By A Correspondent| The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo has revealed that government previously blocked efforts by proponents of the revival of the Munhumutapa and Rozvi Emperors as they are not catered for in the National Constitution.

Minister Moyo said this in the Senate Chambers on Thursday responding to a question by Chief Gampu of Matabeleland on why government had blocked the coronation of prince Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo as king of the Ndebele.

“For instance, there are those who want to revive Munhumutapa, we do not have that emperor in the Constitution and we advised them accordingly. Last year, there were those who wanted to have a Rozvi King and we advised equally the same that we do not have that terminology in our Constitution,” said Moyo.

“Until the Constitution has been amended accordingly, we cannot advice anybody contrary to what the Constitution says,” he added.

Minister Moyo said that it is not fair for the chiefs to be the ones pushing for the instalment of a king when they were involved in the constitution making process and never brought up the issue of the king.

“The Chiefs were participants in that Constitution making process,” said Moyo.

“In our Constitution, it is very clear that the traditional leaders as defined in the Constitution are in three parts only, the first one is a chief, in Shona ndi mambo, in Ndebele Induna but in our Constitution it is the Chief. Then there is a headman and there is a village head.”

“So, when people who wanted to have a King wrote to us, we advised that in our Constitution we have no provision for a King,” he said.

Chiefs from Matabeleland were last week involved in a heated debate with the Minister when they demanded to install Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo as King of the Ndebele.

Minister Moyo called off the coronation claiming that the process was unconstitutional.

The Crown Council led by Chief Mathema of Gwanda has since said that they will be taking the matter to the Constitutional Court.

By Paul Nyathi | Roman Catholic Church run MARIST Brothers Secondary School in Dete, has dismissed 16 Form Four pupils who last month ganged up to torture some Form Two boys at the school.

The sixteen boys were found given transfer letters to seek learning places in other schools after disciplinary hearings found them guilty of heavily torturing about thirty younger form two boys.

The torture took place at a Form Four hostel referred to by students as the “Palace” and lasted for about five hours between 10PM and 2AM.

The form four boys who allegedly had previous disciplinary cases on them were drunk after consuming a fermented powdered cereal, when they tortured the younger boys accusing them of stealing foodstuffs.

The victims were interrogated, forced to drink water from the toilet bowl, eat bath soap, wash clothes, bark like dogs and pull trunks while some were yoked together like a span of oxen, rammed onto the walls, chocked, kicked, punched and hit with sticks and belts.

Two boys reportedly had to go for surgery on the groin and abdomen, while some had neck, arm, fingers and rib fractures after being kicked and hit with an assortment of weapons.

Matabeleland North acting Provincial Education Director Mr Jabulani Mpofu confirmed the exclusion of the bullies from the school.

“They have been excluded from the school and they can look for places elsewhere but not return to Marist,” said Mr Mpofu.

THe severe cash shortage brought about by a debilitating liquidity crunch has severely reduced the use of automated teller machines (ATMs).

An ATM is an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfer funds, or obtaining account information, at any time and without the need for direct interaction with bank staff.

However, since the advent of cash shortages most banks have resorted to giving money over the counter, resulting in long, winding queues at most financial institutions.

ATMs are now only used occasionally when banks look to reduce the pressure in banking halls which has resulted in most machines gathering dust at great cost to financial institutions.

The use of ATMs has also been affected by the introduction of bond coins by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which cannot be dispensed through ATMs. Some banks are now giving depositors cash in coin denominations of US$1, 50c, 25c and even as little as 10c.

A senior banking official pointed out that while there has been a significant increase in point-of-sale transactions there has been a dramatic decline in ATM cash transactions.

He said this has come at a huge cost to the banks. “Obviously ATMs come at a huge expense in terms of capital outlay,” the official said.

“ATMs cost anything between US$25 000 to US$50 000 and there is also the cost of the software licence.”

He said ATMs are no longer being used for their core purpose, which is dispensing cash.
This, he said, affects the overall value financial institutions are getting from ATMs.
FBC group marketing head Priscilla Sadomba said the cash deficit in the market has affected the use of their ATMs.

“The current cash shortages prevailing in the market have affected optimum utilisatilation of ATMs, particularly for the purposes of cash. Generally there is limited activity on usage of ATMs for cash dispensation. In a normal environment our ATMs dispense cash 24/7,” Sadomba said.

“While ATMs have primarily been used for cash dispensing, other transactional and non-transactional services are also available for the banking public such as bill payments to various service providers, inter account transfers, PIN change, balance enquiry amongst other things.
“This has allowed us to decongest branches as some services are now accessible via the ATM.” Economist John Robertson points out that the drastic reduction in the use of ATMs is costly to banks.

“The ATMs are growing old and dusty,” Robertson said. “The money being spent on the equipment by banks is not being recovered. The convenience of ATMs for depositors has disappeared. It is a serious problem.”

He said the introduction of bond coins “has not helped” in addressing the problem. Zimbabwe Independent

The High Court has upheld the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) decision to nullify all November 2017 Ordinary Level results for four St David’s Bonda High School pupils who were caught cheating in the Mathematics Paper 2 public examination.

Zimsec nullified all the November 2017 examination results for the pupils – Mazvita Vela, Tendai Nyamuronda, Valentine Pedzayi and Akino Linda – for cheating after they managed to access the examination paper in advance.

Justice Happias Zhou made the ruling following an urgent application brought by Mr Mike Vela, Mr Albert Nyamuronda, Mr Joseph Pedzayi and Ms Brenda Hatinahama, who were acting on behalf of their affected daughters.

The parents wanted Zimsec to release their children’s results.

In his ruling, Justice Zhou intimated that the courts should not be seen to undermine the efforts of authorities that are charged with the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the public examination system.

“Exams are matters of national importance and it is necessary for Zimsec to be allowed to act in order to preserve its integrity,” said Justice Zhou.

“The court will be condoning an illegal conduct if it ignored the findings made by the examination body.”

Ms Hatinahama withdrew from the case after it was proved by Zimsec that she was buying examination papers for her daughter and sending them in advance of the scheduled examination through Whatsapp messages.

Justice Zhou noted with great concern that the evidence presented by Zimsec suggested that she was party to the cheating.

The parents were represented by Mr Simon Chabuka, while Zimsec was represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who was instructed by Mr Zvobgo Tawanda Zvobgo of Dube, Manikai and Hwacha.

Mr Zvobgo said the ruling was an indication of the courts’ resolve and commitment to protect the integrity of Zimbabwe’s education system.

“The actions of Zimsec are reasonably justified in a democratic society,” he said.

“If it is established that a student cheated, even in one subject, then that student is not a credible candidate. The entirety of their results should be nullified as was done in the past case.”

The pupils were asking the court to set aside Zimsec’s decision and to endorse all their results as final and definitive.

The four pupils were on October 17 last year allegedly caught by the teachers with questions and pre-written answers of the actual 2017 ‘O’ level Mathematics Paper 2.

It was also alleged that the four had premature access to the examination questions via social media platforms.

The quartet did not deny the allegations. This resulted in their results for all the subjects they sat for being withheld.

The parents, who accompanied their children to collect the results recently, were shocked when the school head gave them documents entitled “Examination Malpractice” dated November 8, 2017, which had details of the allegations.

Last week, the parents, who felt hard done, filed an urgent chamber application demanding the immediate release of the results, arguing the decision taken by Zimsec was drastic and violated the children’s constitutional rights for administrative conduct.

Mr Vela, who deposed an affidavit, claimed that Zimsec’s decision was irrational in the circumstances as it failed to give reasons for the drastic action it took.

The parents argued that Zimsec was discriminating against their children since other examination cheats were not treated in the same way.

Recently, the High Court endorsed nullification of English Paper 2 results and ruled that the English examination results should be based on English Paper 1 written in November last year. Herald

A long colourful scarf worn by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his recent trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, has been a topic of discussion on various social media platforms, and now, a hot selling item in Zimbabwe.

“It’s been an overwhelming response,” Celia Rukato, founder of the Harare-based textile company that has been selling the scarf for about three years, said.

