Terrence Mawawa | Regarded as the most influential figure in the opposition party MDC, Theresa Makone’ s decisions have a great impact on the operations of the country’ s largest opposition party.

According to impeccable sources in the MDC, Makone has finally thrown her weight behind the youthful MDC leader.

Makone is the party’ s treasurer general and party sources say she is the most influential figure in the party.

“Makone has finally decided to back Chamisa and as things stand the young man will be our Presidential candidate for the coming elections.

I can also disclose that she(Makone) has been in a dilemma but she has finally decided to support Chamisa,” said an official in the party’ s security department.

Makone approached Chamisa and told him she was willing to work with him, according to the sources.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | A group of Zanu PF youths last week severely assaulted a Non Governmental Organisation worker whom they accused of spying on their activities.

The group of Zanu PF youths assaulted Abel Mauchi, a Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice worker who had sought clarity on why they were demanding serial numbers on voter registration slips.

The Zanu PF youths assaulted Mauchi at Manga Business Centre in Gutu District.

He sustained serious head injuries following the attack and he was rushed to Gutu Mission Hospital.

Collin Maboke of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is investigating the case.

“The youths accused Mauchi of disrupting their operations.They confronted him, confiscated his papers and severely assaulted him,” said a local villager.

Police detective Joseph Nemaisa, who is facing assault charges, allegedly refused to sign a warned and cautioned statement in a bid to frustrate his prosecution over the case, a court heard yesterday.

Nemaisa was summoned to appear before Mbare magistrate Sharon Rakafa following an incident in which he assaulted a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) informer Delish Nguwaya and allegedly fractured his arm in August last year.

He has since challenged his placement on remand, arguing his prosecution was unlawful because he was never arrested or warned about the charges being levelled against him.

Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira said the investigating officer was prepared to testify that Nemaisa used his influence and refused to sign a warned and cautioned statement detailing allegations against him.

“The last time the accused person appeared in court he was represented by another lawyer who claimed to raise constitutional issues pertaining his client’s court appearance. However, surprisingly the new lawyer is now raising new issues about the warned and cautioned statement,” Chirambira said.

“The investigating officer has made it clear that the accused refused to sign his statement and will testify to that effect in court. The defence lawyer will have an opportunity to cross examine him. They can’t contest State’s outline of events that is for the trial.”

Nemaisa’s lawyer Musindo Hungwe argued that some of the information included in the State’s documents was false and demanded that the National Prosecuting Authority accords them an opportunity to peruse his client’s docket.

“The narration of events given by the State in its outline is based on hearsay and does not give an objective account of events. The State has exhibited a contemptuous attitude in the manner documents were created.

“The National Prosecuting Authority should release the docket to us and we are making that application,” said Hungwe.

Nguwaya has been at the centre of a corruption storm involving CIO operatives and senior police officers, in which he claimed he had been tricked by police to volunteer incriminating information as a witness before tables were turned against him after he “implicated” their bosses.

On the day of the attack, Nemaisa and his team dragged him on the floor — forcing people to rush out of courtrooms to witness the spectacle — a rarity in the functions of both police and CIO officers who must share mutual respect for each other’s roles in combating crime.

Nemaisa had pinned Nguwaya to the ground while summoning more manpower to try and subdue the CIO informer who was resisting the handcuffs.

The detectives appeared not bothered by the swelling crowds and howls of disapproval from the public as they dragged Nguwaya down the staircase with his head perilously bumping against the staircase.

Nguwaya was bundled into a waiting truck and taken away to the police station where he was allegedly threatened with a gun before the High Court ordered his release from Nemaisa’s custody. Daily News

Zimbabwe Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is still under European Union sanctions which were extended to 20 February 2019.

The EU which has been warming up to the new administration under President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the sanctions were extended until the situation in Zimbabwe becomes clearer.

EU travel restrictions and asset freezes are on 7 people: Robert Mugabe, Grace Mugabe, Happyton Bonyongwe, Augustine Chihuri, Constantine Chiwenga, Perence Shiri and Phillip Sibanda and 1 entity, the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

The sanctions on Chiwenga, Chihuri, Bonyongwe, Shiri and Sibanda are, however, currently suspended, leaving only Mugabe, his wife and the ZDI under effective sanctions.

The EU Notice says those listed can seek a reconsideration of their respective listings before 1 November 2018, and may challenge the Council’s decision to renew in the EU General Court.

The listing has also been updated to indicate Robert Mugabe as “Former President”.- The Insider

Terrence Mawawa | Acting MDC president Nelson Chamisa has called on dreaded Zanu PF National Political Commissar Englebert Rugeje to desist from intimidating opposition supporters in Masvingo Province.

Addressing mourners at the late MDC leader and former Right Honourable Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai’ s funeral in Highlands, Harare today, Chamisa publicly ridiculed Rugeje for intimidating MDC members in Bikita, Zaka and Gutu Districts in Masvingo.

“We know that you are intimidating our supporters out there and my message to you is – please do not be arrogant.

There is enough evidence to prove that you are planning to unleash violence against our supporters.

We demand free and fair elections. We want to make sure that Tsvangirai’ s legacy continues,” said Chamisa.

He added: “We will not tolerate barbaric acts of intimidation and violence against our members.”

Rugeje left the place in total ignominy after being undressed by the youthful MDC leader.

Former ZANU-PF Bikita West legislator Munyaradzi Kereke, 46, who is serving an effective nine year prison sentence for rape has approached the High Court with a fresh bail application.

High Court judge Justice Davison Foroma is expected to have the application on Monday.- state media

Despite denying him National Hero status, ZANU PF leaders descended on the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s home Friday afternoon.

Below are state media (ZBC) pictures of the visit:

Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai: An abridged Orbituary by Tapiwa Mashakada
————————-
This is my personal testimony borne out of many years of working with Morgan Tsvangirai. We had almost become brothers. From 1991 to 1998 he was my boss at the ZCTU. I was his economic advisor and he was my Secretary General. We officially formed the MDC together in 1998 but all the years we had been doing serious spade work. This is not an autobiography but a short orbituary based on my first hand experience of knowing the man. Therefore this is my own version of Morgan Tsvangirai the Trade Unionist Politician and Statesman.

