Terrence Mawawa, Mberengwa
A local traditional leader has accused two former Government Ministers of looting funds meant for the rehabilitation of roads in the area.

Addressing villagers here last week Chief Mahlebadza Mudavanhu made a scathing attack on former Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere(Local Government) and Sydney Sekeramayi(Defence) for allegedly looting $ 6,8 million meant for the rehabilitation of roads in Mberengwa District.

According to Chief Mudavanhu the money was donated by the United Nations towards the construction of Jeka Bridge and the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads in the area.

“Kasukuwere and Sekeramayi came here last year in the company of some United Officials who pledged to give us $ 6,8 million towards the refurbishment of roads.The two were then asked to collect the funds on behalf of our community but they never came back,” said Chief Mudavanhu.

Chief Mudavanhu further alleged that Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Joram Gumbo was aware of the scam.

THE MDC-T supporter, who was assaulted for taking pictures of Gogo Tsvangirai at son, Morgan’s burial believes she was lucky to escape ra_pe.

Nyaradzo Mtize was assaulted by Sekuru Innocent Zvaipa for taking pictures of the popular Gogo Tsvangirai as she sat graveside.

Gogo Tsvangirai has been subject to social media ridicule since Saturday when she was captured on ZTV camera demanding the sidelining of daughter-in-law Elizabeth Macheka and MDC-T acting president, Nelson Chamisa.

Chamisa is seemingly a darling of social media youths and they then ganged up against Gogo Tsvangirai calling her all sorts of ugly names.

Nyaradzo could not resist the temptation of taking a picture of Gogo Tsvangirai when she got close to where she was with relatives and took pictures with her phone while relatives were watching.

Zvaipa charged at Nyaradzo, a University of Zimbabwe student, and repeatedly slapped her in the full glare of the mourners at the cemetery.

Nyaradzo said she was forced to give her Facebook account and one of the relatives went through it to check if she had not already uploaded the photographs.

“The man is so cruel, he clapped me twice that my eye and cheek are swelling and I am in pain,” she said.

She was however, scared to report the attack to police.

“If it was not that they would hunt me down and also that it will be time-consuming I could have lodged a report with the police. Now I regret staying behind at the graveyard when my friends left. As for taking pictures I didn’t know that it was an offence since journalists were taking her and many others some photographs,” she said.

Tsvangirai family spokesperson, Manase Tsvangirai confirmed the incident saying he has since apologised to Nyaradzo.

“Sekuru and everyone else who saw her taking the pictures was not happy and we thought she had a hidden agenda. She went on to anger family members when she was asked her reason for taking photographs hanzi Gogo varikunakidza nhasi, kana ndimiwo? It’s so provocative but we apologised after learning that she is only a UZ student who came to join others in burying my brother,” said Manase.

GOOD SAMARITAN
Following the attack, Nyaradzo was then offered transport to Harare by a well-wisher, only identified as Sebastian. It seemed a comfortable journey until Sebastian changed the route saying he had decided to go to his rural home in Hwedza.

Nyaradzo asked to be dropped so she could look for transport to Harare but Sebastian refused and proceeded to his family home in Hwedza without her consent.

This unsettled Nyaradzo extremely as Sebastian had spent the better part of the trip making advances to her.

“He witnessed me being attacked at the cemetery and came to me sympathising with me. I fell for his sympathy and accepted his transport offer. However, he was asking me out for a better part of the journey and I was terrified when he then diverted and drove to Hwedza against my will.

“I even called my boyfriend hoping that it would put him off but he (Sebastian) didn’t seem to care and at that stage I had virtually been kidnapped and feared for the worst. He took me to his rural home and seemed intent to spend the night there with me.

“Fortunately for me, his mother was not feeling well and she asked to be taken to Harare right away and that is what saved me. He could not say no to his mother given her condition and whatever plans he had went up in smoke. We eventually arrived in Harare around midnight.”

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING, ON HARARE METROPOLITAN URBAN TRANSPORTATION DISRUPTIONS.

The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, in its capacity as the authority in charge of the administration of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:50), regrets the hurried decision taken by the Harare City Council to immediately ban commuter omnibuses and kombis from entering the Central Business District without first 
providing a viable and inexpensive alternative for the commuting public to use. 

Accordingly, and in full view of the decentralized function that the 
Harare City Council would ordinarily exercise by legislative delegation, I, 
as the responsible Minister, hereby reverse and rescind with immediate 
effect the said decision and subsequent announcement by the City 
banning commuter omnibuses and kombis access to the Central 
Business District until such time that proper and sustainable transit 
arrangements are put in place for workers and the travelling public. My 
directive is issued in terms of Section 314 of the Urban Councils Act 
[Chapter29:1S].

My directive has been issued in light of the fact that the Council’s  decision and action are not in the interest of the inhabitants of the  Council Area and the Harare Metropolitan Province, to the extent that  they hinder free travel by tourists and the general public, and injure the general national and public interest. Accordingly, I have conveyed the reversal and the rescission to the City Council in writing. Kindly note that my directive does not cover unregistered vehicles unlawfully engaged in commuter services such as  “mushikashikas“. Equally, the directive does not condone other illegal activities such as mending in undesignated places, littering and illegal money changing. These must keep off the streets as required by law.

As the responsible Minister, I apologize to all Harare Residents, Residents of the Harare Metropolitan Province and our valued visitors for the disruptions and inconveniences already suffered. Further, I inform all Residents of the Metropolitan Province that the renewal of the City and she local authorities, along with the orderly restructuring of the City’s public transport system, will be properly undertaken by Central Government. All stakeholders, including transport operators, businesses, residents and vendors, through their respective representatives, will be consulted for smooth execution.

Already, significant steps towards developing a Transport Master Plan for the Metropolitan Province of Harare have been undertaken.

Honou J.G. Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, 22/02/18

Terrence Mawawa
A Mhondoro man forced a 64-year-old woman to have sex with him at gunpoint.

Edson Rupindo(27), appeared before Chivu Magistrate Fadzai Mutombeni facing rape charges last week.

The court heard that on October 17 2017, Rupindo saw the elderly woman as she was going home following a day’ s work at her field.

Rupindo allegedly ordered the woman to remove her clothes and he forcibly had sex with her.

He allegedly threatened to shoot her if she screamed.

He stole her cellphone and vanished into the nearby bush.

On the same day, Rupindo robbed Chiedza Magwai of her cash and grocery items.

Rupindo was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Terrence Mawawa
Acting MDC president Nelson Chamisa will tomorrow address a news conference at the party head office in the capital Harare.

Chamisa has strongly warned unruly party supporters to desist from acts of violence and tomorrow he is expected to emphasise the message of peace and unity in the party.

Below is a statement from Luke Tamborinyoka, the MDC Presidential Spokesperson Director of Communications:

Acting President Hon. Advocate Nelson Chamisa will
convene a presser tomorrow, Friday 23 February
2018, on the violence reportedly perpetrated
against party leaders in Buhera on Tuesday.