In explaining how the scarf that is now referred to as the “Presidential Scarf” became part of the Zimbabwe delegation in Davos, Rukato of Chjaa Enterprises Private Limited, said: “That was completely, to be honest, a surprise on our end.”

Rukato said she simply delivered a few scarves to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the Davos trip for consideration, but it was not until word started getting around on social media about the President wearing the scarf, that she realised her efforts had paid off.

She said the scarf came about as an experiment to capture the culture and identity of Zimbabwe.

“Our family spent a long time living in South Africa. Despite regular visits back home annually, we constantly sought ways of being reminded of Zimbabwe and ways of showcasing national pride outwardly.

“We were also increasingly presented with opportunities that required us to showcase our “Zimbabweanness” when interacting with the global community across a series of platforms. A common go-to for showcasing culture for many people is through clothing, or traditional attire. In our case, this was often difficult because, beyond being able to perhaps wear clothing specific to a Zimbabwean ethnic group (Ndebele traditional attire, for example), there was little we could wear that would identify us as distinctly Zimbabwean.

“It is in this context that we were inspired to create designs and an aesthetic that we believe showcases the dignity and pride we feel in being Zimbabwean,” Rukato explained.

“From the onset we firmly understood that the Zimrocks scarf had to be rooted in our history as Zimbabweans and had to present an overall aesthetic that is clearly not aligned to any one political party. The product had to be one that all/any Zimbabwean could identify with irrespective of race, tribe or political allegiance. It is for this reason that, when designing the scarf, we settled on the Zimbabwe national colours.”

The colours of the scarf, black, green, white, gold and red, displayed as horizontal stripes, are all official colours of the Zimbabwe flag.

“These colours represent our collective historical and cultural significance and are articulated by the Zimbabwean flag and coat of arms,” said Rukato.

Celebrating being Zimbabwean, Rukato said, was a choice that every individual needs to actively make.

“When we began this project, we chose to focus on how we could contribute towards pride and positivity about being Zimbabwean. The scarf, therefore, represents the embracing of what it means to be Zimbabwean with all the good and the bad; because this is who we are.”

Since its debut in Davos, the scarf, which Rukato said her company never really marketed much outside Zimbabwe’s embassies in different countries, is literally selling itself. She said Zimbabweans are now contacting her company through various social media platforms, to place their orders. The scarf is being sold for $16.

“It’s really exciting to just see how people are reacting and are excited about it,” Rukato said of her product which the Zimbabwe public overlooked since its creation three years ago.

“We’re thrilled by the gradual conversation that the scarf has been able to illicit. It is a powerful thing to see Zimbabweans from all walks of life, in both Zimbabwe and around the world, showing enthusiasm for being able to wear the Zimbabwean colours proudly.”

She said the response from the public was quite encouraging considering that three years ago when the scarves were introduced, they did not receive such a reception.

“I’d say when we had initially put it out on the market, we’d see, you know, the raised eyebrow, ok, what’s this about? But I think that’s really just the discussion that as Zimbabweans we need to have,” said Rukato, adding that there’s more to the scarf than what it appears to be on the surface.

“It’s not that the scarf is the answer, but I think it’s just a step toward in finding how we can express our identity and culture and I guess, what we’re about through our dress, so it’s just the beginning, I believe,” said Rukato.

The scarf is now being worn by most Government officials when conducting national duty outside Zimbabwe as well as different ambassadors. People who have been spotted donning the scarf are British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Catriona Lang, Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira and Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa.

“It’s been incredible to have the scarf being ordered and worn by Zimbabweans as far away as London.”

But among them all, the biggest fan of the scarves is undeniably President Mnangagwa whose outfits are incomplete without the scarf. This is really one piece of clothing that somehow reminds him of the people of Zimbabwe who have their hopes of a better nation pinned on him.

On the President constantly wearing the scarf, Rukato said: “For us, the donning of the scarf by President Mnangagwa is an invitation to all Zimbabweans and all those who appreciate the history and beauty of the country to join hands and contribute to the building of a Great Zimbabwe, whose future is as bright as the scarf. Through the scarf, we’re saying, ‘let us be proudly Zimbabwean!”.

In addition to the scarf, Rukato designs and prints a series of fabrics that are inspired by historical monuments and symbols across Zimbabwe.

“In addition to the knitted version that is currently available, we are working on other versions of the scarf on printed cotton, printed silk and other varieties. Chronicle

Government has gazetted the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill which seeks to strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe by giving it autonomy to effectively combat the vice.

The Bill is also meant to ensure Zimbabwe complies with 40 recommendations by the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group where Harare was found to be wanting.
Promulgation of the proposed law is consistent with Government under President Mnangagwa’s thrust to ensure zero tolerance for corruption, as it moves to quickly turn around fortunes of the economy.

Clause 4 of the Bill, set up by the Financial Intelligence Unit, formerly under the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Unit under Bank Use Promotion Act, will continue in operation, but elevate its head to director-general from a director.

“The unit shall be deemed to be in the administrative establishment of the RBZ having the following special features, namely that, (a) it shall be headed by a Director-General appointed by the Governor of the RBZ in consultation with the Minister (of Finance), (b) it shall consist of such other members of staff as may be necessary for the performance of its functions, who shall be appointed by the Director-General,” reads the Bill.

“The budget of the unit (i) shall be approved by the Board of the Reserve Bank, (ii) be managed by the Director-General independently of the Reserve Bank, but be subject to internal audit by the Reserve Bank and be audited by the auditors of the Reserve Bank.”

The Bill also spells out the conditions under which the DG shall leave office and his qualifications, among other pertinent issues.

“Except as provided for in section 6B (2), the unit shall have operational independence from the Reserve Bank and shall not in the performance of its functions under the Act, be subject to the direction and control of the Minister or any other person or authority,” reads section 6A (f) of the Bill.
The functions of the unit are also spelt out in the Bill.
“Subject to this Act, the function of the unit shall be (a) to receive suspicious transactions reports, cash transactions reports and other financial data from financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses or professions or from any other sources,” reads the Bill.

Other functions include monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Act by competent supervisory authorities, financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses or professions.

“The Minister, after consultation with the advisory committee may in writing give the Director-General directions with regard to policy to be adopted by the unit in the performance of its functions,” reads the Bill.

The proposed law empowers the unit to have access to information from any financial institution, designated non-financial business or profession or law enforcement agency.

The Bill will amend section 27 of the National Prosecuting Authority (Chapter 7:20) section six of the Criminal Matters (Mutual Assistance Act) (Chapter 9:06) section 87 of the Deeds Registries Act (Chapter 20:05) section 210 of the Customs and Exercise Act (Chapter 23:05).

It will also amend section 5 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 23:06) section 34A of the Revenue Authority Act (Chapter 23:11), section 360 of the Companies Act (Chapter 24:03) and the Bank Use Promotion Act (Chapter 24:24.). Herald

Senior police officer based in Mberengwa allegedly shot dead a civilian related to a suspect after he refused to disclose the whereabouts of the wanted man.
The officer (name supplied) from Mataga Police Station, who was in the company of other police officers, allegedly shot and killed Mr Moses Ndlovu at Gaha Business Centre in Mberengwa after he refused to disclose the whereabouts of Cephas Nkomo, a rape suspect.

Police then allegedly opened a sudden death docket stating that the officer had shot Mr Ndlovu by mistake in his line of duty.

On Wednesday when Mataga Police Station submitted a sudden death docket to Mberengwa resident magistrate Mrs Evia Matura in a bid to close the case, the magistrate said she could not just close the docket since “human error” had been cited in the death of Mr Ndlovu.

Mrs Matura ordered the police to re-open the case treating it as murder. “The matter has been referred back to the police for further investigations on the matter. The deceased died from a gunshot wound and the matter is now being treated as murder,” wrote Mrs Matura to Mataga Police Station.

Acting Midlands Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said: “I am not aware of the matter. We will have to get hold of the responsible station and find out if there is anything like that.”
However, a police source alleged that on the fateful day, a police officer who was in the company of fellow police officers went to Gaha Business Centre looking for Nkomo who was on the run.
“When he got to Gaha Business Centre, they saw Ndlovu who is related to Nkomo. Ndlovu refused to co-operate and ran away. He sought sanctuary in a shop.

