the scribe of being paid to soil his image by writing about his controversial remarks.

The two exchanged harsh words on air, forcing the deputy minister to abandon the programme before he threatened to assault the reporter, saying he wanted to “teach him a lesson”.

After being restrained by his aides, Mhlanga alleges that Mukupe went for the journalist’s wife who had taken her phone to record the fracas that was ensuing.

“His aides held him as he came towards me saying I needed to be taught a lesson. It was at this time that my wife captured the moments of madness on her phone. Mukupe then charged at my wife grabbed her left hand and started wrestling the phone away from her. He was assisted by his security aides,” Mhlanga said in a police report made at Highlands Police Station under case number, RRB3533752.

Mhlanga alleged that Mukupe stole his wife’s phone as she had recorded video evidence of the deputy minister charging towards him.

“The deputy minister took the phone after tearing her jacket and started shouting, daring us to report the matter to whoever we wished,” Mhlanga said.

The minister is not new to public violence tendencies as early this year he was fined for assaulting his ministry’s finance director, 58-year-old Ignatius Mvere, for allegedly giving him a “paltry $910 travel allowance”.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa)-Zimbabwe director, Tabani Moyo said Mukupe’s actions were an impediment to the work of journalists.

“We condemn this action and call upon the police to ensure that this case is investigated upon without fear or favour as journalism work is a constitutional issue which is provided for under section 61 of the supreme law. We abhor the practise by some politicians to take the law into their hands and start to attack journalist. This is bad and irrational,” Moyo said.

Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum president, Njabulo Ncube said President Emmerson Mnangagwa should fire Mukupe as his “wayward behaviour” was betraying him.

“His actions on a weekly basis do not dovetail the mantra by Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is open for business and that he has broken from the past. Mukupe’ behaviour give credence to assertion that it is all rhetoric that Zimbabwe is open for business,” Ncube said. – Newsday

By A Correspondent| The feared MDC-T youth security group, The Vanguard wants to beat up Chalton Hwende, the top MDC politician and Standing Committee member has alleged.

The development came as the party held its primaries in Kuwadzana East.

Hwende says the primaries were halted over fears of violence.

While a comment from his opponent was not possible at the time of writing, Hwende wrote out Friday evening saying: “Those sending messages to my inbox I would like to let you know that our Primary Election in Kuwadzana East today was stopped by the so called vanguard Youths led by their Leader who was my opponent in the election.

“I would like to thank those who turned up for remaining steadfast and vigilant and resisting provocation from a group of 30 or so youths bused into the Constitution to disrupt the party process.

“The same group disrupted our consensus process a week ago.

“MDC is a Democratic Party and has no room for violence or subversion of the people’s will. I hope the party will look into this matter seriously as my safety is now a matter of concern. I am a father of three kids apart from being a politician and the safety of my family takes precedence over anything else.”

By Own Correspondent| Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace are reportedly watching MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa’s Gwanda rally which is currently underway, a commentator Loid Shamu has alleged.

Follow our Facebook Page for the Live broadcast of the rally.

By Own Correspondent| Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace are reportedly watching MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa’s Gwanda rally which is currently underway, a commentator Loid Shamu has alleged.

Follow our Facebook Page for the Live broadcast of the rally.