Nera leaders have still not shown up for the demo they called for. Scores of Zimbabweans have started to gather at the venue. Police have put a restriction of 2500 people only who are allowed to gather for the demo. More to follow..

Learnmore Zuze | I recall sometime late last year chatting with former Economic Planning and Investment Promotion minister and also Hatfield constituency legislator Tapiwa Mashakada as the scary story of bond notes was slowly becoming a reality.

Most people had argued that the government, from its conduct, was actually dragging its feet as it knew the infeasibility of its plans and, hence, was unlikely to introduce bond notes.

However, when the first notes where unveiled, Zimbabweans instinctively knew that trouble was around the corner despite government assurances. With hindsight, Honourable Mashakada may have been on the ball on bond notes when he said: “Quite frankly speaking, the market has absolutely no confidence in bond notes. In the minds of the people, they see the return of the Zimbabwean dollar with all its chilling problems. People are not convinced on the 1:1 parity between the bond notes and the US dollar.” It would not be an exaggeration to assert that bond notes were literally forced down the throats of Zimbabweans against a wide public outcry.

There were tremors of resistance as talk of bond notes gained currency. The scepticism and fear of Zimbabweans was not unfounded. Zimbabweans still suffer from the trauma of 2008 when everyone watched helplessly as the Zimbabwean dollar plummeted to record lows. It was a time of suffering which triggered all manner of vice. Zimbabweans naturally feared the back-door return of the Zimbabwean dollar through bond notes.

ZANU PF women’s league will today stage demonstrations at provincial party headquarters in Harare to force the ouster of top wing members accused of undermining First Lady Grace Mugabe.

The demonstrations target Grace’s deputy in the women’s league, Eunice Sandi-Moyo and treasurer Sara Mahoka.

According to official sources, Sandi-Moyo was accused of setting parallel structures and taking actions without consulting Grace ,while Mahoka was being targeted for challenging the First Lady during meetings.

The Hurungwe East MP also allegedly misappropriated party funds, charges she reportedly denied.

Zanu PF ex-central committee member and Kadoma businessman Jimayi Muduvuri was alleged to be sponsoring the demonstrations amid reports that over $300 000 had been poured towards the demonstrations by one of the women’s league bosses.

Muduvuri reportedly claimed that he had been sent by the First Lady to mobilise ruling party women to demonstrate against the two.

When asked for comment last night, Muduvuri was evasive.

“I don’t know what you are talking about. I don’t have any instruction from the First Lady,” Muduvuri said.

However, sources claimed the demos were planned as part of the Zanu PF succession politics and Grace was reportedly targeting people who could derail her ambition to rise to the party’s vice-presidency after women campaigned for a quarter in the presidium.

“Some members have urged Grace to fire Mahoka and Sandi-Moyo because they will threaten her ambition,” a source said.

Sandi-Moyo was viewed as the most senior member to land the VP post. Both Sandi-Moyo and Mahoka were not reachable last night. – Newsday

24 New political parties suddenly formed in Zimbabwe; exactly where are they coming from?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 22, 2017

Chikurubi Female Prison is a state of near explosion after Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals threatened to withdraw services over a $600 000 debt owed by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).

One of the resident doctors, Evidence Gaka told members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Women Affairs during a tour of the facility yesterday that Parirenyatwa Hospital was owed $567 000 by ZPCS and might not be able to attend to sick inmates as from next month. One of the inmates that got a chance to speak with the committee complained about poor food and sanitation and said:

We do not have meat, sugar ran out in December and beans also ran out last week. Toilets sanitisers and buckets are scarce. Sinks are not working and there is no running water and pipes are down.

“This is one of the health facilities that we owe. We also owe a number of private hospitals,” Gaka said.

Chikurubi Female Prison currently houses 87 inmates and 13 children.

Inmates who got a chance to speak to the committee expressed concern at the deplorable conditions of prison cells, while others said they could not access medication for conditions such as diabetes, as there was a deliberate focus on HIV and Aids.

Apart from the health challenges, inmates also complained about the poor food that was being served to them and appealed to donors to help in improving their diet.

“We do not have meat, sugar ran out in December and beans also ran out last week. Toilets sanitisers and buckets are scarce. Sinks are not working and there is no running water and pipes are down,” one of the inmates said.

Chikurubi Female Prison officer-in-charge, Mary Misihairambwi said: “We need about 10 court beds for children. The ones that we have are not enough and are old. We have 13 children who are serving with their mothers. We try to give them a special diet, but because of the challenges we do what we can afford.” – Newsday

By Foster Ncube| President Robert Mugabe was well dressed during his trip to Mauritius, the state broadcaster, ZBC says.

In a broadcast Tuesday night, the state company said Mugabe who looked like an infirm, was actually in style during his trip.

The comments come as Presidential spokesman George Charamba said there was nothing wrong with Mugabe’s Cuban shirt.

Mugabe was attending the African Economic Platform Summit in Mauritius on Monday when he was mocked by all and sundry for being scruffy.

But Charamba says it was in line with the prescribed dress code requested by the event organisers.

Charamba said the shirt reflected the President’s ideological thinking.

At the onset of the meeting, the master of ceremonies lauded President Mugabe and said he was one of the high-profile figures who had adhered to the prescribed dress code.

Social media was on fire with messages querying the President’s dress code after pictures of him were captured by journalists.

“The dress code has been prescribed namely that there should be smart, casual and the President indeed adhered to that dress code,” he said.

“The trouble is that we are so schooled in British dress etiquette that any departure from it amounts to scruffiness and its more interesting that the President was putting on a Cuban shirt. In their estimates, those critics’ estimates, anything that departs from British sartorial tradition passes for scruffiness. That’s how colonised we are.”

Mr Charamba’s comments were echoed by the chief operating officer of the African Union Foundation Mr Dumisani Mngadi who said: “We love President Mugabe because he kept to the script. As African, he is among those who have read the prescribed dress code when we ask specifically that we do not want a suit, we do not want a tie, we do not want a jacket. We want accessibility. We want our people to be able to access people. But more than anything, these suits we wear in our meetings do not impact in our communities. When people are wearing the shirt like I am wearing now it means it impacts on the communities of our continent because these things are produced by us.”

Mr Mngadi added: “So if the President is wearing things like this it means the President is greeting, is saying he has confidence in our people. This is about intra-African trade. We want to see us also wearing our own things.

“It is only then that our economies can move forward. It’s about the food we consume. We must begin to consume locally. The suits dress code that we said we don’t want speaks exactly to intra-African trade. It seeks to boost the economies. It makes an impact on the communities because it’s our communities that produce the clothes that we wear not the suits.”

“Islam was Zimbabwe’s 1st religion in April 1980,” Dokora insists

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 22, 2017

ALSO READ: Dokora Gets $20Million to Build Muslim Schools

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) yesterday warned of potential flooding in Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces as rains continue to fall in most parts of the country. “Flood threats have heightened in Manicaland Province as well as Mashonaland provinces, so be warned,” it said. The MSD said on Monday a number of areas received significant rains.

In Manicaland, Nyanga recorded 85mm, Chisengu 83mm, Chipinge 62mm, Mukandi 55mm, Mutare 48mm and Rusape 36mm.

The MSD said cloudy conditions will persists.

“Drizzle and rain is expected in Masvingo Province, Matabeleland South, south of Manicaland and south of the Midlands Province, while thunder showers are expected for the rest of the country with heavier falls in the Eastern Highlands and Mashonaland provinces.

“Temperatures across the country should remain cool,” said the MSD.

Thursday will be wet and cloudy.

Floods recently claimed several lives and destroyed infrastructure worth millions of dollars.

Government has since declared a state of disaster to help mobilise resources to repair the damaged infrastructure.

Most effected by the floods were Midlands, Masvingo and Matabeleland North provinces.

Well wishers have since started mobilising resources to assist Government in repairing the damaged infrastructure.

Destroyed infrastructure include roads, schools and hospitals.

State media editor, Garikai Mazara has slapped businessman Wicknell Chivayo with a $500 000 lawsuit over alleged defamatory WhatsApp messages. In a claim filed in the High Court today, Mazara is demanding $500 000 damages for injuria and interests.

Chivhayo has 10 days to respond to the summons. He allegedly hurled insults and obscenities at Mazara saying, “Urimbwa yemunhu unofa uchishupika. (You are a dog and you will die poor).”

He went on to critique Mazara’s profile picture insinuating that he was HIV positive.

“On your profile picture muromo wakafunuka. I’m sure inzara and mapundu ese ayo, asi une Aids?” reads part of the messages.

Some of the messages contain unprintable profanities.

Through his lawyer Advocate Edley Mubaiwa instructed by Mr Tichawana Nyahuma of Sengwe Law Chambers, Mazara said the messages were humiliating, degrading and ignominious.

A PENSIONER’s house valued at about $150 000 in Bulawayo’s Sunninghill suburb was reduced to ashes after it was gutted by fire on Monday and its owner is appealing for help to rebuild it.

Mr Samson Makhanda (72) said he was with his wife aged 70 when the fire started. He said he lost everything in the fire which started in his bedroom.

Mr Makhanda said he was disappointed that the Fire Brigade arrived late to save his property.

“We are still not sure what caused the fire but it started in my bedroom. What however disappoints us is the delays by the fire brigade who took about one hour 30 minutes to attend to the scene. And by the time they got here everything had been burnt down,” he said.

“A neighbour had to drive to their station in Famona and come with them. The excuse they told us is that they got lost as they were told that the fire occurred at a house along Old Esigodini Road.”

Mr Makhanda said property worth more than $150 000 was lost in the fire.“I’m appealing to the public to assist me rebuild my home. I’m a pensioner and I thought I was done. But now I’m left with nothing,” he said.

A DETECTIVE stationed at the CID Law and Order section in Bulawayo who was arrested in Victoria Falls while attempting to smuggle firearms into Zambia, was yesterday fined $400.

