The family of a soldier who allegedly fired about 20 shots, killing his wife and her two siblings before shooting himself in a suicide attempt in New Magwegwe suburb yesterday started negotiations with the bereaved family ahead of burial today.

The Chapeyema family said they arrived in Bulawayo on Thursday night and reached out to the bereaved family so that they work together to bury the deceased.

Carlos Tinashe Chapeyema (23) who is based in Gweru and attached to the Zimbabwe National Army Infantry Battalion Brigade at Battlefields, Kwekwe, went to his in-laws home in New Magwegwe and allegedly opened fire killing his wife, Ashley Phiri (21) and her siblings, Nkosivumile Ncube (16) and Rita Nkomo (23) on the spot in the early hours of last Wednesday.

His 18 month-old daughter, Tlowi Chapeyema, had her intestines and leg badly injured after he allegedly shot her as well.

Carlos sustained serious internal injuries after he shot himself once in the abdomen.

The deceased are expected to be buried at West Park Cemetery in Bulawayo today.

The suspect’s father, Mr Jeremiah Chapeyema said they asked the New Magwegwe Residents’ Association chairperson Mr Philip Karanda and the police to escort them to the Nkomo family.

“We appreciate the Nkomo family’s behaviour towards us, as they were not hostile as we had expected following such an incident. They understand because for any family which has lost three members at once, worse in an unnatural event like shooting, we expected the worst.
“When we however, approached them for talks on Sunday morning, the Nkomos demanded $300 upfront before we could discuss anything. We abide by their demands and are actually ready to meet all their requests because as Africans, it is natural. In our traditional ways, we are expecting compensation demands or certain payments to be charged and we totally do not blame them. We believe it is their right even if no compensation brings back life,” he said.

Mr Chapeyema said they apologised to the Nkomo family for their son’s conduct.
“They understood and urged us to stay in touch with them and we applaud them. About what my second born son did, I can’t even express the shock that I’m in. I suspect an evil spirit from our roots must have overshadowed him because no clear thinking person can do such gruesome killings. The fact that he further attempted to kill himself leaves me thinking he wasn’t thinking straight but it was an act of fear after realising what he had done,” he said.

“If he had really wanted to die, then maybe he should have shot himself in the head or right in the chest, hence I suspect he just panicked and was not thinking straight. We express our sincere condolences to the Nkomo family, hoping they understand we least expected this.”
A relative of the Chapeyemas, Mr Cuthbert Nyabeza of Luveve, Bulawayo said they were glad Carlos was recovering.

He said prior to the shooting, the soldier was in constant touch with him.
Mr Nyabeza said Carlos always told him about the couple’s differences and in November last year, he informed him that his wife had left him and was back at her family home.
He said when he came to his house on Monday, he was clad in his army uniform and carrying a small bag.

“When he came on Monday from his work place, he actually put up at my house. He went to his in-laws’ place and discussed the couple’s problems. He told me they advised him to come with his parents for further talks and he was actually willing to do so. Later that evening, he insisted that I go back there with him, which I declined telling him it was best to send his father and other elderly relatives bus fare to come to Bulawayo,” he said.

Mr Nyabeza said he never suspected that Carlos was troubled to the extent of killing people, even though he had stressed that he had actually come from work to see his child and wife in an attempt to reconcile.

He said on Monday night, Carlos asked him to send his wife money through EcoCash saying she had said they had run out of gas, and he did so using his phone.
Mr Nyabeza said initially, Carlos said he was going to sleep in Bulawayo, but at around 8PM, he changed his mind saying he wanted to return to work.

“I escorted him to the road to catch lifts into the city centre. While at our local bus stop, he changed his mind again and opted to leave the next day, early morning. At around 5AM, I drove him to Harare road and he boarded a bus to Gweru. He then returned that night and committed the alleged crime, I guess,” he said.

Mr Nyabeza said they were waiting for the soldier’s condition to improve, before they can ask him why he committed the crime.

“Doctors have indicated that his spine was affected but we are happy there is an improvement because he is now talking and we hope he gives us answers soon,” he said.
Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya yesterday said Carlos and his daughter were out of danger.

On Friday, the suspect appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi during a bedside court session conducted at Mpilo Central Hospital.

He was remanded in custody to February 16 and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.
The soldier, who was initially confined to the intensive care unit, has since been transferred to the male ward and he is under police and military guard.

Prosecuting, Mr Mclean Ndlovu said on February 1 this year, Carlos went to his wife’s home armed with an AK 47 assault rifle, which was loaded with 20 rounds. He allegedly knocked on the door demanding that she opens it.

“When the door was eventually opened the accused person stormed into the house and started firing gunshots at Phiri, Nkomo and Ncube, killing them instantly,” said Mr Ndlovu. – state media

An incestuous relationship that resulted in the birth of two children has earned Chitungwiza siblings an 18-month prison stint. Never Chitisiga (27) and Christine Mudyanengava (21) from Seke, who have the same mother, but different fathers, were sentenced to 24 months in prison each by Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Oliver Mudzongachiso. He set aside six months on condition of good behaviour.

They were charged with having sexual intercourse within the prohibited degree of relationship as defined in Section 75(2) (c) of the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. The court heard that Simon Kaitano of Zengeza Police Station’s cycle patrol unit received a tip-off of the relationship in December 2016.

He, together with another officer Tinashe Chitsinde, were alerted of Kaitano and Chitisiga’s whereabouts on January 29, 2018 and proceeded to their homes at around 4pm and arrested them.-state media

Vice-President Kembo Mohadi has said the ongoing crusade against corruption is not a witch-hunt against members of the G40 cabal.

VP Mohadi said authorities are only targeting all criminal elements regardless of their political affiliation.

His comments come in the wake of recent remarks by the opposition MDC-T party’s secretary-general Mr Douglas Mwonzora claiming that the arrests and prosecutions of former Finance and Economic Development Minister Ignatius Chombo and former Zanu-PF Youth League leaders Messrs Kudzanai Chipanga and Innocent Hamandishe “were seemingly selective application of the law.”

The trio that has since appeared in court is aligned to the G40 faction whose kingpin former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, is in self-imposed exile at an unknown location.

Members of the G40 cabal were last year in November expelled from the ruling Zanu-PF after they had created a constitutional crisis in the country, taking advantage of their proximity to the then First Family via former First Lady, Mrs Grace Mugabe.

Prof Moyo is accused of siphoning more than $400 000 from a State-owned enterprise — the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef).

In an interview with The Chronicle yesterday, VP Mohadi dismissed the claims of selective application of the law as “nonsensical” and unfounded.

“It doesn’t work that way. We are targeting everyone who is a criminal and corrupt and those who are claiming that we are only targeting a certain group of individuals are talking nonsense and their claims are baseless and unfounded.
“We have courts where the issue of guilt or innocence will be proven,” he said.

“Whatever critics are saying is sheer waste of time as we are forging ahead in the fight against corruption until sanity is restored in all sectors of the economy in line with the Government thrust in the new dispensation.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration was committed to rooting out corruption across all socio-economic spectrums.

He also warned those who have been implicated in corruption and the looting of State resources to confess and to voluntarily surrender their ill-gotten loot.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is reportedly investigating a number of senior politicians since the fall of former President Robert Mugabe.

Days after his inauguration, President Mnangagwa, as part of his efforts to clean up and resuscitate the economy, announced a three-month amnesty to allow all those who externalised funds to return the money and assets with no questions being asked.

The President said his administration was aware of the individuals and companies who had externalised funds.

President Mnangagwa’s call for the return of externalised funds has been heeded and as evidenced by substantial millions, which have since been returned, he said recently.

The Government last month directed Ministers, their deputies, permanent secretaries, senior principal directors, board chairpersons and board members of State enterprises and parastatals, and chief executive officers of State enterprises to declare their assets by not later than February 28.

This is in line with the fundamental tenets of good corporate governance.

Also expected to declare their assets are chairpersons and members of constitutional commissions (both executive and independent) and chief executive officers of local authorities.

The mentioned officials are expected to submit a written declaration of their assets by the said date.-state media

Chitungwiza City Health Promoters (CHP) have approached the office of the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for mediation after spending 36 months without receiving their quarterly allowances. The workers have since been referred to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, which superintends over council clinics.

Though the UNDP, which disburses funding for programmes undertaken by the voluntary workers, recently announced it is up-to-date with payment of its workforce countrywide, the 120 CHPs in Chitungwiza — traditionally referred to as Village Health Workers (VHWs) — are now threatening to withdraw their services to compel authorities to attend to their grievances.
The health promoters are supposed to receive $126 per quarter (three months) per person and they allege they last received their payouts during the first quarter of 2015. They are collectively owed over $50 000 and some of the workers interviewed said life for them had become so unbearable they could not even fend for their own families, even when they were expected to be caregivers for the community.

Spokesperson of the combined VHWs Mr Jim Diamond said they had exhausted efforts to get help from their immediate superiors, some of who had told them payment was being delayed by Ecocash agents.

It was ridiculous to suggest that a transaction would take as much as three years to get to the intended recipient, argued Mr Diamond. The health promotion officer for Chitungwiza , Mr Obed Mukuya, could not be reached for comment. A caregiver at Chitungwiza Clinic, Mr Munyaradzi Chizola, said some of the caregivers’ working conditions were appalling.

