Vice President Constantino Chiwenga scoffed at MDC leader Nelson Chamisa today when he said the man’s spaghetti road and bullet train call is an unrealistic pipe dream.

His boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa also teamed up to denigrate Chamisa.

Speaking at the launching of the ZANU PF manifesto in Harare, Chiwenga said: “until we ask ourselves why pretenders who sell us such convoluted dummies cannot manage small traffic in our real world cities and municipalities which they control and run.

“Why reach Bulawayo in 40 minutes when Harare workers can’t reach Kuwadzana in 5 hours? Why open cans of spaghetti when potholes strangle single lane roads in the city centre.

“Shouldn’t these starry eyed juvenile politicians take us to Mabvuku after a hard day’s work before they put us on Apollo II to the moon? We shall have time to dismantle their little make belief dreams as we get down to real campaign work.

“Before they tackle our icon could they do their supporters a favour by resolving ridiculous issues that dog and hound them. We excuse them for being too young to have participated in the struggle but we can’t excuse them for mounting a bid for national leadership from a pilfered party count.”

By Paul Nyathi|Thousands of ZANU PF supporters are gathering at the Harare International Conference Centre on Friday for the official launch of the party’s election manifesto.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver the key note address and unveil the party manifesto.

The party’s candidates to contest in the elections will also be introduced to the members.

Chaos is expected to prevail when the candidates are unveiled as most of them are still under varied electoral disputes.

By Paul Nyathi|Defeated Minister of Provincial Affairs for Matabeleland South Abednico Ncube is making frantic efforts to make his way back into the ZANU PF fray after losing primary elections over the weekend.

The Minister who briefly collapsed on Monday when he got news of his loss to radio personality Omphile Marupi, is reportedly lodging an appeal with the party electoral commission claiming that Marupi was an illegible candidate.

Ncube who was heavily trounced by Marupi is twinning up with an also defeated Matabeleland South provincial chairman Rapelang Choene to try and force reversal of the voting processes in their constituencies and the entire province.

Ncube lost representation of Gwanda South while Choene lost the Beitbridge Senatorial race to Tambudzani Mohadi estranged wife to the Vice President Kembo Mohadi.

Information from within the ZANU PF offices in Gwanda indicates that Ncube claims that Marupi should be disqualified because he has not served the minimum five years in the ZANU PF structures at least at district level.

Marupi was cleared by the Electoral Commission at the party vetting process which was done at the headquarters in Harare. Ncube did not raise his concerns prior the voting.

Efforts to get a comment from the ZANU PF commissar Englebert Rugeje failed as his mobile phone went unanswered.

By Paul Nyathi|Disgraced ZBC TV Sports reporter Spencer Banda has opened up on a social media post making wild runs that he was caught pants down in another man’s bedroom.

In a statement sent to ZimEye.com by a colleague of Banda, which is also circulating in the social media, Banda apparently claims that he was kidnapped in the streets of Harare and beaten up before being photographed half naked.

“I was on my way home from Hifa then idecided to pick up my teams order yema rugby stockings. As i was waiting for my parcel on the road a car parked in front of mine and from it came out 4 gentlemen who started to assault me and one of them manhandling our Sock supplier,” says the post allegedly written by Banda.

“In the process they were accusing me of dating this woman and the mob that had gathered began to assault me. For close to 2 hrs I endured this trying to profess my innocence. When i got a chance I fled and went to the police where I filed a report and the culprits were uprehended,” says the post.

Questioned by ZimEye.com on how the reporter appears naked in the picture and at a residence not on the streets, Banda’s collegue who insisted on anonymity could not explain.

“My brother just take what we are telling you except if you have your own version which you want to push to tarnish his image go ahead and publish that,” he said.

The friend further went on to warn the ZimEye.com reporter that he should not have published the story in the first place since he is also a man and likely to be caught in the same predicament.

“You are a man too my friend, you also get involved in such situations. If I was you I would not write anything about this especially about a collegue in the industry,” he said.

The friend would also not disclose the police station where the report was made. Harare Central Police expressed ignorance on the matter.

Efforts to get Banda’s official comment on both the incident and the statement were futile.

By Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has handed over a further twenty five top of the range Toyota Hilux Double Cab vehicles to traditional chiefs who had not yet received their cars.

The cars were handed over to the chiefs at a closed door ceremony held at the ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare on Thursday afternoon.

The Chiefs who have not received the vehicles are reportedly giving President Mnangagwa sleepless nights demanding to get the cars before elections set for July or August this year.

The twenty five are part of a $14 million fleet of cars to be given to all the chiefs which government claims to be part of their work package.

The first batch of the vehicles was handed to the chiefs on the sidelines of a special ZANU PF meeting in Gweru in January.

The purchase of the vehicles which was sanctioned by former President Robert Mugabe shortly before he was kicked out of his position in a coup in November last year, has been met with huge criticism from all sectors in the country.

Zimbabweans generally believe that the ZANU PF government is using the vehicles as a vote buying tool from the chiefs.

By Paul Nyathi|Prominent ZBC TV Sports reporter Spencer Banda on Friday hit social media headlines with a picture of him half naked making circulations.

Allegations are that Banda was caught in a compromising position with a married woman in her matrimonial bed by the woman’s husband.

According to the reports, Banda was thoroughly beaten by the husband before he was dumped outside the apartment half naked.

ZimEye.com efforts to get a comment from Banda were futile.

However, a fellow sports journalists close to Banda who would not be named downplayed the matter claiming that social media could be distorting the matter.

“I have not spoken to Banda yet but there are a lot of possibilities around that picture which social media is not giving time to verify,” he said.