The acting President has already instructed the
party’s security and intelligence unit to compile a
comprehensive report on the alleged violence
against Vice President Hon. Dr. Thokozani Khupe,
Secretary-general Mr. Douglas Mwonzora and
organizing secretary Hon. Abednigo Bhebhe.

Acting President Chamisa has already given the
security and intelligence unit 24 hours to get to the
bottom of the security infringements in Buhera that
caused the violence and harassment of the party
leaders. He has already said violence is against the
character of the MDC and stern action must be
taken against the perpetrators if they are members
of the party, adding that the police must arrest the
culprits.

Accompanying the acting President at tomorrow’s
press conference at 1000hrs at the party
headquarters( Harvest House) will be other senior
leaders of the party.

The MDC is a party of excellence that does not
brook any violence within its ranks and will leave no
stone unturned in dealing with the culprits.

One of the victims of the Belgravia shooting, which occurred Monday night, has been discharged from hospital.

Kevin Guzah, 26, had been admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and was in the company of Kudzai Nduku when he was mistaken for being part of armed robbers who had robbed a Chinese businessman and his business partner of $8 500.

Guzah said he was shot on his right leg and the pelvis by a Chinese national who was dressed in an army uniform.

Kudzai is still admitted at the same hospital and reports are that the doctor has said she might not be able to walk properly again.

Narrating his ordeal to H-Metro, Guzah said he was feeling better but still traumatised.

“I returned from China last week and on Monday I picked up a friend whom I haven’t seen for sometime and we went to KFC at Belgravia Shopping Centre around 10:30pm.

“We got some food and we were driving to my sister’s place using a road that heads towards Twin Rivers Primary School.

“As we were about to turn, we saw some people shooting at each other. They were four Chinese men and five black people and they were all wearing military uniforms,” he said.

He added:

“I reversed the car and headed back to Belgravia and a white Honda Fit with the Chinese people pursued us and hit the back of our car and when we stopped, they came to us and fired into the passenger side and Kudzai was hit on the leg.

“When I noticed that the guys meant business, I jumped out of the car and I started running towards the sports club. The Chinise kept firing and I fell into a ditch and I was shot on the right leg and my pelvis.

“They started assaulting me and I heard one of the black people shouting banga ririkupi. They took me into their car and drove to their place. They continued assaulting me as I begged for my life.

“The police later arrived and they called an ambulance which took me to hospital. We were both admitted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. HMetro

Namibia Football Association secretary general, Barry Rukoro again courted controversy for violent conduct after allegedly assaulting Cosafa president, Philip Chiyangwa in South Africa on Friday.

Details of the showdown remain sketchy, but The Namibian Sport understands that Rukoro reportedly struck Chiyangwa, who doubles as head of the Zimbabwean Football Association, following a difference in opinion during a heated discussion on the sidelines of Cosafa’s annual general meeting held in Johannesburg.

Chiyangwa declined to comment on the incident when contacted by The Namibian Sport. However, NFA president Frans Mbidi confirmed that he was aware of the altercation.
“I was informed about the incident,” he said on Monday.

Rukoro, who has a chequered history of unbecoming behaviour, appears likely to escape retribution though, with no formal complaint having been filed.

He too failed to respond to The Namibian Sport’s questions by Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s all up to Cosafa. The NFA was not officially informed about any charge of misconduct, and, therefore, cannot do anything,” Mbidi said.

Despite being unwilling to publicly speak about the issue, Chiyangwa told Zambian FA head, Andrew Kamanga of what had transpired in a WhatsApp conversation, part of which The Namibian Sport is privy to.

Chiyangwa did not deny the authenticity of the screenshot conversation. “We need to talk. Mbidi’s SG attacked me at the hotel,” Chiyangwa wrote to Kamanga, who responded: “I saw that, and was wondering where it came from.”

A flamboyant and boisterous figure, who divides opinion back home in Zimbabwe, Chiyangwa is said to have irked Rukoro when asking about his alleged attacker’s strained relationship with Mbidi.

Rukoro’s employment contract runs out at the end of March, and Mbidi has indicated that the long-serving official will not be offered a new deal.

Mbidi’s pronouncement has stoked tensions, with Rukoro, whom Mbidi suspended and then reinstated around this time last year, reportedly planning to use his considerable influence within the NFA executive to prolong his stay as the football mother body’s secretariat’s figurehead.

Rukoro is no stranger to violence-related controversy, having been arrested on a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after tying a 15-year-old boy to a tree and beating the teenager, whom he accused of stealing a mobile phone on October 4, 2011.

Earlier that year in May, Rukoro also made headlines after punching a freelance media consultant in the face at the end of a press conference, having being displeased with his line of questioning.

Both cases were settled out of court. Namibian

By Staff Reporter| Former President Robert Mugabe is going to be grilled over the missing diamond revenue amounting to over $15billion.

Mugabe is set to be investigation soon after former Mines Minister Obert Mpofu who Thursday afternoon bolted out of parliament, the event which was filmed LIVE by ZimEye.com.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines, Temba Mliswa told ZimEye.com, “everyone is equal before the law and it must be investigated and discovered what became of the revenue. The former President will soon also be summoned,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZimEye.com brings some of the video highlights from Thursday afternoon’s grilling:

MDC-T co-deputy president Dr Thokozani Khupe said yesterday that the party’s acting president Advocate Nelson Chamisa sent thugs to kill her during the burial of MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai in Buhera on Tuesday.

The violence in the opposition party, has seen the party’s national spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu quitting MDC-T saying he can longer be part of a violent organisation.

In a video which has gone viral on social media, Dr Khupe narrated how she was brutalised on her arrival at Tsvangirai’s homestead in Buhera prior to the burial of their leader.

Tsvangirai died on February 14 at a hospital in South Africa after battling with cancer of the colon since 2016.

Dr Khupe said Adv Chamisa’s emissaries attacked her accusing her of being a stumbling block to his ascendance to power.”When we arrived in Buhera for the burial, we decided to go and see Tsvangirai’s mother just to let her know of our presence. We were however approached by 10 youths before we could do that  and they started attacking us. They were later joined by others who were saying Khupe you should go back to Matabeleland we want to kill you,” said Dr Khupe.

“They wanted to kill me, one villager tried to rescue us by letting us hide in his thatched hut and when we were in the hut, they started throwing stones at us. They even tried to set the hut on fire but because it was raining, the thatch could not catch fire and the hut was filled with smoke.”

She said: “They were swearing saying ‘today you are going to die in this hut. We no longer want you because you’re blocking the ascendance of our person. They were saying Chamisa, Chamisa, Chamisa.”

Dr Khupe vowed to fight until her party returns to constitutionalism as she declared that Adv Chamisa was fraudulently made the party’s acting president.

She said she was putting to an end the view that a person from Matabeleland region and a woman cannot lead the MDC-T.

“What even pains me is that when the president died on February 14, 12 hours later they held a bogus meeting called the national council and the national executive in order for Chamisa to proclaim himself the party’s acting president. They know that there is a constitution, what kind of people are they who do not respect death,” she said.

“I’ve realised that they disrespect me because I’m from Matabeleland and I’m a woman. I want to tell them right here that this view that a woman and a person from Matabeleland cannot be a president in the MDC-T, is coming to an end.