“Practically, it is a Herculean task to expect someone who cannot look after himself to care for another. Our families are starving because care-giving is what is supposed to bring food on the table for them and yet for this long there has not been any money coming to us,” he said.

“Our woes are further compounded by the fact that even the relevant accessories needed to carry out the most basic of our work are scarce and we are having to improvise. Imagine having to use bread-wrapping plastic instead of latex gloves, it even exposes us to infections.”

Mr Chizola said their request for a standard uniform, carrier bags, bicycles and cellphones, which they had long signed for, was still outstanding. A month ago, UNDP intimated that due to the success of their operations with regards their work in HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, it would soon be updating its payments to village health workers (VHWs), whom it said were last paid in June 2017.
Harare, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Masvingo were said to have last received their allowances in September 2017. In light of these revelations, which they alleged were not reflective of what is obtaining on the ground, the Chitungwiza workers first gathered at St Mary’s Clinic, where the plan to approach a higher office was mooted. Herald

Former State Security minister Didymus Mutasa is ready to rejoin the ruling Zanu PF party, which sacked him in 2014 for hobnobbing with former vice president Joice Mujuru.

The Daily News on Sunday can, however, report that Mutasa has put one condition for his return to a party he formed along with other nationalists in the 1960s: He wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whom he lavished with praises, to invite him back to the party.
“I am ready to rejoin Zanu PF. I have not talked to them directly but I have spoken to those who serve the country outside — things are moving very well, I don’t see things going bad,” he said.

It is unlikely that Mutasa’s wish would be granted. Zanu PF was adamant this week that the 82-year-old politician is aware of the procedures that must be followed before readmission.
And as the party’s former secretary for administration before his sacking, Mutasa should know better.

“He should follow the procedures that are required and he knows them,” quipped Simon Khaya Moyo, Zanu PF’s national spokesperson. Zanu PF’s constitution requires any individual willing to return to the party to appeal to its central committee, which is its policy-making organ.

Thereafter, the appeal is taken to an ad hoc appeals committee of congress whose decisions shall be final.

Mutasa’s precondition could be based on the fact that the powers-that-be in Zanu PF are known for bending the rules when it suits them.

In re-admitting former Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo into the party in 2013, Zanu PF took the unprecedented step of inviting the serial political flip-flopper to return to the party because it was desperate at the time to utilise his propaganda skills.
Ironically, it was Mutasa who facilitated Moyo’s return.

Moyo had been expelled from Zanu PF in 2005 for refusing to give way to a woman candidate for the Tsholotsho constituency after the ruling party had reserved the seat for a woman.

The sharp-tongued politician, who is now in self-imposed exile following former president Robert Mugabe’s ouster, had fallen victim to purges that targeted Zanu PF members who had organised an unsanctioned meeting in Tsholotsho to oppose the election of Mujuru as vice president.

Mutasa, the country’s first black Speaker of Parliament, was expelled from Zanu PF by Mugabe along with a host of other officials who were seen as loyal to Mujuru.
Upon receiving his marching orders, he teamed up with Rugare Gumbo, Dzikamai Mavhaire, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti and Mujuru to form the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF).
A few months after its formation, ZPF split because of irreconcilable differences between its founders.

Mutasa and Gumbo were among those who clung to the party’s name and offices while Mujuru moved on to form the National People’s Party.
Since leaving Zanu PF, Mutasa has been struggling to keep body and soul together.

His vehicles and even furniture were attached by authorities while he is battling to pay bills and send his children to school.

Since the fall of Mugabe, he has expressed willingness to rejoin Zanu PF.
He told the Daily News last year that he was closely monitoring Mnangagwa’s government to see if they can work together.

“There is need for honesty from the leadership. People are listening to what he (Mnangagwa) is saying very closely. People are still afraid of him, maybe because of the presence of the army which helped Mnangagwa ascend to the top. But they have to guarantee free and fair elections; let us be totally democratic. Whoever wins will have the people’s mandate. But as long as people are skeptical, that would be wrong — we are saying remove all that,” he said then.

“I have no doubt at all that if he does that he will win, because so far people are indicating that they like him, why would he rig? Let’s have a proper election where he is elected president. When that happens, I will submit myself to him and say let us sort out the Gukurahundi issue,” said Mutasa.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has previously said Mutasa was welcome to rejoin Zanu PF.

Charamba’s boss, Mnangagwa, has been sending positive signals to the outside world and the locals to help him in rebuilding the country.

Mnangagwa has been preaching the gospel of reengagement with estranged countries, anti-corruption and tolerance.

For the first time in close to two decades, Zimbabwe is now hogging the international limelight for the right reasons.

Under Mugabe’s reign, the country was blighted by controversy, human rights abuses and flagrant disregard for property rights. Mnangagwa has discarded most of Mugabe’s policies.

Regarding the performance of Mnangagwa’s administration, Mutasa remarked:“So far so good, they have done extremely well”.

Mutasa said this was a tantalising development that could once again see Zimbabwe developing and matching other countries.

“Mugabe should have left the country a long time ago. We once told him before we were expelled that it was not about his wife but for the rest of the country. Sadly, we were part and parcel of his rule and what has happened cannot be reversed,” he said.

“It is hard to criticise Mugabe but there is a lesson we are all being taught by Emmerson that there is need to pave way for others. Emmerson deserves our thanks but the only question is; how did he manage to do it when someone failed for 37 years?” said Mutasa.

Mutasa may not be the only former Zanu PF member weighing their options.
Former Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo told the Daily News last week that he was ready to rejoin Zanu PF.

The only surviving member of the Dare ReChimurenga that directed the liberation war struggle, Gumbo attended Zanu PF’s extraordinary congress held in Harare last December.

“I attended the congress upon invitation by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans
Association but now we are waiting for the leadership to clarify certain things while we consult with others, including Mutasa,” Gumbo said.

“It must be noted that there are problems in Zanu PF some of which forced us out in the first place so we have said we want clarity on the direction and role we will play should we come back.

“It really depends on what clarification they will give on issues of unity, internal fights which is something that has always concerned us so it is under consideration because I have a constituency to consult,” he added.

Way back in the year Before Christ, the famous Roman General Julius Ceasar decided to divorce his second wife Pompeia on the basis of suspicion. Ceasar famously said any wife of his must be above suspicion.

It is an assertion that has transcended through time and cuts across all manner of relationships and professions.

The new Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba is being haunted by suspicion over an unproven allegation raised by former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku in 2016.

At the time, Chidyausiku claimed Chigumba had a case to answer on allegations that she tried to solicit a $20 000 bribe to throw out a civil case that was before her in 2013.

She will have to fight with her back against the wall to prove that Chidyausiku’s assertions during public interview for a place on the bench of the Supreme Court, is just another example in which the law remains on her side until a time she is proven guilty.

Bible in hand, the High Court judge took oath of office on Thursday to effectively take over from Rita Makarau whose surprise resignation last year is still shrouded in mystery.

Chigumba served as a resident magistrate and provincial magistrate before being seconded to work as a senior professional research assistant in the Office of the Chief Justice before she was sworn in as Judge of the High Court on December 20, 2011.

Like the predecessor before her, Chigumba has an affectionate smile but she will need more than charm as she assumes an office marred with accusations of tilting the electoral field in favour of Zanu PF.

Constitutional law expert and Kent University Law lecturer, Alex Magaisa, said the allegations of bribery will probably haunt Chigumba into her new job unless there is a definite public clearance.
When Chidyausiku made the allegations, Chigumba protested vehemently.

It is not clear whether she was cleared, although her appointment would suggest that she was.
“If she was cleared of the allegations, that clearance did not receive sufficient publicity to clear her name in the court of public opinion. In any event, the allegations seem to have cost her promotion to the Supreme Court,” said Magaisa.

“If there is any semblance of truth in the allegations, then it casts doubt on her credibility for the job as she would appear to be corruptible. However, if she was cleared of the allegations, and it is possible that it may have been a smear campaign, then this needs to be made clear in order to give confidence to all political actors and the electorate…An allegation alone is not enough to disqualify her from holding the Zec chair.”

Speaking after taking oath of office on Thursday, Chigumba said she was unfazed by the mystery which still surrounds her predecessors’ abrupt and surprise resignation, vowing she will dutifully discharge her duties without fear or favour.

Makarau has declined to shed light on whether she was forced to resign or she jumped before she was pushed.

“I can never be daunted when the law is certain because my mandate is very clear, it’s just to administer the law; to apply the law which exists at this point in time and as a judge I do that on a daily basis so there is nothing daunting,” Chigumba boldly claimed, adding she will carry out her mandate without any interference as provided for in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and other electoral laws.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be asked to serve one’s country in this capacity as the chairperson of Zec and I promise the Zimbabwean people that I will deliver a free, fair and credible election.”

The High Court judge said she will treat all stakeholders in a fair manner and will thrive to maintain an open door policy.

“Certainly yes we will look into those issues,” Chigumba said of accusations of bias towards Zanu PF leveled against the commission adding “because it is our intention to deliver a credible election.”
“…My mandate is just to be an umpire and to ensure that there is fairness in the process of Zimbabweans electing their leaders so it’s a very clear mandate and I intend to discharge it fully.”
Zimbabwe will hold elections in four to seven months, and providing a credible voters’ roll will be Chigumba first port of call.