“I can only pray and hope that he is safe as his mobile phone is not reachable since the picture went viral,” said the journalist.

By Paul Nyathi| The man who is known for making several threats on people among whom is a woman he made death threats on, the Vice President of the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T Obert Gutu claims that he is getting continuous death threats on his mobile phone.

The former MDC-T Chamisa spokesperson revealed in a sensational Facebook post on Thursday that he feels unsafe due to the threats coming through from South African mobile numbers.

Coincidentally and ironically, Gutu is the same who once threatened to kill on a woman based in South Africa via a cellphone sms.

This time he claims he has received threats from South Africa.

“Over the past few months, I have been receiving death threats on my mobile phone from several South African – registered mobile phone numbers,” Gutu said.

Gutu left the MDC-T led by Nelson Chamisa with former Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe after refusing to accept Chamisa as a legal leader of the party.

Meanwhile, Gutu also claims that there was a break in at his law chambers on Wednesday night which he believes to be politically motivated.

According to Gutu the burglars brutally attacked the security guard at the firm leaving him for dead before ransacking the building and leaving without taking anything.

“There was a break – in at Negona Chambers around midnight on Wednesday, May 2,2018. More than ten (10) burglars armed with iron bars broke into our premises and severely assaulted the security guard who was on duty,” he said.

“The guard suffered very serious head injuries and we evacuated him to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.

“The thugs vandalised the outside alarm system sensors and they also broke the kitchen door using iron bars.The timeous arrival of two (2) Safeguard Security reaction teams saved our security guard’s life since he had been left for dead.

“The thugs ran away without stealing anything.”

By Paul Nyathi | A final year student nurse at Gweru hospital is languishing in remand prison after squandering $54 000 “miraculously” deposited into his CABS Bank account last year.

Twenty Four year old Kelvin Kutadza of Mkoba 19 in Gweru has been sentenced after pleading guilty to 54 counts of fraud totalling $54 052.34 .

According to the court, sometime in July last year, CABS Bank erroneously deposited the money into Kutadza’s bank account following a system failure, money which Kutadza went on to squander by making various transfers into his mobile phone account and into his MBCA Bank Account.

Kutadza went on to buy a house in Mkoba 19 for $32 000 and two cars worth $10 500 using part of the money. $2 300 was recovered when the bank realised the mistake last week leading to his arrest.

In his defence, Kutadza confessed to being a highly devoted Christian and believed that the money was miracle money which he had been promised in church.

“When I saw the money in my account, I honestly believed that my prayers for miracle money had been answered that is why I used the money,” Kutadza told the court.

He pleaded with the court to forgive him and allow him to finish his training as a nurse where he is due to graduate on the 5th of May. He pleaded that he was going to dispose the house and cars to pay back the money to the bank.

The bank is also reportedly investigating two other people who benefited from the error and swindled the financial institution  of over $200 000. The bank has since dismissed thirteen of its information technology staff members over the system technical failures.

FORMER deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, who now leads a splinter group of the MDC-T after the acrimonious split that followed a leadership wrangle in the aftermath of founding opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s death in February, has virtually ruled out talks aimed at re-unification.

The new MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa and his group have been saying there was a possibility of talks with Khupe ahead of general elections set for later this year. But Khupe’s deputy, Obert Gutu yesterday said there was no way this was possible.

“I cannot say much for now, but given that I handle issues of strategy and policy in our party, there are certain values that make it impossible for a re-unification, let alone talks,” he said.

On Monday, the former deputy Justice minister used social media to declare his disdain for the Chamisa group.

“Anyone who thinks the MDC-T will re-unite with a group of people who are vindictive, insincere and violent might as well believe that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west and set in the east,” Gutu said.

Asked to explain, Gutu added: “There are certain benchmarks we follow whether we are talking to these people [Chamisa and his acolytes] or any other political formation. As long as these are not met, then they can forget.”

Chamisa said they were way ahead of Khupe.

“We have people who are worried over our friend whom we used to work with who is in Bulawayo, she might cause confusion in the forthcoming elections, well are advanced and far ahead of her in terms of strategy. Fear not, that matter was concluded, there will be no confusion. When our late leader Morgan Tsvangirai passed on, he left us with a vision of unity, but there are others who have a bad spirit of division. We will deal with that person and we will deal with the issue of our symbol and go to elections and vote for MDC-T which will be clearly branded,” he said.

However, MDC-T secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora insisted that the MDC-T needed talks to bring the warring factions together.

“We are not going to tire what brings us together is more than that which separates us, public pronouncements are not what informs talks between parties, when doors are closed we know we are closer to each other.

“We are not giving up on dialogue. It is the way to go in the new Zimbabwean politics and we must always be seen to be tolerant of each other’s views. To that end we will continue reaching out to the other group,” he said.

The two groups are already engaged in a nasty legal battle over the use of the party name with Chamisa having already approached the Supreme Court to appeal a High Court decision made in Bulawayo temporarily allowing Khupe the freedom to continue using the MDC-T logo and other associated paraphernalia.

Justice Francis Bere ruled that the two factions needed to seek the help of an arbitrator for a determination on the matter of who had the legitimate right to use the name of the party, adding that as things stood, it was not clear who was the leader.

Source: Newsday

By Paul Nyathi|Vice President of the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T Obert Gutu claims that he is getting continuous death threats on his mobile phone.

The former MDC-T Chamisa spokesperson revealed in a sensational Facebook post on Thursday that he feels unsafe due to the threats coming through from South African mobile numbers.