Detective Sergeant Givemore Nkomo (37) of Old Pumula suburb pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm without a permit. Victoria Falls resident magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa fined Det Sgt Nkomo $400. He will be jailed for three months if he fails to pay the fine by March 31.

Det Sgt Nkomo, who was off duty when he was arrested, told the court that he never benefited from the firearms as he was only sent to deliver them in Zambia.

A form two pupil at Northlea High School in Bulawayo hanged himself after his family allegedly threatened to get him arrested for stealing $5.

A domestic worker who was searching for firewood found Nqobani Ndlovu (15) from Richmond suburb hanging on Sunday afternoon in a bushy area in the same suburb.

Neighbours said he had been missing from home since March 9.

Nqobani allegedly hanged himself with a rope and his body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition with maggots feeding on it.

He was wearing a school t-shirt and khaki shorts.

Sources told The Chronicle that his uncle Mr Christopher Ndlovu had threatened to take him to the police for stealing $5.

“He did not return home following the threat by his uncle. His uncle was worried that he would end up stealing substantial amounts of money,” said the source.

A Bulawayo woman who assaulted her estranged husband with a shovel, breaking one of his ribs, has been jailed for an effective three months.

Velisiwe Maphosa (43) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube facing assault charges in connection with the attack on her husband Mr Edward Maphosa (49).

Velisiwe and her husband are both vendors who had been married for more than 10 years before their recent separation.

The pair had an argument early this month over how to share floor polish that they make for sale and Mr Maphosa sustained a broken rib after Velisiwe assaulted him using a shovel.

In his ruling, magistrate Ndhlovu bemoaned the rise in domestic violence cases in which women are the perpetrators.

“Domestic Violence is criminal and will not be condoned whether it is perpetrated by a man or woman. People should live in harmony and find other ways to solve disputes rather than resorting to violence. It is unfortunate that some cases of domestic violence in which men are victims may go unreported. This will send a message to society that the law does not tolerate domestic violence by anyone,” said the magistrate.

“You are therefore sentenced to 90 days imprisonment. No time will be suspended and you will not be given the option of a fine or community service.”

A SUSPECTED serial killer from Bulawayo who allegedly shot dead his friend and a neighbour before burying them in shallow graves in Burnside suburb, was yesterday back in court.

Rodney Tongai Jindu (26) of Glengarry suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Mboneli Joko Ncube (30).

The magistrate did not ask Jindu to plead and remanded him custody to April 5.

Terrence Mawawa Zaka | A school head here has been implicated in an examination registration scam.

Matara High School head, Allen Raisi is allegedly demanding $10 from from every internal candidate and has vowed that pupils will only be allowed to pay their examination fees after paying the said sum.

According to ZIMSEC rules and regulations ,internal candidates are not supposed to pay centre fees.Only external candidates are supposed to pay centre fees.

Irate parents told ZimEye.com Raisi was collecting the money from at least 135 O Level candidates at the school without notifying ZIMSEC. The parents described the move as daylight robbery.

“There are underhand deals at the school. Where on earth does Raisi expect us to get the money? That is totally unacceptable. At first I thought my child was exaggerating matters so I went to the school to find out on my own. I was shocked when I discovered that some parents had already paid the money,” said a local parent.

Another parent claimed Raisi was working with senior education officials to dupe unsuspecting villagers.

Another parent claimed Raisi was working with senior education officials to dupe unsuspecting villagers.

Asked to comment on the matter Raisi was evasive. He said he was not allowed to speak to the media. ” I am not allowed to speak to the press so you can contact my superiors, ” said Raisi.

Provincial Education Director, Zedius Chitiga was not readily available for a comment on the matter.

Three people died on the spot when a Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus they were travelling in swerved to the right lane, overturned and rolled several times before plunging into a stream  along the Bulawayo-Harare highway, 40 kilometres outside Kwekwe from Gweru, while 17 others were seriously injured.

The 17 were taken to Gweru Hospital and the names of the deceased are still being withheld until their next of kin have been advised. Eyewitnesses who spoke to ZBC News said the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle  before it rolled several times throwing passengers outside before landing on its side in a nearby stream.

Gweru Fire Brigade sub officer Mr Ephraim Manzera said the vehicle hit a bridge and it burst its front tyre before rolling several times. Midlands police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed that three people died on the spot and that they were still investigating the cause of the accident. – state media

Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) candidate for the pending Mwenezi East by-election Kudakwashe Bhasikiti-Chuma has threatened to pull out of the race citing gross intimidation of his supporters as well as vote-buying by the ruling party, Zanu PF.

Bhasikiti confirmed the development and insisted that he will withdraw from the race if the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) fails to act on the matter as soon as possible.

“We cannot continue to be used by ZEC to rubber-stamp fraudulent elections. My supporters are being intimidated every day; they are being followed to their houses and threatened at night. We raised these issues with ZEC but nothing has been done so should we continue when my people are being harassed and intimidated?” said Bhasikiti.

Though Bhasikiti said he wanted to first consult with his ZimPF party leadership on the way forward, sources from his campaigning team confirmed that they have unanimously agreed to withdraw from the race.

“I am at my home as we are speaking right now; we agreed to pullout because our supporters are being harassed and intimidated. Bhasikiti will make an official statement tomorrow (Wednesday 22 March) but we have since stopped campaigning,” said the source.

Bhasikiti also accused the Zanu PF candidate Joosbi Omar of vote-buying and insisted that there was no point of participating in the elections if ZEC does not suspend him.

They are distributing government food aid and inputs in the name of Zanu PF. The Zanu PF candidate is engaging in vote buying and he must be disqualified. If ZEC fails to disqualify him then there is no reason for us to continue in these elections. We cannot continue to be used by ZEC to rub-stamp their fraudulent elections,” Bhasikiti said.

Addressing bishops and indigenous churches at Rutenga Primary School over the weekend, Omar, however, described Bhasikiti as a mad man and pleaded with men of the cloth to pray for the ZimPF candidate so the he may get back to his senses.

“Bhasikiti does not think properly and he needs prayers. I am using my resources to develop this area; we are repairing a bridge as well as grading dusty roads in the constituency. Bhasikiti has nothing to offer to the people except telling false stories,” said Omar.

ZimPF is however, expected to have a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to deliberate on the matter and Bhasikiti would give an official statement thereafter.

Efforts to get comment from ZEC provincial officer Zex Pudurai were fruitless as his mobile went unanswered by the time of going to print. – Agencies

Radio and television personality Tichafa Matambanadzo — popularly known as Tich Mataz — yesterday claimed that Zimra bungled in calculating his duty bill, arguing the tax collector included his personal worn suits he had carried.

The flamboyant 48-year-old is accused of under-declaring 10 suits and seven pairs of shoes to evade a $538 duty bill at the Harare International Airport (HIA), upon return from China.

He appeared before Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube for his defence case, saying he left HIA after an unidentified Zimra official released him.

“I had clothes with me when I left for China and Zimra may have miscounted. I was surprised to hear the Zimra official saying I falsely declared my goods because I filled in the declaration form under his supervision. I also had clothes that I wore in China,” Matambanadzo testified.

Prosecutor Fransisca Mukumbiri maintained that Matambanadzo’s conduct on the day was consistent with attempts to evade duty payment. “When you arrived at the airport you were aware that you had goods to declare but proceeded through the Green Route.“You then filled declaration forms but falsely entered that you had five suits instead of 10 and four pairs of shoes instead of seven,” Mukumbiri argued.

“You did not follow what the Zimra official had instructed and went to the manager’s office to negotiate but, unfortunately for you, he insisted that you must follow procedure and pay duty.”

However, Matambanadzo refuted the claims and said he went to the manager’s office to complain because he had been made to wait for two hours since machines were down.

Mukumbiri emphasised that Zimra would not have charged duty on used clothes and queried why Matambanadzo had failed to identify the “fictitious” Zimra official he claimed to have dismissed him.

Brutally assaulting villagers and denying them food and water while in holding cells has backfired on the police after a court ordered them to pay damages to the tune of $4 700. Six men from Chinyamukwakwa Village in Chisumbanje were rounded up by the police over violence allegations at a local private farming entity called Macdom Estates. The arresting officers approached the six who were working in their fields and indiscriminately assaulted them with batons all over the body, accusing them of masterminding violent acts at Macdom Estates.

As a result of the assault, the six sustained injuries, but they were never taken to hospital. Instead, the police officers took them to Chisumbanje Police Station where they were detained without any food or water.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights engaged a team of lawyers comprising Mr Langton Mhungu, Ms Peggy Tavagadza and Mr Blessing Nyamaropa to represent the six villagers.

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo and a police officer identified as Mazarura were listed as defendants in the summons.

Chipinge magistrate Mr Poterai Gwezhira found that the police had unlawfully attacked the defenceless villagers and injured them.

A 41-YEAR-OLD man in Manicaland will spend the next 30 months behind bars after being convicted of malicious damage to property.

Lameck Nyahanana (41), from Musewe village in Mutasa district, was jailed for three years by magistrate Innocent Bepura found him guilty of setting his girlfriend’s home ablaze in a fit of jealous rage.

Six months were suspended on condition Nyahanana restitutes the complainant, Sikhuluhle Sibindi, $1 500 by May 30.

Nyahanana was charged with contravening Section 4(1) of the Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16: “Malicious damage to property”.

Terrence Mawawa, Chipinge| Deputy Minister of Information Technologies, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Win Mlambo was forced to flee from a Zanu PF rally as marauding youths bayed for his blood.

Mlambo, a declared G-40 member had to leave the rally in a haste after rowdy party youths said to be sympathetic to Team Lacoste barred him from addressing the rally. The rally was held in Checheche last weekend.

The youths accused Mlambo of belittling Team Lacoste members. Mlambo is the MP for Chipinge East Constituency. Party sources said the angry youths mobbed Mlambo as he took to the podium to address the rally. The youths claimed Mlambo was working with First Lady, Grace Mugabe to disrupt the flow of party programmes.
The legislator said he fled from the scene because the party youths wanted to bash him for speaking out his mind.