“I want to show them that people from Matabeleland can be presidents, when Mr Tsvangirai was not around in 2008, I single handedly ran the party after they had all escaped.”

Dr Khupe said she was always opposed to the appointment of Adv Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri as the party’s co-deputy presidents.

“I want the whole nation to know that I don’t recognise Chamisa as the party’s acting president. I even told the president (Tsvangirai) when he appointed him that I would not recognise him as a vice president because we don’t have a constitution that allows for the appointment of vice presidents. He is now sending thugs to come and assault and kill me. That will never happen,” she said.

Adv Chamisa through micro blogging site Twitter however seemed to distance himself from rowdy youths that attacked Dr Khupe calling on members of the public to present footage that will nail Dr Khupe’s attackers.

“Completely unacceptable threats of violence against VP Khupe. Please share videos and pictures to help us identify culprits. The police must apprehend and charge those responsible. We will never accept as comrades those who perpetrate violence in our name,” tweeted Adv Chamisa. – state media

The era of insulting each other is over and both the Government and ruling party are seized with  the programme to develop the country, Zanu-PF’s secretary for administration and Home Affairs Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu said yesterday.

Speaking in Bulawayo yesterday during the occasion to receive equipment under the National Railways of Zimbabwe recapitalisation programme, Dr Mpofu said the party had successfully weeded out bad apples and was now geared for the transformation of the country’s economy.

“Things have changed. The meetings that we convene now are developmental as opposed to insulting each other. Those who were in the habit of insulting others were removed from the party. We are now working with people that want to see this country developing,” said Dr Mpofu.

“We have all listened to President Mnangagwa when he speaks. He never insults or condemn other people. He only speaks of development.”

Dr Mpofu said it was exciting to know that the once vibrant NRZ will be revived and create thousands of jobs for the people of Bulawayo.

“The DIDG Group has realised that Zimbabwe is being transformed and showing signs of potential. President Mnangagwa has always emphasised the need for Diasporans to invest in the country.

“He has also stressed the need to fight corruption in order for the country to develop.
We’re extremely excited about this programme. Such developments had become rare in the country,” he said.

“We’re happy that this is a project that will create thousands of jobs for the people of Bulawayo. Factories had been transformed into churches. What has happened today is a sign that President Mnangagwa is determined to revive the country’s industries. Bringing his delegation here shows that he has love for the people of Bulawayo.”

Dr Mpofu commended President Mnangagwa for promising to improve the welfare of the workers at the NRZ. Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial affairs Cde Angeline Masuku also said she was excited by the prospects of a revitalised NRZ saying this will no doubt impact positively on the performance of other downstream industries in the province and the whole country.

“The selection of Bulawayo province as the venue for this landmark event is testimony to the unique symbolic relationship that we have with the railway entity.

“Despite the operational challenges that the NRZ has been facing due to antiquated equipment and infrastructure, the NRZ has remained a cornerstone of Bulawayo province’s industries,” said Cde Masuku. -state media

Two Tanzanians have been arrested for entering the country illegally after authourities had denied them entry at Victoria Falls border post as they did not have the necessary travelling documents.

Musa Yusuru Makongoro (31) and Rajabu Juma Ibrahim (28) who are both employed as bus conductors in their country, entered Zimbabwe from Zambia illegally last Friday.

The pair appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje charged with entering the country without a permit.

They pleaded guilty.

The two said they were on their way to South Africa.

“We were just passing through Zimbabwe as we were heading to South Africa,” said Ibrahim.

The magistrate sentenced the duo to an effective three months in prison. “You will then be deported back to Tanzania,” said the magistrate.

The court heard that last Friday at around 5:30PM the two Tanzanians presented themselves to immigration officers at Victoria Falls border post and were denied entry into the country after they failed to produce proper documents.

The two then used an undesignated entry point leading to their arrest.

Prosecuting Mr Takonda Ndovorwi said the two men were arrested along the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway at Ndlovu turnoff on their way to Bulawayo.

“On 16 February at Victoria Falls border post, the accused persons unlawfully and intentionally entered Zimbabwe through an undesignated entry point and remained in the country without permits,” said the prosecutor. – state media

A 65 year old disabled Mutoko woman was burnt to death last Friday after her grass-thatched bedroom hut went up in flames during the night.

Juliet Mukucha of Mahumba village, under Chief Mutoko, is believed to have left the candle burning, resulting in the accident.

Mashonaland East acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident.

“I confirm that a Mutoko woman was burnt to death after her hut caught fire. We suspect that the cause of the fire was a candle that she forgot to put out before she retired to bed. The woman is disabled and moves around with the aid of a wheelchair. I urge the public to exercise maximum caution when using candles and paraffin lamps. Those in custody of disabled persons should also look after them and ensure that they are safe all the time,” he said.

A neighbour noticed that the hut was ablaze and alerted other villagers, who teamed up and put out the fire, but by then, Mukucha was already dead.

The matter was reported to the police, who took the body to Mutoko District Hospital for a post-mortem.- Newsday

Health and Childcare minister David Parirenyatwa left the Zimbabwe Private Sector HIV/Aids and Wellness board (Zipshaw) launch in stitches on Tuesday after revealing Zimbabweans’ complained about the ‘dwarfish’ Chinese con_doms.

He said private sector should manufacture con_doms not only for Zimbabweans but for export.

Zimbabwe according to UNFPA tops con_dom distribution in Africa but uptake remaining low.

“We used to manufacture syringes, Mazongororo syringes if you remember years ago. We import con_doms from China and some people complain they are too small,” he said with a raucous laughter following thereafter from the attendants

He also reminisced on Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical heydays.

“We had very big companies in Zimbabwe,CAPS it used to export 48 products and it shrunk. We are now looking for partners We have Datlabs, Varichem, this could be expanded,” said the minister.

Parirenyatwa also said youth fancy certain con_doms which could be a selling point for the private sector should these condoms be manufactured for the region.

“But you know in this region the Southern African region, we have the highest incidence of HIV and AID and we are promoting con_doms. Con_doms both male and female. And the youths have a particular type of con_dom that they like. But we don’t manufacture them. So Mr Manyakara, you want to be a big business, please manufacture con_doms for the region. For the region, and its not beyond us,” he said.

Source: Online

The privately owned Herentals College has been caught in the act spreading litter around the capital. Below was an account by the Harare mayor on how it happened:

By Ben Manyenyeni|  A very different day in the office today – it was high drama, speed-chase in Hatcliffe suburb.

Social media has been awash with a group of private colleges called HERENTALS which is deploying a minimum of two 76-seater buses and some pick -up trucks every day FULL of young MERCHANTS of LITTER, dishing out thousands of flyers city-wide (you think?).