Coincidentally and ironically, Gutu is the same who once threatened to kill on a woman based in South Africa via a cellphone sms.

This time he claims he has received threats from South Africa.

“Over the past few months, I have been receiving death threats on my mobile phone from several South African – registered mobile phone numbers,” Gutu said.

Gutu left the MDC-T led by Nelson Chamisa with former Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe after refusing to accept Chamisa as a legal leader of the party.

Meanwhile, Gutu also claims that there was a break in at his law chambers on Wednesday night which he believes to be politically motivated.

According to Gutu the burglars brutally attacked the security guard at the firm leaving him for dead before ransacking the building and leaving without taking anything.

“There was a break – in at Negona Chambers around midnight on Wednesday, May 2,2018. More than ten (10) burglars armed with iron bars broke into our premises and severely assaulted the security guard who was on duty,” he said.

“The guard suffered very serious head injuries and we evacuated him to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.

“The thugs vandalised the outside alarm system sensors and they also broke the kitchen door using iron bars.The timeous arrival of two (2) Safeguard Security reaction teams saved our security guard’s life since he had been left for dead.

“The thugs ran away without stealing anything.”

By Talent Gondo|The Zimbabwe Rural Teachers Union (ZRTU) says it will not join the planned industrial action which has been declared by other teachers union bodies when schools open next week saying that the body’s membership have resolved to give dialogue and negotiations with their employer a chance.

Vice President of the ZRTU, Gibson Muhlangu said rural teachers will report for duty when schools open on May 9 pending the organisation’s meeting with government slated for May 11 2018.

“Rural teachers will report for duty when schools open and we are not going to join the industrial strike,” said Muhlangu.

He said the outcome of the May 11 meeting would however determine whether rural teachers will join the strike or not.

“Teachers have gone for half a decade without a salary increase and it is a known fact that inflation has eroded the current salaries that they are getting,” he said.

Muhlangu however said one of the reasons why rural teachers were not joining the planned industrial action was to give dialogue a chance following the April 20 meeting with their employer whose outcome will be communicated two days after schools open.

“We are meeting the employer on May 11 and this is only two days after schools open.

“We are therefore reporting for duty because our course of action will be determined by what is going to be communicated to us when we meet government at our scheduled meeting,” he said.

Muhlangu said rural teachers were unhappy with their salaries, rural allowances and the issue of leave days hence they had tabled their demands to government last month.

“We will give government the benefit of doubt thereafter we will map the way forward and know whether we will down our tools or not.

“Whatever they tell us will be the point of departure for our actions,” he said.

The statement by the body which represents some of the rural teachers comes amid declarations by most of the teachers’ union bodies including the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU), the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union (ZIMTA), Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTU), Zimbabwe National Teachers’ Union (ZINATU), Zimbabwe Democratic Teachers Union (ZDTU) and Professional Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (PEUZ) indicating that teachers will embark on a nationwide strike when schools open next week.

By Talent Gondo|The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a possible influx of Mozambican refugees in Zimbabwe following indications that there are already over 6 000 refugees camped at the buffer zone between the two countries waiting to be relocated to Tongogara Camp in Chipinge.

The WFP reports that the number of refugees who have entered Zimbabwe increased in 2017 due to violent clashes between the Mozambican government forces and Renamo.

Reports also indicate that there is renewed insecurity in the Kasai Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a development which could also increase the number of refugees in the country.

WFP Country Director, Eddie Rowe revealed that the country could experience serious health challenges due to the influx of refugees adding that there is need to ensure targeted interventions to redress this challenge.

Rowe said this while responding to questions during an event to mark one year of progress under the WFP Zimbabwe’s five-year strategic plan in Harare (Monday).

“If nothing is done, the situation could lead to serious health problems ranging from malnutrition due to food shortages and water and sanitation-related diseases,” he said.

“Tongogara refugee camp may not be able to handle the increased number of refugees,” he said.

By Talent Gondo|Only 22 female legislators have made it in Zanu Pf primary elections to represent their party in the forthcoming 2018 harmonised polls.

The polls, marred by violence, intimidation, allegations of ballot stuffing and rigging saw some of the provinces such as Mashonaland Central failing to elect even a single woman to contest for the position of member of parliament in the next elections.

In Harare and Bulawayo metropolitan provinces, Betty Kaseke and Maidei Mpala are the only two that made it, according to a list released by the party glimpsed by ZimEye.

Some of the few women that made it are Nokutula Matsikenyere who is going to contest for the Manicaland seat, Nancy Saungwe for Mutare Central, Siphiwe Mupfungaidze for Marondera West, Irene Sekai Nzenza representing Chikomba East, Mhangura’s Precious Masango.

Mary Mliswa is set to contest Hurungwe West, Berita Chikwama for Gutu East, Stembiso Nyoni for Nkayi North, Stembile Gumbo for Lupane East, Mwenezi West will be contested by Priscilla Moyo, Chirumanzu contested by Babra Rwodzi, Chido Sanyatwe for Nyanga North, Mabel Chinomona for Mutoko North, Yeukai Simbanegavi for Gutu North, Ntokozisi Manoki Mpofu for Silobela and Ruth Manungo Mabhoyi will contest Beitbridge West.

Below is the full list of the candidates that made it in the Zanu Pf primary elections.

By Paul Nyathi|The Minister Of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa says that smoking of mbanje remains illegal besides the new government regulations on the production of the weed.

In a statement on Wednesday, Parirenyatwa said that the thrust for legalising its production is specifically for medicinal and industrial purposes and not recreational smoking of the drug.