“I went to the rally to welcome people who defected from Zim PF.The youths suddenly charged towards me and damaged the PA System in the process. I understand they were hired to cause havoc at the venue,” said Mlambo. However a Zanu PF youth, Betty Kudzai Dhliwayo, said Mlambo was disregarding party structures .

“This man thinks he is important, he will be cut to size. His wings have to be clipped. He is a menace in the constituency,” fumed Dhliwayo.

MBARE’s renowned terror groups linked to Zanu PF have re-emerged with reports of harassment of residents ahead of make-or-break general elections expected in the second half of 2018.

There are reports of violent door-to-door campaigns by hordes of rogue Zanu PF mobs with residents expressing concern at the wanton disregard for human liberties.

Meetings, rallies and late night vigils have begun amid reports that some overzealous party youths were now forcing people to attend and participate in the meetings.

A Mbare resident said the youths were now walking from house to house demanding that people attend their rallies which are designed to ensure that Zanu PF leader President Robert Mugabe retains his post in next year’s elections.

Political parties under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) banner are pushing for a one-million-signature petition to be submitted to Sadc to push the government into adopting electoral reforms ahead of polls in 2018.

Opposition Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) leader Jacob Ngarivhume yesterday said his party was leading the initiative with the petition set to be taken to neighbouring Botswana in April before South Africa and the rest of the regional bloc’s membership.

Ngarivhume said the priority for democratic forces in Zimbabwe was to have a clean voters’ roll to avoid a disputed election next year.

President Robert Mugabe’s government has once again appealed to domestic, international and multi-lateral donors for $200 million to assist stricken flood victims.

More than 100 000 villagers in most of the country’s southern districts from the east to west were affected by Cyclone Dineo induced floods.

Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko told donor organisations’ representatives and stakeholders at an official domestic and international appeal meeting for humanitarian assistance that aid was most required in the areas of human settlements, water and sanitation, education, health and infrastructure, road network and dams.

“Based on these needy sectors, the government of Zimbabwe requires a total of $188 705 294 for providing humanitarian assistance in the short to medium term also taking into account sustainable measures which will assist in early recovery of affected communities with regards to relocation and establishment of related social amenities as applicable, and restoration of livelihoods in general,” Mphoko said.

Six men from Mashava are lucky to be alive and still battling for life at Masvingo General Hospital after they were allegedly shot and seriously injured following a dispute over the control of the gold-rich Lennox Mine, at the weekend.

Lennox Gold Mine is at the centre of an ownership wrangle between Mr Edgar Mashindi and Mr Tinaishe Hove.

Mr Hove and five of his workers escaped death by a whisker after they were allegedly shot by security guards deployed to the mine.

Mr Hove sustained facial and chest injuries together with his five workers namely, Messers Polite Mawela (28), Godfrey Mutangira (38), Emmanuel Chadzamira (43), Hahlani Muzamani (40) and Mr Farai Mutsiga (32).

The six were shot during the disturbances at the mine on Saturday morning.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police yesterday invoked the Public Order and Security Act and imposed a ban on carrying of dangerous weapons in public for the next three months in Harare Central District and Gwanda District in Matabeleland South, respectively. The decision by the police, which is the regulatory authority, was issued in terms of POSA following planned demonstrations by opposition political parties tomorrow and a meeting by some rogue war veterans.

The High Court has since okayed the meetings after the police had sought to stop them. But in separate prohibition orders yesterday, the police banned the carrying of weapons in Harare Central District and Gwanda District, saying they were likely to occasion public disorder or breach of peace and might also be used to commit serious crimes like unlawful entry.

Officer Commanding Harare Central District Chief Superintendent Jasper Chizemo banned carrying of weapons like catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, knives, swords, daggers or any traditional weapons likely to cause disorder and breach of peace.

Chief Supt Chizemo said the prohibition order was in terms of Section 14(1) of POSA (Chapter 11:17) and said he did so because he believed that carrying in public place or public thoroughfare or public display was likely to cause disorder.
“The belief is informed by the notification for public demonstrations lined up in my district of jurisdiction on March 22 2017, March 23 2017 and March 25 2017, I hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons within my district for three months, that is from March 22 to June 22 2017,” reads the notice by Chief Supt Chizemo.

Last week, High Court judge, Justice Alfas Chitakunye allowed some war veterans led by Mr Christopher Mutsvangwa to proceed with their meeting on Thursday without impediment.
In another case, the High Court allowed a demonstration by opposition political parties under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) banner to proceed.
Nera wants to protest Government’s decision to procure biometric voter registration kits without the involvement of the United Nations Development Programme.

In Matabeleland South, the prohibition order was issued by acting officer Commanding Police in Gwanda Superintendent Stephen Mutema and is set to run until June 15 2017.

“I hereby declare and issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons in Gwanda District for a period not exceeding three months from March 15 to June 15, 2017,” he said.

Supt Mutema said the order has been necessitated by an increase in assault, murder and robbery cases mostly committed by illegal gold panners and at drinking places.
“Our statistics chart indicates assault as the most dominant crime committed within our province and this has become a cause for concern to us as a security force. – State Media

A ZIMBABWEAN man is suspected to be a key figure in the multi-million rand OR Tambo International Airport heist that happened early this month.

Media reports from South Africa name the suspect as Prince Raphael Dube (40), who was responsible for cloning the police vehicle used in the March 7, R200-million heist.  He was arrested in Norkem Park, northern Kempton Park in Gauteng.

Dube together with four other suspects appeared in court briefly yesterday at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

Other suspects arrested together with Dube over the weekend are Thokwane Simon (37), Mathabatha Frans Manaka (30), Sibusiso Job Mnisi (39) and Mosiwa Steven Motani (35).
The matter was postponed to March 28 and March 29 for a formal bail application and they were remanded in custody.
They are charged with armed robbery.

“Three of the men are security guards at Africa’s busiest airport, and one guarded the vault in which the stolen millions were kept,” reports say.
It is believed that one of the suspects was arrested at his luxury Blue Valley home just hours after posting pictures of himself and friends on social media posing with a brand new R5-million Lamborghini.

Reports say lawyers for the accused‚ who were approached to provide clarity especially on which accused was in possession of a Lamborghini sports car said they could only comment further after the bail applications next week‚ as they had not yet had time to fully consult with their clients.

Zimbabwe’s consul-general to South Africa Mr Bataishe Mukonoweshuro said they had engaged police over the suspected Zimbabwean national but police had neither denied nor confirmed anything.
“There has been a report in one of the papers but we haven’t got verification from the police.  They say they are following the leads. It is believed that Dube was responsible for cloning a police vehicle used in the heist together with four other suspects. But as of now we cannot verify anything, we are awaiting their appearance in court,” said Mr Mukonoweshuro.
Reports say the men had been arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks, the provincial tracking team and crime intelligence on Friday and Saturday.

“One of the suspects, arrested at a luxurious Centurion estate, was found in possession of a Lamborghini and a large amount of cash. Last week, Mosiwa Steven Motani (35), and Khululekani Sibanda (31), also appeared in the same court in connection with the heist,” a report says.

They were both released on bail of R50 000 each.
According to media reports a total of R200m in foreign currency was stolen from an airplane at the airport.

Suspects in a marked police vehicle intercepted the money after a South African Airways flight landed on March 7. A white Mercedes-Benz is believed to have also been used in the operation.
Suspects in a marked police vehicle intercepted the money after a South African Airways flight landed on March 7. A white Mercedes-Benz is believed to have also been used in the operation.

The South African police said a high-level investigation, involving all law enforcement agencies, was underway. – State Media

A MAN from Hwange, who allegedly fatally stabbed his stepmother with a homemade knife before attacking his stepbrother with the same weapon, had allegedly prepared eight knives and a hit list of people he wanted to kill including his former teacher.

Neighbours alleged Reginald Siketa, who is on the run, wasn’t in good books with the stepmother Ms Sibonisiwe Mpofu (30) and had a grudge with his former woodwork teacher identified as Mr Musekiwa.

He allegedly stabbed Ms Mpofu twice on Saturday at Number 5, E Section, before also stabbing his stepbrother in the groin, after an unsuccessful weeklong hunt for the teacher.

Relatives yesterday told The Chronicle that Reginald, who has been staying with his maternal grandmother at Shagari area in Lower Gweru, left the rural area with eight homemade knives that he fashioned from parts of a moldboard plough.
Reginald’s father Mr Ronald Siketa said it was untrue that the late Ms Mpofu abused his son.

“It’s not true that she was abusing him because we stayed with him until he finished his A-Level.  In fact, what we got is that he had a grudge with a teacher at Wankie Secondary School called Musekiwa who he hunted for the whole week wanting to kill him. We heard from the teacher’s wife that Reginald visited their house several times carrying a knife looking for the teacher,” said Mr Siketa.

The teacher is now reportedly teaching at another school (name withheld).
Reginald, who attended high school at Foundation College in Bulawayo, before doing temporary teaching at Kantembwe and Nekabandana schools in Hwange, is 24, contrary to our report yesterday that he is 30.
His father said he was generally not a violent person and is still in shock about his behaviour.
He said the family was shocked that Reginald had spent a week hoping between nightclubs in Hwange after leaving the rural areas as he hunted the teacher.
“He wasn’t a violent person and we are still shocked as a family. We sent him money through his grandmother’s EcoCash number for him to come to Hwange and the grandmother told us that he disappeared soon after withdrawing the money. No one knew of his whereabouts.
“We then heard that he was seen in bars in Hwange but he never came home. That’s the time he was hunting for that teacher,” said Mr Siketa, a Hwange Colliery Company employee.

He said Reginald had argued with his stepmother after she quizzed him about some stolen chickens.

