By Talent Gondo | The MDC has dismissed the extra ordinary Congress being organised by its former Vice President, Thokozani Khupe as a non event which party supporters should shun since the organiser of the Congress remained expelled and powerless to call for it.

In a statement issued today, the party’s Acting National Spokesperson, Tabitha Khumalo said Khupe, Abednigo Bhebhe and Obert Gutu remained expelled from the party and if they still wished to be part of the MDC T family, they knew and were welcome to follow the proper channels within the party.

“Former Vice President Khupe, Bhebhe and Gutu remain expelled from the party and have neither the power nor the mandate to call for a purported extra-ordinary Congress under the name of the MDC-T,” said Khumalo.

“The facts are that Ms Khupe is just an individual; an expelled one for that matter with no power at all to call for any Congress or any meeting of the party.”

Khumalo said the party’s highest decision making body between congresses, the National Council, had already concluded the issues being raised by Khupe.

“She (Khupe) has the right to exhaust all available domestic and internal remedies as provided for in the party Constitution,” said Khumalo.

“The Constitution is very clear on how and who should call for an extra-ordinary Congress and former members that have been expelled have no such powers. Their cause has no support from any of the organs of the party, including any of the 12 provinces or of the 1 958 wards the party.”

Khumalo said Khupe’ s issues were now a “lost cause” since she had shunned the dialogue which the party president and it’s leadership sought before the party’s supreme decision making body reached consensus on how to handle her, Bhebhe and Gutu.

“The President, Nelson Chamisa extended the time frame given to the trio by the national council in order to give dialogue a chance but the former comrades remained obstinate,” said Khumalo, adding that stakeholders, including members of the public and the press are advised not to entertain the aforementioned as officials acting for or on behalf of the party.

“The party is pursuing all remedies and putting in place the necessary measures to stop the abuse of the party, its name and or property,” she said.

Khumalo emphasised the importance of remaining focused adding that since Zimbabwe was heading towards elections, it was “certainly not the right time for needless sideshows meant to distract the opposition from the key matters at hand”.

Seven people died on the spot while two others were seriously injured today at the 126 km peg along the Masvingo- Beitbridge highway when the vehicle they were traveling in was hit by the trailer of a bus headed in the opposite direction. More details to follow.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reported to have travelled to 13 countries over the past few weeks almost breaking the record of the most travelled President his former boss Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa currently in China with his wife and dozens of hangers on has attracted much criticism over the trips most Zimbabweans see no value addition to their daily lives.

The local Daily News reports that opinion was starkly divided yesterday over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s jet-setting, which has made him a visitor in his own country.

Mnangagwa has been aggressive in his external engagements, both regional and internationally.

While his publicists argue that the visits were meant to re-open doors for the country, shut during former president Robert Mugabe’s autocratic rule, his foreign trips have infuriated some who believe they are a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Piers Pigou, a senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, said Mnangagwa must balance domestic and intentional priorities.

He said while he needs to ensure he keeps key foreign relations in hand, he must avoid emulating Mugabe’s incessant travel.

Pigou said concerns centred on the associated costs of these trips, where a surplus of bureaucrats and hangers-on was in evidence.

“Whilst building legitimacy and support is a necessary focus, this will only be underwritten by domestic legitimacy and tangible actions or improvements in lives of ordinary Zimbabweans. The voters will determine whether he had delivered and in so doing struck the right balance,” Pigou told the Daily News.

Stephen Chan, a professor of world politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, said it was a fact of life that a president must travel.

“In the case of Mnangagwa, he has to address the concerns of the Sadc presidents that the elections will be clean, because that is the one huge test before the international community will confer legitimacy upon him,” he said.

As for China, he said, Mnangagwa needs to persuade Beijing to kick-start what he knows are existing standby funds that will help Zimbabwe.

“They want more action still on corruption. They are asking why they should throw good money after bad.

“And they feel they were treated very unkindly over mining rights,” he said, referring to Chinese-run Anjin Investments, which was ordered to halt work and leave the Marange diamond fields after investing millions.

“Who bites the hand of the one feeding you? In traditional Chinese manners, that was churlish behaviour. President Xi is a very hard man.

“So Mnangagwa has got to assure many countries he is more than just brave words. They have been wonderful words but, really, so far they have been mostly words and not enough deep action.”
Chan said if Mnangagwa was travelling with a huge entourage, this will send the wrong signal.

“He wants to travel lightly with a few core expert advisers. He does not want to turn up and have people think, ‘what a bloated entourage!’

“That impresses nobody these days. You are important if you and your people know what you are talking about in detail, in projections, and in terms of optional outcomes. Otherwise he will be sent away with the wrong sort of smiles,” Chan said.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition southern Africa coordinator Joey Mabenge said the challenge Zimbabwe was already facing with Mnangagwa was that he is falling in exactly the same trap Mugabe was in, “wasting national resources on globe-trotting and bringing very little if anything, back home.”

“ . . . ED needs to spend more time home in Zimbabwe dealing decisively with governance issues; electoral reforms, political reforms and economic reforms.

“There is overemphasis by ED on international re-engagement and ED is over-talking to the outside world and not to Zimbabweans who need him most, unfortunately.

“International re-engagement should be balanced with dealing with more pressing national questions whose solutions are resting with a genuine national dialogue and open national democratic processes,” he said.

Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme said the trips were not justified especially when the country is so broke and he wrested power on a promise of change from Mugabe’s wasteful ways.

“There is no political and economic sense in him travelling to countries where we have ambassadors. He should take cue from Magufuli,” he said referring to Tanzanian President John Magufuli, nicknamed “the Bulldozer”, who has introduced anti-corruption measures and tough economic reforms, including cuts to wasteful government spending, since taking office in November 2015.

Academic and fierce pro-Mnangagwa loyalist and newspaper columnist Reason Wafawarova said:

“The frequency of travel is concerning. The purpose is in two parts: Regional engagement and investment. Given the way he came to power, regional engagement is important. Investment is the only answer he can give for all questions on the economy.”

United Kingdom-based academic George Shire said “Mnangagwa’s strategy is paying off in that for the first time in 18 years, Zimbabwe is talked about positively on the international scene and that in itself is providing positive investor confidence in our country.”
“Perception matters a great deal in politics,” he said. Daily News

The replacement of errant leaders who violate the founding principles and constitution of the ruling party is not something new in Zanu PF as former president Robert Mugabe would want the world to believe, as he himself took over leadership from the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole whose actions were perceived to be against the anti-colonial revolution.

This was said by the Zanu PF Youth League Political Commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu while launching the #EDHasMyVote campaign in Mhondoro – Ngezi.
Tsenengamu said the people rejected Mr Mugabe on the same basis the Mgagao Declaration propelled the former president to the helm of Zanu PF in the late 1970s.

The firebrand ruling party youth leader went further to say the former first family had relegated Zimbabweans into second class citizens, adding that history shows that Mr Mugabe is not the founder of the revolutionary party as he joined it at some stage.

“Mugabe is the least person to complain over his removal. He did the same at Mgagao before he was confirmed by congress in 1977. The same process of confirmation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa took place after the resignation of Mugabe. We are not second class citizens, so if Mugabe fails to respect our new leaders, we will denounce and shame him,” said Tsenengamu.

During the launch of the #EDHasMyVote campaign, Zanu PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth League Chairperson, Vengi Musengi rallied his charges to refrain from violence, saying those caught on the wrong side of the law will face the music on their own.

“We are saying no to violence especially among youths. If you are given beer so as to engage in violence, know that you will not get that beer in court or jail,” he said.
Zimbabweans are expected to go for harmonised polls this July or August.- state media

Why l choose to stand with Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe

1. I choose to stand with Joana because she is a fellow young woman who is seeking public office.
2. I choose to stand with Joana because her aspirations are my aspirations as a gender and political activist.
3. I choose to stand with Joana Mamombe because her choice to seek representative mandate from the people of Harare West must and should not be muzzled.
4.l choose to stand with Joana Mamombe because this battle is not hers alone,all youthful candidates resonate with it.
5. I choose to stand with Joana because there should be no sacred cows in political spaces.
6.l choose to stand with Joana because everyone, youths included, should go through democratic processes in their quest for public office.
7.l choose to stand with Joana because l believe in her capacity.
8.l choose to stand with Joana because l am a firm believer in the youth and women quota.
9.l choose to stand with Joana because youths are leaders of today not tomorrow.
10.l choose to stand with Joana because capacity is not defined by age.
I am not apologetic about my choice because what affects Joana today affects every youth in this political terrain.
#teamJojo #youthquota #youngpeopleareleadersoftoday
#generationalconsensus #leavenoyouthbehind

By Isabel C Mwonzora
National Secretary for Constitutional and Parliamentary affairs Youth Assembly MDC-T

Inserted By Paul Nyathi

Statement From the Zimbabwe Communist Party

The Zimbabwe Communist Party joins with the family of Comrade Winnie Madikizela-Mandela,
the African National Congress and the entire South African people in mourning the passing and celebrating the life of one of the greatest struggle icons in the battle against apartheid.

This was a woman unafraid to speak her mind, a woman who could not bow down to the demands
of either racism or patriarchy.