“Possession of cannabis other than for medicinal or scientific purposes is therefore still illegal in Zimbabwe. For emphasis, licencing is imperative for medicinal or industrial cannabis use,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He said those licensed to produce cannabis will be doing so under very strict regulations.

These include operating under cameras to ensure that they do not abuse their trust by using the drug for any other purposes other than those stipulated in the law.

In Zimbabwe manje controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 15:02) and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23) and is treated as a prohibited drug for recreational purposes.

Dr Parirenyatwa said the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018 on production of Cannabis for medicinal and scientific use outline the requirements for one to be licensed.

It also specifies the conditions to be fulfilled for one to grow cannabis, process and export the plant and its products.

He said the type of cannabis that Government was promoting is called sativa sativa, which has enormous benefits both industrial and medicinal but less narcotic.

Dr Parirenyatwa said Government values contributions from all its stakeholders and will continue consulting on the issue as the industry grows.

“Government will use a multi-sectoral approach to coordinate and regulate this industry as it develops.

This will include health, industry, agriculture, home affairs, customs, academia and the private sector, among others.

“These regulations do not therefore mean that this is a free for all in growing and processing hemp. You have to be licensed,” he said.

Asked on the rationale behind the $50 000 licensing fee for one to grow hemp, Dr Parirenyatwa said Government considered the potential of income revenue to be generated in the industry.

By Paul Nyathi|President Mnangagwa has outrightly declined deploying police officers to help in the running of the just ended ZANU PF Primary Elections.

In a statement issued by his information offices, Mnangagwa described the use of police officers and other security agencies in the management of ZANU PF primary elections by some aspiring candidates as criminal ordering the practice to stop forthwith.

Mnangagwa said the conflation of party and State institutions had no room in the new dispensation.

In the statement released by the acting secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr Regis Chikowore, President Mnangagwa said law enforcement agencies should be deployed only to maintain law and order.

Mnangagwa’s disclaimer follows media reports that some aspiring candidates enlisted the services of the police and CIO in a bid to win in the primary elections.

“There is a story in one of our local dailies alleging that ZANU PF abused police officers and other security agencies during its primaries over the weekend either as polling officers or running other party chores,” President Mnangagwa said.

“The story creates the wrong impression that the alleged abuses were sanctioned by His Excellency the President, in violation of the country’s Constitution and against his own pledge that State institutions would not be partisan, thereby undermining their constitutional roles as impartial arbiters in the electoral process.

“The story also suggests that it is the official policy of zanu-pf to enlist the involvement of security arms in party chores and processes. The President in his capacity as both leader of a political party and Head of Government wishes to make it abundantly clear to all and sundry that it is neither the policy of zanu-pf nor the direction of Government, through him, to deploy the police force or any arm of the security establishment in helping with any party function, least of all as presiding or returning officers in party primary elections.

“Any such instances, which might have occurred in the just-ended party primary elections would amount to a breach of zanu-pf policy and certainly a flagrant violation of the laws of the land which must be roundly condemned and stopped forthwith.”

President Mnangagwa said any party officials or officers of the security establishment caught abusing arms and personnel of security would be dealt with “severely”.

“Let it be known that conflation of party and State institutions as might have happened in the past will not be allowed under the new dispensation where the electoral playing field must be seen to be fair and even,” he said.

“Having said this, it must be acknowledged and accepted that our law enforcement agencies should and will be deployed to ensure law, order and the preservation of peace wherever people gather, including for political purposes.

“Government relies on all those in political leadership to send this clear message to their parties and their membership.”

By Paul Nyathi|Heavy violence erupted at the ZANU PF Chegutu West primary elections on Monday resulting in sitting Member of Parliament for the constituency Dexter Nduna firing live ammunition into the air causing a major mayhem.

Nduna was subsequently arrested on Tuesday on charges of public violence and discharging a firearm in a public place.

Trouble started at Chenengundu Primary School polling station when ZANU PF supporters backing Nduna clashed with rival supporters disrupting voting which led to Nduna firing five shots into the air in a bid to bring order.

Voting was suspended until the feuding parties agreed to resume voting on Tuesday with Nduna eventually winning the election.

Nduna appeared before Chegutu magistrate Mr Felix Chauromwe on Wednesday for initial remand.

He was remanded in custody and is expected back in court on Thursday for bail hearing.

He is jointly charged with Munyaradzi Simango (30) and Takemore Maphosa (18) on public violence charges. The two were also remanded in custody pending bail hearing.

The state, led by Mr Vote Zishiri, is expected to respond to their bail applications on Thursday.

Simango collapsed in court due to injuries he sustained in the clashes. He had to be treated under the watchful eye of prison guards.

A story in one of our local dailies alleges that Zanu PF abused police officers and other security agencies during its primaries over the weekend either as polling officers or running other errands Party chores. The story creates the wrong impression that the alleged abuses were sanctioned by His Excellency the President, Cde E.D Mnangagwa, in flagrant violation of the country’s Constitution and against his own pledge that state institutions would not be partisan, thereby undermining their constitutional roles as impartial arbiters in the electoral process. The story also suggests that it is the official policy of Zanu PF to enlist the involvement of security arms in Party chores and processes.

The President in his capacity as both leader of a political party and Head of Government wishes to make it abundantly clear to all and sundry that it is neither the policy of Zanu PF nor the direction of Government, through him, to deploy the police force or any arm of the security establishment in helping with any party function, list of all as presiding or returning officers in Party primary elections. Any such instances, which might have occurred in the just ended party primary election would amount to a breach of ZANU PF policy and certainly a flagrant violation of the laws of the land which must be roundly condemned and stopped forthwith. Any officials of the Party or officers of the security establishment caught abusing arms and personnel of security as alleged in the story will be dealt with severely.

