Terrence Mawawa,  Masvingo | Opposition parties have have expressed concern at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s decision to start the mapping process for polling stations without notifying key stakeholders.

ZEC has begun the mapping of polling stations, a move that has been widely criticised by opposition parties. ZimEye.com is informed ZEC is carrying out the exercise to confirm ward, constituency and district boundaries ahead of next year’s polls.

The process has already been completed in Harare, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Masvingo Provinces respectively. Opposition parties last week said the move was calculated to rig the polls. MDC-T National Secretary General,Douglas Mwonzora, last week said ZEC’ s decision was clandestine and dubious.

The Director of Elections in the MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube, Henry Chimbiri said the exercise was a deliberate attempt by ZEC to rig the polls in favour of Zanu PF. “We have always stated that the whole process is fraught with irregularities. The whole thing has been plotted to influence the outcome of the polls. The ZEC officials have left out stakeholders in the crucial process-which is unfortunate,” said Chimbiri.

Election Resource Centre Director, Tawanda Chimhini, said ZEC should carry out the mapping exercise in a transparent manner. “ZEC must include all stakeholders in the crucial programme.The process has to be conducted in a transparent manner,” said Chimhini.
ZEC chairperson,Justice Rita Makarau was not immediately available for a comment.

Former Presidential Affairs minister and one of the caretaker leaders of the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) party, Didymus Mutasa, says the popular former prime minister during the government of national unity, Morgan Tsvangirai, is the only person “capable and deserving” of leading the country’s mooted opposition coalition.

Speaking to the Daily News in an interview yesterday, Mutasa said while there were many people who aspired to lead the planned grand alliance, only Tsvangirai had the support and “the credentials” to take that position — completely rubbishing in the process both the capacity and chances of former Vice President Joice Mujuru to lead the opposition.

Mutasa was effusive in his praise of Tsvangirai, making special mention of the way the MDC president had persevered against all odds in his push for a more democratic Zimbabwe, including taking on President Robert Mugabe and a Zanu PF that often behaved thuggishly when challenged.

Mutasa’s sentiments resonate with those of a large cross section of Zimbabweans, including political analysts and civic groups, who all say that the former trade union leader is the only opposition leader capable of giving Mugabe and the warring Zanu PF a run for their money in the eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.

The gushing Mutasa described Tsvangirai as a “real fighter for democracy”, adding that the dogged former premier was the “natural leader” for the opposition.

“For me Tsvangirai is the natural leader of the coalition because of who he is … What the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) is today stands for what Tsvangirai and the MDC built. The rest of us are latecomers in this game.

“We want a leader who will do what we thought Mugabe would do, but failed to do, and as ZPF we want to have discussions about who should lead the coalition because when we wanted to do it while we were still with Mujuru she prevaricated,” Mutasa told the Daily News.

“As a party we cannot accept a situation where Mujuru leads the coalition having proved her lack of capacity with ZPF, although she is welcome to be part of the coalition because we need everyone,” he added without hiding his disdain for the leader of the National People’s Party (NPP).

The former senior Cabinet minister and other ZPF bigwigs have been engaging in an ugly feud with Mujuru, ever since their spectacular public fallout last month.

This happened after Mujuru announced that she had expelled Mutasa, another ZPF elder Rugare Gumbo and five other party heavyweights — on account of them being alleged Zanu PF agents, and working to topple her from her then interim ZPF position.

But no sooner had she announced her surprise decision than the situation turned into a complete farce, when Mutasa and Gumbo announced at their own press conference that they had also similarly and summarily expelled Mujuru from ZPF.

Mujuru was later dealt a further body blow when she suffered mass desertions, including receiving resignations from some of her longtime top aides such as Sylvester Nguni, Ray Kaukonde and retired brigadier-general Aggripa Mutambara.

Last week, Mujuru moved to formally cut her ties with ZPF when she formed the NPP, ending her relationship with her erstwhile colleagues which dated to their time in Zanu PF.
Before problems rocked ZPF, Mujuru had been working behind the scenes with Tsvangirai and other smaller parties towards the formation of the planned grand opposition coalition.
And Tsvangirai has since given Mujuru some political oxygen of sorts, despite his being disappointed by the ructions which eventually led to her departure from ZPF.

However, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Tendai Biti said yesterday that the question of who should lead the mooted opposition coalition was not an issue at the moment as there were more pressing issues to deal with.

“The issue of leadership is the least difficult of the hurdles we are faced with because coalitions are already there in the Coalition of Democrats (Code) and Nera, but the challenge is bringing the leaders from the two groups under one roof to discuss why we need a coalition.

“As long as there are some among us who think they can win against Mugabe by themselves we are not going anywhere. We need a rebirth, a reawakening of the opposition in this country,” Biti said, adding that Mutasa was, however, entitled to his views.

On her part, Mujuru herself has said that she remains confident about her involvement in the mooted grand opposition coalition ahead of the 2018 polls.
“In line with our core values of inclusivity, we remain committed to a coalition of all progressive and democratic opposition forces to ensure we end the country’s autocratic rule in the 2018 elections.

“To that end, as the NPP we would like to inform our members, supporters, sympathisers, well-wishers and Zimbabweans from across the political divide that we remain committed to a democratic Zimbabwe.

“We remain builders of Zimbabwe in peace. We are the future, and we have the solutions,” she said last week as she announced the formation of the NPP.

Analysts have previously told the Daily News that a united opposition, fighting with one purpose, can finally bring to an end Mugabe’s long rule, especially at a time that the nonagenarian is fighting to keep his warring Zanu PF united.

They also say Mujuru, whose liberation struggle nom de guerre was Teurai Ropa (Spill Blood), and whose late husband Solomon was the first black post-independence army commander, could provide the much-needed bridge that opposition parties have been missing to ensure the smooth transfer of power if they win the 2018 elections. Daily News

Buhera South Zanu PF MP Joseph Chinotimba’s bid to become a life president of the Zimbabwe Urban and Rural Council Workers’ Union (ZURCWU) has been challenged by the union’s current executive.

In a High Court challenge, the union’s general secretary Bernad Dhanda said Chinotimba was no longer eligible to lead the union as he was now a legislator. The hearing has been set down for March 8.

ZURCWU wants the court to order Chinotimba to “stop masquerading as the union’s president”. “Unmoved by his status, which had been conveyed to him by ZURCWU members, Chinotimba has been going around various branches of the applicant and various local authorities masquerading as the president of the applicant,” the court application reads.

“The first respondent (Chinotimba) has caused a lot of mayhem and confusion in the local authorities to the extent that some local authorities have suspended the check-off system to the detriment of the trade union and its members.

“The first respondent has caused the freezing of the bank account of the applicant and this has adversely impacted on applicants’ operations.” The union operates in 19 local authorities across the country.

Dhanda said Chinotimba claimed to have been given powers to lead the union for life by former Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo and former Labour minister Nicholas Goche.

Dhanda said Chinotimba was dethroned in 2008, and the union held three elections after that to choose presidents of the union, which Chinotimba never participated in.

“On Saturday July 19, 2014, the first respondent held a meeting at the Zanu PF provincial headquarters where he announced that he was authorised by ministers Chombo and  Goche to take over the leadership of  the union and he solicited for a move to amend the applicants’ constitution to make him life president. He must be censored and if not censored, he is bound to destroy the applicants.

“Chinotimba was a president on the basis that he was a founding father only. He was never elevated to the position of executive president or patron. “In any case the applicant’s constitution does not provide for such positions.”

In 2008, Chinotimba relinquished the post of the union’s president to contest the Buhera parliamentary seat.

“He lost (union) elections and did not come back to the fold of the applicant.
“Even if he wished to do so, he did not qualify by virtue of the fact that he was no longer employed by any local authority.

“He has also resigned from the City of Harare where he worked as a municipal police officer,” Dhanda said in his court papers. – Daily News

By Staff Reporter | A Mbare magistrate has preferred a non custodial sentence on Linda Masarira, a human rights activist who is facing public violence charges.

The case in which Masarira has been tried for and was last week found guilty of arose from last year’s national protest which led to the total closure of business in Harare.

The state alleged that while partaking in the demonstration in Dziveresekwa, Masarira put some barricades on the roads to block motorists from entering the city centre.

Masarira who was convicted on Friday pending sentence, was on Monday again told to come back on Tuesday.

Speaking to ZimEye.com after her court appearance on Monday, Masarira said she had been relieved by the out come of the case.

“The state is recommending a non custodial sentence in the form of community service or a fine since a custodial sentence will be a punishment on my minor children,”she said.

“Defence lawyers are recommending a suspended sentence or a fine. Magistrate is delivering his ruling tomorrow morning 8.30 AM,”she said.

Ray Nkosi | Harare East MP for Zanu PF Terrence Mukupe (40) who is currently on remand for fraud charges, has survived a fatal car accident while travelling from South-Africa.

Mukupe took to twitter to write, “The devil is a liar, I will only die when God says it’s time!!! Back to sender, I’m alive!!!”

Mukupe whose trial was set to begin today at the Karori Magistrate’s Court, seems to have escaped with minor injuries.

The allegations against Mukupe follow an incident, where zimra officials at Chirundu Border post discovered that three tankers that were headed for the DRC were filled with water instead of diesel.

It is reported that the diesel had not paid any duty when it entered the country because it was destined for another country. It is alleged that Mukupe and his accomplices emptied the tankers and replaced the diesel with water to avoid paying customs duty. The state was allegedly prejudiced of $41 692, 82.

ZANU-PF Insiza North MP and former Sports Minister Andrew Langa has been sucked in a fierce legal wrangle over the ownership of a farm in Insiza District, Matabeleland South province.

Mr Zenzele Sibanda, a resettled farmer, is accusing Langa and a white farmer, Mr Peter J Buckle and his son, Peter (jnr) of allegedly mobilising war veterans and the local community to facilitate the illegal occupation of his property Blinkborne Farm.

Mr Sibanda said the farm was allocated to him by the Government in 2012.

The disputed farm belonged to Mr Buckle before it was acquired by Government five years ago for redistribution under the land reform programme.

Mr Sibanda filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court citing Langa,  Mr Buckle and his son Peter as respondents.

In his founding affidavit, Mr Sibanda accused the former minister of flexing his political muscle and colluding with the ex-owner of the farm to chase him out of the farm using war veterans.

Sibanda through his lawyers Dube-Banda Nzarayapenga and Partners is seeking a spoliation order interdicting Langa and the Buckles from interfering with his activities at the farm.

He also wants the respondents to be ordered to remove their cattle from the farm, arguing that                            he was the sole owner of the property measuring 820 hectares.

“In year 2012, I was allocated the whole of Blinkborne Farm in Insiza district measuring 820 hectares under the Government’s land reform programme through an offer letter dated 5 September 2012.

