MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial has been moved to Tuesday.

This follows announcements by the party leadership Saturday afternoon. Party Spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka called journalists to Tsvangirai’s house in Highlands.

Tsvangirai’s brother, Collins had said that the burial was likely going to take place on Monday.

But following the Saturday presser, the burial is now taking place next week Tuesday in Tsvangirai’s rural home, Buhera.

MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora announced saying, “for the avoidance of doubt, the burial of President Tsvangirai is taking place on Tuesday in Humanikwa Village in Buhera. This is now final. We regret the inconvenience caused by any earlier contrary announcements.”

Tsvangirai will be buried next to his late wife, Susan.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has said Tsvangirai will get a State assisted funeral.

Mourners who are this weekend gathered at Tsvangirai’s Highlands house include his ex-wife Locardia Karimatsenga.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated newly-elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying Zimbabwe was looking forward to strengthening the existing good relations between the two neighbouring countries.

In a message posted on micro-blogging site Twitter, President Mnangagwa wished Mr Ramaphosa well, saying his excellence and persistence earned him the leadership of his people.

“My very warmest congratulations to President Cyril Ramaphosa. His excellence and persistence have now earned him the leadership of his people.

Zimbabwe sends its very best wishes to him and his administration. We look forward to strengthening more our ties. Congratulations!” said President Mnangagwa.

Mr Ramaphosa (66) was elected after former President Jacob Zuma (76) officially resigned on Wednesday night during a special broadcast that was beamed live on television.
The embattled Mr Zuma bowed to pressure from his ANC party and opposition parties who wanted him to step down.

Mr Zuma was due to complete his term of office next year. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki also congratulated Mr Ramaphosa, describing Mr Jacob Zuma’s resignation as a step in the right direction.

“I think (former) President (Jacob) Zuma did the right thing. Once the leadership of the ANC took that position and in the context of what the majority of the population was saying, it was really time that he left office. Maybe he ought to have done it earlier so that the ANC was not forced to threaten a vote of no confidence and all that,” he was quoted as saying on SABC.

Mr Mbeki, who was also in 2008 recalled by the National Executive Committee of the ANC, said Mr Ramaphosa should work towards economic growth in order to deal decisively with poverty and high unemployment rate.

He said that change was needed because corruption had become entrenched in all spheres of government under the leadership of Mr Zuma.

Mr Mbeki said that low economic growth, poverty and the high unemployment rate remain burning problems. He said the new faces in government should come up with new results and positive change.

“I hope he knows that this change has inspired a lot of change among our people, we want to see a clean government. We want to see a government that really, honestly systematically addresses the concerns of our people,” he said.

The election of Mr Ramaphosa means that he becomes the Sadc chairperson, a position that was held by former President Zuma who had taken over the rotating chairmanship from King Mswati III of Swaziland in August 2017. – state media

The United States of America government has lined up investors that are coming to have a look at the available investment opportunities in Zimbabwe following the ascendency of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power late last year, US ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Harry Thomas Jnr has said. 

Ambassador Thomas Jnr was speaking after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday, where he also applauded the new dispensation.

He commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for making sturdy progress in improving Zimbabwe’s relations with the international community.

“We told him (President Mnangagwa) that our government has investors coming to look at Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Thomas Jnr.

“They will continue to come and look, and we will continue to provide humanitarian aid and we hope to find ways to also partner with Zimbabwe and its people.

“We congratulated him, wished him makorokoto on becoming the President of this country.”
Ambassador Thomas Jnr said the illegal sanctions the US imposed on Zimbabwe were a prerogative of President Donald Trump.

“Sanctions are up to the President of the United States and the Senate and so they will make decisions on what happens in terms of the future relationship,” he said.

“But how we see it here is your President is promising progress in bilateral and multilateral relations and we applaud that.”

The US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zidera) as a response to Harare’s decision to redistribute land held by a few white farmers to more than 300 000 previously disadvantaged black families.

Zidera bars all international financial institutions in which the US has representation or shareholding from cooperating with Zimbabwe, contrary to claims that the sanctions are “targeted” at a few political elites.

Ambassador Thomas Jnr said President Mnangagwa had laid down his vision to them, which included the holding of free and fair elections this year.

“It was a pleasure and honour for our team to have the opportunity to call on His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, to share our vision and his vision for the future of this country,” he said.

“He made it clear that his interests are in supporting the people of Zimbabwe and that he is going to hold free, fair and credible elections and that he was going to reform and improve the economy.”
President Mnangagwa has managed to convince the world that Zimbabwe is now open for business, the message he has been carrying to various international gatherings and countries.