Count 41 jumping out of the back of this small truck

Eyebrows have been raised after more than 80 members of the Zimbabwe National Army sat for and all passed provisional driver’s licence tests conducted at 4.1 Barracks two weeks ago.
It is understood that the soldiers took the licences after an order from a superior in Harare that every soldier must have a licence and now fears are abound that the new drivers are to be used for campaigning in the forthcoming elections by the ruling Zanu PF.
ZNA public relations director Lt Colonel Alphios Makotore referred questions to his junior Captain Francis Chanduru who is based at 4 Brigade. Chanduru neither confirmed nor denied the story but said any soldiers doing driver’s licence courses are doing so to upgrade themselves.
Sources told The Mirror that a letter was read on Parade that the soldiers should get licences urgently as there was a large fleet of vehicles that was coming. Examiners from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) then came and conducted learner’s licence tests and all the 80 soldiers who included more than 30 women passed.
The streets of Masvingo are currently a hive of activity with soldiers using their trucks with L plates doing driver’s lessons. A large number of other soldiers are using trucks from Junior Driving School.
Junior Driving School director Noah Marima did not refute allegations that there were a lot of soldiers using his trucks for training. He said the soldiers who were training with his School were like any other ordinary learners.
The Mirror also understands that after completing their learner’s licence courses, the soldiers will go to Plumtree on February 15 where they are going to do road tests and get licences.- masvingo mirror

Tempers flared at a tourism strategy consultative workshop in Mutare when senior officials in the sector traded accusations over their involvement in crafting the tourism vision by former Minister Walter Mzembi.

Director in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Rudo Faranisi took exception to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr Karikoga Kaseke’s denial of any involvement in the formulation of the tourism sector vision by the ex-minister.

While Dr Kaseke denied involvement, Dr Faranisi insisted he was the advisor to the ex-minister when the strategy was crafted.- state media 

A 23-year-old man bled to death after he was stabbed by a suspected prostitute he had visited following a misunderstanding.

The hooker, only identified as Amai Junior was arrested after she stabbed her ‘client’ Calvin Masamusa, who died in cold blood.

The deceased’s mother, Mbuya Masamusa who was also present at the scene said she had, on several times, warned her son against going to Amai Junior’s lodgings.

“I am in pain that my son’s life had to end this way. I have told him several times to stop going to this prostitute’s house but he never listened to me.

“Two days ago I came here and took him from her but he never paid attention whenever I warned him from visiting this woman.

“She (Amai Junior) would always attack my son; he even had fresh wounds and stiches after he was attacked by her,” she said.

Meanwhile, a close friend to Amai Junior who refused to disclose her identity said Amai Junior stabbed Calvin while defending herself.

“People are saying my friend was Calvin’s prostitute but that is not true, the two have been in a relationship though they met at a night club where Amai Junior was a bartender.

“They have been having fights lately because Calvin was not accepting the fact that my friend no longer loved him.

“He kept on coming to her house demanding sex from her and what happened today is unfortunate but I know Amai Junior was only defending herself.

“Calvin started assaulting Amai Junior when she asked him to give her back the money that she had given him to buy her groceries.

“Amai Junior has, on several occasions, lodged complaints with the police to try and bar Calvin from coming to her house but he kept on coming,” said the source.

The MDC-T-UK and Ireland Province is inviting all Zimbabweans and non Zimbabweans who share our democratic values to a memorial service for the late MDC President Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai on Saturday 24th February in Luton.

Dr Tsvangirai is a National hero. He does not require to be conferred the status National hero by a group of persons sitting in an office or boardroom because he already has it. You can’t make him a hero because he already is one. So whether you call him one or not, it has little to no effect.

Ten people can sit down and decide Tsvangirai is not a National hero. But millions, without even meeting, agreed that Tsvangirai is a National hero.

He does not need to be buried at Warren Park Heroes Acre for him to be a hero
Dr Tsvangirai has been buried on a prestigious Heroes Acre, built in the hearts of several millions of Zimbabweans.

Stane Pepu Gonese
MDCT UK & Ireland
Organising Department

Former president Robert Mugabe has broken silence over his resignation from office last November — and on Monday told visiting chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat — that he stepped down to avoid the country from descending into bloodletting conflict.

Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for close to four decades, “resigned” from the top office on November 21 last year — hours after Parliament had initiated proceedings to impeach him.

This happened after he had refused to leave office during eight tense days that began with the military intervening in the governance of the country.

But for the first time since his inglorious exit from politics, Mugabe who turned 94 years today, on Monday told Mahamat that he gave up power for the sake of peace and development.

“Since it was the first time I was visiting the country, I could not go without meeting him . . . and since (ex) president Mugabe forms part of the heroes who have fought for the continent, he is common heritage for us and he is recognised by the authorities of the country.

“We exchanged views, I found him to be very lucid and he also explained why he had resigned, it is for peace and development of the country . . . , so we appreciated very much and we did discuss very much at ease,” Mahamat, who was on a three-day working visit to Zimbabwe, told journalists yesterday, via an interpreter.

It was the first time that Mugabe had broken his silence from the time his unflappable rule came to an end after the dramatic military intervention on November 15 which culminated his eventual resignation.

The curtain fell on the veteran former Zimbabwe and Zanu PF leader on November 21 when he resigned moments after Parliament had started proceedings to impeach him.

This followed a military intervention code-named Operation Restore Legacy which saw the nonagenarian and his wife, Grace, being placed under house arrest.

Several Cabinet ministers linked to the Generation 40 (G40) faction who had coalesced around Grace were targeted in the operation which ended a week before Christmas, with the soldiers only retreating to the barracks after five weeks of executing the operation.

Among the former ministers who were targeted are alleged G40 kingpins — Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao and Saviour Kasukuwere — who are now living in self-imposed exile following the fall of Mugabe.

Moyo and Zhuwao have been publicly and viciously attacking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government through social media and interviews with foreign media over the past few weeks.

On his part, Kasukuwere — who is said to be trying to smoke a peace pipe with Mnangagwa’s government — is being linked in some quarters to alleged cloak-and-dagger activities of the mooted National Patriotic Front (NPF), which is also courting opposition parties to take on Zanu PF and its leader in this year’s crucial national elections.

It has been reported that the G40 is allegedly bidding to bring together former vice president Joice Mujuru and the MDC, as part of its wider campaign to stop Mnangagwa from winning this year’s make-or-break elections — whose dates are yet to be announced.

Mujuru, who now somehow enjoys the G40’s support, recently held talks with Mugabe at his “Blue Roof” mansion in Harare — three years after she was sacked from both Zanu PF and government by the 94-year-old.

The NPP leader was ruthlessly cut loose by Mugabe in the run-up to Zanu PF’s 2014 congress, together with other then leading ruling party figures who included former Cabinet ministers Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo — on untested allegations of seeking to topple the power-addicted nonagenarian.

Mujuru’s meeting with Mugabe coincided with the announcement of the formation of the NPF, which is said to be driven by the exiled G40 kingpins.

Mahamat came to Zimbabwe two weeks after disgruntled G40 stalwarts wrote to regional and continental bodies, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the AU, appealing for their intervention to help Zimbabwe return to “constitutional rule”.

Yesterday, Mahamat said the AU was satisfied with the political developments which brought about the end of Mugabe’s long rein — putting paid to hopes the proponents of the NPF might have been having of delegitimising Mnangagwa’s administration.

