The establishment of a permanent High Court here is in line with the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) mandate to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of justice to the people, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.

Addressing journalists after touring the construction site of the upper court yesterday, Chief Justice Malaba — who was accompanied by JSC secretary Justice Rita Makarau — said the setting up of the court would make justice accessible to the community.

“We always talk in the Judiciary about bringing access to justice to the people,” he said.

“This is a demonstration of the fulfilment of that principle; not just on the part of the Judiciary, but on the part of Government as a whole.

“This is a remarkable development, not only in respect of the fulfilment of a broader programme, but in respect of the satisfaction of the aspirations of our people.

“In this regard, we are talking about the wishes of the people of Mutare and Manicaland as a whole. Bringing a High Court like this decentralises services and ensures also efficiency in the delivery of services.”

Chief Justice Malaba said people from Manicaland were incurring huge costs to seek justice at the High Court in Harare.

“They had been placed in a situation where they have to decide whether its worthy to pursue a matter . . . and at the end of the day, a litigant will give up not because he or she has no faith in the strength of his or her case, but because he or she is discouraged by the costs of having to travel all the way to Harare to get justice,” he said.

“Therefore, we are bringing justice to the door step of the people. Having taken tour of the building I am greatly impressed by the standard of work that is going on in this building.

“To me, the structure itself and the work being undertaken can only attest to a very high standard and to a qualitative building befitting to the kind of service that is going to be delivered from this building.”

Chief Justice Malaba said construction work was expected to be completed by June.

After touring the site, he held a conference with stakeholders in the legal fraternity at the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, where he implored them to ensure efficient service delivery.

“Let’s focus on qualitative deliverance,” said Chief Justice Malaba. “The efficiency in delivering justice does not mean delay. If a case is delayed, judgment is delayed and that is an injustice; simple and straightforward.”

Justice Makarau said the new High Court would be paperless, as it would concentrate on e-filing.

“We are going to start this here in Mutare and it will be our pilot project,” she said.

“I would want to urge the Mutare community to actually make use of this new court.

“Legal practitioners who have matters that are in Harare we ask you to identify them now so that once this court is operational you transfer all those cases to Mutare. We don’t want you to keep on going back to Harare.”

“I have said by Third Term, which begins around September or October, this High Court should be opened.” – State Media

Police here yesterday stopped residents from demonstrating against the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (zinwa), whom they accuse of triggering month-long water shortages dogging the town.

The Combined Residents Association (CRA) had notified the police of their intention to march to the local zinwa offices to hand over a petition calling on the parastatal to hand over the administration of water to the town council.

Police turned them down, citing security reasons for fear of a repeat of violent demonstrations that left key infrastructure destroyed in July last year.

Beitbridge residents, most of whom survive on cross border-related projects, ran riot last year after Government removed some basic commodities from the open general import licence (OGIL).

People now need to apply for permits from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for them to import specified basic commodities from South Africa.

There was heavy police presence in all the crime hot spots area of the town to prevent incidents of violence yesterday.

“The behaviour by zinwa is deplorable,” he said.

“They have failed to run our water and hence we have a petition signed by over 2 500 residents, who no longer have faith in the parastatal.

“They installed bulk water meters in the town against residents’ and town council’s will.

“In addition, their water charges of $0,92 per cubic metre is unreasonable. To make matters worse, our water administration is being handled by someone who is in Bulawayo.

“We feel it will be better to have the issue of water being handled by the town council, which is readily accessible whenever we have grievances.”

Chairperson of the Beitbridge Residents Association (BRA), Ms Rumbedzani Ribombo said it was absurd that zinwa was charging $7 000 for the town’s supply of water.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was yet to get information on the intended demonstration.- State Media

Palestine has hailed Zimbabwe for its unwavering and continued support of its cause in the wake of continued aggression by Israel in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution recognising it as an independent state.

The UNSC urged respect for the rights of Palestinians in the establishment of just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Taghrid Senour said the good bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Palestine had strengthened the Palestinians and ensured they remain optimistic that they will be free from Israeli occupation.

Mrs Senour said this during a meeting he had with Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Kudzanayi Chipanga to whom she had paid a courtesy call at the ruling party’s headquarters.

“There are many things that unite us,” she said.

“We are happy with the support that we have been getting from friendly countries like Zimbabwe through President Mugabe. With your support we know that the freedom of Palestine will eventually be realised.”

Mrs Senour said they were keen to strengthen relations with the Zanu-PF Youth League. She rapped Israel, saying it had continued to occupy Palestine in areas like West Bank.

In an interview soon after their meeting, Chipanga said Zanu-PF youths will soon pay a reciprocal visit as a way of strengthening their relationship.

“We are quite excited by the visit of Her Excellence the Ambassador,” he s aid.

“We share the same challenges, mainly that of meddling by Western imperialists. Palestine’s sovereignty is under attack from imperialists, so we discussed ways to deal with that.

“We will soon welcome a delegation of youths from Palestine and that will be followed by a reciprocal visit by members of our Youth League. We want to strengthen our already existing bilateral relations.”

Chipanga said they agreed to revive the International Anti-Imperialism Youth Organisation in their attempt to forge alliance to fight the scourge from Western powers. The other area they discussed, said Cde Chipanga, was how to strengthen cooperation in areas like agriculture, especially horticulture.

Two weeks ago, Mrs Senour held a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda.

During the meeting, Adv Mudenda rapped the international community like the United Nations Human Rights Commission and International Red Cross for not doing enough to address the Palestinian question.

He urged the Arab world to speak with one voice in dealing with the Palestine question in the wake of occupation by Israel.- State Media

An education inspector who allegedly killed his estranged wife who was a lecturer at the Midlands State University (MSU) in an alleged infidelity row has been indicted to appear for trial at the High Court on May 15.

Fred Nyamhanga Shavi (68), of Southdowns Suburb in Gweru, appeared before Gweru Magistrate Judith Taruvinga and was indicted on one count of incitement to murder and another count of murder for trial at the Gweru High Court Circuit.

The second term of the Gweru High Court circuit is expected to run from May 15 to May 26.

Shavi, a Midlands provincial education inspector under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, was not asked to plead.

He allegedly incited two people to kill Prosper Maburo for allegedly being in a relationship with his estranged wife Netsai Ncube (48) who was a lecturer at the MSU Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Wildlife Management. Shavi subsequently murdered her.

Prosecutor, Mr Lloyd Mavhiza said on February 22 last year, Shavi approached Mthokozisi Dube and Gift Lunga at Insukamini, Lower Gweru and asked them to kill Maburo for him.

Shavi allegedly complained to Dube and Lunga that Maburo was having an extra marital affair with his wife.

“Shavi promised to pay the duo $600 each and a vehicle if they would be successful in killing Maburo. Dube and Lunga reported Shavi to Gweru Rural Police. A trap was set resulting in his arrest,” said Mr Mavhiza.

On count two, on February 27 last year before he could be arrested for plotting to kill Maburo, Shavi allegedly had a misunderstanding with Ncube since he was suspecting that she was cheating on him.

Mr Mavhiza said Shavi struck Ncube three times on the head using an iron hoe and she fell to the floor while they were home at number 33 Wentworth Road, Southdowns in Gweru.

“The accused then fled to Sanyati area leaving behind the now deceased in a pool of blood. The accused later phoned his relative Xmas Mutero who rushed to the scene and found Ncube in a pool of blood. Ncube was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead,” he said.- State Media

A-56-YEAR-OLD man died on the spot after he was hit by a vehicle while sitting by the road side in Gwanda outside his home along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road on Sunday evening.

Milton Sibanda of Simbene village, under Chief Mabhena was hit by a Mazda Bongo which was being driven by Moses Nyengera (60) of West Nicholson at around 7PM at the 85 KM peg along the highway.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said Nyengera was assisting police with investigations.

“A motorist hit a 56-year-old man who was sitting at a road side outside his home. The driver of the Mazda Bongo was allegedly speeding and lost control of the vehicle as he approached the 85 KM peg. He swerved to the left and failed to stop, hitting the man,” he said.

Sibanda sustained serious head injuries and died on the spot.

“This is yet another accident that seems to have been caused by human error. We continue to warn motorists to observe safety regulations.

“We warn motorists to always concentrate fully when driving to avoid unnecessary accidents that may result in loss of lives,” said Insp Ndebele.

The accident comes at a time when police have appealed to motorists to observe road rules and regulations, especially during the Easter and Independence holidays to curb accidents.- State Media

MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday denied claims by National People’s Party (NPP) leader, Joice Mujuru that the two parties had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a grand coalition.

This came hardly a week after Mujuru told party supporters in Masvingo that she had signed an MoU with Tsvangirai, which would see the latter emerge as leader of the proposed grand coalition to challenge President Robert Mugabe in next year’s presidential race.

But, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, in a statement yesterday, said although his boss had opened up “fruitful negotiations with several political parties” over the past few months, he was yet to seal a concrete pact with any of the parties involved in the coalition talks.

“I wish to state that president Tsvangirai has not signed an agreement or a memorandum of understanding with anyone, even though he is currently engaged in fruitful discussions with several political parties, including the NPP,” Tamborinyoka said.

“Once the process of alliance talks and engagements is complete, president Tsvangirai will update party organs and the people of Zimbabwe on the outcome. We are alive to the fact that both these coalition talks and the next election are not about Robert Mugabe, Morgan Tsvangirai or any other political leader for that matter.

“The next election is about the people of Zimbabwe post-Mugabe and their opportunity to lay the ground for an inclusive society well-poised for economic growth, stability, democracy and massive transformation of our governance culture.”

Tamborinyoka said any coalition was likely to go beyond just political parties and was also about forming strategic alliances.

“As president Tsvangirai, two weeks ago, told the national council, these alliances are likely to go beyond political parties to include key and strategic networks that we cannot divulge for now,” he said.

“Put simply, the next election is about the people and not the leaders, which is why president Tsvangirai is encouraging everyone, particularly the youth, to register to vote so that they can determine their own future and not outsource that precious future to anyone.”

Mujuru, whose party has been rocked by mass defections and resignations of top officials over the past few weeks, is on record confirming that her deal with Tsvangirai was already done.

“We signed a memorandum of understanding with Tsvangirai, which has a roadmap that we agreed on, which outlines the strategy,” she said in Masvingo last Thursday and NewsDay has an audio recording of the speech.

“We also tabled our differences and resolved them.”

Contacted for comment yesterday, Mujuru’s spokesperson, Gift Nyandoro appeared to have been caught flat-footed and was at pains to explain the contradictory statements by the two leaders.

Nyandoro blamed what he termed Mujuru’s unnamed detractors for fomenting “deliberate mischief” to “cause confusion and disharmony between MDC-T and NPP’s leadership and party supporters”.

“We have not signed any MoU with Morgan Tsvangirai and his party… She did not make such pronouncements, she did not endorse Tsvangirai as the leader of the coalition,” he said.

“These are deliberate mischiefs to cause confusion between MDC-T and NPP’s leadership and party supporters.”

The contradictions are likely to come as good news to Zanu PF, whose leader, Mugabe last Friday mocked the opposition parties’ “grand coalition”, satirically saying it would result in a “grand defeat”. – Newsday

Ray Nkosi | Defiant Sarah Mahoka and Sandi Moyo have challenged the First Lady Grace Mugabe to prove that they are thieves.

This comes after revelations that Zanu-PF will press criminal charges against the former Women’s League deputy secretary Eunice Sandi Moyo and secretary for finance Sarah Mahoka if they fail to remit the$100 000-plus which they allegedly extorted in Zanu-PF’s and Mugabe’s names, a senior official told journalists.

However, Moyo has come out to defend herself writing on her twitter account, and denying a Professor Jonathan Moyo link, ” I never received $20 000 from @ProfJNMoyo or ZIMDEF. If there is anyone who thinks otherwise please provide evidence.  If you are making such serious allegations about someone it is always important that you provide evidence to support your claim.”

Professor Jonathan Moyo is also accused of setting up Sandi Moyo’s twitter acount, a charge she denies.

She goes further to say, “If there is any prophet who gave me $100 000, may he pliz come forward. Why not name him/her.”

Meanwhile Mahoka tells the local Daily Newspaper that had she received such a huge amount of money from Prophet Walter Magaya, it would have been known. She challenges her accusers to prove themselves, ” I am not aware what money they are talking about. My hands are clean, I never took money from (Walter) Magaya. Kana newewo unofunga kuti pane munhu angatore mari yakawanda kudaro kumunhu anenge Magaya zvongorova (Even you, do you think that it is possible that anyone can take so much money from someone like Magaya and the issue just disappears from the public domain)?”