He recently revealed that since he took over the highest office in the land in November last year, Zimbabwe has managed to attract foreign direct investment to the tune of $3 billion. – state media

THE body of the late MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai arrives in the country from South Africa today ahead of his burial in Buhera on Monday.

Mr Tsvangirai (65) died at a South African hospital on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer of the colon.

MDC-T acting president Mr Nelson Chamisa yesterday said the body would lie in state at the Tsvangirai family residence in Harare before being taken to the Robert Mugabe Square for a public farewell.

“Our president’s body will arrive from South Africa at 7PM on Saturday (today) on board an Air Zimbabwe plane. The body will lie in state at the family home, Number 49 Kew Drive in Highlands, Harare, before it is taken to Robert Mugabe Square for a public farewell.

“Thereafter, the body will be taken to Humanikwa Village in Buhera where president Tsvangirai will be buried next to his late first wife Susan Tsvangirai on Monday,” said Mr Chamisa in a statement.

In Bulawayo, an interdenominational memorial service for the late Mr Tsvangirai will be held at the Large City Hall at 8AM today.
Yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs and Culture, Dr Obert Mpofu, said the honour of a State assisted funeral accorded to Mr Tsvangirai is not different from what the Government confers to national heroes.

“It is the Government of Zimbabwe that has recognised that he deserves to be treated in a national manner. There is really not much difference in terms of assistance that will be given to him and those that go to the National Heroes Acre,” said Dr Mpofu.

As condolence messages continued to pour in yesterday, newly-elected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened by Mr Tsvangirai’s death.

“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mr Tsvangirai’s family, the Government and people of Zimbabwe on this sad loss. I want to assure the people of Zimbabwe and the Tsvangirai family of the solidarity and compassion of the people of South Africa,” he said.

“Mr Tsvangirai will be remembered for his profound role in the Zimbabwean politics and his prominence which saw him serve as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2013 in the Government of National Unity, during which period the current Constitution of Zimbabwe was developed.”

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who brokered the Global Political Agreement (GPA) in 2009 which ushered in the inclusive Government that ran until 2013, also paid tribute to the MDC-T leader.

“First thing we need to convey our own condolences to Mrs Tsvangirai, his children and the rest of the Tsvangirai family as well as his colleagues in the MDC party. For them he really tried his best to represent the interests of members of MDC and to try and advance a particular agenda of what they thought was necessary in terms of the transformation of Zimbabwe. It’s a serious loss from that point of view…” said Mr Mbeki.

“I was very pleased when I saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa when he visited Morgan in Harare, it was a good gesture on the part of President Mnangagwa, indicating that readiness to work together as Zimbabweans.”

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, said Mr Tsvangirai played an important role in the drafting of the country’s Constitution.

“During the tenure of the inclusive Government, Mr Tsvangirai made considerable efforts towards the attainment of the goal of peace.

“The party’s deepest thoughts are with the Tsvangirai family and grieves with them as they mourn their beloved father,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

The National People’s Party (NPP) spokesperson, Mr Jeffryson Chitando, said Mr Tsvangirai leaves a legacy of commitment to defend human rights, selflessness, hard work, patriotism, love and humility.

“Tsvangirai will ever be remembered for his dedication, patriotism and sacrifice for this country. As NPP we have lost a friend, comrade and partner in the struggle for a democratic Zimbabwe,” he said.

The Joshua Nkomo National Foundation and the Zapu party also conveyed their condolences to the Tsvangirai family.

Form Two boys who were allegedly severely tortured by Form Four pupils at Marist Brothers’ Secondary School in Dete were allegedly forced to drink water from the toilet bowl by their drunk attackers.

It has emerged that more than 30 Form Two boys were beaten up on Friday last week by 16 Form Four bullies who accused them of stealing their foodstuffs. The alleged torture at a Form Four hostel referred to by students as the ‘Palace’, lasted for about five hours between 10PM and 2AM.

The Chronicle established that 23 of the victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Two boys were reportedly operated on the groin and abdomen, while some had neck, arm, fingers and rib fractures after being kicked and hit with an assortment of weapons.

One boy was injured on an eye while another lost front teeth as a result of the assault.
The boys were also allegedly forced to eat bath soap and bark like dogs as well as pull trunks.

