By Talent Gondo| Government has issued an alert over a bird flu outbreak in South Africa urging its citizens not to import poultry products from the neighbouring country.

Livestock and Veterinary Services Deputy director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Development, Josphat Nyika said South Africa’s veterinary officials confirmed the outbreak which has so far been confirmed in two districts in the North Western Province of the country.

“There is a bird flu outbreak in two districts in the North West Province in South Africa which is near Zimbabwe,” said Nyika.

He urged Zimbabweans not to import poultry and its products from South Africa adding that the ban on the importation of poultry was still standing considering that South Africa had not been declared free from bird flu.

“The public should not import poultry from South Africa. Citizens should also be aware that the import ban on poultry is still on,” he said.

Zimbabwe and South Africa lost over one million chickens to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) between May and August 2017.

Zimbabwe culled around 215 000 birds, a development which affected the availability of table eggs and other poultry products.

By Paul Nyathi|The High Court has accepted the Zimbabwe Nurses Association urgent court application against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s summarily dismissal of its striking members.

Justice Amy Tsanga set the court to sit on Friday to consider the urgent chamber application filed by the nurses, who are seeking nullification of their summary dismissal by Vice-President Chiwenga following an industrial action last week.

On Friday last week, Zina approached the court for recourse, arguing that Chiwenga had no authority to terminate their employment contracts.

The nurses, who are represented by Kantor and Immerman, cited the Health Services Board, Health minister David Parirenyatwa and Chiwenga as respondents.

Tafadzwa Kachiko| Build Zimbabwe Alliance’s aspiring Member of Parliament for Chitungwiza South Chipo Mahamba has challenged the current legislator Christopher Chigumba (Zanu-PF) declaring that unlike the latter she is going to bring development.

She has launched a massive clean up campaign.

Mahamba, a nurse by profession, said her clean-up campaign was to improve her visibility in the constituency and challenge Chigumba.
“We are doing this not only to improve our visibility but we are also promoting cleanliness and sending a message to Chigumba that come September this constituency will be under BZA because people are hungry for development. Here we have cut grass, picked litter, cleaned restrooms and windows,” she said.

“Since Chigumba assumed office we haven’t seen tangible developments. The roads are in a sorry state and here (ward 18 or Seke L) we only get water on Fridays. I believe it’s high time to bring change in my constituency. I was born in ward 22 so I am destined to bring development.”
Mahamba who is a nurse by profession noted various projects she started which gave her confidence that she was going to win the electorate’s vote in the forthcoming harmonised elections.

“To address unemployment I started projects with youths and women. I started making juice with 15 women from ward 24 (Unit M) and 18 (Unit L). In ward 23 we are making detergents and candles. The LO-ladies from ward 18 and 23 are into cooking. This generates income and promotes networking,” she said.

“We also formed football and netball teams to empower the young people through sport and promote sports talent. I also have a support group called Mbuya Alice which consists people living with HIV/AIDS. I formed it to express our love and care to them.”

Mahamba who is the current School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson for Tafadzwa Primary School also noted the developments which brought since March.

“I helped in the refurbishment of restrooms at Tafadzwa Primary School as the current chair and we are working on the construction of a six-classroom block,” she said.

BZA ward 18 aspiring councillor Bernard Chiwandamira said he had been working with Mahamba in organising the clean-up campaign.
“I have been working with the Mahamba in organising this and my next programme is a drug awareness campaign that will take place at Unit L hall,” he said.

By Paul Nyathi|Prominent radio and television personality and losing MDC-T candidate for Vungu constituency in the Midlands, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has challenged the MDC-T to unite with ousted former Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe.

In his call, Sibanda argues that there is more logic in the MDC-T uniting with Khuphe than being in the MDC Alliance coalition with parties that don’t bring value to the party.

In a post published on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Sibanda argues that Khuphe has more followers than all the six other partners to the MDC Alliance put together.

The submission to Chamisa by Sibanda reads as follows:

“Advocate Nelson Chamisa has been packing rallies, very clear in those rallies the colour is red and only in few areas of Matabeleland and Midlands where you see red and a few green colours. We are yet to see Tendai Biti and other 6 leaders supporters in those alliance rallies. Who are those gentlemen representing and where are their structures? Khupe has more supporters than those parties in the alliance put together therefore MDC T should simple unite and go for it alone.

I believe these other leaders in the MDC alliance are figure heads with no support riding on the popularity of MDC T. Can each of the other 6 parties hold their own rallies for their supporters so that we can judge their popularity? They won’t do because they have no people. I can safely conclude there is actually no alliance but individuals trying to resuscitate their fading political careers as they were now irrelevant as far as Zim politics is concerned. They were in the cold, they just want to become members of parliament once again and the only way they can do it is to use MDC T ticket in the name of MDC T Alliance.

I remember vividly what Biti said about Tsvangirai and remember well what Welshman also said. Both men said they will never work with Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC. They called him all sorts of names. The 2 gentlemen should simple rejoin MDC T because that’s where they came from.

In any political alliance you have to bring something to the table, show us your people, what are the other parties bringing into the table? Chamisa should simple unite MDC T and let the party go it alone against Zanu PF or make coalition with other opposition parties with followers. It’s still possible Khupe and Chamisa can unite and take the movement forward.

In a wave of change three sitting Members of Parliament from Bulawayo have been disqualified from contesting in the Zanu-PF primary elections which will be held on Sunday.

Pumula representative in the National Assembly Mr Godfrey Malaba was disqualified at the weekend by the national commissariat, while Luveve MP Ntandoyenkosi Mlilo and Nkulumane MP Killian Sibanda were disqualified yesterday.

“The vetting was done at two levels. The first one was at provincial level while the second one was at national level. The decision to disqualify some of the candidates was done at a higher level.
“They looked at the list we supplied and took into account our comments and on the basis of other information they have, which we don’t have ourselves, involving security issues and others, they decided to drop some people and their decision is final,” said Prof Ndlovu.

He said in summary, the total number of aspiring House of Assembly candidates for the 12 constituencies in Bulawayo stands at 53 with a total of eight disqualified candidates.

“The candidates understand that the mmfinal decision is made at national level. The reasons were not given to us because they involve political security issues. I’m sure you realise that Zanu-PF had problems, some of which were related to the G40 cabal.

“That could be one of the reasons but the national commissariat didn’t mention that. Incumbent MPs are actually more exposed than aspiring MPs because people know what they did wrong. It could be political or incompetence,” said Prof Ndlovu.

“Pursuant to the approved and published list of our primary election candidates, all aspiring House of Assembly candidates who had been erroneously put under the Senatorial constituencies have now been put back into their intended constituencies.

“For Bulawayo Central and Bulawayo East, the number of contesting candidates has increased to five and 10 respectively,” said Prof Ndlovu. As a result of the amendments, Cde Joshua Malinga of Kumalo Senatorial constituency and Prof Ndlovu of Mzilikazi Senatorial constituency are uncontested.

Prof Ndlovu added that Mr Sibanda’s disqualification leaves Mr David Ndlovu as the only candidate for the Nkulumane House of Assembly constituency.

“The omission of the entire list for the Luveve House of Assembly candidates has been rectified. Mr hMandla Ndlovu has also been included on the list of aspiring candidates for Magwegwe constituency.

“A total of seven aspiring candidates were approved for the women’s quota. The only contest will be between two candidates in Bulawayo East and Bulawayo Central constituencies,” said Prof Ndlovu.
All candidates, he added, who applied to contest in the local authority elections have been approved except for Mangwani Kudiwa from Nketa-Emganwini, who has been disqualified.

The candidates have been given the green light to start campaigning for the primaries, with those contesting for the same constituency expected to campaign together.- state media

By Dorrothy Moyo| The new-found-joy politician Linda Masarira has explained her u-turn to Khupe as a mere evolving of her politics.

Masarira was speaking during a ZIFM interview with Larry Kwirirayi.

She also said she has been an MDC-T member since 2000. She said,

“I joined the MDC in 2000 and I still have my card when I joined the party. When I decided to lie dormant there were issues that I was not subscribing to. That is Linda Masarira…”

On the sudden shift to becoming an MDC member, Masarira said,

“The aspect of my changing my mind from being an independent candidate to running on a party ticket, you should understand that politics evolves on a daily basis, politics is dynamic. Sometimes you have to make the best decision on our quest for having nation building and having a common national vision.”

The trial of ex-minister Dr Samuel Undenge failed to kick off at the Harare magistrates court today with the State applying for a postponement because its key witness Mr Noah Gwariro is reportedly sick and incapacitated.

Mr Undenge is facing criminal abuse of office charges for awarding a tender to Fruitful Communications without following procedure.

Mr Undenge, who is represented by Mr Alec Muchadehama, appeared before regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya.

Mr Muchadehama argued that the State’s application was evidence that it was not prepared for trial hence infringing on the accused’s constitutional rights.

The defence however successfully applied for cancellation of Dr Undenge’s reporting conditions at Highlands Police Station. The trial has been postponed to May 15 by consent of the State and defence. – state media.

A woman died last year after under going a Caesarean allegedly perfomed by a drunk medical doctor.

It is alleged that a Gutu Mission Hospital medical doctor, Henry Harry Mushuku, performed a Caesarean operation while drunk resulting in the death of Locardia Mbinda last year and has been ordered to go to rehab.

The  investigations has taken over a year and Mushuku was found guilty of negligence and working in theatre under the influence of alcohol.The Ministry of Health and Child Care has ordered him to go to Parirenyatwa Hospital for rehabilitation.

Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamu confirmed that judgement had been handed down but refused to shed light on the nature of the punishment.

“All I can say is proper punishment was given but I am not at liberty to tell you the nature of the punishment for publication,” said Shamu.

Close sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, said all the three people involved in the debacle were punished.