Let it be known that any conflation of Party and State institutions as might have happened in the past will not be allowed under the new dispensation where the electoral playing field must be seen to be fair and even. Having said this, it must be acknowledged and accepted that our law enforcement agencies should and will be deployed to ensure law, order and the preservation of the peace wherever people gather, including for political purposes. Government relies on all those in political leadership to send this clear message to their parties and their membership. The President reiterates his pledge to ensure a plebiscite which is free, fair and an uncontested expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe. To that end, Government has invited all manner of observers to bear witness to the fulfillment of this pledge.

Regis Chikowore

Acting Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services

ZANU PF leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday said the use of police officers and other security agencies in the management of Zanu-PF primary elections by some of the party’s aspiring candidates is illegal.

Mnangagwa’s position was stated by one his male office staff members who said,

“a story in one of our local dailies alleges that Zanu-PF abused police officers and other security agencies during its primaries over the weekend either as polling officers or running other party chores,” President Mnangagwa said.

“The story creates the wrong impression that the alleged abuses were sanctioned by His Excellency the President, Cde E.D Mnangagwa in flagrant violation of the country’s constitution and against his own pledge that State institutions would not be partisan, thereby undermining their constitutional roles as impartial arbiters in the electoral process. The story also suggests that it is the official policy of Zanu-PF to enlist the involvement of security arms in party chores and processes. The President in his capacity as both leader of a political party and Head of Government wishes to make it abundantly clear to all and sundry that it is neither the policy of Zanu-PF nor the direction of Government, through him, to deploy the police force or any arm of the security establishment in helping with any party function, least of all as presiding or returning officers in party primary elections. Any such instances, which might have occurred in the just ended party primary elections would amount to a breach of Zanu-PF policy and certainly a flagrant violation of the laws of the land which must be roundly condemned and stopped forthwith,”

President Mnangagwa said any party officials or officers of the security establishment caught abusing arms and personnel of security would be dealt with “severely”.
“Let it be known that conflation of party and State institutions as might have happened in the past will not be allowed under the new dispensation where the electoral playing field must be seen to be fair and even,” he said.

“Having said this, it must be acknowledged and accepted that our law enforcement agencies should and will be deployed to ensure law, order and the preservation of peace wherever people gather, including for political purposes. Government relies on all those in political leadership to send this clear message to their parties and their membership. The President reiterates his pledge to ensure a plebiscite which is free, fair and an uncontested expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe. To that end, Government has invited all manner of observers to bear witness to the fulfilment of this pledge.” – state media

A male nurse stationed at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) who was accused of fondling a 19-year-old female patient’s breasts and buttocks after she allegedly spurned his proposal, was yesterday acquitted.

Tayedza Kangara (38) of Tshabalala suburb was facing charges of indecent assault when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Sheunesu Matova. In acquitting Kangara, the magistrate ruled that there was no sufficient evidence linking the accused person to the alleged offence.

“I am convinced that the evidence adduced by the State through its witness falls below the threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt as, apart from the complainant’s word against the accused, there was no evidence to substantiate the State case,” said Mr Matova.

He said the complainant also gave different versions of her encounter with the accused person to the hospital ward’s sister-in-charge.

“The explanation by the accused person that he did not indecently assault the complainant is reasonably true in the circumstances. Accordingly, I will therefore return a verdict of not guilty and the accused person is acquitted,” ruled Mr Matova.

Prosecuting, Mr Charles Danda had alleged that on March 5 this year shortly after midnight, the complainant was in her bed at Pettigrew Ward at the UBH where she was admitted.
The court heard that Kangara spotted the complainant from a distance and went to her bed while other nurses were busy in the duty room.

Mr Danda said Kangara proposed love to the bedridden patient and she turned him down.
“The accused person then pleaded with the complainant that he wanted to see her privately at a secluded place for a few minutes, but she refused. Kangara insisted on seeing the complainant and feeling insecure and sensing danger, the patient decided to record the conversation using her mobile phone,” said the prosecutor.

Kangara then told the complainant that he was going to give her a sign so that she would come to where he was.

The court heard that the complainant alerted one of the nurses that Kangara was proposing love to her.

“The accused then called the complainant and she kicked a metal trolley to alert other nurses but they did not follow her,” said Mr Danda.

When the complainant joined Kangara at the agreed place, the accused allegedly hugged the teenager and started fondling her breasts and buttocks.

The complainant narrated her ordeal to the sister-in-charge who in turn reported the matter to the police leading to Kangara’s arrest. – state media

A 63-YEAR-OLD Gokwe man allegedly raped his six-year-old granddaughter at knife point on two consecutive nights while her mother was sleeping in the same room.
He allegedly threatened to kill the minor if she told anyone about the sex attack.

The man, whose name cannot be disclosed to protect the minor, appeared before Gokwe Magistrate Mr Christopher Maturure facing rape charges.

He was remanded in custody to today for trial after he pleaded not guilty. The State led by Mr Tinei Tirigo alleges that at an unknown date but earlier this year, the man sneaked into the bedroom hut where the juvenile was sleeping with her mother.

The old man allegedly proceed to where the girl was sleeping and threatened to stab her to death with a knife that he was holding, if she screamed.

The court heard he forced himself on the girl while her mother was fast asleep on the other side of the room.
After the incident, the man threatened to kill the girl if she disclosed the act to anyone.
The following morning, the girl told her aunt who advised her to conceal the rape.

The following night, the old man used the same modus operandi to rape the girl and threatened to kill her if she dared disclose the matter.