“It’s true that we had a break-in on Wednesday and police arrested a suspect who implicated Reginald. When he came home she (Ms Mpofu) asked him and he got angry as he denied stealing them. He went away and returned just before 6PM armed with a knife. He attacked her without even saying a word,” added Mr Siketa.

“It’s true that we had a break-in on Wednesday and police arrested a suspect who implicated Reginald. When he came home she (Ms Mpofu) asked him and he got angry as he denied stealing them. He went away and returned just before 6PM armed with a knife. He attacked her without even saying a word,” added Mr Siketa.

Reginald was allegedly in the habit of abusing drugs which cost him his job as a temporary teacher as he would go to class intoxicated.  He went to stay with his grandparents soon after that, his father confirmed.

Regis was discharged from hospital yesterday.
A neighbour, Mr Thembinkosi Khumalo, a former cop who rushed Ms Mpofu in his car to hospital said: “All my years as a police officer I never experienced such a thing. The knife is scary like a spear. He dumped it soon after stabbing them and we rushed the woman to hospital as she couldn’t talk but unfortunately she died soon after admission.”

No comment could be obtained from police yesterday but Chronicle understands that a manhunt has been launched for Reginald. – State Media

AN acute shortage of green vegetables has hit Bulawayo, with vendors saying the insufficient supply of the nutritious commodity could push up the price on the market.

A snap survey conducted in the city centre last week revealed that most of the vendors in the market place along Fifth Avenue and at Basch Street terminus, popularly known as Egodini, have gone for close to a month without sufficient supplies of chomolia and spinach vegetables.

Recently, retail shops such as OK and Greens had few vegetables on their shelves and were charging between $0.50 and $0.55 per bundle. In some shops the size of each bundle was equivalent to about two $0.10 bundles sold in the western suburbs and the sizes of the leaves appeared relatively small.

Brutally assaulting villagers and denying them food and water while in holding cells has backfired on the police after a court ordered them to pay damages to the tune of $4 700. Six men from Chinyamukwakwa Village in Chisumbanje were rounded up by the police over violence allegations at a local private farming entity called Macdom Estates. The arresting officers approached the six who were working in their fields and indiscriminately assaulted them with batons all over the body, accusing them of masterminding violent acts at Macdom Estates.

As a result of the assault, the six sustained injuries, but they were never taken to hospital. Instead, the police officers took them to Chisumbanje Police Station where they were detained without any food or water.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights engaged a team of lawyers comprising Mr Langton Mhungu, Ms Peggy Tavagadza and Mr Blessing Nyamaropa to represent the six villagers.

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo and a police officer identified as Mazarura were listed as defendants in the summons.

Chipinge magistrate Mr Poterai Gwezhira found that the police had unlawfully attacked the defenceless villagers and injured them.

Three masked men armed with guns raided Cooland Supermarket in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane 12 suburb and allegedly shot one employee in the leg before getting away with more than $1 000.

The incident occurred at around 6PM on Saturday. A total of $1 155 was allegedly stolen from an ecocash counter and the armed robbers also took an undisclosed amount of money from other supermarket tills as well as three cellphones.

The suspects, who were wearing blue masks, appeared at the Cooland supermarket’s back entrance when the shop’s employees were knocking off.

One of them allegedly opened fire at the security guard but missed and the bullet hit one of the employees, Miss Kathleen Dube, on the ankle.

Miss Dube was later taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals and her condition could not be established immediately yesterday.

A police source who preferred anonymity said the armed robbers struck at around 6PM when employees were heading home. “The robbers, who were putting on blue masks, appeared at the back gate of Cooland Supermarket as 13 employees were coming out. One of the robbers pointed a pistol towards the guard and fired one shot but missed and hit Kathleen Dube who was following behind him on the right ankle,” said the police source.

“The robber who was armed force-marched everyone back into the premises while one of them stood guard at the gate and the other one stood guard in the corridor. Whilst inside, the robber ordered everyone to lie down and grabbed one of the cashiers whom she force-marched to the tills.”

The police source said one of the cashiers was ordered to direct one of the robbers around the supermarket.- Agencies

First Lady Grace Mugabe has refuted allegations that she tried to grab another farm.

Speaking on her behalf the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs, Advocate Martin Dinha lashed out at the private media for negatively portraying projects involving the First Family in the province.

Dinha’s remarks follow last Saturday’s  headline story alleging that the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe has renewed her bid to evict villagers at Arnolds Farm in Mazowe.

Addressing a media conference, Advocate Dinha said in 2012 the province requested the First Lady to assist in the resuscitation of Manzou Game Park which encompass Arnolds  Farm.

Describing the Newsday story as misleading, malicious and very untruthful, Advocate Dinha said the area is not for human habitation and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe declared it a national heritage site years ago.

“It is disturbing that instead of highlighting the philanthropic work Dr Mugabe is doing in Mazowe, the private media continue to demonise the First Family,” he said.

LIVE at 6pm (GMT) Monday 20 Mar 2017: “Emmanuel Makandiwa has insulted God Almighty” – Join ZimEye on Monday night 6pm as Zimbabwe’s most controversial preacher is probed following his shocking statements and actions.

Terrence Mawawa Mwenezi | Controversial Masvingo State Minister, Shuvai Ben Mahofa has threatened that traditional leaders who do not campaign for the ruling party in the Mwenezi by-election will be fired from their respective positions.

Mahofa made the remarks at a Zanu PF rally held at Rutenga Primary School last week.

The controversial state minister also boasted that all traditional leaders were sympathetic to the ruling party.

“All traditional leaders belong to Zanu PF and I know they will campaign for Joosbi Omar in the coming by-election. Those who do not campaign for Zanu PF will be sacked. You must remember that you occupy those positions because of Zanu PF,” said Mahofa.

Mahofa said traditional leaders had received many fringe benefits such that they were expected to campaign vigorously for the ruling party.

“You have received a lot of benefits such that we expect you campaign for Zanu PF.You were given farming inputs so we expect you to work hard.If you do not campaign for our candidate we will deal with you,”said Mahofa.

As the April by-election beckons,political observers have already cast aspersions on the possibility of a free and fair election in Mwenezi East Constituency.

“There is widespread intimidation of key participants in the electoral process such that the whole thing is a fiasco,”said Masvingo based political writer ,Batsiranayi Ngungama.

Shyleen Mtandwa | MDC-T Member of Parliament for Bulawayo East, Tabitha Khumalo, is mobilizing women throughout the country with the aim of suing government for not aligning electoral laws with the new constitution.

The country adopted a new constitution in May 2013, but up to now there are more than 400 laws which government is yet to align with the new charter.

“As women collectively we have a right to take the Government of Zimbabwe to the Constitutional Court demanding implementation of our rights that are enshrined in the constitution,” Khumalo told a local commercial radio station at the weekend during a show to commemorate the belated International Women’s Day.

“We should not beg them to implement the wills of the people and this time we are holding the bull by its horns,” she said.

The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year’s campaign theme was  #BeBoldForChange.

Shyleen Mtandwa | The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) boss, Rita Makarau, has  snubbed a stakeholders meeting which was organized by civil society organisations to discuss the Biometric Voter Registration process (BVR).

The issue of BVR is highly topical with citizens wanting to know how the new voting system works.

Government announced that the country was going to adopt the new voting system in the next elections in 2018 with most political parties agreeing that the BVR was the way to go if the country was to hold an uncontested election.

Biometric voting involves the use of computerized identification documents such as finger prints, Passports, National Identity Card or driver’s license when casting the ballot.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had offered to fund the procurement of   BVR equipment  after consulting with the ZEC and opposition political parties, but surprisingly government rejected the offer and instead demanded that the administration was better positioned to procure the equipment.

At the weekend, civil society organizations had invited Makarau, to interface with them and answer several questions pertaining to the new voting system but none of the electoral body’s officials turned up.

“We want to inform you that ZEC which we had invited to be with us tonight has sent us some apologies saying that they were committed somewhere and we could not be with them here,” the meeting convener, Dr Charlton Tsodzo, told the meeting at a local hotel.

Last week the state controlled daily, The Herald, which usually spells out government policy and position, ran a story which was dismissing the adoption of BVR.

The news paper said BVR was expensive and the country had better priorities than opting to the process.

ZEC has requested $29 million for BVR, including procurement of the kits the funding which UNDP said was willing to provide.

A POLICE officer stationed at CID Law and Order Bulawayo was arrested in Victoria Falls for allegedly attempting to smuggle firearms into the neighbouring Zambia.

Sergeant Givemore Nkomo (37) of Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb was intercepted at Victoria Falls Border Post with a rifle and a revolver which he intended to handover to someone across the border.

Nkomo travelled to Victoria Falls with the two guns and two temporary firearm permits which were all registered in the name of Mr David Butcher, a former magistrate in Matabeleland who is now based in the United Kingdom.

The permits were issued on December 28, 2016 and would expire on March 29. 2017.

A source close to investigations said Nkomo had been sent by Mr Butcher to give the firearms to his son who was expecting him on the Zambian side.

Heartless gangsters shot and killed this young mother while she walked with her six-month-old son in a pram, in the street where she lives.

Mishkah Hendricks, 21, also known as Michaela, had been walking with her baby and her two siblings aged 13 and 16, when gunmen opened fire in Rio Grande Street, Manenberg, just after 8am on Saturday.

Mishkah, who worked at a clothing factory, was on her way to the bank in Cape Town when her life was brutally snuffed out.

Family members say Mishkah flung the pram with her son in it out of harm’s way when the gunshots rang out.

The young mom was struck in the spine and suffered a wound to her lungs.

She was rushed to hospital where she later died.

Mishkah was laid to rest hours after she died, according to Muslim rites.

Her distraught aunt, Charlotte Hendricks, 55, describes in horror what happened: “I was washing myself when I heard the gunshots going off.”

“When I heard the people screaming, I knew someone had been shot.”

The picture below has gone on social media of President Lungu talking to his Minister of Livestock & Fisheries yesterday.

Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba is fighting to retain control of the Zimbabwe Urban and Rural Council Workers Union as the president and is challenging national congresses held in Masvingo and Mutare in 2014 which ushered in a new executive.

In matter pencilled for the High Court, Chinotimba has dragged the union, one Bernard Dhanda the secretary general of the union and one referred to as Tazvitya who he accuses of masquerading as the union’s president and the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to court.

He claims he is the legitimate president of the union and seeks the nullification of the purported national congress held on 26th of April 2010 in Masvingo and Mutare.

Chinotimba additionally seeks the cancellation of constitution date stamped by the union on the first of February 2014.

He argues that he is the custodian of the original registration certificate of the union and never handed over the same to the defendants as he retains the support of union’s national executive committee and national council.  – Agencies

ZimEye.com brings our valued readers and contributors the latest updates in the case of Gillian Zvomuya in which her husband, Norbert Chikerema is on trial for her alleged murder.

The trial is going on at the Birmingham Crown Court.

Norbert Chikerema has pleaded NOT GUILTY, as court documents availed to ZimEye show.

Three important dates were listed in the hearing; The 20th April which will be a Further Directions hearing. By that date, Judge Trudy demanded that he be notified if there are still any problems.

The next date will be the 18th May which will be a plea hearing, and then then final trial which is slisted for the 31st July 2017.

The sentencing if appropriate, will then be announced in due course.

The case opened Monday 20th March. For the second time now, Chikerema appeared in court not physically but via video link. In the last case held in February, Chikerema’s appearance was also arranged via a video link which however became faulty.

As the clock hit 10am this morning, throngs of Zimbabweans mainly friends and relatives arrived for the trial however only to be told that the court papers were neither complete nor ready. The hearing has thus been moved up to May. After May, there will be another date which will conclude the case. Last month, ZimEye was told by the court clerk the final trial will be on the 31st July. It was not clear at the time of writing if the July schedule is still functional.

Shyleen Mtandwa | Information Communication Technology and Courier Services, minister Supa Mandiwanzira, has slapped businessman and Grace Mugabe’s G-40 apologist, Agrippa Masiyakurima, popularly known as Bopela with a $300 000 lawsuit.

This is over social media rants.

Bopela, has been ranting a lot on social media, since ICT minister instigated an audit at NetOne, as the board had demanded with the two falling out during the process.

Part of the audit report exposed that Bopela was getting unwarranted and illegally attained contracts from the Reward Kangai administration to install base station, and some of those were rented at nonstrategic areas, while Bopela went on to allege that the attacks were more personal than anything.

Mandiwanzira – through his lawyer Advocate Brian Hungwe instructed by Dube, Manikai and Hwacha Legal Practitioners – wants Masiyakurima, popularly known as Bopela in business circles, to pay him $300 000 for damages caused by his Facebook posts alleging that the minister was corrupt and that the Nyanga North legislator was an accomplice in the plunder of Marange diamonds.

Masiyakurima however took to Facebook again, and continued to call the minister a thief, while he posting again memories from a year ago, attributing the same statement. He also posted the same story published by the Newsday, and maintains his same position.

“In Facebook posts between January 2 and 7, 2017, the defendant (Masiyakurima) made defamatory allegations that the plaintiff was a thief and a liar given to name-dropping, who falsely used the First Family name to acquire State entities like Telecel for personal gain,” part of the summons filed by the minister read.

LAWYERS representing 22 Tajamuka members accused of burning ZBC and police vehicles during a protest last year, have threatened to apply for refusal of remand if the State continues to dither.

Tonderai Bhatasara a member of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (Zlhr)’s threat came after the State sought a fresh postponement of the matter to April 19, arguing witnesses were busy.

Among those facing trial for the alleged arson attack are Promise Mkwananzi, Kunashe Muchemwa, Kerina Gweshe and Michael Kauzani. They all appeared before magistrate Lazini Ncube.

Bhatasara told the court that if the witnesses defaulted again on the next remand date he would be forced to apply for refusal of further remand. The only witnesses yet to testify are the arresting officers and investigation officers.

President Mugabe is among African leaders attending the inaugural African Economic Platform that opened here this morning.

A restaurant security guard who fatally stabbed a customer with a home-made knife for refusing to leave a shop has been jailed for 40 years.

Million Muleya of Ndelele Village in Kariangwe in Binga was found guilty of murder with actual intent by Bulawayo High Court judge justice Maxwell Takuva on circuit in Hwange.

Justice Takuva said Muleya (38) acted callously by stabbing Zibusiso Ndlovu, who was aged 31 at the time of his death even after the deceased’s workmate Mr Badmiles Hama had earlier intervened and stopped the fight.

The deceased and Mr Hama worked at Kariangwe Mission Hospital and had gone to Smart Corner Restaurant at Kariangwe shops to buy food when Muleya committed the murder.

Ray Nkosi | Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa, has said Zimbabwe is not ready for business investment until President Robert Mugabe and his Government are gone.

The firebrand politician was at the weekend addressing women who gathered in Norton to celebrate belated international Women’s day commemorations when he encouraged them to vote for capable candidates in the next elections.

Mliswa said only sober politicians will avail business opportunities to women if the latter vote wisely.

He also said women should encourage each other to vote for other women if they want their issues to be heard by those in authority.

“There is need for a paradigm shift in the mindset of the ladies and start believing in each other rather than pulling each other down,”said Mliswa.

” We cannot talk of protection of a girl child when she isn’t empowered,”he said.

The trial of a 25-year-old South African man who allegedly trafficked four Zimbabweans to SA where he used them for forced labour has been set for April 12.

Raymond Sithole of Chebeng Village will be tried at the Seshego Magistrate Court in Polokwane city.

He was arrested on January 3 by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (The Hawks) following a tip off.

Sithole is accused of holding the four men hostage at his home.

Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo Province, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the man’s victims were aged between 15 and 20 and that they had been illegally transported into the neighbouring country on the promise of good jobs.

Captain Maluleke said the four were kept under lock and key at Sithole’s house.

He said in some instances, the man would send the victims to steal and do other jobs without payments.

“He has been charged for human trafficking. The complainants were allegedly kept under key and lock after being smuggled into South Africa with false promises of good jobs and better lives here.

“In some cases, the suspect would severely assault them if they failed to comply with his orders,” he said.

THREE Harare men, who were conned $1 000 by a fake diamond dealer before being arrested at the police station while making a report, appeared at the Harare magistrate’s court of Friday.

Desire Mufambira (27), Proud Gweshe (26) and Gilbert Chamaida (27) appeared before Harare magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta charged with Section 40 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act after being found in possession of the “fake” gem.

The trio, who appeared in court on summons were remanded to March 20 for trial.

It is the State’s case that on April 27 last year at around 11am, Mufambira, Gweshe and Chamaida went to the Police Minerals and Border Control Unit to report a case in which they alleged a certain man known to them had conned them into buying a diamond piece for $1 000.

A number of mystery deaths have gone for years without being investigated because of a lack of a competent coroner.

It is reported that inquest system used in Zimbabwe has over the years produced inconclusive results especially in the aftermath of the death of revered liberation war commander, Solomon Mujuru, former war veterans leader, Cain Nkala and the inquest into the stampede during a Walter Magaya-led PHD church service in Kwekwe.

The holder of the envisaged government Coroner should be appointed by the President Robert Mugabe and must be a renowned medical practitioner, Coroner’s Office Technical Committee Representative, Runyararo Gurira has said.

Gurira told stakeholders during public consultations in Bulawayo on the Bill that it is expected that the appointee should have practised for at least seven years.

“The officer of the Coroner appointed by the President should be a practitioner for seven years, for a five-year-term, which should be renewable once. The officer should retire at 65 and should have independence,” she said.

Gurira said other stakeholders during the consultation have shown little confidence in the inquest system used by Zimbabwe at the moment.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a recruitment programme aimed at harnessing at least 5 000 votes from every ward in Bulawayo ahead of elections expected in the second half of next year.

The MDC-T led by former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has since the turn of the century dominated Bulawayo politics, only to cede parliamentary seats to Zanu PF following the acrimonious split with then secretary-general Tendai Biti (pictured) in 2014. Biti broke away to form the PDP.

PDP provincial organising secretary, Bekithemba Nyathi, told Southern Eye last week that his party has embarked on a massive recruitment drive with the aim of getting over 100 000 new total votes by 2018.

“This is done through the use of data base collection and the process is now underway,” Nyathi said.

FORMER Vice-President and opposition leader Joice Mujuru has snubbed an invitation by War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube to attend a proposed meeting of former guerrilla war fighters tentatively set for next month.

Mujuru was stampeded out of the ruling party, as part of a brutal purge in the run-up to the Zanu PF 6th congress held in December 2014, on accusations she was behind a sinister plot to force Mugabe out of power.

Dube told NewsDay last week that Mujuru, as a veteran of the liberation struggle, would be free to attend.

“She is free to attend as a war veteran and not in any other capacity. We would welcome her. The meeting brings together all war veterans from across the political divide. We do not look at who supports which party or is aligned to which political formation. The President meets all those who took part in the liberation struggle and Mujuru is one of them,” Dube said.

But Mujuru immediately scoffed at the suggestion that she would appear at Mugabe’s indaba with war veterans.

“As a matter of principle and ideological standing Dr Mujuru has no desire to attend a gathering presided over by a dictator who has completely lost focus, as demonstrated by his insatiable appetite to disregard constitutionalism and the rule of law. Put simply one cannot expect Jesus to attend a sermon being

presided over by Baal’s prophets,” Mujuru said through spokesperson Gift Nyandoro, adding Mugabe had failed to deliver on last year’s promises after a meeting with the ex-fighters.

Mugabe has agonisingly watched his age-old relationship with war veterans waste away over the succession issue, with the former fighters backing Mujuru’s successor in Zanu PF Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, while sections of the women and youth leagues were reportedly behind First Lady Grace Mugabe under the banner of a faction known as G40.

