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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamisa also criticised the dominance of Shona over other languages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mpofu said the police were unprofessional and were harassing people.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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