“Gutu District Medical Officer Dr Tapiwa Mupepe, Dr Mushuku and Pamunoda Muguti, the nurse who was on duty, were all found guilty. Dr Mupepe was given a warning, Mushuku was sent to rehab and Muguti is working under supervision,” said the source.

When asked for comment, Mupepe said he was charged for not being at work when the operation was done.

“My case was about absence from work for no reason. They said had I been there, the operation would not have been conducted. Everyone was found guilty as charged but I will appeal because I am not happy with the judgement,” said Mupepe.

After the botched operation, the now deceased was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where she died after a few hours but her child miraculously survived.- state media.

By Paul Nyathi|Residents of Cowdry Park in Bulawayo instilled instant justice on a promiscuous couple which neglected a three year old child while they enjoyed midday intercourse at the man’s house.

The neglected child walked into an open water drain and drowned while the two continued with their act without regard.

A neighbour who noticed the child fall into the drain from a distance rushed to try and save the baby but was too late. It was when she stormed into the house that she discovered that the couple was busy on nature pleasure.

She immediately alerted other neighbours who thronged the house to execute justice on the couple in anger.

Alert members of the police not too far from the scene rescued the couple from the hands of the crowd.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Respected political analyst and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader, Takavafira Zhou has urged MDC supporters to remain calm following the court ruling on the protracted battle between Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe.

Below is Zhou’ s statement on the ruling:

MDCT had applied for an interdict that was to stop Khupe from using the party logo and trademark.

It was not about who should lead the party.

So the judge is simply saying the issue of the logo is not the key factor.

The issue is who leads the party- which the court must settle.

Technically both Chamisa and Khupe have been given an open cheque to fight for the name.

However, with Zanu PF anything can happen.

We can either:
-revert to the original name MDC

-Use MDC Alliance
– Fight in the courts over the issue of who leads MDCT and use the name after victory.

To the best of my knowledge and in line with the MDCT constitution, a leader cannot self impose her/himself. So the legal contest between Chamisa and Khupe can be won by who ever has the majority in the National Council, standing committee, youths and women wings.

By Own Correspondent| Thokozani Khupe’s lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku exploded in joy after winning two court cases in which Khupe was both a Respondent and an Appellant against her former boss Nelson Chamisa. For the full story, click here. 

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Zanu PF Provincial Chairperson Ezra Chadzamira has thwarted attempts by ruling party bigwigs to block G-40 from participating in the primary elections.

Despite relentless pressure from ruling party mandarins to force Chadzamira to bar known G-40 members from contesting in the primary elections, the Zanu PF Chairperson has declared all party members have the right to participate in the polls.

“We held a Provincial meeting at the weekend and we discussed pressing issues- including the primary elections.

I stressed the need for unity and I also made it clear that nobody should be stopped from contesting in the primary elections.

The supporters have the final say so there is no need for unnecessary backbiting,” said Chadzamira.

Terrence Mawawa

Fiery Zanu PF critic Antony Taruvinga has sensationally accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of looting diamonds.

Taruvinga called on both Mnangagwa and Chiwenga to be sincere in their conduct.

“Despite the presence of armed soldiers, the people of
Marange – where diamonds were
stolen by
Mnangagwa and Chiwenga – marched demanding transparency in the mining of the precious stones.

We are in solidarity with the disgruntled villagers, Zanu PF does not deserve even a single vote.

Let’s unite and vote them out of power,” charged Taruvinga.

By Talent Gondo| Businessman James Makamba who has been in self imposed exile for the past 12 years is set to battle it out in Zanu Pf primary elections for Mt Darwin South next weekend, ZimEye has learnt.

Makamba revealed this on twitter dismissing social media rumours which said the businessman had been disqualified over the leaked audio where he was plotting to bring down ICT minister, Supa Mandiwanzira.

“I would like to share with you that I have been approved as one of the 20 Candidates that will contest the #ZanuPF Primary Elections in Mt Darwin South Constituency on the 29th of April as announced by the politburo. New Dispensation -Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! #ZimbabweIsOpenForBusiness”, wrote Makamba on Twitter.

The businessman also took to Facebook and clarified that he was still in the election race.

Below is the full text of his Facebook message:

Opinion:|Strike at the so called Gwanda state University is still going on.

Poor service delivery at the institution due to mismanagement of funds is one of the major causes of the strike.

Students are demanding to go back to NUST since the weaning of this institution from NUST was done prematurely.

The administration is saying the ministry of higher and tertiary education gave them a charter and promised funds to run the instution.

Dr S B Mangena the director of the institution is not available since last week.

No clinic, no library, no lectures in other modules since opening but examination timetable is out, no practicals, poor diet but we are paying $1125. So where is our money going?

The ministry if possible must come and face all students not facing their colleagues running the institution.

We will continue the strike until they meet our wishes.

By Talent Gondo| THE MDC Alliance has called on the securocrats to publicly confirm the statement made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Retired Major General -Sibusiso Moyo at Chatham House in London recently revealing that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will peacefully hand over power in the event that he lost the forthcoming harmonised polls.

MDC Alliance Spokesperson, Professor Welshman Ncube said while the Alliance welcomed minister Moyo’s statement, it was important for the Zimbabwe Defense Forces to reiterate what was said by Moyo to the foreign audience that President Mnangagwa, if defeated at the forthcoming elections, will concede defeat and peacefully hand over power to the winner.

“While we appreciate that this statement represents progress from a functionary of Zanu PF and a former military strongman who was the face of the military coup which overthrew former President Robert Mugabe, that undertaking is not adequate,” said Ncube.

“What is required and would be enough is a statement from the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Valerio Sibanda, made here in Zimbabwe and addressed to the citizens of Zimbabwe.

This statement should make an unequivocal and unconditional undertaking to the people that the military recognises and accepts the sovereignty of the people of Zimbabwe to freely choose their government and that once they have done so the armed forces will not only fully respect the decision of the people but will in fact defend and protect that decision,” he said.

He called on the army Commander to withdraw all army personnel that have been deployed within the country especially in rural areas as part of the Zanu PF election strategy.

“Equally, President Mnangagwa in his capacity as President and First Secretary of Zanu PF must instruct all Zanu PF functionaries including traditional leaders to immediately stop demanding from voters voter registration slips and also stop the attendant intimidation thereof,” said Professor Ncube.

By Paul Nyathi|Dismissed government nurses have taken Vice President Contantino Chiwenga to the High Court seeking rervesal of his decision to summarily dismiss them from government employment.

In their application the nurses claim that the retired army general does not have the mandate to dismiss them from work in his capacity as Vice President.

Chiwenga last week issued an order dismissing the 16 000 nurses after they went on strike demanding for improved working conditions.

Though they chickened out of their job action on Saturday after the dismissal order, the nurses proceeded with their court action which was submitted to the High Court on Friday.

The court application was filed by Kantor and Immerman lawyers on behalf of the Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (Zina), citing the Health Services Board, Health minister David Parirenyatwa and Chiwenga as respondents.

“On April 17, 2018, we met with the respondents (Health Services Board, Health and Child Care minister Parirenyatwa, and Chiwenga) at the third respondent’s (Chiwenga) offices. Instead of engaging us, the third respondent threatened the leadership of the first applicant (Zina) with violence and ejected the first applicant’s president and secretary-general from the meeting,” Zina’s secretary-general Enock Dongo said in the founding affidavit.

“. . . In terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the applicants have the right to be heard prior to an administrative decision affecting them being made,” Dongo said, adding “. . . the third respondent is not the applicant’s employer. He is not party to the employment relationship between the applicants and the first respondent. He does not have the power at law to hire or fire nurses.”

According to Dongo, prior to their “purported dismissal”, Zina had raised their grievances with the HSB.

“We lack the essential tools of trade and we are exposed to diseases. We also demanded payment of our arrear salaries which date back as far as 2010,” he said adding: “. . . he (Chiwenga) refused to listen to the applicant’s position and demanded that the applicants return to work. We failed to reach an agreement with the respondents.”

Dongo also said although they had not received termination letters from their employer, they knew that such letters had been prepared in terms of the Health Services Regulations, 2006, Statutory Instrument 117 of 2006, hence the decision to approach the court for recourse.

“In terms of the aforesaid regulations, the termination of employment is effective from the date a decision to terminate is made regardless of whether or not the affected employee has been served with such letter of termination.”

The nurses want the decision to be declared null and void. The nurses have also claimed that they were threatened with violence when they tried to engage the government on the matter.

The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

By Talent Gondo

ZRP Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, has confirmed that the ZRP had turned partisan during President Robert Mugabe’s era indicating that the organisation had however turned over a new leaf with the coming in of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his new administration.

Addressing the media in the capital Harare, Commissioner Charamba said it was no longer business as usual for the force since the current leadership was geared on executing Constitutional provisions accordingly.

“I am saying this time around, the leadership has made it very clear that it is no longer business as usual and all police commanders were addressed and people are working towards achieving results- to show that police will be conducting their business in a different way and I am sure you have not seen this before, showing that we are doing our business in a different way,” said Commissioner Charamba.

“All cases will be dealt with in a just and fair manner without any bias or discrimination to any political party.

“When I say all the cases, I mean all the cases irrespective of your political party, skin colour or gender,” she said.

Commissioner Charamba told journalists that the organisation had appointed an elections commander in a move aimed at ensuring that all election related issues are dealt with urgently and fairly without bias or discrimination.

Senior Assistant Commissioner, Erasmus Makodza is the ZRP 2018 Elections Commander and he pledged to effectively implement Constitutional provisions on elections adding that political parties should warn their members against any acts of violence as the country heads towards harmonised polls.

“Political parties and their members should desist from engaging in political violence as they hold their primary elections.

He said as the country heads for the 2018 elections, people should know that any acts of violence will be dealt with accordingly.

“Specialised courts have been set up by the responsible judiciary arms of government to deal with politically motivated crimes.

“We have also set up teams of experienced investigators in provinces to expedite the investigation and compilation of dockets for prosecution. This is in line with Section 133H of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13,” he said.