“During the course of the same year, Peter J Buckle acting on behalf of his son, Peter A Buckle, being the second respondent and with the assistance of third respondent (Langa) mobilised war veterans, police and the local community members to evict me from the farm. I was illegally and forcibly removed from the farm as the first respondent (Peter J Buckle) insisted that the farm still belonged to his son,” Sibanda said.

He said after his eviction he approached the district lands committee over the matter.

“On 2 March 2015, the district lands committee chairman wrote a letter directed to the second respondent advising him on the decision to repossess Blinkborne Farm and give it back to me as the holder of the offer letter,” said Sibanda.

Mr Sibanda said despite receiving the letter from the district lands committee, the respondents have not handed back the farm.

“In January 2017, I retook occupation of the farm and brought in part of my herd of cattle. I have been in peaceful occupation of the farm from the beginning of the year until 15 February 2017 when Buckle (Snr) visited the farm and threatened my workers, telling them that the farm belonged to his son,” he said.

Sibanda said Mr Buckle (Snr) told his workers that he was authorised by Langa to remove him from Blinkborne Farm.

“Buckle has already brought in his cattle into my farm and he is refusing to remove them. He said he was well-connected politically after Langa authorised him to evict me,” he said.

Sibanda said he approached the district lands committee and on enquiring about the ownership of the farm, he was told that his offer letter was still                valid.

“It is clear and not in dispute that I am the rightful owner of Blinkborne Farm since I am the sole holder of an offer letter from the Ministry of Lands and Rural. The respondents have not taken any formal steps to challenge my ownership of the farm but instead they have resorted to using violence and intimidation to deprive me of my farm,” said Sibanda.

The Buckles and Langa are yet to respond.

A 33-year-old man from Gweru has appeared in court for allegedly abducting and assaulting two friends, before throwing one of them into a river.

Anusa Marima of house number 1113 Mkoba 1 appeared before Gweru Magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga facing two counts of assault and kidnapping.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to March 8.

Prosecuting, Mr Daniel Tapfuma said on January 6 this year at around 12AM, Marima and four of his friends were  drinking beer at Mkoba 6 Business centre near Club Shumba.

The court heard that Nyasha Mangoma and his friend Brighton Vandirai were also drinking beer at the same centre.

A misunderstanding then allegedly arose between Marima and Vandirai. Mangoma allegedly tried to stop his friend from quarrelling and it did not go well with the accused person.

“The accused and four unknown persons who are still at large started  assaulting the complainants using fists and struck them with stones,” said Mr Tapfuma.

The court heard that after assaulting Mangoma and Vandirai, Marima and his alleged accomplices pushed the two friends into a silver grey Honda Fit and drove them to Ivene in Gweru.

They then allegedly threw Vandirai into a nearby river and left.

Vandirai sustained some head injuries and reported the matter to the police. – State Media

DESTINY for Africa Network founder, Obadiah Musindo has given beneficiaries of his housing scheme in Mutare a three-month ultimatum to settle their debts or face eviction.

Musindo told a meeting in Mutare on Saturday that his organisation was preparing for the 2018 elections in support of President Robert Mugabe through various programmes.
“We are continuing with our programmes, but we have issues with people who are not settling their debts. Some have not finished paying their debts for five years now. Let us prepare for evictions, from those in Devonshire and Hobhouse. We are giving you up to June 30 this year to settle your debts,” Musindo said.

“We wrote letters to you over the matter and we will take you to court if you fail to pay the debts. We want now to handover the stands to council and by December we want you to have title deeds and you should also be supporters of Zanu PF as we are preparing for the 2018 elections.”

The Zanu PF-linked cleric said they were targeting to create 10 000 jobs through their Zimbabwe Builders’ Association, before saying they have formed a social welfare department to cater for disadvantaged people.

“We are growing as an organisation, through our Zimbabwe Builders Association (ZIBA), we want to create a strong workforce, there are 10 000 jobs on offer, we need painters, builders, plumbers, among other people.

“We have set up a social welfare department to assist the under-privileged people. There are people out there who need our help, there are disadvantaged people who are even failing to build their houses,” Musindo said.

Musindo, last year, offered 25 stands for free to blind people in Mutare and most of them were now struggling to build decent houses although he helped to put structures for some of them.

Meanwhile, Musindo said at the same meeting he would soon launch an ambitious car and furniture acquisition scheme for low-income earners across the country.

“In 2017, we are going to launch a vehicle and furniture scheme, so for those who are building leave enough space to park your cars, we are offering the cars on affordable prices. We are going to give you wardrobes, beds among other things,” he added. – Newsday

Police have objected to a request by fugitive Lebanese businessman Jamal Ahmed to compel detectives to disclose their investigation plan in an assortment of criminal allegations against the foreigner.

Ahmed is being accused of defrauding First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe of $1,3 million, among several other criminal charges.

Opposing an application by Ahmed to have the police joined as respondents in a civil case he seeks to evict police guards from his three houses in Harare, Government lawyers accused the businessman’s lawyer, Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, of seeking to interfere with investigations and to destroy evidence against her client.

Ms Mtetwa, on behalf of her client, took First Lady Grace Mugabe and her son, Russel Goreraza, to the High Court seeking their eviction from No. 409 Harare Drive, No. 18 Cambridge Road, Avondale and No. 75 King George Road, Avondale, properties.
A High Court order was obtained against Grace, Goreraza and a police Superintendent Kennedy Fero.

Ms Mtetwa has now shifted her attention to the police and filed an application to have Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, Assistant Commissioner Thulani Ncube and Detective Superintendent Nyambo Viera cited as respondents.

On behalf of the three senior officers, Deputy Director Legal Services in the police force Assistant Commissioner Takawira Nzombe applied for permission to be able to file the police’s opposing papers out of time.

He told the court that the papers reached them late and they failed to meet the time frames to file opposing papers to the application for joinder in time.

Detective Supt Viera, in an opposing affidavit attached to the application for condonation, argued that Ms Mtetwa was seeking to interfere with investigations.

“Ms Mtetwa is surreptitiously hoping to get information, which concern police investigations by seeking the joinder of the law enforcement agent in her civil action,” he said.

“I aver that joining the police to the civil action will seriously prejudice police investigations, as information which is going to be used against the first applicant (Ahmed) will be availed to him and that would afford him an opportunity to conceal or destroy evidence, thereby defeating police efforts.”

Detective Supt Viera challenged Ahmed to avail himself and face justice.
He dismissed as false claims by Ahmed and his lawyers that the First Lady was behind the occupation and protection of the fugitive businessman’s property by the police.

“I reiterate that first applicant, who is a peregrinus, is a fugitive who should avail himself so that he can have his day in court,” said Detective Supt Vera.

“The insinuation that the police are acting in concert with the second and third respondents in the main matter (Dr Mugabe and Mr Goreraza) is ludicrous and meritless.

“The police are carrying out their mandate by investigating cases in which the second respondent (Dr Mugabe) is a complainant.”

Detective Supt Viera accused Ms Mtetwa, who is an officer of the court, of assisting her fugitive client to play hide and seek with the police.

He said he was investigating Ahmed on allegations which include fraud, theft, money laundering, contravention of the Exchange Control Act, contravention of the Immigration Act, as well as his dealings in diamonds. – State Media

OVER a hundred Zanu PF women miners in Mashonaland Central province have petitioned President Robert Mugabe, asking the 93-year-old leader to “stop” party commissar Saviour Kasukuwere and his brother Dickson Mafios from interfering with their operations.

Kasukuwere, who is also Local Government minister and Mafios – the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson are being accused of “corrupt” practices that could threaten the party’s chances in general elections next year, the women warn in the petition.

The petition is part of court papers, in which Women in Mining Trust, Rass Mining Syndicate, Chehumambe Mining Syndicate and Community Mining Syndicate have approached the High Court seeking an interdict against Kasukuwere, Mafios, Mines and Mining Development minister Walter Chidhakwa, a Chief Superintendent Chikuma, Superintendent Chiparaushe and Commissioner-General of Police, Augustine Chihuri.

“Lest we forget the electoral loss which was a heavy drubbing, that the party (Zanu PF) suffered in all the 12 local council wards to the opposition (MDC-T) in 2008 general elections. Mafios and crew are taking advantage of their close relationship to Mr Rwafa the provincial Environmental Management Authority manager to victimise us and to disrupt our mining activities,” the petitioners said.

“We being loyal and die-hard Zanu PF cadres fully know the effect of disruption of mining activities at Kitsiyatota to the party’s electoral performance in Bindura. This ‘coup detat’ type of takeover of our mine that Mafios and company wants to employ is tantamount to destroying the party in Bindura because the majority of residents earn their living from mining activities at Kitsiyatota …”

Mafios, according to the petition, wants to seize the gold claims under the pretext that they would benefit Zanu PF ahead of elections, yet it is for his “pension” as he had worked for the ruling party but remains poor.”

“The plans by Mafios and his ‘comrades in corruption and looting’ to take over our mine under the false pretence that it will be a party project to raise funds for the party’s election campaign when it is common knowledge that it is for self-aggrandizement driven by greed and selfishness on their part and that Mafios wants to use the monetary proceeds from the purported mining activities to settle his ever ballooning debt with CBZ Bank,” the petition read.

Kasukuwere is said to be backing Mafios.

“Kasukuwere addressed a provincial co-ordinating committee meeting at Mayfair Lodge in Bindura last month, where he boldly declared in no uncertain terms that he is going to instruct Chidakwa, to cancel our certificates with immediate effect,” the women allege.

“Kasukuwere, being the most senior party official in our province has been using threats and victimisation to have his way such that all the provincial members and the general membership of the party in the province is afraid to stand up to him concerning our issues for fear of being expelled from the party.”

With police having reportedly been roped in, the miners allege a death has already been recorded after a colleague was chased into a hole using dogs.

In her founding affidavit, one of the founding members of Women in Mining Trust, Shantel Mbereko, urged the court to grant them an interdict, adding using politics to claim what belongs to them in the province was a sheer wastage of time.

“This matter has a long, chequered, if not unfortunate history in so far as such history speaks to political victimisation, gender inequality, injustice and brazen corruption by various individuals in power,” Mbereko said.

“By virtue of being Zanu PF political commissar, Honourable Kasukuwere arrogates to himself powers that, de facto, make him superintend other government ministers. The unfortunate consequence of this development is that he openly brags that he orders around other government ministers, especially, where he stands to corruptly and personally benefit from doing so.”

Mbereko described Kasukuwere as “arrogant” and his actions “unconstitutional”.

The trust said it had cited Chihuri and Chidakwa and other senior police officers as respondents in the matter in order to stop them from taking orders from Kasukuwere. – Newsday

A 33-year-old Harare man who is accused of printing counterfeit $5 bond notes at a house in Dzivarasekwa Extension was last week granted $300 bail.

Elton Nyamudahondo of Sunningdale 2, is charged with possessing articles for criminal use.
Harare magistrate Ms Tilda Mazhande set his trial date as April 3.