Morgan Tsvangirai passed on in South Africa where he was undergoing a cancer treatment therapy. The news of his demise started filtering on the evening of Wednesday 14th February 2018. All sorts of complimentary messages can be written on his epitaph. If you ask me to do so I would write, ” here lies a great man – brave but humble and selfless, full of love and compassion for his people…” His untimely death has robbed the Tsvangirai family, MDC family, Zimbabwe, Africa and the whole world of a gallant and fearless fighter for democracy. He emerged from humble beginnings of his boyhood in Humanikwa village, Buhera where he did his Primary education before proceeding to Gokomere for his secondary education. Because he was the first born child, after his O-levels he had to look for employment so he could look after his siblings. He worked for a textile firm in Mutare before moving to Bindura Trojan Mine where he quickly rose to become a senior shopfloor steward under the banner of the Mineworkers Union led by Geoff Mutandare. He eventually moved from Trojan to join the Mineworkers Union at St Andrews House in Harare full time in 1986. He didn’t last long as he was elected at the ZCTU Gweru Congress in 1988 to the position of ZCTU Secretary General taking over from Ishmael Nedziwe who also had taken over from Albert Mugabe who had died under mysterious circumstances in a swimming pool. The ZCTU had been established by Gvt in 1981 as a truly black african labour movement. When he became Secretary General of the ZCTU,the organization was a rag tag movement with a skeletal workforce of sister Viola a sweeper, Godfrey Kanyenze the Researcher, Chirebvu the bookkeeper and one or two others. The ZCTU offices were at Pockets Building, Jason Moyo Ave. Being Morgan the self starter he started building ZCTU Secretariat. He introduced the following: economics dept, health and safety, education and training, women dept, organizing, information, advocacy, informal sector etc until ZCTU was now a modernized organization with systems. Because of his leadership skills ZCTU was quickly recognized by international Trade Union Secretariats such as ILO, LO Norway, LO Sweden, AFL-CIO ( now Solidarity), Afro-fiet, ICFTU, CTUC and many others.
Back home he stood for workers rights and fought for better conditions of employment, including health and safety and right to collective bargaining and ILO labour Standards. ZCTU was moved to Chester House in 1994. In 1992 ZCTU staged a demo against the Labour Bill which sought to ban strikes. During the economic structural adjustment program (ESAP) 1991-1995, ZCTU resisted the neo-liberal policies of the Bretton woods Institutions forcing gvt to abandon the second stage of the program. Despite pressure on gvt, conditions of workers continued to deteriorate. Meanwhile ZCTU had now attracted the support of intellectuals the likes of Brian Raftpoulos, Lloyd Sachikonye, Arnold Sibanda, Shephered Nzombe, Kempton Makamure, Yash Tandon, Rene Loewnson, Godfrey Kanyenze, Tapiwa Mashakada, John Manyanya and others. The Friederick Ebert Foundation helped in capacity building programs. Tendai Biti and Munyaradzi Gwisai represented unions in all labour cases. Under Morgan Tsvangirai ZCTU became the voice of workers in Zimbabwe. We made such noises so much so that in 1996 Mugabe challenged us to form a political party. Meanwhile civil society was becoming stronger with the start of the Constitutional Movement by Tawanda Mutasa which culminated in the NCA in 1996 where Tsvangirai was elected Chairman. Other NCA founders were Nelson Chamisa, Brian Kagoro, Douglas Mwonzora, Welshman Ncube, Ben Hlatshwayo, Tendai Biti and others.

In 1997 Morgan led the process of organizing the National Working Peoples Convention; The Special ZCTU Congress of 1998 and the formation of the first formidable opposition in Zimbabwe. He became the inaugural MDC President in 1999. In 2000 he led the No vote against the Constitution. In 2000 MDC won the elections but Mugabe rigged. For the first time the opposition had 57 seats. Subsequent elections were violent in 2002, 2005 but in 2008 Tsvangirai won the elections resulting in the formation of the Government of National Unity in which he was Prime Minister. Zimbabweans enjoyed good living during the GNU. However MT suffered a lot. In 2007 he was battered at Machipisa Police after an aborted rally at the Zimbabwe Grounds. At ZCTU he was almost thrown out of the window by state security agents were it not for the screeming by Edith Munyaka his Secretary. MT as we affectionately called him was a very brave man. He put his head on the block to fight one of the most brutal regimes in the World. He resisted all attempts to corrupt him. Desperate to arrest him the state set up a trap for him in the infamous Ben Menashe case in which he was acquitted. At one stage he escaped the intelligence drag net by flying in a private plane from South Africa to Zimbabwe. MT was arrested by the Mugabe regime in many trumped up charges and he became a jail bird. He led the process to write a new Zimbabwe Constitution in 2010. In the 2013 elections he was again rigged but he continued on his path of constitutionalism and legal resistance. But the economy nose dived. And up until now the economy remains in the woods. Tsvangirai was the first person to tell Mugabe to go peacefully or be removed violently. Operation Restore Legacy was a fulfilment of his prpphecy. Tsvangirai was a grassroots man loved by all in rural and urban areas. He became a household name in Zimbabwe. He abhored violence. However his greatest disappointment were the 2 MDC splits of 2005 and 2014. No wonder why he called for a big tent to reunite the MDC family. He has gone but he left a good legacy of unity in the MDC Alliance and peace in the country. He was diagnosed of colon cancer in 2015 and he battled it till his demise on 14 Feb 2018.

Zimbabwe has lost one of its finest and most brave sons. Whatever his weaknesses were, these are dwarfed by his good deeds and leadership qualities.Despite losing his dear wife in a suspicious road accident in 2009 Morgan was not a bitter man. The self educated Morgan Tsvangirai is hard to replace. My sincere condolences goes to the Tsvangirai, Macheka and Mhundwa families.

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday urged the police to play a pivotal role in ensuring harmonised elections scheduled for this year are held in a conducive atmosphere through effective policing. The country is expected to hold harmonised elections by July.

President Mnangagwa made the call while officially opening the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) New Headquarters and Forensic Science Laboratory in Harare.

“Allow me to reiterate that we are going to have free, fair and credible elections,” he said. “As the country’s law enforcement agency, we, therefore, expect you to play a pivotal role by contributing to the building of a conducive atmosphere that begets such a desired outcome, through efficient and effective policing.

“Government would thus do everything in its power to ensure that you are ready to adequately police the forthcoming plebiscite.”
President Mnangagwa urged the police to deal diligently and decisively with all forms of political violence.

“Political players should not be allowed to flout the laws of this country, willy-nilly,” he said. “We all have to play by the rules so that our citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote.

“Let me also take this opportunity to appeal to all political players and citizens to cooperate with the police as they exercise their constitutional mandate. The public should not provoke the police into breaking the laws they are supposed to enforce and in equal measure, the police should not provoke the citizens into breaking the law.”

President Mnangagwa urged professionalism, unity, oneness, love, peace and harmony in the police force.

“Let us solidly rally behind what is good, our national ideals, aspirations and fundamentals for a peaceful, investor-friendly and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the ZRP faced public criticism on a number of occasions.
“Maybe, quite rightly so, since a lot is expected from our men and women in police uniform, who swore to uphold the laws of this great country,” he said. “Whatever mistakes they make in the process of performing their duty, should not be buried underground, or glossed over, but be laid bare for public scrutiny.

“Lest we forget, the police profession is a noble calling that requires both personal and professional integrity, moral rectitude, the caution of chameleon, the agility and reflexes of a Formula One racing driver and above all, the sobriety of a judge, at all times.

“This must be understood against the background that policing exposes those in the profession to different challenges, which keep mutating with time and location. However, among the vast majority of those policed, are law-abiding citizens who have no wish to harm anyone.”

President Mnangagwa said on the other extreme were ruthless and criminally-minded people who had no regard for decency or rules.

He said there were also un-nurtured, undisciplined and corrupt police officers who may not even bother to behave according to set rules.

President Mnangagwa said such challenges should be met with a high sense of restraint and responsibility.