We respectfully lower our Red Banner to her honoured memory.

Hamba Kahle Comrade Winnie, Famba Zvakanaka.

Comradely,

Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena
General Secretary
on behalf of the
National Steering Committee
and the entire membership of the
Zimbabwe Communist Party.

By A Correspondent| In what could turn out an all out full fledged legal war – former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been slapped with a lawsuit by miners she says are land invaders and thieves.

Last week Grace descended onto a mining plot area belonging to Mr Shepherd Nyazvigo.

Mr Nyazvigo tells ZimEye.com that he has rights to the property dating back to several years before Grace Mugabe’s so called “special grant” which was only in 2014.

He has also showed ZimEye his High Court order (reference HC293/18) which bars police and Mugabe’s Gushungo Holdings from interfering with his group’s mining activities.

Grace caused a stir when she was drowned in chanting songs at the plot in a scuffle that saw her begin to scream back saying, “come and beat me up you have been making noise on me come and beat me up,” as Nyazvigo tells ZimEye.

Soon after that Grace then rushed to the nearby police station where she made a police report alleging theft of property.

“I was surprised to find 400 men busy panning gold. I then asked them to stop their activities since I am the owner of the farm and I am the holder of a special grant,” said Grace.

She also said, “theft cases have occurred at the (her Children’s) home.”

Yesterday, Nyazvigo said he has since instructed his “lawyers to file for a lawsuit.” ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW….

He said, “she can’t claim that we are invaders, illegal occupants, when we were the first people to be allocated the property and she know this, but was abusing the political muscle that she had,” he said.

By Paul Nyathi

South Africa’s crack crime investigation department, the Hawks, has confirmed investigating prophet Shepherd Bushiri on allegations of money laundering.

Hawks spokesperson Hwangani Mulaudzi confirmed in South African weekend media that the crime fighting unit is investigating the wealthy prophet for illegally sending out of the country millions of Rands to his native home in Malawi.

According to the Hawks, Bushiri is reportedly sending out to Malawi at least R15 Million cash on a monthly basis to his business units in Malawi.

“The matter has been brought to us and its under investigations,” said Mulaudzi.

“It is not our policy to give details when we are still investigating a matter but we are indeed investigating Bushiri,” he said.

The crime fighting unit indicated that it got interested in investigating Bushiri after disgruntled members of the church provided them with information on him illegally exporting cash and cheating people of their money through fake miracles.

Bushiri is said to be sending out the money to his home country using his private jet and does not put the cash into the country’s banking system but invests it directly into his numerous business ventures.

The senior members of the church allegedly spilt the beans on Bushiri when he failed to pay them and other people after them giving fake confessions and testimonies of being healed and being helped by the prophet.

The Hawks claim that the members are normally paid amounts of up to R100 000 for giving testimonies of them being helped by the prophet’s prayers.

Bushiri who runs the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church is popular in Zimbabwe for giving Vice President Kembo Mohadi a prophesy that he was going to land the second highest office in the country.

In recent days several reports have been made of Bushiri running prearranged miracles and using technology to dupe people to believe that he is doing miracles from God.

By Paul Nyathi

The opposition MDC-T led by Nelson Chamisa is facing a stern democracy test as it begins a process to select candidates to contest the landmark election set for July or August this year.

The party’s national elections directorate met at the Morgan Tsvangirai House party headquarters in Harare on Tuesday to deliberate on the selection of party candidates in preparation for the elections amid reports of heavy infighting for the 114 parliamentary constituencies reserved for the party in the MDC Alliance coalition agreement.

Very reliable reports from within the party indicate that the party is preparing to impose some candidates in a bid to protect some highly ranked party officials from being contested in the internal party process of choosing the candidates.

The reports indicate that the party has made an unfavourable ruling that all the current sitting members of parliament will not be challenged so are members of the party Standing Committee who wish to stand as candidates for the party.

Party secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora is on record saying that the opposition party is trying by all means possible not to hold internal primary elections to choose candidates but would want to get aspiring candidates to get into a consensus on who will best represent the party before the divisive primary elections can be held.

Hundreds of party members have submitted their applications expressing their desire to represent the party in the forthcoming elections. Some have submitted applications challenging very senior party members who have been in parliament for sometime.

Tuesday’s meeting went through all the applications that have been submitted with the reports indicating that some aspiring candidates have been disqualified from contesting with no reasons provided yet on the disqualification.

The meeting was also meant to come up with the date for primary elections which the National Standing Committee agreed should be held before the 15th of April where a consensus can not be reached.

The MDC-T is part of the MDC Alliance, a coalition of seven opposition parties namely Transform Zimbabwe, MCD, ZimPF, PDP, Zanu Ngonga and MDC.

Some MDC-T members are reported to have deliberately submitted applications to contest in seats “reserved” for other coalition partners. The move has seen an outburst from the coalition partners.

Party sources who spoke to ZimEye.com indicated that the candidates selection process will likely see a number of disqualified aspiring members defecting to join the Thokozani Khuphe led faction which has indicated that it will contest against the MDC Alliance coalition candidates.

Yesterday’s meeting was meant to vet candidates and iron out issues that can potentially result in the anticipated rebellion from those who fail to make it to represent the party.

Meanwhile, indications from the Welshman Ncube led MDC the second biggest partner I the MDC Alliance coalition are that the party closed for applications last week.

The party has also set up a candidates vetting committee which will look into the CVs submitted for its thirty two seats in the Alliance agreement.

Sources in the party indicated that the party is also working on avoiding holding primary elections and will allow the committee to select the candidates for the party.

“Ours is not going to be a difficult process as the selection committee will come up with the names of possible candidates and submit these to the constituencies for adoption,” said the source.

“Primary elections will only be held where more than one credible candidates are selected by the committee and the candidates will have failed to agree on who between them should contest the seat,” added the source.

The sources who would not be mentioned said that the party will not consider applications from aspiring candidates who at one stage defected from the party and have returned to the party in the wake of the MDC Alliance agreements.

“One of the key qualifications that the selection committee will consider is loyalty to the party and that will automatically disqualify members who at one stage left the party and want to return to take seats provided by the Alliance,” said the highly placed source.

By Talent Gondo | President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that the Chinese government has faith in the new administration’s vision and economic agenda.

Zimbabwe’ s current President, who is on his first ever State visit to China ever since assuming power following the November 24 2018 military intervention which deposed former President Robert Mugabe, said his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping had pledged commitment to working with Zimbabwe towards creating a new, better and prosperous nation.

“I was delighted to hear President Xi talk of his faith in our vision and economic agenda,” said President Mnangagwa on his facebook page.

“He expressed his commitment to working with our government as we build a new, stronger Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa revealed that during his meeting with President Xi, the two leaders discussed fostering and developing the historic ties between China and Zimbabwe.

“Our discussion centred on developing the existing historical ties of our two great nations for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.

President Mnangagwa hailed the Zimbabwe China Business Forum adding that such gatherings attended by hundreds of business people from both China and Zimbabwe provided opportunities for industrial and economic growth and employment creation.

“At the Zimbabwe-China business forum, I enjoined hundreds of businessmen and women from both countries to harness the tremendous potential of our great nation towards greater economic growth for all Zimbabweans,” he said.

“Forums such as these help us to bring in the investment we require to create more jobs and develop our new Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa is on a five days State visit to China, his first outside of Africa since assuming power on November 24 2017.

By Paul Nyathi

“All is set for this weekend’s MDC Alliance coalition rally set for Bulawayo’s White City Stadium,” Professor Welshman Ncube the MDC Alliance coalition spokesperson has declared.

In a statement provided to ZimEye.com on Tuesday, Ncube said that the residents of the city are eager to meet with the Alliance leaders and hear Chamisa speak.

Ncube’s statement on the rally preparations is as below:

“Preparations for the Bulawayo MDC Alliance Star rally are at an advanced stage with all Alliance partners busy mobilising masses to attend.

As MDC Alliance, we are encouraged by the overwhelming eagerness and support shown by Bulawayo residents to attend the rally at White City Stadium this weekend. The rally will kick off from 9 AM to 4 PM.

We encourage the people of Bulawayo to come out in their numbers to hear first -hand our presidential candidate Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the other principals deliver a message of hope for the country.

We shall be seeking the support of the people of this great city in achieving our goal of ousting the incompetent Zanu PF government and replacing it with the capable and youthful leadership of Nelson Chamisa in the upcoming election.

This will also be an opportunity for Bulawayo residents and surrounding areas to interact and engage with the MDC Alliance leadership through the various activities lined up in the city on the 7th of April.

Advocate Chamisa and all the other Alliance principals are coming together to pledge that time is up for Zanu PF.

We are focused and committed to ushering a new Zimbabwe that avails equal opportunities to all citizens and more importantly to restore the country’s rightful image among other nations.

We shall continue as an Alliance to comb every corner of this country to wash away all remnants of Zanu PF oppression from the minds of long suffering Zimbabweans.
We are stronger together.

Professor Welshman Ncube
MDC Alliance Spokesperson

Terrence Mawawa

A social media analyst and Zanu PF Youth League member, Brian Mudumi, has sensationally claimed President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sealed mega deals set to turnaround the country’ s comatose economy.