As part of his bail conditions, Nyamudahondo was ordered to reside at his given address and not to interfere with State witnesses pending finalisation of the matter.

The prosecutor, Ms Stylon Marufu alleged that on February 25, detectives from CID Homicide Harare received information that Nyamudahondo was printing counterfeit $5 notes at his house.

The court heard that detectives went to his house in Sunningdale 2, but failed to locate him.
It is alleged that they gathered information that he was at another house in the same suburb.

The court heard that Nyamudahondo was found holding a sheet of munic paper on which were printed four $5 counterfeit bond notes.

There was an HP Office Jet 5601 scanner in the room. The detectives recovered 31 complete fake $5 bond notes, 103 semi-complete fake $5 bond notes, 47 plain sheets of munic paper and 6 HP cartridges on the bed Nyamudahondo was sitting. – State Media

MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai will engage in coalition talks with both ex-Vice-President Joice Mujuru as well as her erstwhile comrades led by Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo.

Mujuru broke up with Mutasa and Gumbo last month in a nasty bust-up in the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) party. The former Zanu PF number two has since formed the National People’s Party (NPP) in a move seen as avoiding a looming fight over the party name.

An outbreak of malaria has so far claimed 10 lives in Bikita, where 450 cases of the disease have been reported over the past few days following rampaging floods that also devastated infrastructure in the district.

The Civil Protection Unit through the Ministry of Health and Child Care will today start an anti-malaria spraying programme targeting water-logged areas in Bikita.

Since the beginning of the heavy rains that induced floods, malaria has killed 10 people in Bikita with District Administrator and chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit in the district Mr Bernard Hadzirabwi saying the disease continued to pose a threat to communities.

Mr Hadzirabwi said recent floods that swept through the district had created many breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to an outbreak of malaria.

Among the areas worst affected by the outbreak were Devure 1 and 2, Ngorima, Mutikizizi, Odzi, Ruponeso and Negovano.

Mr Hadzirabwi said the district had since rung the alarm bells, with the national Civil Protection Unit directorate coming in to contain the deadly disease.

“So far 10 people have died because of malaria in Bikita with a total of 450 cases of the disease having been reported at various clinics in the district since the beginning of the floods,’’ he said.

“We alerted the national CPU office and teams from the Ministry of Health and Child Care will begin a anti-malaria campaign in hotspot areas for the deadly disease.’’

Mr Hadzirabwi said fears abound that the disease might claim more lives unless action was taken to curb it in the wake of numerous breeding grounds created by floods.

Bikita is one of the districts that emerged worse off from heavy rains that led to flooding across most parts of Masvingo.

Besides the malaria outbreak, the floods also caused landslides that claimed the life of a Grade Two pupil in Mudzami communal lands in Bikita.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere revealed on Thursday last week that some districts in Masvingo received some of the highest amounts of rainfall in a 24-hour period. Rupike, which is 70km from Masvingo City, received 224mm, Bikita District received 200mm, and Zaka District received 196mm.

Government has already made an international humanitarian appeal to mitigate the effects of the floods after President Mugabe declared a state of disaster.

At least $100 million is required to repair infrastructure damaged by the floods that claimed 246 lives, injured at least 128 people while 1 576 were marooned.

Nearly 2 000 people were left homeless by the floods that breached about 70 dams and damaged five health institutions countrywide. – State Media

Heavy rains that pounded Masvingo last Monday have broken a 64-year record for rains received in a day.

Responding to questions sent by The Chronicle, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) yesterday said the 223mm received in Rupike in Masvingo within 24 hours last week on Monday broke a record that was set in February 1953.

“Rupike in Masvingo received the highest rainfall of 223mm within 24 hours breaking a record of 196mm received in 1953 at Nyanga meteorological station in the same month of February,” said the MSD.

It said heavy falls are expected to continue in most parts of the country.

The department urged members of the public to stay indoors if possible during heavy rains.

The MSD also said people should avoid crossing flooded rivers.

“It’s important for members of the public to avoid driving on a road covered by water and be cautious at night when it’s harder to recognise flooded areas.

“Those caught outdoors by thunderstorms should seek shelter immediately but not under trees or in isolated sheds,” said the department.

Heavy rains that have been pounding the country have resulted in the destruction of roads, bridges and some houses.

Last Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo said more than $80 million was required to repair damaged roads and bridges.

He said his Ministry had engaged the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing as well as the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to mobilise the required resources. – State Media

A 26-YEAR-OLD woman allegedly stabbed her 50-year-old husband to death in Beitbridge following a row over the paternity of “their” five-month-old daughter.

The incident, which has since become the talk of the border town, happened on Saturday night at the couple’s home in Dulivhadzimu suburb.

Majahana Mazibuko died on the same night, a few minutes after he was admitted to Beitbridge District Hospital.

Neighbours and relatives told The Chronicle yesterday that Mazibuko and his wife, Geraldine Nyoni had a long standing domestic feud centred on the paternity of their only daughter.

They also described Nyoni as a violent person.

Mazibuko’s brother, Mr Vusa Matshudula, said it appears that the issue of paternity triggered the alleged brutal killing.

“My brother and his wife had a long standing domestic dispute. It looks like on that particular night, the major problem that actually triggered the fight was the issue of paternity of their daughter.

“The wife had earlier told my brother that the baby was not his and this degenerated into a dispute,” said Mr Matshudula.

He said soon after committing the alleged crime, Nyoni went to Dulivhadzimu Police Base where she reported her husband for refusing to give her custody of their daughter.

“When my sister-in-law went to the police base she lied to the police alleging that my brother was refusing to give her their daughter.

She claimed that he had snatched the daughter. However, when police later received a death report they subsequently hunted her down leading to her arrest,” said Mr Matshudula.

He said he learnt of his brother’s death from his sister.

“The baby was picked up by one of my sisters who found her lying on the blood-stained floor crying,” said Mr Matshudula.

The blood-stained knife, which was allegedly used in the killing was found at the house.

A neighbour who declined to be named, said she was watching television when she heard people shouting and someone screaming.

“I was watching a movie on TV when I heard people shouting at each other and the next thing it was a scream.

“When I went outside to investigate, I saw a man storming out of his room with blood gushing out of his neck and he was screaming and shouting for help,” she said.

When The Chronicle news crew visited the scene of the killing, scores of people from the neighbourhood where milling outside the house with some busy taking photos using their mobile phones.

Blood was splattered all over the floor and near the gate. The couple’s bedroom resembled a battlefield as teaspoons and plates were strewn all over the place.

A witness, Ms Nompilo Moyo, said: “This is shocking. I had never seen such a gruesome murder, especially by a woman for that matter. I actually saw the victim storming out of the house and his clothes were drenched in blood. His wife was the first to storm out of the room and fled.”

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident. He however, could not give details saying investigations were underway. – State Media

Terrence Mawawa, Gweru | Axed Gweru City Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi, has vowed to fight his dismissal by Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.

Kombayi was fired alongside ward 4 councillor, Kenneth Sithole largely on trumped up allegations of gross misconduct and maladministration. A tribunal set up by Kasukuwere found the two guilty of gross incompetence.

Kombayi was also accused of bankrolling MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai using council funds.
Kasukuwere is battling to take control of all MDC dominated local authorities, it has emerged. Kombayi’ s lawyer, Brain Dube said he was working on the matter as he sought to get the tribunal ‘s ruling reversed.

“We want to challenge the tribunal’s ruling. We feel the convictions are wrong.The penalties are manifestly excessive and exaggerated. We will definitely file papers to oppose the tribunal’ s ruling,” said Dube. Surprisingly Kasukuwere has indicated that 10 other councillors who had been suspended are not guilty,a reflection of the minister’ s intention to divide the officials-to gain political mileage.

“Kasukuwere called the councillors and threatened them.Those who refused to be intimidated were further persecuted,” said a council official. Council sources said Kasukuwere felt Kombayi was an impediment to the shrewd Zanu PF tactician’s attempt to plunder resources.
“Kasukuwere feels Kombayi is a tough man who does not subscribe to cheap political gimmicks. This means Kasukuwere wants to annihilate Kombayi,” council sources said last week.

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has alleged that authorities are forcing residents of Mwenezi East to obtain birth certificates and identity cards to enable them to register in the forthcoming by election.

In an alert issued yesterday, ZPP said the registration took place at Chingwizi Primary School in ward 13 from February 24 to March 1. “It is alleged that Hardlife Mudavanhu and the Rutenga Registration Department are demanding $5 to $10 from villagers in order to obtain these national documents for them,” the human rights watchdog said in the alert.

“Those villagers who cannot raise the money are being asked to give up their goats or chickens in order to obtain the national documents. “Those without money or livestock were not attended to. Ruling party cards and name tags were also given to those who participated in the programme.”

ZPP said Home Affairs deputy minister, Obedingwa Mguni said that citizens may pay a small fee in cases where national documents were lost.

“He described taking of livestock for purposes of paying for national documents as outright criminal and urged those affected to report the culprits to the nearest police station,” said the group.

Section 35(3)(c) of the Constitution stipulates that all citizens are entitled to birth certificates and national IDs.

The Constitution does not make any provisions for citizens to pay for the services of the registrar general using livestock.

“National registration documents must not be given at partisan political events in pursuit of narrow political interests,” ZPP said.

“The actions of the Rutenga Registration Department amount to unjustified deprivation of property of villagers, who are already suffering from the adverse economic conditions obtaining in the country.”

The watchdog urged the ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the officers involved in the matter and take corrective action.

“Those, who lost their livestock under this scam, must be restituted and the natural consequences of the law must follow,” it said.

The Mwenezi East by-election will be held on April 8 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Joshua Moyo of Zanu PF in December last year.

Zanu PF’s Joosbi Omar will battle it out with Zimbabwe People First official, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, Welcome Masuku of the National Constitutional Assembly and Turner Mhango of Free Zimbabwe Congress Party. – Agencies

There is renewed fear among both businesspeople and ordinary Zimbabweans that the country’s economy may soon hit the disastrous lows of 2008 — as bond notes continue to lose their value against the United States dollar, with the coveted greenback now almost completely unavailable on the open market.

This comes as economists have also warned of a fresh round of sharp rises in the prices of basic goods, including foodstuffs — as the US dollar continues to vanish from the market, leading political analysts to forecast renewed civil unrest.

However, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, John Mangudya (pictured), is adamant that the value of bond notes is not tumbling — asserting to the Daily News on Sunday yesterday that the surrogate currency was still trading at par with the dollar.

He also dismissed strongly recent State media reports that the under-pressure central bank would soon introduce $10 and $20 bond notes to ease the country’s severe cash shortages — claims which fuelled suspicion that Mangudya was about to flood the market with the surrogate currency.

But long-suffering Zimbabweans who spoke to the Daily News on Sunday said bond notes were “definitely devaluing”, adding that many shops around the country were also beginning to reject them.