She will also have to deal with rising cases of voter registration slip’s serial number intimidation which is threatening to smear the credibility of the biometric voter registration exercise.
Electoral watchdog, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn), has urged Chigumba to strive to safeguard and protect the independence of Zec by ensuring that principles of good electoral management such as transparency, integrity, professionalism, competence and fairness are upheld.

“Furthermore, the network calls upon the new Zec chairperson to ensure that provisions of the Electoral Act that guarantee freeness and fairness of electoral processes are respected by all electoral stakeholders in particular political parties.

“For instance, Zec together with other institutions supporting democracy such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the Zimbabwe Republic Police must bring to account individuals engaging in the illegal practice of soliciting for voter registration slips’ serial numbers and intimidating voters,” Zesn said.

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) said Chigumba was faced with a huge task to ensure the delivery of free, fair and credible elections as promised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

“The impending elections present a possible turning point in Zimbabwe’s political trajectory. While every election is a watershed moment in a country’s history, this particular election comes in the wake of extensive calls for electoral reforms, chief among them independence of Zec, right to vote, electoral disputes mechanisms, deterrence of election related violence and intimidation,” said ERC director Tawanda Chimhini.

“International standards dictate that every Election Management Body ensures the legitimacy and credibility of the processes for which it is responsible and this can be made possible by adhering to fundamental guiding principles which include; independence, impartiality, integrity, transparency, efficiency, professionalism and service-mindedness.”

While lawyer and human rights activist, David Coltart, applauded the appointment of woman to important positions, he said women should not just be appointed because they are women.

Coltart said two of the three appointments at Zec were unquestionably good “but sadly the appointment of Chigumba was not because of the unresolved corruption allegation levelled against her.”

Former deputy minister of Justice who is the MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu, however, lauded Chigumba’s appointment saying the jurist was an astute legal mind with a strong sense of independence and integrity.
He said the MDC was confident that if she is given the proper latitude to perform her duties, she will excel.

“The main challenge that we have in Zimbabwe is that there are always some shadowy but extremely powerful political forces behind the scenes that invariably dictate the manner in which our elections are conducted,” he opined.

“We expect Justice Chigumba to stand her ground fearlessly and authoritatively. She mustn’t be a pushover. We know that there will be sinister and scandalous political forces behind the scenes who will relentlessly seek to dictate and direct the manner in which Zec conducts its operations. Justice Chigumba must rise to the occasion and perform her duties with honour and integrity. We will be watching her closely.” Daily News

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Former Vice President Joice Mujuru, regarded by many as a rank outsider, will win the 2018 Presidential Elections, a senior NPP Official has said.

Speaking to ZimEye.com yesterday, former MDC MP Oliver Chirume said Mujuru was the”real deal” in the coming elections.

Mujuru met with former President Robert Mugabe who apologised to her for dismissing her from the party.

Chirume said Mujuru would be the surprise pacesetter in the coming polls.

“Many people had ruled Dr Mujuru out of the Presidential Election race but they were lost.

Things have taken a dramatic twist and Dr Mujuru is ready to win the elections,” said Chirume.

Political observers postulate that Mujuru will draw sympathy from disgruntled Zanu PF elements- putting her in a vintage position to win the Presidential Elections.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
As factional battles continue to intensify in the MDC, several party members were seriously injured as youths from rival factions clashed here yesterday.

The police had to be called to restore order as party youths clashed along factional battles at Jazire Shopping Centre in Rujeko Suburb.

A party official told ZimEye.com yesterday, the youths clashed on who to choose as the party candidate for Masvingo Urban Constituency in the coming elections.

Some youths are aligned to Takanai Mureyi while others are behind former MP, Tongai Matutu.

“The lack to tolerance has reached unprecedented levels. I think we have to learn to tolerate diverse views in the party.

Yesterday several party members were seriously injured as our youths clashed along factional lines.

I was called by one of our members and I rushed to the shopping centre where I found party youths fighting among themselves,” said the official.

The police also arrested several party youths said to be behind the violent clashes.

Ray Nkosi | CIO Director of Security Albert Ngulube who worked under former President Robert Mugabe’s regime and was tortured during the military blitz last November has been fired.

Ngulube has been fired together with others after they allowed former deputy President Joice Mujuru to meet Mugabe and his wife Grace at their Blue Roof Mansion. Mujuru after meeting the Mugabes has blown the whistle that indeed a coup took place.

During the November coup Ngulube was arrested near Mugabe’s home, just after briefing Mugabe on the security situation in the country.

He reportedly stopped when he saw army tankers going in the direction of Mugabe’s home and asked the troops where they were going.

The soldiers, however, seized him as he was among a group of people targeted for capture to ensure Mugabe is isolated from his key security and political personnel.

“They took his cellphone, watch and gold chain and later detained and interrogated him. He was heavily battered. He has some cracks on his head and could have died,” said an official.

Ngulube was released on Wednesday, taken to hospital and later home.

Ray Nkosi | Angry Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has taken to social media to blast President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special advisor, Chris Mutsvangwa for challenging him in the constituency.

Mustvangwa is also the chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, with Mliswa now taking the war back to his door step in retaliation to the Norton constituency challenge.

Wrote Mliswa as he mobilised war vets against their leader, “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.”

Mliswa further to write on his Facebook page, “Yesterday MashWest 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.”

Farirai Madhumbe | The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Support Unit under fired Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri lost a lucrative tender to guard regional transport powerhouse Sabot Cargo careers late last year, Zimeye.com can execlusively reveal.

According to insiders, ZPR Support Unit officers were manning some long distances cargo careers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC via Zambia and Zimbabwe enroute to South Africa before shipment to international markets mainly in Europe, among other destinations.

According to information from its website, Sabot transports products from the leading mining houses within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and South Africa, ‘ranging from concentrates to processed metals’

One of our sources said ZRP Support Unit lost the job late last year amid raising tension in the country when former president Robert Mugabe was toppled by the military.

‘We are not sure how it all happened but ZRP Support Unit are no longer providing security services to Sabot trucks. The deal was cancelled late last year,’said one of our sources a driver from Zambia.

He added that during their reign ZRP Support Unit officers were assigned to four trucks linked to Mugabe who is suspected of getting shares due to his links with Billy Rautenbach one of his close allies in mining business in DRC.

Rautenbach got the mining contract during the military insurgents in DRC that saw leader Joseph Kabila ascending into power.

Rautenbach’s business ventures involves trucking, car manufacturing, farming and mining in several African countries. After expanding the family business, Wheels of Africa, into the largest trucking company on the African continent, he turned to car assembling but faced tax evasion charges in South Africa in 2004.

This forced him to leave the country and stay in Zimbabwe.

He set major cobalt producers in the world and this has been one of sponsors of ZPR security regionally, added one of our sources refusing to be named for professional reasons.

Another high ranking official source added, ‘It is true that ZPR  Support Unit were giving security to pure cobalt but the contract has been withdrawn from them to a private Guarding Company. As why ZRP can no longer provide security no one knows,’

There was no official response from Sabot besides sending an email two weeks over termination of ZRP Support Unit contact under Chihuri who has come under fire for state sponsored alleged corruption by junior officers mainly in traffic section.

ZRP police spokesperson Charity Charamba could not comment on the issue saying, ‘I have no idea about what you saying,’ said Charamba before cutting off the conversion.

Sabot has a fleet size of over 500 horses and over 1200 trailers allowing for a wide variety of vehicle combinations to ensure that any load can be transported according to its official website.

It further say the fleet is managed and maintained to the highest standards to ensure optimum running efficiency and reliability.

‘Our network of depots within each of the countries that we operate ensures that a vehicle is never far away from a Sabot presence and type of cargo for our customers.

‘Through its strategic alliance with Cargo Carriers International Hauliers (Pvt) Ltd, Sabot has the ability to utilise an extensive depot and infrastructure network throughout the region.  Our workshops are run under agreement with Volvo ensuring that our fleet is maintained and repaired to the highest standards with the latest technology available.

‘Sabot has access to a vast fleet of Cargo Carriers International Hauliers vehicles, all of which ensure and deliver the upmost quality in transport and logistics services to all Sabot clients within the Southern African region.  This allows Sabot to position itself as a leading provider in the field,’ says the website.

The Minister Of Environment

.@OppahMuchinguri Not fit for position > #Zimbabwe entering into
” business ” with criminals #DubaiSafariPark > deported from #Namibia for trafficking #ZimbabweElephants #ZimWildTrade pic.twitter.com/TkqYfknsKf

— Sharon Hoole (@SharonHoole) February 3, 2018

By Paul Nyathi | Just under 200 Highlanders Football Club members turned up at the Club’s elective AGM to vote for a new executive for the big premiership club.

With easily over three million supporters and over ten thousand subscribing members the number at the AGM was a far cry of the representation of the club.

Attendance of the club’s AGM has been dwindling through the years with most members claiming that the AGM is becoming irrelevant as in most cases issues raised are manipulated by a few influential people who control the club from outside its normal adminstration.