Mudumi, who accompanied Mnangagwa to China postulated that Zimbabweans would soon witness a massive economic transformation.

“On the sidelines of the Zimbabwe China- Business
Forum, we met Mr Zhang the Executive Chairman of
Beijing International Exchange Association and we
discussed possible avenues of cooperation with our country’ s
Tourism Sector and exchange
programs with the Zimbabwe- China Youth Forum,” said Mudumi.

“We tasked Legal teams
from both sides to discuss and prepare a MOU to be
signed by the end of the day(today).

We have great hope that
these synergies will go a long way in empowering
the general citizens and our population.

We agreed to
strengthen deeper understanding and cooperation
through cultural and intellectual exchanges,” added Mudumi.

By Talent Gondo | MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa has requested for a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move aimed at promoting constructive dialogue towards national building.

The youthful leader revealed that he had written to Mnangagwa and was waiting for feedback on his request whose aim was to define and frame the parameters and contours of the country’s political discourse.

“In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue, I have written to President Mnangagwa requesting for a meeting with him.

“I have written to him (Mnangagwa) with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics,” said Chamisa in a statement issued today.

He said because opposition political parties were not a threat to the nation, it was important for them to express their diverse views and contribute towards building a better nation.

“It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe,” said Chamisa.

He revealed that he was yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates of the meeting.

Below is the full Easter statement issued by Chamisa.

Citizens, revolutionary and convivial greetings to you all.

We are just coming from the Easter holidays and I am deeply pained by some of my colleagues in the political industry who continue to belittle God and the role of the Church in our communities.

They have turned the church into platforms for rallies, in the process bastardizing the sanctity of the church. This past Easter alone, we saw hordes of politicians pontificating at church gatherings in the process desecrating the true meaning of Easter and the Church.

1. Celebrating the resurrection power of the Cross

The new Zimbabwe that I envision will be characterized by a true and honest separation between the State and the church.

I am a firm believer in the autonomy and independence of the church which must as an institution continue to be the custodian of a country’s values and the true moral compass of a nation.

The church must be a place of unity and peace. We have of late seen the church being reduced to a platform of hate and divisive language. The State or any political party for that matter must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church. Church capture must be vehemently resisted.

2. All roads lead to Bulawayo

On Saturday, the MDC and its Alliance partners move to Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city which features prominently in our vision as the hub and industrial capital of the new Zimbabwe.

In the Easter spirit of the power of resurrection, we are committed to resuscitate Bulawayo as the country’s industrial hub.

The city of Kings and Queens has for long been abandoned, neglected and forgotten—thanks to the legendary ineptitude of the party now occupying the seat of government.

2.1 Devolution is our revolution— To devolve is to involve

In the spirit of devolution encapsulated in our Constitution, we will devolve power to all regions and communities so that local people are empowered to make decisions and to control and benefit from the resources around them.

Devolution is the true involvement of a people in the management of their own affairs and in the new Zimbabwe; we do not wish to continue this Hararenization of key national essential activities and services.
Indeed, to devolve is to involve and in the new Zimbabwe, devolution will be a reality so that all local communities are part of the national governance system.

For me, Bulawayo is special. Bulawayo reclaim its status as the industrial capital of the country and as the centre of innovation.

Zimbabweans need and deserve development. As a country, we need the strands of development to be felt in all corners of the country so that everyone feels they belong. As things stand, a lot of our communities justifiably feel left out of the government matrix of development.

We have to resolve that as a matter of urgency.
To the people of Bulawayo, come let us reason together at the White City Stadium on Saturday.

3. Redefining National Politics

3.1 My meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa

In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue in the quest to find solutions to national challenges, I have written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa requesting a meeting with him.

I have written to him with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics.

It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe.

I am yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates that we will meet.

The MDC is a partner in national development and not a threat. Being on opposing political sides is not enemity but just an expression of the reality of diverse views. After all, it is diversity that makes a nation because diversity strengthens and does not weaken.

In that context, national holidays and national events should be inclusive and not be dominated by a single political party.

Programmes must involve all the stakeholders including the official opposition.
In that regard, I will be initiating a courtesy call by the official opposition on government.

3.2 The national Independence in context

On the 18th of April, the country will be celebrating the country’s independence.

This is the time to pay veneration to our hard-won independence and how the patriotic sons and daughters of this land fought a tenacious liberation struggle to rid the country of racism and colonial rule.

This is the time to seriously reflect on whether as a country we should have a national dress as this would be the fitting occasion to adorn an agreed national dress.

In the new Zimbabwe, the celebration of our hard-won independence will not be a one-day event.

We will introduce an independence month of celebration whose key signpost will include festivities, discussions, seminars, lecture series as well as national tours to important national sites.

While the 18th of April will remain the day for the main event, we have declared April as an independence month to be marked by separate related activities that bestow honour to the sons and daughters of this land—departed or living—with some of them still serving in the country’s institutions such as the army, the police force and the rests of the civil service.
An independent people must think independently. Let it be truly a new dispensation.

If we are open for business, we must be open for new and good politics for the merriment of all Zimbabweans.

At a personal level, I will be engaging in a plethora of activities to honour and commemorate our independence day.

One Zimbabwe, one people.
One Zimbabwe, one future.
One Zimbabwe, one vision.
Behold the new.
God bless Zimbabwe.
God bless Africa

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | A local kraal head has openly declared allegiance to Zanu PF in spite of the fact that the Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly spells out that traditional leaders are expected to execute their duties objectively.

Kraal Head Mudemba of ward 7, Masvingo South Constituency is demanding voter registration serial numbers from local villagers, ZimEye.com has been informed.

“Kraal Head Mudemba is intimidating local villagers and he also boasts of having the authority to control police officers,” said a local villager.

Terrence Mawawa | National People’ s Party( NPP) has described the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela as an iconic fighter for the emancipation of black Africans.

Winnie Mandela was married to Nelson Mandela although the two later parted ways.

In a statement posted on Facebook yesterday NPP Spokesperson Jeffryson Chitando described Winnie Mandela as a legendary figure in Africa.

“Rest in peace Winnie Mandela!!!Women are capable leaders!!You led the fight against the
oppressive system. Let Zimbabwean women follow Winnie Mandela’s example and
take up leadership positions. Let us vote for a female President,” read part of the statement.

A serial rapist from Chivi who was last month sentenced to effective 72 years in prison was last week back in court facing another 11 counts that include rape and murder.Charles Matanga Magombedze (31) alias Gora of Chikova Village under headman Madzivire was not asked to plead when he appeared before Masvingo provincial magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera last Thursday.

He was remanded in custody to April 11.

Prosecutor Mr Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa said between December, 2017 and February this year, Magombedze allegedly raped and attempted to rape 11 of his victims that included a 14-year-old juvenile, in Chivi and Masvingo districts.

He allegedly struck one of his victims to death and left another one for dead after raping them.

Mr Nyamukondiwa said on December 22, 2017 Magombedze met a 24-year-old woman who was on her way home from Runde River, grabbed her by the right hand and raped her once before he ran away.

On January 24 Magombedze found another villager at her homestead in Chivi.

The court heard Magombedze forced open the door. He allegedly grabbed the woman by the right hand and raped her once before strangling her to death.

He also took away his victim’s Nokia 1200, an Econet sim card and R200 before he disappeared.On February 21, at Mushai Village under headman Chipindu area in Chivi at around 4PM Magombedze met another woman (35), struck her on the right shoulder with a machete and raped her once before disappearing.

On February 24 around 2AM, in Mhuuro Village under Chief Makovere, Magombedze met a woman and demanded to be intimate with her but she asked to relieve herself.

The woman ran away from Magombedze but he followed, caught up with her and struck her on the shoulder. The woman fell down unconscious and Magombedze raped her five times in that state.

On January 23 around 6AM near Bondolfi Primary school in Masvingo, Magombedze met a 14-year-old juvenile and allegedly demanded to be intimate with her but he left when the girl showed him a blood-stained pad. On February 28 around 3AM, in Vandira Village under headman Madzivire, Magombedzi forced open the door to a room where a woman was sleeping and raped her once.

Last month, Masvingo regional magistrate Mrs Davidzo Malunga sentenced Magombedze to effective 72 years in prison after she found him guilty of eight counts of rape.

Magombedze who looked unfazed during trial on the eight counts of rape left the packed court gallery astounded when he pleaded with the magistrate to pass a death sentence on him.

He claimed evil spirits were tormenting him, adding his target was to have unprotected sex with 500 women.

He said he had been initiated into satanism and was thriving on drinking human blood and having unprotected sex.- state media

The MDC Alliance structures are busy on the ground mobilising for the next rally of the MDC Alliance led by advocate Nelson Chamisa.

On Monday, in Harare, Yvonne Musarurwa and two comrades were sentenced to twenty years in prison. Photos show Yvonne Musarurwa immediately after the sentencing, and she’s smiling, perhaps laughing. As it was in Hades and then Algeria, so in Zimbabwe today, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a woman’s heart. One must imagine Yvonne Musarurwa happy.”

