The shoes President Emmerson Mnangagwa wore on his recent visit to Botswana have set Zimbabweans talking. Below is a picture circulating on social media.

Churches in Zim are best advised to avoid mediating between EDM&RGM. Why didn’t they engage RGM when the economy was failing/against the bad rule of RGM?It’s not priority for EDM to meet RGM now and he should leave him to globe-trot.RGM is an attention seeker&misses the limelight

— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) March 12, 2018

CAPS United captain Hardlife Zvirekwi was on Monday morning involved in a car accident.

An official at the club confirmed the news saying Zvirekwi is admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

“I am on my way to Parirenyatwa to see him but I can confirm that Hardy was involved in an accident,” said Shakespeare Chinongwenya, the club’s manager.

The Warriors right back is said to have suffered a fractured hand.

“I am yet to see how bad he is but I am told his hand is badly injured,” he said.- state media

An ex-convict from Kwekwe who was released from prison recently allegedly fatally stabbed his neighbour following a misunderstanding during a beer drink.

Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the murder which occurred last Wednesday at around 3AM in Amaveni Suburb in Kwekwe.

She said the ex-convict, Ntokozo Ncube (28), allegedly fatally stabbed Simbarashe Ruvingo (30) while they were drinking beer at Amaveni Shops.

Ass Insp Mukwende said after committing the crime, Ncube allegedly fled to Zhombe in an attempt to evade arrest.

“I can confirm that police in Kwekwe are investigating a case of murder where a man died after being attacked with a knife by a man who was recently released from prison. It is alleged that the suspect Ntokozo Ncube was drinking beer in a nightclub together with Simbarashe Ruvingo at Amaveni Shops,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said Ncube and Ruvingo were seen by fellow patrons drinking beer together while dancing to music.

She said it is alleged that Ncube suddenly withdrew a knife from his pocket and stabbed Ruvingo on the collar bone.

“After stabbing Ruvingo, Ncube dragged him outside but other patrons followed behind and upon seeing that the patrons were following behind he chased them away while threatening to stab them. The suspect boarded a car and fled from the scene. Ruvingo stood up before collapsing on the tarmac and died,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said the suspect was arrested in Zhombe on the same day following a tip off. “The suspect is in police custody and assisting with investigations, he will appear in court soon,” she said.

In an unrelated incident, a Kwekwe teenager was allegedly murdered by unknown assailants who then burnt the body with tyres and dumped the remains in a bush.
Ass Insp Mukwende said the body, which is yet to be identified, was discovered by a passer5by last Tuesday.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a murder case where a human body was found burnt beyond recognition in a bush in Kwekwe near Gokwe-Kwekwe road.

“The deceased is estimated to be around 15 years old,” she said. Chronicle

Film maker Rufaro Kaseke who recently declared his interest to represent Chitungwiza North constituency as its legislator in the forthcoming harmonised elections became the latest example of artists who are making inroads into ruthless political fray after Energy Mutodi, Bryn Mteki and Hosiah Chipanga among others.

The outspoken Kaseke, popular for his home made videos he posted on social media attacking the Zanu PF during the reign of former president Robert Mugabe, confirmed the development to this publication.

“It’s very true. I will stand as an independent candidate for Chitungwiza North constituency. I was motivated by the need to bring fresh thinking into public administration space,” Kaseke said.
“Balancing politics and arts is easy. An artist is who I will always be and running for public office is me giving myself to work for the country.”

Unlike Kaseke, traditional musician and internationally acclaimed sculptor Bryn Mteki aka Sekuru Tau has declared his interests to contest the presidential seat in the forthcoming general elections.
Seukuru Tau told the Daily News on Sunday that unlike other candidates, he is not going to campaign rigorously.

“People know Sekuru Tau as a progressive person hence there is no need for me to launch an aggressive campaign.

“I urge people to just go to the ballot and vote for me and I will deliver, that’s all I can say,” Mteki said.

Mteki is currently into studio working with businessman-cum-politician Philip Chiyangwa on the song to be titled Ndinongovhaira.

“I have been business friends with Chiyangwa back then when I was in America on the level of entrepreneurship, so our relationship dates way back as we both share the same passion of looking for cash.

“I always look outside the box as I am christened the world renowned artiste I should show it, hence coming with this surprise packed album the song theme is also in line with celebrating life as successful people so Chiyangwa and I we are.

“Chiyangwa and I,we are both successful businessmen, property tycoons and we both have a vast interest in creating billion-dollar business empire. We met in the business circles and our relationship grew both as friends and business colleges as he had always appreciated my sculpture and music before I became a business man,” Mteki said.

Musician, academic and businessman Mutodi is also reportedly eyeing a constituency in Goromonzi under the ticket of Zanu PF in the forthcoming harmonised elections.

The flamboyant musician known for musical albums such as Simbi YaM’dhara (Real Sounds of Africa), Kumasese (Real Sounds of Africa), Sekawo Mbichana, Magetsi Ngaabake, Kuita Kuri Kwenyu, Chimvuramabwe, Ndinorota Landlord, Chidhedhedhe, Ndiri Munzira Kuuya and Ndinokutendai among others is currently studying a PhD in Business Administration at the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Zimbabwe concurrently.

Controversial sungura musician — Hosiah Chipanga who is based in Mutare — told Daily News that he was forced to join politics due to former president Mugabe’s maladministration.

“I never wanted to be a politician but as I yearn for a meeting with Mugabe, I was forced to form my own political party — The Kingdom of God On Earth: Devine Rule On Earth — considering that politics is the only language our leadership understand, not music or gospel — I have tried it before and it doesn’t work,” he said.

However, some of the artistes only use their music to pursue a certain political agenda without directly declaring their interests in it.

In Zimbabwe it came as a shock that a musician who uses music to pursue a political agenda will ruin their musical career eventually.

Musical careers of talented musicians such as the late Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, the late Andy Brown, Sani Makhalima and Nonsikelelo plummeted after they became more directly linked to the Zanu PF party.

In a previous interviews with this publication, arts critic Cont Mhlanga advised artistes to be careful when venturing into politics.

“Whenever musicians take sides it means they have divided their fan base into two or three.
“Once musicians aligned themselves to a political party it means they should only hold concerts in areas where that particular political party has strong support.

He urges musicians to tackle socio-political themes which affect everybody in society and he gave the example of the late Biggie Tembo of the Bundu Boys.

“The Bundu Boys had a large fan base as the group tackled social politics which affect virtually everybody in the community,” he said.

Musical groups such as Mbare Chimurenga Choir failed to hold concerts outside Zanu PF political gatherings over the years due to the nature of their lyrics. Daily News

War veterans, ex-detainees and war collaborators have said they will be spearheading Zanu-PF’s election campaign as they aim for a resounding victory for the ruling party in this year’s elections.

Speaking during a meeting in Gwanda last week, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association secretary general, Cde Victor Matemadanda, said war veterans should safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.
“As the veterans of the liberation struggle we have a mandate to spearhead the election campaign of the ruling party. Everyone in office today was elected through a campaign by the veterans.

“We have to defend the legacy of Zimbabwe which we fought for leading to the 1980 independence.” he said.

Cde Matemadanda urged war veterans to ensure that opposition parties do not win any election.

He said they should campaign in a peaceful manner for the party and Zanu-PF’s presidential candidate Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. “When you campaigned in 1980 for our independence, this is the same as we have to campaign peacefully for the party and the presidential candidate. Don’t victimise the people, engage with them and lead the party in a right direction. Vehicles are there to be used district by district,” said Cde Matemadanda.

He reiterated that Zanu-PF was not tribally driven like the MDC-T where Mr Nelson Chamisa and Dr Thokozani Khupe are engaged in a power struggle.

“Everyone can see that constitutionally Khupe is the rightful candidate. A brave woman Khupe who went to bury Tsvangirai (late Morgan) in Buhera and what do they say, they call her a dissident. If we don’t defend this kind of person then we are not principled. They will sing about democracy. How democratic is Chamisa who was hand-picked?” Cde Matemadanda said.
“Some are saying there should be a Shonaland, a Ndebeleland, what is that. It can’t.”
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South province chairman Cde Rabelani Choeni said the party’s members should work together and lead the party to a resounding victory. Chronicle

By Staff Reporter| The latest in the Thokozani Khupe vs Nelson Chamisa tussle has seen the female MDC Deputy President filing an official complaint against Nelson Chamisa.

Dr Khupe’s personal assistant Witness Dube told ZimEye.com she will never recognise Chamisa’s presidency because the National Council meeting which appointed him was not substantive. It was ” just a consultative meeting,” Mr Dube claimed to ZimEye.

He said Khupe has since filed an official complaint with a group called the Elders of the party.