Mujuru now leads the opposition National People’s Party following a “rebranding” exercise triggered by a nasty fall-out with erstwhile comrades in the Zimbabwe People First party.

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA), which last week won a court interdict to force authorities to allow it to hold its own meeting, said its members would not attend Mugabe’s meeting. Police two weeks ago barred the ZNLWVA from holding a special indaba in the capital, citing “administrative issues” that needed to be attended to but the association accused police of being “used.” Secretary-general Victor Matemadanda yesterday said his association had no reason to attend.

“We have no reason to attend because the first meeting yielded nothing in terms of fulfilment of promises. We feel that it is better to use the millions that are going to be wasted on the event to pay outstanding medical bills and examination fees for very needy children of war veterans,” Matemadanda said.

Mugabe’s lieutenants have in the past year unsuccessfully tried to set up a new war veterans’ association fronted by Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene, to rival the ZNLWVA-led by former Cabinet minister Christopher Mutsvangwa.

Mugabe met war veterans in April last year in a stormy period that was followed by the release of a damning communiqué describing him as a manipulative and “genocidal leader” who has used foul means to retain power. – Newsday

Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi | Malaria has killed 33 people in Masvingo Province since January 6, 2017, it has emerged. Last week it was reported the deadly disease had killed 20 people across the province.

Health officials have indicated the figure has risen to 33.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is reportedly struggling to combat malaria and officials in the Ministry are desperate to contain the deadly disease. Health officials said 196 malaria cases were recorded in Malipati,Chiredzi last month.

Health and Child Care Minister, David Parirenyatwa flew to Chiredzi last Saturday to assess the situation.

Masvingo Provincial Medical Director, Amadeus Shamu confirmed the deaths of 33 people as a result of malaria and said efforts were being made to avert further disaster.

He said Parinyenyatwa had brought malaria drugs and he hoped the situation would improve.

“I can confirm that we have recorded 33 deaths as a result of malaria. We are referring to the recorded cases and there is a possibility there are some unrecorded cases,” said Shamu.
Last week health experts said the government was deeply reluctant to engage relevant stakeholders in relation to the matter.

“There is no commitment from the government .Our efforts to engage health officials on the matter have not materialised,” said a health expert.

• Mnangagwa is Presidential material?

• Grace is the blood link to the youth?

• Who do you prefer for Head Of State job?

By Chris Tongogara| Since 1980, what sensible thing has ever come out of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mouth? What else have we heard from the Midlands man apart from his all-time, ever coming “goodboy” splashes of worshipful praise for President Robert Mugabe, coupled with Mnangagwa’s calling of everyone he does not like – “you little brats!” ?  He labelled Joice Mujuru, “Chananana ichi Runaida,” also called Patrick Zhuwao, “Pwere iyi,” and now we hear the President’s  wife in public saying there is one male Presidential aspirant who actually calls her “A Prostitute.”

Grace is the blood link

All these things are self evident that Mnangagwa is no match for Amai Mugabe on character, the latter who might be weak, controversial and inexperienced, but she is needed since she is the only convenient step into Zimbabwe’s future. Like her or not, you cannot avoid her person because she in the blood link to the new generation of the youthful and the powerful who have clean hands. Grace will assist Zimbabwe into its dynamic highly expected future, and I shall explain further.

Zimbabwe ready for a female President? You bet your foot it is! # ” In 1980 was Zim ready for a Black President? Someone back then said, never in a thousand years. Zimbabwe has never been ready even for Jesus. But change has always happened inside this country,’ a male caller said in the below LIVE VIDEO:

Grace is morally better than her peers

ZimEye’s David Ndebele unveils these arguments in the below article:

Grace Mugabe can take over from her husband.

Robert Mugabe’s wife can easily seize the horns of the state and swiftly transition Zimbabwe away from the hands of tired war veterans.

The above assertions were part of a LIVE debate on ZimEye.com on women leadership for Zimbabwe.

Mrs Mugabe was once quizzed by the British Guardian paper’s David Smith,“I just wanted to ask you if it’s true you might like to be president one day.”

Her hard features, which can resemble a mask with striking dark eyes and sculpted cheekbones, dissolved into a laugh. She did not deny it. “I don’t know, I don’t know,” she replied and her husband February last month boldly told the state media Grace is now a full time politician like his first wife, the late Sally Mugabe.

One thing however Mrs Mugabe will need to do will be prove herself morally better than her peers.  Wrote ZimEye’s Grace Kwinjeh:  As the women step forward to challenge the failure of male leadership, a conversation takes place in our community: are women better leaders than men?  – At a glance a question that might seem to be naive and one that seeks a response which fits the usual stereotype that; women are mothers, more caring, more loving and will do things better.

But alas No!

There are examples in Africa of deadly female leadership in its most brutal form. Take former Rwanda’s first lady, now exiled Agathe Habyarimana who is accused of masterminding a Genocide against the Tutsi.

Another recent example is of Ivory Coast’s Simone Gbagbo, also known as the “Iron Lady”, who is accused of crimes against humanity, for her alleged role in that country’s 2010 post-election violence that killed more than 3,000 people.

As Zimbabwean women step forward positioning themselves for the highest office on the land, light illuminates over their history and the role they have played in society: where have they been placed and what politics have they advanced?

Indeed also in this assessment men do get away ‘with murder’ in the literal sense – no pun intended. We are more likely to vote for a man who sleeps with his whole executive, than say if a woman did this – she would be history, examples galore.

The women who have so far taken the bold step forward include, Joice Mujuru, Grace Mugabe  and Barbara Nyagomo – a historic move as this is the first time in an election that women ruffled feathers as push barriers, in their parties and society at large.

Nyagomo has been progressively building her party both in the Diaspora and in Zimbabwe, coming from the Diaspora, giving her that unique niche and voice as the only woman the vast community has produced so far.

The first time that women from within the ruling party, Grace Mugabe and Mujuru seem to be shaking off antiquated male politics that have held them down for decades represented by a man President Mugabe, who has ironically mentored them both at one time and another.

Speaking during his birthday celebrations Mugabe castigated those who charge that Grace must stay in the home and leave politics to others, reminding them of the late Sally Mugabe’s spirit at the dawn of independence as she influenced policy standing out in her own right as a politician who could move and shake things.

Grace Mugabe’s battle to win power within Zanu PF becomes an interesting one as she is placed at the epicenter of the revolution to dismantle the exhausted patriarchal system of governance that has sustained her husband’s rule over the years – A model whose main characteristics are sexism, dictatorship and cronyism adopted by most liberation movements who have ruled over starving masses with brute force.

The women coming forward also challenge conscious and unconscious biases in our society – Women who daily stand up against the backlash from a society that believes women should be seen and not heard. That backlash has come in the form of direct and indirect attacks, and we in the media have not been kind either. The sexualisation of their politics, being an issue, we are more concerned about who they have slept with or about to sleep with and not their ability to put in place sound policies.

Consequently, these are bold women who have taken a step forward, knowing fully that the Zimbabwean community is sick and tired of brutal male politics, as they aim for the highest office and will also be brought to account on all matters in equal measure to their male counterparts.

Being female is no excuse to loot, kill or repeat the very mistakes our male leaders are guilty of, sadly because as women they represent an alternative, the expectation bar is only raised.

In an open show of how ZANU PF’s indigenisation program has failed, the party’s youths who received about $80,000 have fled the country for South Africa, it has emerged.

Public statements show that youths who received the thousands of dollars meant to start their businesses, swiftly fled the country citing trading environment problems created by Robert Mugabe’s government.

The youths skipped the border for South Africa with the money and once in South Africa, chose rather to look for work in the neighbouring country, the state media reveals.

The majority of youths in Tsholotsho who received loans to start income generating projects skipped the country and headed to South Africa resulting in only $7 000 being repaid from the $87 000 that was disbursed. Matabeleland North provincial head in the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Mr Buthumuzi Ngwenya revealed this on Friday while making a presentation at a provincial advocacy meeting for HIV programming for displaced communities in Bulawayo.

The meeting, which was organised by the National Aids Council, was attended by heads of department from various ministries in an effort to counter other disasters that might affect the more than 800 flood victims accommodated at Sipepa Camp in Tsholotsho.

Mr Ngwenya said the problem of floods in Tsholotsho is part of a myriad of challenges that needed urgent attention in the district.

He said most of the youths who benefited from Kurera/Ukondla Youth Fund left for South Africa with the money.

“Floods are the least thing that the people in Tsholotsho needed because the district already has more problems than other districts. Out of the seven districts in the province, Tsholotsho was the worst in terms of repayment of the Youth Fund. The district received $87 000. Out of that money $80 000 disappeared. The youths were receiving $1 200 as individuals and most of them didn’t repay.

“They left for South Africa and used the money for their upkeep in the neighbouring country as they looked for jobs. It’s difficult to trace them,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said 90 percent of the youths in Binga managed to pay back the money while other districts including Nkayi, Umguza, Hwange and Lupane also tried to pay back the loans.

Mr Ngwenya said it was difficult to use traditional leaders to trace the youths as some of the leaders also benefited from Government funds but never paid back.

“Some of the chiefs are defaulters so it’s difficult to get assistance from them. We, therefore, need multi-sectoral programming that will help our youths focus on skills development and be able to be innovative and work without being pushed.

“Now that the floods have come and gone, we must not rest. We have to come up with measures that will make the people in Tsholotsho less vulnerable. They should be able to survive in whatever circumstances,” he said.

Mr Ngwenya said some youths in the area go to South Africa before they finish school, where they do menial jobs.

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko is on record as urging young people to shun the habit of travelling to South Africa illegally, saying there was nothing for them but death in the neighbouring country.

VP Mphoko, who is also Zimbabwe’s former Ambassador to South Africa, said he was speaking from experience as he had come across cases of young boys and girls who left school and ended up being exploited to become sex slaves and homosexuals.