“The police officers then forced open the door and one of them allegedly shot Ndlovu in the abdomen. He fell to the ground and started bleeding profusely. He later died due to the injuries he sustained,” said the source.

This incident comes barely a month after another police officer, Detective Constable Gift Gorongonya, shot and injured a soldier Corporal Zico Shumba in Gweru’s Central Business District (CBD) after he had tried to restrain him from pointing a gun at unarmed civilians. Herald

Bulawayo deputy mayor and MDC-T Bulawayo provincial chairperson, Gift Banda, yesterday apologised for the bloody intra-party clashes that rocked the city on Sunday and pledged to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book.

Banda’s apology came a day after he together with 11 other MDC-T activists were released on bail following their arrest in connection with the clashes which involved supporters from the opposition parties’ two rival camps.

The clashes were centred around leadership of the party, with deputy president Thokozani Khupe refusing to recognise Nelson Chamisa’s recent nomination as party president.
Khupe’s faction insists that she is the rightful heir to the post left vacant after the death of MDC-T founder Morgan Tsvangirai.

“But that as it may be, I unreservedly condemn all forms of violence in the province. We will do everything internally and outside to make sure that all those involved face the consequences,” Banda said.

“As a party, we categorically express our profound and sincere regrets to our supporters, members, residents, motorists and the society at large for the ugly scenes of violence witnessed at our provincial offices.”

On Monday, the MDC-T leadership dispatched its secretary for security, Giles Mutsekwa to investigate the Sunday violence, and make recommendations to the national council on the way forward. Banda said the provincial executive was also executing parallel investigations so as to take disciplinary action against the perpetrators.

He, however, said the provincial executive could not take any disciplinary action against Khupe, saying only the national council could deal with her and other top party leadership.

A meeting organised by Khupe at the MDC-T provincial offices was cut short following the violent
skirmishes. Banda, insisted the meeting was not sanctioned, and clashed with an elections directorate meeting called by his executive in line with the party’s constitution.

“The [Khupe] meeting was convened without the knowledge of me as the provincial chairperson, the provincial administration committee and the secretariat … On the very same day, there was a meeting that was convened by us as the Bulawayo province, which was a meeting of the elections directorate, which was supposed to take place at 12pm,” he said.

“So it’s clear that on the particular day, as a province, we had a programme, and that particular programme was for the elections directorate to come in and explain the details, the template for the selection of candidates for the coming elections.”

“We have got a robust committee system that guides our programmes. The has a responsibility of organising party meetings requested by the party leadership, but on that particular day, the meeting that happened and I have said as the chairperson it was never brought to our attention.” Newsday

Vocal MDC founder politician Job Sikhala has thrown his hat in the ring, to stand in the Zengeza Constituency.

Terrence Mawawa

A Zimbabwe National Army soldier who was arrested for assaulting a patron wreaked havoc in prison cells last week.

The soldier, Martin Zavave, of Buffalo Range Airport assaulted one Andrew Chaurura for refusing to buy him beer.

Zavave appeared before Chiredzi Magistrate, Constance Mutandwa and he was remanded in custody.

For the State, Chiedza Muhwandavaka told the court that on February 24, 2018, Zavave instructed Chaurura to buy him beer but the latter refused.

Zavave took a wooden stick and assaulted Chaurura all over his body.

Chaurura was ferried to Chiredzi General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

Dear friends,

This has been another week of action in the new Zimbabwe, and as it comes to a close, we can look back with gratitude and humility at the progress we are making.

We are beginning to see the fruits of our toil. NKC African Economics, a globally recognised economic research firm, upgraded our country’s sovereign credit rating for the first time in twenty years, sending a clear message to investors that investments in Zimbabwe are safe.

Closer to home, we cut student tuition fees by 40%, which following on from our creation of a $1 billion student loan facility, will bring relief and support for our talented youth. We also announced plans to give greater powers to provincial authorities to draw up their own budgets and evaluate their own economic output, an important measure that will enable the provincial leadership to better deliver for local communities.

This week also saw the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who came to assure us of his nation’s commitment to the new Zimbabwe. Following our meeting, agreements were signed which will help us to modernise our agriculture, bring about closer cooperation in industrial development and create a Special Economic Zone here in Zimbabwe.

Alongside action, this has also been a week of listening. I had the honour to meet and hear from our youth, our business leaders, captains of industry, students and our church leadership. I cherish these opportunities to listen and learn from the people of Zimbabwe, of all ages and backgrounds. Only through dialogue will we create the conditions for true growth and prosperity.

May you all have a blessed weekend.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

A health expert here has warned local residents to desist from consuming wild mushroom following the death of 15 people.

Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Amadeus Shamhu yesterday urged local residents to avoid the consumption of wild mushroom as doing so was perilous.

“My advice is that you have to consume certified and approved mushroom to avoid dire consequences.

Some species of wild mushroom are very poisonous because they emit dangerous toxins,” said Shamu.

Seven family members died in Mberengwa while in Filabusi, four members of the same family died after eating wild mushroom.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Staff members at Masvingo Polytechnic have refused to perform their day to day duties protesting at the failure by the college authorities to settle their salary arrears.

The disgruntled workers told ZimEye.com yesterday they were owed $ 60 000 in unpaid salary arrears.

“We were instructed to perform extra duties as we served ZIMSEC officials who were at the college in December and the senior officials promised to pay us our allowances.

Surprisingly they are now reneging on their promise.

We were told the money they were supposed to pay us was channelled towards the payment of water arrears,” said a disgruntled employee.

The employees were asked to provide various services such as cooking and cleaning during the said period.

An International organisation, Women Appreciating Women yesterday honoured women across the globe who have and are leading and championing empowerment, organisational structures, political influence and philanthropy. Among the honoured are six Zimbabwean women for their contribution to the Zimbabwean, regional, continental and global community.
The women were conferred with the WAW Honorary Awards at a glitz event in London last night, a dinner event organised by Dr. Pauline Long, the organisation founder and patron. Dr. Long is credited for founding and championing the Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television, Arts & Sports Awards which have seen thousands of elite personalities worldwide celebrated.
Former Vice President of Zimbabwe Dr. Joice TR Mujuru was the first Zimbabwean recipient of the WAW Honorary Awards last year where she was the Guest of Honour at the WAW International Women’s Day 2017
The honoured Zimbabwean women are Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa who have boldly harnessed the media sector, Dr Charity Jinya who is the Managing Director of MBCA Bank, Mrs Chipo Mutasa the CEO of TelOne Zimbabwe, Dr Jesimen Chipika the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Honourable Dr. Sithembiso G.G. Nyoni the Minister of Women & Youth Affair and Mrs Sherree Shereni a Women and Faith Empowerment philanthropist whose work and influence is beyond the Zimbabwean community.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Pauline profoundingly acknowledged the contribution of Zimbabwean women in many spheres of life yet the humility and resilience the women have exerted even in the most difficult and harsh economic environment;
“the next group of women we honour tonight are Zimbabwean women. While tonight I mention six gallant icons, I am humbled by Zimbabwean women who I have come across endlessly in all spheres I have been involved, working and leading dedicatedly and excellently. What amazes me about these Zimbabwean women is their humility and resilience, giving out commendable results in their fields and sectors without seeking acknowledgement or calling to be congratulated”, said Dr. Long.
For more information and questions; Please Contact: Rukudzo T. Shirihuru National Secretariat
Women Appreciating Women (Zimbabwe Chapter) [email protected] Whatsapp Only: +263733322630

Met and held a fruitful discussion with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at State House. pic.twitter.com/gIJOcjwn8S

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) March 9, 2018

Missing activist, Itai Dzamara’s family has accused the government of failing to co-operate in locating their relative three years after his alleged abduction by suspected State security agents.

Dzamara was allegedly abducted on March 9, 2015 and has not been accounted for, although the government had pledged to co-operate in looking for him. Itai’s brother, Patson, yesterday told NewsDay that the new government of President Emmerson
Mnangagwa had failed to make good promises to assist the family locate the missing activist.