Staff Reporter |Outspoken female activist Linda Masarira has won a court victory.

Below is a statement by the Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights;

High Court Judge Justice Edith Mushore has paved the way for her to commence proceedings to challenge her conviction and sentence for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest in 2016 after granting her application for condonation to allow her to appeal against Mbare Magistrate Stanford Mambanje’s decision.

After Magistrate Mambanje convicted and sentenced Masarira in March 2017 to serve community service at Marlborough Clinic in Harare, the Clerk of Court at Mbare Magistrates Court refused to accept her appeal documents because she had not secured $150 to pay for security costs.

The time to appeal against Magistrate Mambanje’s ruling lapsed while Masarira had not yet secured money to pay for the security costs. This compelled Masarira’s lawyer Obey Shava of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights to file an application for condonation and extension of time within which to note an appeal.

In the application, Shava challenged the conduct of the Clerk of Court at Mbare Magistrates Court and asked the High Court to declare such conduct unconstitutional.

Shava argued that the Constitution provides for the right of access to courts and the right of appeal if one is not happy with the decision of the inferior courts, hence those rights should not be taken away because someone is poor and unable to pay exorbitant security costs.

A patient at Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo has been dragged to court for allegedly killing an inmate following a dispute over tobacco.

Bulisani Sibanda was yesterday not asked to plead to the murder charge and was remanded in custody to April 24 when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya.

The court heard that on October 22 2015, Sibanda and the now-deceased Chrispen Ncube were at Ingutsheni Hospital in Khumalo Ward, where they were kept in locked doors.

Ncube allegedly told the sister who was on duty that Sibanda had smuggled some tobacco in a match box into the room.

This allegedly angered Sibanda who later assaulted Ncube with clinched fists at the same time kicking him.

Ncube bled through the mouth, nose and ears.

Nurses at the institution then rushed to the room and found Ncube lying down and bleeding.

He was taken to the treatment room, where he was attended to by a doctor.

Ncube was later taken to the United Bulawayo Hospital, where he died on November 26 2015.

Sibanda was immediately transferred to Mlondolozi Mentally-Challenged Prison where he is now kept. – Newsday

The use of spikes by police to enforce compliance is illegal with no space in a civilised society, as there are other modern and effective methods of traffic control and management, legal experts and transport operators have said.

This comes as Government has said it is ready to invoke the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter IV, Section 38 to charge police officers who throw spikes at moving vehicles, who face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $3 000.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Obedingwa Mguni, said members of the public who witness the “dangerous practice” should take video or picture evidence, so that the cops can be punished in the courts.

Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) member Ziyambi Ziyambi said the use of spikes was in violation of both the Constitution and Section 38 of Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act).

Ziyambi said Section 52 and 53 provided for right to personal security and protection from cruel and inhuman treatment, while Section 38 of Criminal Law criminalise the obsctruction or endangering free movement of persons or traffic.

Section 38 of the Criminal Law reads as follows: “Any person who — (a)throws or propels or prepares to throw or propel any missile, article or thing at any person, motor vehicle, boat, aircraft or building with the intention or realising that there is a real risk or possibility of causing damage or injury; or (b) without lawful excuse, the proof whereof lies on him or her, overturns or attempts to overturn any motor vehicle, boat or aircraft. . . shall be guilty of obstructing or endangering the free movement of persons or traffic and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years or both.”

“When you throw a spike, you are clearly causing bodily harm or injury,” said Ziyambi, who is Zvimba West MP (Zanu-PF).

“Is that not cruel or inhuman treatment. I do not see where the practice or carrying the spikes is supported by any law.”

Ziyambi said police should use modern technology to deal with errant commuter omnibus drivers like scanners or tollgates.

Another PLC member,  Fortune Chasi, said there was need to strike a balance between the desire to enforce the law and protect the public.

“The police can and should not throw the spikes without regard to the law and safety of human life and property,” he said. “It is not fair to just blame the police.”

Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Zimbabwe Professor Lovemore Madhuku said it was unlawful for police to take the law into their own hands.

A 16-year-old HIV positive boy from Gweru jumped to his death from a 30-metre high Gweru City Council water reservoir after his mother had reprimanded him for having sex with his girlfriend.

Acting Midlands province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the death of Jimmy Tichaona Chivende of Mkoba 13 Suburb, Gweru, on Saturday night.

The body of the boy, who was in Form Four at a local school, was discovered on Sunday morning.

“Police in Gweru are investigating a case of sudden death by suicide where a 16-year-old male died after throwing himself off a 30m high water reservoir tank. The incident occurred on April 8 at about 11.30PM. Circumstances are that the deceased was rebuked for allegedly indulging in sexual activity by his mother Constance Chivende at about 7PM on the same date,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said at around 11PM, the juvenile left home and went to Mkoba 14 water tanks.  He climbed on top of the tank and took the fatal jump.

“He died on the spot. The body was discovered by a passer-by who reported to the police,” she said.

According to an application for post-mortem waiver in the hands of The Chronicle, the boy suffered a broken right hand, multiple head injuries and bled from the nose and mouth as a result of the fall.

The application indicates that he was taking anti-retroviral drugs.

Mrs Chivende (43), his mother, in her affidavit said she suspected no foul play.

“I’m the mother of the deceased who committed suicide after he left home saying he wanted to visit the toilet. I was then advised about the incident after he was seen by passers-by as he was lying on the ground dead. However, I don’t suspect any foul play surrounding the death of my son since I had reproached him for sexual activities and I suspect this didn’t go down well with him leading to him committing suicide,” she said.

Neighbours told The Chronicle that on the day in question the teenager brought his girlfriend and allegedly had sexual intercourse with her in their house.

“A neighbour saw him taking in the girl. When his mother returned from work, she was told about the matter before she admonished him,” said a neighbour on condition of anonymity.

Midlands provincial magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa waived post-mortem and Jimmy is expected to be buried soon.- State Media

President Mugabe has singled out two ministers for being pro-active and working hard to reduce the impact of a tropical storm, which affected several parts of the country about two months ago.

The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces said while the country’s agricultural programmes benefited from the rains, they also left a trail of destruction in some parts of the country.

Addressing the 105th Ordinary Session of the Zanu-PF Central Committee in Harare on Friday, President Mugabe hailed Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri for warning people about the dangers of the floods and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Priscah Mupfumira for spearheading mobilisation of resources to help affected communities.

He said the party was expected to pay particular attention to reports from provinces that were most affected by the tropical storm.

“Our Minister of Environment and her group were wonderful performers, alerting people and working together with Ministry of Labour for assistance,” said President Mugabe.

“They distinguished themselves very much. We were quick as Government in moving to places that were affected in order to assuage the challenges that were faced by families that are still displaced from unfortunate events where a number of people died.”

President Mugabe said the rains brought both fortunes and misfortune.

He said the country was expected to record high yields, thanks to the rains, though the country had at the same time suffered when bridges were swept away and other infrastructure such as water facilities were destroyed.

Some villagers were marooned, for instance in Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland South.

“I am glad that our security service rendered its service, going with helicopters to try and uplift the people from points of danger, we thank them,” said President Mugabe.

“We thank God for the heavy rains. Small rivers that had gone dry were full, our dams that had also gone dry in some places or too low are now spilling.

“So, there is lots of water, water, water everywhere now. So, it’s another phase of our Command Agriculture. I do hope that we will do the same during the dry season as we did during the wet season.”

The Government recently extended invitations to humanitarian organisations and the international community to help in the rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure and provision of humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

It is estimated that refurbishment of destroyed infrastructure and humanitarian assistance will chew hundreds of millions of dollars.

The United Nations office in Zimbabwe and some non-governmental organisations have already indicated their willingness to join hands with Government in helping affected communities.- State Media

ECOSURE subscribers yesterday accused Econet of short-changing them saying the company was failing to give them their money upon bereavement as agreed.

Speaking in Bulawayo during a meeting with burial societies that subscribe to EcoSure, subscribers said they were being unfairly treated by Econet despite paying their monthly subscriptions on time.

They said it was not fair that after making contributions timeously, the company fails to meet its side of the bargain.

“Here we are being unfairly treated. We pay on time but when we are bereaved and we want our money their (EcoSure) agents tell us there is no money. We are being taken for a ride, they must rectify this situation as soon as possible,” fumed one subscriber identified as Mr Moyo.

Another client who identified herself as Miss Noreen Khabo said EcoSure funeral policy should have good relations with clients or stop implementing a policy that benefits them alone at the expense of contributors.

“They (EcoSure) now come with policies without even consulting us. They now say if one pays after the grace period of the 10th of the following month the payments are deemed null. But when we joined during its introduction they did not tell us that,” said Miss Khabo.

Mr Tinashe Temera said EcoSure was giving them a tough time as the policies that they implement only favour them because people would be paying and the customers would be denied service as agreed.

Another participant, a Mr Mathonsi, said the quality of service being given by EcoSure had damaged the trust between them and the service provider.

In response, head of sales EcoCash and EcoSure, Mr Learnmore Masunda, said the problems around benefits to bereaved members were a result of a cash crisis in the country which was not unique to Econet.

He pledged that the firm would work things out to make sure that their customers do not feel short changed.

“We are in a cash crisis as a country. This is not an Econet problem only but our problem. People are failing to cash-out their money at our agents but we will try by all means that the bereaved members of that burial society can get the money and I can assure you that if it means calling those agents in Gwanda I can do that so that the affected members get the money to bury their loved ones,” said Mr Masunda.- State Media

A woman from Bulawayo who betrayed the trust bestowed on her by a friend and withdrew $800 from two accounts before squandering the money in violation of a trust agreement, has been given up to Wednesday next week to pay back the money.

Yesterday it emerged that Chernee Attwell (27) of Morningside suburb in Bulawayo who spent the money while her friend, Mr Theunnissen Rene Robin, was on holiday outside the country was never a bank teller at MBCA as earlier erroneously reported.

Attwell, who is being represented by lawyers from Mashayamombe and Company, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya yesterday facing two counts of theft of trust property. When Attwell initially appeared in court on Monday without legal representation she pleaded guilty to the charge before altering her plea to not guilty on Thursday last week acting on her lawyer’s instruction.

When she appeared before the court yesterday Attwell reverted to her initial plea of guilty and the magistrate gave her up to April 19 to pay back the money.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said between October 28 and November 2 last year, the complainant, Mr Theunnissen Rene Robin was given permission by Mr Alexander Chitike and Mr Elliot Tinage, the owners of the two accounts, to withdraw money on their behalf.

Mr Robin then went on holiday and gave Attwell the two bank cards to withdraw the money on his behalf. She withdrew $400 from each of the two bank accounts and converted the money to her own use.

“The accused withdrew a total of $800 from the two bank accounts and she converted the money to her personal use,” said Mr Dlodlo.

The court heard that when Mr Robin returned from holiday, Attwell failed to hand over the money and the matter was reported to the police leading to her arrest.- State Media

A 47-year-old villager from Silobela has been fined $200 for dumping his brother’s body in a kitchen hut at his neighbour’s homestead demanding three beasts as compensation for his death.

Remigio Sibanda of Village 16 under Chief Ntabeni, Silobela, appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Mrs Vimbai Mtukwa facing one count of extortion.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $200.

Sibanda faces 60 days imprisonment if he defaults on the fine.

“What you did was unlawful and society cannot be allowed to take the law into its own hands. You are fined $200 or 60 days in prison. In addition 30 days imprisonment is suspended on condition the accused person restitutes the complainant the one beast she surrendered,” said Mrs Mtukwa.

In his defence, Sibanda told the court that he was just representing his family.

Prosecuting, Ms Mary Chipanga said on March 16 Mlungisi Sibanda died after being assaulted by a group of people following a misunderstanding.

“On March 22 at around 6AM, the accused person acting in common purpose with his father Mexen Sibanda, who is still at large exerted illegitimate pressure on Julia Mbangwe. The accused person and his father went with the corpse of Mlungisi to Mbangwe’s homestead claiming that her sons had caused the death of Mlungisi and as such demanded three cattle from the complainant before the burial of the deceased,” said Ms Chipanga.

The court heard that Ms Mbangwe gave them only one beast instead of the three they had demanded.

She said that the accused person then left the deceased’s body in the complainant’s kitchen and went away.