It was also established yesterday that some garages were giving preference to motorists buying their fuel in hard cash — particularly those paying in US dollars.

An informal foreign currency dealer who plies his trade around Africa Unity Square also said he was selling one American dollar in hard cash to the equivalent of $1,30 in bond notes, meaning that the surrogate currency had lost value to the tune of 30 percent.

Economic expert Prosper Chitambara said bond notes were losing their value while US dollars were disappearing from the market because importers needed greenbacks to replenish their stock — and given the scarcity of the dollar and the demand for it, a premium was now placed on the American currency, with an inevitable parallel market emerging.
“What is causing all this is that the bond note is not internationally tradeable. If you are a business that relies on imports, you can’t use bond notes to import, which has affected their value.

“Value in this case is determined by market forces of supply and demand,” Chitambara told the Daily News on Sunday.

Another economist, Witness Chinyama, said the economy was now dominated by bond notes, which the market perceived as “bad money”.

“The good money (dollars) has been driven out of circulation by the bad money, as bond notes can’t be used to import goods.

“While at official level the currencies are still at 1 to 1, for the importer, the bond note is weaker. The dollar is now the reserve currency,” Chinyama said.

But Mangudya vehemently denied that the value of bond notes had tumbled.
“Have you seen twin-pricing in OK (supermarket) or other major outlets? We can’t talk of backdoor shops … Go to the formal market, there is no weakening of value there … we can’t talk of out-layers,” he said.

Asked about some supermarkets which are charging three to five percent more for goods bought using debit cards, Mangudya said: “Thank you for the information. We will use it to assist the market. It’s important what you are telling me. It’s good information”.

Former Finance minister, Tendai Biti, was among those who also said multiple exchange rates were now in existence in the market, adding that the government was effectively running “a Ponzi scheme” — a form of fraud.

“You have four sources of the Ponzi scheme. First is dollar bank balances sitting in the bank, with depositors unable to get their money. Depositors have been transacting through RTGS (real-time gross settlement) and debit cards.

“Wherever you use debit cards, it’s just transactional. We are circulating hot money, and it’s huge. We need an audit of how much money has been created through the circulation of hot money,” Biti told the Daily News On Sunday.

“The second challenge is money being deposited into exporters’ accounts. The RBZ is crediting accounts with RTGS balances. The real money is not coming out. That money is being recycled and rechannelled.

“Government has been borrowing, issuing treasury bills and using them as a source of currency. Take the RBZ debt of $1,5bn — all of it was paid by treasury bills.

“We now have billions worth of treasury bills, some of which will be redeemed as late as 2028. Meanwhile, importers have queues ranging between one month and six months. And applications for import permits are not being processed.

“We need a change in government to restore trust. We need to start producing … factories, mines have to start working. We need a whole raft of reforms which Zanu PF is not capable of,” Biti added.

Many economists and businesses have been pushing for the adoption of the South African rand to avoid the country plunging into an economic crisis. President Robert Mugabe also backed Zimbabwe’s greater use of the South African when he spoke in an interview with the ZBC to mark his 93rd birthday a fortnight ago.

The nonagenarian has also since said that bonds notes are a temporary measure to mitigate cash shortages in the country. “Bond notes are just a temporary thing. We want you to bear with us. We want you to bear with us. We wanted to adopt them for a short period,” he said.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC says bond notes were “always going to be a disaster”.

“Bond notes were always bound to flop. It’s just a matter of time before the bond notes
experiment blow up in our faces. We don’t see these bond notes holding sway until July this year,” MDC spokesman Obert Gutu said.

“The economy is in free-fall and our export earnings continue to decline at an alarming rate. Essentially, bond notes are nothing more than useless pieces of very cheap paper,” he added.

Cape Town-based think tank, NKC, has also said that the shortage of US dollars on the market were fuelling price spikes.

“Upward price pressures could potentially be driven by the rise in the cost of goods and
services (mainly bread, cereal, seafood and oils) as a result of US dollar shortages,” it said. DailyNews

Former vice-president Joice Mujuru’s profile as a major opposition leader is set for a great leap this week when she addresses British legislators in London.

The National People’s Party (NPP) leader is expected to address British MPs, African ambassadors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and think tanks.

She was in London last October at the invitation of Chatham House — a British-based international think-tank, where she was given an opportunity to explain to the world her vision for Zimbabwe.

Mujuru was leader of a newly-born opposition political party, ZimPF, which she abandoned last week for a new name, NPP, after squabbles with some of the party’s founding stalwarts Rugare Gumbo and Didymus Mutasa.

This time, the NPP leader will be visiting London at the invitation of Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, Institute for Global Affairs, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

She will be expected to put aside her problems back home to be one of the panellists at the event to be graced by British MPs.

She will speak at the LSE on the topic, Women leaders on the Global Stage, Lessons for Africa, but will also have an opportunity to interact with British MPs at the meeting to be held in Portcullis House, part of the House of Parliament, according to the programme of events seen by The Standard.

“I am writing to invite you to participate in a public event to be held at LSE on March 7 2017 to celebrate International Women’s Day,” part of the invitation by Tim Allen, Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa director dated October 16 2016 read.

“If you accept this invitation, you will be part of the panel, which includes another female politician from the African continent and a member of civil society organisation working to increase female political representation.”

The event will examine the barriers confronting women political leaders in different countries across Africa and how they can be overcome and what lessons can be taken from women leaders across the globe.

The event will be hosted by Maria Miller MP, the chairperson of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, and Mujuru will have an opportunity to network with invited guests, who include MPs, African ambassadors, academics, LSE African students, as well as representatives of Africa-focused, London-based NGOs and think tanks.

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

NPP spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire confirmed Mujuru’s London engagements, saying it was an honour for the former VP to interface with some British MPs and other revered African female politicians.

“We are excited that the sterling job that Dr Mujuru has done, and is doing, is being recognised, not only in the country but yonder,” Mawarire said.

“Dr Mujuru is passionate about her work and the uplifting of the girl child, hence, she organised women’s groups in the country to meet and brainstorm on her presentation, sharing ideas on the different experiences that women have in our country.

“She is also excited that the presentation in London, which is going to be attended by a lot of Zimbabwean women in Britain, gives her an opportunity to share with the world and her Zimbabwean counterparts, the section 56 campaign launched by Women’s Coalition, which promotes gender equality and non-discrimination.”

Mujuru is expected to leave the country today and her advance team is already in London ahead of the event. – Standard

President Robert Mugabe has arrived back home this Sunday morning from Singapore.

Mugabe had left Harare on Wednesday morning for medical checkups in the South East Asian country.

Accompanied by his daughter, Bona Chikore, Mugabe’s plane touched down at the Harare International Airport just after 6.am.

He was met by the two vice presidents; Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, cabinet ministers Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Dr Joram Gumbo and Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Minister of State for Harare Province Miriam Chikukwa, Chief Secretary to the President Dr Misheck Sibanda, other senior government officials and service chiefs.

Mugabe took some time to chat with his two deputies Mnangagwa and Mphoko, and proceeded to acknowledge the presence of service chiefs before taking his leave.

Former vice-president, Joice Mujuru has presented herself as a shrewd political strategist by changing the name of her political party, dumping the name Zimbabwe People First that had been at the centre of controversy with former allies-turned arch-rivals, analysts have said.

Mujuru on Friday changed the name of her party from ZimPF to National People’s Party (NPP) after weeks of haggling with former party elders and Rugare Gumbo and Didymus Mutasa, who claimed that the name ZimPF belonged to them.

Gumbo, Mutasa and five others were fired from ZimPF last month on allegations of trying to topple Mujuru and spying on behalf of Zanu PF.

The two were immediately appointed caretaker leaders of the rival faction, opening the door for squabbles over the use of the name ZimPF, until Mujuru announced the change of name and intention to restructure the new outfit.

Before the change of name, three outfits — Mujuru, the Gumbo and Mutasa camp and another party led by Max Zeb Shumba — were using the same political party name, ZimPF.
MDC-T official, Job Sikhala, who once abandoned the Morgan Tsvangirai-led party to form MDC99 before returning to his former party, said Mujuru’s move was a show of political genius from the former guerrilla fighter.

“That was a masterstroke from a political genius,” he  said. “There is nothing in a name but an idea. Zimbabweans follow leaders and ideas, not names of the political parties. I vividly remember how we stuck to the name MDC after the acrimonious and unfortunate 2005 split but people went with Morgan Tsvangirai after he rebranded the party [and renamed it] MDC-T.

“So, it is the same with Joice Mujuru; people will follow the leader they know, not those addicted to politics of splits. It will even happen in the MDC-T today that if people rebel against Tsvangirai and tussle over the name MDC-T, he can announce another name tomorrow and people will go with him even if he remains by himself.”

The MDC-T has split twice since its formation in 1999. There has been a fight over the  party’s name each time there were splits, leading to the formation of Sikhala’s MDC99 and Welshman Ncube’s MDC, a move analysts said confused voters.

Phillip Pasirayi, a communications and political analyst said: “The launch of the new party was a victory over the elders [Gumbo and Mutasa]. It was a good strategy to pre-empt the elders ,who were certainly bracing for a fight over the party name and symbols.

“Again, Mujuru has outwitted her foes but she should now work round the clock to sell the new party. It was important for Mujuru to re-brand given the confusion and contestation over who was in charge between Mujuru and the elders.

“If she had left it too long, it was certainly going to haunt her. Now that she has re-branded, she should ensure that the new party is not again infiltrated by Zanu PF and state agents, who will cause confusion to weaken her party and scuttle the proposed coalition.”

More Panganayi, a political analyst, weighed in saying: “Dropping the PF nomenclature shows that she is restrategising, but then the question that comes to mind is: Is this change cosmetic or it also includes change in ideology and focus?”

However, he warned that the move would be meaningless if  it was not accompanied by a shift in ideology and composition of the faces in the party.

“The politics of personalities has again won. Again, the purported rebranding confirms the fractionalisation of opposition politics and to the voters we are going down the same alley we have been before,” he said.

“However, over the elders, she has scored a victory and has shown that she was not handled by them as Gumbo had alleged. Mujuru has shown that she is her own boss.”
Researcher and political analyst, Dewa Mavhinga said:  “Changing the name of her party was a smart and logical move by Mujuru, it removes reason for unnecessary conflict and confusion and presents her with the opportunity to rebrand.”

He added: “Protracted legal battles over the party name would have been needless distractions at a time when focus should be on building credible alternatives to Zanu PF and finding ways of operationalising an opposition grand coalition that will push for much-needed reforms to level the electoral field.”

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former MDC-T official, Settlement Chikwinya said identity was critical when building a brand.

“Mujuru has set one foot ahead in terms of rebranding her political outfit by establishing a new name that is devoid of all the toxins that had come to be associated with People First,” he said.

“She now needs to move fast in making sure that the new name is attached to good work on the ground and that largely depends on her political programmes and more so, how she conducts herself as the leader in the public and political domain.”