He continued to explain the reasons why Khupe has gone “underground” as it were out of the media eye. LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW BELOW:

– REFRESH THIS PAGE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW:

University of Zimbabwe law lecturer Professor Lovemore Madhuku’s bid to lead the institution’s Faculty of Law as dean flopped after he flunked an interview conducted by a panel headed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura.

The university advertised the post of dean to replace Mr Emmanuel Magade whose term had expired.

The post was landed by another law lecturer, Dr Innocent Maga.

Registrar of University of Zimbabwe Dr Noel Mutongoreni advised Prof Madhuku last week that he had failed to make the grade.

“Thank you for your application for the post of Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Zimbabwe received on 24 November 2017. I regret to inform you that your application was not successful. May I take this opportunity to wish you success in your future endeavours,” said Dr Mutongoreni in a letter dated March 7.

In the advertisement, the university said it was looking for a person with an earned doctorate, scholar of note with credibility among other academic peers; one who would offer academic leadership and a scholar with ability to plan effectively and inspire and motivate staff in the faculty.

Dr Maja confirmed that he had been appointed as the new dean and described his appointment as an opportunity to transform the faculty.

He, however, said Prof Madhuku remained a top academic.

“Prof Madhuku is our luminary because of his academic achievement. We will continue to require his services,” said Dr Maja.

When contacted, Prof Madhuku confirmed the development, which he said was surprising.

“Yes, it is true that I applied for the post. I attended an interview on 28 February 2018. It is also true that I have been advised by the Registrar that I was not successful. I was surprised, but not disappointed. I have been with the UZ for 23 years and thought it was now time for me not only to teach and research, but also to provide academic leadership,” said Prof Madhuku.

He said what surprised him was that he was the only full professor in the Faculty of Law who is below the age of 65.

“I was encouraged by many both in the university and in the legal fraternity, who read the advertisement and rightly reasoned that since the new thrust was for professors to lead faculties, it would have been remiss for me not to apply.

“The idea was to be dean for a short time to inspire and groom young scholars to attain professorship and take over academic leadership. This is what surprised me because I am the only full professor below 65 years in the Faculty of Law,” he said.

Prof Madhuku holds a first class Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from UZ, a first class Master of Laws and Doctor of Philosophy from University of Cambridge in England.

He has been a full professor of law since 2011.- state media

By Dorrothy Moyo| Controversial Minister Of Affairs And Culture, Obert Mpofu has threatened Mthwakazi activists with arrest.

The activists have been protesting for several days since the moment when they were blocked from conducting the Ndebele King crowning ceremony, a development that saw hundreds of thousands of people reacting against the Zimbabwean government.

Further to that, they have been accused of disrupting the national peace and reconciliation commission hearings

Minister Mpofu has since threatened to arrest the activists.

Mpofu told the state media the state will not tolerate any disruptions of its programmes. He said, “We want to caution them against disrupting Government programmes.

“All organisations, institutions and other groupings should desist from interfering with scheduled Government programmes and other programmes organised by other institutions as has been the case with the disruptions of NPRC hearings by some elements that are bent on destabilising Government.

“Government will no longer tolerate any disruptions and those who disrupt its programmes will be dealt with in terms of the laws of the country.”

“This comes following reports by members of the public who have raised concern that they have not been allowed to make their contributions on national programmes because of some people who have disrupted meetings.

“That will no longer be tolerated and the police are now going to arrest them.”

Three children from a Filabusi family which has so far lost four of its members due to mushroom poisoning are still admitted at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, with one aged four said to be in critical condition.

Seven children and their grandmother, who is still admitted at Filabusi District Hospital, ate poisonous mushrooms last Saturday at home and only sought medical attention on Monday.

One child died at Filabusi District hospital on Tuesday and three others died at Mpilo, one on Wednesday and the other two on Thursday.

Three other children remain in hospital and one of them is critical.Mpilo clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said the two boys aged seven and 10 were stable, but a four-year-old girl was critical.

“We thank God because today we did not witness any deaths due to mushroom poisoning. We are still monitoring the two boys though the little girl is still critical in the intensive care unit,” said Dr Ngwenya.

He said members of the public should not eat wild mushrooms. The death toll of people who have lost their lives after consuming the deadly fungus stands at 15. Eight Filabusi family members ate the poisonous mushrooms on Saturday, leading to the deaths of four of them.

Eleven members of a Mberengwa family who consumed the toxic mushrooms last week, also died.

On Thursday, Insiza District Medical Officer Dr Mandlenkosi Nkala said the Filabusi family was rushed to Filabusi District Hospital on Monday evening after consuming the poisonous mushrooms on Saturday.

“The children’s ages range between three and 10 years and they stay with their grandmother. They say the incident took place on Saturday evening. One child, a girl who is in Grade Seven, is the one who picked the mushrooms and brought them home for granny to cook,” said Dr Nkala. – state media

Former President Robert Mugabe has fallen from Grace. During his 37 years as leader, Mugabe enjoyed unparalleled and unquestioned state media attention, all in the past now. The state media has not only dropped the cde prefix before Mugabe’s name, the state broadsheets are on an overdrive nitpicking on every move the former man makes. Intensified propaganda after Mugabe came out to openly back the formation of the New Patriotic Front led by former minister Ambrose Mutinhiri. Mugabe is now treated like any other opposition leader attacked and vilified.

FULL TEXT : Zimbabweans from all walks of life have roundly condemned former President Robert Mugabe following startling revelations that he is demanding his pension lump sum in cash after years of getting his salary using the same arrangement.

According to documents in possession of our sister paper, The Sunday Mail, the former President is demanding his pension lump sum of nearly half-a-million dollars and monthly pension pay out of over $13 000 in cash.

The documents also reveal that Mr Mugabe had been getting monthly cash payments of $20 000 while still Head of State and Government, even as ordinary Zimbabweans queued for days on end to access amounts as low as $20 from banks.

It has also been established that former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe is also getting a monthly payment of $2 170 from the State.

Police were unleashed on those who spoke out at bank queues as Mr Mugabe and his wife sat pretty, getting cash.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mr Mugabe, was left bemused by the arrangement, saying it was highly irregular and irresponsible and opted to have his salary paid through a bank transfer.

The Chronicle yesterday took to the streets and spoke to ordinary residents, politicians and lawyers in Bulawayo over the issue.

A Bulawayo constitutional lawyer, Mr Dumisani Dube, said Mr Mugabe’s demands were a violation of anti-money laundering laws.

Esigodini Agricultural College principal Mr Bernard Sibanda is under fire for allegedly sexually harassing his female subordinates by exposing his manhood and touching their private parts.

The college principal’s alleged actions saw him being fired by the Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement on charges of misconduct following a disciplinary hearing.

However, Mr Sibanda (61) got a temporary relief after the Labour Court ordered the Ministry to conduct a fresh disciplinary hearing within a month and a half.

Mr Sibanda is alleged to have sexually harassed female agricultural extension workers and students by asking them to expose their busts for him to see and touching their private parts as well as hugging them.

He was also accused of exposing his manhood to the women by opening the zip of his trousers.

In papers before the court, Mr Sibanda is the appellant while the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Retired Chief Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was cited as the respondent.

Bulawayo Labour Court judge Justice Mercy Moya-Matshanga set aside the dismissal following Mr Sibanda’s application challenging his sacking.

The judge ordered the Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement to conduct a fresh disciplinary hearing within a month and a half as Mr Sibanda was denied legal representation.

She said the denial of legal representation infringes on a constitutional fundamental right and renders any hearing a nullity.

“The application for review succeeds and is hereby granted and the decision of the disciplinary hearing committee be and is hereby set aside. The employer is ordered to conduct a disciplinary hearing within a month and a half after the issuance of this order and to properly conduct the disciplinary proceedings,” ruled Justice Moya-Matshanga.

In his grounds of appeal, Mr Sibanda through his lawyers, Masiye-Moyo and Associates, argued that he was denied his right to legal representation after the respondent refused to postpone the disciplinary hearing when his lawyer, the late Mr Galen Moyo Masiye, was seriously ill and admitted in hospital after undergoing an operation.

“The applicant was accordingly denied the right to hear, counter and test the witnesses’ evidence. Applicant seeks the relief that the outcome of the disciplinary hearing be set aside and that he be reinstated or be paid damages in lieu thereof,” said Mr Sibanda’s lawyers.

According to court papers, Mr Sibanda, who was employed as a principal at Esigodini Agricultural College, allegedly sexually harassed female agricultural extension workers by asking to have sexual intercourse with them.

Mr Sibanda is also alleged to have further abused his office by demanding sexual favours from prospective students seeking to secure places to study at the institution.