“This forced the complainant to flee from her homestead and she went to stay at her neighbour’s homestead before a report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused person,” said Ms Chipanga.- State Media

A lawyer who was indecently assaulted by fired Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church pastor Brighton Ndebele is suing the disgraced clergyman and the church for $250 000 in damages.

Ndebele (32) was convicted of indecently assaulting the lawyer in October 2016 by Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure and sentenced to 12 months in jail. Three months were suspended for three years on condition that he did not within that period commit a similar offence.

The remaining nine months were further suspended on condition that Ndebele performs 315 hours of community service at Hillside Police Station.

The lawyer is suing the fired pastor and the church for crimen injuria, psychological distress, contumelia and violation of her personal integrity.

In papers filed at the Bulawayo High Court, through her lawyers Dube-Tachiona and Tsvangirai Legal Practitioners, the abused lawyer cited Ndebele, the Zimbabwe Union Conference of the SDA, South Zimbabwe Conference of the SDA and the church’s Bulawayo City Centre branch as respondents.

In her founding affidavit, the lawyer who cannot be named for legal reasons said she was shocked and humiliated when Ndebele took advantage of her.

“By forcing uninvited and unwanted physical, sexual charged contact with me, the first defendant (Ndebele) violated my right to integrity of the body and personality. During the month of June 2016, Ndebele sent me several messages on WhatsApp displaying disdain and mockery to my marital status and injured feelings,” she said.

Although the SDA fired Ndebele, the lawyer insisted in her papers that the church failed to take necessary disciplinary measures against him.

“I aver that the second and third defendants (Zimbabwe Union Conference of the SDA and South Zimbabwe Conference of the SDA) took no steps to investigate my report and complaint against Ndebele and instead chose to interrogate me for making a report to the police,” she said.

According to a letter dated February 23, 2017, the church voted at a church business meeting that Ndebele should be relieved of his duties as a pastor.

The letter, which was addressed to Ndebele, was signed by one P Ncube who is SDA’s Bulawayo City Centre head elder and two church clerks only identified as S Hanyane and N Nyathi.

The lawyer accused the church of failing to offer her counselling. The lawyer said after reporting the abuse to the police, the church declared her an outcast and renegade.

She said she was emotionally and mentally traumatised after the abuse and had to request to be removed from church membership.

“As a result of the actions of the defendants, I suffered serious mental anguish, psychological distress and trauma, injury to my dignity and a violation to my person and family privacy. The church failed to ensure an environment in which all members are safe from sexual harassment and molestation by pastors and any persons affiliated to it,” she said.

On April 20 last year at around midday, Ndebele went to the lawyer’s workplace to discuss church business since the complainant was also a head of social committees in the church.

After the discussion and when he was about to leave office, the pastor solicited for a hug from the complainant and she declined.

He then forcibly pulled the woman by the hand and squeezed her to his chest, before holding her waist and caressed her back and buttocks.  She reported the matter to the police leading to Ndebele’s arrest.

The lawyer said the church’s failure to deal with the matter gave her an impression that it accepts as normal “predatory sexual proclivities from its pastors.”

She accused the church of allegedly trying to sweep Pastor Ndebele’s sexual mess under the carpet.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi last month blocked SDA from censuring the lawyer’s husband.

His ruling followed an urgent chamber application by the abused lawyer’s husband challenging the church’s decision to slap him with a seven month censure without conducting a proper disciplinary hearing.

The lawyer’s husband argued he was censured by members of the board, deacons and deaconess and elders’ councils for confronting the pastor who indecently harassed his wife and reporting him to the police.

However, the church leadership said the lawyer’s husband was being silenced for disrupting church activities and perpetrating violence. – State Media

Air Zimbabwe is being forced to hire planes to serve its routes as foreign currency shortages are delaying the acquisition of spare parts for its grounded fleet.

This has resulted in long flight delays and cancellations in the past week.

Officials at the airline have said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was delaying releasing foreign currency to purchase spare parts needed for maintenance work.

Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer Captain Ripton Muzenda said the delays were a result of maintenance work which is underway.

“We’ve been actually hiring aircraft from South Africa to try and maintain the schedules and we are also facing a challenge where we have not been getting aircraft that are available for hire.  It’s not really a problem, it’s just that aircraft are down for maintenance work. When we try to make any external payments for parts it’s taking time to process the money through the Reserve Bank,” said Cpt Muzenda.

He said the forex challenge was not unique to Air Zim but many other sectors as well.

“I don’t think we are unique. I think all companies including the manufacturing sector are facing the same challenges but the problem for us is that it becomes immediately apparent because aircraft has to be there and when you can’t get it on time it will show immediately,” he said.

He said delays in external payments was hampering operations.

“We apologise sincerely to our passengers. We really don’t want to inconvenience them because we are here for their convenience so it affects us when we inconvenience them. We are working tirelessly to make sure the fleet is back up flying,” said Capt Muzenda.

Disgruntled passengers who spoke to The Chronicle said Air Zimbabwe was inconveniencing them as some flights were being delayed until the early hours of the following morning.

They also blasted the airline for not communicating on time.

“On Wednesday we left Bulawayo for Harare at around 10: 45PM for a flight which was scheduled for 7PM. We only got to Harare towards midnight and it’s such an inconvenience to the people waiting to receive us at the other end,” said a businessman who preferred anonymity.

He said they were to encounter the same challenge the following day as they sought to fly back to Bulawayo, only leaving Harare at 10PM.

A Bulawayo lawyer also vented her anger at the national airline for the delays and poor communication which saw her spend more than five hours at the airport on two occasions.

“Yesterday (Sunday) we flew at 9.30PM when the flight had been scheduled for 4pm.  But Friday was worse, we were supposed to leave Bulawayo at 7.30PM but left at 1AM,” she said, on condition of anonymity.

Sources at Air Zimbabwe said they were using one plane for all regular flights, Harare-Bulawayo, Johannesburg-Harare, Harare-Victoria Falls and Bulawayo-Harare.

“Passengers have to wait for the flight from Joburg to Harare which then ferries them to Bulawayo and finally do the Bulawayo-Harare flight hence the delays.

“We are working hard to solve the crisis but it’s really inconvenient to the passengers whom we are delaying,” said the source. – State Media

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Zanu PF youths sympathetic to National Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere were severely assaulted by rival party members amid heightening squabbles.

Two party members, said to be Kasukuwere’ s advisors, were attacked by fellow party members on arrival at Rujeko Primary School for a ward meeting last Saturday.

The incident has happened at a time Kasukuwere, also known as Tyson, is under relentless pressure from disgruntled party members who want him chucked out of Zanu PF.

The two youths, Simbarashe Tavahla and Tinashe Manyika, were rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital after sustaining serious injuries-following the attack. “When we arrived at Rujeko Primary School for the ward meeting, Promise Mutangadura and ward youth chairperson, Charles Mabhiyati approached us.We were shocked when they attacked us,” said Tavahla.

He added: “They accused us of being members of the G-40 Team. They further accused us of spying on them.”

A member of the Zanu PF , ward 7 executive committee, said the two were assaulted for attempting to protect Kasukuwere. “There was a meeting and the two wanted to force party members in Rujeko to oppose the call to dismiss Kasukuwere.They were warned but they remained adamant. I personally cautioned them but they never paid attention,” he said.

Kasukuwere is under fire for allegedly setting up parallel structures in the ruling party.
Zanu PF national spokesperson, Ambassador Simon Khaya told reporters in Harare prosecution loomed for some party members. – ZimEye

Man from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo has been fined $100 for kicking a six months pregnant woman on the stomach leading to the victim suffering a miscarriage.

Hillary Mbekwe (38) pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Juliet Maphosa (27).

Western Commonage Magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube sentenced Mbekwe to 90 days in jail wholly suspended on condition that he pays a fine of $100.

Mbekwe told the court that he lost his temper after Ms Maphosa insulted him using unprintable words in reference to his manhood.

“Your Worship I didn’t mean to hurt her. It’s only that she insulted me about my manhood. I felt disrespected. She talked of my organ as if she had seen it before. I lost my temper and slapped her out of anger, I never kicked her,” said Mbekwe.

Mr Ncube warned Mbekwe of the dangers of taking the law into his own hands.
“It is not wise to take the law into your own hands. When you have an altercation with someone you need to engage the police or a third party to help you solve your problems,” said the magistrate.

“You may deny having kicked her but how can a mere slap result in a miscarriage? The only reason why you have been spared a custodial sentence is because you are a first offender hence sending you to jail may turn you into a worse criminal,” he said.

Prosecuting, Ms Magret Takawira said on January 21 this year at 10AM, Mbekwe had an altercation with Ms Maphosa.

“Accused person went to complainant’s place of residence. He accused her of getting him into trouble with the police. Accused kicked the complainant on her belly and slapped her several times in the face. Complainant went to Mpilo Hospital where a doctor confirmed that she had suffered a miscarriage due to the assault,” she said.

Mbekwe is set to appear in court today for an unrelated rape charge. – State Media

Ray Nkosi | Norton Residents this morning demonstrated against poor service delivery.

“Norton does not even have a mortuary,” Norton MP Themba Mliswa told ZimEye in a live interview as he lamented poor service delivery, poor roads and rampant corruption in the Norton Town Council. ” I am a no nonsense legislator when it comes to corruption, ” said Mliswa as challenged anyone who knew of any corrupt act of his to come out and expose it. Mliswa also called on President Robert Mugabe to act against corrupt officials.

Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services as well as Chipinge East legislator, Dr Win Mlambo, escaped death by a whisker when a TelOne owned vehicle he was driving was badly damaged after he was involved in an accident on his way to Chipinge on Monday night.

Police confirmed the accident which happened around 10pm.

“I do not have the details of how the accident occurred, but I can confirm that it occurred. Investigations are still in progress,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.

Investigations by this reporter revealed that the vehicle, a Mazda BT50, grey in colour, was registered in TelOne’s name, with the address of registration given as 107 Kwame Nkrumah, Harare.

When contacted for comment after Wednesday’s parliamentary session, Dr Mlambo went ballistic, accusing this newspaper of writing falsehoods about him.

“What do you need that information for? You want to write that in the newspaper? What for? You see, I cannot say anything to you. Write whatever you want. Last time I gave you my comment, but you went on to fabricate things and wrote things that are not true. Just write what you want,” said Dr Mlambo.

However, this newspaper has it on good authority that Dr Mlambo was involved in an accident on his way to Chipinge when the TelOne vehicle (Registration Number ACX 8629) he was driving hit two beasts along Mutare-Masvingo Highway on Monday night.

The accident occurred barely a month after Dr Mlambo stirred controversy following his attempts to address an unsanctioned rally in neighbouring Chipinge South constituency, but Zanu-PF party youths in the area denied him and his entourage access to the intended meeting venue.

Several party heavyweights among them Politburo members, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, Cde Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri and provincial chairman, Dr Samuel Undenge rapped the deputy minister for what they termed wayward and divisive behaviour.- State Media

Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services as well as Chipinge East legislator, Dr Win Mlambo, escaped death by a whisker when a TelOne owned vehicle he was driving was badly damaged after he was involved in an accident on his way to Chipinge on Monday night.

Police confirmed the accident which happened around 10pm.

“I do not have the details of how the accident occurred, but I can confirm that it occurred. Investigations are still in progress,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.

Investigations by this reporter revealed that the vehicle, a Mazda BT50, grey in colour, was registered in TelOne’s name, with the address of registration given as 107 Kwame Nkrumah, Harare.

When contacted for comment after Wednesday’s parliamentary session, Dr Mlambo went ballistic, accusing this newspaper of writing falsehoods about him.

“What do you need that information for? You want to write that in the newspaper? What for? You see, I cannot say anything to you. Write whatever you want. Last time I gave you my comment, but you went on to fabricate things and wrote things that are not true. Just write what you want,” said Dr Mlambo.

However, this newspaper has it on good authority that Dr Mlambo was involved in an accident on his way to Chipinge when the TelOne vehicle (Registration Number ACX 8629) he was driving hit two beasts along Mutare-Masvingo Highway on Monday night.

The accident occurred barely a month after Dr Mlambo stirred controversy following his attempts to address an unsanctioned rally in neighbouring Chipinge South constituency, but Zanu-PF party youths in the area denied him and his entourage access to the intended meeting venue.