But UK-based former Harare Polytechnic Mass Communications lecturer, Reward Mushayabasa said name changes were immaterial for political parties.

“What is in a name? I don’t think we need to read too much into the name changes. I don’t think the name changes are very critical at this point. The Zimbabwe electorate is not very much concerned about names,” he said.

“What is fundamental to the electorate is what the party stands for and whether it can proffer any sustainable solutions to the country’s political quagmire.

“People are tired of getting more of the same. What Zimbabwe needs is not more splinter parties.
“The country has an oversupply of these parties. What Zimbabwe needs is a coalition of all political parties to challenge Zanu PF’s political hegemony. Without this radical shift in mindset among the opposition parties, the future of politics in Zimbabwe looks very bleak.”

Political analyst, Blessing Vava said Mujuru’s move could be a double-edged sword as it could be interpreted to mean she lost the battle to Gumbo and Mutasa.

“She has basically succumbed and surrendered,” Vava said.
“By announcing NPP through a press conference, she has shown a lack of political acumenship. what was immediate and most important was for her to preside over the long-overdue convention to give her the political legitimacy to make such decisions.”

PDP official, Vince Musewe said the change of name by Mujuru may not change her fortunes.
“One thing I can, however, predict is that it will be the same old people just rebranding themselves and hoping to convince us they are the best suited to create the new Zimbabwe we imagine,” he said.

“I doubt that because we have politics of recycling and opportunism.”
Mujuru has been negotiating a coalition with Tsvangirai to fight President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF in next year’s elections. – Standard

By Staff Reporter |Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa, has said the Norton Town Council risked being dissolved for ignoring to implement service delivery policies which the local authority was given by government many years ago.

The law maker recently requested the Norton Town Council to avail to him documents which they use in the administration of the town.

Since then the local authority has been snubbing meetings which Mliswa invites them to attend.

One such a crucial meeting was the last Friday’s meeting with Primary and Secondary Schools minister, Lazarus Dokora, where Mliswa had invited the controversial government official to address the Norton community on the new education curriculum.

“It was however a shame to say the least that Norton Town Council was unrepresented at this auspicious event despite having been invited and it really leaves quite a lot of to be desired and piles up more questions on their commitment to the People of Norton,”Mliswa complained on Sunday.

“As elected persons, we should take the voters seriously and show effort in issues that touch their day to day lives. I am not saying im perfect but i give the voters ample attention and time to correct me when i go wrong and i expect more from Council where all development starts from,”he said.

“To the Electorate, I hope this gives you enough reasons to elect wisely in 2018 and put capable individuals in these offices of influence while shunning away from Political Brand-based voting”,said the disappointed MP.

Mliswa said he was going to invite Local Government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, to come and deal with the Norton Town council.

“Nevertheless, progress is not ending this week, as you are aware of, the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Hon Kasukuwere will be coming to Norton this coming week to address and deal with the raised Norton Town Council Management and Implementation issues”,said Mliswa.

Staff Reporter | ZANU PF members in Bulawayo are currently brutally beating each other up at the party office in Davies Hall Bulawayo, ZimEye.com can exclusively reveal.

ZimEye.com sources within the party premises report that the offices have been turned into a war zone amongst provincial members who had gathered to do a postmortem of the chaotic 93rd birthday celebrations held for President Robert Mugabe a week ago.

The sources claim that the closed door meeting which started at 11:00am this morning did not last an hour before the members inside the closed room were on each other with fists and boots flying in all directions. The members are reported to have opened the door out of the boardroom with some coming out in full speed fleeing the bloody violence inside.

In a bid to conceal the chaos, security personnel manning the office rushed to close and lock the gates but not before several of them had made their way into the streets where the fights continued this time with stones and everything that could be turned into a weapon was used.

At the time of writing, anti riot police are reported to be making their way into the offices to try and control the fighting.

ZimEye.com is keeping watch of the events as they unfold and information will be made available. Reports claim that the ZANU PF security members are beating up members of the public who have gathered around the area to witness the fighting.

At 97, Rosina Dube’s face, covered with loose folds of skin often associated with old age and her blood-flecked eyes tell a sad and sorrowful story.

Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, the granny born on November 7 1920 said at one point, she accepted her time had come.

She had given up on life and on the fighting spirit that has kept her alive for the past 97 years.

Dube was marooned with several other villagers at Tsholotsho’s Mapili village, clutching each other’s hands and moving from one area to the next to avoid being swept away.

“It was scary, so frightening,” Dube, who was wearing a washed out blouse and an A-Line skirt —those that fit closely around the waist, but are slightly wider at the bottom — said.

“I am blessed to have had such a long life, experienced near death experiences but nothing of that sort came close to what I witnessed that Wednesday after our homes were flooded,” she added.

Dube was airlifted to safety with several others by an Air force of Zimbabwe helicopter.

She narrated her tale.

“It was not raining. In fact, it had not rained for two days. We were about to have supper when we started hearing roaring sounds of the Gwayi River,” she said.

“The river was quiet, and within a flash, water started seeping through the doors, from ankle level, rising with every minute up to knee level, forcing us to leave the kitchen.”

“Gwayi River had burst its banks, and overflowed to their homestead, and several others.

“We moved to the next homestead and they had also moved out to the next where there was higher ground,” she said.
“We saw property being swept away, houses being razed to the ground…it was a frightening sight, and the sounds of the water made it even scarier.

“We kept moving in groups, clutching each other’s hands from one high place to the next but the water levels kept rising, way up to the chest. How we were not swept away, only God knows,” she added.

But the muddy clay soils kept slowing them down, as “we would be swallowed to knee level” like quicksand as “we moved to safer grounds”.

The floods left her with nothing. Not even a cup or a plate!

All her life savings were washed away, and it still rings like a dream to her that she has nothing, she said wiping tears that flowed down her aged cheeks.

All her property, including a bed and kitchen utensils, goats, chickens and four pole and mud huts were all swept away when the river burst its banks and flooded several villages of Tsholotsho.

“And at my old age, where do I start from? They are talking of relocating us, but I don’t have that energy. Sometimes I wish I could have just died,” she said.

“It stresses me a lot when I think of what I have become in a flash. It will not be a surprise if hypertension kills me, or if I suffer a stroke.”

Dube and several hundreds of villagers are now temporarily sheltered at the Sipepa flood victim camp following the floods that since been declared a national disaster.

Schools, bridges, planted crops and various infrastructure have been swept away, with reports the floods claimed more than six lives.

Liver Ndebele, from Mapili village, was also left counting her losses.

“I am still searching for my cows. My prayer is that I locate my cattle. I have been searching for my cattle but I believe they were swept to faraway places.

“As for the rest, the only thing that survived the floods are the poles that supported the bedroom hut. Everything that I worked for, and owned was swept away,” Ndebele, aged 75, said.

Dube said she was praying that the government or non-governmental organisations provide some financial assistance to help her buy “anything to kick-start my life”.

“Very soon, we will be out of this camp and where will I go? Who will feed or clothe me or let alone, buy underwear for me?

“It’s de-huminising and that is why many of us here who lost all belongings ask for some kind of assistance to kick-start our lives,” Dube said.

Last Friday, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister, Cain Mathema led a government delegation comprising Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology minister Jonathan Moyo, who is the area’s MP and his Primary and Secondary Education counterpart,  Lazarus Dokora, to assess the situation at the Sipepa camp, where the flood victims have been temporarily accommodated.

According to an October 2016 disaster situation report by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), about 2 000 homesteads have been destroyed by floods, with Tsholotsho named as the worst affected.

CPU deputy director, Sibusisiwe Ndlovu said Sipepa in Tsholotsho still remained at high risk of flooding.

“This is arguably the most severely affected district [Tsholotsho] in the country to date and a considerable number of households have lost their homes to flooding or excessive moisture,” Ndlovu said.

“The total number of the displaced is 850 to date, inclusive of schoolchildren and infants. The local school also flooded and children can no longer access the school.”

Government said new lands had been identified to relocate the Tsholotsho flood victims, but would-be beneficiaries say “this is not enough”.

“It’s not like we want to be a welfare case, but here we are talking of several, if not hundreds, who have virtually nothing, no income whatsoever to re-build their lives.

“Land will come, but then what?” asked Getrude Sibelo, aged 62.

“Personally, I am praying for a food-for-work kind of scheme, where we are employed for road works and other jobs for payment so we re-start our lives and not become a charity case.”

Air force of Zimbabwe helicopters were used to airlift 855 villagers that were marooned following the heavy rains that pounded the flood-prone district.

Among those rescued were 86 terminally ill people and 501 school-going children.

While the swift response saved lives, a recent report by Matabeleland North provincial administrator, Latiso Dlamini painted a gloomy picture of the situation at the camp and the district in general.

Dlamini said the Sipepa camp urgently needed food, blankets, medical supplies, sanitary wear, stationery for schoolchildren, stationery for administration, plates, cups, cooking pots, tents, protective clothing, mobile toilets, soap, and cooking oil.

She said the CPU’s reaction to the disaster had been crippled by poor communication, inadequate resources, lack of suitable vehicles, poor road network, lack of allowances, impassable bridges, continuous rains and lack of experience in setting up such a camp. – Standard

Depositers were stranded on Friday as several banks in the central business district ran out of money, a snap survey revealed.

The country has been facing persistent cash shortages on the back of low exports. The introduction of bond notes seem not to have resolved the cash crisis as queues at banking halls remain long.

During the snap survey conducted in the central business district of Harare on Friday, a depositor at one of the CBZ branches in the city said he had spent the entire morning in the queue, only to be served at around 2pm.

“It is bad, I tell you. Yes, they say they have money, but the queue has been moving very slowly and I do not know why. I have been standing in the queue since 5:30am and only reached close to the ATM [automated teller machine] at well after lunch time,” he said.

“They are only allowing a withdrawal limit of $120 but you have to put your card into the ATM twice as you are only allowed to withdraw that amount in two batches of $60. According to them, they are doing that because all the money is in $2 bond notes so the ATM can only handle so much.”

Both Stanbic Bank and Standard Chartered Bank of Zimbabwe were giving out United States dollars, with the former giving a maximum of $50 while the latter was allowing up to $100 depending on what was available in the bank.

At a Cabs branch, a depositor, Mucheche Aaron told Standardbusiness that the bank was allowing a maximum of 160 depositors per day to withdraw money.

“There is no money. Right now I am sitting in the bank but they reached their 160 [people] limit in the morning. They are only allowing a maximum of $100 a day and it is disbursed in bond notes only,” Aaron said.

The People’s Own Savings Bank was giving out a maximum of $100 a day — all in bond notes. – Standard

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Francis Bere has acquitted and discharged Nigerian businessman Chief Oma Alphonsus Achinulo who was facing charges of theft involving over $70 000 from his business partner in a stands deal.