A Hwange man allegedly fatally stabbed his stepmother with a knife before attacking his stepbrother with the same weapon.

The incident happened at Number 5, E Section at around 5PM on Saturday in full view of two minor children.

Reginald Siketa (30) had a row with his stepmother after she quizzed him about some chickens he allegedly stole on Wednesday last week.

The chickens were allegedly stolen from the woman’s house when she was at church with her family.

Reginald allegedly stabbed his stepmother under the left breast and behind the right shoulder.

When her 17-year-old son Regis Siketa rushed to defend his mother, he was also attacked.

The Chronicle was told that neighbours rushed the woman and her son to Hwange Colliery Hospital but she died before she could be admitted as nurses at the health institution reportedly refused to attend to her demanding a police report.

Regis, who is in Form Four at a school in Hwange, is admitted to the same hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition.

Reginald’s father, Mr Ronald Siketa, said he was grief stricken to comment and referred all questions to the police.

Matabeleland North province Assistant Inspector Eglon Nkala wasn’t immediately reachable.

Hwange Local Board Councillor Godi Nyoni confirmed the incident.

“Everyone is in shock as we try to figure out what could have gotten into him. We feel it’s a challenge for us as a community to make sure we control children,” he said.

A neighbour said: “Reginald arrived home and shoved Regis as he entered. He went straight to his stepmother who was cleaning in the sitting room and immediately stabbed her. Regis rushed to rescue his mother and that’s when he was also stabbed and both collapsed.”

Neighbours reportedly rushed and tried to administer first aid on the two who were bleeding profusely.

A source said Reginald had been staying with his maternal grandmother and only visited his father and stepmother recently.

The source said the murder suspect’s mother died when he was a small boy and his stepmother raised him, before he later moved to live with his maternal grandparents.

It is alleged that Reginald, who was once a temporary teacher after finishing his A Levels, was in the habit of abusing drugs which made him lose his job a few years ago.

Meanwhile, a man from Tsholotsho is on the run after allegedly stabbing and axing his wife of two months to death for suspected infidelity.

Junias Tshuma (31) brought the woman identified only as MaBhanda (25) from Bulawayo when he was released from prison in January.

Sources said Tshuma, who has been in and out of prison most of his life, allegedly axed MaBhanda on the right leg in a domestic dispute last Wednesday afternoon before villagers intervened and prevented him from killing her.

The altercation flared up again the same night when the couple was sleeping and Tshuma allegedly butchered his wife .

Villagers discovered the body lying in a pool of blood in the fields in Mbambangamandla village, under chief Magama at around 7AM on Thursday.

MaBhanda’s relatives are yet to be located.

Tshuma’s mother, Mrs Molly Tshuma, said her son was always fighting with MaBhanda whom he had recently introduced to her as his wife.

“My son suspected that she was having an affair but was never able to prove it. I’m at a loss for words,” she said.

A Neighbourhood Watch Committee member, Mr Jabulani Mpofu, said Tshuma was in a foul mood on the day he allegedly killed his wife.

“They had a serious fight in the afternoon and Tshuma struck his wife with an axe. His mother and other villagers managed to rein him in and they counselled the couple,” said Mr Mpofu.

He said by the time the couple went to bed, all seemed to be well.

“We were therefore shocked to find MaBhanda’s severely battered body in the morning. We don’t know how they dragged each other to the fields where Tshuma axed his wife above her right ear.

“Her body also showed that she was severely bashed with an unknown object. There were signs of a colossal struggle at the scene,” said Mr Mpofu.

He said villagers conducted a search after Tshuma’s mother told him the couple had disappeared.

“Tshuma fled from the village. His wife’s body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post mortem and police are searching for MaBhanda’s relatives. We are informed she comes from Maphisa and she resided with relatives in Tshabalala suburb in Bulawayo where she met Tshuma who was recently released from one of the prisons in Bulawayo,” Mr Mpofu said.

A neighbour, Mr Beau Sibanda, said news that Tshuma had brutally killed his wife did not shock him.

He said Tshuma had a short temper and was of a serious violent disposition.

“Junias had just come out of prison and he brought this woman but the two were always up in arms, fighting over endless issues. We are not surprised because he is capable of murder,” he said

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Eglon Nkala could not be reached for comments as his mobile went unanswered. – state media

Three (3) masked men armed with guns raided Cooland Supermarket in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane 12 suburb and allegedly shot one employee in the leg before getting away with more than $1 000.

The incident occurred at around 6PM on Saturday.

A total of $1 155 was allegedly stolen from an ecocash counter and the armed robbers also took an undisclosed amount of money from other supermarket tills as well as three cellphones.

The suspects, who were wearing blue masks, appeared at the Cooland supermarket’s back entrance when the shop’s employees were knocking off.

One of them allegedly opened fire at the security guard but missed and the bullet hit one of the employees, Miss Kathleen Dube, on the ankle.

Miss Dube was later taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals and her condition could not be established immediately yesterday.

A police source who preferred anonymity said the armed robbers struck at around 6PM when employees were heading home. “The robbers, who were putting on blue masks, appeared at the back gate of Cooland Supermarket as 13 employees were coming out. One of the robbers pointed a pistol towards the guard and fired one shot but missed and hit Kathleen Dube who was following behind him on the right ankle,” said the police source.

“The robber who was armed force-marched everyone back into the premises while one of them stood guard at the gate and the other one stood guard in the corridor. Whilst inside, the robber ordered everyone to lie down and grabbed one of the cashiers whom she force-marched to the tills.”

The police source said one of the cashiers was ordered to direct one of the robbers around the supermarket.

“He demanded more cash so the cashier led him to an ecocash counter where she handed him a cardboard box containing $1 155, a nokia cellphone, Mobicel cellphone and a Samsung cellphone.

“One of the employees indicated that the robber with the pistol was putting on a black trousers, khakhi jacket and white all-star tennis shoes and the three wore blue masks to cover their faces,” said the source.

He said the employees quickly alerted Nkulumane police soon after the armed robbers had escaped through the back door.

Vendors who were outside Cooland Supermarket at the time of the robbery yesterday told The Chronicle that they did not see the armed robbers.

They only realised that a robbery had taken place when an ambulance arrived at the scene at around 7PM. – state media

Terence Mawawa | Gukurahundi atrocities have been captured on camera, with fresh details emerging to be revealed to the world soon.

The documentary expected to provide detailed information on the Gukurahundi massacres was partially unveiled at the Itai Dzamara Commemoration Event held in Manchester ,UK last Saturday.

The event was organised by the Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative a converge of Zimbabweans dotted across the globe who have taken social media activism to the next level.

The event was organised to celebrate the heroism of Dzamara who was abducted by suspected state security agents in 2015.

Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative ,Information and Publicity Officer,UK said the event was well attended.

“Apart from celebrating Dzamara’s achievements,we also witnessed a top notch performance from popular Zimbabwean artist, Silvanos Mudzvova in his play Dungeon,” said Nhakaniso.

He said the event was a platform to expose dictatorship and tyranny.

“We had an opportunity to interact with Zimbabweans from different places across the globe.We are also working on the production of the much anticipated Gukurahundi documentary which we expect to be released before the 2018 polls. The co-producers of the documentary are Panyika Karimanzira and Rufaro Kaseke,” said Nhakaniso.

Kaseke said the Gukurahundi snippets were part of the detailed documentary set to be released before the 2018 polls.

“We feel obliged to retell the Gukurahundi story. We should not ignore such issues. The documentary features some survivors of the Gukurahundi atrocities,” said Kaseke.

David Mutori of Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative also said he was happy with the attendance at the event.

FORMER Zanu PF chair for Mashonaland West Temba Mliswa has made a u-turn on earlier vows he will never go back to Zanu PF, telling journalists in Bulawayo weekend he will consider rejoining a party that expelled him if it won next year’s elections.

Mliswa was in 2015 expelled along with several party bigwigs who included then Vice President Joice Mujuru for being part of an alleged plot to dethrone President Robert Mugabe.

His expulsion saw him lose his seat as party MP for Hurungwe West.Through his outspokenness against President Mugabe’s dictatorial rule and tacit approval for high level corruption in government, Mliswa miraculously warned his way into the hearts  of Mugabe’s opposition rivals.

The former fitness trainer was in October last year elected back to parliament but via a Norton by-election in which he contested as an independent.His victory and first such Zanu PF defeat in many by-elections was credited to support he received from the MDC-T following its poll boycott stance.

During the period, Mliswa has insisted he will never rejoin Zanu PF.But it took a trip to Bulawayo this weekend for the controversial politician to tell the world he would consider rejoining a party that gave him an illustrious but turbulent career as a prominent politician.

“From what’s on the ground Zanu PF is more powerful than all the opposition parties and they stand a better chance of winning next year,” Mliswa said.

“I will say this for the first time, come 2018 if Zanu PF is still in power I am going to rejoin them, if you can’t beat them, join them and I am not going to waste my time on that.

“I have more than 10 years in politics and come 2018 and if Zanu PF wins why I should start anything new, I am going to join the party.”

Since his expulsion from Zanu PF, Mliswa has been making conflicting signals about his political future.

When he was expelled, he declared he was going to bounce back to the ruling party, insisting Zanu PF has welcomed back before, its former rejects among them Tsholotsho North MP Jonathan Moyo.

Mliswa turned around again, and was in November quoted saying he would rather die than rejoin Zanu PF.

This was after images of him and Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere circulated through social media with the former allies turned rivals looking cosy in each other’s company.

Mliswa was quick to say this was during a visit to Kasukuwere’s government offices to discuss the issuing of stands to war veterans in his constituency.

The fiery politician and businessman has also been seen with MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai whom he has said was the best opposition leader to front a planned grand coalition to challenge Zanu PF next year.

Few months later, Mliswa was linked to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction within Zanu PF.