He allegedly threatened the complainants that he would not recommend manpower development leave for those who would not have complied with his sexual advances. Following the allegations, Mr Sibanda was charged with misconduct.

He was later arraigned before a disciplinary hearing committee. However, at the time of the disciplinary hearing, Mr Moyo was ill and could not attend the hearing proceedings.

The Ministry of Lands Agriculture and Rural Resettlement continued with the hearing and called witnesses and later convicted and dismissed Mr Sibanda.

In 2014, Gwanda magistrate Ms Sheila Nazombe acquitted Mr Sibanda of charges of indecently assaulting a female extension officer based in Simbumbumbu area in Gwanda district. He was accused of fondling the complainant’s breasts. – State Media

The headmaster of Magwegwe High School in Bulawayo is under fire after allegedly banning the singing of Shona songs at his school.

Mr William Ncube is alleged to have banned pupils from singing Shona songs or war cries during sports events or at assembly.

Bulawayo Acting Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Khaira said the Ministry of Primary and secondary Education was investigating the matter.

“I cannot comment much on the matter as I am not in the office. However, investigations into the issue are underway,” she said.
An open letter, purportedly written by pupils at the school, has gone viral on social media platforms.

The pupils are requesting Mr Ncube to desist from fanning tribalism and are demanding equal treatment at the school.

The Chronicle visited the school yesterday and spoke to members of staff. The headmaster was said to be away.

“On behalf of the Magwegwe High School students, we are against the decision by our headmaster to bar the singing of Shona songs at our school. As students we say no to tribalism and any form of violence. Whatever happened in the past must not include us as the so called born frees. We will not be used to settle past differences. We cannot be used in conflicts or fighting each other. We believe in unity and nothing else,” reads part of the letter.

The letter says the headmaster is quoted as having said he will be in trouble with the PED if pupils were allowed to sing Shona songs.state media

A soldier based at 5 Infantry Battalion in Kwekwe died on Monday evening after he was head-butted by a colleague when a beer brawl turned nasty.

Onias Moyo (26) was rushed to Kwekwe District Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission after he was head-butted by a workmate Bruce Dungeni while they were drinking at Linda Bar in Mbizo 4. Dungeni is reportedly employed by Airforce of Zimbabwe.

Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Ethel Mkwende said she was yet to get the report.

Zimbabwe National Army public relations officer Lieutenant-Colonel Alphios Makotore confirmed the incident but declined to comment saying doing so might jeopardise police investigations.

“I can only confirm that the culprits have been apprehended and are assisting police with investigations. I cannot comment further than that since doing so would be prejudicial,” he said.

However, a witness said the two, Moyo and Dungeni were drinking beer at Linda Bar when the dispute arose.

“The two had been drinking together since morning in the company of their friends. They, however, had a misunderstanding around 8pm over who would buy the next round,” said the witness. .

The source said while the two were exchanging blows, a friend Steven Samuel who had been drinking with the two for the better part of the day, tried to restrain them to no avail.

“The moment Samuel let Moyo free, Dungeni head-butted the now deceased on the face and he started bleeding profusely from the mouth and nose,” said the witness.

A police report was made and Moyo was rushed to Kwekwe District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission.

Dungeni and Samuel were reportedly picked up by police and are in police custody assisting with investigations.- state media

The Robert Mugabe aligned New Patriotic Front party, makes a report that it has got grassroots rural support. The report says the villagers are making a diamond for the 94 year old former head of state . Below is a tweet released on Sunday to the effect:

Don’t let the Junta lie to you, the real cadres, comrades and ordinary folks who have walked with ZanuPF are with the NPF and President Mutinhiri.
They will not endorse or legitimise a Junta that has openly humiliated their icon and hero Cde R G Mugabe. #HandeiTione pic.twitter.com/hoB4x94UIX

— National Patriotic Front (@National_PF) March 11, 2018

Terrence Mawawa

A research expert has urged MDC Alliance leader and MDC president Nelson Chamisa to consult veteran politician Robert Mugabe for advice on how to defeat Zanu PF.

“I am appealing to the President of the MDC
Alliance Nelson Chamisa to lead his team to the
Blue Roof and meet the father of the nation.

R.G
Mugabe should be willing to give them a lecture on
how they should stop the alleged rigging of the 2018
elections. I have a feeling that the rigging strategies
will be exposed anytime from now. Let us wait and
see.

The R.G Mugabe coup against ED is inevitable
because the military set a bad example.

Power
is not grabbed but it is given by the people.

Mugabe
is likely to lead a successful underground rebellion
against ED and I can see criminal elements around
ED being removed by Nelson Chamisa in the July 2018
presidential election,”said
Don Chigumba, a mixed methods research
specialist based in South Africa.

Instead of solving the cash crisis, ED has opted to join the queue of stranded citizens—Dr V Chimhutu. Is this guy a President?. @kubatana @edmnangagwa @ZimMediaReview @mayor_justice @mawarirej @advocatemahere @BitiTendai @nelsonchamisa @lilomatic @PastorEvanLive

— Hardlife Mudzingwa (@hardie1982) March 11, 2018

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

The MDC Welfare Department is prepared to furnish President Emmerson Mnangagwa with a detailed report of the brutal acts of political violence perpetrated by Zanu PF members in 2008.

Mnangagwa riled opposition parties and pressure groups when he claimed he was oblivious of the atrocious acts.

According to the MDC Welfare Department, hundreds of the opposition party’ s supporters were killed ahead of the 2008 Presidential Election Runoff that was controversially won by Robert Mugabe.

“We have a comprehensive list of party members who were murdered by the ruling party Zanu (PF) and State Security Agents,” said the department in a statement yesterday.

The department also accused Mnangagwa, Mugabe and the military junta of subverting the will of the people by blocking Morgan Tsvangirai from becoming the country’ s President.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

In a calculated manoeuvre meant to stifle the National Patriotic Front(NPF) project, a senior Zanu PF official has urged party members to stop the expulsion of suspected G-40 elements.

Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Ezra Chadzamira told party supporters here last week, there was need to forgive perceived G-40 elements for the sake of unity and sanity.

Chadzamira explained that it would be suicidal for the ruling party to expel dissenting members before the crucial plebiscite.

Zanu PF has been shaken by former President Robert Mugabe’s involvement in the formation of a new political front, NPF.

“We cannot continue to expel our members. This has to stop forthwith, given the latest developments,” said Chadzamira.

Terrence Mawawa

A senior Zimbabwe National Army officer who allegedly ordered soldiers to attack members of a Chiredzi bound bus crew was arrested last week.

The senior soldier appeared before a Chiredzi Magistrate facing assault charges.

Lieutenant Seremani appeared before Magistrate Constance Mutandwa and he was remanded in custody.

” Lieutenant Seremani ordered a group of seven soldiers to assault members of a Chiredzi bound bus crew.

Those who were assaulted sustained serious injuries,” the court heard.

President Chiwenga’s wife Mary says she will wear what she wants and does not care what people think.

Mary Chiwenga, Second Lady |“I know people say I like showing my shoulders, that’s me and I will not change. So I always say whether they like it or not, they can’t change who I am and this is me. I dress exactly how I want to dress, I don’t change because people say I must change, no! I change because I feel the change is necessary.

“Michelle Obama dresses like me and people applaud her and appreciate her for that because she is not trying to be someone else. Melania Trump dresses like I dress and everybody loves it, no-one complains,” she said in the interview with the Daily News.

“It’s very myopic for people to say because you are wearing a dress that is sleeveless of whatever design, then they say you are crazy. I don’t pick it up from that context.

“When I leave home like this, my husband loves it. If I wear a short dress, my husband loves it. If I wear jeans depending on where I’m going, my husband loves it. I will never leave home with a dress that my husband doesn’t approve of.

“The outfit that I wore at congress; when I walked out of the bedroom, my husband was like ‘oh my, vamaGumbo, makachena, today I am going to walk holding your hand’. He said it jokingly. And people started saying oh, her boobs were out, we could see her cleavage, whatever. If you got it, flaunt it, why hide it?”

“Well, it’s not my problem that there are women out there who can’t wear that. The reason why people complain is that they know they cannot wear the same things that you are able to wear. I like looking very classy and very sexy, that’s me, and because I have sex appeal, so I don’t change.”

“There is an MP that came here… and we had a small talk and finally she got to her subject about my dressing. She said she had been sent by women from the party to maybe convince me to wear African attires and things like that, but I refused and I said I am not trying to fit into anybody’s league. My husband is happy with the way I dress and it’s not about to change. And you can take that back to them.”