Achinulo (48) of Suburbs in Bulawayo, who is also a Liberation Centre pastor in Bulawayo was facing 14 counts of theft involving more than $70 000 following claims by his business partner Mr Nicholas Masuku of N and S Properties that he had been duped in a stands project.

The matter was reported in Bulawayo but failed to take off before it was transferred from Bulawayo regional court to Gwanda regional court last year. However, in Gwanda it also failed to be concluded after the start of the trial because Achinulo who had pleaded not guilty applied to the Bulawayo High Court for the regional magistrate, Mr Joseph Mabeza to recuse himself.

He argued that he would not get a fair trial after he claimed the magistrate dined with State witnesses. Mr Mabeza then recused himself and the matter was transferred from the regional court to the provincial court where it was tried by Matabeleland South provincial magistrate Mr Willard Maphios Moyo. Four witnesses testified in the matter.

Achinulo through his lawyer then, Mr Lison Ncube applied for a discharge at the close of the State’s case but the magistrate, Mr Moyo dismissed the application. He, however, ruled that Achinulo had a case to answer and should be placed on his defence.

Achinulo then rushed to the Bulawayo High Court again through his new lawyer, Mr Sifelilizwe Mguni under case number HC 1699/16 seeking an order for stay of the magistrate’s ruling and acquit him. He cited the State and Mr Moyo as the first and second respondents. In his ruling, Justice Bere said the court erred in dismissing Achinulo’s application.

“The court erred in arriving on a finding that the plaintiff should be placed on his defence. After reading arguments this Honourable Court finds no evidence linking the plaintiff to the commission of the offence. He is hereby found not guilty, acquitted and discharged,” ruled Justice Bere.

The Nigerian’s partnership with Masuku involved the servicing and development of residential stands in Feinspruit Township, Umzingwane District and Achinulo, who was the financial director in the project was accused of having used $70 533,34 meant for buying water reticulation pipes and materials, for other purposes. – State Media

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) will open flood gates of dams that are now full in flood prone areas in a bid to safeguard lives and destruction of infrastructure amid revelations that the country is likely to experience another tropical cyclone soon.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecasted that Zimbabwe was likely to experience another tropical cyclone in the coming days.

The imminent tropical cyclone is brewing east of Madagascar and is most likely to affect the country. This comes against the backdrop of Cyclone Dineo that resulted in floods that affected all parts of the country.

“The cyclone is coming at a time when most of the country’s dams are now full and spilling, raising the risk of flooding in areas downstream of the dams and those traditionally flood-prone areas. To ensure dam safety and the safety of people and property, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority would like to advise the nation that it will be opening flood gates and valves of those filled up to release water and create space for the dams to handle the anticipated flood water inflows,” said Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager Mrs Marjorie Munyonga in a statement.

She said Zinwa has already deployed personnel in flood prone areas such as Chikwalakwala, Gokwe North, Gokwe South, Tsholotsho and Muzarabani to monitor and report flooding in dam basins, roads and low lying areas as well as monitor and report the safety of all dams and water infrastructure.

“The authority is working closely with the Local Civil Protection Unit personnel and other stakeholders in disseminating information and to alert communities who could be potentially affected by flooding. Communities will be advised at district level on flood risks in their areas as well as the available flood response and mitigation measures,” she said.

Zinwa has urged communities to remain on high alert and observe any dams in their areas that may be under threat.

For emergency members of the public should alert Zinwa on the following 24 hour emergency numbers: 0774859958, 0712632970 and 0779407109. – State Media

Two men, among them a herdboy from Jotsholo are feared dead, after they went missing close to the boundary of Hwange National Park in two separate incidents.

Fisani Moyo a herdboy in Jabatshaba in Jotsholo, Lupane went missing on 16 February while Tabani Shoko (31) from Gamba village, Lukosi in Hwange went missing on 3 February close to the Hwange National Park.

Both men are suspected to have been attacked by wild animals, probably lions because there have been reports of lions being seen in areas they went missing from.

Acting Matabeleland North police provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Namatarira Mashona could not immediately confirm the reports saying she was yet to receive information on the two incidents.

“We are yet to receive reports of the two cases so we cannot comment at the moment,” she said.

Villagers in Jabatshaba told Sunday News that they feared that Fisani could have been attacked by wild animals especially lions as some of the animals have strayed out of the park due to rains. The Civil Protection Unit reported last week that due to flooding in some areas in the province, lions, zebras and buffaloes were being spotted in some areas close to villages, raising fears among the people. Villagers said the fear over the missing men has also been heightened after reports that a professional hunter shot and injured a male lion and failed to track it down.

“Villagers are prone to wild animals attacks especially lions and hyenas and of late we have been living in fear as lions were spotted in the areas. We also understand that on 15 February there was a hunt that went wrong when a hunter shot a lion but failed to track it. The lion has not been located and we know that a wounded lion is very dangerous to people,” said Mr Martin Moyo, a villager from Jabatshaba near Halfway hotel.

Areas which have also been affected by the attacks are Ngundwane, Manganganga and Quarry in Lupane District.

According to Fusani’s employer, Mr Headman Nkomo, the herdboy drove the cattle to the grazing area on 15 February but never returned.

“We got worried when he didn’t return and tried to look for him but only found the cattle unattended and since it was dark we went back home thinking he would return. At first we thought he had gone to visit a relative or friend and was failing to return because of the rains. We have been searching for him but we are not getting any luck. We have since reported the matter to the police,” said Mr Nkomo.

He said combined searches by the police, rangers and members of the community in suspected areas had yielded nothing.

Meanwhile, Zimparks rangers said on 3 February Shoko and Mr Tapiwa Zulu went to Sinametela National Park intending to poach. After setting their wire snares, the two retreated close to the Hwange National Park boundary where they started a fire to roast some meat.

“After a while Shoko informed his friend that he was going to check on the wire snares and that he would return shortly but he never returned. Zulu ended up heading back home after efforts to locate his friend failed,” said a ranger who could not be named since he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The matter came to light on 23 February when Shoko’s parents confronted Zulu over their missing son since he was said to be the last person who had been seen with him. They made a report police in Hwange who together with the rangers conducted a search but to no avail.

Shoko was on a warrant of arrest after he failed to turn up for sentencing in January when he was found guilty of possession of wild game meat. Search efforts have also been hindered by the rains pounding the area.

Zimparks spokesperson Mrs Caroline Washaya-Moyo could not be reached for a comment. – state media

Hundreds of women from different church denominations were on Friday gathered at United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Njube, Bulawayo praying for the end to domestic violence and abuse to women under the theme, “Am I Being Unfair to You”.

The event was to mark the World Day of Prayer, which is a global movement which brings together Christians of many traditions and churches to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, people come to know other countries, languages and cultures. It is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday of March. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

The chairperson of Better Bulawayo, Mrs Evans Mthombeni, said they were in solidarity with all women across the globe.

“We can hear their concerns and needs and can feel ourselves in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.”

Reverent Japheth Masuku said; “We are happy to have such a great day because it’s the only day we have as Christians to come together, from different denominations and pray to God.”

He said that the attendance had improved compared to the previous year and with different churches coming on board.

“People who have their different ways of worshipping and praising God were able to come together, putting aside their differences. Even some of the pastors are here to intercede for the people who are facing difficulties in their daily living,” he said.

A number of churches brought food and money, which organisers said will be donated to the less privileged, who come from different communities.

He said that 85 percent of people in Zimbabwe are Christians and if they stop corruption the country will move in “correct and orderly ways because of the influence that they (Christians) have in the nation as a whole.”

Rev Masuku encouraged people to continue praying for their denominations and their leaders. – State Media

Three people died while four others were injured when a Volkswagen Golf they were travelling in collided head-on with a Toyota Corolla along Harare-Bulawayo highway on Friday night.

The accident occurred at around 11pm at the 268km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo highway near Regina Mundi High School when a Gweru-bound Volkswagen Golf which had five people on board encroached onto the right lane ahead of an oncoming Toyota Corolla resulting in the head on collision.

Gweru Provincial Hospital medical superintendent Dr Fabian Mashingaidze confirmed that three bodies from the accident were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary while the four injured persons were treated and discharged.

“I can confirm that we received three bodies of people who died in an accident which occurred along the Harare-Bulawayo highway on Friday night.

“Four people were injured in the same accident but they were treated and discharged because they sustained minor injuries,” he said.

A police officer told Sunday News that the two vehicles collided head on when the driver of the Volkswagen Golf encroached onto the right lane, resulting in the head on.

The officer said three people, one person from the Toyota Corolla and two from the Volkswagen Golf died on the spot.

He said the bodies of the three were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary while the injured people were taken to the same hospital for treatment. – State Media

THE Bulawayo City Council has passed a resolution to establish an new high density suburb with more than 2 000 stands, at a time when the new mortgage lender, the National Building Society (NBS) has announced that it will deliver 10 000 units of houses this year across the country with priority given to Harare and Bulawayo.

The new suburb to be known as Norwood Tracks Phase One is located in an area adjacent to Cowdray Park Phase One.
According to the latest council report, the new suburb is meant to cater for the low income earners as well as self-employed members of the society. The local authority has since submitted plans for the new suburb to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for approval.

“The proposed Norwood Tracks Phase One residential development is meant to cater for the low income earners as well as self-employed members of the society, who are increasing in numbers on a daily basis as evidenced by the council waiting list which now is fast approaching the
200 000 mark.

“The area is located approximately 11 kilometres north-west of the Central Business District, off the Cowdray Road. The site lies adjacent to the existing Cowdray Park Phase one suburb. To the south-east the site is bounded by the famous Ngozi Mine, to the south by Umvumila Industrial Site. In terms of the operative city of Bulawayo Master Plan, the proposed site is zoned for agricultural or residential development,” read part of the report.

The suburb measures a total of 165,68 hectares and the area will be connected to the existing water lines in Cowdray Park.
“There will be 2 020 residential stands proposed, each covering an average area of between 200 square metres in extent. In addition to these, a flat or detached housing is left aside to accommodate more deserving members of the society.

“There are open spaces within the planning area with the largest located along streams which traverse the planning area, particularly on the stream banks. On these spaces the planting of lawn, deciduous trees and shrubs will be encouraged. By doing so, the original flora and fauna will be kept intact within the built environment,” reads part of the report.

Among the institutional sites which will be located at the new suburb include community facility sites, local authority sites, a secondary school site, and sites for place of assembly. The local authority has also put in place two commercial sites in the suburb to cater for the community.

In terms of electricity, the local authority noted that connecting the new suburb will be relatively cheap, as in Luveve, an adjacent suburb there are facilities and there is an existing underground and overhead cable traversing the area from the Zesa sub-stations in and around the proposed development.

“In designing this high-density residential suburb, a number of town planning issues were taken into consideration. These include safety, convenience, compatibility and uniformity. Other considerations were those of connectivity and environmental sustainability.