By Talent Gondo|National Patriotic Front’s 2018 Presidential candidate Ambrose Mutinhiri last week lost a campaign vehicle given to him in 2013 by Zanu Pf after two men from the Office of the President visited his home demanding that he hand back the vehicle.

The development, which left Mutinhiri and his party members baffled, occur at a time when his party is set to start campaigning for the 2018 harmonised elections.

Mutinhiri was given the Ford Everest during the 2013 campaign period when he was vying for the Marondera West parliamentary seat.

Zanu PF last week repossessed the campaign vehicle when officials who indicated that they were from the Office of the President made a surprise visit to his home and told him to hand over the car.

“It is true, the vehicle was taken and I do not know where it is right now. They arrived at my place and said they had come to collect the vehicle, saying it is needed by the government.

“The car is one of those we were given during Zanu PF campaigns some years back. Two guys from the President’s Office are the ones who took it,” said Mutinhiri.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that the car was briefly taken to Zanu Pf provincial offices in Marondera before being handed over to an official who is in the party’s provincial leadership.

Mutinhiri hit the headlines when he quit Zanu Pf citing unconstitutionalism.

He formed his own party NPF, where he will be running for presidency against his former colleague, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, Rainbow Coalition leader, Joice Mujuru, APA’s Nkosana Moyo, CODE’s Elton Mangoma and Noah Manyika among others.

By Talent Gondo|Social media reports indicating that Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Retired Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Busi Moyo announced 18 July 2018 as the election date are not true, ZimEye can confirm.

Minister Moyo is alleged to have made the pronouncement when he was speaking at Chatham House in London where he made a presentation on the government’s plans for re-engagement and renewal of Zimbabwe’s international economic relations.

According to an official tweet by Chatham House which went viral, Minister Moyo announced that Zimbabwe will hold its polls on 18 July 2018 pledging government commitment to an open and transparent democratic process which guarantees a credible, free and fair election.

Read the tweet, “HE Sibusiso Moyo – Elections on July 18, 2018, will reaffirm our commitment to openness & transparency.

The #Zimbabwe government will apply rules & standards for holding free and fair elections in a peaceful, violence-free environment. We welcome international observers #CHAfrica”.

Zimbabweans took to social media expressing their dismay at the announcement by the retired army General who is popular for announcing that the former President Robert Mugabe was safe during the military takeover in Zimbabwe which saw the ascendancy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power.

By Paul Nyathi|A Highlanders Football Club fan is battling for his life at Mpilo Hospital after falling from terraces at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Police identified the man as Prince Ncube whose address has not been established.

The police report that Ncube plugged about thirty metres down the terraces while in a drunken stupor from the rails at the top of the terraces.

He was rushed to nearby Mpilo Hospital where he has been in the ICU since Sunday.

Highlanders Fans are known for dangerously dangling on billboards and rails on the terraces while watching their team play.

Though police have ruled out any foul play, Highlanders fans have a history of throwing opposing fans out of the stadium over the terraces.

Police spokesperson Precious Simango appealed for Ncube’s relatives to come forward and provide more details about him.

“We need further details on the man whose name was only picked up from the national identity card he was carrying,” said Simango.

She further urged fans to desist from attending soccer matches while drunk and smuggling alcohol into the stadium.

“Fans must desist from going into the stadium drunk and sitting on undesignated sitting areas,” she added.

Highlanders Football Club is currently running a “Fiil Up BF” campaign which has seen huge crowds watch the team at Barbourfields Stadium.

On Sunday slightly over 12 000 fans were at the 15 000 capacity stadium in a match against lowly Shabanie Mine.

Terrence Mawawa

In a typical case of white propaganda, a senior government official has claimed the prices of basic commodities have decreased and stabilised in the new dispensation.

Speaking during the 4th edition of the
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR)
Conference last Thursday, Industry, Commerce
and Enterprise Development Minister, Mike
Bimha claimed prices have decreased and
stabilised since President Emmerson
Mnangagwa came to power.

Bimha also said prices will continue to
decrease as production in industry increases.

Said Bimha:
You may agree with me that
there has been a notable
reduction and stability in
prices of some basic
commodities and further
reductions are expected as
production in industry
increases.”

Bimha said his ministry
had intensified its
price and availability of basic goods
surveillances through a series of price
monitoring surveys and company visits
throughout the country.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it
will not brook mediocrity in its ranks and
that all cases of political violence reported
before, during and after political parties’
internal polls, including the forthcoming
harmonised elections, are dealt with
expeditiously and professionally.

Responding to media questions yesterday at
a press conference on law and order around
the 2018 harmonised elections, Senior
Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba
said the police force had introspected and
knew exactly which areas required redress.

“The police are no longer doing business as
before, but in this new trajectory, police
officers have been given guidance and there
is a vision to deal with all cases irrespective
of your political party, your stature in life,
your colour or your gender,” said Snr Asst
Comm Charamba.

“Inasmuch as you (journalists) are also
asking about the statement, it means that
something was not being done in the way
that you expect police officers to do their
work. I am saying this time around the
leadership has made it very clear that it is no
longer business as usual and all police
commanders were addressed and people are
working to achieve results,” she said.

“Internally, we have also introspected and
seen that as police, there are areas where we
need to improve. You are free to assess as
media after at least one month if police are
genuine,” she said.

Speaking at the same press briefing, Senior
Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza,
who has been appointed Commander 2018
ZRP Harmonised Elections, said the police
would do everything in their power to
ensure the forthcoming national elections
were violence-free.

“We are saying no to political violence. It
does not pay anyone anything. We do not
want political violence. We are going to put
into practice what I have just been talking
about. We are going to make sure that there
is no violence. We want a free, credible and
transparent election,” said Snr Ass Comm
Makodza.

“That is what every Zimbabwean is wishing
for. That is what the region is wishing for.
International observers also are wishing us
the same thing, so we must respect that.
Basically, we are not theorising anything,
what we are saying is what we are going to
do.

For your own information, (in) the fewer
cases we have recorded so far, most of the
accused persons have been arrested and
some of them are in jail as we speak after
being denied bail,” he said.
Snr Asst Comm Makodza said the judiciary in
liaison with the police and other
stakeholders has set up special courts
throughout the country to speedily deal with
politically motivated crimes.

Similarly, the police “has set up teams of
experienced investigators in provinces to
expedite the investigation and compilation of
dockets for prosecution”.

The ZRP, he said, had also engaged political
parties, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
(Zec), the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission and other stakeholders to
ensure that an environment conducive for
holding of peaceful, credible and violence-
free elections in the country- The Herald.

With elections on the way, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said they will not relax and will make sure all cases of political violence reported before, during and after political parties’ internal polls, including the forthcoming harmonised elections, are dealt with expeditiously and professionally.

Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba responding to media questions yesterday at a press conference on law and order around the 2018 harmonised elections, said the police force had introspected and knew exactly which areas required redress.“The police are no longer doing business as before, but in this new trajectory, police officers have been given guidance and there is a vision to deal with all cases irrespective of your political party, your stature in life, your colour or your gender,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba

“In as much as you (journalists) are also asking about the statement, it means that something was not being done in the way that you expect police officers to do their work. I am saying this time around the leadership has made it very clear that it is no longer business as usual and all police commanders were addressed and people are working to achieve results,” she said.

“Internally, we have also introspected and seen that as police, there are areas where we need to improve. You are free to assess as media after at least one month if police are genuine,” she said.

Speaking at the same press briefing, Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, who has been appointed Commander 2018 ZRP Harmonised Elections, said the police would do everything in their power to ensure the forthcoming national elections were violence-free.

“We are saying no to political violence. It does not pay anyone anything. We do not want political violence. We are going to put into practice what I have just been talking about. We are going to make sure that there is no violence. We want a free, credible and transparent election,” said Snr Ass Comm Makodza.

“That is what every Zimbabwean is wishing for. That is what the region is wishing for. International observers also are wishing us the same thing, so we must respect that. Basically, we are not theorising anything, what we are saying is what we are going to do. For your own information, (in) the fewer cases we have recorded so far, most of the accused persons have been arrested and some of them are in jail as we speak after being denied bail,” he said.

Snr Asst Comm Makodza said the judiciary in liaison with the police and other stakeholders has set up special courts throughout the country to speedily deal with politically motivated crimes.
Similarly, the police “has set up teams of experienced investigators in provinces to expedite the investigation and compilation of dockets for prosecution”.

The ZRP, he said, had also engaged political parties, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that an environment is conducive for holding of peaceful, credible and violence-free elections in the country.

He also reminded members of the public that intimidatory practices specifically prohibited under the Electoral Act include inflicting or threatening to inflict bodily injury upon a person and abducting a person or detaining a person against his or her will.

The law also makes it illegal to cause or to threaten to cause unlawful damage to a person’s property, including withholding or threatening to withhold from any person assistance or benefit to which that person is legally entitled.

Further, compelling or attempting to compel a person or persons to attend or participate in any political event, as well as preventing or obstructing a political party or candidate from campaigning in any election, is deemed illegal.

Snr Asst Comm Makodza implored the media to report factually during the plebiscites and avoid fanning hate speech and falsehoods.

“We urge the media to continue to report objectively and factually during these plebiscites and let us all avoid peddling hate speech and falsehoods.” – state media.

Chief Fortune Charumbira has been endorsed by SADC as the aspiring (PAP) President, amid calls for member states from the Central African region to adhere to the principle of rotational leadership and swerve away from dictatorial tendencies.

The elections are due next month and Central Africa region has held the presidency on several occasions and the current President, Roger Nkodo Dang of Cameroon has been at the helm of the organisation since 2015.Speaking in Harare during the presentation of the SADC candidate, Chief Charumbira, SADC Regional Caucus Campaign Manager, Mr McHenry Venaani, said it time the PAP presidency goes to either SADC or North Africa, in line with the AU principles of rotational leadership.