Sunday’s elections were made worse by the exclusion of Bosso son Ernest Sibanda from contesting elections. Many members incidentally boycotted the elections which they were a dead rubber.

Retired army officer and former army side Black Rhinos executive committee member Kenneth Mhlophe became the Bulawayo giants chairman unopposed. Modern Ngwenya remains Vice Chairman.

Israel Moyo becomes the new Secretary General while Donald Ndebele retains the Treasurer position with Wisdom Mabhena being the Committee Member.

By Farai D Hove| MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has spoken for the first time following a flaming rumour that his deputy Nelson Chamisa was blocked from seeing him at his bed side.

The swirling rumour said Chamisa was blocked by members Tsvangirai’s family as he was trying to enter in to see him concerning the MDC leader’s resignation letter as sent him by alliance partners, Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti.

It was claimed that Tsvangirai’s family is against Chamisa, a running story which is over who is going to succeed the MDC leader.

There are currently three potentials to the post, Thokozani Khupe, Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri.

But writing on his portal Sunday morning, Tsvangirai distanced his family from the factional fights. “Hoping you had a good weekend and that we all continue to pray for our nation,” he said.

He continued saying, “do not take seriously falsehoods being peddled by architects of jeopardy in our party. My family is not involved in any party fights. Any news about me that is credible is from @luke_tambo my handle.”

He did not provide a detailed, deeper response or explanation on the alleged Chamisa-Tsvangirai family confrontation. – More to follow…

The new Zimbabwe Electoral Commission boss, Priscilla Chigumba has outshined her predecessor Rita Makarau barely a week into office, by blowing the whistle over political the violence incident which saw National People’s Party leader, Joice Mujuru being assaulted. FULL TEXT:

Statues for the late Father Zimbabwe and Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo will be erected in all the country’s cities with Harare likely to be the next, an official has said.

The statue has so far been erected in Bulawayo. Speaking on the sidelines of the Bulawayo Outreach Awards held at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo yesterday, chairperson of the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement, Mr Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo said they were still following the initial proposal which will see statues being erected across the country.

“Indeed the statues are going to be erected across the country as per the initial proposal. There is only one Father Zimbabwe and for that to be fulfilled there should be statues in every city and also public places like shopping malls, depending on the size and design of the statue,” he said.

“We have to first erect the one in Harare and right now we are deciding on the place but the statue is already available. For other places the statues are not yet there, but once we finish negotiations and reach an agreement with relevant authorities they will be crafted.”
Mr Nkomo said it was imperative that the crafting of the statues be done by local youths, not foreigners.

“We wish that when these statues are crafted, they are done by the children of the soil. We don’t want people from outside the country to be the ones doing this work when we have talented youths who can do the work. If a statue is to be erected in Mutare, it should be a child from Mutare who partakes in the work and the same applies to every city,” he said.

Meanwhile, renowned historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi, Iyasa director Mr Nkululeko Dube and veteran modelling instructor Mrs Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda were part of the outstanding people who were honoured at the inaugural awards handing over ceremony.

The awards celebrated remarkable men and women who have made great strides in self-development and the development of Bulawayo.

Some of the people who attended the event included Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo, Gwanda Mayor, Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu, and Bigtime Srategic Group chief executive officer Mr Justice Maphosa.

Mr Nyathi walked away with the Order of Mambo (Lozwi-Rozwi Kingdom) Outstanding Historian, Contribution to Culture and Heritage. Mr Dube was presented with the Order of Njelele award for his outstanding contribution to arts and culture as a youth mentor and founder of Iyasa.

Mrs Mpofu-Sibanda walked away with the Order of Jairos Jiri award for her outstanding Youth Mentor-Modelling Industry as a girl child mentor. Mr Maphosa said it was a very important that everyone should contribute to the development of the city and country at large. Sunday News

Government plans to reduce power tariffs to below what is charged by its regional counterparts in a bid to improve the country’s competitiveness.

The average regional price stands at 7,50c/kWh compared to the tariff of 12,8c/kWh customers pay in Zimbabwe.

This follows calls by the manufacturing industry and other electricity consumers to improve mining and manufacturing sectors’ competitiveness.

Energy and Power Development Minister Simon Khaya Moyo told Business Weekly that the country will soon slash electricity tariffs as part of efforts to stimulate economic production.

“We are engaging some key economic and energy stakeholders to review electricity prices downwards as part of efforts to make our country and economy competitive.

“Our cost of production has been very high over the years, but now it’s time to review electricity downwards to match regional standards to an average of around 7,50c/kWh.
“Just like we did in the fuel sector, we want to remove all impediments to make our electricity affordable to every sector,” said Khaya Moyo.

He said given the increased optimism to invest in the electricity sector, the tariffs would be seen going down in the next few months.

The pronouncement comes exactly a week after Government also reduced fuel prices by 3 percent in a bid to improve the country’s general economic environment.
Minister Khaya Moyo said the new administration has brought hope in the investment into the power sector.

“Given the lack of investment and lines of credit in the sector our electricity was bound to be expensive but due to the appetite for investment in the electricity sector shown at Davos we will see ourselves reducing electricity tariffs lower than our regional counterparts.
“We will certainly push for the tariffs to around 7,50c/kWh to improve all sectors of the economy,” said Khaya Moyo.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Sifelani Jabangwe, said the proposed move will augment the import management programme — Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 — to improve local industry’s competitiveness.

“If the country could reduce its electricity tariff for industry to that level of around 7,50c/kWh, it would go a long way in improving its competitiveness as electricity is one of the key cost drivers of the manufacturing industry.

“Electricity will reduce cost of production significantly in many goods in our industry, therefore this will also raise the industry’s capacity utilisation,” said Jabangwe.

Also, local mining companies were pushing for a downward review of electricity tariffs, especially in the wake of declining commodity prices on international markets.
Given this new development, many miners will ramp up production and return to profitability as electricity gobbled almost half of the production costs.

The mining sector is presently being charged about 12,8c/kWh for power, and mining houses want the tariff cut to 7c/kWh or less.

Recently the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe claimed besides the effects of power shortages and high tariffs, the sector was grappling with low capital and FDI inflows, and generally high local cost structures.

Chamber of Mines CEO Isaac Kwesu, indicated in a recent report that: “Most producers feel that the current electricity tariff regime is too high and not sustainable for the quality of deposits being exploited hence there is need for a review.

“The average tariff for the mining industry is currently around 10c/kWh, though most gold producers are paying around 13c/kWh compared to the national average or general tariff around nine cents.

“If we reduce our tariffs to the regional standards most miners will remain in business and increase its production levels.”

Uganda has since halved its tariffs to around 9c/kWh from around 18c/kWh to improve its competitiveness.

Zambia and Angola are some of the countries with lower power tariffs in the region and the world, and Zimbabwe is moving towards that path to become competitive. — BusinessWeekly.

A man from Zhombe in the Midlands province died at his girlfriend’s house while the girlfriend also passed on upon admission to Kwekwe General Hospital after the two were allegedly severely attacked with a log by the man’s wife when she busted them making love last Thursday.

John Phiri, together with his alleged girlfriend Lenia Sikhosana died from wounds they sustained after an angry Sandy Matava caught the two lovebirds in the act before she beat them up with a log. Midlands police spokesperson could not be reached for comment but information gathered by Sunday News indicated that Matava got wind of the two’s adulterous affair before trapping them.

A police officer, who could not be named, said on the day around midnight, Matava received information that her husband was at Sikhosana’s house.

On the day in question, the two lovebirds had gone to Sikhosana’s residence situated at Empress Compound in Zhombe.

“Matava armed herself with a wooden log and forcibly gained entry into the house where she found the two making love,” said the police source.

Out of anger, the police officer said, she allegedly attacked the two lovebirds several times with a log all over their bodies.

Both Phiri and Sikhosana sustained fractured arms, deep cuts on the head and swollen bodies, the officer said.

Phiri reportedly died at the house while Sikhosana, who passed out during the beating, was rushed to Sidakeni Clinic before she was transferred to Kwekwe General Hospital where she died upon admission.

The two bodies are at Kwekwe General Hospital where they are awaiting post-mortem. Sikhosana was later arrested and the case is reported at ZRP Zhombe under case number RRB 3343390. – state media

A man from Zhombe in the Midlands province died at his girlfriend’s house while the girlfriend also passed on upon admission to Kwekwe General Hospital after the two were allegedly severely attacked with a log by the man’s wife when she busted them making love last Thursday.

John Phiri, together with his alleged girlfriend Lenia Sikhosana died from wounds they sustained after an angry Sandy Matava caught the two lovebirds in the act before she beat them up with a log. Midlands police spokesperson could not be reached for comment but information gathered by Sunday News indicated that Matava got wind of the two’s adulterous affair before trapping them.

A police officer, who could not be named, said on the day around midnight, Matava received information that her husband was at Sikhosana’s house.

On the day in question, the two lovebirds had gone to Sikhosana’s residence situated at Empress Compound in Zhombe.

“Matava armed herself with a wooden log and forcibly gained entry into the house where she found the two making love,” said the police source.

Out of anger, the police officer said, she allegedly attacked the two lovebirds several times with a log all over their bodies.

