State Media- A man from Bulawayo committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a pistol for yet unclear reasons.

Mr Dominic Magava (59), a divorcee who lived with his elderly mother in Woodville suburb, was found dead inside his car yesterday morning.

Relatives suspect he shot himself on Thursday at around 8PM. Mr Magava’s younger brother discovered the body and alerted the police.

He allegedly shot himself under the chin and the bullet went through his head, damaging the skull in the process.

Bulawayo Metropolitan province police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that we received a report of sudden death by shooting of a 59-year-old man. The deceased was seen by his younger brother seated on the driver’s side of his car and there was a revolver in between his thighs.

“The deceased had gunshot wounds on the chin and head and as police we are still investigating so that we are able to establish circumstances leading to his death,” she said.

The revolver believed to have been used in committing the alleged suicide was registered under Mr Magava’s name.

Insp Simango said the body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a postmortem.

By Talent Gondo | A 46 year old man has died from cholera in Stoneridge, Harare, the Harare City Council (HCC) ZimEye can reveal.

Michael Chideme, Harare City Council Corporate Communications Manager confirmed the death adding that the local authority was making frantic efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

“A 46 year old man died in Stoneridge but we are making frantic efforts to trace all those whom we think may have been in contact with the deceased,” said Chideme.

He revealed that council had deployed water bousers to Stoneridge while at the same time setting up emergency mobile clinics so that residents have easy and quick access to health services.

“We have set up emergency tents so that anyone with suspected cholera symptoms can be screened,” said Chideme.

Commenting about the cholera death on their website, HCC said Stoneridge is an illegal settlement.

“Council has been making frantic efforts to bring sanity in the area without much success because illegal settlers there have been resisting,” said the HCC.

“Council has always argued against illegal settlement because of the problems they present such as the spread of diseases.”

Caused by the bacterium called vibrio cholerae, the disease leads to dehydration and even death if untreated.

It is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the cholera bacterium.

Namibia has described the political transition in Zimbabwe as the best in SADC and beyond.

This comes as more countries are coming to partner Zimbabwe in various economic activities.

The new government of Zimbabwe has opened doors to other countries willing to invest in the country, a development which has opened the floodgates of potential investors.

The development has given hope to Zimbabweans whose policies over the years have been scaring away potential investors.

After paying a courtesy call on Acting President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, the Namibian representative in Zimbabwe Ambassador Balbina Daes Pienaar revealed that her country is happy with the developments in Zimbabwe and is willing to strengthen the already existing relations.

Ambassador Pienaar said Zimbabwe and Namibia can further explore bilateral relations in agriculture, education, mining and tourism among other areas.- state media

Staff Reporter | Lawyer Job Wiwa Sikhala has secured the release of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), District Youth Chairman Victory Mufambirwi, from St. Marys Police station after he was arrested earlier this afternoon.

The vocal lawyer and MDC politician said Mufambirwi and others were arrested after riot police came to Zengeza 2 Shops this afternoon,” looking for MDC people accusing them of having taken part in the Chitrest demonstration that took place few days ago.”

“They have however refused to release the trio of Bonanza, Julius Marambakutongwa and Serio Billiard,” explained Sikhala while still at St Marys police station.

Sikhala also explained that, “Some culprits at Zengeza 2 started to identify our party cadres who were going about their business at Zengeza 2 and rounded them off accusing them of having been the ones who participated in the demonstration.”

Terrence Mawawa, Gutu | A senior government official severely assaulted his wife for refusing to have unprotected sexual intercourse with him last Friday.

According to court records, Memory Potera is a Provincial Veterinary Officer based in Gwanda and his wife, Letween Chimbi, is a teacher at Mupandawana High School in Gutu.

“Potera wanted to have unprotected sexual intercourse with his wife but the latter declined.

This angered Potera who assaulted his wife with clenched fists,” read the State outline.

However, Potera claimed a strange man knocked at the house and vanished when he realised that Chimbi’ s husband was around.

Gutu Magistrate Edwin Marecha sentenced Potera to three months in prison with the option of paying $ 150 fine.

Terrence Mawawa

Villagers in Gwanda have expressed dismay at the influx of outsiders who are flocking to the area to harvest Mopane worms, it has emerged.

Local villagers are unhappy with the fact that hundreds of people from different parts of the country have literally camped in the area to collect Mopane Worms.

Truckloads of Mopane Worms have been spotted in the area and local villagers feel they are no longer direct beneficiaries of their natural resources.

“I will approach the Forestry Commission very soon because our people are longer benefitting from the natural resources in the area.

People from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo have flooded our area so we will impose some regulations very soon,” said Village Mandla Khumalo.

By Talent Gondo

A Harare Magistrate, Lanzini Ncube has ordered the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to provide escort and security to participants of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) peaceful demonstration for electoral reforms.

Magistrate Ncube, set aside a prohibition order which had been issued by ZRP stopping CiZC from holding a public procession in Harare to demand the implementation of electoral reforms and issue petitions to both government and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In a press statement issued today by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the court ordered CiCZ to go ahead with their public procession on Wednesday 11 April 2018.

“The ZRP should provide escort and security to participants of the public procession and members of the general public,” ordered the court.

“The ZRP should also ensure free movement of human and vehicular traffic.”

The ruling follows a ZLHR challenge over the ZRP’S prohibition of CiCZ’s public procession to demand implementation of electoral reforms.

Through the ZLHR, the CiZC hauled the ZRP to court seeking an order to stop the law enforcement agency from interfering with a demonstration which was held on Thursday 05 April 2018.

The ZRP, through Chief Superintendent Ncube, the Officer Commanding Harare Central District, barred CiZC from marching from the central business district to the offices of the ZEC, where the coalition intended to hand over a petition to the election management body and to Parliament, demanding the speedy implementation of electoral reforms.

In a letter written to CiZC Acting Director Thulani Mswelanto, Chief Superintendent Ncube said CiZC should shelve the march because “violations of other road users’ freedoms are highly likely during the march” and that the flow of traffic along the proposed route will be “highly disturbed”.

Chief Superintendent Ncube said CiZC could only gather at Africa Unity Square from 1000hrs to 1200hrs from where the civil society organisation could then hand over its petition to Parliament.

This prompted CiZC to engage the ZLHR who filed an exparte application at Harare Magistrates Court, which was heard early on Thursday 05 April 2018.

In the application filed on Wednesday 04 April 2018, human rights lawyer Noble Chinhanu of ZLHR, argued that the conditions and amendments set by Chief Superintendent Ncube of confining the protesters to Africa Unity Square only, takes away the right of CiZC to hold a procession.

Chinhanu argued that the decision by Chief Superintendent Ncube was made without inviting CiZC representatives to a consultative meeting to explore options to prevent any threat if any and to allow the coalition to proceed with its march.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

A local magistrate has dismissed claims by a Zaka man that he sells mbanje to raise money to support vulnerable children.

Taruvinga Chavingira(68) of Chapfuwa Village in Zaka appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Peter Madiba on Wednesday facing charges of growing and selling the dangerous drug.

Chavingira pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for clemency from the court.

“My Lord I grow and sell mbanje to raise money to take care of orphans and vulnerable children in my home area,” said Chavingira in mitigation.

Magistrate Madiba however dismissed Chavingira’ s argument and sentenced him to three years in prison.

“Not only are you growing a dangerous drug but the plant is not under the Command Agriculture Programme as well,” said Magistrate Madiba.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Zanu PF fat cats are alleged to be dangling cash in a bid to buy loyalty ahead of the party’s primary polls.

Party insiders disclosed that the primary elections, set for May 5, would be characterised by the battle of the pockets.

Business tycoon and former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry (CZI) president Calisto Jokonya will take on Jonathan Wutawawunashe in the battle to represent the party in Gutu South Constituency.