In 2011, 29 MDC-T supporters were arrested on suspicion of having killed a police officer. In 2013, 21 were acquitted because of lack of evidence. There was no evidence, and yet they remained behind bars, in Chikurubi, some for more than two years. The High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu took great pains to discuss the case of human rights activist Cynthia Manjoro. Manjoro had been released on bail in 2012, after a State witness testified that Manjoro had been arrested “as bait” to lure her boyfriend into a trap. Cynthia Manjoro spent May 2011 to October 2012 in prison. That left eight in the hellhole of Chikurubi. In August 2013, Rebecca Mafukeni died … or was killed. Rebecca Mafukeni had meningitis, she was clearly deteriorating quickly when the judge repeatedly refused bail and all appeals for medical attention were rejected.

Yvonne Musarurwa was with Rebecca Mafukeni in Chikurubi Prison and recalled the ordeal: “The first weeks in police custody were the toughest. We were being interrogated, beaten and tortured. I’ve never felt so much pain in life before. I sustained a broken hand; lacerations all over the body and the only thing I got for all that were a few tablets of paracetamol. They said we were MDC and that there was every chance we would influence the other prisoners and clash with others from ZANU PF. This is why they kept us in solitary confinement. The conditions though were very bad. We stayed in cells that had raw sewage passing through and we cleaned that up using our bare hands. That was the most difficult part and I told myself the day Zimbabwe is free from tyranny, I will personally go to the Minister of Justice and those in charge of prisons to tell them exactly what needs to be done.”

That was 2013. This week, three years later, Yvonne Musarurwa, Tungamirai Madzokere, and Last Maengahama were sentenced to 20 years, despite eyewitnesses stating in court that the three were innocent, despite a complete lack of evidence, despite video evidence that Last Maengahama was in a church miles away when the officer was killed. According to Beatrice Mtetwa, who leads the defense team, the three were convicted based on the doctrine of common purpose, an archaic doctrine by which one may be found guilty of another’s crime. The State went to great lengths to convict Yvonne Musarurwa and her colleagues.

Yvonne Musarurwa is 29 years old. She has spent the last five years in the clutches of the State for a crime she never committed. How many more years until Yvonne Musarurwa, and the rest of Zimbabwe, are freed from prison for a crime they never committed? In Zimbabwe, the State is the crime. For now we must continue to imagine, and see, Yvonne Musarurwa smiling, knowing exactly what needs to be done.- WomenAnd Beyond

Terrence Mawawa | Some political analysts are calling on MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa to seek advice from former President Robert Mugabe while some observers are cynical about such a move.

Mugabe who was forced to step down following a military takeover in November last year emerged out of his cocoon two weeks ago and accused his former deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa of staging a coup d’etat to topple him.

Mugabe’s latest remarks reveal the nonagenarian is a bitter man.

The formation of the New Patriotic Front also indicates the wily politician is likely to embrace anyone who wants to confront Mnangagwa.

Some political analysts believe Chamisa has to meet Mugabe to get advice on how to defeat Mnangagwa while some observers are deeply sceptical of such a move.

Josiah Patsanza commented on Facebook: ‘It’s one of the best things to do, Mugabe is one of the most influential elders in this country, it would shake ED to the core.”

On the other hand Kevin Maeka responded”: It would throw Zanu PF and E.D. into confusion agreed. But it would be stupid politically.

Mugabe is still hated by the majority of the population and he is unrepentant.

To be honest even E.D. is saying “The past is dead” But that is a slightly different matter. Nelson Chamisa should leave Bob alone.”

“I have no grain of sympathy for that old man and such advice comes from Zanu PF
kuda kusvibisa Nero,” said Manasa Bera.

Chances of opposition political parties forming a grand coalition to battle with Zanu PF at the forthcoming polls are narrowing to zero with more and more disjointed alliances emerging each day.

While opposition leaders concur that the only way to end Zanu PF’s rule is through a combined effort to be carried out through a grand coalition, time seems to be running out for over 100 political parties that are seeking to end the ruling party’s 37 years in power.

Zanu PF has been in power since 1980 when the country got its independence from Britain and has over the years been accused of running down the economy and dragging Zimbabweans to record poverty.

But as each day passes, the dream of bringing all the opposition political parties together to field a single presidential candidate, while sharing parliamentary seats among the parties is becoming close to a nightmare, with high chances it will not come to fruition on time, if ever it will.

Political analysts have said time is of essence in this cumbersome quest to bring minds of different political figures on the same page.

Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme told the Daily News that the prospects of a grand opposition coalition were slim as all political parties in the opposition have different interests while some are mere plants of Zanu PF.

He said some of the opposition parties are not even aiming to be the next government but are contend with the official status of being opposition.

“The main opposition party has shown it’s incompetence in coalition building and its lack of internal democracy and lack of tolerance for divergent views. How can such an intolerant outfit lead a grand coalition?” he queried.

“At the same time, the other coalitions are plagued with same problems — lack of internal democracy and intolerance to divergent views. You also have an army of independent candidates who don’t feel they have to relate to any party or coalition.

“At best, the situation lands itself to five or so coalitions of opposition and not one grand coalition. The dream of a grand coalition is as far flung and a long shot as (Nelson) Chamisa’s bullet train dream. It’s not something that can be achieved in a short-term but in a few decades,” added Saungweme.

Already, several coalition groups have emerged Among these are MDC Alliance, a grouping of seven political parties headed by Chamisa, the MDC leader; the People’s Rainbow Coalition, led by National People’s Party (NPP) president Joice Mujuru and Coalition of Democrats led by Elton Mangoma.

Mujuru’s party has made it clear that it would need an equal representation of all the political parties involved.

This alone will create problems especially with parties such as the MDC, which might need a large stake for commanding the highest number of supporters in the opposition.

Rashweat Mukundu, a political analyst, said there are a lot of opportunists in the opposition, which makes it difficult for the members to speak with one voice.

He said while a grand coalition is an important political vehicle to avoid splitting votes and galvanise the opposition message in challenging Zanu PF, in the Zimbabwean case not much thought has been put into the meaning of coalitions and the value they add to the political contest.

Instead, what the country has are groups of political leaders some who are free riders and also opportunistic party leaders seeking office.

“Coalition parties would normally bring historical legacy or something tangible to the table and so far none seem to meet this mark apart from MDC, (Tendai) Biti and Welshman (Ncube). So the existence of many parties is not a hindrance to coalitions as long as those coalition parties are viable in their own right,” said Mukundu.

“This is not the case with many parties apart from MDC, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the MDC led by Ncube. The rest are untested and almost adventure movements hoping to strike a chance at political office”.

Mukundu said the squabbles in the MDC Alliance are the clearest indication that alliances must be based on what you bring not what you will get.

“And the MDC Alliance needs a thorough review before the elections dropping free riders and responding to the hard questions of what each party brings to the table,” he said.

The major sticking points that have rendered the coalition to face serious hurdles include the issue of the name of the alliance, who would lead and how the seats will be allocated.

For example, the NPP wants a coalition that has an all-inclusive; name, logo, symbol and slogan, which are neutral and not derived from one or some of the coalescing parties.

Those that will be contesting as independent candidates have also created their own group known as People’s Own Voice.

While the confusion is stinking high, the chances of returning to sanity and build a tangible thing are also slowly vanishing.

This is also happening at a time when the leading opposition political party, the MDC is also dogged with a serious leadership crisis that is set to throw its own fair share of confusion.

Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe are fighting tooth and nail over the party’s leadership position.

Khupe has reportedly registered with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission as MDC’s presidential candidate, in a move that will create more problems for the party and the opposition as a whole.

While, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, political analyst Shakespeare Hamauswa said the chances for these parties to work together are still there, adding that a single day is long in politics.

“In politics a day is too long for things to happen. It is still possible that most serious opposition parties can join hands. Since there are different coalitions, there can be coalition of coalitions. What is needed is the support of experienced facilitators to negotiations. Squabbles in MDC are normal and the good thing is the anti-Alliance members were booted out while concerns of those who remained were addressed through opening up all seats for open contest,” Hamauswa said.

However, the situation on the ground shows that for Hamauswa’s averment to be achieved, it will take more than commitment and is nothing short of a miracle.

Obert Gutu, who is associated with the Khupe camp, has made it clear that there is no room for negotiation with Chamisa, whom he accuses of illegally grabbing power.

“Some of us have always belonged to the MDC-T that respects and upholds the basic tenets of the party constitution. We are not going to waiver our well-grounded principles and convictions simply to go with the wind. No! We will, never, ever do that.

“We cannot bend the rules simply because that looks and feels convenient to do. We don’t want to create another dictatorship. It is as simple as that. Anyone who thinks that they can bulldoze us into giving up our firmly held principles on democracy and constitutionalism is dreaming. That is not going to happen,” Gutu said.

This flies in the face of togetherness, which the parties are seeking build and achieve.

Some of the coalition members still believe the parties will find one another along the way in time for the elections, pointing out that those that will not toe the line stands to lose out.

The Ncube-led MDC said the dream is to bring everyone to the “big tent”.