Both Phiri and Sikhosana sustained fractured arms, deep cuts on the head and swollen bodies, the officer said.

Phiri reportedly died at the house while Sikhosana, who passed out during the beating, was rushed to Sidakeni Clinic before she was transferred to Kwekwe General Hospital where she died upon admission.

The two bodies are at Kwekwe General Hospital where they are awaiting post-mortem. Sikhosana was later arrested and the case is reported at ZRP Zhombe under case number RRB 3343390.

Zimbabwe will rejoin the Commonwealth this year, and President Mnangagwa has formally informed the British government of this position, the state owned Sunday Mail reports claiming.

FULL TEXT:
The President has also – on top of undertaking to dispatch technical teams to London to kickstart comprehensive talks – reminded Prime Minister Theresa May’s administration of its colonial obligation to provide compensation to white farmers affected by Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme.

Senior Government last week said President Mnangagwa expressed commitment to re-engagement when he met PM May’s special envoy, Mrs Harriet Baldwin, in Harare last Friday.

That this was Mrs Baldwin’s first overseas engagement as Britain’s Minister for Africa speaks volumes about President Mnangagwa’s drive to normalise Zimbabwe’s relations with the entire international community.

Officials on Friday also said President Mnangagwa had expressed his readiness to meet PM May.

Mrs Baldwin was in Zimbabwe to explore restoration of diplomatic relations between the two governments.

Her predecessor, Mr Rory Stewart, met President Mnangagwa soon after his inauguration in Harare on November 24, 2017 to discuss the same subject.

An official told this paper, “President Mnangagwa articulated the land issue at length, affirming that while the programme was irreversible, Government was committed to bringing finality to the matter which sparked the fallout between the two countries spanning nearly two decades.

“Minister Baldwin listened attentively as President Mnangagwa explained the position on the land issue and she promised to deliver the message to her principals in London. The meeting went well and yes, the President declared Zimbabwe’s intention to rejoin the Commonwealth.

“It was significant that the Head of State himself made such a commitment. Britain appreciates that this will go a long way in mending relations between the two countries.”

Another said, “It is our intention to join the Commonwealth, but this is something that is not going to take place immediately. It is definitely going to happen at the appropriate time.

“I think for now, (Britain) are arranging their Commonwealth Summit for April. We will not be joining before then, but in the very near future. We’ll be able to set out plans of when we will start making efforts to rejoin.”

Minister Baldwin said of her visit: “I am pleased that my first overseas trip as minister has been to Zimbabwe. The historic events the country has experienced over the last few months have created an opportunity to strengthen UK-Zimbabwe relations as part of a wider process of international engagement.

“The upcoming elections are a major milestone for the people of Zimbabwe. When I met President Mnangagwa, I said my government welcomed his commitment to hold credible, peaceful, free and fair elections monitored by international observers.

“I have seen for myself that Zimbabwe is a country of enormous potential. With the right leadership, the right policy environment and a vibrant democracy and civil society, Zimbabwe can undergo the transformation it so richly deserves.”

Friday’s meeting touched on how Britain could assist Zimbabwe clear arrears to the World Bank, IMF and African Development Bank.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed as much, saying, “Minister Baldwin met with Finance Minister (Patrick) Chinamasa and Reserve Bank Governor John Mangudya to discuss the Government’s plans for clearing debt and normalising relations with the international financial institutions.

“Minister Baldwin welcomed the Government’s recommitment to the Lima Plan and confirmed that the UK would continue to support the Government’s reform agenda. Minister Baldwin also welcomed Government plans to attract more investment into agriculture through ensuring land tenure and compensation are tackled.

“Minister Baldwin met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo to discuss the Zimbabwean Government’s vision for domestic transformation and international engagement through comprehensive political and economic reforms.

“As a central plank of this, they discussed the importance of the elections later this year being peaceful, credible, free and fair. Minister Baldwin welcomed the President’s commitment to invite international observers from the EU and UN as well as Sadc and AU.”

Zimbabwe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003 at the height of diplomatic tensions between Harare and London over land reforms.

Then British PM Tony Blair refused to provide compensation for land acquired from white commercial farmers for redistribution to indigenes as agreed at the 1979 Lancaster House Conference, which formalised Zimbabwe’s Independence from British colonial rule. – state media

By A Correspondent| The below are picture shockers of Rwanda’s equivalent of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who like Mnangagwa also labelled people “cockroaches” before they were massacred in cold blood in Rwanda, the same way thousands others were killed in Zimbabwe between 1982 and 1984.

Academic Dr Victor Chimhutu commented saying this is “a tale of 2 cities. At one point these 2 gentlemen called humans – COCKROACHES. One became a prisoner another head of state through “a coup not a coup.”

It is a contest to look forward to, one pundits will surely relish. A former State Vice-President, ex-Finance Minister, former Deputy Justice Minister and the Deputy Finance Minister have all thrown their hats into the ring for one National Assembly seat during the forthcoming harmonised elections.

The coveted prize is Harare East, Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe’s current seat.

While the country has hundreds of constituencies, Harare East appears to be the candy that everyone is after.

Eyeing the seat are National People’s Party’s Dr Joice Mujuru, People’s Democratic Party leader Mr Tendai Biti and MDC-T spokesman Mr Obert Gutu.

However, before venturing out to confront Cde Mukupe, the opposition camp is already burning, with open confrontation characterising interactions between MDC Alliance acting president Advocate Nelson Chamisa, Messrs Biti and Gutu.

The three are at each other’s throat over the seat despite the MDC Alliance having set guidelines for candidate selection.

Mr Gutu is so enticed by the constituency’s allure such that he had to tell off his boss, Advocate Chamisa, when counselled against facing Mr Biti in the poll.
Dr Mujuru — though linked to an emerging party that seeks to provide a home for G40 characters — is also said to be interested in the seat.

Her spokesperson, Mr Gift Nyandoro, promised to respond to inquiries from The Sunday Mail. However, his phone later went unanswered.

But PDP spokesperson Mr Jacob Mafume said Mr Biti’s “experience and competence make him the best candidate”.

He said: “He has won the seat before and the Harare East people have given the nation a competent Finance Minister who not only assisted the constituency, but the nation at large.

“Residents of the constituency are aware of Mr Biti’s capabilities. His game plan to win the seat is to present himself for service to the constituency and the nation. Mr Biti has shown competence and excellence.”

However, Mr Gutu was not in a good mood. Said Mr Gutu: “Your questions are now getting onto my nerves. You are irritating me. I am busy with other stuff and will only respond when I’m ready.”
Cde Mukupe is confident he will retain the seat.

“I will retain the seat because my work speaks for me. Biti is a selfish man. He should first tell us where the money he was given under the Constituency Development Fund went,” said Cde Mukupe.

“He is always aiming at every political seat. There is no need for me to campaign. I will just work.”-state media

TERTIARY students will from this semester access educational loans from leading financial institutions to pay tuition fees.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the Government and CBZ and ZB banks, and Eduloan were finalising the modalities.
“We are rolling out the students loan scheme and the only sticking issue is to discuss terms that are favourable to our students because some of them may not be able to provide a guarantor and that’s what we are working on to make it easy for the learners,” he said.
“The scheme will start this February when tertiary colleges and universities start a new semester. The application forms are already at the tertiary learning institutions.

“ZB bank, CBZ, Eduloan recently made pledges when we met President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa. Other financial institutions are still to come on board.”

Prof Murwira said Government was keen on assisting students to pay tuition fees as universities depend on such funds.

He also said his ministry had already met various local and foreign investors who were offering to students’ accommodation on a build-operate-transfer model.

“The model is very attractive to investors because accommodation for students has a particular fees structure; so investors build a hostel and recover their money over a period of time,” he said.

“It’s an economic model that also boosts economic growth and encourages foreign direct investments. We are prioritising areas such as Marondera, Manicaland and Gwanda. The building programmes will be laid out in the (ministry’s) 100-day plan.” – state media

Former minister in the then vice president Joice Mujuru’s office, Flora Buka has been dragged to the High Court after failing to pay $87 000 owed to Paperhole Investments (Private) Limited.

According to court papers, Buka signed an acknowledgement of debt, which has become the basis for the court application.

“Plaintiff’s claim against the defendant (Buka) is based on a liquid document in the form of an acknowledgement of debt duly executed by and between the defendant and plaintiff on the 14th of September 2016.

“In terms of the acknowledgment of debt, the defendant acknowledged its indebtedness to the plaintiff in the sum of $87 267,01, which amount was to be repaid in full on or before the 31st of December 2016,” the court heard.

The origins of the debt were not stated in the court papers, except a copy of the acknowledgement of debt and reference to the same document.

According to the acknowledgement of debt document, in the event of a default in payment, interest would continue to be levied at the computed rate of one percent per month, calculated from September 14, 2016.

“The defendant has failed to tender payment as agreed or at all, towards liquidating the sums owed and is therefore in breach of the acknowledgment of debt.

“Despite demand, the defendant has failed, refused and/or neglected to pay the amount claimed despite being liable to do so,” the court was told.

The matter, which has been brought for a provisional sentence will be heard today before High Court judge Jester Charewa.

In terms of the acknowledgment of debt document, there was not going to be any variation of the agreement unless reduced to writing and signed by the debtor and creditor.