The school’s headmaster, Brother Jacob, yesterday confirmed that the disciplinary hearings took place on Thursday but referred questions to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Matabeleland North acting Provincial Education Director Mr Jabulani Mpofu said the action to be taken would be known after full investigations.

“We advised the school to carry out investigations. They brought parents for hearings on Thursday and we are waiting for the report for a way forward. The action to be taken will depend on the gravity of individual cases. Then the school will apply whether to have them excluded or expelled depending on findings and gravity which is why disciplinary hearings are done,” he said.

The Chronicle is reliably informed that the 16 boys were further suspended for eight days pending medical reports on the victims.

They were allegedly drunk after consuming a fermented powdered cereal when they committed the offences last week.

Pupils reportedly mix the cereals with brown sugar and yeast and leave the mixture to ferment in the sun, creating a potent alcoholic brew which the pupils drink right under the noses of school authorities.

Fourteen of the victims were yesterday accompanied by their parents to St Patrick’s Hospital in Hwange and six to a private hospital in Victoria Falls for medical check-ups.
Some parents who spoke to The Chronicle in separate interviews said the boys were traumatised and not willing to go back to school.

“Our children were forced to drink water mixed with urine which was fetched from the toilet bowls. We don’t know if that’s just urine or our children have been initiated into Satanism,” said an angry parent.

Another parent said: “If those bullies are allowed back to the school, I will withdraw my child because I can’t pay $460 to have him killed. We can’t allow those bullies back to the school because our children are traumatised and can’t face their attackers again. The school should be answerable because we are even bearing costs of medication.”

It is alleged that the bullies rounded up the Form Two boys and dragged them to the ‘Palace’. They would switch off the lights and torture them in darkness allegedly using belts, fists and sticks.

“They would switch on the lights and release those who would be bleeding while the torture continued on the rest until they also bled. The last victim was released at around 2AM after he collapsed and they dumped him on his bed until he was helped to get up in the morning.

“The boys were rammed onto the walls, kicked, punched and hit with sticks. They were also yoked together like a span of oxen while others were whipped with waist belts and forced to wash clothes. One boy was choked until he fainted. People might think we are exaggerating but this is what happened,” added another parent.

The Chronicle heard that the Form Four boys have pending disciplinary cases at the school after they allegedly sneaked out of school to go on a beer binge last year before entering a girls’ hostel at night where they stole an assortment of underwear.

They also allegedly once attacked a boarding master and a teacher while some prefects were threatened with death last week when they tried to rescue the victims. Chronicle

University of Zimbabwe (UZ)Vice Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura was arrested yesterday on allegations of abuse of office involving the awarding of a Doctor of Philosophy degree to former First Lady Grace Mugabe. Prof Nyagura was arrested in Harare and is likely to appear in court today.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson Ms Phyllis Chikundura confirmed the arrest.

“Yes, he has been arrested on allegations of abuse of office over the doctorate of former First Lady Grace Mugabe,” she said. “He is detained at Mabelreign Police Station and he will appear in court tomorrow (today).”

Prof Nyagura is being accused of unprocedurally awarding the Doctor of Philosophy degree without the approval of both the University Council and the Senate Committee.

He recently blasted lecturers in the Department of Sociology for challenging the awarding of the contentious doctorate, saying they were “ignorant Messrs and doctors”, with no academic capacity to supervise a PhD student.

In a recent interview with The Herald on demands by 10 lecturers for the university to revoke Mrs Mugabe’s PhD, Prof Nyagura said PhD students were supervised by the post-graduate centre and not by a teaching department.

He dismissed allegations that the thesis was not in the library until this year, but was deposited in 2014.

He said Mrs Mugabe’s thesis was supervised by two professors, who also supervised former Vice President Joice Mujuru.

Supervised by Professor Claude Mararike, Mrs Mugabe graduated with the Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Social Studies in September 2014.

Through their lawyer, Ms Fiona Iliff from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the lectures said they were shocked to hear that Mrs Mugabe had been awarded a doctorate from their department when they never saw her application, acceptance letter, supervision and even awarding of the degree.

The 10 lecturers were Prof Rudo Gaidzanwa, Drs Sandra Bhatasara, Julius Musevenzi, Watch Ruparanganda, Gutsa, Mandizadza, Sadomba, Mate and Messrs Nelson Muparamoto and a T Chevo.

With regards to Professor Mararike’s appointment, the lecturers alleged that he was appointed without their consultation as stipulated in the ordinance regulations.

The arrest of Prof Nyagura came after a Harare magistrate had issued a warrant empowering ZACC to search and seize all documents relevant to its probe on whether or not he corruptly awarded Mrs Mugabe the doctoral degree.