“Looking at the last two presidents, one is from Nigeria and the incumbent from Cameroon, meaning that if the AU principles are to be followed, it SADC’s turn,” said Mr Venaani, adding that SADC is fully behind the candidature of Chief Charumbira.

The decision by SADC resonates with a deliberate push for the upholding of the AU regional leadership rotational system which is threatened by the attempt to have Mr Nkodo Dang re-elected yet SADC and the Northern African region are still to have a bite of the cherry.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda said the government is equally in support of Chief Charumbira’s candidature and has set aside financial support for the campaign.

Chief Charumbira comes with a wealth of experience having been within the PAP since its inception in 2004.

He has extensive experience working for large multinational institutions such as the World Bank and Price Waterhouse and Coopers and has for the past 17 years been a member of Zimbabwean Parliament.

Meanwhile, African diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe have been implored to rally behind Chief Charumbira as he will be able to transform the institution into a viable organisation.

The call was made in the capital by the Chairperson of the Southern African Region Caucus and Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa as the nation canvasses for SADC’s turn at the helm of PAP.

Dean of the Diplomatic Community, Ambassador Mwanananga Mawapanga said Chief Charumbira’s strengths over and above educational and professional qualifications as a traditional leader brings with him a wealth of experience which will benefit the continent as it seeks to retain its originality.

PAP was supposed to have attained legislative powers five years after inception, but has not achieved that.

Instead, it exercises oversight and has advisory and consultative powers lasting for tenures of five years in office.

It is headquartered in Midrand, South Africa and has not been very visible.

Among its functions, PAP must implement policies and objectives of the AU, cultivate human rights and democracy, gender peace, security and stability on the continent. – state media. .

Nelson Chamisa has been criticised by the State controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation for reportedly making childish promises when  he addressed Ruwangwe residents in Nyanga yesterday.

From Chipinge to Ruwangwe in Nyanga, the MDC Alliance took its election campaign maintaining its otherwise idealistic promises. In remarks which exhibit more of youthful exuberance rather than a mature, thoughtful politician who chooses his words carefully, Chamisa continued to sell his journey to wonderland this time in a tone laced with careless innuendo.

“Even goats will be able to have access to the mobile network. Wherever one is, even if they are in their own house or at their small house, then they will be able to access mobile networks,” he said.

The MDC Alliance leader went further to suggest that the government interferes in the installation of traditional leaders, exposing a contradiction with what is on the ground where clans choose their own leaders, according to the lineage succession.

The MDC Alliance has been all around the country holding rallies to lure supporters ahead of the forthcoming elections. – state media

Last week Tuesday nurses dismissed by the government for striking have accused Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of threatening them with “violence and war” before ejecting their leaders from a negotiation meeting.

This is according to an urgent High Court chamber application seeking an interdict to stop the Vice President from terminating nurses’ contracts and recruiting new nurses to replace them. In an application filed Friday, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association said Chiwenga had threatened their leadership with violence and war during a meeting and ejected the union’s president from the meeting.

The nurses want the High Court to restrain and interdict the HSB, Parirenyatwa and Chiwenga from terminating their services at state-run hospitals; and in the event that the respondents proceed with the termination of the employment contracts, the termination be declared null and void.

The nurses, represented by Precious Chakasikwa and Bernard Chidziva of Kantor and Immerman Legal Practitioners, also cited the Health Services Board, Health and Child Care Minister David Parirenyatwa, along with the Vice President, who signed the dismissal letter in his capacity as chairperson of the cabinet cluster on social services. – state media.

Zanu PF held a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Chinhoyi Mashonaland West Province  and emmotions were high as they accused Webster Shamu of attempts to destabilise the party.

However, Shamu did not attend the meeting, where members sought explanations on how the Commissariat Department confirmed some individuals deemed ineligible to participate in the intra-party elections set for this coming Sunday.

The meeting also called for the censure of Provincial Affairs Minister, Webster Shamu, whom the house accused of destabilising the party by allegedly setting up candidates to contest against the Chief Advisor to the President, Chris Mutsvangwa in Norton Constituency and Provincial Chairperson, Ziyambi Ziyambi in Zvimba West Constituency.

They  also sought an explanation from Minister Shamu why Ziyambi was on Independence Day barred from sitting at the high table yet he was the only cabinet minister attending the celebrations at Chinhoyi Stadium.

“He is the one fighting the entire Chegutu, in Norton, he is giving people cash amounting to $100 per person. The Provincial Chairperson was victimised four days ago. What is so special about Shamu,” asked Rickson Zuze.

“Mutendereki has two years and three months in the party but is being allowed to contest in Norton while the constitution clearly states that a candidate should have served the party for at least five years in the district level. What is really happening?” queried Sheila Mabasa.

Both Mutsvangwa and Ziyambi made a commitment to engage the Commissariat Department and even the Politburo over the issues raised during the PCC.

Mutsvagwa further dug into Minister Shamu, accusing him of misleading the President in Kariba on 28 march, after allegedly advising him that there were no people to address at Nyamhunga Stadium, yet the stadium was full.

The president however went ahead to address the party supporters at the venue.

“We will carry your concerns to the Commissariat and the Politburo. I don’t know why the resident minister is not here with us. In Kariba, Minister Shamu lied to the President that there were no people in the stadium, while it was full,” said Mutsvangwa.

“We will take your concerns forward,” said Ziyambi.

Zanu-PF holds its primary elections next Sunday ahead of the harmonised polls set for July or August. – state media.

Terrence Mawawa

Ousted MDC vice president Thokozani Khupe is being used by Zanu PF to destabilise the coalition of opposition parties, MDC Youth leader Happymore Chidziva has said.

“We are aware of the ZANU-PF hand with the
intention to fight the imminent victory of
the MDC Alliance.

ZANU-PF is panicking, and it is
trying to do all it can to confuse the electorate that is
why they have capitalized on the desperation of
Thokozani Khupe and have connived with her to destroy what
the people of Zimbabwe have built over the years.

I would like to assure the whole nation of
Zimbabwe that everything is under control, we will
continue with our mass voter mobilisation
programmes aimed at ensuring victory for the MDC
Alliance,” said Chidziva.

He added: “Fellow Zimbabweans do not be worried in
the midst of these attempts to delay the people’s
victory, we remain united and focused as a party and
the Alliance.

In the same vein, I would like to warn all those
people involved in these dirty works that their acts
are not worthy because nothing will stop the
people’s zeal and will to see a new Zimbabwe.

We
shall carry on with the vision that was left by our late
icon Morgan Tsvangirai.

Nothing
can stop us from achieving that vision and we shall
defend Tsvangirai’s legacy.”

Terrence Mawawa

Prominent social media analyst, Antony Taruvinga – has described the decision by Thokozani Khupe to appoint controversial human rights activist Linda Masarira for the faction she leads- as a glaring blunder.

Taruvinga described Masarira as a political turncoat and an opportunist.

” The MDC-T that Morgan Tsvangirai built will never have Masarira as
its spokesperson now and in thousand years to come. Never, ever!!!

Khupe has just shot herself in
the foot. She has made the pending court case easier for Nelson Chamisa in so many ways,” argued Taruvinga.

Terrence Mawawa

Members of the G-40 faction aligned to former First Lady Grace Mugabe have not been barred from contesting in the Zanu PF primary elections, it has emerged.

Below is a list of the ruling party aspiring Parliamentarians in Masvingo Province. The list includes confirmed G-40 members.

Bikita West
Tichaona Mandebvu, Elias Musakwa Everson Machaya, Beauty Chabaya Norman Mashata, Daniel Makusha.

Chiredzi East
Morgan Chauke, Abraim Sithole, Jevas Masosote, Denford Masiya, Paul Makuni.

Chiredzi West
Farai Musikavanhu, Darlington Chiwa, Francis Moyo, Raymond Sharara.

Chiredzi South
Ailes Baloyi, Brig Gen (Rtd) Kalisto K Gwanetsa.

Chiredzi North
Ronald Ndava, Roy Bhila, Saul Masuku, Joseph Matimba, Learnard Ngwenya, White Manyenge, Roselyn Nhapi, Tsvakai Machanga, Togerapei Nhunha, Sithole Machihwande, Peter Magaisa.

Chivi Central
Munyaradzi P Mangwana, Albert Chamwadoro, Col (Rtd) Manasa Mahapa, Austin Hakunavanhu, Priscilla Pondo, Ephraim Gwanongodza.

Chivi North
Maj (Rtd) Mathias Tongofa, Brig Gen (Rtd) Elasto Madzingira, Maj (Rtd) Clifford Mumbengegwi, Brighton Ndove, Collen Mharadzano.

Bikita East
Douglas Ravasingadi, John Madhuku Ndonde Pedzisai, Oliver Mamombe.

Bikita South
Edmore Veterai, Augustine Tirivangani, Charkes Dziro, Sithole Josiah, Universter Mukwena, Clifford Mazodze, Wilson Makonya.

Chivi South
Mafios Vutete, Killer Zivhu, Juliet Hongoidza, Rikios Hlambelo, Samson Mutsamba, Ltd Col (Rtd) Denis Masomere, Enock Shindi, Samuel Magadhe.

Gutu East
Berita Chikwama, Stephen Muchiurawa, Mafio Mhlambo, Alfonsia Goronga.

Gutu North
Ticharwa Madondo, Yeukai Simbanegavi, Amon Murwira, Joshua Chirinda.

Gutu South
Amb Jonathan Wutaunashe, Onisimo Mukumba, Josphat Sarukore, Vongai G Guni, Luckmore Masarira Pupurayi Togarepi,Kalisto Jokonyo, Fungai Masendeke.

Gutu West
Tongai Muzenda, Noel Mandebvu, Charles Chiponda, Christopher Mutonhori, John Paradza.

Gutu Central
Winston Chitando

Mwenezi East
Jubulani Mberesi, Curthbert Muzara Obert Mubaiwa, Master Makope, Marvelous Chifumiro, Francis Msipa, Joobsi Omar, Ngavaite Sifana, Timatia Henning Chishamba.