“Of course, the custodians of the so-called new government are doing their best to present a different face to the public and to the international community,” he said.

“But we know that a leopard does not change its spots. Many people have been killed. For example, last week, two vendors were killed by the police because of an issue to do with the transport system. So, we’re still dealing with the same draconian system.

“Despite the fact that we are now in a period that’s being touted as a new era, where Mugabe’s former Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, took power and is trying by all means to put forth a democratic image, the reality is that nothing meaningful has changed. Mnangagwa is failing to address the issue of Itai’s disappearance.”

The family is now demanding an independent commission of inquiry to be set up to investigate the matter Newsday

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Staff members at Masvingo Polytechnic have refused to perform their day to day duties protesting at the failure by the college authorities to settle their salary arrears.

The disgruntled workers told ZimEye.com yesterday they were owed $ 60 000 in unpaid salary arrears.

“We were instructed to perform extra duties as we served ZIMSEC officials who were at the college in December and the senior officials promised to pay us our allowances.

Surprisingly they are now reneging on their promise.

We were told the money they were supposed to pay us was channelled towards the payment of water arrears,” said a disgruntled employee.

The employees were asked to provide various services such as cooking and cleaning during the said period.

Terrence Mawawa

There was pandemonium at the Chikomba Rural District Council Offices as angry residents besieged the premises and threatened to assault senior officials.

Chikomba RDC employees were forced to scurry for cover as angry residents ran amok last week.

The residents accused senior officials at Chikomba RDC in Chivhu of maladministration and corruption.

The residents also demanded the immediate resignation of Chikomba RDC Chief Executive Officer, Luckson Mutara whom they accused of rampant corruption.

The march, which degenerated into chaos, was organised by Chikomba Residents and Ratepayers Association.

“There is no going back until our grievances are addressed, ” said a Chivhu resident.

Coca Cola, the popular drink, which is already in short supply, is likely to disappear from the shelves in the next few weeks, thanks to the foreign currency shortage which has hamstrung the operations of several Zimbabwean companies.

Delta Corporation anticipates a dwindling supply of its Coke product on the domestic market “in the coming weeks” due to a crippling shortage of foreign currency required to import key manufacturing ingredients, a senior company official said.

Already, the impact of the Coke shortage on the local market is being felt, with the product not readily available in some retail outlets.

Delta company secretary Alex Makamure told the Zimbabwe Independent the shortage, experienced from late “January into February 2018”, has been caused by a breakdown of the canning line. The brewer however forecasts a shortage of a range of other canned products, due to forex shortages.

“We note that we had some challenges in supplying the market with canned product (Coke) from late January into February 2018 when the canning line was undergoing some repairs. There would be shortages of some brands in that package at the moment,” Makamure said.

“Other than that, we are supplying the full range of brands in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and returnable glass. We, however, anticipate some challenge in supplying product in the coming weeks as we have encountered constraints in accessing foreign currency to cover imported raw materials.”
A range of key raw materials used to manufacture soft drinks are in short supply, including carbon dioxide, preservatives and probiotic bacteria.

“We will be updating the market at the appropriate time if the ongoing engagements with value chain partners do not yield positive results,” Makamure said.
“We have accumulated a backlog in paying foreign suppliers.
“…This gives rise to a supply and demand mismatch of brands and packs.”

He said the “entire portfolio of beverages in the last few months” had surged.
Delta—now a subsidiary of the world’s largest brewer Anheusur-Busch InBev SA/NV and a rival of Coca-Cola—
in November 2016 announced that it was struggling to pay international creditors and shareholders an estimated US$30 million as the southern African country grappled with an acute foreign currency shortage.

Makamure said the brewer, which has grown exponentially over the past decade after injecting an estimated US$43 million towards setting up new bottling lines, was struggling to pay suppliers due to the acute foreign currency shortage.

In the long term, the availability of Coke on the local market hinges on the ultimate decision by The Coca Cola Company (TCCC), which announced two years ago that it was considering terminating its bottling franchise with Delta after Anheusur-Busch InBev SA/NV snapped a major stake held by SAB Miller Plc in the local brewer.

Anheusur-Busch InBev SA/NV is the major bottling firm of Pepsi soda drink, a direct rival of Coke.
Coke, which has also has a footprint in Zimbabwe, was concocted in 1826 by John Pemberton in Atlanta, United States. A century later, Coke continues to spin billions of dollars.

The product’s wide global appeal, distinct taste and popular contour bottle packaging has endured for over a century now, with many people in Zimbabwe erroneously identifying any other soda drink as synonymous with Coke.

Between 1826 and now, the ownership and shareholding of Coca-Cola has changed hands from Pemberton, Asa Griggs Candler to Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway investment vehicle, now the biggest shareholder in the conglomerate.

Over the years, Coke has extended its presence to every country in the world but two.
It is only in Cuba and North Korea where Coca-Cola is not established as a business, due to long-standing economic sanctions slapped on those countries by the US.

In Zimbabwe, Coca-Cola’s flagship products, including Coke, are widely packaged and distributed by Delta Corporation.

Mutare Bottling Company, owned by Econet Wireless, is the only other bottler of Coca-Cola products, although its capacity is not as vast as that of Delta.

Sources say Anheusur-Busch InBev SA/NV, which does not bottle soda drinks in Europe and Africa, intends to only focus on the beer business unit in Delta while it may dispose of its soft drink assets.
AB InBev is a key Pepsi Beverages bottler in Latin America while SABMiller dominated Coke’s bottling in Africa.

Apart from Coca-Cola and PepsiCo being global rivals, investment analysts project that one of the key goals of the ever-acquisitive Anheusur-Busch InBev SA/NV is to eventually take over Coke. Whether it ever happens or not, one thing is certain: Coke remains a formidable product. Zimbabwe Independent

Terrence Mawawa

Masvingo City Council has threatened to engage the services of debt collectors to help the local authority recover millions of dollars in water arrears.

Masvingo City Council treasurer Thandiwe Dube told a local community radio station yesterday the city council was owed $ 7,3 million in unpaid water bills.

Dube said the residents would be given a grace period to clear the arrears.

“If the residents do not cooperate then we will engage the services of debt collectors,” said Dube.

Masvingo Residents’ Trust(MRT) has called for dialogue between the local authority and the concerned residents as part of efforts to resolve the impasse.

” We believe in dialogue and we hope the city council will invite all the concerned stakeholders to the negotiating table, ” said MRT in a statement.

Because ED & the military didn’t want Bob to resign then https://t.co/xIwVI299ze

— mawarire jealousy (@mawarirej) March 9, 2018

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is not taking the threat of social media for granted and has urged Zanu PF youths to fight toe-to-toe with opposition parties as the ruling party bids to capture the elusive youth vote.

Mnangagwa, who has been using his newly reactivated social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter, admits he is not as techno-savvy as the younger generation but urged Zanu PF youths at the wing’s inaugural assembly to engage the opposition on social media.

“Isu nana Mai Muchinguri-Kashiri hatizvigone. Musakundwa mu social media imomo pindai mu social media murakashe vanhu (We are not techno savvy. Don’t be beaten to the game. Get in there and dominate social media),” Mnangagwa said to applause from the Zanu PF youths.

This comes as Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said the 2018 vote would be decided by the youth.

Mnangagwa commended the party’s Youth League for the #EDHasMyVote social media campaign but was quick to warn that there was need for the party to cast its campaign wider.

“One of your leaders here talked about the youth being 60 percent of the population. I think it is correct but let us look at the percentage of the youth which is in the 5,3 million registered voters. How many youths are Zanu PF? How many are in MDC? How many don’t belong to anybody? So it’s fallacious to say 60 percent is yours,” he said.

He was speaking after youth secretary for Zanu PF, Pupurai Togarepi who is aged 52, and makes up the party’s youth membership along with his son, Gabriel, had assured Mnangagwa of the youth vote in the forthcoming elections.

Social media is fast proving to be a game changer in Zimbabwean politics since protests staged by citizens such as Evan Mawarire of #thisflag movement and Tajamuka-Sesijikile campaign changed the political landscape in 2016.- Daily News

Ray Nkosi | Former Defense Minister and at one time heir apparent to the throne Dr Sydney Sekeramayi has come out to speak on developments in the Mugabe led opposition party.