Several party heavyweights among them Politburo members, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, Cde Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri and provincial chairman, Dr Samuel Undenge rapped the deputy minister for what they termed wayward and divisive behaviour.- State Media

After years of mudslinging, the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai and
the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tendai Biti, are now back on
talking terms with the latter saying it has now realised that it was
pandering to Zanu PF whims when it used to attack the former prime
minister.

Speaking to the Daily News yesterday PDP spokesperson Jacob Mafume said it
has always been Zanu PF’s wish to see Tsvangirai and Biti squabbling but
those “dark days” are gone now as opposition parties start to engage with
the aim of forming a grand coalition.

“The tiff was exaggerated by our enemies which is Zanu PF. As we always
said that there are no personal differences between…Biti
and…Tsvangirai.

“Tsvangirai is not our enemy our enemy is Zanu PF. As for the talks, we
are in talks with different opposition parties including the MDC.

“We have mandated our leadership to handle the issue of coalition talks.
We are happy that all opposition parties are now seeing the importance of
the coalition.”

Pictures of Tsvangirai and Biti in smiles at a National Electoral Reform
Agenda (Nera) gathering  last month went viral on social media with many
opposition fanatics urging the former allies to unite and work together
towards ending President Robert Mugabe’s 37-year-old reign.

Apparently, rattled by the prospects of a grand coalition among opposition
parties, Mugabe sought to pooh-pooh the envisaged alliance when he
addressed his party’s central committee on Friday last week, but for
Tsvangirai the nonagenarian is now running scared.

Sources close to coalition deliberations that are taking place behind the
scenes, as the country hurtles towards the watershed 2018 elections, told
the Daily News that Biti and Tsvangirai could reunite anytime soon.

“Biti and Tsvangirai’s relationship has improved they are in talks and
most senior members in Biti’s party now support the idea of the reunion of
the two.

“The picture of the two at the Nera demonstration drew positive comments
from the people and now both parties are eager to work together.
Tsvangirai and Biti are having meetings to iron out their differences and
soon the deal will be finalised,” the source said.

However, according to the PDP, it is not wise to have a coalition now
because Zanu PF would infiltrate opposition parties and weaken them before
the 2018 polls.

“The question which only remains now is when is the coalition? However,
because of the nature of the regime we are dealing with we can’t have the
coalition way before the elections because we will end up infiltrated by
Zanu PF.

“Also some parties are still working on holding their congresses, but
definitely the coalition will come,” said Mafume.

Asked who should lead the broad alliance of opposition parties, Mafume
said, “what is needed is consensus among opposition parties”.

Yesterday, Tsvangirai, through his spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, said
Mugabe is running scared as opposition parties show strong signals that
they could unite before the crucial 2018 plebiscite.

“They thought that it was going to be difficult for us as Zimbabweans to
work together, obviously, the regime is panicking. There are overwhelming
reasons for them to panic because we are surely coming together,” said
Tamborinyoka.

“Zimbabweans are congregating and there is an overwhelming unity among
Zimbabweans. The economic and social problems are bringing the people of
Zimbabwe together. In 2018 it will be the people of Zimbabwe versus this
minority regime.

“We don’t care about Zanu PF fights. We feel sorry for those who are on a
massage chair because they will go back to their rural area but it’s not a
crime to be old.” – Daily News

Ray Nkosi | Rumours spreading that renowned author Charles Mungoshi has died are not true.

Mungoshi’s family confirmed with 263 Chat, “We have just confirmed with the Mungoshi family that news of Charles Mungoshi’s death is in fact UNTRUE cc #263Chat #Twimbos.”

Mungoshi recently made an urgent appeal for $9 000 for a repeat operation after doctors inserted a shunt to drain water from his brain last year. The shunt was not working so liquid was building up in his skull putting pressure on his brain.

His wife Jesesi Mungoshi told Zimbojam that the operation needs to be done as quickly as possible. Mrs Mungoshi with the help of her sister Fungisai Siggins, Zimbojam, University of Zimbabwe lecturer Memory Chirere together with family and friends are working to raise the money needed. – Agencies

Norton residents  on Monday stormed local council offices and protested against poor service delivery.

Terrence Mawawa, Chivhu| Members of the Zimbabwe National Army  allegedly pounced on an off-duty police officer and heavily assaulted him for wearing a pair of camouflage shorts last Thursday.

There was commotion in the small transit town when a group of soldiers confronted Constable Philani Matema and bashed him for wearing camouflage shorts.
Matema is based at Sadza Police Camp.

Matema was at Chivhu Pick and Pay when the soldiers spotted him.They thoroughly assaulted him and fled.

Matema confirmed the incident but he would not disclose further details. He said his bosses were in a better position to comment on the matter. “I was injured but I cannot say much because my superiors are in a better position to comment on the matter,” said Matema.

Mashonaland East Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Tendai Mwanza, said he was yet to receive information pertaining the matter.

“I am yet to receive the details of the said case,” said Mwanza.

A local vendor said: ” The men who assaulted him were wearing army uniforms and they disembarked from an army truck. Matema was left sprawling on the ground and he later teamed up with his colleagues and pursued the soldiers. Upon realising they were being trailed, the soldiers produced a gun and the cops ran away, ” said the vendor.

Matema also lost $80 during the scuffle.

President Robert Mugabe yesterday poured scorn at opposition political parties’ efforts to form a grand coalition to contest against Zanu PF in next year’s elections, saying this was nothing but a mirage, which will suffer a “grand” loss.

Officially opening a Zanu PF central committee meeting, Mugabe mocked the opposition saying they were a confused lot, who gift his party through splits and internal fights.

“They have tried this and that, been together, they split again, they talk of coalitions. We shall make them talk all kinds of languages that is what Zanu PF is capable of doing when we are united and doing our own thing,” he said.

“We look with glee, we look with joy as they daily turn on each other, while pretending to chase a mirage they have termed grand coalition, apparently unaware of the grand defeat that stares them in the face.”

Mugabe said the good rains, which point to a bumper harvest, had set his party up for a smashing electoral victory.

He, however, noted his party was facing its own internal squabbles.

“For as long as we think and act in unison, we shall always be the victors bound by common belief and a binding sense of camaraderie,” Mugabe said.

“The promise of a good agricultural performance translates quite naturally to even great support for our party, as we inch towards the 2018 harmonised elections.

“Riled by successive by-electoral blows, the opposition is in a quagmire all the time, clutching on dropped straws in a vain hope of some modicum of political respectability, which routinely eludes them apparently.”

Mugabe’s jibe on the opposition came as Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T and Joice Mujuru’s National People’s Party, which were working towards a coalition they hope will end Mugabe’s 37-year rule, have suffered splits.

Mugabe also waded into the fight, which has seen the National Elections Reform Agenda, a grouping of 13 opposition parties taking on Zimbabwe Electoral Commission accusing it of political bias and refusing to reform, saying this was only an excuse of a confused people.

“Unable to face our mighty party, they have now turned their guns on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission; they are fighting a commission that has no fault,” he said.

“Itself a constitutional body mandated to run elections in our country, afflicted by madness as it were, which knows no bounds they even seek to interfere with the mandate of government tendering process, hoping for some optimistic fissures and little chances that might give them a little respectability.”

Mugabe called on his party to take full advantage of the fights in the opposition to consolidate its position ahead of the pools.

Already confirmed as Zanu PF 2018 presidential candidate, Mugabe turned to his own party and called for a halt on internal demonstrations.

He warned that the public demonstrations targeting the party’s political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere had the effect of playing into the hands of the opposition by cultivating a message of discord and despondency in Zanu PF.

“To all those who have been expressing displeasures through demonstrations in various provinces, we say ‘fine you made your points and your voices have been heard, but please the party has structures and organs designed to handle such matters in a dignified way’.

“Are you aware that Tsvangirai and others are listening and laughing?”-Newsday

A Bulawayo family is grappling to come to terms with the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of their 15-year-old son, who had been admitted at Parirenyatwa Hospital amid reports that gross negligence could have contributed to the death.

Brian Mhlanga, who had leukemia, died on March 14 after staff at the referral hospital allegedly dragged their feet in actioning his treatment, which included receiving three pints of blood.

Brian’s distraught mother, Sikhulile Mahlongwana, is adamant that her son would be alive today had the concerned staff done their part in ensuring that he received the necessary treatment in time.

Narrating her ordeal to the NewsDay Weekender, Mahlongwana said she was disappointed by the way her son’s case was handled by the nurses and doctors at the institution.

“We came on referral from Mpilo Central Hospital to see a haematologist (specialist who works on diagnosis and monitoring of patients with disorders of the blood and bone marrow). My son was put on chemotherapy. He started responding well and even his observation chart records confirmed this,” she said.

However, the teenager started nose bleeding and for two days the condition remained the same.

Mahlongwana was told her son needed more platelets (tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding).

“I was told to buy three pints of blood and I did so. There was a note attached saying that it was urgent,” she said.

However, what was to follow was a nightmare that the family will find it hard to forget.

There were serious delays in getting the blood to Brian, prompting his mother to go to the National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) and inquire about the hold up.

“I went to NBSZ, which is just next door to the hospital. They told me they had the blood and it was ready, but could not get through to C3 ward where my son was admitted (so that hospital staff could come and collect it),” Mahlongwana, with raw pain evident in her voice, said.

She hurried back to the ward and alerted a nurse on duty of the situation.

“She (the nurse) was very rude to me and said they would wait for the call from NBSZ. She even said they (NBSZ) should have phoned the next ward,” she narrated .

Mahlongwana went back to NBSZ now agitated by the lack of urgency which was being displayed by the staff at Parirenyatwa Hospital. It was only after 7pm in the evening that one pint of blood was delivered.

“I refused to go home when visiting hour had passed until the blood came,” she said.

Tired and emotionally drained, Mahlongwana eventually, went home only to be awakened by a distressed phone call from her son.

“He was clearly in pain and said he was now very weak and begged me to come quickly,” recalls Mahlongwana.

She rushed to the hospital. Her son was in bad shape. The other two pints had not been administered.

“The nurses said there had been a mix up because the numbers on the tags where not corresponding with their records so the NBSZ could not continue to give him the rest of the blood,” she said.

What surprised her, however, was the fact the one pint that her son had been given had the same numbers with the other two.

Brian told his mother that he had been in such pain throughout the night and had pleaded with the nurses for a pain killer, but none was given as the nurses said they were waiting for the doctor, who would come the following morning at 8am.

“I could hear his cries from the waiting area. I will never forget how he was wailing, calling for something to ease his pain,” she said with a voice laden with emotion.

The doctor, allegedly upon insistence from Brian’s mother, went to his bed side and asked what was wrong.

Brian, a bright Form 3 pupil, passed away that very day without receiving the other two pints of blood. He was buried in Matopos.

“I’m angry because I lost my son. The hospital is a place of recovery, but with such attitudes and negligence how many more are dying,” she said.

Responding to the matter Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals said they had not received any complaint regarding the matter.

“However, in the event that Brian Mhlanga’s parents have a complaint to make to the hospital, they are free to approach us through our public relations office. The hospital is prepared to discuss their concerns with them,” the hospital public relations officer, Linos Dhire said.

Dhire said they were always concerned with the loss of any one of their patients.

“Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has a robust complaints handling mechanism which is meant to properly and effectively address public concerns with a view to prevent possible recurrences of unfortunate events,” he said.

The NBSZ on being contacted said they would institute their own investigations.

“We acknowledge notification from yourselves (NewsDay Weekender) on the incident at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. As indicated to you, this is the first time that we are being notified of this issue at executive management level of which we are now looking into,” NBSZ public affairs manager, Esther Masundah said.

She said feedback would be given according to the communication protocols.

Meanwhile, a trustee with a local health watch dog, Citizens Health Watch, Fungisayi Dube said they were concerned about the quality of our health services which compromises our right to health.

“This issue needs to be investigated further and if in any way there was negligence those responsible should be apprehended,” she said.- Newsday

Former Bulilima East legislator, Norman Mpofu (MDC-T) has claimed that the Gukurahundi issue has been hijacked by some elements, with hidden tribal agendas, hence, the push to close debate on the atrocities.

Mpofu said this after Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko recently announced that the government had moved in to assist relatives of the victims to get birth certificates, as part of efforts to bring closure to the issue.

“As things stand, the moment this issue is raised, citizens assume tribal positions. It polarises the nation and real issues surrounding this issue are drowned by tribal noises,” he said, claiming Mphoko had only raised the matter as a public relations exercise for his hugely “tainted” Zanu PF party.