Higher Education Minister, Amon Murwira is eyeing Gutu North Constituency while former Mimosa Mining Company boss Winston Chitando is hoping to land the Gutu District Senatorial Post.

Masvingo State Minister Josaya Hungwe’ s stranglehold on the Chivi Mwenezi Senatorial Seat is likely to come to an end as he faces stiff competition from a businesswoman in the same area.

“We are in the process of collecting CVs from aspiring candidates and we will then proceed to the next stage, ” said Zanu PF Provincial Chairperson Ezra Chadzamira.

– As splinter ZimFirst distances itself from CODE launch

By Talent Gondo | ZimFirst President, Doctor Maxwell Shumba has threatened to take the Coalition of Democrats (CODE) leader to court over the continued use of his party’s name in CODE activities.

Dr Shumba, who also distanced ZimFirst from the planned CODE launch set for April 14 2018 at the Freedom Square in Harare said CODE President, Elton Mangoma should stop soiling his party’s name by communicating falsehoods and portraying ZimFirst as one of the parties within his coalition.

Dr Shumba, who fell out from the Mangoma led coalition which now has only 4 political parties revealed that he will soon take CODE to court over the continued use and association of his party’s name in CODE activities and as a member of the coalition.

“We will be taking Mangoma to court for his continued soiling of our name,” said Dr Shumba.

“ZimFirst is not party to the April 14 CODE Rally and any mention of ZimFirst name on any CODE flier is a fraud and is the reason why we are taking CODE and Mangoma to court.”

Efforts to get a comment from CODE President or it’s spokesperson, Mjobisa Noko were futile.

CODE is however set to launch its coalition and election campaign on April 14 2018 at the Freedom Square in Harare.

The parties set to participate at this launch are the Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) led by Mangoma, Derek Lupemba’s (ZimFirst), Marceline Chikasha’s African Democratic Party, Dumiso Dabengwa’s ZAPU and the Simba Makoni led Mavambo Kusile Dawn.

Statement | People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) led by Dr J. R. Mujuru notes with serious concern that despite writing to Mr E. D. Mnangagwa a plea for political and electoral reforms on the 23rd of February 2018, and which correspondence was also copied to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on the same day; PRC’s plea has neither been responded to or acknowledged by Mr E. D. Mnangagwa’s office. Further, there is nothing on the horizon of Zimbabwe’s political landscape to demonstrate that the current military regime has the will power to ensure that electoral reforms are done besides globe trotting and misrepresenting to the world that Zimbabweans are now in a new era. Yes the regime could be given the benefit of doubt that Zimbabweans are now in a new era of worse of dictatorship. PRC, as the government in waiting, insists that electoral and political reforms are a must; should the country hope for a free, fair and credible elections.

To that end, PRC now puts the regime on notice that should key reforms be ignored for the holding of free, fair and credible elections, then PRC as the government in waiting is going to take every constitutional means available in order to protect the Zimbabwean democratic vote. PRC hereunder reminds the military regime of its unwavering demand for reforms as follows;

Preamble
The People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) consisting of the Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment (DARE), National People’s Party (PDP) and Zimbabweans United for Democracy (ZUNDE).

Concerned with the military activities of 13, 14 and 15 November 2017 which reproduced a crisis of legitimacy through an unconstitutional change of Government of Zimbabwe

Believing that any election that takes place in a context that is poisoned by military diffusion into the political arena can neither be free, fair or credible;

Noting that elections should be held within the next six months;

Concerned with political violence against members of the opposition including the brutal attack on the PRC Presidential Candidate Dr Joice Mujuru on the 1st of February in Glen View Harare; and

Desiring to restore constitutional order and legitimacy of Government in Zimbabwe.

Hereby demand that the following key Political and Electoral Reforms be urgently implemented ahead of the forthcoming Elections in Zimbabwe.

Electoral Integrity
PRC calls upon SADC, AU Commission and UN to assist Zimbabwe with maintenance of purity and transparency of the 2018 election process. We implore these supranational bodies to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines governing elections as well as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance among other regional and international instruments which guarantee the integrity of elections.

Traditional leadership authority
PRC calls for the immediate depoliticisation of the fetishised institution of the traditional leadership authority. Section 281 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe stipulates that traditional leaders including chiefs, headmen/women and village heads must remain apolitical, impartial, fair and inclusive in their communities. Like the colonial regime before it, ZANU PF has usurped the institution of the traditional leadership authority and made it an extension of itself and this must be stopped immediately to allow rural voters to freely exercise their right to elect a government of their choice without fear and intimidation.

Demilitarization of the electoral process
PRC calls for the demilitarization of the electoral process. All members of the security forces, in adherence to the Constitution must first and foremost protect the Zimbabwean citizens despite their political affiliation. ZANU PF Commissariat and government have deployed an estimated 3000 military officials in civilian clothes into both urban and rural communities to campaign for ZANU PF ahead of the elections. These and other security personnel deployed in various institutions including Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should be weeded out urgently. They have no role in an election except maintaining peace and security for all. Above everything else; PRC demands the military should make a public declaration of non-interference with electoral processes before the elections of 2018 are held.

Political violence and intimidation
One of the defining epithets of elections in Zimbabwe is political violence. Widespread intimidation of voter persists and organized ZANU PF thugs spread fear across communities in the build up to the 2018 elections as witnesses on the 1st of February 2018 against the PRC Presidential Candidate Dr Joice Mujuru and her supporters. ZANU PF party officials are also going around the communities recording serial numbers of Voters Registration Slips as an election intimidation tactic. PRC therefore demands an end to the recording of serial numbers of potential voters. PRC also demand that the electoral environment must be free from political violence, selective prosecution and suppression of political campaigns, repressive laws and practices and protection of electoral criminals.

Media reforms
PRC believes that the media plays a pivotal role in elections and therefore reiterates its call for substantial and urgent equal access to the State Media both print and electronic. All political parties have the right to have their content aired on State Television and Radio Stations. PRC further demands that State Newspapers and Reporters report news in a professional and impartial manner. Further, the public must not be used to promote hate speech against sections and views of those opposed to the ruling party.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
PRC demands the immediate dissolution of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the creation of New Electoral Management Body that should be negotiated by all political parties in an inclusive platform. The current ZEC in not independent, and has been at the centre of all the flawed electoral process in Zimbabwe.

Diaspora vote
Despite the clear directions of the Constitution on the rights of all Zimbabwean citizens to vote, ZEC is yet to make arrangements to enable the Diaspora to exercise this right. Section 67 of the Constitution provides that every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to vote in all elections and referenda. We demand that Zimbabwean Diaspora should be allowed to vote in the next general elections wherever they are. Arrangements should be made for the Diaspora population to register to vote wherever they are and cast their votes in the 2018 elections.

Voters roll
PRC demands that the voters roll must be published on website and be advertised electronically and be given to any Zimbabwean upon request.

Election materials
PRC demands that all electoral stakeholders, including Political parties, be part of the decision making of the procurement, storage, counting, dispatch and use of all election material which include, ballot papers, ballot boxes, indelible ink, voting pens and al polling station material, at any and all stages of the election.

Independent election material audit
PRC demands that there be independent election material auditors at each stage that involves election material, procurement, storage, counting, dispatch and use, right up to after the announcement of the election results to ensure that every piece of material particularly the ballot papers, are counted for and their use verified by an independent body.

Election observation ad monitoring
PRC demands that all the processes of the forthcoming elections be observed by accredited observers and monitors from civic society and regional and international community. The Regional and International bodies are urged to urgently deploy their teams in all parts of the country and particularly in remote areas.

Independent electoral courts
PRC calls for the creation of wholly independent, impartial accountable and fair electoral courts with at least one such court in each and every province in the country. Their scope, independence and impartiality must be enshrined in the Electoral Act.