Mwenezi West
Clarence Mhosva, Lamson Matavire, Mufaro Mbedzi, Priscilar Moyo, Fixen Sibanda Ziga, Samuel Masukume.

Zaka Central

Mutava Tanaka, Davison Svuure, Johannes Chindinya, Paradzai Chakona, James Thomas, Dhoba Matiza Davison Murinye.

Zaka East
Nyasha Gavaza, Ringisai Gumbwanda.

Zaka North
Robson Mavhenyengwa, Martin Mukumba

Zaka West
Vincent Mawere, Murambiwa Ophias, Freddy Makonese.

Masvingo Central
Edmund Mhere.

Masvingo West
Ezra Chadzamira, Western Ezrah.

Masvingo Urban
Mazarise Taguma, Durira Godhati Edson Zvobgo Jnr.

Masvingo South
Chari Gladys, Muntondo Claudious, Maride Wilson, Humble Lesiman, Vengai Victor, Maushe Mutetepi, Toperesu Philip, Ndala Pias.

Masvingo North
Simbarashe Govo, Elton Ziki, Fadzai Deredzi, Davison Marapira.

By Talent Gondo

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy today heard that plans are at advanced stage to determine whether or not to terminate Intratek Zimbabwe Private Limited’s Gwanda Solar Project contract with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) over the company’s failure to satisfy their contractual agreement.

Zesa Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Josh Chifamba revealed this while giving oral evidence on the progress made on the Gwanda Solar Project before the Temba Mliswa chaired committee in parliament (Monday)

Engineer Chifamba told parliament that while Intratek Zimbabwe had commenced work and the company was currently on site, this did not exornerate them from having their contract terminated if they had not fulfilled their contractual agreements.

“The contractor is currently on site. One thing that i need to clarify is that the contractor was never expelled on site but they simply had not turned up.

“Thanks to all the noises made through this committee, Intratek Zimbabwe is currently on site but they are there because we have paid them money and there is work which they should have done,” said Chifamba.

He however said the coming of the company on the Gwanda Solar Project site did not mean that all ‘their sins were forgiven’.

“Let me hasten to say that their being on site does not preclude ZPC to cancel all the processes which we had started,” said Engineer Chifamba.

“Intratek’s presence does not legitimise anything, it doesn’t white wash their previous sins,” he said.

Engineer Chifamba revealed that the 23th of April 2018 marked a turning point in the union between ZPC and Intratek Zimbabwe since this was the day when the ZPC, according to the contract would make a review to cancel or proceed its engagement with the company.

“What makes this day (23 April) special is that this is the day that we do our review to see whether the company has satisfied its contractual agreements. We review what has been done visa vis what we have paid.

“It is a pity that you (parliament) chose to bring us here today but had it been next week, maybe we could have been telling you a different story. This process has already started because by today, all the work that we have paid for should be done,” said Engineer Chifamba.

Controversy surrounds the awarding of the US$200 million Gwanda solar project to Intratek Zimbabwe, amid revelations that the tender was awarded to the controversial businessman, Chivhayo in unclear  circumstances.

Intratek Zimbabwe Pvt Ltd and ZPC signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract for the 100 megawatt solar project in October 2015, a development which saw the company being paid over US$5 million without following due process.

The company only started work on the site, setting up a few temporary shacks after it emerged that the parliamentary portfolio committee on Mines and Energy would visit the site.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has fired 458 nurses in Masvingo Province and the recruitment of new personnel has begun.

Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Amadeus Shamhu told a local community radio station that the Ministry was in the process of recruiting new nurses to replace the fired ones.

“Those who took part in the industrial action were relieved of their duties.

We are now taking on board new nurses and I can say the response is overwhelming.

Some of the dismissed nurses are also coming back to apologise but it is too late to do so,” said Shamu.

Terrence Mawawa

Government has bowed down to pressure from sugar producing giant Tongaat Hullet to evict illegal farmers who invaded the company’s plots.

Addressing farmers and Zanu PF supporters in Chiredzi last week, Deputy Lands and Agriculture Minister, Davis Marapira said all unproductive farmers would be evicted from the plots they invaded two years ago.

Hundreds of Zanu PF supporters and security personnel invaded Tongaat Hullet land despite former President Robert Mugabe’s directive to stop the illegal occupation of the plots.

“Some farmers are not doing anything at the plots they are occupying.

This has seriously affected the production of sugar at Tongaat Hullet.

Idle farmers will be evicted from the plots because the production of sugar has plummeted due to inactivity at the plots,” said Marapira.

MDC-USA Solidarity Statement with the Dr Khupe led MDC-T

MDC-USA congratulates the new MDC-T leadership under Dr Thokozani Khupe that was elected at the Extraordinary Congress held at Stanley Square, Bulawayo on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

As we inched closer to the harmonized elections, it was imperative that as MDC-T members, we go to the ballot box without confusion as to the leadership.

Our sacrosanct document, our constitution stipulates that Congress is the supreme organ of the party. No powers can be vested on the president of the party without Congress endorsing such powers. The power grab we witnessed after the death of our founding President Dr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was not only unconstitutional but was indeed nausiating and disturbing for a party fighting for democracy in a pariah state where there is no respect for the rule of law.

Now that the people have spoken and chosen Dr Khupe to lead the party until the next Congress, it is important for the Zimbabwe parliament and courts to respect the will of the people and reverse the illconceived rulings against the people’s party. We demand henceforth the reinstatement of Dr Khupe and any other member of parliament that was unprocedurally recalled from parliament. We demand that party property awarded to the unconstitutionalists by the courts be returned to its rightful owner. We demand that the Political Finance Act money that was illegally awarded to the unconstitutionalists be returned to its rightful owners. We urge anyone to desist from issuing or signing any checks as doing so may result in those individuals singularly and severally responsible for their actions in contravention of the law.

We demand that the unconstitutionalists cease and desist from using the party name MDC-T, party symbols and party slogans.

We invite all progressive minded Zimbabweans to join us in our quest to liberate our country from tyranny. We promise no reprisals against those that were misled by the unconstitutionalists when they return to the Big Tent. MDC-T is open for business once again and ALL are invited to join our party of excellence, the only party with a plan to bring the change we all seek.

We call for unity, peaceful co-existence and laser focus on the elections ahead. The draconian zanu pf government cannot be allowed to continue holding the country at ransom.

We call upon ALL Zimbabweans to demand free, fair and credible elections. We call upon the military junta to stop interfering with our political processes. We call upon SADC, AU, & the UN to insist on a fair plebiscite supervised by those bodies. And yes we still demand a diaspora vote.

Den Moyo
MDC-USA Chairman
[email protected]

By Paul Nyathi|Hundreds of Marange Villagers on Monday fought running battles with police after the villagers went on a mass demonstration demanding answers on the diamonds revenue.

The villagers raised concerns on the lack of development in their area after billions of dollars worth of diamonds were mined from the area in the last decade.

ZimEye.com sources amongst the villagers indicated that heavily armed police officers blocked them from proceeding with their demonstration claiming that it was an illegal demonstration.

The villagers however insist that they had notified the police on their intention to demonstrate and the police gave them a verbal clearance of the demonstration.

“It looks like the police thought that the demonstration was going to be a flop but when they saw the large number of people who turned up for the demonstration they immediately blocked it by issueing a letter declaring it illegal,” said the ZimEye.com source.

When the residents resisted the police order a skirmish ensued which has since seen several people injured among them women and children.

“Police and soldiers fired teargas and live bullets into the crowd and several people have been injured including women and children,’ said the source.

“We are still going through the running battles and we are not yet in a position to say exactly how many people are injured or arrested,” the source told ZimEye.com at the time of writing.

The villagers started gathering in their village before midnight on Sunday night intending to march to Mutare where they were going to express their concerns to government.

“People started walking at midnight and at about dawn trucks full of police officers and soldiers arrived to monitor the march. When they saw the numbers growing they ordered us to disperse.”

“The villagers resisted the order leading to police firing bullets and teargas,” said the source.

Marange is home to reach diamond reserves that have attracted huge investment into the country. However, the village has very little to show in terms of development as none of the investors meaningfully ploughed back to the community.

Former President Robert Mugabe in 2016 claimed that the country can not account for over $15 billion of the diamond revenue from the area.

The government recently removed all the mining companies from the diamond fields and blocked off even the villagers from tapping the rich resource.

One of the demonstrating villagers’ demand is the uplifting of the government restriction order demanding that government allocates them claims to mine the diamonds.

The events in the area are still developing and ZimEye.com will provide further details as they unfold.

Former First Lady Grace Mugabe has formed a trust company, Trustees of the Grace Mugabe Foundation, as she scales up her fight to take over gold claims at Smithfield Farm in Mazowe.

On Friday, Grace filed an urgent High Court chamber application seeking to evict four artisanal miners from the property and to be confirmed the sole proprietor of the gold-rich farm.

The latest development came after the former First Family’s private security guards last week went on the rampage and violently ejected the miners and seized their gold ore and mining equipment as the ownership dispute turned nasty.
The panners immediately filed a separate urgent application seeking to bar the Mugabes from interfering with their activities.

In her application, Grace, through one of her company’s trustees, Farai Jemwa, claimed she was a legitimate holder of a certificate of registration and inspection certificate for four gold claims, namely XMAS 122, 123, 102 and 103 of Mondo 4, whose ownership is being contested by both parties.

She added that she obtained an offer letter for the citrus farm, also known as Lemon Pool, on June 22, 2017.

Jemwa said the mining rights held by the four artisanal miners — Shepard Nyazvigo, Bright Mawonga, Mahommed Rezwan Khan and Mega Mining Syndicate, had long expired.

“The mining rights afforded to the first respondent (Nyazvigo) … expired by operations of law since the first respondent was not carrying out any mining activities for a period in excess of 24 months upon being issued with the certificate of registration,” he said.