Sekeramayi once a key figure in the G-40 faction aligned to Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace, survived persecution after the November coup, which resulted in a relentless onslught against all its perceived members. While some were jailed others were driven into exile, with Mugabe being placed under 24 hour surveillence.

The state media reports that Zanu PF Mashonaland East has described the resignation of former Marondera West MP Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri as a non-event which should not shake the party in the constituency.

Zanu PF politburo member Dr Sydney Sekeramayi told party supporters at an inter-district meeting at Mahusekwa Growth Point that although Mr Mutinhiri has sold out that should not shake the party, urging the members to remain united.

The meeting was meant to inform members on the new developments after Mr Mutinhiri’s resignation and formation of an opposition party National Patriotic Front.

Provincial chairman Joel Biggie Matiza said the leadership in the area should ensure that resignation of Mr Mutinhiri does not divide the party and advised that those who used to work with the former Mashonaland East Minister of State should know that the party is bigger than individuals.

A 67 year old man from Gwanda died on the spot after a donkey-drawn scotch cart he was travelling in overturned and hit him on the head.

Enart Ndlovu of Wabayi area under Chief Mathema was driving the scotch cart with three other passengers on board heading towards Sibona Primary School on Tuesday.

Along the way, the scotch cart hit a tree stump and overturned throwing off the passengers.

The scotch cart then hit Ndlovu on the head and he died on the spot.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident. “I can confirm we received a report of an accident which occurred in Gwanda on Tuesday. A 67-year-old man died in a scotch cart incident after the scotch cart hit a tree stump and overturned.

“We encourage members of the public to lead their animal drawn scotch carts at all times. We always warn people to take heed of such police warnings but sadly people ignore. It is sad to note that the province is continuously receiving such reports yet we talk of this on a daily basis,” he said. – state media

By Paul Nyathi

Students at Magwegwe High School in Bulawayo have expressed shock and anger after their Headmaster a Mr Ncube ordered them to stop singing Shona songs at the school as these are allegedly not allowed in Matabeleland.

In a statement provided to ZimEye.com by the students the headmaster is alleged to have screamed at the students when they were singing a Shona song in the school bus just before they left the school for an athletics competition on Wednesday.

“Our headmaster, Mr W Ncube found us singing in the bus before our departure for provincial Athletics competitions and ordered us to stop singing Shona songs,” said the pupils.

“He said if we wanted to sing such songs we have to be in Mashonaland not here in Matebeleland. He asked for those who were behind the songs and threatened them with expulsion from school or risk of being dropped from the school team.”

The headmaster is reported to have told the kids that schools in Mashonaland never sing IsiNdebele songs when going for sports ordering them to equally stop singing Shona songs.

According to the pupils the headmaster also took swipe at the teacher and the School Development Committee Chairman who were with the children in the bus accusing them of allowing children to sing prohibited songs.

“What surprised us most was him telling the SDC chairman that if the Provincial Education Director got the news that we were singing shona songs, the school was going to be charged for misconduct,” said the kids.

“Khumalo uPED engezwa kuthiwa kuhlatshelwa ingoma zale lapha kwelikaMthwakazi kuyabuya incwadi engaka, (Khumalo if the PED hears that students were singing songs from that side here in Mthwakazi land we will get a huge letter of reprimand for this,) the headmaster is said to have told the SDC Chairman.

The children claim that the headmaster’s outburst on them went on to affect their performance at the games as they could no longer click with their Shona speaking counterparts.

The children condemned the headmaster’s action claimimg that they can not be forced into tribal issues they are not aware of as children.

“On behalf of Magwegwe High School students, we are against the decision by our headmaster barring us from singing Shona songs at school,” said the learners.

“As students, we say no to tribalism or any form of violence.”

“What ever happened in the past must not include us as the so called born frees. We will not be used to settle past differences. We cannot be used in conflicts nor to fight each other. We believe in unity and nothing else,” said the students in their statement.

ZimEye.com efforts to talk to the headmaster on the issue failed as he was said to be out of office.

Ex-MDC-T MP Calls For Chamisa Plumtree Rally Boycott Amid Mthwakazi Threats Of Violence.. PICTURE:

By Paul Nyathi| The former MDC-T Member of Parliament for Bulilima East Constituency in Matabeleland South has called on the people of the area to boycott the MDC Alliance coalition rally set to be held in Plumtree town on Sunday.

Norman Mpofu who represented for the constituency in the 2013 to 2018 parliament implored on the people of Plumtree and Matabeleland not to attend the rally to express their displeasure on what he described as tribal incited violent attacks on Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe.

In a social media post which attracted a large backing from fellow MDC-T supporters in the Matabeleland region, Mpofu said that allowing Chamisa to address a rally in Matabeleland will be tantamount to endorsing tribalism within the party.

“After the Buhera debacle where not only Thokozani (Khuphe) was insulted and threatened but the entire Mthwakazi, after Mthwakazi members were sidelined at Tsvangirai burial, should we allow Chamisa to come address Mthwakazi at Plumtree? Allowing him will be rewarding tribalism,” said Mpofu.

Mpofu who commands a huge following and respect from the community in Plumtree town and around the district accused Chamisa for branding Matabeleland people dissidents.

This comes after MDC-T youth members called Khuphe a dissident when they attacked her at the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial last month.

The youths who may have been referring to Khuphe’s refusal to accept Chamisa’s leadership may not have been aware that Matabeleland infers the term dissident to the eighties Gukurahundi atrocities where over 20 000 people were killed by the army on accusations that they were dissidents.

“I advice people to stay away from the Chamisa rally at Plumtree until Chamisa and his supporters stop seeing a dissident in each one of us, those who consider themselves as dissidents will go to the rally,” he said.

The rally in Plumtree, unlike the one set for Dete in Matabeleland North ,has attracted a huge attention from the people of Matabeleland especially the Mthwakazi restoration proponents who are threatening to disrupt the rally.

Members of the radical Matabeleland regional opposition party Mthwakazi Republic Party have issued statements threatening that they will block the road to Plumtree and stop Chamisa from getting to the venue.

The radical group has also attracted support from the growing number of MDC-T members who are backing the Khuphe faction.

Sources who spoke in confidence to ZimEye.com from within the MDC-T Matabeleland South province indicated that the party is taking the security threats seriously and have since raised the issue with the police.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, police called off a rally which was set to be addressed by Khuphe in the city on Saturday raising security fears that the rally would turn violent because of the bad blood between the MDC-T factions in the city.

MDC-T supporters brutally attacked each other over the weekend at the party offices leaving 15 people hospitalised and 16 arrested.

By Paul Nyathi

The former MDC-T Member of Parliament for Bulilima East Constituency in Matabeleland South has called on the people of the area to boycott the MDC Alliance coalition rally set to be held in Plumtree town on Sunday.

Norman Mpofu who represented the constituency in the 2013 to 2018 parliament implored on the people of Plumtree and Matabeleland not to attend the rally to express their displeasure on what he described as tribal incited violent attacks on Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe.

In a social media post which has attracted a huge backing from fellow MDC-T supporters in the Matabeleland region, Mpofu says that allowing Chamisa to address a rally in Matabeleland will be tantamount to endorsing tribalism within the party.

“After the Buhera debacle where not only Thokozani (Khuphe) was insulted and threatened but the entire Mthwakazi, after Mthwakazi members were sidelined at Tsvangirai burial should we allow Chamisa to come address Mthwakazi at Plumtree? Allowing him will be rewarding tribalism,” said Mpofu.

Mpofu who commands a huge following and respect from the community in Plumtree town and around the district accused Chamisa for branding Matabeleland people dissidents.

This comes after MDC-T youth members called Khuphe a dissident when they attacked her at the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial last month.

The youth who may have been referring to Khuphe’s refusal to accept Chamisa’s leadership may not have been aware that Matabeleland infers the term dissident to the eighties Gukurahundi atrocities where over 20 000 people were killed by the army on accusations that they were dissidents.