Independent mechanism for receiving complaints
PRC calls for the establishment of an independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complains from the members of the public about the misconduct on the part of members of security services and for remedying and harm caused by such misconduct as defines by Section 210 of the Constitution.

Election stakeholders
PRC demands that all interested political parties must be consulted on all issues pertaining to the forthcoming elections as opposed to the current situation where only parties that are represented in Parliament are consulted. The 2018 election will be a new election with new players whose input is crucial if Zimbabwe is to ensure electoral integrity. The guarantee of independence of ZEC depends a great deal on the trust nd credibility it enjoys with all political parties, media and ivil society.

Electoral roadmap
The issue of when the elections are due and how they will be administered must be outlined as a matter of urgency. The roadmap should include the critical elements such as the reforms outlined above, printing of ballot papers, nominations, campaigning and regulations that will guide these elections.

Conclusion
In conclusion, PRC believes that only a firm political will and commitment to reform, with support from citizens, media, SADC, AU, and UN can enable the country to put in place the political and electoral reforms that can truly provide a level playing field to all and fulfill the criteria of free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe.

# Mother Zimbabwe for President 2018

# My Joice My choice My vote My voice

#Dr JTR Mujuru has my vote 2018

Adv Gift Nyandoro
PRC Spokesperson

By Talent Gondo | Harare’s Third Street will soon be renamed after the late Movement for Democratic Change founder and President, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai.

Harare Mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni confirmed the development saying the renaming of Third street was a council resolution from yesterday’s full council meeting.

Manyenyeni however said, while council had endorsed the proposal, the process of renaming Third Street after Tsvangirai would have to go through cabinet.

“Yes, council resolved to rename Third Street after the late Tsvangirai,” said Manyenyeni.

He however said the resolution would soon be tabled before cabinet for approval before it is implemented.

“It has to go through cabinet and that is due process,” said Manyenyeni.

Following the death of the opposition icon on February 14 2018, councillors within the MDC T dominated Harare City Council began tabling the proposal to name one of the streets in the central business district (CBD) after their late leader.

Tsvangirai, succumbed to colon cancer aged 65.

The late opposition leader is credited for changing the face of Zimbabwean politics after winning against former President, Robert Mugabe in the 2008 harmonised elections.

Rugare councillor, Peter Moyo moved the motion to have one of the roads named after Tsvangirai during a full council meeting in March 2018.
Moyo argued that since the late opposition leader had not been accorded hero’s status by the Zanu Pf led government, there was need to rename one of the streets in the CBD after Tsvangirai as a way of honouring and remembering his contribution towards democracy in Zimbabwe.

All Roads lead to Bulawayo

As we count down to a sure to come new Zimbabwe this July, all roads lead to Bulawayo when MDC-T President Adv. Nelson Chamisa and his MDC Alliance juggernaut roll into the country’s second largest city with a rally at the White City Stadium tomorrow.

The people’s President and his MDC Alliance partners have so far addressed huge and buoyant crowds in Manicaland, Chitungwiza, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands North, Midlands South, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central provinces.

The momentum for real change and transformation has truly gripped the country.
Zimbabweans have given huge thumbs up to President Adv. Chamisa’s vision of a new Zimbabwe anchored on the tripod pillars Transformation, Opportunity and Prosperity.

Before addressing tomorrow’s rally in Bulawayo, President Chamisa, whose whirlwind campaign has left the nation in awe, will engage business leaders, pastors, civil servants, war veterans, cultural icons and other stakeholders to receive their input into his vision for a new Zimbabwe.

Everyone in Bulawayo is welcome to attend tomorrow’s historic rally.

Behold the New!

Luke Tamborinyoka
Presidential Spokesperson and Director of Communications

A 58 year old man from Bulawayo allegedly beat his 35-year-old son to death after accusing him of stealing his cellphone. 

Temba Mliswa press conference on ZimCricket’s decision to fire Chevrons head coach, Heath.

Former MDC youth leader, academic Bekithemba Mpofu has bounced back to the political arena and is reported to be eyeing the Vice President post which was previously held by Thokozani Khupe.

Mpofu, a senior academic at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, took to social media to announce his come back. He talks to the local Newsday.

NN: Who is Dr Mpofu?
BM: I consider myself as one of the true Matabeleland South sons of the soil. With origins in Mtshabezi, I was born at Mpilo Central Hospital in 1973 and l did most of my primary and secondary education in about five schools in the province (Matabeleland South): Fairbridge Primary, Bezha Primary, Beitbridge Primary, Beitbridge Mission Primary and Mzingwane High School. Like most kids those days, I spent most of my holidays in the village herding cattle, in the fields and/or playing football. My political interests started at the University of Zimbabwe, where l held various positions including being a member of the Student Representative Council. I then joined the MDC as a member of its interim leadership led by the late Learnmore Jongwe. At the inaugural congress, I was elected as the first secretary general of the youth assembly of the party under the leadership of our president, Nelson Chamisa. Wonderful years we had as we worked so well together, complementing each other.
Apart from political interests, I am a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI) and a Certified Member of the British Institute of Facilities Management (CBIFM). I obtained a PhD in Financial Economics (Econometrics) from the University of St Andrews and an MSc in International Finance from Westminster University on a Chevening Scholarship as well as hold a professional real estate qualification from the Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe, a BSc (Hons) in Urban Studies, and a Master of Business Administration, both from University of Zimbabwe.

I started my career in the real estate sector in 1995 as a university intern, then took up another internship (as a junior project quantity surveyor) with FMI Costain, and later became property investment portfolio manager at a Financial Holdings company. I then joined a building society as a senior bank executive, with remit for mortgage valuations, housing development projects, administration and banking premises facilities management. Prior to taking up a Chevening scholarship, and then St Andrews scholarship to study for an MSc in International Finance and PhD, l was the principal and shareholder in a property consultancy firm. I have also worked as an associate dean in a university in the United Kingdom and a senior academic at a South African university.

NN: What has made you pack your bags from UK and seek political office?
BM: I, like many concerned Zimbabweans, have felt hopeless and helpless watching the Zanu PF government run down Zimbabwe to its current, unacceptable state. So last year I relocated so that I can offer my experience and knowledge to the struggle by availing myself as a candidate for public office. A few of my friends felt and still feel my decision is irrational because they think nothing can change given that some believe Zanu PF will not step aside even when they lose an election and they correctly cite the 2008 election. Personally, I believe in fate, and when the opportunity to relocate presented itself I knew this year is our election, it is the year the new generation ushers a new path for Zimbabwe. I firmly believe that in Nelson Chamisa we have a leader whose vision for Zimbabwe has been clear since our youth leadership days.

Now back to your question, why seek political office: I have worked in the private and education sectors since graduating from the University of Zimbabwe in 1998 and the experience I have gained from the different senior positions has improved my own ability to lead teams in developing solutions for complex issues. I believe Zimbabwean problems require practical solutions; thinking outside the box; a modern approach/outlook to these challenges, and this is what I know I can offer in public office. Moreso having worked as the secretary-general of the youth assembly, I know how these experiences can be applied to a political environment with appropriate care and consideration.

NN: Is it true that you are eyeing the vacant MDC-T deputy presidency post?
BM: Like any dedicated party member, I am committed to the idea of being deployed to any position our members believe can best serve the interest of the party. If that position is VP then I will be honoured.

NN: Why do you think you deserve the VP post?
BM: The word deserve is not only inappropriate, but irrelevant in this case or in the political environment. For a start, there are a number of deserving party leaders, second leaders are elected to lead in positions the party members believe best serve the party and personally, the notion that one deserves a particular post is incongruous with the politics I believe in unfortunately.

NN: What is the nature of your relationship with Chamisa and other MDC-T members in Matabeleland, for example Tabitha Khumalo, who is said to be eyeing the VP post?
BM: President Chamisa is my friend, we have worked together for an number of years (since 1999) within and outside party structures. We chat here and there about issues and how Zimbabwe can be transformed into a better society. One thing I like about him is that he is a good listener and takes constructive advice seriously.