“We have said that and everybody has noted that the transition in the country has been a peaceful transition according to the laws of the land and it is the responsibility of the African Union to support and accompany countries in such situations to ensure that there is peace and stability in the country and all others have to respect the sovereignty and the decisions of the country. If there is any unconstitutional change of government then we also have our instruments, we have our rules then it applies in that case,” Mahamat said.

Mahamat, who was accompanied to the press conference by Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo, said he was satisfied by his visit to the country, adding that the AU will push for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe as a way of improving the people’s economic situation.

During his visit, Mahamat met with Mnangagwa, senior government officials, speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Priscillah Chigumba.

“The African Union is ready to support Zimbabwe in the electoral process and the commissioner for political affairs has met the head of the electoral commission and a team of the African Union will be coming to Zimbabwe so that it will continue to work with that organ, the electoral commission.

“The African Commission is mobilising partners so that they can actively support Zimbabwe in this process and also to have the elections,” Mahamat said.

Since Mugabe’s resignation, Mnangagwa’s government has been consistent in safeguarding the security and interests of Mugabe and his family.

During his appearance at the AU annual meeting in Ethiopia last month, Mnangagwa told the continental leaders that there was no need to worry about Mugabe and his family’s security as they were well-looked after.

Mnangagwa’s government has gone on to give him an eye-watering exit package which includes benefits commensurate with those of a sitting Head of State.

Details of the frail nonagenarian’s massive handshake were announced in the Government Gazette at the end of last year under Presidential Pension and Retirement Packages Notice 2017.- Daily News

A Chinese national and a local business partner on Monday lost $14 500 to armed robbers who intercepted them along the Mutare-Harare highway before they accosted them to their residence, where they stole more money.

Initially, the armed robbers had stolen $8 500 when they hijacked the vehicle in which the pair was travelling. Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, the gang shot at the Toyota Quantum in which the victims were travelling.

“A Chinese national and his local partner were intercepted by armed criminals, who shot at their vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, and stole $8 500 (bond notes). The criminals forcibly took control of the complaint’s vehicle and drove to Harare, with armed robbers in pursuit with their vehicle, a Toyota Wish,” she said.

“On arrival at the complainant’s residence, the complainants were force-marched into the house where the robbers stole $6 000, which was in the house.”

According to the police, a shootout ensued after police reacted to a distress call, as the robbers were reportedly firing indiscriminately.

Two people, a motorist and a passer-by, were caught in the cross fire. They were rushed to a local hospital, where they are being treated. Police said they had arrested one of the criminals involved, who is assisting them with investigations.

They also warned members of the public to desist from keeping large sums of money, in their homes, as it can attract robbers. Newsday

President Robert Mugabe turned 94 today. Unlike in the past when he enjoyed massive costly birthday bashes, this time round the day has been a quite one. He is pictured with his wife Grace.

By Dorrothy Moyo| MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe has been told the violence she allegedly tolerated since 2005 has come back to bite her.

Writing on micro blogging website, Twitter, David Coltart former Senator David Coltart, said turning a blind eye on violence was the root cause of the split that cost Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 2005.

“Turning a blind eye to violence & intolerance was a root cause of the split in the MDC in 2005.It is a disease created by years of violent rule by ZANUPF which has infected the opposition .Some MDC leaders have toyed with the use of violence , but it always comes back to bite,” he said.

Coltart’s statement comes against the backdrop of protests by Khupe on violence against her at Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial yesterday and as well an announcement by party spokesman Obert Gutu to quit the party.

Gutu said he has disassociate himself with MDC –T

Gutu wrote early morning Wednesday, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

“I am not going to continue associating myself with an organisation that advocates for violence and thuggery.

“I’m a principled politician and professional.

“I’m NOT quitting politics.

“I’m going to contest in Harare East constituency in 2018 elections “

Staff Reporter| MDC Acting President Nelson Chamisa has called for justice against those who allegedly attacked Vice President Thokozani Khupe yesterday.

Writing on Wednesday afternoon, Chamisa said,

“Completely unacceptable threats of violence against VP Khupe. Please share videos & pictures to help us identify culprits.

“The police must apprehend and charge those responsible. We will never accept as comrades those who perpetrate violence in our name.”

His comment comes as his party spokesman Obert Gutu announced he is quitting the party. Gutu has for days been against Chamisa’s appointment to the party Presidency.

Below are latest pictures of former President Robert Mugabe inside his Blue Roof residence today as he celebrated his birthday. CONTINUE READING –

Professor Jonathan Moyo wrote of the event saying, “Zimbabwe’s Founding President Cde Robert Mugabe & First Lady Amai Dr Grace Mugabe with Sekuru Emmanuel Ranga, today at the Blue Roof Mugabe Family residence, marking the President’s 94th birthday. #HappyBirthdayGushungo. #MakorokotoAmhlopheBaba! “

Zimbabwean ex-president Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, has reportedly reacted “angrily” after the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat praised the Zimbabwean government for the country’s “peaceful political transition” last year.

Mahamat was on a three-day visit to Zimbabwe, where he met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who according to the state-owned Herald newspaper “apprised him of measures being taken by his government to ensure free and fair elections”.

Mnangagwa also briefed Mahamat on the peaceful political transition that took place in the southern African country last year, the report said.

A News Day report quoted Mahamat as saying that Africa was “satisfied that the transition was peaceful”.

Mahamat also expressed ignorance over a petition by a new political outfit, the New Patriotic Front (NPF), which was reportedly launched recently by Zhuwao and his allies.

The NPF claimed recently that it had “formally petitioned” the AU and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to challenge Mnangagwa’s legitimacy.

In a 79 page document, the NPF, through its the lawyer Marius van Niekerk, argued that Mnangagwa came into office through military intervention, and as a result, should not be recognised as the southern African nation’s president.

But Mahamat told journalists in Harare that: “I am just learning from you now. I’ve not received any petition.”

In response, Zhuwao, who was currently in exile, came out guns blazing, accusing Mahamat of supporting a “coup government in Zimbabwe”, a New Zimbabwe.com report said.

Zhuwao described Mahamat’s remarks as “astonishing, baseless and false”.

He said that Mahamat’s statement was “partial and partisan” as there were no records of him engaging with “affected stakeholders, including victims and families of those who were killed and tortured during the coup leading to the displacement of countless Zimbabweans both internal and externally”.

Zhuwao also warned that the recognition of the Mnangagwa administration by the continental body risked setting a precedence for other African countries. – News24

Below are assorted state media LIVE updates of President NRZ revival function filmed by ZimEye.com on Wednesday afternoon:

13:06 – President Mnangagwa now witnessing the signing of the agreement between the parties…

12:58 – President Mnangagwa speaks…

“The other day VP Mohadi whispered to me that he wants to be President I told him the tricks – 1. Be sentenced to death and survive, 2. Be poisoned and still survive, 3. Be subjected to 9 youth interfaces and survive and three be a border jumper and survive.

“I am excited by this project as this will go a long way in addressing key resources gaps while negotiations are still ongoing. This will go a long way in seeing this city regain its status as the country’s industrial hub which will also go a long way in enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness. An effective railway system will see us reduce the cost of landing our goods in various countries. The Sadc industrialisation road map identified the enhancing of our rail infrastructure in boosting regional trade.