“In the event of the debtor failing to pay any amount as and when it becomes due hereunder, then the creditor shall have the right without notice to claim and recover the whole of the capital sum and interest, or the balance thereof the outstanding, together with costs and collection charges and to institute legal proceedings against the debtor.

“The debtor shall be liable for the legal costs of such action on the scale of attorney and client,” part of the acknowledgment of debt reads. Buka has no yet respondent to the application. Daily News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Zimbabwe can only expect a financial bailout to stabilize its troubled economy only after clearing arrears to international lenders.

Zimbabwe’s economy faces severe challenges, the IMF said, but noted it stood ready to support the southern African nation.

“The IMF stands ready to support the authorities and their efforts to address these challenges. But as we noted, in addition to a strong coherent reform program, a concerted international effort will be required to revive and reintegrate the Zimbabwean economy.

Follow Allnetafrica.com on Facebook and twitter here for updates.

“An IMF financial arrangement, for example, would only be possible after progress in resolving Zimbabwe’s arrears to the other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and to the other creditors,” the IMF said.

Zimbabwe, which owes arrears of around $1.8 billion to the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has not been able to borrow from international lenders since 1999, when it started defaulting on its debt.

“There has to be an arrears clearance process and a clear strategy for clearing those arrears with other creditors and that also has to be factored in to their ability, their sustainability over time.

“Restoring growth will require concerted efforts to tackle the fiscal deficit including through rationalizing and better targeting the expense of agricultural support programs. These efforts should be complemented by structural reforms to strengthen the role of the private sector by improving the business climate and reducing policy uncertainty,” the IMF added.

Zimbabwe is desperate for fresh capital injection to turnaround an economy battered by years of economic mismanagement under former President Robert Mugabe.

Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was in Davos, Switzerland where he met the towering figures in the global economy, amongst them the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.-allnetafrica

https://youtu.be/LaruyUa-FTo

The political dynamics playing out in Zimbabwe took another intriguing twist on Tuesday when ex-president Robert Mugabe not only smoked a peace pipe with his former deputy, Joice Mujuru, but also promised to back her presidential bid.

Mugabe met Mujuru at his ‘‘Blue Roof’’ mansion in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale, Harare, on Tuesday for the first time since they broke ranks in December 2014.

It was also the first time Mugabe has met an opposition party leader since the expiry of the unity government in June 2013 in which Zanu PF shared power with two MDC formations led by former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara.

Insiders in Mujuru’s party — the National People’s Party (NPP) — told the Daily News yesterday that Mugabe, who initiated the meeting, offered his unqualified support to his former deputy in the forthcoming elections, where Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa will be seeking his first full mandate as head of State and government.

Mnangagwa ascended to the throne through a soft military coup of November 14 that led to the forced resignation of his predecessor who had been isolated from his allies in the Generation 40 (G40) faction of Zanu PF.

NPP insiders said the meeting sent a clear message to Mugabe’s die-hard supporters that the 93-year-old ex-guerrilla leader was not for the “new dispensation” and was throwing his weight behind Mujuru.

They said Mugabe also sent a pointed but subtle message to his supporters to shift their allegiance to Mujuru, whose rivalry with Mnangagwa could be traced as far back as the 1990s when her husband Solomon Mujuru and Mnangagwa competed for Mugabe’s ear until his passing in a suspicious inferno in August 2011.

During the meeting, NPP insiders claimed the toppled president apologised for unfairly dismissing Mujuru in 2014, and blamed Mnangagwa for misleading him into believing that Mujuru wanted to topple him when in fact he was pursuing his own political agenda.

“They met and it was at Mugabe’s invitation. One of the reasons was to say sorry for everything that happened to her and that he had acted on incorrect briefings from Mnangagwa,” an NPP national executive member said.

The NPP official said Mujuru told Mugabe that despite all that she has gone through, she harboured no hard feelings towards him.

While Mujuru’s spokesperson Gift Nyandoro was not keen to disclose details of their meeting to the media, NPP’s deputy national organising secretary Paddington Japajapa told the Daily News that Mugabe had pledged his full support for Mujuru’s presidential campaign.

“The meeting took place at Mugabe’s residence so it is all systems go. G40 members are coming on board; former first lady Grace Mugabe loves the idea, and so is Saviour Kasukuwere and others who are also ready to help the Mujuru campaign financially,” Japajapa said.

“We do not care who they are and where they are coming from as long as they bring in votes — that is what we are excited about as a party. Let us see how it pans out but this is a real game-changer — I tell you.”

Although Mujuru was not immediately available for comment, she confirmed meeting Mugabe to Voice of America (VOA).

“I spoke to him on Tuesday. We discussed how he was lied to when they accused me,” she said.

“He is at his home; he is not happy with what happened to him which he said is not constitutional. He is surprised that the gun that we always knew as being led by politics is the one leading, why?” Mujuru told VOA.

“I also spoke to Grace, who also said she was misinformed by people who had realised that I was about to take over as president.”

“I was happy when he called me and I grabbed the opportunity,” she said.

She also claimed Mugabe’s wife, Grace, admitted during their meeting that she plotted her ouster from Zanu PF and government over petty gossip.

Mujuru said Grace now regrets having been ill-advised.

Mujuru revealed when she was ousted from Zanu PF, it had been alleged that her plan was to seize power and “reform Zanu PF the Magufuli way and we had already started so that is what they did not want,” she said.

Nicknamed “the Bulldozer” for his strict leadership style, Tanzanian president John Magufuli has won praise for his tough anti-corruption fight.

Magufuli’s opponents, however, accuse him of cracking down on dissent and limiting democratic space.

He has denied the allegations, saying he was not a dictator.

The drive to root out corruption in Tanzania has felled ministers, the head of government’s anti-graft body, the tax chief and thousands of civil servants.

Ironically, Mujuru was assaulted by suspected Zanu PF youths as she met her supporters in the capital on Thursday, less than 48 hours after her meeting with Mugabe.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive, claiming Zanu PF was already running scared and that the attack was meant to intimidate Mujuru who has extended an olive branch to members of the G40 faction which was targeted by the military operation code-named Operation Restore Legacy.

One of the think-tanks in the G40 faction took to Twitter yesterday to hint that Mujuru and Mugabe’s meeting was “a game changer.”

“Joice Mujuru attacked by #coup soldiers after her game changing meeting with president Mugabe,” Jonathan Moyo, who is currently in self-imposed exile, tweeted yesterday.

United Kingdom-based political analyst Alex Magaisa described the development as “intriguing given the political context.”

“He was brutal when he sacked her four years ago and this would have been their first meeting since then – united in the cold. Could this signal a renewed alliance between Joice and the man she calls ‘father’?” Magaisa wrote on his Twitter account.

Magaisa noted that the alliance, if it materialises, could spell doom for Mnangagwa’s presidential bid.

He said Mugabe still commands a significant following in the country hence the alliance could work in Mujuru’s favour.

“For all his faults, and despite the fake cheers at rallies, Mugabe surely had people who idolised him? In 1980, Muzorewa’s supporters went underground but he had managed 220 000 votes at the election. Could there be Mugabe supporters out there who will back whoever he backs?

“If so, this front could prove to be a headache for Mnangagwa and his team. But would Mujuru forgive her treatment in 2014 at the hands of Mugabe’s wife, Grace and her cabal? Then again, there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics.

“This election could prove to be more fascinating and interesting than the damp squib it was threatening to be. It could turn out to be Zanu A v Zanu B v MDC United v Others!”

Mugabe expelled Mujuru from Zanu PF and government in December 2014 on untested allegations of plotting to unseat him.

Mujuru (62) had deputised Mugabe for 10 years, having joined his government at independence in 1980 as the youngest Cabinet minister.

After several months of pondering about her future, Mujuru caused a major political ripple when she emerged from her shell in March 2016 to head the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF).

She dumped ZPF months later after it got enmeshed in power struggles and formed NPP, whose campaign for the forthcoming poll is based on the promise to revive the economy and repair strained relations with the West.

Mujuru will stand at the polls as NPP’s presidential candidate.

It, however, still remains to be seen if the meeting of minds between them could derail a resurgent Mnangagwa whose political stock is rising daily on the back of his strong push to revive the country’s economy and reintegrate Zimbabwe among the community of nations.- Daily News

Radio personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa yesterday said she was not vying for the Harare East parliamentary seat on the National People’s Party ticket in the forthcoming harmonised elections.

NPP is led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was expelled from Zanu-PF for plotting to oust former President Robert Mugabe unconstitutionally.
Ruvheneko is the daughter of Zanu-PF Politburo member and Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa. She carved a name for herself in broadcasting when she joined ZiFM Stereo.
Ruvheneko has since joined Zimpapers as radio division projects manager.

In an interview yesterday, Ruvheneko denied that she was running for any political office.
“I have come across a campaign poster on social media which falsely alleges that I am running for the position of Member of Parliament for the Harare East constituency under the National People’s Party,” she said.

“It is fake news. I categorically state that I do not work with or for the NPP and that I am not running for any political seat in the 2018 election.
“I have spoken to the NPP’s secretary general, Mr Gift Nyandoro, who reassured me that the hoax did not originate with them.