I am not aware of anyone currently eyeing the VP position, but I work well with party members in
Matabeleland. At the weekend, I was chatting to Mxolisi Ndlovu the acting chair of Matabeleland
North about this weekend rally, and this morning I have been chatting to my provincial chair and provincial secretary separately. So I consider my relationship with party leaders very good as we need each other to turn the 2013 tables in this year’s elections. Newsday

By Paul Nyathi

Leader of the People’s Rainbow Coalition Dr Joice Mujuru has legally challenged the electoral reforms agreement entered into between the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and three political parties currently represented in parliament.

In a letter to ZEC from her party’s lawyers Hamutendi and Nyandoro legal practitioners, Mujuru challenged ZEC to immediately cancel the agreement because it did not include her political outfit.

According to Mujuru, ZEC erred in only engaging the three political parties ignoring all other opposition parties in coming up with the agreement.

The letter by the lawyers claims that ZEC promised that it will involve the PRC in all its engagements when it registered the party in it’s data base in January which makes the reforms agreement invalid as it excluded her party.

The three political parties represented in Parliament, ZANU PF, MDC-T and MDC on Tuesday agreed on electoral reforms that have since been submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration.

Parliament is in the process of amending the Electoral Act ahead of the country’s elections to be held by August this year.

Zanu-PF, MDC-T and the Professor Welshman Ncube led MDC, the only parties whose members are legislators, have been working on an electoral code of conduct that they want to be part of the Electoral Act.

The political parties tentatively agreed on a roadmap that will provide tolerant and violent free elections. The parties agreed to disclose to the public details of the agreement when the agreement is crafted into law through parliament.

“We have submitted our agreement to the Ministry of Justice. We want the code of conduct to be made part of our electoral laws. There is an amendment before Parliament and we are hoping that the electoral code will be included in the electoral law amendment,” said ZANU PF Secretary for legal affairs Paul Mangwana in an interview after the meeting.

“We resolved that there should not be any political violence during our elections, that there should be peaceful campaigns and that the political parties undertake to respect one another,” Mangwana said.

MDC secretary general Ms Miriam Mushayi said the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs guaranteed them that their submissions would be taken on board.

“We are happy with the code that we have produced but remember these documents are living documents and are determined by the current context, current political environment. We’re cognisant of the fact that documents of this nature will always remain living documents to an extent that there is a need to have a relook at them. But at the moment we’re really happy with contributions that we have made,” said Ms Mushayi.

She said the code of conduct calls for equal access to the media for political parties as well as objective reporting on elections.

Ms Mushayi said as political parties they recommended that the electoral code should also govern other institutions including traditional leaders and civic society organisations as they are actively involved in political processes.

Mujuru has given ZEC a week to reverse the agreement or risks having the issue taken to court.

By Paul Nyathi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that his government has resolved to start afresh the tendering process on the dualisation of the accident prone Beitbridge Harare Highway.

Mnangagwa revealed this in China to Chinese engineers on Thursday announcing the withdrawal of the tender awarded to Austrian firm, Geiger in May 2016.

Briefing the Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Corporation (AFECC) Mnangagwa said Government had become impatient with lack of construction activity on the very busy highway whose condition has deteriorated badly leading to massive deaths caused by accidents on the very bad road.

“In the area of infrastructure development, we need bidders for the dualisation and widening of the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway,” he said.

“For two years we have had problems with Geiger, so Cabinet has taken a decision to institute a legal process to terminate the deal as a result of non-performance.”

Mnangagwa who obviously looked kin to engage the Chinese company take over the road works told AFECC executives that there was room for the firm to take up some of the oppportunities presented in infrastructure development in the country.

He commended AFECC for investing in Zimbabwe.

“We are very grateful to AFECC for taking the risk to invest in Zimbabwe at that time during which only very few companies could do so,” said President Mnangagwa.

AFECC has so far constructed the Zimbabwe National Defence College in Harare, Longchen Plaza also in Harare and the Golden Peacock Hotel in Mutare, and intends to put up a hotel and conference centre in Victoria Falls.

The company worked with the Chinese companies that looted diamonds revenue in the Chiadzwa Diamond fields during former President Robert Mugabe’s government.

Former vice president and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Joice Mujuru (pictured) has been dragged to the High Court for failing to pay $387 000 in a tractors deal.

Peppy Motors (Private) Limited, trading as Agritech, Sabrina Sarpo and Tony Sarpo are the complainants, while Mujuru, Ruzirun Investments (Private) Limited and a bank (name withheld) are cited as respondents.

The court heard that Agritech entered into a loan facility agreement with the bank in 2012, in which it demanded $350 000 for the purchase of various tractors. According to court papers, the maturity date for the loan facility was July 31, 2013 and the Sarpos bound themselves as sureties to the facility.

“On July 25, the tractors which were purchased by the first plaintiff (Agritech) using the loan facility were in turn sold and bought from the first plaintiff by the second defendant (Ruzirun Investments) represented by the first defendant (Mujuru) in terms of which the final payment to the first plaintiff would be due by April 2015 and in terms of which there remained an outstanding balance of $226 000 upon which an agreed monthly interest charge of 23 percent per annum would be charged,” the court heard.

According to court papers, Mujuru paid  $10 000 to the bank and did not make any further payments.

The Sarpos are now seeking an order for them to be replaced by Mujuru and her company as debtors to the bank and pay the outstanding $387 583, 22.

In the alternative, the Sarpos are seeking “an order that first and second defendants, jointly and severally pay to the first plaintiff as represented by the second and third plaintiffs the capital sum of $226 000 due in terms of an agreement of sale between the parties dated 25th July 2014.

“An order that first and second defendants, jointly and severally pay to the first plaintiff as represented by the second and third  plaintiffs interest in the amount of $169 821, 77 due in terms of an agreement of sale between the parties dated 25th July, 2014.”

Mujuru has not yet respondent to the application.- Daily News

By Paul Nyathi

Hundreds of civil society members on Thursday defied a blockage by heavily armed anti riot police to continue with a scheduled demonstration for electoral reforms in the streets of Harare.

About five hundred members of civil society organisations affiliated to the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition assembled at the Africa Unity Square in the capital mid morning preparing to march into the city before police details attempted to block them.

Holding onto a police notice from Harare central police clearing the demonstration, the marchers took to the streets and proceeded to deliver a petition at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission offices in the city before proceeding to drop similar demands at the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The march ended at the Parliament of Zimbabwe where another petition signed by 162 civil society organisations was delivered for the Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the march, the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition director Thulani Mswelanto took swipe at the police for attempting to disrupt the march.

“Its unfortunate that police attempted to deny people of their constitutional right to demonstrate and petition,” said Mswelanto.

Mswelanto said that the demands from civil society were genuine demands for a free and fair election which they have been raising with government for the last three years with no joy from the government.

“We are demanding for the implementation of the electoral reforms presented to government in a petition by the Election Resource Centre in a petition three years ago,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been going around promising that his governement will this year thrive to present a credible, free and fair election.

Government has however deliberately continued to ignore implementing the reforms with just under five months to the next election.

University of Zimbabwe vice chancellor Levi Nyagura, who is accused of corruptly awarding a PhD to former first lady Grace Mugabe, has approached the High Court seeking to stop his trial before the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

In the urgent chamber application, he cited Harare magistrate Tilda Mazhande and the State as respondents.

“This is an urgent chamber application to stay criminal proceedings being presided by the first respondent (Mazhande) under CRB 2287/18 pending the determination of an application for review currently pending in this court under case No.HC2653/18,” Nyagura said.

He applied for review after Mazhande ruled that he must stand trial over the allegations of criminally abusing his office.