“If the matter was brought up by Zapu, this unhelpful tribal dimension would have been avoided and allowed the issue to be approached objectively and given it a better chance to get justice for the victims. The target of Gukuraundi was Zapu, not Ndebeles. Just before the 1980 elections, a lot of Zapu officials and candidates were slaughtered in Mashonaland. Zanu PF was after power and Zapu was the stumbling block.

“Zanu PF quickly realised the central role Zapu could have played in seeking justice for its supporters. It swiftly neutralised Zapu and harvested the top leadership, who were bribed with positions that gave them access to looting and enriching themselves. That literally destroyed any chance and hope for the victims of the Gukuraundi genocide.”

Mpofu said, in simple terms, Zapu denied Gukuraundi victims justice.

“Currently, it is difficult to raise the issue in a meaningful way. Those who were leaders and some of them, who were directly affected and have the means and capacity to push for justice like Jonathan Moyo are simply not interested, only raising the issue of the murder of his father when it suits his personal circumstances,” he said.

Moyo recently organised for the reburial of his father, who is said to have been killed during Gukurahundi in Tsholotsho.

Mpofu said the opposition, in its current form, had no capacity to handle the issue.

“The best they do is to use the issue as a political football. It is only raised by officials when addressing rallies in the affected areas. The matter is political capital only used to earn voters and never to get justice for the victims,” he alleged.

“The international community could have been handy, but then the Cold War issues were of paramount importance to them. They sacrificed lives for their political and economic interests. Zapu was a threat to them as it was an ally of Russia. They chose to look aside when their better devil aligned to China committed genocide. They now back civic groups after their kith and kin were pushed out of the land.
It makes it difficult to embrace their help as it is coming too late and with dirty hands.”

“The Gukurahundi issue, if looked at from a sober perspective, cannot be solved fairly in the near future. This is basically due to the fact that all the current players involved in finding a solution are contaminated in one form or the other.”

“It will be naive to expect criminals to investigate and prosecute themselves. The solution from this angle can only come when there is change of government or when a new crop of leaders who were not actively involved take over.” – State Media

A man from Bulawayo died allegedly after his neighbour axed him five times in the head, leaving his brains splattered on the ground following a petty misunderstanding.

The two fought after the victim confronted his neighbour demanding to know why he had left him at a bar.

Tapiwanashe Mutakaya (43) died on the spot after Antony Ndlovu (34) allegedly brutally attacked him at around 9PM on Saturday at the RMS Transport Residential Quarters along Old Khami Road.

Ndlovu was arrested at the scene.

Security guards at the compound said they had to separate Ndlovu and Mutakaya after they engaged in a “fierce fist fight” at the gate.

After they went their separate ways, Mutakaya is alleged to have followed Ndlovu to his house and revived the fight.

A neighbour, Mr Mqondisi Maseko told The Chronicle Mutakaya banged on the door at Ndlovu’s home and threatened to kill him in front of his wife.

“He insulted him, accusing him of being a bad friend. He said: ‘I thought you were a good someone, but why did you leave me behind?’ That resulted in the two men fighting again,” he said.

When The Chronicle visited the scene yesterday, shell-shocked residents were still standing in groups discussing the scary incident.

Mr Lovemore Chimhene (53), Mutakaya’s nephew, said his uncle died a painful death.

“I heard Ndlovu screaming. He was acting insane and shouting that he had killed someone. I was shocked to find Tapiwanashe lying on the ground with his skull split open. He had five deep cuts on the head,” said Mr Chimhene.

He said his uncle must have been very drunk because security guards at the RMS premises said he was staggering as he insisted on continuing the fight with Ndlovu after they had been separated.

Mr Chimhene said the two, who were workmates, had been drinking beer in the same bar earlier that night.

“They had played pool in opposing teams and we suspect the fight was over previous grudges because the reason of leaving each other behind at a beer spot cannot result in two elderly men fighting to that extent.

“Ndlovu was walking back home in the company of his brother in-law when Tapiwanashe came running and caught up with them. It is then that he’s said to have accused Ndlovu of being a bad fellow and demanded to know why he had left him behind,” he said.

Mr Chimhene said as they approached the compound, Mr Maseko joined them and tried to stop them from fighting as they walked home.

“When the two fought at the front gate, the guards stopped them and reprimanded Tapiwanashe. After about 30 minutes, Tapiwanashe came banging on Ndlovu’s door, shouting that he wanted to kill him in front of his wife,” said Mr Chimhene.

“Ndlovu told his wife not to open the door. He said he would be forced to axe Tapiwanashe if he went outside to fight him. Eager to know what was going on, Ndlovu’s wife opened the door”.

He said Ndlovu rushed out holding an axe.

“He went straight towards Tapiwanashe who then tried to flee but because of his drunken state, he fell to the ground. The two wrestled for a while before Ndlovu hit him five times on the skull,” said Mr Chimhene.

Ndlovu, he said, threw the axe outside the compound and started screaming that he had killed someone.

“We had to hold him down as he started running around like a crazy person,” he said.

Bulawayo Metropolitan Province police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango could not be reached for comment. – State Media

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) exercise in Penhalonga’s Tsvingwe village just outside Mutare has heightened speculation that diamonds have been discovered in the area.

Preliminary indications which show that there could be diamond deposits in the area has since left villagers and Zimbabwe Consolidated Mining Company (ZCDC) at loggerheads after a recent emotive meeting was aborted as villagers expressed fear of a cut and paste of the Chiadzwa scenario.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, was however this week quick to dismiss claims that there have been diamond discoveries in Tsvingwe.

“There is nothing like that. It is an Environmental Impact Assessment programme being carried nationwide to determine the extent of mineral deposits in the country. It is a process by which the anticipated effects on the environment of a proposed development or project are measured.

“If the likely effects are unacceptable, design measures or other relevant mitigation measures can be taken to reduce or avoid those effects. Some people failed to understand what is happening on the ground and came up with their own conclusions,” she said.

ZCDC and SIDRC officials recently convened an urgent meeting at Tsvingwe Primary School in Penhalonga to gather views of the villagers on the intended Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) exercise before they proceed to the next stages of prospecting as required at law.

The meeting failed to proceed just after ZCDC officials announced that they ‘suspect’ that there are diamond deposits in the area and irate villagers expressed fear of displacement as well as failure to get adequate compensation.

In an interview this week, Member of the House of Assembly for Mutasa South constituency in which the area falls under, said a meeting has been arranged where the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Cde Walter Chidhakwa together with ZCDC and SIRDC officials are expected to clear the air on the intended mining operations.

“The position from the parent Ministry, which is the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, is that there is suspicion of diamond deposits in the area and as required at law they have to consult the villagers on intended mining operations.

“To this end, a meeting has been arranged at Tsvingwe Primary School on Saturday (tomorrow) where villagers are expected to get full explanation on the intended mining operations. The issue that needs to be clarified is that the diamond deposits have not yet been confirmed at the moment.

“This is the reason the Ministry wants to carry out operations to establish whether the suspicion is really based on fact. No one said there are diamonds already,” said Cde Zindi.

She added that she would not want to see villagers in the area being displaced owing to the intended mining operations.

“As the MP for the area, it is not my wish that people be displaced. Where do we put them? Where do we get the land to place them? After all there are socio-economic aspects connected to their lives in that area. I would advocate for mining operations that do not result in displacement of people,” she said.

In a separate interview, Mutasa Rural District Council chief executive Mr George Bandure said ZCDC were above board in consulting villagers before undertaking any mining operations in the area.

“If anything is discovered in any given area, at law they are required to consult the people living in the given area and that is what ZCDC officials did. That then forms the basis of the Environmental Impact Assessment exercise. In this case we as the local authority were informed of the developments.

“The term used ‘suspect’ warrants further investigations to be done to establish whether there are diamond deposits. It is clear that there are communities that will be affected negatively and positively, if indeed the diamond deposits are there.

There are employment opportunities as well as the investment portfolio of Mutasa Rural District Council increases but it must be remembered that this is an area where there are residential properties, small scale to medium commercial or industrial and social institutions in place. It automatically means that if the diamond deposits are established some people or institutions will be moved.

“Our hope is that a balance will be struck between the interests of the mining company and the interests of the people. We are aware that the issue of displacement is a hot potato but both parties have to meet halfway for the sake of development,” said Mr Bandure.

Repeated efforts to get a comment from ZCDC were fruitless at the time of going to print as the company’s Public Relations Executive Mr Brian Mangwende requested questions in writing a week ago but until Wednesday afternoon no response was issued. – State Media

A 32-year-old man from Bulawayo who allegedly lured his church-mate’s granddaughter to his house during a church service and went on to rape her has been arrested.

A court heard Pervical Beechy (32) of Baptist church in the city centre allegedly spent a night with a 17-year-old girl who cannot be named for ethical reasons at his house in Sauerstown suburb.

Beechy on Wednesday appeared before magistrate Ms Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze facing a charge of rape.

Ms Msipa-Marondedze did not ask him to plead and remanded him in custody to April 19.

Prosecuting, Ms Caroline Matanga said on January 6 this year, Beechy met the girl at Baptist church and asked her to accompany him to his house.

“At the accused`s place of residence, the accused person gave the complainant bread and a soft drink to eat. After that, he told the complainant that he was pleased by her visit and wanted to thank her by having sexual intercourse with her,” she said.

“The complainant refused but the accused person raped her. In the middle of the night, the accused person raped the complainant for the second time.”

Ms Matanga said on the following day, Beechy took the girl with him and spent the whole day roaming the streets so that the police could not find them.

The matter came to light when the victim’s grandmother reported the issue to the police leading to the arrest of Beechy. – State Media

Victoria Falls Municipality has started rehabilitating roads after receiving $20 000 emergency maintenance funds from the Zimbabwe National Roads Agency (Zinara).

In an interview, Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said almost all the roads and storm drains in the resort were severely damaged by the recent heavy rains.

He said while rehabilitation work has already started, the local authority was also carrying out a survey on the road network to come up with the extent and cost of the damage.

The town clerk said the survey is expected to be completed next week.

“We have embarked on a project to clear storm drains and attend to potholes after heavy rains left excessive damage. Most of our road network was destroyed by the rains and we are currently assessing and quantifying the damage,” said Mr Dube.

He said the worst affected areas are residential suburbs such as Mkhosana where there was no proper road network and storm drains.

“We received $20 000 for emergency work as part of a disbursement from the Road Network Fund and already we have started with Syringa Road. We will be doing all roads because as a tourist destination we need to have a good road network that attracts visitors.

“You will notice that while all suburbs were affected, Mkhosana is the worst because at inception the suburb didn’t have properly planned roads.

“We had complaints at Mukali Business Centre where there was water logging because there are no storm drains. Our engineer is doing designs on how water can be directed from that area,” Mr Dube said.

Recently, businessman Mr Silas Maligo, who runs shops at Mukali, complained to council that he was losing business as customers were failing to access the premises which were surrounded by water.

Meanwhile, Mr Dube said the municipality was also clearing water hyacinth from its three major sewer ponds so that it can be able to disinfect mosquito breeding areas. – State Media

As ZANU PF National Commissar continues to enjoy President Robert Mugabe’s protection, his brother, Dick Mafios has been slapped by ZANU PF with a ban.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central province has slapped acting provincial chairperson Dickson Mafios and secretary for administration Wonder Mashange with prohibition orders, barring them from carrying out party duties, the state media reports. FULL TEXT:

The same ban was extended to the party’s provincial administrator, Rutendo Nyamangara.

The trio has been ordered not to access party premises and surrender party assets, including vehicles.

The three are accused of working with Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere in setting up parallel structures in the province, corruption, disrespecting the party leadership and fanning factionalism.

This comes amid reports that various provinces are already compiling reports with grievances against Kasukuwere and his imposed chairpersons in line with President Mugabe’s counsel that they should follow party procedure when raising concerns against fellow comrades.

The reports would be submitted to the national leadership for appropriate action.

It is understood that an attempt by Kasukuwere and his henchmen in Mashonaland Central to call for a PCC meeting on Saturday ostensibly to instil fear in those who protested against him was stopped by the Central Committee to allow due process underway.

A prohibition order on Mafios, signed by provincial deputy secretary for administration George Makunde reads: “Reference is made to the minutes of the Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial executive council and provincial co-ordinating committee meetings held on the 4th and 5th of April, 2017 respectively, with respect to a petition in which a number of allegations were levelled against you.