President Mugabe called Thokozani Khupe to Blue Roof as Tsvangirai lay on his death bed. It is understood that he offered MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe a spot as one of the vice presidents in the outfit that he was planning – now known as New Patriotic Front.

The Sunday Times of South Africa reports that Mugabe called Khupe to his Blue Roof residence to discuss the offer. Our further investigations indicate that Mugabe put Jonathan Moyo on the phone too as they sought to find a common ground.

Mugabe then dispatched emissaries to speak with Khupe in South Africa during the so-called Coalition workshop in February this year. It is unknown whether Khupe agreed to work with Mugabe at the time. What is known is that there were two meetings with Mugabe’s emissaries in South Africa where the modalities of working together was being worked out.

At the time it was becoming apparent that Tsvangirai was not going to survive the cancer. Khupe also had a tentative memorandum with Joice Mujuru to work together in the event that she (Khupe) assumed the presidency of MDC.

Khupe has been vehemently opposed to the MDC Alliance that Tsvangirai forged with Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube. Under the Alliance agreement, Ncube’s MDC would be allowed to choose the bulk of candidates to contest the parliamentary seats in Matebeleland.

This did not go down well with Khupe who felt that Tsvangirai was sacrifising her on the altar for little benefit. She then boycotted meetings with Tsvangirai for more than a year. By the time Tsvangirai died,  Khupe had snubbed four meeting requests from Tsvangirai to iron out their differences.

A power struggle ensured at Tsvangirai’s death with Khupe, Mudzuri and Chamisa claiming to be the legitimate leaders of MDC. Chamisa then called a National Council meeting that endorsed him as Acting President and 2018 Presidential candidate for MDC.

Khupe has withdrawn to Bulawayo – her percieved stronghold where she is mounting resistance against Chamisa presidency. She is expected to launch a splinter party in the next few days. It is not yet certain if Khupe’s party will join with Mugabe’s New Patriotic Front.

A trust for the late Ndabaningi Sithole is seeking a court order declaring the acquisition of the politician’s Chulu Farm illegal, null and void.

This is after it filed a High Court application demanding compensation for the nationalist’s farm, which was compulsorily acquired by government in 1993.

The application comes at a time President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised his government would compensate former white commercial farmers who lost their land during the country’s bloody land reform programme that took place in the early 2000s.

In the application, yet to be finalised by the High Court, but filed at least two years ago, the Freedom Farm Trust cited Lands minister, (now headed by Perrance Shiri), Local Government minister, (now under July Moyo’s purview), the Harare City Council and the master of the High Court as respondents.

According to court papers, the Trust was formed to hold property including land, houses, investment and all intellectual properties owned by the late Sithole.

“During his lifetime, the late reverend Ndabaningi Sithole owned Subdivision ‘C’ of Subdivision ‘A’ of the farm ‘The Rest’ also known as Chulu Farm in the outskirts of Harare.

“Sometime in 1993, the government of Zimbabwe sought to compulsorily acquire Chulu Farm on the basis that the late . . . Sithole had resettled landless Zimbabwean thereon.

“The compulsory acquisition was done for purposes of donating the land to the ministry of Local Government Rural and Urban Development. This ministry would give the land to the third defendant (Local Government minister),” the court heard.

Following the acquisition of the land, the government issued a notice in October 1993, for people to evacuate Chulu Farm. Since the eviction of the people, the land has been lying idle, the court heard.

“Despite the purported compulsory acquisition of the Chulu Farm by the first and second defendant (Lands and Local Government minister) no compensation was paid to the late reverend Ndabaningi Sithole. A compulsory acquisition of land without payment of compensation is illegal, null and void and is tantamount to theft and robbery.

“The value of compensation for both land and improvements on the land is $140 000 000. Because the late reverend … Sithole was a black indigenous Zimbabwean he is entitled to full compensation for both the land and improvements in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” the court heard.
The Trust is now seeking an order for the acquisition of the farm to be declared illegal, null and void and be declared property of the estate late Sithole.

In its response to the summons, however, the Lands ministry has said the acquisition of the farm was lawful and remains valid.

“Plaintiff’s compensation figure of $140 million is not supported by any quantified assessment.
“It is a thump suck figure which cannot be accepted by defendant or the court. Second defendant’s valuers will provide a properly assessed compensation figure.

“It is not true that the farm is lying idle. Plaintiff would have saved itself costs by engaging first and second defendants for a settlement first before approaching the courts,” the court was told.
The matter is still to be determined by the High Court. Daily News

By Lionel Saungweme | In a major political setback for embattled Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Vice President, Thokozani Khupe, the MDC-T Matabeleland North Provincial Administration Committee (PAC) has been dissolved. Thirteen District committees, which make up the Matabeleland North Provincial Executive and Committee met, at Cross Dete near Hwange, yesterday and dissolved PAC. The move by the districts renders Khupe weak in a province she boasted as her own.

Article 6.9.1.9 of the MDC-T Constitution states that “there shall be a Provincial Administrative Committee of the Province which shall be Chaired by the Chairperson of the Province and whose other members shall be;
(a) The Deputy Chairperson
(b) The Provincial Secretary and Deputy Secretary
(c) The Provincial Treasurer
(d) The Organising Secretary and Deputy Organising Secretary
(e) The Secretary for Information and Publicity
(f) The Secretary for Elections
(g) Chairperson and Secretary of the Provincial Assembly of Women
(h) The Chairperson and Secretary of the Assembly of Youth.”

The same article further states that “the Provincial Administrative Committee shall be responsible for the day to administration of the Province and shall report to the Provincial Executive and shall have no right to make any policy or executive decision.”

The PAC is therefore a strategic committee, which before its dissolution was comprised mostly by members who are loyal to Khupe. Known hardcore Khupe loyalists such as Hon Lwazi Sibanda and Betty Thwala were among the affected.

“MDC-T is now being labelled a violent party. Our PAC members are always involved in the violent skirmishes in Bulawayo,” said Matabeleland North Provincial Secretary, Mxolisi Ndlovu.

“Our members in this province have been implicated several times in violent disturbances. They destabilise Bulawayo Province for the benefit of Khupe. That behaviour, which tarnishes the image of the party must come to an end,” said Ndlovu.

Intra party clashes broke out in Bulawayo between supporters of Hon Chamisa and Khupe on 4 March 2018. Twelve party members, including the MDC-T Bulawayo Provincial Chairman, Gift Banda, were arrested and charged with public violence in a case that has come to be known as the MDC-T Dozen. The public including Western diplomats have condemned the violence, which has prompted the Bulawayo MDC-T Provincial Executive and Committee to issue an apology to party supporters.

“In addition, if you examine the members comprising the thirteen districts, you will realise that about 98% of the members are Ndebele. So Khupe cannot now raise her tribal arguments because her puppets have been booted out by real Ndebele people,” said Ndlovu.

Relationships have soured since the death of MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai on Valentine’s Day. Khupe has been given acres of space by the state media to attack MDC-T Acting President Nelson Chamisa. In one interview with The Herald Khupe stated “Tsvangirai dies and you go on with a meeting to appoint yourself as leader. How shameful!”

With the breakdown in relationship, Khupe has been holding meetings in Matabeleland North province. She has been rallying women in what is suspected to be either a bhora musango (electoral sabotage) or preps for the formation of a new political party.

The dissolution of PAC should therefore come across as Khupe’s waterloo as her foot soldiers have effectively been stripped of authority. The ramifications are that Khupe can no longer legitimately reach out to MDC-T structures in the province without breaching protocol.

At a rally held in Nkayi on Friday 9 March 2018, Khupe hinted that she will not allow the PAC to be dissolved. However, yesterday’s meeting by the 13 districts out rightly defied her.
“We have come to this situation because people tell lies about VP Khupe. They are saying bad things about her to tarnish her politically. She is a good person,” said Hon Lwazi Sibanda.

Computers donated by deposed Robert Mugabe to promote E-learning are still lying idle at various schools because the institutions do not have electricity, Information Communication Technology minister Supa Mandiwanzira has revealed.

Mandiwanzira, who graced most of the occasions when Mugabe donated the gadgetry, revealed this in the National Assembly last week after he was asked by MDC’s Magwegwe legislator, Anele Ndebele, what government was doing to assist schools which received those machines, but do not have computer teachers.

In his response the ICT minister admitted that many computers that were donated by Mugabe were lying idle.

“The former president donated several computers to schools that exist in very poor communities.  I could cite Nhlambabaloyi as an example.

“(Due to) lack of teachers, those computers were never used and now a good number of them are obsolete so to speak. Could there be a plan in place to replace these computers and assist the affected communities?”

“The former president donated computers that became obsolete before they were actually used, it is true that in a number of circumstances, the schools lacked the initiative themselves either to buy a small generator so that they could use these computers or put up solar infrastructure so that they could power the computers,” he acknowledged.