“Admittedly, the challenges we face on a daily basis as a nation are phenomenal, but not insurmountable,” he said. “They should never be allowed to wane our confidence, but must be confronted with the determination and resoluteness of the Biblical David when he met the giant and supposedly forbidding Goliath.”

President Mnangagwa said the nation expected the ZRP to be imbued with the wisdom of the Biblical King Solomon to fight all forms of crime and be exemplary in their conduct.

“I am pleased to note that despite the discord that had engulfed the ZRP, the organisation now appears to be slowly, but surely pulling itself out of the morass,” he said. “Hence today, we gather to testify the positive spirit of dedication and commitment that sees the coming into fruition of a project that has been outstanding for years.”

President Mnangagwa said the construction of the CID Headquarters and Forensic Science Laboratory began in 1999 and the project was expected to be completed in 2001, but resource shortages delayed its completion.

“The completion of this massive and magnificent structure, which has nine floors, will no doubt, see the CID and Forensic Scientists move from the dreary, antiquated and modular structures,” he said. “Most importantly, the Forensic Science Laboratory will enhance evidence gathering, processing and analysis.

“This will reduce the time and effort police often devote to searching for eyewitnesses of crimes as a lead to identifying a suspect. This vital laboratory brings in the vital ‘silent witness’ that is so critical to identifying suspects and linking them to the crime.

“As Government, we are now hopeful that ZRP is set to increase its crime detection rate, which should lead to a significant breakthrough in the administration of justice.”

Vice Presidents General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) and Kembo Mohadi, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Cabinet ministers, Deputy Commissioner-Generals, senior Government officials, service chiefs, police chiefs from the SADC region, ambassadors and senior officers witnessed the official opening of the CID headquarters. Herald

A 101-YEAR-OLD woman committed suicide by throwing herself into a stream in Bulawayo’s Kingsdale suburb on Tuesday evening.

Gogo Sarah Phulu, who was born in 1917, threw herself into a tributary to Umguza River after complaining of loneliness following the death of all her sons.
Her body was found on Wednesday morning after a futile search conducted the previous night.
The Chronicle could not establish the number of Gogo Phulu’s sons who had died but was told that one of them passed away recently.

“When her last surviving son died, she became worried saying who would bury her as all her sons were now dead,” said a family member.

Phulu’s son-in-law, Mr Josiah Simbanegavi, said she became troubled following the death of her son.
“What drove her into that? I don’t know. But all along she was disturbed by the fact all her sons had passed away. Maybe, just maybe, that bothered her a lot.

“She was of advanced age and we never thought her death would come in such a tragic manner,” he said.
Mr Simbanegavi said the granny left her clothes near the stream, giving them a sign that she had thrown herself in it.

“Yesterday we failed to locate her in her bedroom, that’s when we started to search for her all over. We found her clothes — tennis shoes, jersey and a walking stick, by the stream,” he said.
“That disturbed us and we started searching for her by the river. But because it was too dark, we could not go further and went to the police station to report the matter at around 7PM.
This morning, two or three young men started searching for her in the river and they found her in this pond.”

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.
“As the police we’re very disturbed by this incident. It is unheard of that an elderly person of 100 years of age commits suicide. At her age we thought she would offer counsel to younger generations when they are facing problems,” she said.

Insp Simango urged members of the public to seek counseling services whenever they face societal challenges. Chronicle

An unidentified woman was found dead, stripped half naked with a boulder, used to crack her skull, placed on top of her head in a bushy area in Bulawayo’s Pumula North suburb.

Passersby stumbled upon the body of the woman opposite a Zesa sub-station, near Pumula High School on Tuesday.

Residents told Chronicle that the woman was half naked, with her lime green underwear, black skin tights and grey takkies placed a few metres from where she was found.

They said the boulder was placed on her head, as she lay face down, covering her cracked skull and while a sjambok was also left next to the body.

“Her body showed she was thoroughly beaten up with a sjambok before her head was crushed with the huge rock which was then placed on top of her. She can’t be from around here because if she was, someone would have identified her,” said an elderly resident who declined to identify himself.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango on Wednesday confirmed the incident saying investigations were underway.

“We are investigating a case of murder where a half naked woman was found with her under garments a few metres away from her. The woman is suspected to be aged between 30-35 years old. I can’t say much on the matter as this may jeopardise police investigations,” said Insp Simango.

She appealed to members of the public who may have a missing relative to come forward and identify the body.

“Police are also appealing to those who may have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact their nearest police station.”

The body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem.

Meanwhile, police in Lupane, Matabeleland North, are appealing to members of the public who may have a missing male relative to come forward and identify a body discovered in November last year at the 166km peg along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road near Lupane State University.

The body is being held at St Luke’s Mission Hospital Mortuary.

Officer Commanding Police in Lupane District, Chief Superintendent Johannes Govo said the deceased had no identity particulars on him.

“The deceased is estimated to be between the ages of 30-40 and approximately 1,7 metres tall. The male adult is dark in complexion with short hair. He wore a light blue short sleeved shirt, grey trousers and a pair of cream farmer shoes.

“We are appealing to members of the public who have a missing relative or may know this man to come forward to identify the body,” he said.

When the body was discovered in November, police suspected that he had been murdered.

“A cyclist discovered the half naked body which was covered by tree shrubs a few meters off the main road. A heavy stench drew a passerby’ s attention and he went closer to discover the body whose pair of trousers was open and lowered, exposing his privates,” said Chief Supt Govo.

He urged members of the public to always carry their identity particulars for easy identification.

Chief Supt Govo appealed to relatives of the deceased or anyone who knows the deceased to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Dube on 0717 177 784 or the Officer in Charge Lupane Traffic, Inspector Tawasika on 0389-290 or cell 0772 700 992. – state media

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Church leaders here have joined millions of Zimbabweans in and out of the country in mourning the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

“The death of President Dr R Morgan Tsvangirai is a sad loss.

When Moses died God didn’t choose Aaron or Miriam but He chose Joshua.

Among our leaders Joshua is there. Death is the end result for all of us.

Let’s mourn with hope such that come election time, we will make it. We are all in pain. This is a big blow.We are praying for our national leaders to be calm and have focus towards our patron’s vision.

We don’t want disorder and scramble for positions.

Vakuru vakati mugoti unopiwa anyerere. Wait for God’s time. He already has the name of Tsvangirai’s successor.

May our Almighty control all rebellious spirits. I pray for unity and peace among ourselves,” said Pastor Philip Mugabe in a statement.

FULL TEXT: From the outset the ZIMSEC Board apologises to the nation for the anxiety and disappointment occasioned by the November 2017 Ordinary Level English Language Examination malpractices. The Board is committed to upholding the standards, integrity and credibility of our schools examination system. The ZIMSEC Board takes note and appreciates the High Court of Zimbabwe’s decision to annul the November 2017 Ordinary Level, English Language Paper 2 results. The court’s decision is on all fours with the ZIMSEC Board’s position that the high standards of our country’s education system must never be compromised by tainted examination results. We inform the nation that some of the culprits that allegedly caused the malpractices during the November 2017 examination session have been apprehended and brought before the courts of law.