He was later linked to Zimbabwe People First, which comprises a group of former Zanu PF elders who had broken ranks with Mujuru. – Radio Vop

THE majority of youths in Tsholotsho who received loans from Government to start income generating projects skipped the country and headed to South Africa resulting in only $7 000 being repaid from the $87 000 that was disbursed.

Matabeleland North provincial head in the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Mr Buthumuzi Ngwenya revealed this on Friday while making a presentation at a provincial advocacy meeting for HIV programming for displaced communities in Bulawayo.

The meeting, which was organised by the National Aids Council, was attended by heads of department from various ministries in an effort to counter other disasters that might affect the more than 800 flood victims accommodated at Sipepa Camp in Tsholotsho.

Mr Ngwenya said the problem of floods in Tsholotsho is part of a myriad of challenges that needed urgent attention in the district.

He said most of the youths who benefited from Kurera/Ukondla Youth Fund left for South Africa with the money.

“Floods are the least thing that the people in Tsholotsho needed because the district already has more problems than other districts. Out of the seven districts in the province, Tsholotsho was the worst in terms of repayment of the Youth Fund. The district received $87 000. Out of that money $80 000 disappeared. The youths were receiving $1 200 as individuals and most of them didn’t repay.

TWO police officers and a fire fighter are set to appear in court for allegedly searching and stealing $200 which was in the pocket of the late founder of His Presence Ministries International Apostle Charles Chiriseri following an accident that claimed his life last year.

Apostle Chiriseri died at the 388KM peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway last September when his vehicle hit a donkey.

The late apostle was travelling to Bulawayo with his wife pastor Pertunia Chiriseri who suffered serious injuries and was admitted in hospital for about a month before she was discharged.

Two police officers – Tawanda Mawere (31) and Mkhokheli Mpofu (30) – stationed at Mbembesi police station and Mthandazo Rick Dube (34) from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade will appear in court on March 28 in connection with the theft of the late apostle Chiriseri’s money.

A MAN from Hwange allegedly fatally stabbed his stepmother with a knife before attacking his stepbrother with the same weapon.

The incident happened at Number 5, E Section at around 5PM on Saturday in full view of two minor children.

Reginald Siketa (30) had a row with his stepmother after she quizzed him about some chickens he allegedly stole on Wednesday last week.

The chickens were allegedly stolen from the woman’s house when she was at church with her family.

Reginald allegedly stabbed his stepmother under the left breast and behind the right shoulder.  When her 17-year-old son Regis Siketa rushed to defend his mother, he was also attacked.

The Chronicle was told that neighbours rushed the woman and her son to Hwange Colliery Hospital but she died before she could be admitted as nurses at the health institution reportedly refused to attend to her demanding a police report.

Regis, who is in Form Four at a school in Hwange, is admitted to the same hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition.

Reginald’s father, Mr Ronald Siketa, said he was grief stricken to comment and referred all questions to the police.

Matabeleland North province Assistant Inspector Eglon Nkala wasn’t immediately reachable.

Hwange Local Board Councillor Godi Nyoni confirmed the incident.

“Everyone is in shock as we try to figure out what could have gotten into him. We feel it’s a challenge for us as a community to make sure we control children,” he said.

A neighbour said: “Reginald arrived home and shoved Regis as he entered. He went straight to his stepmother who was cleaning in the sitting room and immediately stabbed her. Regis rushed to rescue his mother and that’s when he was also stabbed and both collapsed.”

Neighbours reportedly rushed and tried to administer first aid on the two who were bleeding profusely.

A source said Reginald had been staying with his maternal grandmother and only visited his father and stepmother recently.

The source said the murder suspect’s mother died when he was a small boy and his stepmother raised him, before he later moved to live with his maternal grandparents.

It is alleged that Reginald, who was once a temporary teacher after finishing his A Levels, was in the habit of abusing drugs which made him lose his job a few years ago.

The AEP Summit, which kicks off this Monday will be focusing on economic transformation and integration on the continent.

As he disembarked from his plane, President Mugabe inspected a guard honour mounted to honour and acknowledge his presence, before proceeding into a VVIP lounge where the two leaders had a brief conversation.

Security commanders have summoned opposition parties to a meeting in Harare tomorrow, ahead of Wednesday’s planned mega demonstrations — amid fears by panicking authorities that the spirit of resistance which swept across the country last year is once again gathering steam ahead of next year’s make-or-break national polls.

This comes as the under pressure Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), in a bid to dissuade the opposition from toyi-toying on Wednesday, has also scheduled its own meeting with all political parties on Tuesday — to discuss the increasingly contentious matter of biometric voter registration (BVR), which is the main reason for this week’s protests.

And as if to underscore the fact that this week will be a big one both politically and economically, overwhelmed banks — which were besieged by angry tobacco farmers on Friday after they failed to avail the $1 000 that the farmers had been promised by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) — are expected to remain under the cosh.

Douglas Mwonzora, the secretary general of the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera), a group of 18 opposition parties agitating for electoral reforms ahead of next year’s elections, confirmed to the Daily News On Sunday yesterday that the country’s feared Joint Operations Command (JOC) — a security think tank comprising military, police, prisons and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) bosses — had summoned them to a meeting tomorrow.

“Joc and Zec have both called for meetings on the 20th and 21st of this month respectively, but that will not in any way have a bearing on the Nera demonstration which will go ahead as planned because Zimbabweans want to stop this daylight rigging of the 2018 elections that has started.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after actor Joe Mafela’s death on Saturday night.

The multi-talented artist died in a car accident on the M1 close to Marlborough.

“The Ford Figo that Mr Mafela was driving, collided with an Isuzu bakkie and when paramedics arrived on scene, Mr Mafela was then declared fatal, there was just two vehicles involved, the damages were not much to the vehicles, and Mr Mafela did not sustain any obvious injuries that you could see,” said Johannesburg Metro Police’s Edna Mamonyane.

His family is still reeling from his sudden death.

The Engineering Council of Zimbabwe has commissioned two independent engineering firms to investigate the collapse of a building last month that also housed popular fast food outlet Nando’s in Bulawayo.

The investigation is expected to provide answers on what caused the collapse and further unravel whether the collapse was caused by human error or not. One person died after the walk way of the building collapsed while three others sustained injuries.

In a telephone interview on Friday, chief executive officer of the council, Engineer Ben Rafemoyo, said it was the mandate of the national engineering body to get to the bottom of the matter.

“It is true that we have set up this investigating team. As you know we are based in Harare so we have to engage our members in Bulawayo to assist us and investigate the collapse of this building. With our projections we are expecting that the results of this investigation will be out by end of next (this) week. As a council we will then go through the findings before we make them public and hand them over to the relevant authorities,” said Eng Rafemoyo.

He said the investigating team was working closely with the Bulawayo City Council’s town planning department, the police and residents’ representatives.

“We have already been in touch with the council so as to get access of all the drawings of that building, find out whether there were any renovations that took place recently and the drawings of those renovations if there were any. The police have also been helpful as they have ensured that the team accesses the building in question without any hustle. It is our aim that this report be very thorough and encompasses all aspects so that we have an idea of what happened,” said Eng Rafemoyo.

He encouraged anyone who might have any information that they felt was important for the investigation to contact the council, which will then refer them to the investigating team.

The constituting of the investigating team comes after a local pressure group, Affirmative Action Group wrote to Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere calling for the setting up of a commission of inquiry to investigate the collapse. They argued that the local authority had no capacity to probe the circumstances leading to the accident as this would be counter-productive as they could be an interested party.

After the collapse of the building the Bulawayo City Council revealed that as at 31 December last year they had condemned 35 buildings in the Central Business District. In recent years the city has experienced an unprecedented increase in the number of abandoned, neglected and derelict buildings in the central business district. – State Media

The Welshman Ncube led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has called on the government to arrest all persons operating publications which insinuate that King Mzilikazi of the Ndebele people looted cattle and beautiful women from Mashonaland.

This was when the Ndebele people occupied the South Western part of the country over a century and a half ago.

In a media statement Discent Collins Bajila the youth party Secretary General who is also a member of the party’s National Executive Committee accused the media houses of reckless reporting of lies about the Ndele king.

“At some point it could become necessary to sue publishing houses that published the lies about King Mzilikazi’s men looting cattle from Mashonaland,” said Bajila.

“The recklessness of publishing such lies that defy all archaeological evidence must be punishable by law.”

Bajila said that the “lies” about the King were being deliberately spread to cause confusion amidst the community. Bajila blamed the publications for deliberately ignoring facts that the Cold Storage Commission in Bulawayo was set up to capture the large amounts of cattle in the region

“For heaven’s sake the same people who published that lie to distort our society, decided for their own selfish reasons to establish Cold Storage Commission in Matabeleland because there was a unique and better breed of cattle there. The type of cattle is similar to what you get in KZN & Mpumalanga.”

According to Bajila it is as a result of the publications that end up misguiding the parliamentarians who end sharing the same information and laws crafted along the lines.

“Today we have people who sit in the Legislative Chambers and want to justify genocide and form laws on the basis of that publication.

Bajila’s sentiments come in the wake of ZANU PF member of parliament for Marondera Central Hon Lawrence Katsiru declaring that Gukurahundi genocide can only be resolved if the Ndebele people first pay lobola and compensate Shonas for abducting and forcing into marriage young girls.

Katsiru, said this on Wednesday while making his contributions to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Bill parliamentary public meeting at Mbuya Nehanda Hall in the Mashonland East capital.

“I agree with the Bill for various reasons. Our sisters and cattle were taken in Mashonaland by the Ndebeles,” said Katsiru.

“They (Ndebeles) should pay lobola for kidnapping and forcing our sisters into marriage. They should compensate for the cattle they stole from Mashonaland. I was in Bulawayo during the Entumbane uprisings in early 1970s (the distabances actually took place in the early 1980s) and I saw Shonas being murdered in the streets because they could not speak Ndebele. These people should be compensated; then we should consider paying for Gukurahundi.”