“They (schools) buy buses and the parents contribute to buy these buses.  We believe that if they prioritise also putting up power in order to power these computers so that kids can learn computers on a daily basis that would actually be very helpful.”

Norton Independent MP Temba Mliswa weighed in arguing that the Energy ministry and Mandiwanzira’s must work together to ensure the computers are put to use.

“I think what is important about these programmes is also what the Ministry is doing in terms of also working with the Energy ministry in terms of power.

“We do not want to have a repeat of the former President who gave computers to schools that did not have electricity.  If you look at Norton for example, there is Chitenderano,” he said.

“It is important that they actually work together to try and complement each other because it does not make sense for them putting this yet there is no power.

“ It is a right minister for people to have electricity, so it is not the schools that must find money to put electricity.  It is like water, it is a right that they have it.” Daily News

FORMER Cabinet ministers Sydney Sekeramayi and Saviour Kasukuwere have been accused of neglecting their farm workers and underpaying them.

Kasukuwere and Sekeramayi lost their jobs in November last year after the military pushed former president Robert Mugabe out of power.

Farm workers, who are being represented by the Progressive Agriculture and Allied Industries Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PAAWUZ), are accusing Kasukuwere (known as Tyson in some circles) of underpaying them.

Sekeramayi, on the other hand, is accused of failing to pay workers’ benefits running into thousands of dollars.

According to a letter of notification to attend a hearing to be conducted by the agriculture industry’s national employment council (NEC), Sekeramayi is expected to respond to the allegations raised by his 27 workers on March 20.

“You are notified that the matter/appeal concerning alleged non-payment of wages, accommodation, fue

l, light allowances and terminal benefits in respect of which a notice of appeal/reference was made on the 03/02/18 and to which you are a party to,” read the notice. Sekeramayi and the workers were expected to appear before an arbitrator, Edmond July Kupara.

A letter seen by The Standard addressed to Kasukuwere’s wife by the employment council dated March 9, alleged underpayment of wages and improper grading at Corncorpia farm.
She was given seven days to respond and another seven days to settle the matter.

In an interview yesterday, PAAWUZ secretary-general Raymond Sixpence said they would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that workers are not exploited.

“The workers should be educated about their rights and the unions must also be visible on the ground teaching the workers about their rights,” he said.

“The NEC must operate openly and the ministry of labour must fast-track the handling of all labour cases.

“The Labour Act must be amended and Statutory Instrument 116 for the agriculture sector must be amended so that it suits the needs of workers. Workers’ grievances must be solved timeously.” Standard

Former President Mugabe’s current political disciples Dr Joice Mujuru and Retired Brigadier-General Ambrose Mutinhiri are likely to go to bed if the latter accepts the invitation to join the People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) largely seen as a ploy to divide the Mashonaland vote and deny ruling Zanu-PF an absolute majority in this year’s elections.

The two are believed to be under the political tutelage of President Mugabe who is slowly coming out in the open as a bitter enemy of the new political dispensation led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The PRC leader and presidential candidate Dr Mujuru recently welcomed the National Patriotic Front (NPF) man to the political arena saying doors were open for his party to join the coalition, confirming that Zanu-PF was a political giant that needed combined efforts to fight.

Dr Mujuru said this in an interview after addressing a Midlands North Provincial meeting in Kwekwe on Tuesday where she admitted Zanu-PF was a tough challenge which needed a stronger opposition. Rtd Brig-Gen Mutinhiri was appointed leader of the NPF after resigning from the revolutionary party citing irregularities in the way the new Government took over power from Cde Mugabe.

“We welcome him to the political fray and wish him the best. But as PRC, we are not saying he should join us, neither are we saying he should not. Our train is in motion and anyone who is willing should jump onto the train before it leaves,” she said.

The former Vice-President said the coalition was formed with a sole mandate of removing Zanu-PF from power hence it would not be prudent to close doors on other parties. PRC is however, made up of obscure four political parties namely ZUNDE, DARE, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and National People’s Party (NPP).

She said it was always going to be tough to win seats in the Midlands since it is the home ground of President Mnangagwa.

“We have failed to handle the province and as a result we have divided the province into two to allow the party to reach out to the people at grassroots.

We all know that Ngwena (as President Mnangagwa is known in political circles) hails from here and regards this as a no-go area but I challenge you to work hard,” she said.

PRC secretary-general Mr Gorden Moyo labelled MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa as a political juvenile who was riding on the youths’ back to achieve personal political gains.

He went on to call for a free and fair election that is not marred by incidents of violence. – state media

A fresh attempt to smear the country’s diamond sector has emerged with the culprits bent on scuppering partnership manoeuvres between Zimbabwe and Botswana where the later will offer expert support in sorting and valuating local gems.

An unspecified intelligence report and mysterious sources last week alleged that the country could still be losing millions of dollars through diamond revenue leakages.

The report also painted a bad picture of the agreement signed between Botswana and Zimbabwe, suggesting that the state owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) could have been short changed.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail yesterday, ZCDC chief executive Dr Morris Mpofu said the report was misleading.

“In order to tap into Botswana’s experience in diamond mining, in 2017 the Government of Zimbabwe engaged the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security in Botswana to facilitate engagements between its State entity Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) and other Botswana State entities such as Minerals Development Corporation of Botswana (MDCB), Diamond Trading Company (DTC) and the Botswana Diamond Hub,” he said.

“ZCDC also toured DTC, which is the largest rough diamond processing center in the world, where cleaning, sorting and valuation of the entire Debswana production is done.

“DTCB has state of the art technology in security, cleaning, sorting and valuation of rough diamonds and also handles the international sales function for diamonds from Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.

“In 2017, ZCDC conducted a corporate diagnosis which identified bottlenecks in downstream processes such as cleaning, sorting, valuation and sales framework of rough diamonds. As a result, significant value was lost in downstream processes due to inefficiencies and rectifiable challenges.

“The bottlenecks in downstream processes led to poor branding of Marange diamonds, consequently resulting in underpricing.

“In March 2017, ZCDC took a deliberate strategy to exit the market and suspend all diamond sales until all the major diamond value management bottlenecks were addressed through the realignment and reorientation of downstream processes to match international standards and best practices.” Dr Mpofu said contrary to the suggestion that Zimbabwe would ship its diamonds to Botswana for cutting and polishing, ZCDC has plans to set up its own cutting and polishing centre for the beneficiation of the precious stones locally.

ZCDC has budgeted $5 million for the construction of its own Sorthouse infrastructure and to equip it with state of the art technology and systems as observed at DTC in Gaborone.

“In order to ensure growth of downstream industries across, ZCDC is spearheading the establishment of a Gemology Centre in Mutare whose planning is at an advanced stage.

Since the ZCDC assumed control of Marange diamonds, following the jettisoning of companies that mined in the area, the state entity has brought in sanity and some of its achievements to date include doubling of diamond output to 1, 6 million carats in 2017, while production is expected to further grow to 3 million carats 2018. Sunday Mail

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is living true to his pledge of free, fair and credible polling with his administration today opening unrestricted access for the first international election observer team.

A Sadc mission arrives today for a week-long pre-election assessment, and will meet officials from Government, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, political parties and civil society.
The visit, which is in line with the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Conduct of Democratic Elections, will appriise the regional body of Zimbabwe’s plan for a credible poll. Elections for the President, parliamentarians and councillors are due between July 21 and August 21, 2018.

The Sunday Mail understands that the arrival of the Sadc delegation is a precursor to other teams from the African Union and European Union, which are expected in Zimbabwe soon on similar missions.

President Mnangagwa’s administration is on an aggressive re-engagement drive with the international community and has pledged to invite international election observers, marking the end of the isolationist policies of the previous regime.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador Joey Bimha said last week that, “Both Sadc and the AU are coming for the pre-election assessment process.

“It was decided that observing elections now entails long term observation and not just the polling process. The intention is that long-term observation guarantees stability and creates room for more thorough observation.
“Observation is now being done at three stages. The first one entails observing the pre-election period, the second stage is the campaigns and the polling, before a final team is sent to assess stability and acceptability after results have been announced.

“The Sadc Electoral Advisory Council is instrumental in this regards and will send a team. We will be having the Sadc team for the pre-election stage between March 11 and 17; they will be here to assess if the environment is conducive for holding a credible, free and fair election.
“While here, they will have discussions with Government, the ruling party, opposition parties, civic society and the elections management body so as to ascertain what the situation is like before the elections are held.

“For the AU team, we do not have a date as yet but they will be here in the coming weeks. I’m not sure about the dates for the EU team, but off hand I think they will be around the same time we will be hosting the AU delegation.”