‘‘If and when I am running for public office, it will not be a debate about whether or not it is true because I will announce my candidacy clearly through my own and other official channels. ‘Sadly, we may never know who did this, but I have my suspicions.

“Either way, it is untrue and no one should continue to spread this lie.”
Ruvheneko said she was shocked at the rate at which the fake news was spreading on social media.

“I appreciate sincerely those who were seeking clarity because it means they ‘know better’ but were just double-checking,” she said.

“The main concern seemed not to be that I am running for a political office but that I am supposedly running under the NPP while others were excited by the heat this might have brought to the already explosive Harare East seat.

“The only ambition I have for Harare East Constituency this year, as a journalist, is a debate on our ‘Zimbabwe Election Debate Series’ with all of its candidates after the Nomination Court announcement.” Herald

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appears in pics once in a village (pure mkwasha) pose during his latest meeting with UK Minister Harriette Baldwin. PICS:

WHY IS HE ALWAYS POISING LIKE THIS?

Fifty seven year old popular Sakubva socialite, Sophie Masikuka, popularly known as Mbuya Sauti, pulled a shocker over the weekend when she wedded her 29-year old man – disclosing that she has a spirit of a mermaid that attracts young men.

The popular granny, who once grabbed the headlines for running an infamous brothel in the same suburb, tied the knot with the love of her life – Wellington Mabhiza – in a two-lagged colourful ceremony held at two different places in the suburb’s Chineta location on Saturday.

Business was brought to a halt as scores of people jostled to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

Mbuya Sauti, who was clad in beautiful white apparel, passionately kissed the “apple of her eye” Mabhiza who was visibly charmed by the former’s childish blush and candid face. The chemistry was there for all to see.

It was a special day for the couple, despite it being unique and strange in so many ways.

Strange, indeed, as there was no marriage officer or cleric to solemnise the wedding. Despite all this, the controversial granny was the happiest of them all. She was on cloud nine and in her own words she said it was a union made by the gods.

The Weekender learnt that Mabhiza was once married. He divorced his wife before settling for the seemingly aged Mbuya Sauti.

The duo met about two years ago when Mabhiza was a tenant at one of Mbuya Sauti’s houses in Chineta. When The Weekender visited her on Monday, she was confident that the marriage would work, despite her having reached menopause. Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months.

It is the time in a woman’s life when the function of the ovaries ceases and it means, in this case, Mbuya Sauti would no longer be able to bear children.

“Our hearts, our spirits lured each other to be in a relationship like this. I have a spirit of a mermaid that attracts younger men,” said Mbuya Sauti. She revealed that she once dated a 35-year old man before she settled for Mabhiza.

“I love him and I know he loves me. That explains why people gathered to see us exchanging vows. The wedding went on well. There was no need for us to have a marriage officer because we felt it was not necessary.

“We are now living under the same roof although we have not yet started having sex. We need to work on something before we do that,” she said.

She paid tribute to several people, who came aboard with some assistance, notably former Mutare City councilor Cecelia Gambe. Mbuya Sauti called Mabhiza on his mobile phone after our news crew had requested to see him but he said he was busy.

“I want to buy him a car. I want to make him happy. He is a hard worker. I told his mother that he is free to have a baby with another woman since I cannot bear a child with him,” she added. – Manicapost

By Paul Nyathi| With just a month left before the high profile and highly publicised coronation of Prince Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo as King of the Ndebele people, the South African had declined to take the offer as King.

In a letter made available to ZimEye.com and copied here, Bulelani said that he has been declining the offer for the last three years but leaders of the Royal Khumalo Family in Zimbabwe keep insisting on him to take the offer.

The letter which has attracted a wide reaction from the people in Matabeleland has been confirmed as authentic by some sectors of the Ndebele community while another claim it to be a fake publication by people who are against his coronation.

ZimEye.com is making frantic efforts to get the correct side of the matter. Some members of the Khumalo family have refused to give ZimEye.com Prince Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo’s contact numbers to get his confirmed position on the matter.

Full letter supposedly written by Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo reads as follows:

“I hereby write to the generality of Mthwakazi, and the world at large, regarding a simmering issue in Zimbabwe. I am aware that the issues I am going to discuss here are important to the people of my forefathers, and I shall be as honest as possible. To those who will be disturbed by my discussion, I do sincerely apologise in advance.
I was born in South Africa, and for all practical purposes, that is the country I call home. I am aware that my forefathers established a successful nation called Mthwakazi, and it is today part of present day Zimbabwe. I am aware that the people of my forefathers have a programme to resuscitate their nationhood, in the way they think is best. I have been approached many times by some of the leaders to stand in as their King. These leaders have traced my blood and have found out that I am born of royal blood. Their efforts are noble. However, in my sincere and honest opinion, I can NOT lead a people I was not raised among. I can not pretend to stand up for the people in Mthwakazi and their interests, when I have no attachment to those interests. I therefore hereby write to apologise to the leaders who approached me on the matter, and to Mthwakazi as a whole. I put it here and now, that I can Not be a Ndebele King.
The coronation ceremony is being organised for 03 March 2018, and I continue telling the leadership from Zimbabwe that I am not interested in this matter, and I am not the best person to represent these people, in whatever form. This is why I did not turn up in September 2017, when they were releasing my name to the public. Unfortunately, among the organisers, there is a group that want this done no matter what. I can not lie to the people. I can not put false hope in the Ndebele people in Zimbabwe. I am aware that there are more able persons and better interested individuals within the Ndebele community than I am. Why then don’t this leadership focus on those people, with the ability and interest at heart. I have taken to publishing my position, because I have said this in private meetings and quarters for more than three years now, and this leadership does not take heed. I shall not discuss the possibility of their private interests here, however, I want the people in the land of my forefathers to know that I am not the messiah they may hope for, and may have been told is coming. I implore them to search among themselves for a King who shall represent their interests fully.
Without disrespecting anyone, I put the matter to rest.
Yours Sincerely
Bulelani Collins Lobhengula Khumalo
email: bulelani.collins.khumalo@gmail
.com”

By Reuters| Zimbabwe should press on with transparent and fair land reform, Britain said on Friday, as Harare’s new leaders look to overhaul policies that evicted thousands of white farmers without compensation.

Under former president Robert Mugabe, authorities carried out often violent seizures of white-owned farms in a bid to address what they called injustices during British colonial rule.

But new President Emmerson Mnangagwa – keen to boost the economy and mend ties with countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe – has said he wants to end discrimination between black and white farmers and is working to compensate those who lost their properties.

Britain’s Minister of State for Africa, Harriet Baldwin, said she discussed the land issue with Mnangagwa in Harare on Friday.

“Obviously the UK government very much welcomes the statements that have been made about land reform by the government of Zimbabwe and we support a transparent and fair and mediated process around that,” Baldwin told reporters.

“It’s also something which is very important as a signal to international investors and so it’s important and we welcome the fact that the president has made a commitment in terms of continuing with that process.”

Zimbabwe sees mending relations with former colonial ruler Britain as a critical step towards re-establishing ties with the West and international financial institutions.

LEASES, TRIBUNAL
Under Mugabe, the government argued that it would only pay for buildings and equipment on farms but not the land, which it said had been expropriated from locals during the colonial era.

Mugabe, who was forced to step down after a de facto military coup in November, argued that Britain should pay compensation for the land because the farmers were its “kith and kin”.

When asked whether Britain would help pay the farmers, Baldwin said she welcomed “the statements that the president has made on that front”. She did not elaborate.

Land ownership is a highly sensitive topic in Zimbabwe. Colonialists seized some of the best agricultural land and much of it remained in the hands of white farmers after independence in 1980, while many blacks were landless.

The government has said it will issue 99-year leases to white farmers, according to a government circular.

Earlier this month a government document showed that Zimbabwe was considering establishing a special tribunal to determine the value of compensation and how to pay it to white farmers who have lost land since 2000.

A Soldier who allegedly fired about 20 shots, killing his wife, her two siblings and injuring his 18-month-old son before shooting himself in a suicide attempt in New Magwegwe suburb appeared in court yesterday.

Carlos Tinashe Chapeyema (23) who is based in Gweru and attached to the Zimbabwe National Army Infantry Battalion Brigade in Battlefields, Kwekwe, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi during a bedside court session conducted at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Relatives said Chapeyema and his wife lived in Mutare but she recently returned to her parents, accusing the soldier of physically abusing her.

Chapeyema is facing murder and attempted murder charges.

He was remanded in custody to February 16 and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.

Chapeyema and his son Tlowi Chapeyema, whom he shot once on the leg, are admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.

Soldiers attend to the shooting scene in New Magwegwe, Bulawayo, on Thursday

The soldier, who was initially confined to the intensive care unit, has since been transferred to the male ward and he is under police and military guard.

His wife, Ashley Phiri (21) and her siblings, Nkosivumile Ncube (16) and Rita Nkomo (23) died on the spot.

Prosecuting, Mr Mclean Ndlovu said on February 1 this year, Chapeyema went to his wife’s home armed with an AK 47 assault rifle, which was loaded with 20 rounds. He allegedly knocked on the door demanding that she opens it.