“I have an inalienable right not to be deprived of my liberty arbitrarily or without just cause by virtue of Section 49 (1) (b) of the Constitution and by virtue of Section 50 (1) (e). I am entitled to challenge the lawfulness of my arrest before a court. These are the rights I seek to enforce under case No. 2653/18, which is pending before this honourable court. I aver that those rights are clearly established.

“If the interim interdict I herein seek is not granted, I fear that I will suffer irreparable prejudice. The Constitution authorises deprivation of my personal liberty where there is reasonable suspicion of my having committed a criminal offence. Without a reasonable suspicion my remand is unconstitutional,” he said.

He said if criminal proceedings against him before the Harare Magistrates’ Court are not stopped and the process is quashed on review, he would suffer prejudice, through waste of time and resources.
He further said there were high chances that his charges would be quashed through his application for review.

“I had given notice that I intended to challenge my placement on remand. I requested, before formally making the application, that the investigating officer be present so that a factual inquiry can be conducted. The first respondent directs me to put my request in writing. I do so, and also outlines the procedure to be followed where existence of a reasonable suspicion and the lawfulness of an arrest are put in issue.

“The first respondent hands down a ruling which dismisses the application I intended to make, before I have made it. The effect of the ruling is to close the doors for me to make the application on the same grounds in the future, for they now stand determined.

“The effect of the ruling is to deny me my right to challenge my placement on remand in what I consider the best way to do so.

“Therein lies the gross irregularity justifying interference in pending proceedings. Therein lies the grave injustice to the applicant,” Nyagura said. The High Court is yet to make a determination in the matter.

Allegations against Nyagura are that sometime in 2011, he single-handedly accepted and approved Grace’s application to study for a PhD in Sociology without the knowledge of the Department Board and Faculty of Higher Degrees Committee.

The court heard that Nyagura then appointed two professors to supervise Grace’s thesis without the board’s approval.

Nyagura is further accused of usurping the powers of the UZ senate by single-handedly appointing examiners for Mugabe’s research in violation of the UZ Act chapter 25:16 and Ordinance 1998/99.
Sometime in 2014, Nyagura allegedly led supervisors and examiners to Grace’s Mazowe Estate where the defence oral examination was purportedly done without knowledge and approval of the academic committee.

According to State papers the oral examination is supposed to be done on UZ premises. Daily News

By Paul Nyathi

Two innocent women, a mother and daughter were brutally attacked by a lone thug in Gwanda town on their way to joining a bank queue for cash in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A relative close to the pair told ZimEye.com that the two were attacked by a knife branding male thug at around 3am when they were on their way to join a bank queue at a bank in the town centre.

The two women who were identified to ZimEye.com by the relative were each stabbed numerous times all over their bodies by the thug after they failed to comply to his demand for cash and any valuables on them.

The two were assisted by a security guard at premises about 200 metres away from the scene after the younger woman managed to walk the distance to seek for help.

An ambulance was called and took the two to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where the mother was immediately transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospital in a critical condition.

Sources at the hospital confirmed that the younger woman is still admitted in Gwanda and in a stable condition.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been insisting that the cash crisis in the country has stabilised and people no longer need to spend nights at the bank.

The situation on the ground however remains dire and desperate as banks are failing to provide the cash needed by the population especially those from rural areas who have limited access to other methods of payments.

The rural populace, especially pensioners, are having to spend days up to a week sleeping outside banks that give them a maximum $20 withdrawal a day.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Embattled MDC vice president Thokhozani Khupe is targeting areas perceived to be MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’ s strongholds.

Well placed sources told ZimEye.com yesterday Khupe has deployed her team to Masvingo Province in a bid to unsettle her rival.

“We are likely to witness a raging battle between Chamisa and Khupe.

Khupe’ s team is in Masvingo Province on a fact finding mission.

Their objective is very clear – they want to destabilise Chamisa’ s campaign programme,” an MDC official said yesterday.

Masvingo based political writer Batsiranayi Ngugama yesterday described the leadership crisis in the MDC as a jigsaw puzzle that would impact negatively on the party’ s hopes of winning the coming elections.

Terrence Mawawa

Iconic Zimbabwean business tycoon Strive Masiyiwa has described the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela as a true champion of the struggle for economic emancipation in Africa.

Below is Masiyiwa’ s statement on Winnie Madikizela Mandela’ s death:

The day Winnie Madikizela-Mandela came to
visit me.

“She is here! It’s her, and she is sitting waiting for
you in our board room!” said my PA, barely able to
contain herself with excitement.

“Who?!” I asked.
“She told me not to tell you, because it’s a surprise.”

So I followed her, not knowing who she was talking
about.

“My boy! My son!” she shouted gleefully as she
rushed from her seat, and with those words she
enveloped me with the huge hug of an African
mother!

She was bubbling with joy as she greeted me.
I can still see her now, in this amazing headwear
that only she could wear with such abandoned
elegance.

It was Winnie Mandela!
We had never actually met, but it didn’t seem like
that. It was as though I had known her all my life!
Which in a way was true.

As I was growing up in Zambia (amongst the exile
communities from Zimbabwe and South Africa)
Winnie Mandela’s life and travails were daily fare for
us.

We may not have had social media platforms
like Facebook and Twitter, but we all “followed” her
like any celebrity today.

She was our celebrity, our heroine, our symbol of
defiance with courage and dignity.
My mother had two older sisters (both now late) and
their own husbands were in political detention in the
then Rhodesia.

One served 11 years, whilst the other
collectively did more than 20 years. The pain in the
lives of those two women was like the life of Winnie
Mandela without the fame. And even though my
mother never met Winnie Mandela, to her she was
the public face of her struggling sisters.

In those days, when pictures of the beautiful Jackie
Kennedy would appear in magazines, my mother and
her friends would just scoff and say, “She is not as
beautiful as Winnie Mandela!”

Now she was in my office, looking like she had
walked off a movie set!
That evening I called my mother.
“Guess who came to my office, Mama… Winnie
Mandela!”

“Shuwa! Shuwa!”
“Shuwa, Mama!”
“Ah!Ah!” she exclaimed. “So how was she dressed?”
“Like a queen Mama! Even Jackie Kennedy could
not dress like that!”

“Then you have met my Winnie!
Winnie Mandela had heard that I was being
persecuted back home in Zimbabwe, and wanted to
make me welcome in South Africa.

She told me she
would fight for me “if Thabo Mbeki tries to send you
back to Mugabe”!
I assured her I didn’t think it would come to that. We
then chatted over a cup of tea about charity work,
and she told me about her non-political interests.

Then she was gone like a fragrant gust of wind. I
was not sure what to make of it, but I appreciated it.

That was nearly 17 years ago.
I did not see her again, except at occasional public
events, but if she spotted me, she would always
come over and ask how I was doing. I appreciated
it.
Like everyone else, I have read a few things about
her, both good, bad and sometimes also
disappointing.

I will leave that all to the great Judge
Himself now.
Today I thought to just share this little memory to
celebrate her life.
That day when she came to visit me at my office, is
my own memory of her captured and stored forever.

My deepest condolences to her family, and the
people of Africa who saw her as a mother in the
struggle for Africa’s dignity.

May God strengthen you with peace.

Terrence Mawawa

Gone are the days when news reporters used to be crammed in urban areas.

Media Centre and its partners invaded Mashonaland East Province previously regarded as a no go area for Non Governmental Organisations and successfully held a training programme for citizen journalists on Tuesday.

“We carried out a Citizen Journalism Training Programme in
Mash East Province where community members
from Mudzi, Murehwa, Mutoko and UMP were
trained on how to become effective and authentic news reporters.

This was a move necessitated by the need to
involve the citizens in spearheading the advocacy for
pro-development initiatives within their communities
and also as way of demanding accountability and
transparency from their local and national leaders.

We also incorporated BVR_Education , emphasising
the need for those not registered to visit their
nearest ZEC District offices as a matter of urgency.