In compliance with the High Court ruling, ZIMSEC will have to assess November 2017 Ordinary Level candidates English Language linguistic competence on the basis of Paper 1 performance, its attendant shortcomings notwithstanding. The ZIMSEC Board takes this opportunity to assure its valued stakeholders that the Examination Board is totally committed to the elimination of all forms of examination malpractice and is currently in the process of thoroughly auditing its examination systems.

To facilitate the aforesaid thorough audit of the examination system, the Board has asked the Director, Deputy Director and five assistant directors to go on leave with immediate effect. In order to ensure an uninterrupted flow of business at ZIMSEC, the Board has appointed Dr Nembaware as the Acting Director with immediate effect. Mrs. T R Marufu, the current Corporate Affairs Secretary, has been appointed Acting Deputy Director and Head of Human Resources and Administration.

Stakeholders are advised that the November 2017 Ordinary Level results are now scheduled for release by the 23rd of February 2018.

Once again the new Board would like to thank the nation for its patience and understanding during this period.
I thank you.

To facilitate the aforesaid thorough audit of the examination system the board has asked the Director, Deputy Director and five Assistant Directors to go on leave.

Leave pending retirement
Mr. E. S Nhandara —Director
Mr. J C Maramba- Deputy Director

Three months pending leaving ZIMSEC
Mr. J Thabete — Assistant Director Human Resources

Indefinite Leave pending audit of examinations system
Mrs Machingaidze – Assistant Director Test Development Research and Evaluation

Mr. V T Mguni —Assistant Director Examinations Administration

Mr. V Kadenge- Assistant Director- ICT

Ms Z Muzenda- Assistant Director- Finance

In order to ensure an uninterrupted flow of business at ZIMSEC, the board has appointed Dr. Nembaware as Acting Director with immediate effect. Mrs T R Marufu, the current Corporate Affairs Secretary, has been appointed Acting Deputy Director and Head of Human Resources and Administration. The following acting appointments have also been made:

Assistant Director- ICT

Mrs. C Chinonzo Assistant Director Test Development Research and Evaluation

Mrs. E Masiri Assistant Director —Examinations Administration Mr. M. B Dzinotyiwei

By order of the Board Prof. E Mwenje Chairman

Heads have a rolled at Zimsec with senior bosses being fired.

National People ‘ s Party receives the news of the untimely passing on of Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai at a Journesburg Hospital with deep pain and shock.

The sad news has come at a time when the nation hoped that Save would recover from his fight against cancer of the colon well in time to resume the democratic struggle of progressive opposition forces in finishing the journey he started 18 years ago; aimed at completely dismantling the oppressive and dictatorial regime of Zanu pf.

The history of Zimbabwe can not be fully written post independence without mentioning the heroic and brave deeds of Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai in fighting for the democratisation of our beloved Zimbabwe under his able leadership of MDC-T. If truth be told, Save’s deeds are a living example of a life that deserves to be laid to rest amongst the heroes of our country at the National Heroes Acre .

As NPP, we join the nation in mourning a true Son of the soil who sacrificed selflessly for the greater democratic good of our country.

We ask the lord to give courage, strength and comfort to Mrs Elizabeth Tsvangirai and his family from the realisation that their loss is also our collective loss. We pray if Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai’s soul could rest in eternal peace.

‘We salute you son of the soil. You fought your excellent battle for the good of mankind. Your name shall forever remain written in the annals of Zimbabwe’s struggle for democracy.’

Go well Save .

Dr JTR Mujuru
National People’ s Party President.

By A Correspondent| The incoming MDC-T President, Nelson Chamisa has vowed to win the upcoming elections “for Morgan Tsvangirai”.

Chamisa made this known early Thursday morning. He said, “Tsvangirai’s legacy is in safe hands at all party levels. We will communicate everything to respect the family’s wishes.

VIDEO:

“We are in a leadership crisis and the deliberations being made are eliminating all the noise. So we had to step in quickly to deal with the leadership crisis.

“Vice-president Elias Mudzuri was aware of this meeting and I’m not sure why he is not in here, and Madam Khupe is making her way to Harare from Bulawayo.”

Here are pictures of a devastated mother to veteran opposition politician Morgan Tsvangirai mourning her son. Dr Philan Zamchya paid his condolences to the Tsvangirai family.

Terrence Mawawa
Five people were killed following an accident
involving a cement truck and the Democratic
Republic of Congo President’ s Motorcade.

Three soldiers and two civilians died as President
Joseph Kabila was returning to the capital,
Kinshasa on Tuesday night.

Kabila also stayed to help the
injured. 11 people were injured during the accident a government
spokesperson confirmed to news agency AFP.

The spokesperson said the accident was caused by
“heavy rain”, although early reports suggested
speed was a factor.

Witnesses said
the main cause of the incident, which happened
220km (110 miles) south of Kinshasa, was speeding.

Kabila, who has been in power since 2001,
when his father was assassinated, is facing
mounting pressure to stand down – since his term of
office expired in November 2016.

Date: 15 February 2018

Open Letter to HE  E. D. Mnangagwa President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Re: Bestowing Hero Status on Dr. Richard  Morgan Tsvangirai

Your Excellence the above refers.

On behalf of the common man in the street of Zimbabwe, I write to notify (not plead with) you that the above mentioned gallant son of Zimbabwe is accorded Hero Status by us the common people of Zimbabwe.

This may not be procedural according to past declarations but is the honest belief of the mourning masses of Zimbabwe. The decision was unanimously arrived at  in view of a number of considerations. This was in the belief that he made tremendous contribution towards the effort to deliver a just and democratic political dispensation in post independent Zimbabwe. He was persecuted, harassed, insulted and unjustly prosecuted but held on to his honorable ideal of justice for everyone. Even when the government of the day cruelly stole his election to the presidency in 2008, he humbly accepted a lowly position while the loser assumed a loftier but undeserved presidency. All this was done to help the suffering masses of Zimbabwe. You will be the first one to agree that Zimbabweans enjoyed relative peace and wealth in that period and that period alone.

He remained a lawful citizen even in the face of overwhelming injustices and continued to urge his supporters to observe the rule of law when the government of the day failed to. It is in this regard that we the people of Zimbabwe with the powers bestowed on us as proud citizens of this nation declare Richard Morgan Tsvangirai  national Hero Status despite what action you will take as the leader of the government of the day. Whether you decide  to stick to the primitive and partisan method of awarding hero status to members of your party or war veterans only, that remains entirely your prerogative. That will not change our resolution or demean the status that this man was a true democrat who stood with the people during very difficult circumstances while you and your party had deserted us to enrich yourselves at our expense. He voiced our concerns while you were busy singing praises to a dictator and his wife founding a new Borrowdale Brooke club for the elite oblivious of the suffering masses whose rights you ceaselessly trampled upon.

What you do in the following few days will inform us of whether you have decided to take Zimbabwe forward on a new trajectory of openness and responsiveness or remain stuck in the narrow minded, obsolete and archaic systems of government your predecessor and mentor pursued to the discord and polarization of our beautiful nation. Another chance has been presented to you to absolve yourself from a tainted and vindictive past.