“Efforts are still being made to have everybody on the train. Time is ticking away for those parties outside the cage. Those setting conditions risk being left behind. The MDC Alliance is the only game in town and president Nelson Chamisa is the people’s choice. The Alliance has to continue with its journey to the promised land with or without comrades outside the cage.

“The MDC has been calling for a grand coalition for some time. Party structures gave MDC president Welshman Ncube the mandate to see and listen to political players in Zimbabwe. The MDC is behind Nelson Chamisa and the Alliance at the moment,” the party’s spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi told the Daily News.

The other MDC Alliance member, PDP led by Biti, echoed Chihwayi’s sentiments, saying the door is still open for other political parties to join.

“We have invited all parties to the MDC Alliance and the doors have not closed. What is clear from us is that we have a presidential candidate, and that will remain.

“We have a name for the alliance and that will remain. We have the key elements of the coalition in place we need those that are unseeing to come on board,” PDP spokesperson Jacob Mafume said.- Daily News

 

Tensions are high in all the country’s political parties as they prepare for primary elections to elect their candidates for the crucial Parliamentary elections to be held by August this year. One particular constituency that has had social media in full debate is Harare West held by lawyer Jessie Majome. Majome is faced with a fresh challenge from activist Joana Mamombe. The two will fight it out at the primary elections sources say the date will be announced soon. Majome has launched a social media campaign #myhararewest. Below is her first tweet.

 

Wow! I serve an amazing constituency, over 28000 Hre Westerners registered to vote during the BVR process according to @ZECzim . Twice the number of voters in the 2013 General Election. Thank you Harare West! BIG UP to all the volunteers/sponsors/commissioners #MyHarareWest pic.twitter.com/6MHKf2CtUy

— Jessie F. Majome (@JessieFMajome) April 3, 2018

By Paul Nyathi

Prophetic Healing Ministry leader Prophet Walter Magaya has appeared in court facing charges of rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy and obstructing the course of justice.

Magauya appeared before Justice Amy Tsanga at the start of his trial at the High Court in Harare on Tuesday morning.

Magaya’s lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu tried to get the court to dismiss the allegations against Magaya and was turned down.

Allegations against Magaya are that sometime in June 2015 he had un-consectual intercourse with the complainant and got her pregnant before the prophet asked her to use a pregnancy termination pill.

When his issue began being invested, Magaya paid the complainant $100 000 in a bid to stop her from testifying against him.

The matter was postponed to the 25th of April for continuation with trial.

Advocate Nelson Chamisa | Fellow citizens, revolutionary and convivial greetings to you all.

We are just coming from the Easter holidays and I am deeply pained by some of my colleagues in the political industry who continue to belittle God and the role of the Church in our communities.

They have turned the church into platforms for rallies, in the process bastardizing the sanctity of the church. This past Easter alone, we saw hordes of politicians pontificating at church gatherings in the process desecrating the true meaning of Easter and the Church.

1. Celebrating the resurrection power of the Cross
The new Zimbabwe that I envision will be characterized by a true and honest separation between the State and the church.

I am a firm believer in the autonomy and independence of the church which must as an institution continue to be the custodian of a country’s values and the true moral compass of a nation.

The church must be a place of unity and peace. We have of late seen the church being reduced to a platform of hate and divisive language. The State or any political party for that matter must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church. Church capture must be vehemently resisted.

2. All roads lead to Bulawayo
On Saturday, the MDC and its Alliance partners move to Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city which features prominently in our vision as the hub and industrial capital of the new Zimbabwe.

In the Easter spirit of the power of resurrection, we are committed to resuscitate Bulawayo as the country’s industrial hub.

The city of Kings and Queens has for long been abandoned, neglected and forgotten—thanks to the legendary ineptitude of the party now occupying the seat of government.

2.1 Devolution is our revolution—    To devolve is to involve
In the spirit of devolution encapsulated in our Constitution, we will devolve power to all regions and communities so that local people are empowered to make decisions and to control and benefit from the resources around them.

Devolution is the true involvement of a people in the management of their own affairs and in the new Zimbabwe; we do not wish to continue this Hararenization of key national essential activities and services.

Indeed, to devolve is to involve and in the new Zimbabwe, devolution will be a reality so that all local communities are part of the national governance system.

For me, Bulawayo is special. Bulawayo reclaim its status as the industrial capital of the country and as the centre of innovation.

Zimbabweans need and deserve development. As a country, we need the strands of development to be felt in all corners of the country so that everyone feels they belong. As things stand, a lot of our communities justifiably feel left out of the government matrix of development.

We have to resolve that as a matter of urgency.
To the people of Bulawayo, come let us reason together at the White City Stadium on Saturday.

3. Redefining National Politics
3.1 My meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa
In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue in the quest to find solutions to national challenges, I have written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa requesting a meeting with him.

I have written to him with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics.

It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe.

I am yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates that we will meet.
The MDC is a partner in national development and not a threat. Being on opposing political sides is not enemity but just an expression of the reality of diverse views. After all, it is diversity that makes a nation because diversity strengthens and does not weaken.

In that context, national holidays and national events should be inclusive and not be dominated by a single political party. Programmes must involve all the stakeholders including the official opposition.

In that regard, I will be initiating a courtesy call by the official opposition on government.

3.2 The national Independence in context
On the 18th of April, the country will be celebrating the country’s independence.
This is the time to pay veneration to our hard-won independence and how the patriotic sons and daughters of this land fought a tenacious liberation struggle to rid the country of racism and colonial rule.

This is the time to seriously reflect on whether as a country we should have a national dress as this would be the fitting occasion to adorn an agreed national dress.
In the new Zimbabwe, the celebration of our hard-won independence will not be a one-day event.

We will introduce an independence month of celebration whose key signpost will include festivities, discussions, seminars, lecture series as well as national tours to important national sites.

While the 18th of April will remain the day for the main event, we have declared April as an independence month to be marked by separate related activities that bestow honour to the sons and daughters of this land—departed or living—with some of them still serving in the country’s institutions such as the army, the police force and the rests of the civil service.

An independent people must think independently. Let it be truly a new dispensation. If we are open for business, we must be open for new and good politics for the merriment of all Zimbabweans.

At a personal level, I will be engaging in a plethora of activities to honour and commemorate our independence day.

One Zimbabwe, one people.
One Zimbabwe, one future.
One Zimbabwe, one vision.
Behold the new.
God bless Zimbabwe.
God bless Africa

Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the MDC President and the MDC Alliance Presidential candidate.

Statement | Transform Zimbabwe President Jacob Ngarivhume has called for unity of purpose amidst recent challenges that have rocked the MDC Alliance. He was speaking at a TZ structures meeting held over the weekend in Harare.

The meeting was attended by hundreds of TZ members from structures within Harare Province in Waterfalls. The meeting was part of the feedback meetings the TZ president is doing with all TZ structures after the resolutions passed at the historic TZ Inaugural Congress held on the 24th of March in Harare.

The TZ leader said to the structures, “We have submitted the concerns which you raised at the Congress to the MDC Alliance Principals forum and they are being looked into. We will come back to you when we have received the response.

As Transform Zimbabwe, we remain committed to the Alliance Agreement. We believe it is the best option available for Zimbabwe to dislodge the cruel ZANU PF regime from power.”

The MDC Alliance has been rocked of late by allegations of bullying and imposition of candidates by the MDCT in constituencies allocated to fellow Alliance partners. This is in direct violation of what was agreed in the Alliance agreement signed on the 5th of August 2017.

When asked for comments on the sidelines, Ngarivhume said “Yes, there has some challenges in the Alliance but this is normal in any democratic environment. Challenges are expected where seven different political parties come together. However, we choose to concentrate on what unites us than what separates us.

As Principals we remain focused and committed to making sure that the Alliance works. We cannot let slip this golden opportunity to free Zimbabwe from the cruel ZANU PF hegemony once and for all.

The people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long and they deserve to be liberated and to live a better life. This is what caused us to overlook our differences as political parties and form the MDC Alliance. This is the vision which guides us and which we will pursue until it is achieved.

The MDC Alliance has the capacity to deal with issues we raised and we are confident that these issues will be addressed timeously and in the spirit of working together towards our common goal of freeing Zimbabwe.”

Ngarivhume pointed out that they will continue to participate in all Alliance programs. Yesterday an Alliance meeting was held in Bulawayo at the MDC T offices where provincial chairpersons from all the Alliance partners attended.

Ngarivhume also revealed that TZ was mobilising for the Alliance Rally to be held in the city of kings this coming weekend. He will address the rally together with other Principals.

By Paul Nyathi

The Bulawayo Province MDC-T faction under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa has come down hard on party members suspected to be aligned to the faction led by Thokozani Khuphe.

The provincial executive dismissed with immediate effect at least 17 members from the party after they were suspected to be involved with the Khuphe faction.

The diamissed officials include provincial secretary Nomvula Mguni, women’s assembly chairperson, Tamani Moyo, local government secretary, Aleck Gumede, information and publicity secretary, Beauty Lifa, Mildred Reason Mangena, Ward 18 chairperson, Mildred Ncube, ward 29 chairperson, Emmelia Moyo, district organiser, Samson Mubemi Magwegwe, and Dorcus Ncube.