We also emphasized the
need for the participants expose perpetrators of violence during and after the polls,” said Media Centre Director Earnest Mudzengi in a statement posted on Facebook.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo

Embattled MDC vice president Thokhozani Khupe is targeting areas perceived to be MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’ s strongholds.

Well placed sources told ZimEye.com yesterday Khupe deployed her team to Masvingo Province in a bid to unsettle her rival.

“We are likely to witness a raging battle between Chamisa and Khupe.

Khupe’ s team is in Masvingo Province on a fact finding mission.

Their objective is very clear – they want to destabilise Chamisa’ s campaign programme,” an MDC official said yesterday.

Masvingo based political writer Batsiranayi Ngugama yesterday described the leadership crisis in the MDC as a jigsaw puzzle that would impact negatively on the party’ s hopes of winning the coming elections.

Terrence Mawawa | Fiery Zanu PF critic and social media analyst Antony Taruvinga has urged all progressive Zimbabweans to support MDC Alliance Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa saying the youthful leader will lead the nation out of the current economic mess.

“Let us shelve our political differences for the sake of nation building.

It is happening in Kenya imwi veZanu PF muchingoti its
impossible.

I know Zanu PF knows change is inevitable but
the ruling party has no capacity to transform the economy.

ZANU PF is full of certified
looters.

Nelson Chamisa deserves a chance to make
Zimbabwe a better place for all.

A New
Zimbabwe with equal opportunities and shared
prosperity,” wrote Taruvinga on Facebook.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | A local Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) will host an explosive public debate here on the need to empower youths ahead of the 2018 polls.

The public debate will be facilitated by Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development at the Charles Austin Theatre on Friday.

“The public debate seeks to enlighten the youth in the country on the need to participate in key national processes.

We are conscious of the fact that youths are key stakeholders in nation building,” said a COTRAD official in a statement yesterday.

The MDC Alliance will be represented by Happimore Chidziva, Phainos Makwarimba will speak on behalf of Zanu PF while Gilbert Bgende will represent the People’ s Rainbow Coalition.CODE will be represented by Fortune Manyonga.

The convention across most of Africa is that a new president is usually sworn in after elections. Some countries allow vice presidents to complete the terms of their bosses in case of death or resignation. Elsewhere, there is the need for a by-election for the next president to be chosen.

The southern Africa region has in less than six months sworn-in three leaders without substantive elections – Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.

Zimbabwe in November last year, South Africa in February 2018 and Botswana on April 1, 2018. This article looks at the three instances exploring the specific dynamics that underline each of them.

Mugabe’s decades reign ends with resignation

In Zimbabwe, the unlikliest of political situations played out when long serving leader, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, was forced to resign his post after over 30 years in charge.

Mugabe fired his vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa leading to the intervention of the army. In the end, street protests, regional mediation led by South Africa, pressure from ruling Zanu-PF and threat of parliamentary impeachment forced Mugabe to step down.

His exiled vice-president returned from South Africa to assume leadership of the ruling party and to ascend to the presidency. Mnangagwa will see out Mugabe’s mandate ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.

Jacob Zuma’s roller coaster presidency ends with resignation

In South Africa, embattled president Jacob Zuma went out through the same door he came in. Zuma backed a recall by the ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) of then President Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki had earlier fired Zuma as his vice over corruption scandals.

As is the case in South Africa, the president is deployed by the party that holds a parliamentary majority. So when the ANC went to Congress in December 2017 and elected Zuma’s deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, as leader, talk of two centers of power came up.

After a series of negotiations within the ANC as a party and in parliament, backed by a massive opposition push for Zuma to be impeached, he resigned his post giving way for Ramaphosa to be sworn in as president of the republic.

Botswana’s Khama steps down for Masisi

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the country’s ruling party, has a rule of substantive presidents stepping down eighteen months to the end of their second and final terms in office. The measure is to allow the vice to become president and govern till the next elections.

So, Seretse Ian Khama’s stepping down as fourth president of the country was known long before April 1 when Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi was sworn into office as the fifth president of the diamond-rich country.

Khama, a former soldier had also benefitted from a similar arrangement when Festus Mogae stepped down in 2008. However, when a president steps down, his vice is sworn in as substantive president. Masisi’s vice will be sworn in today.

Prosecutor-General (PG) Ray Goba faces possible arrest after he allegedly personally interviewed Kudakwashe Elliot, a rape suspect, who is also a State witness in Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader, Walter Magaya’s rape trial, without reporting him to police.

In a letter written to Goba and copied to Justice minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Judicial Service Commission (Jsc), the lawyer representing Elliot’s rape victim gave the PG a 24-hour ultimatum to explain his actions.

“From our understanding, you have personally interviewed Kudakwashe Elliot and that despite having knowledge of the fact that he is an accused, who had put himself beyond the reach of the law.

“You have nonetheless tried to put himself beyond the reach of the law. You have nonetheless chosen to interact and consort with him without informing the police. In this regard, our client is aware that you had a duty to report Elliot’s presence to the police,” the lawyers said.

“You have, accordingly, aided and abetted a criminal, who has incessantly tried to put himself beyond the reach of the law. You have, in this regard, committed a serious criminal misconduct for which you are liable to be prosecuted. We, therefore, demand that you do the following within the 24 hours: explain to us, for the benefit of our client, why you have abdicated your constitutional function in this most reprehensible manner . . . Should you not do so, we shall be proceeding to make a formal report with the police for your immediate arrest and eventual prosecution.”

According to the lawyers, Elliot was reported to the police under RRB number 2890093.

Goba is yet to respond to the allegations levelled against him. Newsday

Ray Nkosi | Outspoken Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has angrily reacted to the recent appointment of special advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chris Mutsvangwa’s son Neville to the Ariston Holdings board by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

Wrote Mliswa on social media, “Advisor Mutsvangwa needs an advisor himself! How can he accept his son’s appointment to Ariston when he was pampered on the dissolved ZimParks?Were there no other warvets he could recommend? The revolution wasn’t about 1 family and others have children just as intelligent that qualify.”

The appointment is with effect from April 1, 2018, according to a letter dated March 27 and signed by NSSA general manager, Elizabeth Chitiga.

Neville who was accused of raping a woman in 2016 is the son to politicians Christopher and Monica Mutsvangwa. Mliswa blasted the family further saying, “Mutsvangwa’s Ariston appointment smacks of intimidatory tactics in Norton’s interests considering Ariston has a strong operation at Kent Farm. NSSA clearly in cahoots with Mutsvangwa against me but this move doesn’t disturb me or deter my resolve to see corruption uprooted at NSSA.”

By Paul Nyathi

Welshman Ncube led MDC Youth Secretary General Descent Bajila says that the youth in the country are not only against President Emmerson Mnangagwa because of his age but as an agreement for the youth to adapt to the changes in time.

In a social media post on Thursday explaining the popular “Generational Consensus” theory being run by the youth in the campaign for young people in this year’s elections, Bajila said that the theory seeks to remind the old that times are changing and the youth need to begin to be part of the future of the country.

“A Generation is not an age group. It is bigger than that. It is rather a group of people living under a particular moment and having a similar understanding on the aftermath of the moment,” said Bajila.

“Therefore, it is scandalous, malicious and reckless to argue that Generational Consensus is about hatred of the old and unreasonable love for the young. Far from it,”

“Generational Consensus is about understanding the times we live in and making efforts that the old and the young have equitable stake in the journey to a common future.

“A desire to completely obliterate the old and experienced from playing a role in the affairs of society is against Generational Consensus. Likewise a desire to marginalize the young from matters of national development and leadership is against Generational Consensus.”

Bajila’s sentiments come amidst concerted efforts to have young MDC-T leader Nelson Chamisa take over the leadership of the country from a 76 year old Mnangagwa.