“There are existing 40-metre roads that serve as major roads on the site linking the proposed development to the adjoining suburb. The site is also accessible through the 20-metre road that runs north to south to the existing Cowdray Park Phase One,” reads the report. Norwood would have on site sewer treatment facilities.

Meanwhile, NBS head of marketing Mr Andrew Tawodzera said the bank has identified development partners across the country including Bulawayo to finance the delivery of the affordable low cash housing. In Bulawayo, he said the bank has agreed with the local authority to avail land where housing units will be developed although he could not readily identify the areas. The same facility has also been arranged with Umguza District Council.

Last month, NBS embarked on a number of nationwide roadshows where they sought the engagement of strategic partnerships with players in the housing development. Bank officials met with various land developers, contractors and building material suppliers in areas that included but not limited to Harare, Mutare, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Gweru.

“It is through these events that NBS identified development partnerships throughout the country and is still looking for additional partners for collaborative relationships towards the delivery of affordable low cost housing. Beyond the housing development projects NBS also extends mortgage finance to individuals who may already have stands or require assistance in finishing houses that are already under construction within any urban development area,” said Mr Tawodzera.

He said the bank’s primary target market was the low to middle income earners as well as individuals in the informal sector and small to medium enterprises.

“We believe that our mortgage product is the most competitive on the market. Our interest rates are between 9,5 percent and 11,5 percent per annum with the lower applying to first time home owners who want mortgages in the high-density developments while the later interest rates will apply to individuals applying for medium density housing establishments,” he said.

The bank will also open four branches and a number of agencies in various parts of the country as well as introducing a number of mobile cash transaction platforms as it moves to improve convenience and efficiency to its clients. – State Media

Doctors and nurses will resume duties tomorrow after reaching an agreement with Government to report for work while their grievances are being addressed. Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Gerald Gwinji said Government reached an understanding with doctors and nurses’ representatives on Friday.

“They will be returning to work but the bonus meeting will be held on Monday. We reached an understanding in terms of on-call allowances which will be increased while night duty for nurses will also go up. Re-grading issues were resolved while 2 000 posts for nurses and 250 for doctors will be availed,” he said.

Dr Gwinji urged healthcare practitioners to put the lives of patients first.
“There are other issues such as vehicle purchase which take a little longer to put in place but we are saying let’s talk about those while offering services,” he said.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association secretary-general Mr Enoch Dongo said, “We did not agree but compromised because we are also human beings and we don’t want to lose lives.
‘‘We have agreed to go back to work on Monday (tomorrow) and we will be waiting for the outcome of the bonus meeting,” he said.

Nurses’ night duty allowances were increased from US$50 to US$65, although Mr Dongo said they wanted more.

“The US$15 increase is a mockery; it’s not a welcome development. However, people are dying and we are going back to work to save lives,” he said.

Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association president Dr Edgar Munatsi said they would “begrudgingly” report for duty.

“The ZHDA members will begrudgingly retreat, advise its members to resume duties as we strategically canvass for a fresh, nationwide strike … The ZHDA will not rest until the on-call allowances are revised upwards to a minimum of US$720 as agreed upon in 2014, the motor vehicle assistance programme is in motion and all doctors are rightfully graded and are assured of employment from university and Internship,” he said.

Doctors last month downed their tools demanding on-call allowances be increased from US$288 to US$720.

Nurses joined the strike a week later, demanding a review of night duty allowances. Some hospitals have been turning away patients following the strike, and military healthcare professionals immediately stepped in to try and avert unnecessary loss of lives.- State Media

State-run primary and secondary schools will get US$4 000 each while those with farms will get irrigation equipment to support implementation of the updated education curriculum. The United Nations Children’s Fund has already released US$5 million towards the initiative, with public-private partnerships expected to fund irrigation.
Zimbabwe is implementing the updated curriculum that focuses on developing learners’ cognitive and psychomotor skills, among other areas.
The US$5 million chest will cover essential teaching and learning materials, while schools with farms will retain 20 percent of proceeds under the irrigation initiative.
The remaining 80 percent will pay for irrigation equipment purchased on credit.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora told The Sunday Mail last week, “We are distributing US$4 000 to each primary school in the country under school improvements grants. Some satellite schools will also benefit from the scheme.
‘‘The money is primarily meant to improve our children’s learning environment.
“We want every child to access quality education, and these grants might be used to buy computers or anything school administrators and parents might see necessary. On the overall, implementation of the new curriculum is progressing well in spite of unfounded allegations and misconceptions circulating on social media.”
Regarding irrigation support, Dr Dokora said, “This will mean that apart from our learners experiencing agricultural activities during their studies, schools will also benefit because they will be feeding themselves, especially boarding schools or those under the National School Feeding Scheme.
“The irrigation facilities will see schools grow crops throughout the year, and we are also encouraging breeding of small livestock. What is more, the public-private partnerships we have proposed mean that participating schools will retain 20 percent of produce while the balance will be put on the market. The arrangement also involves agricultural extension officers so that schools benefit from their vast practical experience.”
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association secretary-general Mr John Mlilo said, “The coming in of our partners to improve the learning environment of our children is welcome, and has come at the right time.
‘‘It shows that the direction we are taking is positive in implementing the new curriculum. The drilling of boreholes will also ensure that our teachers and learners will have access to clean and safe water.”
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe added: “I hope this development will not turn our schools into concentration camps or institutions that focus more on agriculture at the expense of other learning areas. But like what I have always said, these things should involve all stakeholders in the sector for them to get optimum support.” – State Media

The biometric voter registration (BVR) kit supplier for the 2018 harmonised elections will be known on March 20, 2017 in keeping with a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s roadmap for the polls. The supplier will be picked from three companies shortlisted from an initial list of 12 comprising Zimbabwean, Belgian, Canadian and Israeli firms.
The BVR system will capture prospective voters’ biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs to eliminate voter duplication and remove deceased people’s names from the voters’ rolls.
Government and the United Nations Development Programme will jointly purchase the US$30 million equipment, marking the first time Zimbabwe will use such technology.
Many countries have adopted the innovation, which engenders greater transparency and minimises the possibility of electoral disputes.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail last week, ZEC Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said the State Procurement Board would assist with adjudication.
“We are in the process of procuring BVR kits, and have set the 20th of March for site validation tests after the three top bidders have shown us what they have. The process of site validation means that we want the companies to do the tests locally and demonstrate how the equipment will be used so that we have a practical test of how the process will be conducted.
“The names of the three companies will be made public once they have confirmed their coming to Zimbabwe to undergo the evaluation process,” she said.
Justice Makarau said polling station demarcation could be extended to accommodate areas that have become inaccessible due to flooding, and ZEC now expected to complete the mapping process in the first week of April instead of the end of March.
“However, the mapping delays will not affect our deadlines and plan to start voter registration by the end of March or the beginning of May. We are still working with that timeframe in mind,” she added.
ZEC is working with July 31, 2018 as the deadline by which harmonised elections must be held, and it plans to wrap up major logistics this year.
Between 800 and 1 500 voters will be assigned to a particular polling station within their ward. – State Media

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating 40 serving and former Harare councillors and executives over a US$13 million tender to rehabilitate Firle Sewage Works. Information gathered by The Sunday Mail last week shows that Zacc opened the probe two months ago, with indications that 32 councillors and eight top officials could have connived to prejudice ratepayers of millions of dollars.

In 2011, Harare City Council is said to have unprocedurally awarded Energy Resources Africa Consortium a US$13,8 million tender when the company was not registered in accordance with Zimbabwe’s laws.

Zacc investigators told this publication that the net was fast-closing in on some councillors who served under former mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda’s administration and some executives led by ex-town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi. The investigators said Mr Masunda’s was not under investigation.

The matter came to light after a special investigation committee comprising lawyer Mr Francis Nyamayaro; Engineer Israel Rwodzi; financial specialist Mr Clifford Mteneri; and councillors Joshua Nyatsuro, Joseph Rose, Samuel Chinyowa and Luckmore Mangawa alleged procurement procedures had been thrown out of window.

The committee established that Erac was awarded the tender ahead of Specgas, whose charges were US$1,5 million lower. The then Harare Water director Eng Christopher Zvobgo told the committee that Specgas lost because it did not have a bid bond. However, the committee determined that Erac, which had a bid bond, was unregistered and had no tax clearance.

Zacc is also looking into allegations of possible tax evasion, externalisation, forgery, perjury, contract fraud and collusion by City of Harare and Portriver Investments which was part of Erac. This came to light after one of Erac’s directors, Mr Dave Mashayamombe, blew the whistle on his former partner in Erac, Mr Harold Crown of Portriver Investments.

According to documents seen by The Sunday Mail, Mr Mashayamombe’s lawyer Mr Gerald Mlotshwa wrote to Zacc on December 5, 2016 saying, “We refer to proceedings between litigants in several High Court cases: HC9749/15, HH945-15, HC 1437/16, HC 5388/16, HC 11841/16. Pleadings and evidence filed in the court record have given rise to our client’s complaint of possible tax evasion, externalisation, forgery, perjury, contract fraud and collusion by the City of Harare and a company called Portriver Investments (Private) Limited wholly owned by a South African entity.

“… The court record filed therein, however, exhibits evidence of possible criminal acts that contravene Sections 136, 137, 171, 174 and 183 of the Criminal Law (Codification) Act (Chapter 9:23).”

In his judgment in a dispute between Messrs Mashayamombe and Crown, Justice Owen Tagu raised concern over non-payment of taxes to Zimra by Mr Crown’s Portriver Investments.
“… What is clear as day light is that the respondents (Mr Crown and Portriver Investments) want to continue trading and receiving large sums of money without paying taxes. This is unacceptable. There may be disagreements over other issues that resulted in the issuance of summons which is pending but that does not stop the parties from complying with the mandatory requirements of the law.”

Harare city councillors and officials also stand accused of manufacturing minutes of a meeting between the local authority and Mr Crown.
According to a letter dated June 29, 2016 by Mr Chris Mutangadura of the National Prosecuting Authority to the Department of Immigration concerning Mr Crown’s immigration status, allegations of fraud and perjury were also raised.
He wrote, “Pleadings filed in the court record have given rise to a complaint of perjury and fraud as against some employees of City of Harare who alleged that Mr Harold Crown participated in a meeting with City of Harare employees. Those minutes are allegedly manufactured to influence the outcome of the proceedings.
“In order for us to determine whether or not there is a criminal offence as suspected, we kindly request your good office to provide us with details of entry or exit of Mr Harold Crown from 1 October 2015 to 10 October 2015. Mr Crown is a South African citizen with I.D Number 6711225167085 date of birth 22 November 1967. This period alone will highlight the details of whether or not the alleged meeting between Mr Crown and City of Harare employees took place in Harare on the 6th of October 2015.”
On July 1, 2016, Mr P Kambarami of the Department of Immigration responded to Mr Mutangadura saying there was no evidence that Mr Crown was in Zimbabwe between October 1, 2015 and October 10, 2015.
“Diligent checks on both our manual and electronic systems for both entry and exit records were made. Harold Crown is not appearing in either for the period cited, that is 1 October 2015 to 10th December 2015,” he said.
A council special investigation committee raised a red flag regarding Mr Crown’s contracts given that he was involved in Crowborough Works via Cemo Pumps when the main contractor was Sidal Engineering, and on Firle via Port River with Erac as the main contractor.
Investigators suspect that Harare councillors and executives were conniving to implement some of the projects for their personal benefit. – State Media

The Zanu PF enemies of vocal businessman-turned-politician, Energy Mutodi, moved closer to kicking him out of the warring ruling party — after its Mashonaland East executive held a disciplinary hearing in the wake of his recent statements on the former liberation movement’s burning succession riddle.