Provincial magistrate Mr Elisha Singano directed the UZ registrar or any other senior official at the institution to provide a set of relevant documents, records and articles to the investigators.

The documents ordered to be availed included Dr Mugabe’s pre-registration application form, her research proposal submitted to the Department of Sociology, minutes of the departmental board assigning a supervisor to Mrs Mugabe, academic certificates of her supervisor, minutes showing that the doctoral degree passed through the Academic Committee, and minutes of the UZ senate recommending to the university council the conferment of the doctorate on Mrs Mugabe.

Mr Singano directed the university to allow ZACC access to minutes of the University Council recommending to the University Chancellor the conferment of the doctorate on Mrs Mugabe, copies of progress reports at Post Graduate Centre, copies of contract of research assistant and contract of teaching assistant in respect of Mr Justice Tandire.

ZACC must also be furnished with the UZ Faculty Ordinance number 44, UZ quality assurance guidelines and benchmarks for management and supervision of higher degrees by research, General Academic Regulations for Post-Graduate Degrees of the university of Zimbabwe 1998/99 Volume 11, as well as copies of the transcript, notification and Doctor of Philosophy Degree awarded to Mrs Mugabe. UZ has since filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court to set aside the search warrant, arguing that it was illegal. Herald

Former President Robert Mugabe’s family business, Gushungo Holdings, which was last month, through its security officer Mkhululi Nyoni, ordered off Smithfield Farm in Mazowe, has vowed to stay put arguing the matter was irregularly dealt with by the High Court.
High Court judge Justice Happius Zhou granted a provisional order, evicting Gushungo Holdings together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Support Unit.

He ordered them to desist from interfering with small-scale gold miners following an urgent chamber application by Shepherd Nyazvigo, Bright Mawonga and Mohammed Rezwani Khan.

But, in a sudden turn of events, Mugabe’s security officer, through his lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu, on February 5, filed a response to the application urging the court to discharge the granted provisional order.

In his founding affidavit, Nyoni denied having personally been served with the application, but said he “had no difficulties with the fact that the urgent chamber application was served on his employer”.

“The fact of the matter, however, is that the notice of set-down was never so served. As a result, though the provisional order was granted in default, it is clear that it was afforded as a result of the irregularity by non-service. The court was itself taken advantage of. It is for that reason that the matter ought to be heard on an urgent basis so that second respondent’s (Gushungo Holdings) position is also considered in court,” Nyoni said.

He further said although Justice Zhou dealt with the matter in his chambers, none of the cited respondents had legal personality.

“In particular, the chief security officer is a non-legal persona and proceedings brought under such circumstances are invalid. The application ought to be struck off the roll for that reason. Further, none of the mining authorities were cited in this mining dispute,” Nyoni said.

“In view of the Special Grant referred to above and taking into account the fact that none of the documents placed before the court by the applicants (Nyazvigo, Mawonga and Khan) evidence mining rights, applicants patently do not have a cause of action.”

According to the court papers, sometime in 2013, Nyazvigo and his co-applicants were chased and dispossessed of their mining claims by Nyoni and the ZRP on the basis that they were mining in a protected zone.

However, the miners, last November returned to their sites, but the ZRP and Nyoni deployed their officers on Smithfield Farm and barred the three men from further carrying out mining operations on their claims.

They then approached the court and a provisional ruling was made in their favour. Newsday

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| A woman was knocked down by an ambulance while typing on What’s App today at Mushandike Business Centre, 20 km from the city of Masvingo.

According to eyewitness the woman could not see the approaching ambulance as she was busy typing on What’s App.

She died on the spot, according to the police. More to follow…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We don’t want disorder and scramble for positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. V T Mguni —Assistant Director Examinations Administration

Mr. V Kadenge- Assistant Director- ICT

Ms Z Muzenda- Assistant Director- Finance

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

Assistant Director- ICT

Mrs. C Chinonzo Assistant Director Test Development Research and Evaluation

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

By order of the Board Prof. E Mwenje Chairman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go well Save .

Dr JTR Mujuru
National People’ s Party President.

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

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

VIDEO:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: 15 February 2018

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

Re: Bestowing Hero Status on Dr. Richard  Morgan Tsvangirai

Your Excellence the above refers.

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

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

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

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

Looking forward to your response.

Yours faithfully

Charles Chidavaenzi(Justice for the Povo Rep)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The matter was postponed to Friday