The youth are also heavily campaigning for young people to be elected into parliamentary and local government positions in the elections set for July or August this year.

Bajila, however, underscored that the Generational Consensus” does not open up for poor representation from the youth but will require the best of the young people to assume leadership of the country.

“The aim of Generational Consensus is however unapologetic on the need to achieve increased quantitative and qualitative presence of the young people in spheres where they have previously been systematically marginalised,” he said.

By Paul Nyathi

National People’s Party leader who is also the presidential candidate of the People’s Rainbow Coalition Dr Joice Mujuru has confirmed links with the ousted ZANU PF G40 cabal claiming that former President Robert Mugabe assured her of the cabal’s support after a prayer at the former President’s home recently.

Mujuru made the revelation while addressing her party members in Bindura on Easter Friday.

“We held hands and prayed. I told him that I have my own party in Mashonaland Central and I am working with G40 members here. He told me that he advised his boys in G40 to work with me,” said Mujuru.

Mujuru dismissed claims that her meeting with the 94 year old Mugabe was to get her to go back to the ruling party which harshly dismissed her in 2014 on accusation of wanting to topple Mugabe who was the President at the time while she was his deputy.

“There is an issue that is confusing people that I met with Mugabe and that I have returned to Zanu-PF,” she said. “I did not rejoin Zanu-PF. Be happy that Mugabe realised his mistakes. He is a human being and wanted to gauge the extent of anger against him.

Dr Mujuru then indicated that her party was considering working with other political parties in the forthcoming elections.

“As NPP, it is impossible to get into Government alone and we looked for alliances,” she said.

“Election is about numbers. We are into alliance with PDP led by Amai Mativenga, ZUNDE led by Farai Mbira, DARE led by Gilbert Dzikiti and Zimbabwe Economic Freedom Fighters joined recently. Two more are interested.”

Dumiso Dabengwa led ZAPU and Thokozani Khuphe led splinter MDC-T are the likely parties to join Mujuru’s alliance soon as they have been confirmed to have been discussing possible alliances.

A Chinese woman lost more than $2 million to four suspected fraudsters who allegedly lured her into Zimbabwe under the pretext that they could buy diamonds on her behalf.

The complainant (name not supplied) brought with her US$2 120 000 in small denominations, but was allegedly advised by Mathew Musengezi (36) and his alleged accomplices – three Chinese men, including Huang Fei – that since they intended to buy the diamonds at ZMDC (Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation), they needed US$100 notes only.

The quartet ostensibly took the money to change it into the said denominations.
The gang, the court heard, then vanished with the money and nothing was recovered. One of the accused persons, Musengezi, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Gideon Ruvetsa on Saturday, charged with fraud.

His alleged accomplices are reportedly still at large. Musengezi, however, walked out of the court a free man after his lawyer Mr Tawanda Takaindisa of TK Takaindisa Law Chambers successfully challenged his placement on remand.

In his application, Mr Takaindisa submitted that his client was not properly before the court, arguing that he was not warned and cautioned of the charge he was facing.

“Your Worship, my client did not sign the warned-and-cautioned statement as evidenced by the fact that it is not even attached on the request for remand form. He is improperly before the court,” he said.

“The complainant also is approaching the court with dirty hands because she is not licensed to deal in diamonds and, as such, the court is made to regularise an illegality.”

In response, prosecutor Mr Michael Reza opposed the application, arguing that at the remand stage, the warned-and-cautioned statement was not necessary.

“At this stage, it is not necessary for the warned-and-cautioned statement to be attached to the request for remand form. For purposes of placement on remand, all what is needed is a reasonable suspicion that the accused person did what he is alleged to have done,” he said.

“In this case, the accused person drove the complainant to ZMDC in his vehicle and at some stage he told her that her denominations would not be accepted before taking the money on the pretext he wanted to change into $100 notes.

“She gave him the money and the accused has to explain what he did with the money.”
Mr Reza then unsuccessfully applied to have the matter remanded to yesterday (Tuesday) to allow the investigating officer to bring the warned-and-cautioned statement. The magistrate ruled in favour of the defence.

“There is no evidence that the accused signed a warned-and-cautioned statement, therefore, placement on remand is refused,” he said. – state media

Controversial politician Obert Mpofu has chickened out of Zanu PF primaries citing old age. Mpofu is under pressure from the public to account for his alleged bcorrupt activities including his role in the missing USD 15billion, with many calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to arrest him.

The state media reports that some senior Zanu PF leaders in Matabeleland North Province have withdrawn their curricula vitae for primary elections and instead pledged to support the candidates who will win on the 5th of May.

The decision comes amid concerns by the party leadership that there are too many aspiring candidates for both council and National Assembly seats.

Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Dr Obert Mpofu who has also been serving as the legislator for Umguza constituency for more than 20 years will not contest for the position but will now focus on being a senator.

The sitting legislator for Bubi Constituency, Clifford Sibanda has also pulled out from the race and pledged to support the candidate who will win in the primary elections.

One of the guidelines of the party requires the province to have a woman parliamentarian who is less than 35 years of age.

In this regard, the sitting National Assembly member in the women’s quota, Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu has offered to step down to make way for a young woman.

Announcing the decision at the Zanu PF Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Lupane, Dr Mpofu said it is disheartening to see more than three candidates contesting for one position, saying it shows selfishness, disrespect and lack of unity.

“You can withdraw and people will actually respect you for supporting your fellow comrade. My wife has said she is stepping down to make way for a young woman. We spoke about this at home and had a debate for some time over the issue and finally agreed. Even Sibanda, we all know him, he was the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office before the new dispensation. He came to me and said, ‘look, I am stepping down and I will support the incoming candidate.’ That is what we want comrades,” said Dr Mpofu.

Zanu PF Secretary for Business Development and Liaison, Sithembiso Nyoni said the party has engaged an independent commission which will assess the curricula vitae to determine those who qualify before handing over the final recommendations to the National Electoral Directorate.

“When the independent commission has handed over to us as the National Electoral Directorate, we will then present the report to the Politburo which will then decide on the final outcome,” she explained.

The party’s Provincial Chairperson, Richard Moyo called on the members to be united and abide by the guidelines when the announcement has been made for candidates to begin campaigning for the primary elections.

“Let us also remember that the people you have in your cell will determine whether you will win or lose. We are assuming all of you have cells basing on the reports that you were bringing to the province,” he said.

Constituencies such as Binga North, Binga South and Lupane East each have seven candidates for the National Assembly while Nyoni is the only candidate for Nkayi North constituency.

By Paul Nyathi| Acting MDC-T National Spokesperson Thabitha Khuphe has hit the road running in her new post declaring once close friend Thokozani Khuphe a nobody in the party.

In her first official party media statement as spokesperson, Khumalo castigated the lady who introduced her into politics twenty years ago claiming that she does not have the mandate to speak nor act on behalf of the MDC-T.

Khumalo said that Khuphe does not have the authority to convene an MDC-T congress of any nature as she was officially dismissed from the party.

Khumalo’s full media statement reads as follows:

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

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

The National Council, the supreme decision-making body between Congresses, has in its wisdom already put to rest the issues that she purports to be complaining about. Khupe has the right to exhaust all available domestic and internal remedies as provided for in the party Constitution.

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

Theirs is simply a lost cause. The party president and the leadership even extended the time frame given to him by the national council in order to give dialogue a chance but the former comrades remained obstinate.

All stakeholders, including members of the public and the press are advised not to entertain the aforementioned as officials acting for or on behalf of the party.

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

Everyone awaits the advent of a new Zimbabwe and this is certainly no time for needless sideshows meant to distract us from the key matters at hand.”

Hon. Thabitha Khumalo
Acting national spokesperson
Movement for democratic Change

The Registrar-General, Mr Tobaiwa Mudede, is being sued at the High Court for turning down requests by men who wish to acquire birth certificates for their children in the absence of the minors’ mothers.