The following morning, seeing that her aunt took no action, she reported the matter to a neighbour.

The villager told the Village Head who in turn reported the matter to Nembudziya Police Station leading to the man’s arrest. – state media

By Talent Gondo| Norton’s Independent Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa has hailed the Zimbabwe Republic Police for a job well done in executing their duty and apprehending armed robbers suspected to be child kidnappers residing in his constituency.

Mliswa said the vigilence of the police was exemplary and they did a good job which should be commended.

“The vigilance of the police is exemplary, thank you for a job well done,” said Mliswa in a tweet below.

I wish to commend Norton Police for apprehending the armed robbers. Details surrounding the children that were found with the robbers are still being investigated but the vigilance of the police is exemplary, thank you and well done for a good job

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) May 2, 2018

Mliswa’s appreciation of the ZRP comes after police yesterday apprehended armed robbers suspected to be child kidnappers in Norton.

The robbers were reportedly arrested and about 7 children aged between 4 and 11 were discovered.

Efforts to get a comment from the ZRP were futile.

By Paul Nyathi|The 2018 election mood is definitely heating up.

Preaident Emmerson Mnangagwa has set the Presidential campaign ball rolling by unveiling the biggest campaign poster in the history of Zimbabwe in the Harare City Centre.

Mnangagwa is likely to square up with over 120 other presidential hopefuls though his biggest rival will be the MDC Alliance candidate Nelson Chamisa.

By Paul Nyathi|National Spokesperson for the Luciah Matibenga led People’s Democratic Party splinter, a member of the Joice Mujuru led People’s Rainbow Coalition has quit the party.

George Mkhwanazi advised party Secretary General Gorden Moyo through an e-mail on Tuesday that he was quitting the party with immediate effect.

Mkhwanazi said that he was quitting the party because of varied differences he is having with the party that effectively affect his operations as the publicity officer of the party.

Mkhwanazi is the second information officer in as many days within the People’s Rainbow Coalition to quit following the resignation of Methuseli Moyo the NPP deputy national spokesperson.

By Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association has officially communicated that its members will be involved in a collective industrial action from the 8th of May.

The ZIMTA Secretary General Nganunu Sibanda advised the member teachers in a letter dated the 1st of May that they must withdraw services beginning Tuesday 8th of May on schools opening day.

“This letter serves to inform educators and education administrators in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the strike action beginning Tuesday 8th May 2018,” read the letter.

The teachers’ grievances are over allowances that government last paid them before the dollarisation era and the low salaries.

Further to that, the teachers are up in arms with government’s 2016 decision to block all leave.

Government has meantime warned that it will dismiss all teachers who will engage in the industrial action.

Last month, the government dismissed about 20 000 nurses who engaged in a strike action for an increase in their salaries and review of working conditions.

The teachers’ union assured its members that it will provide legal protection to any of its members who will be victimised during the industrial action.

By Own Correspondent| The state broadcaster, ZBC was this morning criticised for flooding it’s FB media space with the below campaign banner pictures which are for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s candidacy. This development is coming at a time when many citizens are struggling under a failing economy.

Some of the comments from the povo were –  “Uku ndokunonzi kupererwa. Zera remwana wacho wavarikurwa naye so, unonyatsoona kuti ndokupenga chaiko ko sei vasingagute. They destroy lives of generations and generations this people, but havanatsitsi.” – Munyaradzi Taderera: 

But I love what you’re doing ZBC to continue posting Zanu PF staff whilst you know kuti vanhu vanoivenga. The more you post ndiko. kuvengwa kwayo – Noah Mariga

By Talent Gondo| Former War Veterans Minister Colonel (retired) Tshinga Dube has called on the MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa to join President Emmerson Mnangagwa and work towards rebuilding the country’s economy.

Dube, hinted on the possibiliry of a Government of National Unity (GNU) adding that the two leaders should divert their energies on growing the economy instead of politics.

In a report published  by the Daily News, Dube castigated Zimbabweans for focusing on politics at the expense of the economy which is key towards improving citizens’ lives.

“It is also my wish that we engage with the dynamic young man, the president of the MDC — Nelson Chamisa — to come on board so that we unite our people and make sure that instead of channelling our energy into politics, we also concentrate on our economy,” said Dube.

“If . . . Mnangagwa continues with his policies and gets a good someone to assist him, this country in 10 years will not be a third world country but a first world country.

Instead of focusing on politics, we need to be focusing on improving our health delivery system, our education and our welfare among others.”

Dube urged Zimbabweans to give Mnangagwa a chance to rule the country for the next five years in order for him to create jobs for the people of Zimbabwe.

By Paul Nyathi|Under fire Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa has joined the growing list of ZANU PF heavyweights falling by the wayside in the primary elections of members to represent the ruling party in the upcoming national elections.

Reports indicate that Parirenyatwa lost the Murehwa North primary election which will mean that he is going to lose his ministerial position he has held on to for two decades if ZANU PF wins the elections set for July or August this year.

Parirenyatwa has been under fire with calls for him to resign coming through from varied sectors in the country following the drastic fall in the health delivery system in the country.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he will work to protect workers.

In his May Day address, Mnangagwa said, “Workers’ Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Zimbabwean workers – the backbone of our economy. We honour their work and our nation is far richer because of them.

“When I say that Zimbabwe is open for business it is to create more jobs, more opportunity and to provide our people with the greatest possible chance of success.”

He then spoke  on the Labour bill. ”

Government is developing a raft of labour law reforms as part of our commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for workers.

Today, we salute our workers, but every day we must promote, assist and protect them, and continue to create more jobs and more opportunities for all Zimbabweans.”