“The second and third respondents are holders of inspection certificates, with the second respondent’s (Mawonga) certificate covering three gold reef claims named Mondo 3 situated at Smithfield Farm.

“Third respondent’s (Khan) inspection certificate expired by operations of law, it having been issued on September 14, 2007 and the same having been valid for a period of 12 months.

“Fourth respondent (Mega Mining), just like other respondents, are unlawfully carrying out mining activities on applicant’s farm . . . the certificate of registration was issued on September 16, 2011 and a certificate of inspection was issued on October 8, 2012 both which expired by operation of law.”

“In this application, the relief applicant (Trustees of the Grace Mugabe Foundation) seeks is two-fold.

“On the first leg, applicant seeks an urgent basis and pending the return date, a temporal (sic) interdict, which bars all the four respondents (Nyazvigo, Mawonga, Khan and Mega Mining Syndicate) from accessing and/or carrying out any mining operations on applicant’s Smithfield farm in Mazowe also known as Lemon Pool,” the foundation said.

“Secondly, on the return date, applicant seeks a declaratory order, which declares the mining operations of the respondents’ unlawful and consequential relief in the form of an eviction order of the respondents.”

Jemwa added that their farming activities were being disrupted by the panners, whom she accused of wantonly uprooting the citrus trees and conducting illegal mining
activities.

“Respondents continue to haphazardly open new unsanctioned roads through the applicant’s citrus plantations and, in the process, they have destroyed more than a hectare of applicant’s citrus plantations,” he said.

“Applicant has been prejudiced of thousands of dollars’ worth of citrus trees, which were chopped and are being chopped down by respondents as they carry out their unlawful mining activities … To make matters worse, the respondents are prospecting and conducting mining activities on ground not open for prospecting and mining activities.”

The matter is yet to be set down for hearing. Newsday

By Paul Nyathi|Chief Fortune Charumbira has been elected as the SADC candidate in the next Pan African Parliament presidency elections.

Charumbira a self confessed die hard ZANU PF loyalist is the chairman of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council and leads traditional leaders in the Senate House.

The PAP elections are due next year and SADC is pushing for rotational leadership in line with the AU principles.

Charumbira was officially unveiled as the candidate of the region at a short ceremony in Harare on Monday morning attended by African diplomats accredited to Harare.

By Paul Nyathi|Chimurenga music guru Dr Thomas Mapfumo on Sunday caught residents of Bulawayo’s old suburb of Mzilikazi by surprise when he visited his in laws in the township.

The highly followed legendary musician nearly caused a stampede in the township and the Bulawayo city centre when he visited his in-laws to express his condolences following the death of his mother-in-law last month.

He was accompanied by his wife, Verna (nee Dangarembga), children and his publicist, Blessing Vava.

The family first stopped at the Bulawayo City Hall along Fife Street where they bought flowers to take to Athlone Cemetery where their mother was buried.

Speaking in a snap interview with journalists, Mukanya, as he is affectionately known, said that he fled the country unceremoniously two decades ago due to persecutions from then President Robert Mugabe.

He said that he would not have returned to Zimbabwe if Mugabe’s administration was still in power.

“I was accused of crimes that I did not commit because of my candidness. I was speaking the truth but most people did not want to hear the truth. Those who want to develop the country should listen to the truth. If you listen to lies, it’s not good. We only came back home after the removal from office of this old man (President Mugabe). If he was still in office we wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Mapfumo said that while he was away on exile he greatly missed Zimbabwe, especially his friends, relatives and Zimbabwean food.

“I missed my relatives and friends greatly. I missed them a lot. As you know it’s been long since I was last here. I spent many years away. We couldn’t come back because of the previous administration. It was difficult for us,” he said.

“I missed sadza a lot, you know sadza shapes us as a people. Our beef tastes so good because its organic food unlike the stuff we eat in the USA. In America they mostly eat junk food. Even my kids were missing home greatly. They are so happy. One of them is now 21 years old. She was only two years when we left Zimbabwe, hence she cannot speak Shona. She can understand the language though. But it should not be like that, a child of our clan failing to speak our language,” he said.

Mapfumo will hold his first music concert at the Glamis Arena in Harare on Saturday. He promised his fans fireworks at the show. Fans will also get time to sample Mukanya’s forthcoming 10-track album Chauya chauya.

The Chimurenga music guru expressed regret that he won’t be able to play for his fans in other cities due to time constraints.

He, however, assured fans that he will make amends in his next trips as it was now easy for him to visit the country regularly after President Emmerson Mnangagwa came into office.

Press Statement|Fellow Zimbabweans and to particularly the activists and women that I am an affiliate to in the struggle against gross violation of human rights and oppression of women, all Retrenched and Terminated Employees and to all my brothers and sisters graduating in to the streets, I greet you all in the name of land of a good life that we are marching towards. Yesterday I made a bold step to become part of a movement whose vision and mission is compatible with my desires as a woman in Zimbabwe. My desire is to see the absence of people seated before a round table, u shaped or in any form, discussing the issues of women emancipation or gender discrimination. In the 21st Century these shouldn’t be discussed at all. It should just be automatic that women have an equal and important role in the decision making processes of a nation. My vision is to see us women equally yoked to our God given partners, who are none other than menfolk in pursuit of prosperity in our nation.

Religious personnel would agree with me that God himself could not allow a world of men but a world of both men and women, because of that women were created as the rightful, fitting and important human capital to assist men in partnering with them in all spheres of life. And not only to be co- partners but even to excel and lead from the front. Reading in history we have many examples who did well and notably well. Their lives give us women faith today that we can rise up and ensure that there is real change that we desire for ourselves and more importantly for our children’s children.

I am coming from a background of labour. I spent most of my working adult life in the NRZ where i was at the forefront of leading protests and strikes in the endeavour to uphold and defend the rights and interests of workers. My last occupation was a job that was strictly considered men’s job. While in that occupation I drew inspiration that nothing that men can do may not be done by women.

After the termination of my employment through the infamous Supreme Court ruling dubbed Zuva Judgement I moved into activism. I shall not dwell much on that since the internet is awash with all the activities that I was part of from 2015 to date including my unjust incarceration by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Having mingled and networked with so many people who were fighting for and continue to fight for socio political development and socio economic stabilisation, I declared my interest to represent the people of Harare Central as an independent candidate. That decision was informed by many things. I didn’t want to tow any party line that didn’t subscribe to fundamental labour and human rights nor to follow personalities. I value principles. However, there are issues that are beyond the constituency. National issues that I cannot push alone eg. labour rights, Socioeconomic justice and equality. These issues go beyond my constituency and have been troubling me for a while. For that reason i began the search for political institutions that I could become part of, it is unfortunate that at that time there was none that impressed me.

I believe corporate bodies must have institutional intelligence and a clear vision that is owned by the people and that is not personallised. A question can then be asked, have I found one!

In studying the life of Dr Thokhozani Khupe, there are certain weaknesses that I found at first. Not only at first sight but over a period of time. In the process of time, I saw her weaknesses being turned into courage, boldness and a fearlessness coupled to a woman of vision. Her vision and Team vision are compatible. They dovetail with the purpose for which I exist. My desires – emancipation of women and creation of prosperity in a society where women are not only equal to men, but both make use of, and create opportunities to excel above the men not just from competition but from merit and virtue. At this stage the life of Dr Thokhozani Khupe could be said it is headed for the direction where she has become a capable, intelligent and virtous woman, a patriotic military advisor like Deborah, a woman of constancy like Ruth, the ideal mother like Hannah, hospitable as the Shunamite, a revealor of secrets to National leaders like Huldah and even more than Queen Esther the woman who risked sacrificing her life for her people. This excellence has been seen in her commitment to fight breast cancer, and practical life devoted to the cause of women emancipation and to confront patriarchal dominance peacefully and insisting on what rightfully belongs to her which those that scoff at the guiding constitutions and tenets of life wanted to wrest from her. It is because of that practical devotion that permeated all relationships in her life that I am here today.

Indeed I have found a political home with the MDCT led by Thokozani Khupe.

#TogetherWeCan #ChinjaMaitiro

I thank you

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira

By Paul Nyathi|Just when Zimbabweans were thinking that the message from nurses and doctors will sink into the spendthrift ZANU PF government, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has purchased hundreds of motorbikes for his election campaign.

The motorbikes all clearly marked with the ZANU PF election campaign messages, come shortly after the ruling party purchased hundreds of latest model 4X4 vehicles for the campaigns.

Doctors and nurses at governmemt hospitals recently went on a very crippling job action demanding government to equip hospitals and improve their working conditions.

The job action left scores of people dead at the hospitals.

Zimbabweans throughout the country took swipe at the government for failing to prioritise its expenditure by failing to fund the health sector while millions of dollars are splashed into the ZANU PF campaign programmes.

The implementation of mega deals signed between Zimbabwe and China during President Mnangagwa’s recent visit to Beijing, China, received a boost yesterday with the arrival of a high-powered delegation from China’s National Reform and Development Commission to train locals in the requisite skills to execute them.

The team is led by Madam Song Gongmei, who is the deputy director-general of the International Centre of the National Reform and Development Commission.

Yesterday, the team met Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare before later signing an agreement with the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda on the skills capacitation programme.
The training of Government officials starts today.

Speaking to journalists after the signing ceremony, Dr Sibanda said: “We have just received a high-powered delegation from the People’s Republic of China from an institution called the National Reform and Development Commission of China which is a think tank responsible for the dynamic and far reaching reforms in China since 40 years ago.

“They have come to us following an earlier agreement we signed with them in 2015 as we were conceptualising the establishment of special economic zones and other areas which could fast track our development programmes. They are coming now on the heels of His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s successful State visit to China. They have been mandated by their Government to follow up and try to actualise those deals that have been signed by proffering the necessary capacitation in terms of skills. That is the essence of the agreement we signed. They will be training us in various areas so that we move forward in in terms of implementation and that is why you saw quite a number of colleagues from ministries and officials from State enterprises.”