“Both meetings endorsed the petition and subsequently resolved to prohibit you from carrying any party duties on behalf of Mashonaland Central province until the matter is concluded by due process. Your usual co-operation is sincerely anticipated in this regard.”

The letters were also copied to the Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration, Ignatius Chombo.

The Mashonaland Central provincial executive council and provincial co-ordinating committee endorsed the petition calling for the ouster of Kasukuwere, Mafios and Mashange, following demonstrations against them last Monday.

Mashonaland Central acting deputy chairperson Kazembe Kazembe yesterday said the letters were constitutional.

“The letters are always written by the secretary for administration for the province,” he said.

“In this case, the secretary for administration is one of the accused, therefore, the deputy secretary automatically assumes the duties of the secretary for administration and he is the one who writes the letter, but he derives his mandate from the provincial leadership.

“The authority comes from the provincial executive council (PEC), through a resolution and the same must be endorsed by the most superior provincial organ, which is the PCC. This is exactly what was done in this case. The PEC resolved to issue prohibition orders against the three and the PCC endorsed the resolutions.”

Mafios and Mashange yesterday claimed they had not seen the letters, while Ms Nyamangara promised to phone back.

Mafios and Ms Nyamangara last week allegedly ransacked party offices in Bindura and got away with property worth thousands of dollars. Party officials had to enlist the services of police to recover some of the property.

It is widely suspected that some of the property such as computers contained vital information that could be used to press criminal charges against Mafios.

President Mugabe told the Zanu-PF Central Committee on Friday that provincial structures and organs should look into grievances raised by cadres who demonstrated in various provinces.

The green light has seen disgruntled party members in various provinces approaching provincial structures to present their grievances against Kasukuwere and his cabal.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday said: “No one will be muzzled and any grievances will eventually reach the top and action will be taken.”

Wife to the founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church (AAC) Paul Mwazha, Joyce Makaonesu Mwazha, has died.

She was 79.

Mrs Mwazha died on Saturday afternoon at her home in Hatfield, Harare. She is survived by Mr Mwazha, five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mrs Mwazha will be buried at N.C Mwazha Plot, Munyati South in Chivhu, on Wednesday.

In the late 80s, Mrs Mwazha used to run businesses before she started full- time church work at AAC.

Her son, Dr Masimba Mwazha, said his mother succumbed to diabetes that she battled with for a long time.

“Its God’s hands to survive for more than 20 years with diabetes, which had affected her kidneys,” he said.

Mrs Mwazha’s daughter, Tendai, said her mother taught them forgiveness and was a peacemaker.

She said they had lost a resilient, intelligent, caring and loving mother.

AAC publicity and information secretary Bishop Elson Tafa said Mrs Mwazha was the mother supreme of AAC worldwide, a counsellor and a healer.

“She was in charge of the Holy Communion and led all the women of African Apostolic Church worldwide,” he said. “She provided counselling, healing, teaching and deliverance.”

Mr Mwazha is referred to by his followers as “Mutumwa”, a title equated to an apostle.

A drug dealer from Magwegwe North in Bulawayo has been ordered to perform 210 hours of community service after he was found with 1kg of dagga.

On Wednesday last week, police arrested Joseph Tazviona (42) for possession of the dagga worth $1 030.

He pleaded guilty to drug possession before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya who ordered him to perform 210 hours of community service at Magwegwe police Station.

“I was selling dagga to raise money to fend for my family. May this court be lenient when sentencing me,” said Tazviona.

Mr Tashaya sentenced him to nine months in prison but suspended three months for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime.

“Six months is converted to 210 hours of community service. You will start doing community service on Monday April 10,” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on April 5, police officers received a tip off that Tazviona was selling dagga at a bus stop in Makokoba suburb.

“Armed with the information, on the same day, police officers carried out surveillance. The accused person was observed disembarking from a kombi carrying a red satchel with dagga,” said Mr Dlodlo.

“Inside the satchel there was loose dagga wrapped in a black plastic paper. The police weighed the dagga in the presence of the accused and it had a mass of 1kg with a street value of about $1 030.” – State Media

The deplorable state of the country’s roads continues to be on the agenda of many meetings yet little or nothing is being done to rehabilitate them.

Tarred roads have big, gaping potholes, some which have deteriorated into gullies.

So dangerous have the roads become that motorists often ram into each other as they try to avoid the potholes.

Recently, 14 members of the same family died when a haulage truck hit a pothole and jackknifed, resulting in the trailer colliding with a kombi the family was travelling on.

In another incident, a Bulawayo man died instantly when a vehicle he was driving landed on his head and crushed it after he was thrown out of the car when he swerved to avoid a pothole.

Many have continued to die violently in accidents as a result of the country’s bad roads.

The Pumula-Mazwi Road is one such road whose deplorable state has continued to deteriorate by the day.

“The road from Pumula through to Mazwi then Khami Prison is in a bad state. It has death holes not potholes. It was never perfect but was usable. Now, we just use the road because it’s our only connection to town but using it is a real risk,” said Mr Nicholas Dube, the chairperson of Mazwi village.

“Every time one boards a kombi from Pumula to Mazwi, they get home with back pains after being thrown back and forth countless times. It’s even worse for the elderly, the pregnant and the sick; they struggle to withstand the distance and the uneven road.”

He said it is by God’s grace that the road has so far not recorded any casualties adding that sand poachers have contributed to the dreadful state of the road.

“As if the recent rains didn’t do enough damage to the road, sand poachers flock with lorries to the already bad road and start digging off the sand from it. Now, the road has developed gullies on each side making it difficult for motorists to navigate as they risk falling to either side of the road,” said Mr Dube.

Some children of school-going age have established a niche to fill the potholes with sand and stones for a few coins.

“There’re children from Mazwi village who’re always seated by the roadside. Whenever they see a car coming their way, they stand and start filling their buckets with soil so they can fill the potholes. Drivers sometimes give them coins for their work although it’s not much to go by,” said Mr Dube.

Despite several complaints about the road to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), he said, nothing has been done to rehabilitate it.

“I’ve told our councillor, Ephraim Ncube, and he promised to present the issue at a council meeting. We plan to write to the BCC as the Mazwi committee asking them to give us quarry so that community members can help fill the potholes,” said Mr Dube.

Authorities say they would migrate to concrete roads arguing that the traditional asphalt ones are prone to cracks and potholes.

It is said that most developed countries have since migrated from asphalt roads which require constant maintenance.

Research also shows that concrete roads are not damaged by oil leaks like asphalt roads.

Concrete roads require low maintenance and in Zimbabwe, cement is readily available as compared to bitumen which is imported from South Africa.

BCC senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu admitted that 70 percent of the roads in Bulawayo are in poor condition.

“Most of the roads have outlived their life span. The service life of our roads (flexible pavements) ranges from 15 years for local streets, to 20 years for major roads. The determination of design life is a factor of materials used, environmental conditions and traffic loading.

“To date, 70 percent of the total network is in poor condition. More than 50 percent of the roads in poor condition require immediate rehabilitation. It is approximated that $690 million is required to bring the roads to good or better condition with $69 million required per year according to our Road Condition Survey,” said Mrs Mpofu.

She said the BCC is set to rehabilitate 53,9km of roads by means of re-constructing, re-sealing, overlaying and re-gravelling.

The police on the other hand urged motorists to drive at reasonable speed considering the ghostly state of the roads.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango advised motorists to drive at 60km per hour on city roads.

“We urge motorists to be cautious on the roads. When it rains, the roads become slippery and the depth of some potholes may not be easy to see as they might be filled with water,” said Insp Simango.

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development chairman Cde Dexter Nduna said mining houses around the country should be levied a road rehabilitation tax to raise money to maintain and construct roads in the areas within their purviews.

“Part of the mining tax should be directed towards a road rehabilitation fund from the mining houses and multi-nationals so that they can resuscitate and reconstruct the roads that are within their purviews which they use on a day to day basis while moving the resources they’re extracting from the mines,” said Cde Nduna.

“We’re aware of the degradation of road infrastructure. We need to utilise money derived from road user fees for road reconstruction and rehabilitation. A case in point will be parking fees tendered to local authorities; they’re being used for all other issues except road rehabilitation. Billboard fees need to be remitted for reconstruction of roads,” he said. – State Media

Critical parts to the newly acquired $100 000 dialysis machine at Masvingo General Hospital which went missing in January this year in a suspected theft case have been found.

The theft was discovered by a Chinese engineer who had come to install the machine.

In an interview yesterday, Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeaus Shamu said the parts resurfaced in a storeroom last week.

He said indications are that the parts – a pump to the dialysis unit plus its components could have been stripped, only for the culprit to sneak them back after realising the seriousness of the matter.

He said despite the recovery of the missing parts, investigations are continuing and “heads will obviously roll.”

“I can confirm that the missing dialysis machine parts were found in the store room last week. We have since notified the police over the matter as we had made an official report when the parts went missing,” said Dr Shamu.

He said the surprising thing is that the missing parts were found in the storeroom yet a number of staff members had thoroughly searched the room.

“There is no corner in the storeroom that was left unchecked. We suspect there is foul play. Heads will roll once the staff member is found. Despite the good news, we will continue investigating,” he said.

Dr Shamu said the machine has already been installed after the Ministry of Health and Child Care replaced the missing parts but the machine is yet to start working.

He said plans to send some nurses for training on how to operate the machine are at an advanced stage.

The dialysis machine was procured under a $100 million government agreement signed between China and Zimbabwe and this will see all 10 provincial hospitals getting the critical machine.

The installation of a dialysis machine at Masvingo General Hospital has brought relief to renal patients who cannot afford private medical services or travel to Harare or Bulawayo to access services from public hospitals. – State Media

A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Bulilima allegedly raped his ex-wife’s 45-year-old mother as “punishment” for ill-treating him during the time he was married to her daughter.

The man allegedly committed the crime in the presence of the woman’s husband who is visually impaired.

The suspect, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of his victim, appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere. He was remanded in custody to April 20.

Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said the man crept into the woman’s bedroom hut on February 29 at around 4AM while she was asleep with her two daughters aged eight and 11-years-old.

“He went into the woman’s bedroom hut where she was sleeping with her two daughters and entered through an unlocked door. The woman heard noises as he entered and woke up to inquire but she couldn’t see anything as it was dark.

“He punched her on her ear and she screamed alerting her husband who was sleeping in a separate hut. Her husband who is blind woke up and proceeded to his wife’s bedroom hut to find out what was happening,” he said.

Mr Mazorodze said the accused person pushed the man to the floor and threatened to stab him with a knife if he tried to stop him.

He said the accused person told the woman that he wanted to punish her for being problematic during the time he was her son-in-law.

Mr Mazorodze said the man dragged the woman out of her homestead for about 200 metres leaving her husband behind.

He said the blind man tried to follow in a bid to rescue his wife but failed. He called out to their neighbours for help but no one turned up.

“He dragged the woman into a bush where he ripped her clothes off and raped her once. After he was done he stood up and the woman took advantage and fled to a neighbour’s homestead where she sought refuge,” said Mr Mazorodze.

He said the matter was reported to the police resulting in the suspect’s arrest. – State Media

Join Dr Nkosana Moyo and three other panelists LIVE on ZIMEYE LIVE BLAST discussing Zimbabwe’s future President Glory or Gory. 7.30 PM UK time.

MVUMA — Alice Hodzi could not wait to see her husband after several months apart and she was very anxious when she boarded the Johannesburg-bound Proline bus on April 5.

The newly-appointed operations director at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mr Richard Sithole, allegedly appeared drunk at a beauty contest held at the institution’s School of Nursing recently.

Witnesses told Sunday News that Mr Sithole walked into the venue of the beauty contest when the event had already started and allegedly gave a free mini-strip tease show to the stunned audience. The beauty contest was held on 31 March.

It is alleged that in the heat of things Mr Sithole removed his t-shirt, much to the amusement and shock of the audience, a majority of the student nurses. Student nurses and qualified nurses who attended the function and spoke to Sunday News expressed shock at Mr Sithole’s antics.

“We have never seen him that way. He removed his t-shirt and started dancing. It was very uncomfortable for us and we did not know what to do. We are still quite shocked. Mr Sithole is like a father to us, a brother to some and to see him dancing waving his shirt in the air was disturbing,” said a nurse who asked not to be named.