“My government is committed in ensuring the recapitalisation and modernisation of our railway system. A rejuvenated railway system will not only benefit Zimbabwe but other countries in the region especially those on the north of us. Comprehensive strategies have been put in place to revive our transporting sector. Our road and railway system must be complimentary. The current situation where our roads are moving bulk cargo must not be encouraged as this damages our road infrastructure therefore we must move towards the revival of our rail system so as to move cargo to to railway.

“The speed we address challenges in our transport and Infrastructure must be expedited to be en-sync with our mantra that Zimbabwe is open for Business. I would like to commend the partners in this deal, the timing of this project is most opportune and shows confidence in the future of this our country. The realisation of this project will not only benefit industry but will also improve NRZ passenger train schedule. My government will continue to support the restoration of the NRZ. I call upon the partners to move swiftly in concluding the deal and come up with a win-win agreement…

“To the workers I am fully aware of the problems you are facing in terms of salaries. Your minister has pleaded with you continuously and I must assure you that we will attend to your current challenges. Please let us all support this project. I thank you all,” President Mnangagwa wraps up his speech.

12:40 – “President ED is a man born of the liberation struggle, during federation he went to northern Rhodesia, educated there and even started politics there. He is one of the first people in the 1960s to receive military training to come and liberate our nation. Due to his political activity he was at one point sentenced to death by the colonial government but was saved from the gallows because of his age.

“This our President is a very strong man, if you remember he survived nine grueling interface rallies. He would actually clap and shake the hands of the people who were demonising him, it takes a man of stature to do that. Along this course at one point he got a threat to his life, which resulted in him crOssing the border, which he prefers calling border jumping. However one thing I can tell you is that he is a tried and tested leader and I am confident that he will steer us from the problems which we are all facing in the country.”

12:22 – VP Mohadi about to take to the podium to introduce President Mnangagwa…

12:20 – South Africa Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi is now on the podium…

“I bring greetings from President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his SONA President Ramaphosa said we will be coming together with the world to celebrate President Mandela’s birthday. We dedicate our visit today to Madiba and his long standing vision of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe. If you remember Madiba and former President Mugabe came together to construct Beitbridge. We are now working round the clock in having a one stop border post. We are also working on the aviation side to increase flights between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“I enjoy a good working condition with Zimbabwe Transport Minister, Dr Joram Gumbo and I am confident that we will go along way in improving bilateral relations with the Zimbabwe government especially in the transport industry. With the project we are unveiling today, we hope it will go a long way in improving regional rail network in the region and harmonising the safe movement of freight and passengers in the region. It will also play a pivotal role in improving regional integration and further regionalisation in the two countries.”

12:02 – Transport Minister, Dr Joram Gumbo now giving his remarks…

“The recapitalisation of NRZ is long overdue as it was operating using equipment that is not economically sustainable. The journey to revive NRZ has taken a long time but has been eventually fruitful, this is evidenced by the function which we are attending today. The situation on ground really requires an urgent solution as we all know that our rail system goes a long way in reviving our economy as a whole.

“Today we are unveiling part of the equipment but by the end of April we will have received all the other equipment. It is the time to awaken our railway giant…..this is the new dispensation.”

11:45 – Transnet representative Mr Patrius Fusi now addressing delegates…

“We are excited of this relationship that we have forged with NRZ. We are coming up with a geographical strategy especially at enhancing our presence in the continent. We want to be in the forefront of regional integration to help improve cross-border trade. Partnership are important in moving our growth forward.

“This event shows that we are acting rather than talking. We are pleased that we are contributing to Zimbabwe’s programme of action.We are with you as we embark on this journey that we have started. ”

11:41 – NRZ board chairman Mr Larry Mavhima takes to the stand…

“Our once proud NRZ had been reduced to a pale shadow of its former self. We no longer lived up to our motto, ‘We move the nation’, which was really worrying. Last year we began our first step in the recapitalisation project of our railways through the invitation of partners to work with on this massive project. We are happy that we are eventually witnessing the fruition of our dreams.

“We are showing all that we took heed of the President’s remarks that Zimbabwe is now open for business. Today we announce that we cease to become a problem child as we will be moving the nation to a brighter future.

11:20 – Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe Mr Tafadzwa Musarara has the microphone…

“As millers we are a transport reliant business. It is our conviction that rail transport will always be cheaper. Milling industry cannot be wholly reliant on the road infrastructure. NRZ service delivery impacts on food prices and services delivery in the country. I would like to commend the President’s  Solomonic leadership as it is clear that Zimbabwe is ready for business,” he concludes his brief speech.

11:15 – DIDG representative Mr D Chimandanda now giving his remarks…

“As I stand here we say diaspora is ready to help revive our country and we have vowed to help increase diaspora investment. As recent as last week we started we working with our diaspora colleagues in North America. We believe in reviving such infrastructure as rail will go along way in making it cheaper to do business in Zimbabwe. We are grateful for the support we have got from the government.

“To my fellow colleagues in the diaspora let us stop being critics fr0m the sidelines and come support our country. There is no task which is insurmountable, we will revive our NRZ,” he says.

11:00 – NRZ Manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada now on the podium…

“To us today marks another milestone in our journey to revive our country’s railway infrastructure. Our vision is to restore the capacity in which our railways was associated with back in the day. This equipment is to close the gap while we continue negotiations so that we get financial closure as we realised we were losing business as negotiations continued.

“Part of these trains will target our chrome market where we expect a net profit of $1.1 million monthly after payment of our lease fee. This is a very significant step as we were failing to meet our targets but we will now manage to get the foreign currency we were losing because of our capacity constraints,” he concludes his remarks.

10:50 – “I applaud the spirit of cooperation between the NRZ and its partners. Together we are going to face all challenges and succeed. My offices is always open to render any services required. I want to say to the people of Bulawayo that things are happening and they should be part of things that are happening and not those that have not happened. I want to say to everyone feel at work not just at home. There is no hour to feel at hme but at work because life comes from work not just slumbering.”

10:43 – “Despite the problems faced by NRZ it has remained a pillar of development in the city especially in its support of downstream industries within the city.”

10:36 – Bulawayo Minister of State Cde Angeline Masuku now giving the welcome remarks.

“I am here to welcome uBaba uPresident to this beautiful city of Queens and Kings. We feel greatly honoured to play host to this unique and historic ceremony. Not only am I enthralled by your presence but I am excited by the prospects of a revived rail system that will go a long way in reviving other industries in the city and country as a whole.”

10:26 – President ED is being accompanied by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo and Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha among top government officials.

Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa was today criticised by news readers for wearing his multi-coloured scarf today. Some News Observers watching on ZimEye.com said the Head Of State “should have known better not to wear a scarf on a hot day like today.”

“Why wearing scarf even when it’s not necessary in some occasions His Excellence ED Mnangagwa? You look great without that scarf Sir,” wrote one Memory Msipha.