“When the door was eventually opened the accused person stormed into the house and started firing gunshots at Phiri, Nkomo and Ncube, killing them instantly,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The court heard that Chapeyema then shot his son and in the process fracturing his right leg before turning the rifle on himself. The child was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Chapeyema was arrested at the scene and the weapon used in committing the alleged offences was recovered.

Meanwhile, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya yesterday said both patients were out of danger.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“Doctors did their best to save the injured man and the baby’s life. He had obviously sustained serious damages to his body. Doctors are fully monitoring him and we hope his condition improves. The baby is also out of danger and his condition is stable. Both patients are now out of danger and are now both out of the intensive care unit,” he said.-state media

G40 explosive document – CLICK HERE TO OPEN

The ZANU PF G40 faction has drafted the above document as it prepares a return to politics following the coup that saw its figure-head Grace Mugabe being removed together with her 94 year old husband, Robert.

The document contains the faction’s manifesto and core strategy for a future Zimbabwe.

Will this super-strategy defeat the Lacoste faction?

Zanu-PF has strongly condemned the violence perpetrated on National People’s Party leader Dr Joice Mujuru and members of her party by unknown assailants in Glen Norah, Harare, on Thursday. Dr Mujuru was on the campaign trail ahead of the forthcoming general elections when the incident occurred. It’s not clear what triggered the attack, but Zanu-pf yesterday said such acts do not have room in Zimbabwe’s political space.

This is in line with President Mnangagwa’s message to Zimbabweans and the world at large that the forthcoming elections should be free, fair, credible, transparent and violence-free. In a statement yesterday, zanu-pf Secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo said those behind such acts should face the full wrath of the law.

“With reference to the incident of assault on members of an opposition political party on February 1, 2018 in Glen Norah, Harare South District by whosoever, zanu-pf condemns such actions unreservedly,” he said.

“I understand the Zimbabwe Republic Police has made some arrests in connection with this, which is commendable. The law must therefore take its course. His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has consistently and persistently appealed to all Zimbabweans, irrespective of political parties they belong, to refrain from any form of violence in their day today activities. Peace is a prerequisite for development.”

To ensure that the political playing field is even, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would invite international observers from across the globe to monitor the elections. The President’s anti-violence message and economic reform have been consistent since he assumed office on November 24, last year. This had impressed the international community that is already positively responding to his calls for peace.

Britain has so far dispatched three special envoys to re-engage Zimbabwe’s new leadership, while the United States Government has also promised to work closely with Zimbabwe. – state media

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Peace Project has raised an alarm over farm evictions. The NGO posted the below pictures of an Craig farm just outside Goromonzi.

“FarmEvictions Families speak about their ordeal. Every child has right to education, health care, nutrition and shelter but this is completely ignored when these evictions are carried out,” they said in their announcement.

One of the villagers can be seen in the below video explaining their plight after being evicted by a man who claims he has bought the farm. “But how can this be because for a long time it is known that farms are not for sale?,” the man asks.
PICTURES:

A Plumtree man who was nabbed for stealing property worth $4 000 has asked the magistrate to send him to the slammer because he cannot afford to pay back what he stole.

Mthandazo Moyo (29) of no fixed abode’s stealing escapade ended after one of his victims from whom he had stolen property worth $125 identified him through the shoe prints his shoes left imprinted in the yard.

His arrest led the police to clearing several cases of unlawful entry and theft which were happening in Plumtree since November last year.

He pleaded not guilty to four counts but was convicted by Plumtree resident magistrate Taurai Manwere.

He was sentenced to 48 months in prison of which 12 months were conditionally suspended for five years. In addition another six months were suspended on condition he pays restitution of $600 to the complainants.

Moyo will serve an effective 30-month jail term.

After receiving his sentence he pleaded with the court not to suspend anything for restitution arguing that he wanted to serve the sentence once since he could not raise the money.- state media

A soldier who allegedly fired about 20 shots, killing his wife, her two siblings and injuring his 18-month- old son before shooting himself in a suicide attempt in New Magwegwe suburb appeared in court yesterday.

Carlos Tinashe Chapeyema (23) who is based in Gweru and attached to the Zimbabwe National Army Infantry Battalion Brigade in Battlefields, Kwekwe, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi during a bedside court session conducted at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Relatives said Chapeyema and his wife lived in Mutare but she recently returned to her parents, accusing the soldier of physically abusing her. Chapeyema is facing murder and attempted murder charges.

He was remanded in custody to February 16 and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.

 Chapeyema and his son Tlowi Chapeyema, whom he shot once on the leg, are admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.

The soldier, who was initially confined to the intensive care unit, has since been transferred to the male ward and he is under police and military guard.

His wife, Ashley Phiri (21) and her siblings, Nkosivumile Ncube (16) and Rita Nkomo (23) died on the spot.

Prosecuting, Mr Mclean Ndlovu said on February 1 this year, Chapeyema went to his wife’s home armed with an AK 47 assault rifle, which was loaded with 20 rounds. He allegedly knocked on the door demanding that she opens it.

“When the door was eventually opened the accused person stormed into the house and started firing gunshots at Phiri, Nkomo and Ncube, killing them instantly,” said Mr Ndlovu.

The court heard that Chapeyema then shot his son and in the process fracturing his right leg before turning the rifle on himself. The child was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Chapeyema was arrested at the scene and the weapon used in committing the alleged offences was recovered.

Meanwhile, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya yesterday said both patients were out of danger.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“Doctors did their best to save the injured man and the baby’s life. He had obviously sustained serious damages to his body. Doctors are fully monitoring him and we hope his condition improves. The baby is also out of danger and his condition is stable. Both patients are now out of danger and are now both out of the intensive care unit,” he said. state media

British Prime Minister Theresa May has been impressed by statements made by President Mnangagwa so far on economic and political reforms, which have sent important signals around the world about the country’s readiness for investment, an official has said.

This was revealed by Prime Minister May’s special envoy to President Mnangagwa, who is also the British Minister of State for Africa, Harriet Baldwin, following a high-level meeting she held with the President at his Munhumutapa offices yesterday.

Minister Baldwin said Zimbabwe and Britain were on the cusp of a major diplomatic breakthrough that could see the two countries soon engaging in various investment ventures underpinned on mutual benefit and interest. She was in Zimbabwe making her first overseas official visit following her appointment as Minister of State for Africa in a Cabinet reshuffle last month.

From the Zimbabwean side, the high-level meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Moyo (Retired), Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colonel Christian Katsande (Retired), Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Ambassador Isaac Moyo and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha.

Minister Baldwin was accompanied by British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Catriona Laing and head of the Department for International Development for Zimbabwe and South Africa Mr Annabel Gerry

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Minister Baldwin said she had a cordial engagement with President Mnangagwa and was optimistic about the normalisation of relations between Harare and London.

“I brought a message (from Prime Minister May) that the UK Government welcomes the messages we heard from the new President in terms of his programme for economic and political reforms and we are very pleased to hear that the plans are to hold free and fair elections in Zimbabwe later this year,” she said.

“Obviously, we share with the Government of Zimbabwe our desire for there to be a situation where there is no violence at all on the ground. We condemn all violence and we are keen to see that all perpetrators of any violent activities are pursued with the full force of the law.”

Minister Baldwin said her meeting with President Mnangagwa discussed wide-ranging issues on mutual relations and the new era in Zimbabwe.

“I had a good meeting with the President and I have been able to say to him how much the UK welcomes the statements that he has been making to the media around the world about the future for Zimbabwe, the economic reforms and the plans for the free and fair elections this year,” she said.

“We had wide ranging discussions about a range of other interests. The UK Government very much welcomes statements that have been made about land reform by the Government of Zimbabwe and we support a transparent and fair mediated process around that. So, it is something which is very important as a signal to international investors.”

Commenting on sanctions and Zimbabwe’s possible return to the Commonwealth, Minister Baldwin said: “These are all important issues and we are certainly all aware of these points that have been raised and as you know both of these processes are international processes and the message that we are hearing from the new Zimbabwe leadership is a very positive one and I am sure (we) will engage a wide range of international participants in terms of the steps of implementing changes in the future.”

Minister Baldwin said the UK Government was encouraged by President Mnangagwa’s new approach to the political and economic reforms. She said deliberations also touched on the recent visit to Zimbabwe by Commonwealth Development Corporation officials.

“The UK obviously already is very involved in (investment) through our Department of International Development in a wide range of assistance to projects right across Zimbabwe and we were also able to talk about the role of CDC organisation within the Department of International Development, which visited Zimbabwe recently and is able to invest in a wide range of projects in the private sector and I think with outline of economic and political reforms that the President has set out, this will send a strong signal to investors around the world,” said Minister Baldwin.

“As you know, the UK has made the decision to leave the European Union and take back control of our own international trade policies. We are very grateful for the engagement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in trying to resolve and make straight forward the future trade arrangements we have with Zimbabwe. Globally, Britain is very much a champion of free trade and open markets.”

Minister Baldwin met Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo (Retired) on Thursday where they discussed ways of enhancing relations between Zimbabwe and the UK.

The relations soured at the turn of the millennium over the land issue in the wake of the refusal by the Labour administration of Mr Tony Blair to honour obligations entered into with the Tory administration of Margaret Thatcher in 1979.- state media