Another nurse who also attended the show added, “The only explanation to his behaviour is that he was drunk to a point of no return. He was a different person from what we thought him to be. Considering that he is new at the hospital, we may not know his true character, but we didn’t expect that from him,” said the nurse who requested anonymity.

As if Mr Sithole’s antics were not enough drama for that night, it is alleged that his car was found seemingly dumped at a bushy area near the hospital the following day.

Contacted for comment Mr Sithole confirmed that he takes alcohol but refuted allegations that he attended the show drunk.

He said it was not possible that he could have attended the show drunk as he had just knocked off from duty.

“I am not refusing that I take alcohol but what I am dismissing is that I was drunk on that day. That is not true. It was around 8pm and I had just knocked off from my duty hence I couldn’t have been drunk at that time,” he said.

He also said that there was no alcohol being sold at the beauty contest such that he could have been drunk. However, Mr Sithole, who claimed to be out of town when contacted for comment, asked this reporter to hold the story as he was prepared to give his full account when he returns to Bulawayo.

“I am attending a workshop in Mutare right now I cannot talk, you can call me after two weeks by then I will be back then we can talk,” he said.

It is said that Mr Sithole assumed the position of operations director early this year following the retirement of Mr Elliot Mashingaidze. – State Media

More than 170 people have died of malaria since the beginning of the year while more than 100 000 cases of the disease have been recorded throughout the country, an official said.

The malaria cases have increased this year compared to last year because of high rainfall occurrence according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

National malaria co-ordinator Dr Joseph Mberikunashe confirmed the deaths in an interview saying they recorded 173 deaths and 119 000 malaria cases countrywide since the beginning of the year.

He called on people living in malaria-endemic areas to ensure that their homes were sprayed at regular intervals against mosquitoes. He said they should also make use of treated mosquito nets to protect themselves from malaria.

Dr Mberikunashe said while most mosquito parasites were being washed away by the rains, concerns remained on the ponds of water which provide conducive breeding environment for mosquitos.

“We are concerned that while the rains may have stopped, these ponds will provide an environment that is conducive for mosquito breeding and this could lead to increased cases of malaria,” said Dr Mberikunashe.

He said the national malaria programme ran a risk of not providing the envisaged positive results should communities fail to take necessary preventive measures in view of the incessant rains.

A picture of MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former Finance minister Tendai Biti marching together in Harare during a National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) demonstration against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) ignited interest.

A ZBC report that was quickly pulled off air last week stating that President Robert Mugabe had been handed a “mobile chair” as one of his birthday presents caused a frenzy on social media.

Staff Reporter| Close Circuit Television Camera number 21 has been the busiest security camera manning the busy Beitbridge Border and has led to the arrest of 15 border control officials since it was strategically installed at the border post in August last year.

Shockingly, camera 21 is now missing. The theft came to light last Saturday when security agents discovered that the key area covered by the camera and used by smugglers and illegal immigrants had gone off the radar. The camera monitors the area around the duty-free shop, a check- point manned 24 hours by customs and immigration department officials, soldiers and the Police Support Unit.

Security around the area was beefed up after discoveries that corrupt border officials were dealing with con-men, touts, smugglers using bicycles and border jumpers to access the border post.

“We suspect the camera was stolen during a power blackout,” said an official. “The suspect(s) are not known yet, but we are certain this was a well-planned job by the criminals. Investigations are in progress and nobody has been arrested yet.”

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was yet to receive information on the case.

“We are yet to get that report and I cannot give you any information at the moment,” he said.

Staff Reporter| The Greyhound bus accident in South Africa which saw the vehicle going on fire yesterday has been officially confirmed by the company who say the bus driver managed to escape.

The Bulawayo bound Greyhound bus was gutted by fire while parked in Louis Trichardt yesterday.

ZimEye received the first report which has been confirmed by the bus company. A receptionist confirmed the incident early Sunday morning saying, “there was no one in the bus, it was a stationary bus and no one was hurt.”

Questioned on the bus driver and conductor she replied saying, “it was only the driver,” but would not go into details on the driver’s condition.

More details.

More details came out on a second call when another receptionist, a male, said the driver managed to escape. He said, the bus was traveling from Johannesburg to Musina to pick up stranded passengers who were going to Zimbabwe, as there was a breakdown of another Greyhound bus.

“The driver managed to escape unhurt,” he said.

– this is a developing report – REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES.  The problem of buses catching fire is not uncommon, and in the UK for instance in December 2016, a double decker bus went on fire and emergency services called upon to bring the blaze under control.

Summarises @FirstWestYorks transport provision #UpInFlames #Bramley pic.twitter.com/LRu6tlNSo3

— Joel Evans (@JoelGEvans) December 1, 2016

ZANU-PF 18790

NCA 482
FreeZim 386
Spoiled 652

Zanu PF Candidate Omar Joosbi declared #MweneziEastByElection winner with 18700.voter turnout 41,9% @tawandachimhini @HealZim @ZimRights1 pic.twitter.com/IGdlFMAkMj

— ERC (@erczimbabwe) April 9, 2017

ROLL UPDATE BY HEAL ZIMBABWE TRUST

Three candidates are vying for the Parliamentary seat and these are Joosbi Omar of the Zanu PF party, Welcome Masuku of the National Constitution Assembly (NCA) and Turner Muhango of the Free Zimbabwe Congress. Kudakwashe Bhasikiti of the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) withdrew from the by election citing intimidation of his supporters and vote-buying by Zanu PF.

Heal Zimbabwe has deployed a mobile team of observers who are monitoring the by election. Apart from the mobile team, Heal Zimbabwe has also deployed 72 trained human rights monitors at every polling station to monitor the by election. All these efforts are targeted at monitoring the electoral process to see whether it is held in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner. Live by election updates will be shared on Heal Zimbabwe Social media platforms that include Twitter (@Healzim) and Facebook (@HealZimbabweTrust).The following are the updates from polling stations.

Tafara Primary School ward 13

A Zanu Pf youth only identified as Chikava is intimidating people outside the polling station saying that they should vote wisely if they want to continue receiving food aid.

Chikwalakwala School ward 6

Voting started on time and many people have casted their votes in a peaceful and free manner.

Negari Polling station ward 13

Polling station opened on time and people are voting in a peaceful manner

Mavambo polling ward 13

Polling station opened time. Voting process is progressing well

St Vitalis Primary school ward 5

Voting process started on time. Voting process progressing well.

Chimbudzi Primary School ward 5

The polling station opened on time and people are coming in their numbers to vote.

Chingami Primary School ward 5

The polling station opened on time. About 200 people present when polling station opened.

Negari Polling station ward 13

Polling station opened on time. There were 16 people outside polling station when it opened

Rutenga Primary School ward 18

Polling station opened on time. As at 9am, 46 males and 40 females had voted.

Matande Primary School ward 2

Polling station opened on time. Voting process is progressing well.

Rata Primary School ward 2

Polling station opened on time. By 9am, 127 had voted (75 female, 52 males). 23 people assisted (5 male and 18 female).

Vilivili polling station ward 13

Polling station opened on time. About 300 people were present when polling station opened. Voting process progressing well.

Mucheni primary school ward 13

Polling station opened on time. Voting process progressing well.

Sagwari polling station ward 13

Polling station opened on time. Voting process progressing well

By Lionel Saungweme| A close-knit quartet, comprising Insiza South Member of Parliament, Malachi Nkomo (also known as Malakhi), Gwanda Magistrate Shiela Nazombe, a former Darcal (Pvt) Ltd. employee, Zenzo Jele, and Zibusiso Ncube, a brother to Filabusi District Administrator, Sithandiwe Ndumo Ncube, is influencing cronies at the Insiza District Land Committee (DLC) to evict Atherstone Ranch residents, ZimEye can reveal.

The evictions violate a tripartite farm-sharing scheme run by the government, Darren Maughan, a major shareholder of Darcal (Pvt) Ltd. that, runs the 2332.06 ha Atherstone Ranch, and a community of 66 people supporting over a hundred and fifty dependants. The property was 6379 ha in size prior to its compulsory listing by government.   

 Atherstone Ranch is situated at West Nicholson, in the Insiza District of Matabeleland South Province, some 194 kilometres south of Zimbabwe’s second City of Bulawayo.

With backing from current Insiza North Member of Parliament, Andrew Langa, alleged to be involved affectionately with Magistrate Nazombe, the group of four invaded the farm in 2013.

Langa and Malakhi were suspended from Zanu PF in June 2015, for allegedly plotting to topple Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe. On 17 September 2015, Langa was sacked as Minister of Sports for associating with a Zanu PF faction known as “The Gamatox.”

A petition to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, by the community, protests that the foursome wants to see “Government Policy on land reform program fail (sic) through the issue of more offer letters than the land can sustain.”

Reads part of the petition:

“During the course of the years we started seeing people coming with offer letters recommended by the Lands Offices Filabusi, saying they have been offered land, this never stopped until the number shot up to 102 stands.” This violates Section 73 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013:

“Every person has the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations ….”

The contested farm was bought in 1984, four years after Zimbabwe’s independence, by Darren from Guy Hilton Barber. Darren’s purchase was therefore free from the tainting, pre-independence racial and political encumbrances. What is more, he acquired the land after obtaining a Certificate of No Present Interest, which evidenced Government’s renunciation of its statutory first-buyer of land right. Patrick Maughan, his father, was thereafter employed as farm manager.

However, 66 settlers invaded the 6379 ha Atherstone Ranch in 2000 before Government subsequently listed the property for compulsory acquisition “under Gazette Number 233A of 2000.”   

To mitigate the loss, Patrick wrote to Kembo Mohadi, then Deputy Minister of Local Government imploring Government to invoke the law, de-list and purchase 4046.94 ha in exchange for shared and secure tenure on the remaining 2332.06 ha.

On 6 February 2001, Mohadi and the Ministry of Lands accepted Patrick’s offer. On 9 July 2001, then Governor for Matabeleland South, Steven Nkomo and officials from the Provincial Administrator’s office deliberated further on the offer and resolved that Patrick should “coexist with the newly settled farmers.”

They encouraged Patrick to keep “close dialogue with the new settlers committee of seven [7],” “return all the equipment that is all the engines” removed for “safe” keeping, “provide assistance to the newly resettled farmers by clearing their lands on the offered portion of the farm, provide tillage services to the farmers or alternatively allow the new farmers to plough where they are currently settled,” create a servitude (corridor) “to enable new settlers to pass through your [sic] farm to have access to Umzingwane River as Mbebesi River is not reliable” and “allow the farmers access roads to essential services such as the school.”  

On 21 February 2002, the Ministry of Lands agreed to an installments purchase of 4046.94 ha, at a price of Z$7 750 000, for improvements only, tendering “25% as down payment,” pledging “a further 25% within 2 years, [and payment of the] balance within 5 years of date of signing with an interest of 30% per annum on balance outstanding.”

The sale then, for tens of thousands of Zimbabwe dollars to the United States dollar on the black market, when the official exchange rate pegged the greenback at 55 Zimbabwe dollars, means Darren was deprived of the value of his property.  

Nevertheless, Darren discharged his farm-sharing obligations. He delivered a Fordson tractor and two heavy-duty Lister engines to Jele, who doubled as a community member and therefore as a “beneficiary of the alternative farm offer.”

New classroom blocks and a school office, accommodating three teachers and 43 students, were erected on the eastern end of Atherstone Farm. Darren uses his other tractor to assist in ferrying grain, maize seed and fertilizer from either Filabusi Grain Marketing Board (GMB) or Avoca GMB sub-depot, which is about 30kilometres away. He also provides the community with transport and meat during the annual mass independence celebrations.

All was well until Patrick died on 6 October 2011, after which, for two solid years, the quartet made threats to take over the farm. On 23 January 2014, the DLC dispatched offer letters for the allocation of subdivision 2, measuring 700 ha to Nazombe, subdivision 3 presumably measuring 576 ha to Malakhi while Jele and Ncube respectively got subdivision 1 and 4 measuring 523 ha each.

Then to ratify the illegality, on 12 March 2015, the DLC Chairperson issued a “Notice of Withdrawal of Atherstone Farm” to resettle “new allottees.”

In so doing, the DLC seems to have forgotten that it remained subordinate to the Ministry of Lands, which enacted the farm-sharing agreement. The DLC simply wrote that it was “… withdrawing any administration letter once advanced to Darren Maughan and whoever is responsible on the running of Atherstone farm (sic).”