Also fired are party youth Mqondisi Balanda Moyo, Alfred Dzirutwe, Sphathisiwe Moyo, Nkanyiso Mabhena, Sibongile Moyo, a Stanley and a Sbyleen.

The MDC-T axe also fell on the party’s district women’s assembly chairpersons from Makokoba, Mpopoma, Njube-Lobengula, Pumula and Magwegwe.

These are Edward Simela (Mpopoma/Pelandaba main wing district), a Masuku (Nkulumane main district), Mavis Mlilo, Flora Gumbo, a Matshazi, a Chingundla and a Ponah, who are general members.

Provincial spokesperson Felix Magalela Sibanda confirmed the development in a statement, accusing the axed officials of snubbing party programmes, among other allegations.

“On March 25, the provincial executive fired some errant MDC-T members from the party. Those who are either MPs or councillors will be recalled from Parliament or council, whatever the case maybe,” he said.

“They were fired primarily for putting the party into disrepute and disregarding national council resolutions, failure to attend party meetings and programmes,” he said.

The purge comes a few days after the MDC-T national council fired Khupe, former national organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe and former national spokesperson, Obert Gutu, for refusing to recognise Chamisa’s appointment as substantive party leader following the death of its founder, Morgan Tsvangirai in February this year.

“It was resolved that all in Parliament or council should be recalled, henceforth. For all fired have the right to appeal within 14 days.

Prophetic Healing and Deliverance ministry leader Walter Magaya has pleaded not guilty to rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy and obstruction of justice charges as his trial kicked off today before High Court judge Justice Amy Tsanga.

The State, led by Prosecutor General Ray Goba, successfully argued against the defence team led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu who had earlier challenged the laying of charges saying it was defective as there was no criminal offence disclosed in the charge.

The State indicated in its summary of prosecution that it would summon at least eleven witnesses to testify against Magaya.

PG Goba also made an application to have Magaya given restrictions as he alleged that the accused had been interfering with State witnesses. Goba said Magaya was facing serious charges hence should have his bail conditions reinstated despite a court order terminating them.

Justice Tsanga ruled that the court order terminating Magaya’s bail conditions should stand because the State had no compelling case against accused in the matter.

Magaya is alleged to have raped the complainant sometime in June 2015 before giving her a pregnancy termination pill to ingest. Further allegations are that the defendant, realising that the matter was being investigated, reportedly deposited US$100 000 into the complainant’s CBZ Bank account number 09124212590012, allegedly to interfere with investigations.

The matter is set to continue on April 25.- state media

Statement | Preparations for the Bulawayo MDC Alliance Star rally are at an advanced stage with all Alliance partners busy mobilising masses to attend.

As MDC Alliance, we are encouraged by the overwhelming eagerness and support shown by Bulawayo residents to attend the rally at White City Stadium this weekend. The rally will kick off from 9 AM to 4 PM.

We encourage the people of Bulawayo to come out in their numbers to hear first -hand our presidential candidate Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the other principals deliver a message of hope for the country. We shall be seeking the support of the people of this great city in achieving our goal of ousting the incompetent Zanu PF government and replacing it with the capable and youthful leadership of Nelson Chamisa in the upcoming election.
This will also be an opportunity for Bulawayo residents and surrounding areas to interact and engage with the MDC Alliance leadership through the various activities lined up in the city on the 7th of April.

Advocate Chamisa and all the other Alliance principals are coming together to pledge that time is up for Zanu PF. We are focused and committed to ushering a new Zimbabwe that avails equal opportunities to all citizens and more importantly to restore the country’s rightful image among other nations. We shall continue as an Alliance to comb every corner of this country to wash away all remnants of Zanu PF oppression from the minds of long suffering Zimbabweans.
We are stronger together.

Professor Welshman Ncube
MDC Alliance Spokesperson

Doctors who have been on strike since the beginning of last month, said they are resuming work today.

Some departments at major Government hospitals such as Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo had been shut down as a result of the strike.

The industrial action was called off during the Easter holidays and the doctors said they are resuming work today.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association said they had finally reached an agreement with the Health Services Board after President Mnangagwa intervened.

“Procurement of essential medicines and drugs is in motion and we expect an improvement soon so that we offer quality health care to patients. There was an upward review of on call allowances,” said Dr Ngwenya.

He said doctors will work hard and continually review the situation until the attainment of regional and international standards despite the limitations in the economy.

“Should the Health Services Board fail to honour the agreement, we will have no choice but to express our grievances again. We would like to thank His Excellency, Cde Mnangagwa for his intervention and swift action hence doctors will report for work in their numbers,” said Dr Ngwenya.

He said the process of procuring equipment and medicines was underway and doctors were aware of the shortage of foreign currency hence were not expecting change overnight.

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) clinical director Dr Narcisius Dzvanga said everything will normalise today.

“No one comes from strike on a holiday and doctors will report for work tomorrow (today). The strike ended during a holiday and no one had put them on duty hence everything will normalise tomorrow,” said Dr Dzvanga.

His Mpilo Central Hospital counterpart Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said he was grateful patients will from today be able to access the out patients department which had been closed.

“These developments came by during a holiday and people had travelled before knowing about the end of the strike hence we expect all doctors to report for work tomorrow. We had made rosters to stretch up to April 3 to cover the holidays. All our departments will be fully operational tomorrow,” said Dr Ngwenya.

Community working group on Health director Mr Itai Rusike said the end of the strike will bring relief to members of the public who were failing to access health services.

“The month long strike action had a serious impact on the already strained health sector which does not have enough medical personnel, drugs and equipment. Never again should we put our people at risk by failing to dialogue and agree on issues of national importance,” said Mr Rusike.

He said the Government needs to strengthen its labour dispute handling procedures for the essential services in order to avoid unnecessary pain, suffering and avoidable deaths.

“I hope the agreement signed by the Government and the doctors will address the root causes of perennial job action and also take into consideration other health professionals to avoid nurses also downing tools. Zimbabweans need to know, how much has been collected from the Health Levy and what it has been used for as the doctors were also complaining about the general absence of tools of their trade at Government hospitals.”- state media

A 21 year old Zambian lost an arm and sustained multiple fractures after he was allegedly attacked by three domesticated crocodiles when he jumped into their pool in Victoria Falls.

Mr Collin Peter Stewart Miller (21), who is suspected to have been drunk, allegedly bulldozed through a restricted area and climbed over a protective fence into the reptiles’ enclosure on Thursday around 9PM.

He was reportedly in the resort town to attend a friend’s wedding. Witnesses said two locals bravely jumped into the enclosure and rescued Mr Miller.

“Mr Miller who lost his left arm, sustained fractured ribs and injuries on the head, was immediately airlifted to South Africa,” said a witness.

Yesterday he was reported to be in a stable condition at an unnamed private health facility in the neighbouring country.

The incident, which has become the talk of the resort town, occurred at The Victoria Falls River Brewing Company.

The company’s director Mr Mike Danes declined to talk about the incident.

“I can’t talk about the issue because the people concerned who are from Lusaka, said they don’t want it in the Press. You can talk to the police because we made a report,” said Mr Danes.

Earlier the company had released a statement chronicling how the incident occurred.

“On Thursday evening a member of the public deliberately climbed over a protective fence and entered the crocodile pool which houses three crocodiles, deliberately putting his life in extreme danger.

“He was rescued by incredible efforts of two very brave men including an employee of the Cage Diving Company. He sustained several injuries including loss of arm. The River Brewing Company wishes him a very speedy recovery and we are grateful to the quick thinking and bravery of his rescuers,” read the statement.

The Victoria Falls River Brewing Company manufactures different kinds of clear beer and also operates a restaurant at the same premises at Busy Island, between Ilala Lodge and N1 Hotel.

The company domesticated three crocodiles at a pool behind the building, which attract tourists in droves.

Mr Miller of 09 Lufwanyana Road, Handworthy Park in Lusaka, Zambia was booked at a local lodge ahead of the wedding ceremony before going on a drinking spree with friends.

He allegedly entered the restaurant kitchen without the knowledge of staff, and exited through a window which leads to the pool.

A news crew visited the premises yesterday afternoon and the three reptiles which can be roughly more than two metres long, were basking in the sun.

Sources gave different versions of the story.

Some allege a drunken Miller removed his shirt and dived into the pool intending to swim unaware that there were crocodiles while some allege he was trying to commit suicide.

“We were shocked when he just stormed into the kitchen despite a sign prohibiting members of the public. He exited through the window and jumped into the pool. The crocodiles immediately pounced on him.

“He is lucky because alert guests quickly followed and rescued him but one of the crocs had already cut off his arm.

“The other crocodile nearly crushed his head but it turned away to chase after the one with the arm and that’s how he was rescued,” said a source who witnessed the incident.

Miller was rushed to Chinotimba Medical Centre before being airlifted to South Africa for further treatment. Hwange District Medical Officer Dr Wisdom Kurauone confirmed the incient.

The wedding which was in the resort town, went ahead on Saturday, The Chronicle learnt.

Police could not readily comment.