The RG’s Office allows requests by women seeking birth certificates on behalf of their children without conducting any tests to prove paternity, but the same office stands accused of discriminating against men.

Children who apply for birth certificates through their fathers are being denied the right to the official document due to policies at the RG’s Office. Men must always bring the mothers of the children to the RG’s Office.

Justice for Children Trust, through its director Ms Petronella Nyamapfene, is challenging the constitutionality of the practice, arguing it is discriminatory and had the effect of violating the rights of the innocent children.

The voluntary organisation raised the issue after a Harare man, Mr Albarn Nyamadzawo, approached their offices crying foul over the conduct of the RG in a case where his daughter’s mother was not cooperating.

She was reportedly refusing to assist the child to acquire the identity document.
Justice for Children and Mr Nyamadzawo filed an application at the High Court seeking an order compelling the hospitals and other maternity health institutions to issue birth confirmation records of children to their fathers on request.

They are also seeking to compel the RG’s Office to register the children in the absence of their mothers.

The applicants are also seeking an order for costs against Mr Mudede and Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu in their official capacities.

In the application, Ms Nyamapfene argued that a number of fathers were struggling to acquire birth certificates of children born out of wedlock.

“A category of clients that have been knocking on the doors of Justice for Children across the country is that of fathers who are struggling to obtain birth certificates for their children,” she said.

“This is for two reasons: mothers who cannot be located and mothers who are unwilling to cooperate with the fathers in registering children.

“The latter is the problem of the second applicant (Mr Nyamadzawo) in this case. First respondent (RG) has been refusing to register children who are born out of wedlock and whose applications for registration are made by their fathers in the absence of the mothers or the documents of the mothers.”

The lawyers argued that Sections 11 and 12 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act allows for children born out of wedlock to acquire birth certificates through their fathers, without the involvement of the mothers.

Denying a child a birth certificate, the applicants argued, was tantamount to denying him or her a number of rights.

“To deny a child a birth certificate for any reason is unconstitutional,” read the papers.
“If a child is denied the right to register simply because the mother is refusing to cooperate, then the child is also denied the rights to citizenship, which flow from one being properly registered as proof of such citizenship. Anything that hinders or substrates from compulsory registration is unacceptable at law.”

The lawyers argued that if a mother abandons the child, the father can still register in her absence or even without the mother’s documents.

“A man who comes forward and claims to be the father of a child should not be presumed not to be the father unless proven otherwise,” argued the lawyers.

“Rather, the one who claims that the man is not the father should bear the onus to prove his or her claims. This rebuttable presumption is what applies to mothers.
“There is nothing to be achieved in placing an extra burden on fathers to prove their paternity prior to registration.

“Mothers are not asked to prove their maternity when they register the children.
“All they bring is a birth record if the child was delivered in a hospital or clinic or a witness if they delivered elsewhere.”

The best interests of the children, the lawyers said, cannot be served by preventing their fathers from registering them when such fathers come forward and accept responsibility and fatherhood.

The lawyers argued that such discrimination was not reasonable and justifiable under Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework. – state media

By Paul Nyathi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa could see the national airliner, Air Zim shut down during his term in office.

Mnangagwa is flying in and out of the country using charted flights while the national airliner, Air Zimbabwe is on the verge of an imminent closure.

Air Zimbabwe, is reportedly operating with only two aircrafts out of a possible ten and with only four pilots who are all exposed to extremely long hours of work.

Sources within the airline indicated that the carrier is on the verge of an imminent closure as passengers have lost confidence in the airline which is battling with long delays and cancelled flights.

“Things are definitely not well within the company,” said a source at the company’s offices at Bulawayo airport.

“The company is currently operating with only two planes and four very disgruntled pilots who are working very long hours putting passengers at a serious risk,” said the source.

Last week the airlines had a six hour delay on a Harare to Bulawayo route when the pilots meant to take the plane refused to fly all claiming to be exhausted.

A junior less experienced pilot had to take the hour long flight at midnight when passengers had been waiting for six hours after checking in.

Commenting on a similar concern on state media on Tuesday, Air Zimbabwe spokesperson Tafadzwa Mazonde confirmed that the government run venture is facing problems acquiring spares for its fleet and is currently running well below capacity.

“It’s only the issue of equipment; if we had equipment we could deploy all the other planes. Right now we’ve got two big planes. As management we are mobilising resources and trying to engage people that can give us planes because the purchase of an aircraft is done as a joint effort between the company and Government as a major shareholder. We are working together on that front. Very soon we will be doing something,” said Mazonde.

Mazonde battled to dismiss confirmed speculations that the pilots were on a go-slow which resulted in the cancellation of flights.

“There is no go slow or strike which we as management have been told. Our pilots are actually working overtime considering their numbers. All things being equal they should be okay but the other pilots are there but their planes are not flying so as a result it puts a strain on those that are flying.

“An aeroplane is different from a bus where you can jump from an AVM into a Volvo,” said Mr Mazonde.

ZimEye.com sources disputed Mazonde’s statement indicating that the pilots were indeed on a job action with some very experienced ones intending to tender their resignations from the airline this week.

“The pilots are indeed on a serious go slow as they are giving themselves deliberate long resting hours between flights,” said the source.

“This will be confirmed by resignations from the company by some of the few pilots within the next few days,” said the source.

President Mnangagwa has himself snubbed the national carrier preferring to use chartered flights from privately owned airlines for his numerous trips using millions of dollars in the process.

By Dorrothy Moyo| The man who created the Econet brand right at the company’s inception, Nkosana Moyo has alleged that MDC leader Nelson Chamisa does not understand how the economy works.

Nkosana Moyo is the leader of a new political party in Zimbabwe called the Alliance for the People’s Agenda, APA. VIDEO CHOP….

Nelson Chamisa doesn’t understand how the economy works – Nkosana Moyo #ZimCampaign2018

*Nelson Chamisa is the leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the MDC-T

*Nkosana Moyo is the leader of a new political party in Zimbabwe called the Alliance for the People’s Agenda, APA pic.twitter.com/lzcc82oDww

— Povo News (@povonewsafrica) April 4, 2018

….

FULL VIDEO:

By A Correspondent| FORMER FIRST LADY Grace Mugabe has been named in allegations of invading the mining property of a Mazowe businessman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo/A Masvingo based Non Governmental Organisation(NGO) has strongly condemned the intimidation of villagers by traditional leaders.

Kraal head Mudemba Chatindi of ward 27, Masvingo South Constituency openly declared allegiance to Zanu PF last weekend.

He also ordered local villagers to surrender their voter registration serial numbers.

Kraal Head Chatindi also openly chanted Zanu PF maxims.

Speaking at a dialogue meeting held at Rupike Business Centre in the Constituency yesterday, Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) Programmes Manager, Zivanai Muzorodzi said Kraal Head Chatindi’s remarks were dangerous and detrimental to democratic processes.

“It is illegal to demand voter registration serial numbers from villagers.

COTRAD will lodge a formal complaint with ZEC.

We are also working with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers to make sure that perpetrators of political violence and those who harass innocent villagers are brought to book,” said Muzorodzi.

He added:” As much as we are apolitical, we also strive for democracy and fundamental human rights. “

Terrence Mawawa| Ajax Cape Town’s appeal against the South African Football Association (SAFA)’s ruling on striker Tendai Ndoro was dismissed by the Southern Gauteng High Court on Tuesday.

Ajax had sought to interdict the decision after Ndoro was ordered to stop playing for the Urban Warriors following the Premier Soccer League’s appeal against a decision passed by its own Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

The 32-year-old’s eligibility dispute stems from a Fifa ruling that a player may not turn out for more than two clubs in a season.

The Zimbabwean striker played a game for Orlando Pirates in August‚ then signed and played for Al Faisaly in Saudi Arabia‚ before signing for Ajax in December.