According to the Sadc Principles, a “Goodwill Mission” should be dispatched for pre-election assessment, with the mandate to – among other things – evalate possible conflict and offer advice.
Sadc member states are required to invite a regional observer mission to observe their elections based on the provisions of the Sadc Treaty, the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation and the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Conduct of Democratic Elections.

The Sadc Executive Secretary will, in consultation with the country holding elections, constitute and send an assessment missions in the period prior to elections.

The guidelines read in part: “In order to ensure the effective application of the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the SEAC shall undertake Goodwill Missions in line with Article 9.2 of the SEAC Structures, Rules and Procedures.”

The mission is expected to: “Reflect on possible conflict situations in respective countries on matters pertaining to electoral processes and render advise to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Polices, Defence and Security Co-operation on the development of mediation strategies, before, during and after elections;
“Based on the findings of the Goodwill Mission, report to the MCO on whether the political environment is conducive to the holding of free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful elections in conformity with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections;
“Encourage the specific SADC Member State holding elections to adhere to international best practices in all elections;

“Advise the specific Member State holding elections on strategies for enhancing and consolidating the capacity of the elections management body (EMB);
“Encourage the specific Member State holding elections to uphold and respect the independence and autonomy of the (EMB);

“Encourage the revision and improvement of electoral laws, codes of conduct and regulations in line with the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.”
The AU, on its part, dispatches a pre-election observer mission upon receiving an invitation from the nation planning polls.

The mission will determine, among other things, the existence of a “level playing field”.
“In advance of the election date, the Head of the AU Election Mission should advise the AU Commission whether the necessary conditions and environment for a free and fair election as agreed in the AU principles governing democratic elections, have been satisfied,” read part of the AU guidelines on elections.

“Whatever the advice received by the Commission should be confirmed in a public statement by the Chairperson of the Commission.

“The assessment team will establish whether or not conditions for organising credible, legitimate, free and fair elections in accordance with the Durban Declaration are in place in the country.”

More than 5,3 million Zimbabweans have registered to vote under a biometric voter registration programme.

Government is also amending the Electoral Act to include provisions giving a cut-off date for candidates to withdraw their candidature after being duly nominated.

Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Mr Andrew Makoni said pre-election monitoring teams were crucial as issues that result in a contested election result usually arose before actual voting.

He said: “If observers arrive on the eve of an election they are likely to miss out on things they ought to have looked at like whether there was an enabling environment before the elections were held. There is need to assess the environment at least four or so months before the elections.” Sunday Mail

Former President Mr Robert Mugabe for years received his salary in cash, and has demanded that the same arrangement apply to his pension lump sum of nearly half a million dollars and monthly pension payments of over $13 000, The Sunday Mail can reveal.

Documents in our possession show Mr Mugabe wants his pension lump sum of $467 200 and monthly pension of $13 333 in cash.
The documents show Mr Mugabe had been getting monthly cash payments of $20 000 while still Head of State and Government, even as ordinary Zimbabweans queued for days on end to access amounts as low as $20 from banks.

Though it could not be ascertained by the time of writing if the payments were done in foreign currency or bond notes, The Sunday Mail established that former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe is also getting a monthly payment of $2 170 from the State.

On March 1, 2018, the Chair of the Public Service Commission, Mr Mariyawanda Nzuwah wrote to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya asking monetary authorities to avail the cash for Mr Mugabe.

The letter was copied to Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, Secretary for Finance and Economic Development Mr Willard Manungo and the Secretary for the PSC, Mrs Pretty Sunguro.

Mr Nzuwah said Mr Mugabe was entitled to a pension in terms of the Presidential Pension and Retirement Benefits Act (Chapter 2:05).

“Section 2 of the principal Act as amended states that the former President of Zimbabwe is entitled to a pension that is equal to salary and allowances payable to the serving President of Zimbabwe.
“Section 10 of the principal Act as amended states that the former President of Zimbabwe can commute a portion of his pension not exceeding one-third of a pension payable to him.

“The former President opted to commute one-third of his pension and he is therefore entitled to monthly pension of $13 333 and lump sum pension amounting to $467 200.

“The former President was being paid his salary in cash and he has requested that the same arrangement be maintained.

“We are kindly requesting you to avail cash amounting to $467 200 and monthly cash amounts of $13 333 for us to pay the former President of Zimbabwe his pension benefits,” wrote Mr Nzuwah.
Since he resigned in November 2017, Mr Mugabe has received $80 000 in pension, while Mrs Mugabe has received $8 680.

The payments to Mr Mugabe were made on January 5, 2018 ($40 000), January 29, 2018 ($20 000) and February 28, 2018.

The two payments on January 5 were because Mr Mugabe had not received his pension for November and December 2017 due to administrative issues hence the double instalment to offset arrears.

He got a third instalment at the end of January as his pension for that month, with the fourth also coming as scheduled in February.
Mrs Mugabe received instalments of $2 170 in November and December 2017, and January and February 2018.
Our source at the Public Service Commission said the Mugabes “should be pleased that their pensions are coming on time and in cash when under his (Mr Mugabe’s) administration civil servants and pensioners were never sure of when they would be paid”.

The source also said they found the arrangement “quite uncomfortable” seeing as Mr Mugabe had “preached plastic and electronic money use by day while leaning on bureacrats to give him cash at night”.

Official comment could not be obtained from the PSC and the Office of the President and Cabinet. However, when asked by a senior official in the President’s Office if it was normal practice to pay Heads of State and Government in cash, more so in a country facing liquidity challenges, The Sunday Mail was told that President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mr Mugabe, had been left bemused by the arrangement.

“I can tell you for a fact, because I was there, that a lady (name withheld) from CBZ Bank came with a sack of cash to President Mnangagwa’s Office when his first pay day arrived. The President asked her what the money was for, and she pulled out a form and said it was his salary and he must sign for it.

“The President said it was highly irregular and irresponsible, and the lady indicated that cash salary payments were standard for the old man (Mr Mugabe) and she assumed that was how things were done for the highest office in the land.

“His Excellency gave her his bank account number and told her to do a transfer as is done for everyone else, and told her that if he needed cash he would queue for it like everyone else because the cash shortages affected all Zimbabweans and he would demand no such preferential and irregular treatment.” State Media

KAt least $39 million has been availed by Government as severance packages for civil servants as the State moves to trim its workforce and reduce staff costs. About $12 million will go towards retiring employees aged 65 and above.
A total $17 million will pay about 3 188 youth officers dismissed last year while $8,7 million is set to be availed to civil servants retired for not possessing requisite qualifications. Government is in the process of implementing measures to reduce its wage bill which will also entail downsizing diplomatic missions in other countries.

At least $120 million is estimated to be going towards Government salaries each month.
The Sunday Mail understands that Government has offered voluntary retirement packages for its employees in various departments.

Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning Mr Willard Manungo said Government ministries have been notified of the staff rationalisation measures.

“To operationalise the above measures, Treasury has already issued an administrative circular which provides guidelines to accounting officers and heads of institutional commissions,” he said.
“With regards to the wage bill reduction measures, Treasury has since advised the Civil Service Commission to proceed to implement specific expenditure management measures with regards to the adoption of lean administrative structures, introduction of a voluntary retirement scheme and maintaining the freeze on filling non-critical posts.

“In particular, Treasury recently availed US$39 157 000 to fund the retirement of Government officials.

“His Excellency, the President, approved the downsizing of our diplomatic missions, taking into account our current economic environment and affordability principles.

“Pursuant to the above commitments, an Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development and Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has since been constituted with the remit of proposing specific measures and attendant financial savings for the consideration and approval of Cabinet.
“The committee also comprises senior officials from various Government Ministries and agencies such as the Office of the President and Cabinet, Foreign Affairs, Civil Service Commission and Treasury.”

In his 2018 Budget Statement, Finance and Economic Planning Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa indicated that Government was going to introduce stern measures to reduce the wage bill.

According to a 2015 Civil Service Audit, Government had 188 070 employees, excluding uniformed forces and personnel under the Health Services Board. Sunday MailThank state Media

Today is day 10 of the Zimbabwe doctors strike.#ZimDoctorsStrike@advocatemahere @AJEnglish @ANN7tv @antonioguterres @harumutasa @BBCAfrica @cnnbrk @SABCNewsOnline @eNCA @RFI_English @France24_en @BWGovernment @BrezhMalaba @nqabamatshazi @loughtydube1 @ZimMediaReview pic.twitter.com/kLiZ1LFpu2

— Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (@MatHumanRights) March 10, 2018

Zanu PF National Political Commissar Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje says aspiring party candidates who want to be members of parliament will be required to travel as a team during campaigning, emphasizing that hate speech will not be tolerated.