Furthermore, 13 years after 4046.94 ha was sold to the Government; the DLC’s Notice of Withdrawal still referred to Atherstone Farm as “measuring 6379 ha.” This seems to ignore the sacrifices made by Darcal (Pvt) Ltd.  

“It is worth recording that my father and I amicably and willfully gave over 9 000 acres, which consisted of all the property south and east of the main Mberengwa Road, to the local people. We did this professionally and with dignity in conjunction with various Government ministries, including the Minister of Home Affairs. Since then we have acted with the best intentions in living in harmony with our neighbours,” says Darren.

Most settlers agreed with Darren and rose to petition the Minister saying:

“We have seen some Lands Officials from Filabusi pegging the other side which was given to Darren Maughan as per agreement which was signed between (sic) the Government, Darren Maughan and us the community. This also affects us in various ways because we had agreements with Darren Maughan of which he is assisting us with building of new school, our cattle have access to graze on his land and we also have access to Umzingwane [River]. He has also been engaged to the community in various ways like rebuilding of Chief Maduna Hall, The Godhlwayo Culture Centre, the irrigation at Atherstone and also the vegetable garden.”

The protest did not push the quartet off its saddle. Instead, poaching and rapid destruction of valuable property began. A year passed before Jele sold the Fordson tractor. Two heavy-duty Lister engines, given to the community to implement the “alternate offer,” disappeared.

Four thatched huts belonging to the farm were torched on 25 December 2015. Footprints from the scene of suspected arson led scouts to Malakhi’s house prompting a report to be lodged with police. The caused petitioners to cite Section 74 of the Constitution:

“No person may be evicted from their house, or have their home demolished        without a court order made considering all relevant circumstances.

A pump-house electric motor and its main-line cable were blown up causing an abrupt cut in water supplies to the homestead, livestock and farm compound comprising 17 households. With loss of the pump-house electric motor, plans to improve pastures vaporized as did twenty-eight jobs supporting 72 dependents. Tending the 1.5 ha garden, on which onions, garlic, butternuts, leaf vegetables, green pepper and cucumbers are grown for the community, stopped immediately. A massive cutting down of trees ravaged both the farm and loose soil banks of the Mzingwane River. A perimeter fence and a flood-irrigation canal, the mainstay of utility and crop-farming at the ranch, were extensively vandalized. Part of the expensive and lengthy “Class 10 Plastic Water Pipeline,” used in drawing water from Mzingwane River, was stolen. Police investigators are yet to catch those involved in the destruction and theft. The remainder of the “Class 10 Plastic Water Pipeline” was cut and sabotaged. It lies exposed to the sun and other elements.

Seeing the dilapidation, Clinton Rogers, who is caretaking the farm in Darren’s absence on medical grounds, phoned Malakhi in an effort to find a solution. Instead Malakhi reported Clinton to the police, leading to the latter’s arrest and subsequent charge of “Occupying a Gazetted Land without Lawful Authority.”  

Clinton replied in a statement:

“I am not the farm owner. The farm owner is Darren Maughan. I occupy the farm at the pleasure of Darren Maughan [Darcal (Pvt) Ltd.], who to the best of my knowledge has the permission of the government to occupy that portion of farm and this permission has subsisted from 2003 to date and it has not been withdrawn lawfully by the Minister of Lands, the Acquiring Authority.”

“Procedurally,” wrote Clinton, “the Ministry is responsible for the withdrawal of the land and not the District Lands Office.” He noted that the offer letters were issued to the quartet “before the letter cancelling the existing [farm-sharing] agreement … was delivered.”

He argued that “the community are deeply disturbed by this occupation as it affects their securities in the [farm-sharing] … agreements (sic).”

In addition, issues of arson, a “water pump blown [up] resulting in severe crop damage,” a “dramatic increase in poaching and illegal activities on the farm,” Malakhi’s “statement of ‘declaring war’ over the phone to a farm colleague Norman Dhlamini” plus recorded “death threats,” from one of Malakhi’s associates in the Atherstone Ranch-grab, were also raised. The case is still pending.

To pile on more pressure for eviction, Malakhi phoned Clinton on 24 November 2015 and ordered him to “move out of the farm” because in his words “you should realise that you are fighting a losing battle.”

Zanu-PF will press criminal charges against former Women’s League deputy secretary Eunice Sandi Moyo and secretary for finance Sarah Mahoka if they fail to remit the$100 000-plus which they allegedly extorted in Zanu-PF’s and First Lady Grace Mugabe’s names, a senior official has said.

In Mashonaland Central, the revolutionary party’s provincial executive is pursuing a case of possible fraud in which a top official (name withheld) allegedly duped Zanu-PF of thousands of dollars in membership subscriptions and dodgy asset disposals.

These and other grievances from Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association provincial leaders will be submitted to the national Zanu-PF leadership in keeping with President Mugabe’s counsel at a Central Committee meeting in Harare last Friday.

The veretans want National Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere and his step-brother, Dickson Mafios, punished for setting up parallel party structures and indiscipline, among other charges.

Zanu-PF national spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya told The Sunday Mail that prosecution loomed large for Moyo and Mahoka who resigned last week on the back of charges of undermining First Lady and Women’s League Secretary Amai Mugabe and diverting party funds to personal use.

The duo is said to have collected money from local church leaders in the party’s name and then kept it for themselves.

Muhoka faces extra charges for denigrating Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba.

Ambassador Khaya Moyo said, “The next course of action rests with the Women’s League because they are the aggrieved party in this matter. Perhaps the National Disciplinary Committee will also look into the issue. However, what is likely to happen is that if they do not pay back, criminal proceedings may have to be followed.”

Ambassador Moyo said the Women’s League executive had a dossier on how Moyo and Mahoka abused the funds.

“I am not aware if there is a deadline for them to pay the money. The (Women’s League national executive) has all the information on the nature of the cases.”

Zanu-PF Women’s League secretary for information Thokozile Mathuthu yesterday declined commenting, saying: “I am attending church. Call SK Moyo since this is matter which was brought before the Politburo.”

Sandi Moyo and Mahoka both dodged questions posed to them by this paper regarding how they intended to pay back the money.

Moyo said: “I really don’t want to say anything. I have nothing to say.”

One the other hand, Mahoka retorted: “I am attending my aunt’s funeral. I don’t want to talk about that now.”

A Mashonaland provincial executive member yesterday revealed that they were auditing their books following strong indications that a top official had helped himself to thousands of dollars in membership subscriptions.

The executive member said the official allegedly disposed of two party vehicles under shady circumstances and has failed to account for donations towards construction of Zanu-PF’s provincial headquarters.

“A decision has been taken in line with President Mugabe’s directive to follow procedure when instituting disciplinary measures against errant party members. The audit will look into, among other issues, the suspicious disposal of party assets, including two motor vehicles suspected to have been sold without following proper procedures.

“There is also suspicion that membership subscriptions could have been abused. The audit also seeks to ascertain the facts after which all grievances will be channelled to our national leadership.”

ZNLWA provincial secretary-general Aggrey Gumisai Mutasa said: “As war veterans, we met and discussed issues affecting this province, including our recommendations on Kasukuwere and Mafios. We have always pronounced our position on the matter of the ‘Matope boys’ – we want them out.

“They are driving personal agendas and not party, people-centred agendas. We have always said their ultimate goal is to topple President Mugabe as was reflected through the infamous Mafioso declaration. Kasukuwere has been busy packing party structures that constitute the Congress Electoral College with his ‘yes’ men and women, and firing all those who oppose him.

“Wherever he failed to do so, he would create a parallel structure to challenge the legitimate leaders of the particular organ. The ultimate goal in this scheme was to call for an extraordinary congress where his ‘yes’ men and women would form the majority in the electoral college and, in turn, vote out President Mugabe.”

According to Section 26 of Zanu-PF’s constitution, an early congress may be convened “wherever it is deemed necessary and at the instance of: (a) the majority of the members of the Central Committee; or (b) the President and First Secretary, at the instance of not less than one-third of members of the Central Committee; or (c) the President and First Secretary, at the instance of at least five provincial executive councils by resolutions to that effect”.

Last week, scores of party supporters demonstrated against Kasukuwere who also stands accused of trying to block earlier protests against Sandi Moyo and Mahoka.

President Mugabe later counselled that aggrieved members should follow proper channels when airing their grievances as demonstrations opened Zanu-PF to abuse by external forces. – state media

The newly-appointed operations director at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mr Richard Sithole, allegedly appeared drunk at a beauty contest held at the institution’s School of Nursing recently.

Witnesses told Sunday News that Mr Sithole walked into the venue of the beauty contest when the event had already started and allegedly gave a free mini-strip tease show to the stunned audience. The beauty contest was held on 31 March.

It is alleged that in the heat of things Mr Sithole removed his t-shirt, much to the amusement and shock of the audience, a majority of the student nurses. Student nurses and qualified nurses who attended the function and spoke to Sunday News expressed shock at Mr Sithole’s antics.

“We have never seen him that way. He removed his t-shirt and started dancing. It was very uncomfortable for us and we did not know what to do. We are still quite shocked. Mr Sithole is like a father to us, a brother to some and to see him dancing waving his shirt in the air was disturbing,” said a nurse who asked not to be named.

Another nurse who also attended the show added, “The only explanation to his behaviour is that he was drunk to a point of no return. He was a different person from what we thought him to be. Considering that he is new at the hospital, we may not know his true character, but we didn’t expect that from him,” said the nurse who requested anonymity.

As if Mr Sithole’s antics were not enough drama for that night, it is alleged that his car was found seemingly dumped at a bushy area near the hospital the following day.

Contacted for comment Mr Sithole confirmed that he takes alcohol but refuted allegations that he attended the show drunk.

He said it was not possible that he could have attended the show drunk as he had just knocked off from duty. “I am not refusing that I take alcohol but what I am dismissing is that I was drunk on that day. That is not true. It was around 8pm and I had just knocked off from my duty hence I couldn’t have been drunk at that time,” he said.

He also said that there was no alcohol being sold at the beauty contest such that he could have been drunk. However, Mr Sithole, who claimed to be out of town when contacted for comment, asked this reporter to hold the story as he was prepared to give his full account when he returns to Bulawayo.

“I am attending a workshop in Mutare right now I cannot talk, you can call me after two weeks by then I will be back then we can talk,” he said.

It is said that Mr Sithole assumed the position of operations director early this year following the retirement of Mr Elliot Mashingaidze. – state media

LIVE-REPORT: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE are investigating the case of a Zimbabwean man, Kudakwashe Terrence Kaswa who disappeared and his vehicle was found with its keys inside.

Passport and other details were found inside the car as ZimEye reveals, (SEE PICTURES BELOW). The passport says Kaswa is a Chartered Accountant.

Mr Kudakwashe Kaswa was missing when cops pounced on the vehicle unattended at the roadside.

Midrand Police station confirmed the development to ZimEye Saturday afternoon and said relatives should visit the Midrand police station for further assistance. The family should “simply send someone to the Midrand SAPS for assistance,” a staffer told ZimEye.com without going into further details.

Further details such as exactly when the car was discovered and the latest on the passport owner’s welfare were not available at the time of going to press. PICTURES:

President Robert Mugabe’s oldest son, Robert Junior has doffed out of Dubai and is now living in South Africa, it has emerged.  Robert Junior caused a scene last week when pictures of him came out with many Zimbabweans claiming that he looks like a woman while snapped with several male friends. Some began attacking him claiming that he is gay, but during that discourse no one had clarity on which country he is residing.

Mugabe’s two sons have reportedly relocated to South Africa from Dubai and Zimbabwe respectively amid fears their personal security might be “compromised” in the neighbouring country.

The Zimbabwe Independent reports that the two sons – Robert Jr and Bellarmine Chatunga – have been in Johannesburg since the start of the year for studies.

“First Family shifted their kids to South Africa for studies and a better life after Robert Jr was removed from Dubai under controversial circumstances. Chatunga was also reportedly moved to make him focus on his studies, away from Zimbabwe’s suffocating environment and his familiar social scene playground,” the report says.

There were, however, security concerns, with Mugabe’s family and security bosses saying the two could be targeted “not just for crime, but also for political reasons”, it continued.

South Africa is home to millions of Zimbabweans who fled Mugabe’s political repression and economic failure.

Last year, First Lady Grace Mugabe claimed that soldiers and top Zanu-PF officials angling for power wanted to kill Chatunga.

Reports quoted Grace at the time as saying: “Imagine it has got to a stage where they want to kill my son Bellarmine.” – News24/Independent