Looking forward to your response.

Yours faithfully

Charles Chidavaenzi(Justice for the Povo Rep)

At least four candidates are reportedly lining themselves to take over from Chirumanzu-Zibangwe’s outgoing MP and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Although Zanu PF has not yet opened campaigning for primary elections, NewsDay understands that Retired Major Max Zvidzai, one Dhlamini, who is said to once have been President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s campaign manager during his stint as MP for the constituency, Zanu PF youth provincial vice-chairperson Prosper Machando and provincial spokesperson Cornelius Mupereri are eyeing the constituency.

According to informed sources, the four have been active on the ground canvassing for support.

“Zvidzai has been using his current position as a central committee member to get the seat while Dhlamini is using his stint with the President to lay his groundwork. He has been working throughout the constituency and seems to have an advantage,” a source said.

However, Mupereri yesterday said he had no interest in the constituency.
“We are mature party cadres, we consult, seek guidance from the party elders before we make any decision. At the moment, I can certainly tell you that I have no interest in Chirumanzu-Zibangwe. They might be people who want to have interest on my behalf, but certainly not me,” he said.
On Saturday, the First Lady bade farewell to her supporters at a rally which was attended by the President, saying she was now focusing on her national role as First Lady.

Efforts to get a comment from the other interested candidates were fruitless.

The government of Zimbabwe has announced a revised visa regime which will see 29 countries being moved from Category C to Category B (visa on arrival) as the country moves in to improve travel facilitation and unlock the potential of the tourism industry.

Announcing the development during the National Tourism Strategy Workshop held in Victoria Falls, Department of Immigration Principal Director Mr Clement Masango said the changes are with immediate effect and are part of government efforts to improve travel facilitation and unlock the potential of the tourism industry.

Category B regime entails that tourists may be issued with visa on arrival while category C requires tourists to obtain the visa before travelling.

Among the 29 countries moved from category C to B include Mexico, Ethiopia, Yugoslavia, Panama, Romania and Armenia among others.

Zimbabwe is the first and only SADC country to remove visa requirements for all (SADC) members.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has warned staff members at Masvingo Provincial Hospital against rampant looting of foodstuffs meant for patients.

Addressing government officials and staff members at Masvingo Provincial Hospital yesterday, Mrs Mnangagwa warned that such offenders would be dismissed from work without notice.

The First Lady described the nurses at the hospital as heartless and insensitive to the sad plight of patients.

“You have to consider the plight of the patients. I have been informed that there is rampant looting of foodstuffs meant for patients.

As nurses, you are expected to behave in a professional manner.

How come you stoop so low?You must be ashamed of what you are doing.

The government will not accommodate criminal elements,” said Mrs Mnangagwa.

Below are state media (ZBC) pictures of President Emmerson in Guruve this morning.

By Langton Ncube| Former Education minister Aeneas Chigwedere’s son, Mangwiza, has revealed that his father has over 40 children, but only loves four, the court has heard.

Mangwiza, who is embroiled in a nasty witchcraft saga with Chigwedere, accused his father of attempting to divert from the family’s primary priority of seeking to conduct a cleansing ceremony by compelling him to undergo DNA paternity tests.

In response to Chigwedere’s court application for paternity tests, in order to prevent him from benefiting from the former governor in the event of his death, Mangwiza said he was prepared to go through the procedure.

But Mangwiza said he would rather not do it on terms set out by his father alleging he was capable of manipulating the results, him being a powerful politician.

“The applicant (Chigwedere) is a learned man and should not stoop this low in order to worm out of a human life case and attempt to put paternity tests versus the right of life, versus cruel and inhuman degrading treatment, versus slavery through cultural means and all that continues in the eyes of the court almost two years later,” Mangwiza said in his answering affidavit.

“Furthermore, as learned as he is, he should have simply written a will that I will not inherit anything from him. I do not need blood money or blood assets and whatever he got through human loss of life. I can work on my own. All I am asking the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) is for cancellation of more than 200 cultural procedures he did on me while keeping me away from my mother for more than 20 years and has the audacity to say I am not his child.”

The former governor’s son wondered how Chigwedere expected the court to accept the request.

Mangwiza said he had only spoken to Chigwedere once in the past three-and-a-half years after accusing him of bewitching his children.

“He has never approached me at any point in time on paternity tests. The only time I spoke to him is when he told me I was going to die, telling me the ancestors were not happy and that I would not live long,” he said.

“I have accepted that tests be carried out and am not worried about the infringement of privacy on my part as there is nothing to lose in knowing who my father is. In fact, it would be a relief knowing he is not my father due to his atrocities on his very own blood and family. Hopefully, he does the same when the time for cleansing comes as he is running away from it.”

In 2016, the Chigwederes approached the ConCourt, urging it to compel Chigwedere to carry out an exorcism ceremony with a view to cast out goblins, but the court dismissed the matter on the basis that Mangwiza had used the wrong procedure in approaching it.

By Paul Nyathi| First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has joined her husband, Emerson in the social media by opening her own Facebook as well.

President Mnangagwa announced the First Lady’s official page in his own page on Tuesday evening.

In a short video announcing her page, First Lady Mnangagwa said that she is inviting Zimbabweans to communicate openly with her through the platform.

President Mnangagwa opened his official Facebook page a month ago and it has been a very busy page with Zimbabweans posting issues to Mnangagwa some of which he has been able to immediately respond to.

Controversy has however not spared the President as some people claim that they have been blocked from the page after posting controversial matters including the disappearance of Itai Dzamara.

By Langton Ncube|Harare businessman Agripa “Bopela” Masiyakurima caused a scene at the magistrates’ court yesterday when he demanded that Information and Communications Technology minister Supa Mandiwanzira should appear in court for allegedly damaging his crane.

NewsDay reports that, Masiyakurima wants Mandiwanzira to be charged for sending his employees Charles Mtetwa (34) and Tapiwa Garapo (46) to damage his machinery.

Masiyakurima told the court he bought the crane from Mandiwanzira for $411 000 as payback for being awarded the tender to erect 200 NetOne base stations throughout the country.

“Your Worship, I won’t testify further if Supa Mandiwanzira is not brought in the dock. He is the one who sent these guys to destroy my crane. I sold my house to raise funds after I got a contract to build 100 base stations worth $3,7 million. Mandiwanzira wanted 40% of the amount for a bribe, which I refused. He then tried to force me to buy his two 20-cubic-metre tippers at a higher price. He told me that he must benefit somehow in my $3,7 million. NetOne contract and I succumbed since I did not want tension with the minister. I bought his crane which I defaulted paying by 30 days and he then sent his people to damage my crane after I finished paying him,” he said.

When he was ordered to direct his complaint to the prosecutor, Masiyakurima kept demanding that Mandiwanzira be charged together with Mtetwa and Garapo.

The matter was postponed to Friday

By Langton Ncube| Businessman and socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure is reported to have failed to honour his $40 000 pledge to Winky D.

Gimibi at the launch of Wallace Chirumiko’s latest album, Gombwe, said that he was going to buy the music for $40 000.

The album was launched last Friday at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

According to a private national commercial radio station Ginimbi was on Wednesday yet to honour his pledge.