“I advice people to stay away from the Chamisa rally at Plumtree until Chamisa and his supporters stop seeing a dissident in each one of us, those who consider themselves as dissidents will go to the rally,” he said.

The rally in Plumtree unlike the one set for Dete in Matabeleland North has attracted a huge attention from the people of Matabeleland especially the Mthwakazi restoration proponents who are threatening to disrupt the rally.

Members of the radical Matabeleland regional opposition party Mthwakazi Republic Party have issued statements threatening that they will block the road to Plumtree and stop Chamisa from getting to the venue.

The radical group has also attracted support from the growing number of MDC-T members who are backing the Khuphe faction.

Sources who spoke in confidence to ZimEye.com from within the MDC-T Matabeleland South province indicated that the party is taking the security threats seriously and have since raised the issue with the police.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, police called off a rally which was set to be addressed by Khuphe in the city on Saturday raising security fears that the rally would turn violent because of the bad blood between the MDC-T factions in the city.

MDC-T supporters brutally attacked each other over the weekend at the party offices leaving 15 people hospitalised and 16 arrested.

The boy (13) was accused of bunking school lessons. The incident took place on February 26, and has courted the wrath of villagers in Chief Marange’s Mangatu Village.

The woman, Lydia Kahwema (36) has since been arrested over the death of her son Tafadzwa, who was in Grade Six at Mangatu Primary School, in Marange.

A sombre mood engulfed the area on Saturday as villagers who spoke to The Manica Post grappled to come to terms with the atrocious incident.

A 12-year-old who witnessed the horrific incident, was in a state of shock as he narrated the events of the fateful day.

“I was by the road when aunt Lydia called and asked me to bring her a cable switch so that she could discipline Tafadzwa who had bunked classes around 10am.

“I gave her a small cable switch, but she insisted on a bigger one, and before I could return with it, she had her hands on Tafadzwa’s neck and was choking him. She took the cable switch I had brought for the second time and started assaulting Tafadzwa. She kicked him too,” said the minor.

It is alleged that Kahwema pounded Tafadzwa’s head against a cement wall on numerous occasions.

Tafadzwa allegedly cried, warning his mother that she was killing him.

The pleas fell on deaf ears as Lydia continued hurting him. That Tafadzwa was bleeding profusely from both mouth and nose did not deter her.

“Tafadzwa was crying, asking her if she knew she was killing him. He insisted that was the last time she would see him,” narrated the boy.

By then Tafadzwa was vomiting blood. He begged his cousin to give him some water as he lay in the pool of his blood but Lydia allegedly refused.

“She shouted at me that I should not give him the water, and I left for home out of fear. Then Tafadzwa was lying in a pool of his blood,” the boy said.

Lydia’s aunt, Pendei Kahwema said after killing her child, Lydia called her and showed her the bedroom where Tafadzwa was lying dead.

“She called me and told me to enter into her bedroom to see my grandchild. She remained outside and when I got in. Tafadzwa’s body had been put on bed and dressed up.

“She then showed me the bloody clothes which he had also soiled before his death. She told me that she had assaulted him because he had bunked lessons when. She protested that she was toiling to raise fees for his education yet he was not taking school seriously,” said Mbuya Kahwema.

Tafadzwa’s body has since been taken to Harare for post-mortem. Kahwema is expected to appear in court March 16. Manica Post

THE 21-year-old Chipinge woman who did the unthinkable when she posed as a Good Samaritan to a ‘post-partum mother’ at a local hospital and later stole her five-day-old baby in a desperate bid to save her own marriage has been arrested and arraigned in court.

Joyce Maputire, of Chikwakwate Village, under Chief Muusha, stole a polydactyl baby boy belonging to Memory Mhlanga at Chipinge District Hospital last Saturday.
Polydactyl is a condition of having extra fingers and the baby had twelve fingers.

The baby was set to undergo a surgical operation at the hospital when the incident happened. Maputire appeared before Chipinge magistrate Mr Poterai Gwezhira on Wednesday facing kidnapping charges as defined in Section 193(1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23.

She was convicted on her own plea of guilt.
Mr Gwezhira remanded her in custody pending sentencing as he need time to consult on the appropriate penalty. Asked why she committed the offence, Maputire said she wanted to save her marriage since her husband had threatened to divorce her for falling to pregnant.

“Your Worship, my husband is in South Africa, and sometime last year I lied to him that he had impregnated before he left. After telling him that I was pregnant, he bought preparation for the child. I told him that I was supposed to give birth this month and this week I advised him that I had given birth to a baby boy through a caesarean section.

“I also lied to him that the nurses advised me against breast feeding as a result of the complication I had when giving birth. He also sent me packs of baby formula (Nan 1 milk) to feed the baby. Your Worship, forgive me because I did this out of desperation to save my marriage. I have been trying to have a baby with my husband for three years but nothing happened,” she said.
In convicting her, Mr Gwezhira said Maputire deserved to be incarcerated for life.

He postponed passing sentence saying he needs time to consult other senior judicial officers.
“The accused is facing a life jail sentence, and this court has no jurisdiction to pass the sentence. I will consult the regional court for sentence,” he said.

The court heard that Maputire accompanied Mhlanga to the maternity ward during the Saturday afternoon visiting hour and posed as a legitimate visitor.

She learnt that the newly born baby was set to undergo a surgical operation and then pledged to the complainant that she will settle medical expenses and buy some clothes for the baby.

On March 3, Maputire returned to the hospital and donated a baby blanket and later joined Mhlanga for the operation.

Maputire, who had since gained Mhlanga’s confidence through the blanket donation, then took the baby as they walked together to the operation suite at the outpatient department where the surgical operation was to be done.

Upon arrival at the surgical room, Maputire entered into one of the offices and told an unsuspecting Mhlanga that there were some missing documents which were required before the operation.
The Mhlanga then left the baby in the care of Maputire and rushed to the maternity ward to collect the required papers.

Maputire took the opportunity and vanished from the hospital premises with the baby.

Alarm was raised and detectives made a follow up. The baby was discovered 48 hours later at Maputire’s home in Chimanimani following a tip off from members of the public. Manica Post

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

The Zimbabwean authorities must honour the promise they made to investigate “all the leads to establish the whereabouts” of disappeared pro-democracy activist and journalist, Itai Dzamara, Amnesty International said today on the third anniversary of his enforced disappearance.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the commitment at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in 2016 while he was Vice President.

“As Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa personally announced on behalf of the Zimbabwe government that they are actively investigating the disappearance of Itai Dzamara. Yet three months since his inauguration as President, we are all still in the dark,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa.

“Dzamara’s family and the world, need to know that no stone is being left unturned in the pursuit of justice for Itai.”

Itai Dzamara was a well-known critic of former president Robert Mugabe’s government. He publicly called for Mugabe to resign for what he said was his failure to manage the country’s failing economy.

He was abducted on 9 March 2015 by five unidentified men while he was at a barber shop in the Glen View suburb of Harare. On Saturday 7 March, before his abduction, he had addressed a rally in the capital Harare where he called for mass action to address the deteriorating economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

Witnesses say that his abductors handcuffed him and forced him into a white truck with concealed number plates before driving off.

Dzamara was well-known to the authorities and had previously been abducted, unlawfully detained and severely beaten by state security agents. Amnesty International believes he is a victim of enforced disappearance.
Zimbabwe has a long history of enforced disappearances of government critics and activists. In 2008, dozens of opposition and human rights activists were forcibly disappeared for weeks in a crackdown. The state repeatedly denied its involvement, but many activists were later found in state custody, while the fate and whereabouts of others remain unknown.

“People don’t just vanish into thin air. Someone out there knows what happened to Itai Dzamara,” said Deprose Muchena.

“The government must scale up Itai’s search. Those who are found to have been behind his abduction and concealment of his whereabouts must be brought to justice in proceedings that meet fair trial standards. Impunity must not be allowed to thrive.”