A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly raping his ex-wife after he had promised her some ZITF tickets.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the woman, allegedly raped the woman last Friday at his home in Mpopoma suburb. A court heard that the woman managed to escape and ran home wearing a petticoat.

The matter was reported to the police who recovered the woman’s clothes from the man’s house. The man was not asked to plead to rape when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube on Monday.

He was remanded in custody to May 14 for provision of a trial date. Mr Ncube advised the man to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Mrs Memory Ndlovu said on Friday, the accused lured his ex-wife to his place of residence saying he had some trade fair tickets that he got from his uncle.

“At the man’s home the accused suddenly pulled the woman’s blouse and dragged her into his bedroom.

“The accused forcibly had unprotected sexual intercourse with the woman. The complainant screamed but no one could hear her as the radio was turned on high volume.”

The court heard that the woman managed to escape and she ran out of the house.-state media

A POLICE officer from Bulawayo was allegedly recruited by a housebreaker that he had arrested and later became the mastermind of a gang of four that broke into seven houses where they stole property in Nkulumane suburb.
Desire Duvai (32), who is a police officer at Nkulumane Police Station, allegedly arrested Wisdom Musundire (19) who bribed him with $100 and a Samsung Galaxy phone.
A court heard that Desire on being told there was easy money in breaking, entering and stealing from premises, recruited his younger brother Danford Duvai (26) to join Musundire and Takura Mugomo (27) in stealing from residents.

The quartet allegedly went on a house breaking spree from February, which was halted following their arrest last week.

They were not asked to plead when they appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube on Monday facing seven counts of theft and unlawful entry with Desire facing an extra count of criminal abuse of power.

The magistrate remanded each of them out of custody to May 15 on $50 bail.
He ordered the suspects to report to Western Commonage Police Station everyday.
The court heard how Desire allegedly solicited $100 and a Samsung galaxy phone from Musundire after he had caught him stealing and the two started working together to commit many crimes.
The four allegedly stole five car batteries, a laptop and a mattress.

The State, which was represented by Mr Dan Ndebele in the initial bail hearing, had opposed Desire and Musundire’s bail applications but had not opposed Danford and Mugomo’s applications.

“Desire is not only accused one in this matter but he is a police officer at Nkulumane Police Station. It is worth noting that he appears in all four records, the totality of that is that he is the mastermind, principal and brains behind these cases,” said Mr Ndebele when the matter came for initial bail hearing.

“He abandoned his mandate as a police officer and became a criminal. Desire’s relationship with Wisdom who was wanted by police for a long time shows that Desire fed him information on how to evade the police. This made it difficult for police to arrest Wisdom. Also some of the stolen property was found at Desire’s house after he was implicated by Wisdom. At the police station, Desire is a danger and outside he is a criminal; the only place for him is jail until the matter is finalised.”

Desire was represented by Mrs Sharon Padera of Pundu and Company Legal Practitioners.
Mrs Padera disagreed with Mr Ndebele saying the reasons given by the State were not compelling enough to deny her client bail.

“Accused persons must be admitted to bail unless if there are compelling reasons such as likeliness to abscond, likeliness to commit crime and interference with witnesses and the State did not mention these,” she said.

Prosecuting Mrs Ndlovu said on an unknown date in December last year, Desire Duvai unlawfully misused his power as a police officer to solicit a bribe in the form of a Samsung Galaxy cell phone and $100 from Wisdom Musundire in order not to arrest him for a charge of unlawful entry and theft.

“Since February this year, Desire, his brother Danford, their new accomplice Musundire and Mugomo stole five car batteries. Also on February 25, Desire and Musundire broke into a house in Nkulumane and stole a Lenovo laptop and a mattress.

“On February 28, the mattress was recovered outside the complainant’s house. On April 14, police acting on information received arrested Musundire who after interviews implicated Desire as his accomplice. – state media

ZANU-PF heavyweights in Manicaland Province reportedly failed to make it during the primary elections, with Politburo member and Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Scholarships Christopher Mushohwe making the list of losers.

Polling in Manicaland ended on Monday in most constituencies, with results having been sent to the provincial office for further scrutiny.

Some losing candidates are said to have lodged complaints with the provincial office regarding the manner in which the primary elections were held citing a raft of irregularities.

Manicaland provincial elections commissioner Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi said they were preparing to send the results to the Zanu-PF national political commissar, Retired Major General Engelbert Rugeje.

“All the results will be handed over to national political commissar, Rugeje, who will announce them. I am sure he will be holding a press conference where he will announce the results,” he said.

Unconfirmed reports said Mushohwe lost to Percy Muchimwe, who is a member of the Johanne Marange Apostolic sect.

Former Minister of Women Affairs Nyasha Chikwinya is said to have lost to Jefrey Ngome in Mutare South, while Irene Zindi lost to Misheck Mugadza in Mutasa South.

Zindi was quick to vent her anger at the manner in which elections were held in her constituency through her Facebook post.

“Yes, ZANU-PF primary elections have come and gone, but marred with so much irregularities. For example, the ward leadership was coaxed to make sure that cell registers contained members of a particular contesting candidate favoured by the local political gurus and supporters of other candidates not favoured to win the primary elections were turned away because their names did not appear on cell registers.” – state media

By Paul Nyathi| It has finally somewhat emerged at the just ended ZANU PF Primary Elections why the party was recording serial numbers of voter registration slips from members at cell level.

Only those who submitted their voter registration slips were captured in the party voters roll for the primary elections.

Thousands of potential voters were turned away from voting at the primary elections as their names were not on the voters roll because they did not submit their voter registration slips to cell leaders.