Ginimbi who is known for flaunting his wealth on social media pledged to buy the auctioned disc at $20 000 but he was forced to revise the initial amount after flamboyant Albert Ndabambi ‘outshined’ him by bidding the CD for $30 000.

Ginimbi pledge an another  $20 000 to make it $40 000 in total.

At the end of the night, Winky D smiled all the way to the bank with a cool $70 000, a lump sum that could  enable him to invest wisely.

It was not all sweet and rosy behind the scenes as Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda and Dee Nosh of 2 Kings Entertainment nearly got into a fistfight over the administering of tickets.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to recruit 734 school heads and deputies in Matabeleland region and Masvingo Province. In a notice dated January 29, PSC secretary Mrs Pretty Sunguro said the deadline for applications was March 2.

The vacancies are available in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces.
Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Dr Sylvia Utete-Masango said her ministry had recommended the recruitments. She said the number was not unusual.

“The school heads can be for schools without substantive heads or those eligible for promotion,” said Dr Utete-Masango. “We normally have huge numbers that there is nothing unusual. They arise from the fact that they would have identified schools without substantive heads and satellite schools that require school heads.”

Dr Utete-Masango said her ministry recommended the required personnel and the PSC flighted vacancy notices.

“Initial screening and interviews are held in the provinces and submitted to head office for appointment,” she said.

In Bulawayo Province, nine school heads are required; four for secondary and five for primary schools as well as four deputy heads for secondary schools and nine deputy heads for primary schools.
According to Mrs Sunguro’s memo, 117 secondary school heads and 88 primary school heads, as well as 151 deputy heads for both primary and secondary schools will be recruited in Masvingo Province.

Matabeleland North has 176 posts for deputy primary school heads and five deputy secondary schools heads.

There are 175 vacant posts for deputy heads at primary school level in Matabeleland South.
The notice says applicants for the headmasters’ post must be certified university graduates.
“Please note that applicants for A-Level schools should be holders of a degree with relevant teaching subject,” read the notice. “A relevant Master’s degree would be an added advantage. At least two years’ experience as deputy head.”

Applicants for deputy head vacancies must also be university graduates and holders of primary or secondary teachers’ certificates or diplomas.

They must also have a commendable work experience as senior teachers or should have occupied an equivalent grade.

The notice read that both positions required applicants with thorough understanding of the Education Act, knowledge of Public Service and Education regulations, procedures and policies, as well as excellent communication skills.

Mrs Sunguro encouraged eligible female candidates to apply. Last year, the PSC recruited about 2 300 teachers who were deployed to schools in various parts of the country. -state media

A Chitungwiza man appeared in court yesterday for duping a client of $5 000 after promising to import an engine for him. Farai Dzimba (41), who is based in the United Kingdom, but currently in Zimbabwe, appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Oliver Mudzongachiso facing charges of theft of trust property.

He was remanded to February 19 on $100 bail. Prosecutor Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa alleged that Nezbert Kachaka wanted to buy an engine and met Dzimba’s young brother who told him that his brother could import an engine on his behalf.
Dzimba’s brother convinced Kachaka to accompany him to Dzimba’s residence where they kept engines. On arrival at the residence, Kachaka was shown engines, which he was told belonged to other customers. The court heard that Kachaka placed an order for a DAF 920 power pack engine and paid $5 000.

Dzimba promised to deliver the engine after two weeks from the day that the order was placed. The court further heard that after two weeks, Dzimba became evasive and started giving endless excuses. Kachaka reported him to the police, leading to his arrest. – state media

A policeman attached to the Midlands Professional Updating Centre (PUC) has been arrested for allegedly receiving $1 320 in bribes to facilitate the recruitment and training of three prospective police officers.

Constable Arnold Garikayi Matara (32) of Mkoba 17, Gweru, appeared before Midlands provincial magistrate, Mrs Phathekile Msipa on Monday facing fraud charges. He was not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to February 15 on $100 bail.
It is the State case that in March 2016, the first complainant Rebecca Muchairi did her pre-entry test for joining the police force and was told to approach Matara for assistance since she was almost 30-years-old, which is the cut off age for recruits.

Matara assured her that her request will be forwarded to Morris Depot Recruitment department for consideration. In July, Muchairi approached Matara to check on progress on her recruitment and was asked to pay a bribe of $520, which she did.

In November, Muchairi learnt that there was recruitment and applicants were at Midlands PUC en-route to Harare. She approached Matara who told her that the recruitment was for senior officers and asked her to check in January.

Muchairi later inquired from her brother who is a police officer and was told that there was no such recruitment taking place and she reported the matter to the police leading to Matara’s arrest. In another incident in September, two siblings Joshua and Last Mugwagwa did their pre-entry test for joining the police force.

In November, their father Efoius Mugwagwa approached Matara who demanded $400 from each of his sons, alleging that it was for the purchase of uniforms. Matara was paid $700 cash and a deposit of $100 in his mobile money account.

In November, Joshua and Last were called to Morris Depot for training and Mugwagwa leant that the police had provided them with uniforms for free. Mugwagwa approached Matara demanding his money back and was given $400 only. He reported the matter to the police, leading to Matara’s arrest.
Ms Memory Chitsunge appeared for the State. In another case, a Zhombe woman appeared before a Kwekwe magistrate facing murder charges after she attacked her husband and his mistress when she caught them being intimate.

Sandy Matava (35) was not asked to plead when she briefly appeared before Kwekwe magistrate Mr Storey Rushambwa for fatally assaulting her husband John Phiri and his mistress Lenia Sikhosana after she caught them naked at the woman’s house. She was remanded in custody to February 15 for routine remand and was urged to apply for bail at the High Court. -state media

The mobile Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) ends tomorrow with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) ruling out a further extension. Registration will, however, continue at ZEC’s district centres.

Over 5,1 million prospective voters have registered for this year’s harmonised elections, according to the Commission’s website.

ZEC deputy chairperson Mr Emmanuel Magade said in an interview: “Mobile voter registration will end on February 8 and this is now final. There will be no further extension, meaning all those who want to register will now have to do so at our 73 district offices.

“We now need to look at de-duplicating the voters’ roll and clearing any other anomalies. So, de-duplication will come soon after the mop-up and then we will come up with a provisional voters’ roll that will lead us into inspection by the public.

“We should have the final voters’ roll (perhaps) by May, after which we will await the Presidential election proclamation. We can, therefore, say Constitutional timeframes are achievable.”

On election observers, Mr Magade said: “The President has set the tone by saying the United Nations, the European Union and other international observers are welcome. Our own belief, too, is that we have nothing to hide.

“So, we welcome all observers. We are an independent commission and will run the elections according to the law. Observers are welcome as long as they undergo the normal accreditation process. We hope they will not prejudge us and will not come with preconceived ideas, but with objective and open minds.

“Wherever criticism is warranted, we accept that they should criticise. We are willing to listen to criticism and take corrective action where possible just as we have addressed concerns raised during mobile voter registration.”- state media

Professor Jonathan Moyo has made sensational claims that there is an open arrest warrant for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for murder.