He said this as he addressed the party’s provincial chairpersons who gathered in Masvingo for a meeting.
Zanu PF provincial chairpersons from across the country gathered in Masvingo for a commissariat workshop where the party’s National Political Commissar addressed them on issues which included guidelines for aspiring candidates during the primary elections.
Retired Lieutenant General Rugeje cautioned aspiring candidates to avoid using hate speech against their competitors saying they should instead focus on telling the electorate what they have to offer.
“All those who want to be MPs will be travelling in groups during campaigns. You give each other time to address the people. We don’t want hate speech, we advocate for unity and peace,” he said.
The National Political Commissar also told the chairpersons that the Zanu PF party manifesto has been completed with the Politburo giving its approval, adding that it will be distributed to the party members in the next few weeks.agencies

Ray Nkosi | MDC President Nelson Chamisa has put his weight behind the Ndebele king.

Speaking in Dete earlier today Chamisa told supporters that he supports the coronation of Bulelani Khumalo as the Ndebele king.

Chamisa Speaks after last week, July Moyo, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the current Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing blocked the coronation of Collins Khumalo which was slatted for Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Chamisa also criticised the dominance of Shona over other languages.

In a suspected case of witchcraft, an 85-year-old Tafara woman lost four toes within a short period after her three children and a cousin consulted Madzibaba Stephen Mugariri.

Gogo Susan Chipulu is at odds with her children over the mysterious losing of her toes accusing them of burying her alive.

Narrating her ordeal, Gogo Chipula said the mysterious loss of her toes started a day after she met Madzibaba Stephen wearing his white garment in her dreams.

“I am experiencing painful sleepless nights over these mysterious things on my leg and it is now affecting my hand as well,” said Gogo Chipula.

“My children took me to a prophet over misfortunes they were facing with their families and the prophet asked me why I took a dead baby’s bone.

“I did not agree with that since the bone I knew of was that of a dead animal not of human.

“I happen to have this bone of an animal after I consulted a Sangoma in my mother country Malawi and this was to protect me and my children and to have power over other people.

“Ndakakapihwa ndikanzi ndikakuye kuye ndotemerwa nyora mumviri wangu. Kanga kasiri kemwana mucheche asi kemhuka dzemusango.

“Madzibaba Stephen kept on saying it was a baby’s bone and we disagreed and after some weeks my children went behind my back and received prayers that are now affecting my body.

“Handisi kurara ndichirwadziwa, ndinodikitira ndichizunza gumbo rangu usiku hwose ndichiita sendinobaiwabaiwa netsono.

“This started after I dreamt Madzibaba Stephen and from that day my life is in danger that one of my sons is burying my toes.

“Arikundiviga ndirimupenyu. Vakandiendera kwaMadzibaba hwangu hupenyu woparara ivo vachirara hope dzakanaka vachifushira nyama yangu.

“I am cross about Madzibaba Stephen and my children over this suffering I am going through. I cannot walk and I feel betrayed by my children and I’m always crying when I see my neighbours going to church every Sunday leaving me struggling like this,” said Gogo Chipula.

George Chipula, 41, regrets consulting Madzibaba Stephen accusing him of not explaining better how the prayers he gave them were to affect their mother.

“To be honest with you Madzibaba Stephen is to blame because he didn’t tell us that our mother was the one causing us to experience bad omens,” said George.

“Had he explained clearly that the misfortunes were from our mother we would not receive his back to sender prayer. Zvaiwanikwa kuti mazera akare vaitsvaga zvinovadzivirira handingade kuti Amai vangu vatambure zvakadai.

“We are now failing to meet Madzibaba Stephen because all of us are facing financial problems so we cannot raise money to consult him anymore.

“Madzibaba Stephen’s contact number is ever busy and we are desperately in need of his help over this,” said George.

Contacted for comment, Madzibaba Stephen confirmed giving the family a back to sender prayer saying Gogo Chipula denied the truth and will not heal unless she confesses her sins.

“I remember conducting prayers to Chipula family and giving them back to sender prayers after Gogo Chipula denied truth about the bones she kept sometime back,” said Madzibaba Stephen.

“If she comes and confesses she will get well but as for the toes she has lost already she will not recover them because of delaying to return and confess what she denied.

“I am not a witch doctor but a servant of God with powers only. Ndinoita zvinanara zvinopfuura ipapo kurudziro yangu kuvanobata mishonga yakaipa ngavaregedze nekuti handirege kudzosera kwazvabva,” said Madzibaba Stephen.

Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu says government would bring more changes in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as it seeks to reform the force.

The police minister, who torched a storm after refusing to cooperate with a Parliamentary portfolio committee recently, told the Senate on Thursday to expect more changes in the ZRP.

“We are trying to re-sensitise them (police) and we will deploy them in different areas. We want to start from their leadership and try to re-assign them. We are doing that exercise up to the lower ranks. We want people to see different police officers and we are also asking from you (senators) to assist us in this exercise that we are doing,” he said.

Mpofu said it has become critical to move bodies around in the police force as some of the law enforcement agents had overstayed in their stations.

He said: “Some of them have stayed for long and have built relations with the chiefs and the community members and when we try to redeploy them, some of them will negotiate with you so that you can understand them because they now have homes or other things that they have acquired in those areas”.

Mpofu said the police were unprofessional and were harassing people.

He said police officers were no longer doing what they were trained to do.

“The police officers in the past days or months were showing a sign of not having much zeal in their work …,” he said.

“The work is still ongoing… However, for you to change someone’s mind, you have to train that person. Sometimes even if someone is trained, you need to re-sensitise that person because some of us tend to forget,” he said.

“I was talking to them last week; there are certain police officers who have stayed for a long period in one district. Sometimes when you befriend people for a long time, it becomes difficult to arrest them. We are trying to reshuffle them to change that mindset.”

He admitted, the reforms were no stroll in the park.

It is a very difficult operation that we are doing but what I know is, it is achievable,” said Mpofu.

“The president has emphasised on restructuring the police force. It is a huge task that we are doing. You will realise that you are no longer seeing them on the streets, especially on the roadblocks, which was one of the major activities that they seemed to enjoy doing.”

One of the major achievements of Operation Restore Legacy, which cost former president Robert Mugabe’s job has been the marked reduction in police roadblocks.

Despite a deafening public outcry for the ZRP to scale down its roadblock, the force could not back down, hindering the smooth flow of tourist traffic and spoiling the tourism experience.

The roadblocks only disappeared after the army stepped in mid November last year, to deal with “criminals” around Mugabe.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who swept to power on the back of the military intervention, has so far made a number of changes in the ZRP, with long-serving commissioner-general, Augustine Chihuri, being retired.

Chihuri, who received his military training at Mgagao in Tanzania and had been the longest-serving police chief after he assumed the helm of the force in 1993, had served the ZRP for 24 years.

He took over the reins as acting commissioner in 1991 replacing Henry Mukurazhizha.

Two years later he eventually became substantive police commissioner in 1993.

In 2008, he was appointed to commissioner-general when the post was created to replace that of commissioner.

Hard on the heels of Chihuri’s retirement, Mnangagwa followed that up with the retirement of 11 members of the police service namely commissioners Grace Nomsa Ndebele and Mekia Tanyanyiwa; senior assistant commissioners Godfrey Munyonga, Justice Chifunye Chengeta, Douglas Jabulani Nyakutsikwa, Robert Tendero Masukusa, Erasmus Makodza, Prudence Chakanyuka, Eve Mlilo, Grace Maenzanise and Munyori Taedzerwa.

And just recently, several senior officers in the Police Protection Unit who were providing security to Mugabe were redeployed.

And on February 12, Mnangagwa announced the appointed of Godwin Matanga substantive commissioner-general of the ZRP, effectively taking over from Chihuri who retired last December.

In a statement, the chairperson of the Public Service commission, Mariyawanda Nzuwah, said the appointment was in terms of section 22 (1) and 2 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment number 20 as read with section 340 (1).- Daily News

Patson Dzamara who is a brother to missing outspoken activist Itai, says the government must be release his brother even if he is dead, adding that they are capable of burying their own.

Dzamara (Itai) went missing on 9 March 2015 when he had gone to have a haircut and was never found up to now, making this month the 3rd year anniversary of the incident.

Addressing activists who had gathered to commemorate the life and courage of Itai at Africa Unity Square, Patson said he was convinced that his brother was kidnapped by military intelligence and they are demanding his release dead or alive.

“Our first condition to (Emmerson) Mnangagwa and (Constantino) Chiwenga is that release Itai Dzamara dead or alive. If you have killed him at least give us his body so that we can rebury it.