Dr Sibanda said it was no longer business as usual in Government as efforts were being intensified to achieve the President’s vision to make Zimbabwe a middle income economy by 2030.

“As said by the President, it’s business unusual. We managed to call people on a Sunday for this occasion. That signifies the importance of this phase in terms of fast-tracking our development to achieve the goals of middle income vision as enunciated by His Excellency the President.”

During President Mnangagwa’s visit to China, the two countries signed various agreements.
Finance and Economic Development Minister, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, signed agreements on economic and technical co-operation between the Chinese government and Zimbabwe.

He also signed more agreements on food assistance, the supply of high performance computers Phase 2, availability of experts from China in various fields and the drilling of an additional 500 boreholes to Zimbabwe.

A similar number have already been drilled with assistance from China.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister General Sibusiso Moyo (Retired) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on human resources development on behalf of the Public Service Commission in the presence of President Mnangagwa and his host President Xi Jinping.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri signed an MOU for the construction of Kunzvi Dam while Ministry of Local Government principal director Colonel Joseph Mhakayakora (Retired) also signed an MOU on the rehabilitation and expansion of Harare waterworks.- state media

A CHIVI serial rapist serving an effective 72 years in jail for eight counts of rape said he hid in a mountain, large sums of money that he found in his house every day after he was initiated into satanism.
Charles Matanga Magombedze alias Gora (32) of Chikova Village under headman Madzivire was recently convicted of several counts of rape by Masvingo regional magistrate Mrs Dudzai Malunga.

She sentenced him to 76 years in prison and suspended four years on condition of good behaviour.

The convict stunned the court when he pleaded with the magistrate to sentence him to death saying he was being tormented by evil spirits after being initiated into satanism.

Magombedze was back in court last Thursday facing another 11 counts of attempted rape, attempted murder and murder in connection with the death of one of his victims.

Appearing before Masvingo provincial magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera, on Thursday Magombedze pleaded guilty to all the charges. He said he had a bag containing some juju that helped him evade police.
Magombedze narrated to the court, how he was initiated into satanism by an unnamed church.
“I hid large sums of money in a mountain and I would want to ask permission from the court, to go and take that money. I am afraid, it can be destroyed by termites,” said Magombedze.

“I was initiated into satanism when I was in South Africa way back in 2009. I was given a clay pot containing some concoctions which I was supposed to keep in my room while pouring some milk in it every day. I would do that every morning and would find the pot full of wads of rand notes.

“A prophet from this church (name supplied) who had given me the pot had advised me against engaging in sex with any woman, for a period of six months but I could not religiously follow this.”

Magombedze said it was when he violated the “commandments” that he was instructed, by the same prophet, to have sex with 500 women and suck blood from all his victims so as to retain his “wealth”.
Prosecutor, Mr Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa said between December 2017 and February this year, Magombedze allegedly attempted to rape 11 of his victims that included a 14-year-old juvenile, in Chivi and Masvingo districts. -state media

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has pledged leadership by consensus as he works to transform Zimbabwe’s economy. In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, the President hailed Zimbabweans for their resilience, saying their commitment and talent were bigger than minerals sought by investors in the country.

President Mnangagwa said his Government wants citizens to enjoy their rights, with individuals free to speak their mind.

“Our country needs leadership by consensus. Our leaders must listen to the people and heed their advice and listen to their voices, the voices of a liberated, unified and free people. I am honoured to be your servant as together we lead our nation, liberate ourselves and those around us anew and restore the legacy of our great nation,” he said.

The President said in engaging international investors pursuing interests in the country, he was proud to talk about Zimbabweans.

“When I travel abroad and greet foreign guests in Zimbabwe, many want to talk about our natural resources and potential for investment. I tell them that our greatest natural resource is our hardworking and talented people,” he said.

“I tell them that if they join me in having faith and investing in our people they will reap the greatest of dividends. I tell them Zimbabwe is a rich nation with enormous and untapped potential.

“Not because of the lithium under our ground or the soil beneath our feet, but in our minds and imagination as we develop our ICT industry, in our hands as we craft and manufacture, and in our hearts as we push harder to complete the task facing us.”

President Mnangagwa said despite going through various challenges in the country, Zimbabweans had never lost hope or become exhausted in dealing with their circumstances. He said Operation Restore Legacy proved that Zimbabwe could move forward from difficult times without bloodshed, acrimony or revenge.

The President said every Zimbabwean should feel obliged to build the country by leading by example in everything they do. “It is our task now to lead our nation forward to a new and exciting chapter, but we must do it carefully, constructively and with deep compassion,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said it was encouraging that citizens had a renewed optimism about the country’s future. “Now that we have taken back our future, we look at our children and grandchildren with renewed hope and energy. The sparkle of optimism for our nation has returned to our eyes and theirs,” said the President.

“This will be the legacy we leave to our children and future generations.” – state mediaa

It looks like the President’s recent visit to  China is proving to be bearing some fruits as yesterday a high powered delegation from  China’s National Reform and Development Commission to train locals in the required skills arrived in the country.

Madam Song Gongmei, who is the deputy director-general of the International Centre of the National Reform and Development Commission is leading the team.

On arrival yesterday, the team met Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare before later signing an agreement with the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda on the skills capacitation programme.

The training of Government officials starts today.

Speaking to journalists after the signing ceremony, Dr Sibanda said: “We have just received a high-powered delegation from the People’s Republic of China from an institution called the National Reform and Development Commission of China which is a think tank responsible for the dynamic and far reaching reforms in China since 40 years ago.

“They have come to us following an earlier agreement we signed with them in 2015 as we were conceptualising the establishment of special economic zones and other areas which could fast track our development programmes. They are coming now on the heels of His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s successful State visit to China. They have been mandated by their Government to follow up and try to actualise those deals that have been signed by proffering the necessary capacitation in terms of skills. That is the essence of the agreement we signed. They will be training us in various areas so that we move forward in in terms of implementation and that is why you saw quite a number of colleagues from ministries and officials from State enterprises.”

Dr Sibanda said it was no longer business as usual in Government as efforts were being intensified to achieve the President’s vision to make Zimbabwe a middle income economy by 2030.

“As said by the President, it’s business unusual. We managed to call people on a Sunday for this occasion. That signifies the importance of this phase in terms of fast-tracking our development to achieve the goals of middle income vision as enunciated by His Excellency the President.”

During President Mnangagwa’s visit to China, the two countries signed various agreements.

Finance and Economic Development Minister, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, signed agreements on economic and technical co-operation between the Chinese government and Zimbabwe.

He also signed more agreements on food assistance, the supply of high performance computers Phase 2, availability of experts from China in various fields and the drilling of an additional 500 boreholes to Zimbabwe.

A similar number have already been drilled with assistance from China.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister General Sibusiso Moyo (Retired) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on human resources development on behalf of the Public Service Commission in the presence of President Mnangagwa and his host President Xi Jinping.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri signed an MOU for the construction of Kunzvi Dam while Ministry of Local Government principal director Colonel Joseph Mhakayakora (Retired) also signed an MOU on the rehabilitation and expansion of Harare waterworks. – state media

On his Facebook page on Saturday President Mnangagwa praised Zimbabweans for their resilience saying their talents were bigger than minerals sought by investors in the country.

The President has pledged leadership by consensus as he works to transform Zimbabwe’s economy. He said his Government wants citizens to enjoy their rights, with individuals free to speak their mind.

“Our country needs leadership by consensus. Our leaders must listen to the people and heed their advice and listen to their voices, the voices of a liberated, unified and free people. I am honoured to be your servant as together we lead our nation, liberate ourselves and those around us anew and restore the legacy of our great nation,” he said.

The President said in engaging international investors pursuing interests in the country, he was proud to talk about Zimbabweans

“When I travel abroad and greet foreign guests in Zimbabwe, many want to talk about our natural resources and potential for investment. I tell them that our greatest natural resource is our hardworking and talented people,” he said.

“I tell them that if they join me in having faith and investing in our people they will reap the greatest of dividends. I tell them Zimbabwe is a rich nation with enormous and untapped potential.

“Not because of the lithium under our ground or the soil beneath our feet, but in our minds and imagination as we develop our ICT industry, in our hands as we craft and manufacture, and in our hearts as we push harder to complete the task facing us.”

President Mnangagwa said despite going through various challenges in the country, Zimbabweans had never lost hope or become exhausted in dealing with their circumstances. He said Operation Restore Legacy proved that Zimbabwe could move forward from difficult times without bloodshed, acrimony or revenge.

The President said every Zimbabwean should feel obliged to build the country by leading by example in everything they do. “It is our task now to lead our nation forward to a new and exciting chapter, but we must do it carefully, constructively and with deep compassion,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said it was encouraging that citizens had a renewed optimism about the country’s future. “Now that we have taken back our future, we look at our children and grandchildren with renewed hope and energy. The sparkle of optimism for our nation has returned to our eyes and theirs,” said the President.

“This will be the legacy we leave to our children and future generations.”- state media.

Terrence Mawawa

MDC Deputy Treasurer General Charlton Hwende has described ousted vice president Thokozani Khupe as a daydreamer.

Below is Hwende’ s statement:
The purported MDC-T Congress held today(yesterday) by the expelled former MDC vice president Thokozani Khupe has demonstrated that whilst Khupe talks about Constitutionalism daily she has today willingly to violated every clause in the MDC T Constitution in a futile attempt to install herself as the party president.

The so called Congress was not properly convened as provided for and the National Council did not meet to either authorize the Congress or approve the agenda.

Hundreds of people were bussed from Harare, Masvingo and Bulawayo and were given free T shirts and money to pose as Congress Delegates.

As a result some of the people elected into her Standing Committee are not even members of the MDC-T.