Moyo writes on his twitter that the warrant was issued at the Rotten Row Magistrate’s court to the Criminal Investigations Department (Homicide) and was only stopped from being effected by the November coup when former President Robert Mugabe was ousted and replaced by Mnangagwa.

The #15NovCoup overthrew constitutional govt to, et. al, subvert #ED‘s criminal cases like this👇🏿. CID HOMICIDE obtained from Rotten Row Magistrate Courts a Warrant of Arrest, still live, against the Accused. #OneLifeTooMany #ImmunityIsNotImpunity👇🏿!https://t.co/9sBilpVFnX pic.twitter.com/pbGRt7c6nk

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) February 5, 2018

Hon. Misihairabwi: We have people who are using government as their place to rob, they are not being arrested they are only transferred from one ministry to another #OpenParlyZW @MoHCCZim @healthtimeszim @263Chat @ZBCNewsonline @BishowParajuli @ZIMCODD1 @UNZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/BAmP0V8VUr

— Open Parly ZW (@OpenParlyZw) February 6, 2018

A love triangle ended tragically when an 18-year-old woman from Harare committed suicide by downing poison after her sister discovered that she was bedding her husband under her nose.

The tragic incident occurred last week when the teenager, Farai Chirara from Ushewekunze area in the outskirts of Harare, ran away from home before committing suicide by drinking poison after receiving death threats from her sister, Memory Mojoko, accusing her of bedding her husband Obvious Mudemba.

The deceased teen, had been staying with the couple, who are both teachers, while waiting for her A’ Level results when her sister started suspecting an affair between the former and her husband resulting in her running away from home.

A relative who spoke on condition of anonymity said when Farai ran away from home Mujoko started sending her messages insulting her with vulgarities and threatening her with unspecified action accusing her of wrecking her marriage.

The relative said Farai went on to drink poison and was rushed to Parirenyatwa hospital by other relatives where she died just after admission.

“It is sad that Memory pushed her sister to committing suicide after sending her messages insulting and threatening her. Farai went to stay with the couple while waiting for her A’ Level results. During the long holiday, it is suspected that she started bedding Mudemba who is her sister’s husband.

“When Mujoko got wind of the illicit affair she started insulting and threatening Farai with unspecified action. Farai fled home and found sanctuary at a relative’s place where she later committed suicide by drinking poison.

“She died on Friday (last week) morning at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” said the relative.

The relative added that Farai’s relatives are baying for Mudemba’s blood accusing her of causing their daughter’s death.

“When Mudemba went to Parirenyatwa to check on Farai, he was threatened by the girl’s relatives and they chased him away. What is worrying is that the couple should have resolved the matter amicably because Mudemba might have taken advantage of the girl considering that she was an adolescent,” said the relative.

Contacted for comment, Mudemba confirmed the incident but could not give further details.

“Did you talk to Farai’s parents and hear what they have to say about the issue. Please talk to them first and I will give you my side of the story. Besides it is not me involved but my wife so talk to her also,” he said.

Mujoko refused to entertain the media.

“Who is this? Please you are talking to the wrong person,” she said before hanging up and subsequently switching off her mobile phone.

Farai’s parents could not be reached for comment.| H-Metro

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is on the hunt for former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi and other ex-government ministers over the disappearance of over $1 million from donations that several companies made when the country hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in Victoria Falls in 2013.

Yesterday, Zacc commissioner in charge of investigations Goodson Nguni told the Daily News that they now have evidence against Mzembi. “We have been looking for him since last Friday, he said he will hand himself over today (yesterday)”.

“We are also looking for the chairperson of the Gender Commission Margaret Sangarwe (former permanent secretary in the ministry of Tourism) but she fled her home when we arrived there. We know that she is in Harare and we are still looking for her. We took the car she got during UNTWO and it is at our offices. Mzembi has also promised to bring the other car,” said Nguni.

Since Mnangagwa assumed office on November 24 last year, several former government officials, mostly from the vanquished G40 faction, have been hauled before the courts on corruption charges.
None among the current batch of ministers and those who were in the victorious Team Lacoste faction have been charged.

Recently, Nguni said while Zacc’s hands were previously tied during Mugabe’s reign, the anti-graft body was now working without interference under the new dispensation, which has declared zero tolerance to corruption.

Zacc has dominated news headlines after orchestrating several arrests of high-profile politicians and business people since last December when a new era dawned on the country.

Sources at Zacc told the Daily News that the anti-graft body has also engaged border authorities to ensure that none of the targeted ministers — some whose cases are still pending before the courts — skip the country.

According to the Constitution, Zacc can among other things direct the commissioner-general of police to investigate cases of suspected corruption and also refer to the prosecutor-general matters for prosecution.

Sources privy to the investigations said Mzembi and Makombe, working with one Sharon Musarurwa and a Mushoriwa, received money from several companies around 2013 in the name of government but diverted it to their own use.

According to the sources, Mzembi, who is also facing charges of abuse of office also wrote a letter to several companies, including Mbada Diamonds.
Woes are mounting for Mzembi who is due to return to court later this month to answer to charges of abusing his office.

According to State papers, sometime in 2010, the ministry of Tourism and Hospitality in its bid to introduce Fan Parks for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, initiated a motion to acquire LED Public Viewing Area televisions for the public nationwide.

Allegations are that in its bid to get the screens, the ministry applied and obtained funds from Treasury for the purchase of 40 screens amounting to $2 million.

The court heard that the money was deposited into Shanghai Linso Digital Technology Company’s China account as payment for the equipment.

It is alleged that the 40 television screens were delivered and received from China by the ministry of Tourism and entered into their asset registry.

“Accused (Mzembi) criminally abused his duty by intentionally and unlawfully disposing State assets namely 16 PVA television screens by means of donating, loaning or hiring them to various institutions and church organisations without approval from the ministry of Finance.

“The PVA screens are still being possessed by the various institutions and church organisations and are valued at $800 000. Government assets are not loaned to private parties. They are not donated, hired or transferred to other entities without authority from Treasury,” read part of Mzembi’s charge.
On the other hand, former NetOne boss Reward Kangai and other top company executives are also facing charges of having defrauded the parastatal of a whooping $11 million through the selling of airtime and SIM cards.

Kangai, allegedly owned Firstel, a company that was providing services to NetOne and still owes the parastatal $11 million.

In 2016, NetOne chairperson Alex Marufu told the State-controlled media that most of the problems that the company was facing emanated from the incestuous relationship that existed between Firstel and NetOne.

“I must point out an area of concern. A large part of our debtors actually sits with one company and that company is actually owned by the previous management team in their individual capacities. I have a problem with it from a corporate governance perspective, which is why the board is coming and looking at this and saying this possibly cannot be right. The amount that we are owed is as a result of management’s ownership in a company called Firstel,” said Marufu.

Meanwhile, former vice president Joice Mujuru’s spokesperson Gift Nyandoro is also facing arrest by Zacc over yet unspecified reasons.

Nyandoro told the Daily News that he would hand himself over to authorities.
“I don’t have a case to answer and I will gladly go there. I know they want me but I have been home and haven’t fled,” said Nyandoro. Daily News

Ray Nkosi | The G-40 faction now operating under the newly established New Patriotic Front party has officially petitioned the African Union and SADC on the 15th November coup.