Meanwhile a fisherman from Binga is battling for life in hospital following a crocodile attack.

Siphiliyano Muleya (30) of Chilila Fishing Camp was attacked at around 6PM on Friday at Masumu River after he had returned to the river to collect his cellphone which he had forgotten in a fishing net.

He was rushed to Binga District Hospital and later transferred to Mpilo Central hospital in Bulawayo.

A source close to the victim said Muleya had walked back to the river alone.

“It is during this time that the croc grabbed his calf and he bled profusely. He screamed for help prompting fishermen who where nearby to rush to his rescue. The fishermen used big sticks to beat up the crocodile until it let go the victim,” said a source that preferred anonymity.

Two weeks ago, only a few pieces of human flesh were recovered after a 52 year old fisherman was devoured by crocodiles in Lake Kariba. A ZimParks team, with the assistance of the police sub-aqua team hunted down the crocodiles and managed to kill one in which pieces of human flesh were recovered.

Matabeleland North police spokesman Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.

Ray Nkosi | By the time former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power his penchant for travelling had become a huge liablity to the country’s economy, spending over $50 million on foreign trips a year.

In 2016 alone according to a financial statement published in the latest government gazette, foreign travel expenses totalled $53.2 million.

Things have not changed under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation, as foreign trips continue to gobble up much needed financial resources. Mnangagwa currently on a state visit to China where he went with a huge entourage is reported to have blown up  to $2.3 million on this trip alone.

Mnangagwa has travelled to 13 countries in five months.

The local Newsday quotes anonymous sources saying, ” Air Zimbabwe had offered to take the presidential delegation to China for $1,9 million but government opted for a luxurious private jet owned by Switzerland-based aviation management company, Comlux at a cost of $2,3 million.

“This probably excludes costs related to the crew for the eight days of the President’s State visit to China,” a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said adding Mnangagwa used Comlux’s most prized asset, the VIP Boeing 767.

According to internationally-recognised rating agent, S&P Global, Comlux is rated as an integrated group in the aviation sector specialising in Airbus and Boeing, with the former typically chartered by heads of state, royal families, business leaders or sports teams.

Mnangagwa’s special adviser, Christopher Mutsvangwa said:“It’s a long flight … needs non-stop capacity … Air Zimbabwe flights have no similar capacity, as they have to make a refuelling stop-over. Our bilateral State visit need not needlessly burden third countries with security and protocol.”

Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer, Joseph Makonese would also not be drawn into commenting on the matter, claiming he was away on holiday.

“I am not aware because I am on a break. Ask our communications manager, (Tafadzwa) Mazonde,” he said.

Mazonde was not available for comment.

Efforts to get comment from Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Joey Bimha were futile.

 

MDC Alliance presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa has savaged politicians who use church gatherings as campaigning platforms to lure votes from congregants, reminding them that such platforms were a preserve of Christianity and not politics.

This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed thousands of Zion Christian Church congregants in Bikita recently, where he reminded congregants that the new political dispensation that he is heading is all in God’s plan.

Zanu PF politburo member and secretary for war veterans Victor Matemadanda in another parallel Easter church attendance took to the podium and urged members of the Jekenisheni church to vote for Zanu PF in the coming polls.

In his Easter message, posted on his Twitter account yesterday, Chamisa attacked his political rivals for diverting the purpose of church gatherings and turning them into platforms for scoring political points.

“[I] had a wonderful and prayerful Easter weekend. The blood of Jesus shall never lose its power. Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour. For me, worship gatherings must never be reduced to being rallies for politics and point-scoring, ”he said.

Matemadanda was unreachable for comment.

The ruling Zanu PF party has consistently come under attack for maintaining its political presence within the religious sects, with members of the apostolic sect having recurrently found themselves on the receiving end of Zanu PF politicians visiting their churches to canvass for support.

By Paul Nyathi

It was all fireworks at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Sunday when Highlanders stunned a rather weak Dynamos in Castle Lager Premier League match.

Anti riot police had to fire teargas to disperse disappointed rowdy Dynamos supporters who could not come to terms with the loss to their bitter rivals and confirm a bad Easter Weekend for the winless Harare giants.

The restless supporters caused pandemonium at the main gate to the VIP stand demanding explanations from the club’s leadership on the club’s poor run.

Highlanders marched past the equally youthful Dynamos with a simple tap-in by forward Ozias Zibande at the stroke of half-time.

While Dynamos coach Llyod Mutasa and his technical team have been preaching that they are not pressing the panic button yet, some of the supporters are already getting disillusioned and are not sure where the team is headed with continuous losses since the start of the season.

Police had to call for reinforcements as the unruly supporters, who were holding placards and insulting the club’s leadership through disparaging lyrics, blocked the team bus from leaving Rufaro and refused to leave the exit point long after the match had ended.

It was only after the police fired teargas that the disorderly crowd gave in.

By Paul Nyathi

Civil society organisations falling under the banner of the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition will this week hold a demonstration in the streets of Harare demanding for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to set up full electoral reforms before the 2018 elections are held.

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Chairman Rashid Mahiya told ZimEye.com in a statement that the demonstration which will be held on Thursday will deliver a petition to the parliament and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission amongst other institutions.

“The demonstration will target key institutions like the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Speaker of Parliamemt, ZEC and the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs where petitions will be submitted,” he said.

The demonstration which is expected to attract thousands of people from civil society organisations around the country will be echoing messages recently sent out by opposition political parties in calling for a free and fair election set forJuly or August this year.

According to Mahiya, the Civil Society will be protesting against parliament’s disregard of a petition presented to it by the organisations three years ago.

“The protest comes in the wake of the disregard by parliament to the civil society petition submitted three years ago through the Election Resource Centre,” he said.

The organisations will also protest against what Mahiya described as the “Proposed piecemeal reforms to the Electoral Act.”

Amongst the issues also raised by the Civil Society groups is the thorny demand for ZEC to demilitarise its staff compliment and the removal of people within the electoral body known to be directly linked to the ruling ZANU PF.

“We will also protest on the refusal by ZEC to publish a list of personnel employed by the Commission with a special interest on ensuring demilitarization of the Elections Logistics Committee and removal of ruling party functionaries from the secretariat,” he said.

The CSOs will also take swipe at the “continued partisan conduct of traditional leaders and the increasing incidences of intimidation on the electorate,” according to Mahiya

He added that after the demonstration, the Civil Society Organisations will produce a Citizens Election Charter, a Zimbabwe Civil Society Pre-Election Assessment Report and a Civil Society Roadmap to the Conduct of Credible, Free and Fair Elections under a programme called “100% feya feya” as they seek to see a free and fair election.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly assured that his government will this year seek to conduct a credible free and fair election.

His promise came at the back of insistances by the U.S Government that it will only be able to remove sanctions on the country only when credible elections are held.

Meanwhile, former Minister in former President Robert Mugabe’s government Jonathan Moyo is on record vowing that the ruling party will never set up electoral reforms that will see it stand a chance to lose elections.

Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| A senior Zanu PF official is the one was forced to run for dear life following violent intraparty clashes here last week.

Francis Moyo, a Zanu PF aspiring Parliamentary candidate for Chiredzi West Constituency was given a violent chase as rogue ruling party elements stoned his vehicle.

According to party sources, the thugs were allegedly sponsored by one Farai Musikavanhu, another aspiring Zanu PF Parliamentary candidate for the same constituency.

“Moyo’s vehicle was stoned by rowdy youths sympathetic to Musikavanhu.

Moyo was forced to run for dear life as the melee ensued,” said a Zanu PF official.

Contacted by ZimEye for a comment, Moyo denied he ran away but he confirmed his vehicle was stoned by unruly party youths.

By Farai D Hove| Renegade expelled MDC Deputy President Thokozani Khupe has postponed her party’s upcoming congress over what she claims are fears of a confrontation with party leader Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance rally.

Her congress was to be held this coming weekend.

In a statement released yesterday, Khupe’s PA, Witness Dube told ZimEye and other media houses that the congress has since been moved to the 21st April 2018.

He said the faction fears violence from the Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance as was seen a few weeks before. Below was his letter in full text:

Below was former ZANU PF strategist, Prof Jonathan Moyo’s eulogy of the late Winnie Mandela who passed on on Sunday:

Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was the personification of the audacity of hope in the dark days of apartheid & on occasions when the dreams of the oppressed were shattered in the new South Africa. Her spirit of resilience will reverberate into posterity! #RIPMamaWinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/bw3kahRYqH

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) April 2, 2018

Terrence Mawawa| A Shurugwi had the court gallery in stitches after threatening to commit suicide over the payment of a high maintenance figure.

Taurai Matsveru stunned the court when he said he was not in a position to pay $ 80 for the upkeep of his two children.

Matsveru told Magistrate Sangster Tavengwa he would commit suicide if he was forced to pay a high maintenance figure.

“You can send me to prison if possible.I am not prepared to pay the sum of $ 80.

The figure is too high or else I will commit suicide,” said Matsveru.

Despite his threats Matsveru was ordered to pay $ 120 for the upkeep of his children.

Terrence Mawawa, Zaka

Thousands of MDC supporters have been utterly disappointed by the postponement of a party rally scheduled for Jerera Growth Point today.