Background
President Mnangagwa was Vice President when he told the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva in 2016 that the government was actively pursuing the search for Itai. However, the government has failed to give regular updates on the search efforts for the missing activist, despite a court order issued in 2016 instructing it to do so.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Mlondolozi Ndlovu, Communication Officer, +263 778 351 296 or [email protected]

By Dorrotht Moyo| The late MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s family was yesterday afternoon scheduled to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

While it was not clear if the meeting was successful, sources revealed the matter at the core of discussion was the man’s properties and his retirement package. The family had been at war with Tsvangirai widow, Elizabeth since the time when she moved out her matrimonial home in 2013.

When Tsvangirai was a year later grilled by ZimEye.com, he speaking while with Elizabeth, refused to divulge insiders details of his marital struggles.

4 years later, when his body arrived from South Africa last month, his mother opened a can of worms when she said she does not want to see Elizabeth’s face and if she does she would kill herself.

Tsvangirai own first born son, Edwin also stood away from his step mother ignoring mentioning her as part of family. The latest development is set to confirm the family’s stance after Tsvangirai ‘s burial. MORE TO FOLLOW…

Marist Brothers Secondary School in Dete, Hwange District, has excluded from the institution 16 Form Four pupils who last month ganged up to torture some Form Two boys at the school.

He said the Catholic Church-run school had been given an ultimatum to put its house in order for the safety of learners. “They have been excluded from the school and they can look for places elsewhere but not return to Marist. The school authority has been engaged and given timelines to sort out whatever was not in place although I am not sure of the specific times,” said Mr Mpofu.

The school’s headmaster, Brother Jacob, was not available for comment yesterday as his mobile phone was not reachable.

The Chronicle is in possession of minutes detailing security measures the school has put in place.
According to the minutes, there is now a night security guard to patrol and monitor the boys’ hostel who will write a report every day before knocking off.

The school has also strategically positioned a suggestion box which is opened regularly while complaints handling, guidance and counselling committees were set up as the institution strives to restore its image.

The torture took place at a Form Four hostel referred to by students as the “Palace” and lasted for about five hours between 10PM and 2AM last month.

Investigations by The Chronicle established that more than 30 Form Two boys were beaten up and 23 of them sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Their attackers, who were drunk after consuming a fermented powdered cereal, accused them of stealing foodstuffs.

The victims were interrogated, forced to drink water from the toilet bowl, eat bath soap, wash clothes, bark like dogs and pull trunks while some were yoked together like a span of oxen, rammed onto the walls, chocked, kicked, punched and hit with sticks and belts.

Two boys reportedly had to go for surgery on the groin and abdomen, while some had neck, arm, fingers and rib fractures after being kicked and hit with an assortment of weapons.
One boy was injured on the eye while another lost front teeth as a result of the assault.

The victims were reportedly traumatised and reluctant to return to the school.
They have returned to school where some of them are still receiving treatment.
Parents who spoke on condition of anonymity welcomed the exclusion of bullies saying this would deter would be offenders and ensure that security prevails in the school. “We are happy that the school disciplined the bullies and this will send a message to would be offenders. My son had vowed never to go back as long as those boys were still there and removing them from school is the best decision,” said a parent.

Another parent challenged elders to instill discipline in their children. “This is a fair action and we are happy as parents. Some of these kids could be bullies in their own parents’ homes. I say so because some parents were defending their children saying they are innocent and that’s shocking. We should discipline our children at home to avoid such behaviour,” said the parent.

The victims’ parents now want compensation for medical expenses they incurred seeking treatment for their children.

The Form Four boys had pending disciplinary cases at the school where they sneaked out of the school premises for an alcohol binge.

After the binge, they allegedly entered a girls’ hostel at night and stole an assortment of underwear.

They also once attacked a boarding master, a teacher and some prefects.  – state media

Violence reared its ugly head on Monday morning when students at Nyanyadzi High School in Manicaland heavily assaulted a female teacher whom they accused of initiating them into Satanism.

Anti-riot police details from Birchenough Bridge had to be called in to restore order at the school after parents and personnel at Nyanyadzi police station failed to contain the rebellious students.

After the melee, authorities at the school were forced to send all the students home as normal lessons could not proceed following the nasty incident.

Cases of suspected satanism continue to wreck havoc at the school after similar skirmishes were witnessed mid last year.

TWO more Filabusi family members have died due to mushroom poisoning, bringing the death toll of people who have lost their lives after consuming the deadly fungus to 15.

They ate the poisonous mushrooms on Saturday, leading to the death of one person on Tuesday and another on Wednesday. Yesterday’s death brought the Filabusi family death toll to four at a time when four others are admitted in hospital. Three are admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital while one is at Filabusi District Hospital.

The death brings to 15 the number of people who have died so far due to mushroom poisoning.
Eleven others are members of different Mberengwa families who consumed the toxic mushrooms last week.

Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya confirmed the two latest deaths from the same Filabusi family.

He said four members were still hospitalised and one is said to be in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
“I received a call yesterday at around 2AM confirming that two members who were admitted at Filabusi District Hospital had been rushed to Mpilo as their health was deteriorating. Unfortunately one of the children died on admission and the second one died at around 4PM,” said Dr Ngwenya.

“Currently we have three members admitted, two are stable and one of them is critical in the intensive care unit. We gathered that these seven children were given mushrooms by their grandmother who is admitted at Filabusi District Hospital.”
Insiza District Medical Officer Dr Mandlenkosi Nkala said the family members, all from Thandanani Village under Chief Ndube in Mahole, Filabusi, were rushed to Filabusi District Hospital on Monday evening after consuming the poisonous mushrooms on Saturday.

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

He said the grandmother inspected the mushrooms and said they were edible.
“In total the grandmother stays with 10 children and out of those, seven consumed the mushrooms. Three were known not to eat mushrooms,” he said.

“They came to Filabusi Hospital and were admitted on Monday evening. On admission they looked stable but their conditions deteriorated all of a sudden and we realised that it was getting dangerous. We sent three to Mpilo Central Hospital on Tuesday and four on Wednesday.”

In an interview from Mpilo Central Hospital where they were collecting the body of the eighth deceased member yesterday, a relative Ms Patty Mahlangu said her family has so far lost eight family members.

She clarified that three other people who had died of mushroom poisoning from Mberengwa did not belong to her family, as previously reported. Ms Mahlangu said the three were only ferried to Mpilo Hospital together with her family members. “All in all we have lost eight members of our family,” she said.

Ms Mahlangu said they didn’t suspect foul play or witchcraft. She said seven of the deceased were buried on Wednesday and they were planning to bury the remaining one. “The mushrooms were picked up by children therefore we think they might have confused the poisonous mushrooms and the edible ones. There was no adult person to supervise them so we think they couldn’t tell the
difference,” said Ms Mahlangu.

She said they have accepted the untimely deaths of the eight. “As a family we have accepted the tragic deaths of the children but the incident will remain etched in our minds. We have accepted it as it is part of God’s plan. We are at Mpilo Central Hospital collecting the body of the other family member whom we are going to bury tomorrow in Mberengwa,” she said.

According to police, Mr Tenious Shoko (45) from Mberengwa sent his 16-year-old daughter to pick some mushrooms for relish on Tuesday last week.

The 16-year-old prepared the mushrooms which were consumed by the whole family leading to the death of eight of Ms Mahlangu’s relatives. – state media

Dear Emmerson,
Yesterday you repeated your claim that “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.

Your claim is blasphemous & plain stupid.

The voice of God is the Bible, not the people. Read this??

Is The Voice Of The People; The Voice Of God…? https://t.co/aUBB2px5J1 pic.twitter.com/XlYbynNPfO

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) March 8, 2018

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

The long wait for the commencement of the Harare- Beitbridge Road Dualisation Project is over.

Officials from Geiger International told reporters in Masvingo they were preparing to set up the company’s headquarters in Masvingo in preparation for the commencement of work.

Geiger International country representative, Cuthbert Mashanda said construction work was expected to commence this month.

“Work will start before the end of this month,” said Mashanda.

Terrence Mawawa

The Mberengwa Community has been gripped by fear following a callous murder incident.

Police last week arrested Tamirira Moyo for allegedly killing his neighbour Peter Hungwe over a heated soap argument.

Police here said Moyo crushed Hungwe’ s head with a stone despite efforts by fellow neighbours to intervene in the brawl.