But others defended Mnangagwa. “Only he knows why he’s wearing the scarf. Don’t let it bother yous lot,” wrote one Clementina Sibanda.   Mnangagwa was speaking at an event broadcast LIVE by ZimEye.com as he launched an ambitious NRZ locomotive project in Bulawayo. WATCH LIVE VIDEO STREAMING BELOW

– NRZ chairman Larry Mavima says the $400m Transnet deal and the delivery of wagons & locomotives is tangible proof that Mnangagwa’s “open for business” mantra is not just talk…

LIVE video of the event – refresh to watch

By Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today launching the introduction of new wagons for the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The NRZ recapitalisation involves the signing of a framework agreement between NRZ and Transnet.

The capitalisation deal is worth over $400 million.

It involves the rehabilitation and renewal of plant, equipment, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications infrastructure and the supporting information technology systems.

It is also meant to bring a modernised train control system.

The equipment that will be unveiled comprises 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches which are being leased from South African rail utility, Transnet. The UK based Diaspora Investment Development Group (DIDG)/Transnet Consortium is also part of the project.

LIVE video of the event – refresh to watch

By Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today launching the introduction of new wagons for the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The NRZ recapitalisation involves the signing of a framework agreement between NRZ and Transnet.

The capitalisation deal is worth over $400 million.

It involves the rehabilitation and renewal of plant, equipment, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications infrastructure and the supporting information technology systems.

It is also meant to bring a modernised train control system.

The equipment that will be unveiled comprises 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches which are being leased from South African rail utility, Transnet. The UK based Diaspora Investment Development Group (DIDG)/Transnet Consortium is also part of the project.

MDC-T acting president, Nelson Chamisa yesterday told tens of thousands of party followers that he would quit politics if President Emmerson Mnangagwa wins the next elections, insisting the opposition party will form the next government.

Addressing mourners at the funeral of the late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai in Humanikwa village, Buhera, Chamisa, whose leadership of the party is under contestation, insisted on uniting the party to face off with Mnangagwa.

He declared he would quit politics “if Mnangagwa wins the next election”.

“We are ready to form the next government and in September we will,” Chamisa declared to wild cheers from the crowd.

Tsvangirai, who succumbed to cancer of the colon last week, was buried at his rural homestead under a tense atmosphere, as internal power struggles stole the show.

Chamisa said he was anointed by Tsvangirai to lead the opposition outfit.

“(Former President Robert) Mugabe failed to plan his succession, but our president (Tsvangirai) did. God has a plan for everything. When a great leader dies, his protégé takes after him.- Newsday

By Farai D Hove| MDC Secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora has said the attack on party Vice President Thokozani Khupe yesterday, was tribal.

He wrote in a tweet saying it was also “sexist and totally unacceptable.”

He full tweet read, “the attack on @DrThoko_Khupe by a gang of sponsored and drunken goons at Dr Tsvangirai’s funeral was outrageous and sadistic. It was tribal, sexist and totally unacceptable.”

Youths threatened violence on Khupe and Mwonzora yesterday and they can be see in video footage shouting, “Ngaaende!, Ngaaende!, Ngaaende!”

Khupe however says she was in fact beaten up “with stones,” and the youths were about to burn her inside a hut they were forced to hide in.

A UZ student, Nyaradzo Mutize was allegedly assaulted by the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s uncle yesterday as she was blocked from photographing Gogo Tsvangirai.

The incident was reported by the media and was still unverified at the time of writing.

Tsvangirai’s uncle, Innocent Zvaipa, reportedly slapped the University of Zimbabwe student yesterday in full view of everyone.

Mutize was later detained for more than half an hour and ordered to delete all the images of Gogo Tsvangirai she had captured.

The state media reports how Tsvangirai’s burial was marred by violence and intimidation as vice president Thokozani Khupe and secretary general Douglas Mwonzora were threatened with violence and had to flee from the venue under police escort at one point.

Khupe goes on however to say that there were not just threats, that she was “beaten with stones” and nearly burnt after being trapped inside a hut. –  state media

The Zanu-PF Youth League will today mark Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day with various activities to commemorate the former President’s contribution to the liberation and development of the country.

This was said by  Zanu-PF secretary for youth affairs Cde Pupurai Togarepi in an interview on the sidelines of an ongoing ideological training workshop for students held in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union at the University of Zimbabwe yesterday.

“Tomorrow is going to be Youth Day, so youth will be doing charity work and will be associating with each other, discussing development issues, issues that challenge them and we are also going to have time to interact with these students tomorrow and reflect on this training they have gone through,” he said.

“We are going to be listening to the youths, they have their own issues they want to convey to the leadership of the party and we will give them a platform to talk to the leadership. That time of us going to rallies is gone, our new dispensation is going to be interactive, so tomorrow is going to be the starting point for us.”

Cde Togarepi described Cde Mugabe as a hero who had done a lot for the country’s development, adding that a youth delegation is expected to visit the former President at his home today.

“He is our hero, he is our icon,” he said. “He is somebody who has contributed to the development of this country immensely. So, this day came about recognising him as our leader and what he has done for this country.

“So, you cannot celebrate the Youth Day without including Robert Mugabe in the process, so we are going to celebrate with him in mind and where possible some of our youths will be going there to sing happy birthday with him. Toenda ne ma bhosvo ikoko kunocelebrata ne mukuru wedu, tinomuda.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Service Commissions chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah has confirmed that today is a public holiday with respect to public officers as gazetted by President Mnangagwa on November 24 in Statutory Instrument Number 143 of 2017.

“Accordingly, Wednesday, 21st February is a Public Holiday with respect to public officers,” Dr Nzuwah said. He said all public officers were expected to work the whole day yesterday and report for duty tomorrow, adding any violation of office hours would be considered an act of misconduct.

Calls for former President Mugabe’s birthday to be made a national holiday were adopted by Government in August last year following intense lobbying by the Zanu-PF Youth League.
The day coincides with the 21st February Movement celebrations meant to commemorate the principles and ideals that former President Mugabe stood for.

The 21st February Movement was formed in 1986.
Speaking during his acceptance speech at his inauguration as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicated that the former president needed to be accorded the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe  Herald

By A Correspondent| 20 student nurses who had their training contracts terminated at Bonda Mission Hospital have taken Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. David Parirenyatwa, Bonda Mission Hospital and the provincial medical director for Manicaland, Dr. Mafaune, to court.

Their application reads in part:

“Our admission and studies were, however, suddenly, unexpectedly, unilaterally and unlawfully terminated by the first and third respondents without justifiable reasons or explanations,” said one of the students in her founding affidavit.

“We were notified of this decision on the 5th of February 2018 even though the letters were dated February 1, 2018.

“…We have invested financial resources to be enrolled for this programme. Some of us even borrowed money from relatives in the hope that we will enrol for the programme and be employed eventually. Our future and livelihood are at stake

“We were never informed nor invited by first respondent to discuss the matter before the decision was made

“There is an undeniable breach of natural justice and a violation of Section 68 of the Constitution as well as Section 3 of the Administration of Justice Act.”