It is abundantly clear that Khupe and Group have formed a new party.

The party constitution clearly spells out who attends our congress.

Article 6.2 The Congress

6.2.1 The Congress shall be the supreme organ of the Party and shall be composed as follows:

(a)All members of the National Council, (b) All members of the National Executive of Women; (c) All members of the National Executive of Youth and 30 members of the Students’ Council. (d) All members of the Provincial Executive Committee. (e) The Chairperson, Secretary, Organising Secretary and Treasurer from each District Executive Committee, (f)The Chairperson, Secretary , Treasurer and Organising Secretary at Provincial and District levels of the National Assemblies of Women and Youth. (g) The Chairperson of each Ward Executive Committee. (h) All the party’s elected members of the House of Assembly , Mayors and Chairperson of each Ward Executive Committee.

These are the people and structures required to attend a congress in terms of our constitution.

Another violation of the Constitution was in convening the so Called Congress

6.2.5 An extra-ordinary Congress may be called:

(a) By a simple majority vote of the National Council or two thirds of the National Executive which vote shall be conducted by a secret ballot. The National Council or National Executive never met simply because the Khupe group controls less than 3% of the members (b) Upon the written request received from at least one-third of the members entitled to attend the Congress submitted to the Secretary- General No Such request was ever received by the SG or his Deputy. The SG was in Kotwa today addressing a rally on behalf of President Chamisa (c)Upon the written request received from at least two-thirds of the Provincial Councils submitted to the Secretary-General Again no request was received because Khupe has no control of a single Province including the Bulawayo Provincial Executive Council led by Chairman Banda

6.2.6 A notice convening an Extra-Ordinary Congress Shall be sent to all members entitled to attend and to each branch by the National Council at least one month before the date of the meeting. No such Notice was ever received by any of the bona Fide Congress Delegates

6.2.7 The quorum of the Congress shall be two-thirds of the members entitled to attend, provided that if one hour after the stipulated time for commencement a quorum is not reached, the meeting will proceed subject to decisions thereat being approved by an Extra-Ordinary Congress called by the National Council six months of the date of the inqourate Congress. Clearly there was no Quorum even of the bussed non MDC Members as clearly less than 1000 people were in attendance. The MDC Congress Full Complement is 5400 Delegates

Chalton Hwende

MDC Deputy Treasurer General

By Paul Nyathi|Underfire Dynamos Football Club coach Lloyd Mutasa has told the multitude of Dynamos fans calling on him to step to go and hang.

Mutasa’s comments were revealed by Dynamos social media fan page Dembare dotcom in a post shortly after the team went down by a goal to nil to bitter rivals CAPS United on Sunday afternoon.

“News we have just received is that under fire Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa has refused to step down, and instead he blasted the fans calling for his dismissal, telling them to go hang,” said the highly reliable social media page.

Mutasa is quoted saying, “I’m not a player, do you expect me to get in the field and score goals? Those fans should go hang I was not appointed by them.”

The Glamour Boys are experiencing their worst ever start to the premiership lying second from the bottom of the log with no win after seven games.

Dynamos has lost to both their traditional rivals Highlanders and CAPS United a fit that never settles well with their millions of fans.

The fans have been involved in mini skirmishes with the police after almost all their home games this season as they bay for the head of coach Lloyd Mutasa.

Across the borders in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs fans on Saturday set on fire a section of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban damaging property worth over R5 Million and injured scores of people as they protested their team’s poor results demanding coach Steve Khompela to resign.

The Dynamos executive committee would not comment on the matter and Mutasa’s future in the club.

Terrence Mawawa

The usually calm and composed Health Minister David Parirenyatwa has blamed MDC leader Nelson Chamisa for politicising the Nurses’ industrial action.

Parirenyatwa slammed opposition politicians’ use of hospitals as campaigning venues.

Parirenyatwa made the remarks after MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, yesterday choreographed a visit to public hospitals to “push his political agenda,” according to The Sunday Mail.

The Health Minister said: “I am very much against those who come to health institutions and use the hospitals to drive their political motives because a hospital is a high security area and the patients should be well protected at all costs.

“The hospital is also an area of confidentiality and therefore one cannot just come and invade the privacy of patients like that.

Lastly, the hospital is a sacred place where people are treated and where some die and therefore not a political play ground. That must come to an end.”

Terrence Mawawa

MDC supporters have defended cornered Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora whose daughter Isabel is an integral member of the Thokozani Khupe camp.

Yesterday Mwonzora was attacked for letting her daughter “rebel against the main camp.”

However Mwonzora vehemently argued that he did not have the mandate to control the political activities of his daughter.

MDC stalwarts are not happy with the fact that Mwonzora’ s daughter is aligned to the Khupe camp.

Charlie Jones yesterday wrote on Twitter: “Leave Mwonzora alone, everyone of us has relatives in Zanu PF and other parties.”

“Stop besmirching Mwonzora what has he done?” wrote Leader Chinja on Facebook.

Terrence Mawawa

An official in the MDC faction led by Thokozani Khupe has sensationally claimed that Nelson Chamisa who leads the movement’ s main faction is being used by Zanu PF to destroy the opposition party.

Patson Murimoga, the Youth Organising Secretary yesterday said: ” MDC T has held a successful congress. MDC T has called for an important congress to elect a new leadership after the sad loss of our founding president Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai.

It has been a tough moment where greedy elements eyeing the party leadership position have introduced violence and unconstitutionalism in our democratic institution. The same elements are 100℅ percent Zanu PF.

May I first salute all the delegates who attended the event.”

He added :” This gesture reflects a national representation which is in solidarity with the party and our leader president Dr Thokozani Khupe.

May I take this opportunity to thank the people of Zimbabwe in MDC T for the trust they have shown in me by electing me to the position National Youth Organising Secretary.

The cabal is in panic mode.
Zimbabwe is going to enjoy the return of democratic leadership where elections will determine political leaders not imposition and violence.

By introducing violence into a democratic institution like MDC T the cabal has shown serious disrespect of the founding principles.

As a youth organiser I shall run across the nation educating our electorate about the importance of wise participation in this election.”

By Paul Nyathi| As the debate continues on the controversial purchasing of disused and decommissioned passenger jets from Malaysia, former President Robert Mugabe’s son- in-law Simba Chikore has said he is doing a service to the country on the Zimbabwe Airways project and is not on a self-enrichment exercise.

Chikore, has been at the forefront of setting up Zim Airways, an airline the government claims was being established to complement the struggling Air Zimbabwe.

Transport minister Jorum Gumbo and Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa have failed to explain the rationale behind the setting-up of the airline amid speculation it was a Mugabe family venture.

However, Chikore is quoted by the weekly Standard on Saturday saying Mugabe was not involved in the setting-up of the airline and that he was only providing technical expertise.

“That’s the extent to which we can say the former president was involved. When you talk about me, I am a professional and I am not going to go around trying to defend myself, people will know the truth and people are smart enough,” he said.

“If people are interested they can go to the registrar of companies to see who owns the company, they’ll see the CR40, they’ll see the CR6, they will see the stakeholder, and my name is not there.

“The company itself belongs to the government of Zimbabwe, the proof is there and it’s public knowledge.

“I don’t have to go loud and say they are not my planes. In fact, where would I get that kind of money to buy the aircraft?”, he reportedly said.

His comments come amid complaints that the government of Zimbabwe wasted over 40 million dollars buying the passenger aircraft, without adequate research and consultation on the usability thereof. The revelations will now bring to the fore questions on who exactly was behind the dodgy deal.

By Paul Nyathi|A young female security guard is battling for her life in hospital after she was badly beaten and abused by rioting South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

A teenage ball boy and scores of other innocent spectators were also injured while over R5 million of property was also damaged in the process as the angry Kaizer Chiefs fans rioted at the end of the club’s loss in the Nedbank Cup semifinal to Free State Stars.

The security guard, who was set upon by a group of hooligans on the pitch at the end of the game, was severely hurt, hit about the head by objects in full view of helpless stadium security personnel.

Paramedics treated several other injuries amid the lawless carnage as fans set fire to an SABC camera and damaged several others belonging to host broadcaster SuperSport.

Technicians maning the equipment claim that there was at least R2-million’s worth of damage to their equipment, with several items stolen.

A further estimated R3-million of damage was done to audio equipment used for the match entertainment. Speakers around the field were kicked to pieces.

Police and stadium security were overrun as fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game, heading directly for embattled Chiefs coach Steve Komphela, who quit immediately after the game.

Seats and advertising hoardings were ripped out and a fire started on the eastern side of the stadium.

Two cars in the parking lot behind the stadium were also damaged, one belonging to a photographer, Anesh Debiky.

Police fired teargas into the crowd at one stage in an effort to quell the violence.

A small band of Free State Stars supporters were also attacked but got to safety as their club’s general manager Rantsi Mokoena went to their rescue.

At least two hours after the final whistle the pitch was littered with debris as the two teams delayed their departure from the venue until the majority of spectators had been cleared from precinct.

PSL spokesman Lux September condemned the “lawless violence” but a full statement from the league is expected later.

Coach Steve Khompela immediately resigned saying that he is doing so for the good of the game and security of fans.

“We have to cut this culture of ill-discipline and delinquency. I have to be responsible and protect the players and administration, and set an example that this must stop,” said Komphela.

“If it has to stop with me, then it must be so … I am effectively saying to you that I consider it my responsibility to protect everybody at stake.”

The club’s football manager, Bobby Motaung, added: “There has to be a reality check. We are not safe. We must take responsibility and own up and accept the facts. We have always honoured [our] obligations.

“Steve has done a great job for Kaizer Chiefs but unfortunately if it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be. The results are not happening. As a coach he knows we are faced with a serious challenge.

“We have had discussions with the coach and said, let’s do the honourable thing. The coach is stepping down with immediate effect.”

Komphela said football was about results and he was confident he was leaving Chiefs with a framework for the future.