“Hungwe was killed as he tried to restrain Moyo from assaulting his sister over a missing bar of soap.

Moyo then accused Hungwe of interfering with his private affairs.

He took a stone and crushed Hungwe’ s head,” police in Mberengwa said.

“Hungwe died on his way to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.

Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Ethel Mukwende urged neighbours and relatives to resolve disputes amicably.

Terrence Mawawa

A traditional leader in Chikomba District has rubbished political threats made by Minister Bimha saying he does not take orders from the government official.

Bimha, who is also the MP for Chikomba West Constituency, has threatened to strip Headman Madamombe, real name, Simbarashe Nhopi of his title for allegedly refusing to campaign for the politician.

“I do not take instructions from Bimha and I will not let him manipulate local villagers for cheap political reasons,” said Nhopi.

Bimha is unhappy with the headman’ s refusal to campaign for the ruling party ahead of the 2018 elections, according to local villagers.

However Bimha told a weekly publication the headman was blowing matters out of proportion.

Terrence Mawawa

Top Zimbabwe wicket-keeper and batsman Brendan Taylor and Afghanistan’s 16-year-old spinner Mujeeb Rahman have als been sanctioned for separate incidents during the stormy ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier between the two sides at Queens Sports Club on Tuesday, according to The Herald.

Taylor was found to have breached Article 2.1.5, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”, while Mujeeb was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.8, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match”.

Taylor was fined 15 percent of his match fee and received one demerit point after pleading guilty to the charge, while Mujeeb was fined 50 percent of his match fee and got three demerit points following a hearing that took place yesterday after he had denied the offence and opted to contest the charge at a full hearing.

The incident involving Taylor happened during the closing stages of the match when the wicket-keeper showed dissent after umpire Chettithody Shamsuddin had turned down a leg before wicket appeal against Dawlat Zadran off the bowling of Blessing Muzarabani.

Mujeeb was charged and subsequently fined when, after fielding off his own bowling, the off-spinner threw the ball back at the batsman who had not left his crease. The on-field umpires deemed the throwing “in a dangerous manner” as it narrowly missed Brendan Taylor.

Terrence Mawawa

A senior Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting a junior cop.

Assistant Inspector Gibson Gunika of Chiredzi Police Station appeared before Magistrate Geraldine Mutsotso facing assault charges last week.

Gunika allegedly hit Constable Misheck Mubika with an empty beer bottle.

The facts were that Gunika was involved in an argument with Mubika.

Gunika then took an empty beer bottle and hit Mubika on the forehead.

The court also heard that Gunika was restrained from further assaulting Mubika by fellow cops.

Prosecutors from the ZRP are hesitant to take up the matter, according to the court documents.

By Paul Nyathi

Police in Bulawayo have refused to sanction a rally organised by beleaguered MDC-T Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe, ZimEye.com can reveal.

Highly placed sources close to the MDC-T leader indicated that Khuphe was meant to hold a rally at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre on Saturday but police in Bulawayo would not sanction the rally raising fears of violence.

The sources indicated that the police claimed they do not have enough police details to man the rally which they suspected would turn violent as the police officers are occupied at the ongoing cricket World Cup qualifiers.

Last Sunday police in the City had a handful as they tried to control MDC-T internal violent clashes at the party’s offices as rival supporters engaged in a bloody fight.

Sixteen people were arrested and appeared in court on Wednesday.

An official with the Bulawayo City Council confirmed that the venue had been booked for an MDC-T rally for Saturday which has since been postponed to an unspecified date.

Khuphe claims to be the genuine leader of the MDC-T following the death of founding President Morgan Tsvangirai and has publicly declared that he does not recognise Nelson Chamisa as President after he was appointed ahead of her by the National Council of the party.

The sources indicate that Khuphe who was given a seven day ultimatum to accept Chamisa last week, was going to use the rally to announce that she was dismissing from the party Chamisa and several Standing Committee members for not following the party constitution.

With the rally now cancelled and her seven days ultimatum expired, Khuphe is at the risk of being dismissed from the party first before her intended move.

Efforts to get a comment from her were unsuccessful at the time of writing.

By Paul Nyathi

After a protracted battle with students and parliament over the issue of students paying university tuition fees while on attachments, the government has finally conceded.

In a statement made on Thursday, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development announced that it was cutting the fees down by 40% with immediate effect.

In the brief statement, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry Desire Sibanda announced that the government had listened to the pleas of the students and considered their socio economic situations and agreed to cut the fees.

Sibanda said that the 60% that remains will be used for administration and supervisory costs of the students work while they are on attachment.

Member of Parliament for Mutasa South Honourable Irene Zindi has been pushing the issue in parliament to the Ministry in a bid to have the fees cancelled out altogether.

Her latest push on the matter was at the Wednesday Question and Answer session in the House of Assembly where she questioned Minister when government was going to review the policy.

Honourable Zindi argued that it was not fair for government to levy the students full fees when the Ministry only visits the students for assessment at most twice throughout the attachment period.

“Hon. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development and this is to do with the policy direction in relation to students having to pay full tuition fees when they are on attachments and yet perhaps, they have only two monitoring visits by the lecturers,” she said.   

“What is the policy direction in as far as full tuition payment is concerned looking at the economic hardships most parents are experiencing?”

Sibanda said that the latest statement cancels Statutory Instrument 6 of 1997 that compelled learners to pay fees while they are on attachments.

By Paul Nyathi| Members of Parliament have declared that they can not account for Constituency Development Funds handed them by parliament as they are not trained as accountants.

Opposition MDC-T Vice President Engineer Ellias Mudzurwi led the debate denouncing speaker of parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda’s announcement for members to provide an account for the funds.

“On the CDF Mr. Speaker Sir, on the accounting manual and on the process of running this account there is no room for employing an accounting officer.  You will find out that the Member of Parliament becomes the accounting officer. It is very difficult for non-accounting officers to be able to do it,” said Mudzuri.

Advocate Mudenda had ordered for the parliamentarians to produce records showing how they have used the $50 000 advanced to them by parliament to carry out development projects in their constituencies.

“I have to inform the House that Hon. Members who have received CDF Funds for Constituency projects are reminded to submit their monthly, quarterly and annual returns to Parliament Management Committee in terms of Article 524 of the Accounting Officers Instructions,” said Mudenda.

“The documents to be submitted include but are not limited to:-

a)    returns of expenditure;

b)   returns of bank reconciliation statements;

c)    returns of assets purchased; and

d)   project job cards,” implored the speaker.

Mudzuri challenged the Speaker not to expect the reports as the CDF does not provide for the employment of an accounting officer to do the records.

“On the CDF Mr. Speaker Sir, on the accounting manual and on the process of running this account there is no room for employing an accounting officer.  You will find out that the Member of Parliament becomes the accounting officer,” said Mudzuri.

“There must be that allowance where you have to allow for employment of somebody who runs the accounts,” he added.

Mudzurwi’s sentiments were echoed by youthful ZANU PF parliamentarian Joseph Matangira.

Matangira said that the engagement of personnel to do the accounts records will cost $50 000 which will wipe out the entire fund before the projects are done.

“What it means is, you will have to engage people who will do the job.  It will cost more than the $50 000 that we are getting as a development fund,” said Matangira.

Over the years very few parliamentarians have been able account for the funds raising a huge uproar amongst members of the public accusing the legislators for abusing public funds.

Several commentators have been calling on parliament to abolish the fund which the MPs tend to use as funds for their campaigns instead of development.

The fund consumes over $10 million during the parliament term.

The fund was first introduced by former finance minister, Tendai Biti, during the Unity Government in 2010.

A year after it was unveiled, the fund collapsed due to budgetary constraints and the absence of a legal framework to govern it.

At the time, a number of Members of Parliament were accused of dipping their fingers into the fund, with many of the lawmakers failing the transparency and accountability test.

About four legislators were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission, and appeared in court facing charges of abusing the fund.

The cases later fizzled out because there was no proper legal framework to successfully prosecute the culprits.

Government reintroduce the fund through the Constituency Development Fund Bill which is meant to curtail abuse of the facility.