“We are capable of burying our own, we have a place in our rural home where we bury our dead, it’s not your duty to bury Dzamara,” he said.

Watch Pastor Mugadza praying; The time to cross to Canaan has come and we can not dot it with fake people #OpenParlyZW#BBID pic.twitter.com/3zFNnrocE9

— Open Parly ZW (@OpenParlyZw) March 9, 2018

Dzamara also took the opportunity to urge opposition parties in the country to use the Itai Dzamara case to de-campaign President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF in the impending general elections.

“I know that my brother (Itai Dzamara) was kidnapped by military intelligence, but today I give you permission to use this case in your campaign to denounce Mnangagwa.

“We are saying people should not vote for Mnangagwa until they release Dzamara or until there is closure in this case.

“We have written letters to Mnangagwa about this issue but he is ignoring us, he doesn’t want to engage the family, in fact, he is the one who should have engaged the family.

“This time around we are no backing down, we are taking war to them, you will see what we are going to do to them, if they want to kills us, they can kills, if they want to kidnap us they can, if they want to arrest us they can arrest us but we are taking our placards to him (Mnangagwa),” he said.

Itai Dzamara a former journalist with The Zimbabwe Independent rose to fame after delivering a letter to former President Robert Mugabe asking him to resign citing that he was no longer capable of discharging his duties due to age.

After the famous letter, Dzamara embarked on his Occupy Africa Unity Square demonstration almost on a daily basis which prompted the government to deploy heavily armed Police Support Unity and water cannons.

Various activists including students who gave solidarity messages said Dzamara should be the last person to disappear for demanding their rights and just-governance.

It, however, remains to be seen how the Mnangagwa establishment which has been describing itself as being open will react to the Dzamara demands.

The late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai would have turned 66 today. Tsvangirai succumbed to colon cancer while on treatment in South Africa, he was was buried in his rural home in Buhera.

Police in Bulawayo have refused to sanction a meeting organised by MDC-T deputy president, Thokozani Khupe, citing inadequate manpower.

Khupe was expected to hold a meeting today, with Bulawayo district structures at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre, but the police said they do not have enough manpower to provide security, as the event coincided with International Cricket Council World Cup qualifiers in the country’s second city.
Khupe’s personal assistant, Witness Dube confirmed the development, saying the meeting, which was supposed to be held today will have to be pushed to a later date.

“The police cited that the cricket match, taking place on the same day, and that would leave them with insufficient manpower to cover a political meeting on the same day,” he said.
“We agreed to have our meeting pushed forward because we are desperate for police security, given the appetite for violence by our colleagues.”

Last weekend, violence broke out between Khupe’s supporters and those backing MDC-T president, Nelson Chamisa after the former held a private meeting at the party’s provincial headquarters.
Chamisa’s backers allegedly stormed the meeting and clashes between the two camps left many injured and others hospitalised.

About 15 party members have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The Bulawayo violence followed similar incidents at the burial of party leader, Morgan Tsvangirai in Buhera last month, where Khupe was forced to seek refuge in a hut belonging to the former Premier’s neighbours, as she fled violence.

Dube said the police were afraid the meeting would turn violent and with their staff occupied by the ongoing cricket match, it would be impossible for them to have adequate manpower.
Bulawayo province has 12 districts, according to MDC-T structures and each district assembly has about 126 members, meaning more than 1 000 were expected at Khupe’s meeting.

Khupe and Chamisa have been squabbling over the leadership of the MDC-T.
Khupe claims she is the bona fide leader following Tsvangirai’s death, as she was elected at congress, while the party’s national council appointed Chamisa.

Tsvangirai’s deputy of 12 years risks being fired from the MDC-T after the party’s national council threw its weight behind Chamisa and gave her a seven-day ultimatum to embrace his leadership or face the axe, but she does not seem to be backing down.

Meanwhile, the MDC-T seems uncertain on what action to take against Khupe, following the expiry of a seven-day ultimatum.

Hawks aligned to Chamisa are calling for her suspension, pending expulsion, arguing that keeping Khupe would create confusion, while others prefer a settlement that will not leave the party in a weak position.
The party’s national council issued an ultimatum to Khupe, national chairman, Lovemore Moyo and organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe, who had been absenting themselves from party meetings over a litany of disgruntlements.

MDC-T presidential spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said the party leaders were looking into matter.

“Leadership is currently seized with that issue, but ordinarily the national council resolution, the constitutional processes must immediately kick upon the expiry of the seven-day moratorium if nothing happens,” he said.

“What I know for certain is that the presidency is seized with that issue and the presidency will be communicating to the world about the matter in due course.” The party’s deputy chairman, Morgen Komichi said the engagement process was still underway, although the party can still act against Khupe.

“The engagement process is going ahead. We have emissaries that are working very hard to find common ground and our greatest wish is that madam Khupe came and works with others as a family member so that we confront our opponent Zanu PF as a united family,” he said.

“We need to be hopeful and if it fails we will then stand guided by the resolution of the standing council.

“As individuals, we don’t have the mandate to change the resolution.” This came amid reports that the party has not yet served its spokesperson, Obert Gutu with a suspension letter.

Gutu said the correct procedure on suspending an official was not followed and he remained the bona fide spokesperson. Newsday

THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has denied raiding former President Robert Mugabe’s Blue Roof mansion on Wednesday, saying they did not send their men there.

ZNA spokesman, Colonel Overson Mugwisi denied reports that any of their soldiers had taken workers from Mugabe’s house for interrogation over the former President’s political dalliances.

“We have no men who did that,” he said. “It could have been other people, but it was not our men.” Mugwisi said the army had no reason to interrogate Mugabe’s workers.
South African media outlets late on Wednesday and Thursday morning reported that some of Mugabe’s workers had been taken in for questioning over Mugabe’s political activities, a story that was picked by NewsDay.

There was said to be panic in Zanu PF circles after Mugabe was pictured with former Cabinet minister, Ambrose Mutinhiri, who has since said he is leading National Patriotic Front, a party that has been linked to the former President. Newsday

Detectives in Mutare are investigating a suspected murder case in which two criminals, who stole a firearm from a soldier at a night club, went on a rampage and shoot a taxi driver in cold blood.

The suspects, who posed as genuine clients, hired the unsuspecting cab man but shot him in the head at point blank.

They then dumped his body in a maize field near the Forbes Border Post. One of the suspects has been arrested and appeared in court on murder charges.

Talent Michael Matambo (20), of House Number 3136 Chikanga, appeared before provincial magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe.

He was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court in Harare since he was facing a third schedule offence. He will be back in court on March 9 for routine remand.

The hunt is now on for Brain Chakandinakira who allegedly teamed up with Matambo to kill the taxi driver, Wellington Tatenda Musewe (26), of 4394 Hobouse 2, Mutare.

Circumstances are that on February 19 this year at around 7am, a resident who owns a small maize field at Maruni Farm near the Forbes Border Post went to fetch some water from a nearby stream.

He found the body of the taxi driver lying on the bank of the stream and quickly reported the matter to the police.

Detectives from the homicide department attended and made some crime scene investigations. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Some drag marks were seen from the road to where the body of the now deceased’s body was. A black jacket was recovered about 10 metres from where the body was.

As investigations widened, detectives gathered that Matambo, who had been arrested and convicted for unlawful entry and theft was found in possession of a blue Honda fit vehicle (AEB 5122) which was suspected to belong to the now deceased. The vehicle was being held at the police station.

A search was carried in the vehicle leading to the recovery of a 9mm spent cartridge. The front passenger seat was soaked with blood. Two days later Matambo was picked from Mutare Remand Prison for interview which established that on February 16 at around 1am the accused person connived and hatched a plan with the fugitive Chakandinakira to rob the now deceased of his motor vehicle.

The suspects were armed with a Makarov pistol serial number ZA 0475 which they had stolen from a soldier on February 7.

Chakandinakira waylaid at Railway Motor Services Mutare which is situated along Bridge Road while Matambo approached the taxi driver and asked to hire him to the Railway Motor Services Mutare.

The unsuspecting taxi driver agreed and charged the suspect $3 for the trip. Matambo got into the vehicle and occupied the back seat behind the driver’s seat and they drove to Railway Motor Services Mutare.

On arrival Matambo ordered the taxi driver to stop the vehicle intending to pick his property.

At that moment Chakandinakira came out of the darkness armed with a pistol and fired a shot through the left passenger window.

He struck the taxi driver on the head, who died on the spot. The suspects then drove to Maruni Farm and dumped the body.

On February 22, Matambo led detectives to the scene of crime where he made positive indications.

The body of the deceased was positively identified by his father Charles Tapiwa Musewe. Manica Post