Party supporters in Bulawayo who spoke to ZimEye.com said that they were turned away in numbers because they had not submitted their voter registration slips to the party authorities.

The members who spoke to ZimEye said that they feel robbed by named party officials who discouraged them from submitting the registration slips when they knew that they were benefiting their candidates.

“We did not cast our votes because we adhered to calls by some clever people within the party who accelerated the call not to submit the slips when they knew very well that it was in favour of their candidates,” said Clifford Moyo from Luveve Constituency.

“People who coordinated Garikai Zonde’s (winning castigate in Luveve) campaign spent sleepless nights collecting and recording the registration slips well knowing that they were rigging the voters roll and didn’t give us that information,” said the angry ZANU PF member.

Moyo further indicated that the entire elections were the worst the party ever held.

“Mugabe (Former President Robert) was far much better than what we saw in this election,” he said. “Even if he was rigging elections, his rigging was smart we would realise it years later unlike this one which was very obvious that a grade 1 child could also see. The whole election process was a big joke, these candidates will lose to the position dismally because they are not the people’s choice,” he added.

Complaints on the chaotic election are being raised by the ZANU PF members throughout the country where, however, seemingly rival G40 members emerged victorious over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Lacoste faction members.

Mnangagwa praised the election process and declared it free and fair claiming that the hiccups experienced in the process were mere teething problems in the introduction of a “new voting system.”

The party’s election commission is yet to announce the final authenticated results from the elections forty eight hours after the scheduled election period.

By Own Correspondent| A student 2.1 at Chinhoyi University of Technology by the name Michael Ndemera has been found dead in a suspected suicide incident. Close sources who spoke to ZimEye.com have reported on several theories which ZimEye cannot publish until an independent investigation has been completed.

This semester there have been several deaths at Chinhoyi University. – THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.

By Paul Nyathi|Besides the tragic death of a Highlanders fan last week after falling off from the terraces at Barbourfields Stadium, everyone would have expected that to be a lesson to other fans.

The tragedy, however, appears not to have been deterrent to the Highlanders fans who on Tuesday packed Barbourfields Stadium with some still returning to the dangerous sitting points on the terraces.

An off duty soldier died from a fall on the terraces when he lost his grip while celebrating a Highlanders goal.

ZimEye.com on Tuesday captured Highlanders fans return to the same deadly points on the terraces with police and club officials doing nothing about it.

Several Zanu PF bigwigs and sitting legislators have fallen by the wayside, preliminary results of the party’s primary elections show.

Ministers; Dr Christopher Mushohwe, Dr Mike Bimha and Abednico Ncube lead the pack of big guns who lost the primary elections.

In Manicaland Province, Minister Mushohwe lost the Mutare West National Assembly seat to Teedzerai Muchimwe, while other results on the ground indicate that Misheck Mugadza has taken over the baton from Irene Zindi in Mutasa South, while Misheck Mataranyika won the popular vote in Makoni South.

In Makoni Central, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Patrick Chinamasa shrugged off challenges to return his seat.

In Mashonaland West Province, Precious Chinhamo Masango beat former Lands Minister Douglas Mombeshora for the Mhangura seat.

In Mashonaland East Province, Minister Bimha tops the list of incumbent legislators to have fallen by the wayside after losing Cde John Mangwiro by over 3000 votes in Chikomba Central.

Out of the 18 constituencies whose results have been released, only six National Assembly members have been retained.

Those retained are Jonathan Samkange (Mudzi South), Magna Mudyiwa (Mudzi West), Milton Kachepa (Mudzi North), Marble Chinomona (Mutoko North), Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Uzumba) and provincial minister, David Musabayana (Wedza North).

Those beaten include David Chapfika, who lost to Hebert Shumbamhini in Mutoko South,Ricky Mawere who lost to Richard Musiyiwa in Mutoko East,Tendai Makunde who lost to Daniel Garwe in Murehwa North, Ladious Ndoro who lost to Jonah Sewera in Murehwa West, Washington Musvaire in Marambapfungwa was beaten by Tichaona Karimazondo.

Beatrice Nyamupinga lost to Energy Mutodi in Goromonzi West, Lawrence Katsiru surrendered the Marondera Central seat to Cleopas Kundiona, Jeremiah Chiwetu was floored down by Patrick Chidhakwa in Marondera East and Michael Madanha lost to Tinoda Machakaire in Wedza West.

New faces were also ushered in in Matabeleland South Province, with the Provincial Minister of State, Abednico Ncube being the major casualty after losing to Ompile Marupi in Gwanda South.

Matobo North went to Edgar Moyo with 1 236, with the sitting legislator, Never Khanye polling a paltry 140.

Spare Sithole beat Malachi Nkomo in Insiza South, Andrew Langa lost Faria Taruvinga in Insiza North, while Rtd. Brigadier General Levy Mayihlome won against sitting legislator, William Dewa in Umzingwane.

Matobo South was won by Saul Mahalima Ncube and Bulilima East by Nqobizitha Ndlovu who unseated the incumbent, Mathias Siqhoza Ndlovu.

Dingumuzi Phuthi will be representing Bulilima West, Madodana Sibanda Gwanda North, Albert Nguluvhe Beitbdridge East and Ruth Maboyi Beitbridge West after displacing Matrine Mudau.

In the senate, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo retained the Bulilima – Mangwe sear and Tambudzani Mohadi beat Zanu PF Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman, Rabelani Choene to the Beitbridge senatorial seat.

The results are yet to be verified by the National Commissariat Department and the Politburo.

Source ZBC News online