The petition below has been received by the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence & Security, H.E. President Joa`o Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussaka Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) H.E. President Jacob Zuma, the Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, and the Outgoing Chairperson of African Union, Professor Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
Sport, Art and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe’ s attempt to seize a youth fundraising programme led to the total demise of the event, ZimEye.com was informed.

The fundraising programme was organised by the Youth Empowerment Programme and it was held at Mucheke Stadium.

The scheduled fundraising match between Harare Giants Dynamos and ZIFA Eastern Region Division One side Masvingo Pirates was also called off after the Glamour Boys’ last minute withdrawal due to political interference.

Youth Empowerment Hub Officials claimed Kazembe imposed himself on the fundraising event thereby jeopardising the whole process.

“We had serious problems because politicians took over the fundraising initiative.

We had to make drastic changes as a result of political interference,” said a member of the organisation.

An Air Zimbabwe (AirZim) plane failed to travel from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after it ruptured its two rear tyres on Friday morning.

The flight, Boeing 767, which was being flown by Captain Merna Cremer — wife to Zimbabwe cricket team captain Graeme Cremer — only managed to leave the airport the following morning.
Cremer tweeted that the extended delay was “a result of uneven brake heating” in response to a question by a passenger that follows her on the micro-blogging site.

AirZim corporate affairs and communications manager Tafadzwa Mazonde confirmed the developments in an interview with the Daily News yesterday.

Mazonde said the beleaguered airline had to book its affected passengers into hotels around Johannesburg where they spent the night on Friday.

“The plane could not travel due to a tyre incident but it finally came on Saturday morning. The passengers were given hotel accommodation on Friday night,” he said.

Although Mazonde could not give further details on the cause and effect of the incident, the Daily News has gathered information from its reliable sources in the aviation industry that the incident could have been a result of poor fleet maintenance.

“I understand that investigations are going on to establish the actual cause of the accident but preliminary investigations are that it could have been a result of poor maintenance on the part of Air Zimbabwe.

“Double punctures are extremely rare and that’s why it is pointing to poor maintenance,” said a highly placed aviation source.
It also emerged that the plane had just one spare wheel and had to wait for another plane to travel from Harare to Johannesburg with the spare wheel, which could only be installed on Saturday morning.

“They had gone with just one spare wheel and had to look for another flight from Harare to bring the other one.

“Unfortunately, for the passengers, that other spare wheel was only delivered around 7pm in the evening on Friday and could not be fixed on time for the flight to take off, so they had to wait till the following morning,” the source said.

The incident is the latest manifestation of the rot at AirZim, whose recovery prospects were recently declared to be dead in the waters by Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Joram Gumbo.

In May last year, AirZim planes flights were barred from European Union countries after it failed to meet minimum safety expectations set out by the International Air Travel Association (Iata).
Currently, the troubled airline is operating without the Iata certification and is limited to servicing local and regional routes, albeit with great difficulties.

In November last year, Gumbo told Parliament that AirZim’s planes were “old and noisy” and added that its recovery prospects were very slim given its high indebtedness.

At independence in 1980, the airline had 18 planes in its fleet, but today it is operating at less than a third of its all-time peak.
Operations at AirZim are also weighed down by a $334 million debt it is struggling to repay. Daily News

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
The MDC Youth Assembly has dismissed media reports about violent clashes among party youths on Saturday.

The MDC Masvingo Urban District Youth Assembly dismissed the reports as baseless, malicious and unfounded.

“The MDC Masvingo Urban District Youth Assembly has been saddened by reports that several members of our party were seriously injured in violent clashes on Sunday.We hereby vehemently dismiss such claims.

The MDCT Youth Assembly will not vindicate fake news.However given the increasing concerns from our members, we have decided to place it on record that we do not just have the belief in peace but we are also a democratic movement.

We wish to assure the public that the malicious and fake reports will not dampen our spirits.

Journalists must be allowed to operate in a free environment but they are not supposed to lie and cause despondency and panic,” said the MDC Masvingo Urban District Youth Assembly in a statement.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
Thousands of MDC Alliance members are expected to attend a star rally scheduled for the weekend in the city of Masvingo.

The usually sleepy ancient city of Masvingo has suddenly become abuzz with activities as MDC Alliance members prepare for the rally.

The rally will be held at Mamutse Stadium in Mucheke Suburb.

Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume and Nelson Chamisa will be among the main speakers, according to the organisers of the rally.

MDC chairperson for ward 7, Masvingo Urban Constituency, Tafara Masimba said the people of Zimbabwe were ready to show Zanu PF the exit door.

“We are ready to defeat Zanu PF in the coming elections. Our preparations are going on smoothly and we are finalising the logistics ahead of the rally,” he said.

Transform Zimbabwe provincial youth leader, Clayson Chimbidzikai said the MDC Alliance was poised for a resounding victory over Zanu PF.

Norton Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Temba Mliswa has declared war on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa.

The two are set to face off in a titanic contest for the Norton National Assembly seat in the forthcoming elections.

The pair set the stage for what could be a bruising contest when they were involved in a near fist-fight at an anti-cholera event in Norton on Saturday over who should have given the vote of thanks.

It had to take the intervention of police to restrain Mliswa as he lunged at Mutsvangwa, accusing him of hijacking the occasion to announce his parliamentary bid for the Norton seat.

Mutsvangwa, a former MP for the constituency, dismissed Mliswa as a non-entity and referred to his Norton constituency as a “borrowed seat”.

Reached for comment yesterday, Mutsvangwa said “ah . . . mipengo inonetsa (crazy people are a problem).” He did not comment any further.

Mliswa and the presidential advisor’s short-lived friendship blossomed last year as the Mutsvangwa-led Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) campaigned for Mliswa’s ascendency in the Norton by-elections.

The seat had fallen vacant following the expulsion of Mutsvangwa from Zanu PF.
The garrulous Mliswa yesterday said Mutsvangwa’s return to Zanu PF did not give him an automatic ticket for the Norton seat.

“Mutsvangwa is advised to enter the Norton political arena on his own merit and not rely on his proximity to the president to gain him any measure of political capital.

“The bullying through job title, perceived powers and usurping of positions needs to be nipped in the bud before resurfacing of the violence tag often associated with Zanu PF is allowed to rear its ugly head,” Mliswa said.

“On Saturday, Mashonaland West war vets met to discuss their welfare. Chair Mutsvangwa was to attend but he snubbed his meeting preferring to cause havoc in Norton.

“But then again what contribution would he have made as far removed from their needs as he is?

“Welfare is not top of his agenda. Leaders like Mutsvangwa, who only think of their members when they need to use them but unceremoniously discard them when in a stable position, are treacherous and a discredit to the war veterans.

“It’s time war vets introspected as to the qualities of their leader. “Well, Mutsvangwa, it’s shots fired and you caught me unaware, well done.

“However, take note, the minority will have their say but the majority will always have their way.
“It is only a matter of time and may the best man win and I hope you will be able to congratulate me when that happens.” Daily News