Convicted fraudster, Wicknell Chivayo who obtained nearly a billion worth of tender business from the power utility, ZESA and also a straight payment of over $7million, and failed to account for its use, has said he will never be jailed. He spoke in the below LIVE video which he shot yesterday afternoon:

A group of 20 student nurses at Bonda Mission Hospital, who had their training contracts terminated barely a month after commencement, have taken the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa to the High Court.

Minister Parirenyatwa, Bonda Mission Hospital and the provincial medical director for Manicaland, a Dr Mafaune, were listed as respondents in the suit.

The 20 were served with termination letters without any tangible reason, a development that resulted in their lawyer Mr Emmanuel Mukwewa approaching the court with an application for reinstatement. Mr Mukwewa of Mukwewa Law Chambers wants the ministry to be barred from unlawfully interfering with the training of the 20.

According to the court application, the 20 in July 2016 responded to an advertisement that was placed in a local newspaper inviting applications from aspiring nurses. The interviews were held to recruit students for the 2017 and 2018 intakes.

Several candidates passed the test, but the 20 were among the group admitted for the January 2018 intake. They received offer letters stating January 8, 2018 as the school opening day. They paid for all the requirements, including uniforms, as per the student nurses’ list.

“Our admission and studies were, however, suddenly, unexpectedly, unilaterally and unlawfully terminated by the first and third respondents without justifiable reasons or explanations,” said one of the students in her founding affidavit.

“We were notified of this decision on the 5th of February 2018 even though the letters were dated February 1, 2018.”

Between February 5 and 13, 2018, the students sought audience with the relevant authorities, but they did not get a favourable response. The students contend that the decision to terminate their training seriously affected them.

“It is an understatement that this is a drastic decision adversely affecting us as we have nowhere to start,” reads one of the founding affidavits. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible for us to secure alternative places for a similar training as vacancies are periodic and highly sought after.

“We have invested financial resources to be enrolled for this programme. Some of us even borrowed money from relatives in the hope that we will enrol for the programme and be employed eventually. Our future and livelihood are at stake.”

Terminating the training contract without any hearing, the students argued, was a violation of their right to administrative justice.

“We were never informed nor invited by first respondent to discuss the matter before the decision was made,” reads the affidavit.

“There is an undeniable breach of natural justice and a violation of Section 68 of the Constitution as well as Section 3 of the Administration of Justice Act.” The matter is yet to be set down for hearing at the High Court. – state media

Terrence Mawawa
A Non Governmental Organisation(NGO) who was attacked by Zanu PF youths narrated how he was nearly killed by ruling party thugs.

The Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice worker, Abel Mauchi was attacked by Zanu PF youths led by one Musiiwa at Manga Business Centre in Gutu District last week.

” I was attacked by Musiiwa who led a group of Zanu PF thugs.

The hooligans accused me of interfering with their activities and they also demanded my serial number.

They assaulted me with booted fit and left me for dead.I was rushed to Gutu Mission Hospital where doctors confirmed that I had sustained a broken rib,” said Mauchi.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
A Masvingo City Council employee turned violent after being caught in a compromising position with his workmate’ s wife.

A toilet cleaner at the city council Shadreck Nduna(41) was last arrested by the police after stabbing Bezel Charumbira who caught him red handed having sex with his wife.

According to the police, Charumbira returned home from work and found Nduna having sex with Saliwe Shakanye( the former’ s wife).

“Last week we arrested a council employee who was caught having sex with his workmate and neighbour’ s wife.

Nduna produced a knife and
stabbed Charumbira three times in the head.

When Charumbira fell to the ground, Nduna hit him with a chair and ran away.

Nduna is expected to appear in court soon,” cops at Chikato Police Station said.

Terrence Mawawa | The Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum has said the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’ s long time understudy, Nelson Chamisa is the suitable person to lead the opposition party.

The leader of the Pretoria based forum, Tino Mambewu has described the death of the former Right Honourable Prime Minister, Tsvangirai, as a huge blow to the struggle for democracy.

Speaking in an interview with SABC News today Mambewu said Chamisa worked with Tsvangirai for a long time and he was the only suitable Presidential candidate capable of defeating Zanu PF’ s tired horse, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“As we mourn the death of the people’s icon, let us quickly remember that he has done his part.The struggle has to continue and as I see it Chamisa has the capacity to take us to the promised land,” said Mambewu.

MDC leader, Welshman Ncube on Saturday claimed the late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai had confided in him that he had long forgiven former President Robert Mugabe for the torture and suffering he endured during his reign.

Tsvangirai died last Wednesday in South African, where he was receiving treatment for colon cancer.

He will be buried today in Buhera.

Drama has, however, characterised his funeral, but Ncube, who was addressing mourners at an interdenominational memorial service for the late Tsvangirai at Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Saturday, said Zimbabweans must emulate Tsvangirai’s selflessness to ensure peace and unity prevails.

Ncube’s statements follow the infighting in the MDC-T over Tsvangirai’s successor.

“…we are also celebrating Tsvangirai’s life, a life which was so rich, so diverse. I want to remind you that Tsvangirai won the 2008 presidential election. He did not get the 47% as claimed by the electoral commission.

“He got more than that, that is why it took them six weeks to rig, and that is why I always say Zimbabwe’s first coup was in 2008, not in November last year. It was a pre-emptive coup. When they removed Mugabe, they already had experience, but Tsvangirai forgave them,” he said.

“The 2008 coup leaders are the same that removed Mugabe last year, but Tsvangirai had long forgiven them for robbing him of the presidency. He had no bitterness at all, he had no grudge against them, no bitterness that over the years they vilified him, arrested him, beat him and laid treason charges against him. He was selfless,” Ncube said.

The former prime minister endured torture, arrest and was at one time charged with treason together with Ncube and other MDC leaders.

The treason charge followed the broadcast of covertly shot video footage purporting to show Tsvangirai plotting Mugabe’s assassination.

The charges were based on a grainy four-and-a-half-hour video of a meeting between Tsvangirai and Canadian-based political consultant, Ari Ben Menashe in December 2001.- Newsday

Diplomatic Corps mourning fmr Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai @usembassyharare pic.twitter.com/HUQFRcRdZu

— Amb Harry K. Thomas (@harrykthomasjr1) February 20, 2018

– refresh this page to watch –

MEANWHILE, CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE LIVE TEXT UPDATES

For the first time in decades, former President Robert Mugabe’s birthday will be a low key event, without the attendant largesse and extravagance, which had come to characterise it, in spite of the day being declared a public holiday.

The Zanu PF youth league had been planning a do for Mugabe for weeks, but it was not clear whether the former President was part of the process, with suggestions he had snubbed his former party colleagues.

Acting Information minister and Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed there would be no public event this year. “It is a youth event,” he said. “The youth have said they will clean-up the cities.

“But the party will send its well wishes and a cake. “It is a day we treasure and we revere the former President.” Mugabe was every February 21st feted like a deity with public gatherings across the country under the banner of the 21st February Movement.

Zanu PF politburo secretary for youth Pupurai Togarepi confirmed what Moyo said.
“We will celebrate with our former President by visiting him with a cake,” he said. Asked if there will be a public programme for youth and whether the 21st February Movement had died following Mugabe’s removal from office, Togarepi said the “structure still exists”. Newsday