Thousands of enthusiastic and avid MDC supporters, having travelled from as far as Chiredzi and Gutu, have been stunned by the postponement of the rally.

MDC Provincial Chairperson, James Gumbi, was expected to address the rally.

“My brother this is not a rally, rather it is a district meeting.

I admit there have been serious hiccups but we are trying our level best to rectify the matter,” said an MDC official.

On the contrary, the some party officials maintain the rally has been held at Jerera Growth Point.

Terrence Mawawa

The ruling party has instructed both private and public companies to bankroll the Independence Day Celebrations, it has emerged.

Government sources told ZimEye.com a strategic meeting on the Independence Day Celebrations was held in Beitbridge last week.

The meeting was chaired by Acting Beitbridge District Administrator Kilibon Ndou.

“During the meeting companies were ordered to make contributions towards the Independence Day Celebrations,” said a government official.

Terrence Mawawa

Parents of Ordinary Level candidates who wrote their examinations in November last year at Dadaya High School have concurred to drag ZIMSEC to court for withholding the results over alleged cheating.

According to sources at the school, 57 out of 127 candidates have been affected by the withdrawal of results.

Dadaya High School head, Tamirira Nyasha Shumba confirmed the withholding of O Level results by ZIMSEC.

A member of the School Development Committee said:”Parents have resolved to take the matter to court.We are deeply concerned about the prolonged withdrawal of results. ”

“Our children cannot be punished for ZIMSEC’ s glaring incompetence.This has become totally unacceptable,” fumed one parent.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has appeared in public for the first time wearing her husband’s trademark scarf. The Mnangagwa’s are on a state visit  in China. 

Media statement: It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday the 2nd of April 2018.

She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was one of the greatest icons of the struggle against Apartheid. She fought valiantly against the Apartheid state and sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country. Her activism and resistance to Apartheid landed her in jail on numerous occasions, eventually causing her banishment to the small town of Brandfort in the then Orange Free State.

She kept the memory of her imprisoned husband Nelson Mandela alive during his years on Robben Island and helped give the Struggle for justice in South Africa one its most recognisable faces. She dedicated most of her adult life to the cause of the people and for this was known far and wide as the Mother Of The Nation.

The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman.

The family will release details of the memorial and funeral services once these have been finalised.

For more information, contact Victor Dlamini, the Mandela Family Spokesperson, on +REDACTED….

The ‘Ambassador of Happiness,’ a comic character and a politician, Joseph Chinotimba has seen his developmental meetings being oversubscribed as people from all walks of life enjoy his comic statements.

The comedian cum pastor and politician is the sitting Buhera South legislator and he considers happiness as the best natural medicine.

Chinotimba is just gifted with the ability to make people laugh, and many people attend his meetings and rallies just to see and mingle with him.

Chinoz with the people

Such was the mood at the Zanu PF district meeting in Buhera South where he was on the dance floor with his supporters after distributing part of the 40

000 plates he sourced from China.

The supporters who attended Chinotimba’s meetings said his addresses are captivating and make them happy.

The ‘Ambassador of Happiness’ says he is humbled by the jovial mood of his supporters whenever he calls for meetings in his constituency.- state media

Whitlaw Mugwinji | I have been following the Jessie Fungayi Majome versus Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe primary elections debate on social media.

What was supposed to be a very exciting discussion about the contest between these two brilliant female comrades, has been turned into a shame.

Some progressive comrades (male and female), who in the past have been champions, advocating women to enter politics have unfortunately turned misogynistic in their bid to defend their preferred candidate.

Yes, I consider it misogyny to take away Joana’s agency and accuse her of being used by males. Joana is a very capable young woman who is more than able to decide whether to contest or not, on her own.

Can we please return to the real debate on who should represent MDC Alliance in Harare West between these two excellent comrades, not this misogyny.

Zimbabwe is reportedly set to sign a diamond processing deal with Botswana within the next three months, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with his counterpart, President Ian Khama, last month in Gaborone.

According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, Mnangagwa was in Botswana on a state visit.

Mnangagwa toured the world renowned Diamond Trading Company (DTC) that would assist Zimbabwe in polishing, cutting and valuing its diamond.

The DTC is regarded as the world’s most sophisticated diamond sorting and valuing hub. Its arrangement with Zimbabwe would likely see the southern African nation sending its vast diamond to Botswana for processing, cleaning and polishing before being sold.

The move would see the country’s diamond make better returns than their current price of $50 per carat, the report said.

Zimbabwe lost more than $15bn in diamond revenue over a 10 year period.

In February 2016, ex-president Robert Mugabemade headlines after revealed that diamonds worth billions of dollars were looted in the eastern mining area of Marange.

Mugabe said at the time that the state treasury received less than $2 billion.

Mugabe’s revelation prompted the country’s opposition parties to call for a thorough investigation into the disappearance of the diamonds.

Movement for Democratic Change spokesperson Obert Gutu said at the time that the disappearance of the diamonds was “very astounding and startling”.- News24

Two Zimbabwean companies, Platinum Agriculture and Princewood Enterprises have sealed three deals to the tune of US$520 million for the procurement of mining, irrigation and other agriculture equipment.

The fourth deal pertaining to public mass transportation for provision of buses is still in the making with Allan Bus public transport system.

Addressing Zimbabwean journalists in Beijing, Platinum Agriculture and Princewood Enterprises Director, Mr Dakarai Mapuranga said the transportation deal signing has been delayed due to the need to make alterations so that the buses become more suitable for the road system in Zimbabwe.

Pertaining to the agriculture and agricultural equipment he said those wishing to access the facilities will do so through their banks under some revolving facility.

“Our week-long visit has yielded positive results for Zimbabwe’s economy. We have sealed a US$400 million deal with China’s Lovol company that produces heavy machinery for agriculture and mining, while a US$40 million revolving facility was secured with Good Agro-Rising for the supply of chemicals for tobacco and other export-oriented crops. Those wishing to benefit will do so through their banks as this is a revolving fund. Let me make it clear that nothing is being given for free like what happened under some previous facilities that have not been paid back,” he said.

Mr Mapuranga added that under the deals, Dayu Corporation will supply centre pivots and drip irrigation equipment at the tune of US$80 million.

Mr Mapuranga said the two companies that are working closely with government ministries chose to support agriculture and mining as the two sectors are the biggest foreign currency earners for Zimbabwe.

The business delegation is accompanied by technical people who are capable of advising the government on the suitable and appropriate technology required in the sectors and avoid a situation where the equipment and machinery is bought without backup.- state media

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has said the killing of a collared bull elephant by a Russian trophy hunter outside Gonarezhou National Park was legal as there is no law that prohibits the hunting of animals under research.
The elephant which was wearing a research tag was shot dead by a Russian trophy hunter on March 7 about 5km outside the Gonarezhou National Park.

In an yesterday, ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, said the hunting was above board.
“That elephant was legally hunted; everything which was done was above board. Yes, it was collared. After the harvesting of the elephant, the collar was returned to the researcher. It’s important for people to understand that we don’t have a law that protects collared animals from being harvested or hunted,” said Mr Farawo.

He said the hunters did not see the collar and mistakenly hunted down the elephant.
“It’s also important to note that when people are harvesting or hunting these elephants it’s difficult to see the collar. By the way it was not harvested in the park. We don’t allow hunting in the park. It was hunted in the safari area and it’s allowed in line with international regulations the CITES and the like,” he said.

Mr Farawo said various stakeholders have been pushing for a law that protects the iconic animals
“Some of the issues that stakeholders are pushing that the researcher or the person monitoring the animal must also communicate with the hunters so that at least these animals are protected. There is no law. Stakeholders are saying let’s have a law,” he said.
“As it is now, harvesting a collared animal is legal in Zimbabwe. Nothing amiss about what happened in Masvingo”.

International media reports say while it is not illegal to shoot animals wearing tags, it is considered unethical. It is reported that the hunters claimed not to have noticed the tag until after the animal was dead.The bull elephant had been tagged inside the national park but had wandered outside the unfenced boundary into an area known as the Naivasha Community Conservancy, which has been set aside for hunting by locals.

Reports say Martin Pieters, ex-chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association, was leading a legal 14-day excursion near Gonarezhou when the killing happened. Pieters and his Russian client, who has not been named, were with his unarmed friend, two trackers, a parks ranger and a local council representative when they picked up the elephant’s tracks on day six of the expedition.The group began tracking the animal and found it in thick bush, meaning they were not able to see the whole body of the elephant.

Pieters, after seeing the elephant’s large tusks, ordered his client to shoot, the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter and Guides Association says.

The bull had been in the area since around February 20. Pieters had not been made aware of this fact, reports say.

Asked by Netwerk 24 about the loss of the elephant, Pieters said: “It does not matter, the hunt was completely legal.’’

The tag belongs to the Frankfurt Zoological Society which collared elephants in the park in 2009 and again in 2016. It is not clear precisely when this male was collared.The killing of the giant bull follows the killing of Cecil the lion by hunter, Walter Palmer in Zimbabwe in July 2015. The lion was also tagged by researchers. – state media