The outspoken Mutodi, a self-confessed supporter of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been critical of President Robert Mugabe’s unwillingness to groom a successor — blaming the 93-year-old for allegedly fuelling Zanu PF’s ugly tribal, factional and succession wars.

“The hearing has ended and there is no ruling yet.
They said they will advise me,” Mutodi told the Daily News yesterday, adding the panel that had presided over his case appeared clueless about the law.

Mutodi was slapped with a litany of charges by his Zanu PF comrades in February, weeks after images of him with Mnangagwa holding a coffee mug were made public.

Since those images surfaced, where Mnangagwa was seen holding the coffee mug inscribed with the words “I Am The Boss”, the VP’s party foes have gone to town about the issue, interpreting it as his open statement that he harbours unbridled presidential ambitions.

Matters were not helped when Mutodi seemingly stoked the raging fires further, when he implored Zanu PF to hold a special congress to choose Mugabe’s successor.
It was in the wake of these statements that the Mashonaland East Zanu PF executive summoned him to appear before a disciplinary hearing, to answer myriad charges.

“The hearing is to consider and discuss disciplinary allegations of misconduct charges that include undermining the authority and powers of the national people’s conference to declare the president of the party elected at the congress as the State presidential candidate of the party, as outlined in the Zanu PF constitution of 2014, Article 6 on membership section 33 (3).

“If you are found guilty of the allegations . . . then we may recommend disciplinary sanctions, including suspension and cancellation of your Zanu PF membership,” read the letter which contained the charges which Mutodi was answering to yesterday in Marondera.

The ruling party is deeply divided mainly over its unresolved succession riddle, which has split the former liberation movement right through the middle — with the Team Lacoste faction rallying behind Mnangagwa’s mooted presidential aspirations, and the Generation 40 (G40) group rabidly opposed to the Midlands godfather succeeding Mugabe.

In January, Mutodi threw the cat among the pigeons when he implored Zanu PF to hold an extra-ordinary congress to choose Mugabe’s successor.

He claimed then that Mugabe had become so unpopular in Zanu PF that “99 percent” of the party’s
members now wanted him to resign before the eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections, as there was allegedly no way that the nonagenarian could win elections against the popular Tsvangirai.
“Mugabe must retire. What we must be discussing now is how we share power in Zanu PF post-Mugabe.

“It’s up to Mugabe himself to be really thankful to his loyalists who have helped him to remain in power for this long and not the opportunists who praise him during the day and denigrate him during the night,” Mutodi said.

This week Mutodi, while welcoming Mugabe’s hint that Zanu PF could hold a special congress if he felt he was no longer able to continue, said it was unimaginable that anyone would want the nonagenarian to stand in the 2018 elections.

“Since he (Mugabe) has said he does not want to impose anyone on the people, the elective extra-ordinary congress is the only way to go.

“We cannot fathom the fact that some amongst us are still calling for him to stand in 2018. Surely when do they want him to rest? A good leader cannot plan to rest in his grave. A good leader earns respect by allowing others to lead while he takes rest.

“A bad leader, however, thinks that no one is better than himself. When Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United with the best premier league record, he was not too old to lead but he realised that he needed to rest and give others a chance,” Mutodi told the Daily News.

“Nelson Mandela was also not too old to lead when he retired for (Thabo) Mbeki. The same can be said about Sam Nujoma, Julius Nyerere, (Ian) Khama and even (Eduardo) Dos Santos of Angola who will not seek re-election in 2018,” he added. Daily News

The United States (US) embassy in Harare will be reaching out to President Donald Trump not to slash foreign aid to Zimbabwe, ambassador Harry Thomas Jnr has said.
This comes as Trump has proposed large cuts to foreign aid at a time of acute need in Zimbabwe.

The details of Trump’s budget proposal have not been released, and so far, US funding for the hunger and health crises in Africa has come out of a budget approved last year under ex-President Barack Obama.

Responding to a question on Thursday whether the move would affect Zimbabwe during a tour of Musasa Project — a recipient of US aid — Thomas said they would be negotiating with Washington.

“We will have to see what our administration wants to do, but our messages to Washington will be: look at performance and results. In Zimbabwe, HIV and Aids, we have reduced that greatly from 25 per cent to just over 12 percent prevalence. So, it has been effective use of American tax payers’ money.

“We are humanitarians, and in feeding food-insecure people, we do that without regard to nationality. We are the world’s oldest democracy; we want to help sustain democracies in every country.

“And I think every American that we speak to would want us to continue to find ways to help projects like Musasa,” Thomas — a former director-general of the Foreign Service at the US State Department said.

“ . . . We are very proud that the US government is the largest donor to Zimbabwe, that we are giving a $150 million each year to combat HIV/Aids, another $150 million to feed 2,1 million food-insecure people of the 4,8 million in Zimbabwe, $10 million for democracy and governance; and of course, we are one of the leading, if not the leading, provider of fellowships and scholarships with over 1 300 Zimbabweans studying in the United States.”

The White House Office of Management and Budget proposed cuts of 37 percent at two agencies that provide US foreign aid, as part of Trump’s plan to fund an increase in defence spending, according to reports.  The State Department and USAid had requested more than $50 billion for 2017.

Thomas said Zimbabwe would help this endeavour by improving human rights and democracy and the holding of violence-free and credible election

“We have increased funding every year for the last 15 years under president (George) Bush and president (Barack) Obama, we have to see where we are going with (president) Trump. Our message to Zimbabwean government is we support and encourage economic reform, the Lima process, we would hope that will continue. – Daily News

Two Zimbabwean journalists were arrested on Friday over a newspaper report that described President Robert Mugabe as “in bad shape” when he flew to Singapore for what officials called a scheduled medical check-up.

Editor of independent newspaper NewsDay Wisdom Mudzungairi and journalist Richard Chidza were released ahead of a court appearance on Saturday.

The front-page story said that Mugabe, 93, had “sneaked out of the country” this week, and quoted an unnamed source saying “it’s a tricky health situation”.

The report, headlined “Mugabe in fresh health scare”, said that first lady Grace Mugabe had flown to Dubai to organise the charter flight.

“They have been arrested and charged with undermining and insulting the office of the president,” said their lawyer Obey Shava before their release.

He said their arrest was “in relation to the paper’s lead story”.

Mugabe’s trip to Singapore, shortly after his lavish 93rd birthday party, was announced by his press spokesperson on Wednesday.

The president is expected to return early next week.

Mugabe’s health has been subject of increased speculation in recent years, and he regularly flies to Singapore for medical attention.

Despite his advanced age, Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party last year endorsed him as its candidate for the 2018 general elections.

In recent speeches, he has paused for lengthy periods and mumbled at times. News24

Floods in Zimbabwe have killed 246 people and left nearly 2,000 homeless since December, according to the government.

The southern African country has appealed to international donors for $100 million to help those affected by the floods, which have washed away some bridges and roads and cut off some communities from surrounding areas.

Saviour Kasukuwere, Zimbabwe’s minister of local government, announced the death toll Thursday. He says 128 people were injured in the floods, which were caused by heavy rains.

President Robert Mugabe, currently in Singapore for a medical checkup, declared the floods a national disaster this week.

The floods have mainly affected southern Zimbabwe, where the air force has transported some marooned villagers to safety. Dams have also overflowed, raising concerns about communities living downstream.

Five bridges on major highways have been swept away nationwide, Transport Minister Joram Gumbo said.

“Our roads have deteriorated to the extent that some sections of the national road network have become impassable,” Zimbabwe’s Daily News newspaper quoted Gumbo as saying.

Zimbabwe’s cash-strapped government is struggling to meet routine commitments such as the payment of state workers’ salaries.

Also, thousands of nurses in state hospitals in Zimbabwe went on strike this week over a lack of bonus payments, straining an already dire situation at the poorly resourced hospitals. State hospital doctors have been on strike since February 15, forcing the government to send in army and police doctors to care for patients. – VOA

Terrence Mawawa, Mwenezi | Two overzealous men from Madziya Village ,under Chief Murove,Mwenezi shocked the local community when they murdered a 53-year-old woman for wearing a miniskirt.

The two, Personally Ngundu(29) and Torerai Gambaza(47) are expected to appear before a High Court Judge in Masvingo for allegedly beating Lessie Temai to death for wearing a miniskirt at a traditional beer drinking party. The two are being charged with contravening Section 47(1)of the Criminal Law and Codification Reform Act Chapter 9:23.

On March 21,2015,around 1600 hrs , Ngundu , Gambaza and Temai were drinking beer with other villagers at Esnath Ngundu’ s homestead when Temai picked an argument with her boyfriend Mukowa Moyo over the skirt she was wearing. Moyo was not happy with the miniskirt Temai was wearing.

Ngundu and Gambaza then began to assault Temai as she lay on the ground.

Temai was taken into the house by Esnath.She eventually died after bleeding profusely.
“We were surprised when the two assaulted Temai for wearing a miniskirt.We tried to intervene but it was too late,” said a local villager.

Police in Mwenezi said the matter would be heard at the High Court in Masvingo.
“The matter will be heard before a High Court Judge .Ngundu and Gambaza attacked the helpless woman for no apparent reason.The claimed they were drunk when they committed the offence,” police in Mwenezi said.

FOURTEEN-year-old visibly drunk Nelia stands by the nightclub door anticipating that one of the truck drivers parking their heavy vehicles will become her second client of the night.

Sporting a skimpy dress that exposes the greater part of thighs and matching high heels, the teenager wriggles her waist upon seeing two men approaching the nightclub.

The men feign disinterest, although they cast longing gazes at her as they walk into the nightclub.

“They will come back. I have to meet my target. I need three more clients for me to get a bigger commission. My boss is waiting for her money, otherwise she will fire me and get another girl,” she says.

Nelia is one of the young girls employed by senior commercial sex workers who provide them with accommodation before demanding three-quarters of their earnings from each client.

The senior sex workers, often referred to as “retired generals”, are recruiting young girls who have proved to be favourites of truck drivers.

“This is a clean deal. If I charge $5 for a quickie, I get $2 and surrender the rest to the boss. The boss can also find clients for me. I can take home $12 per night on a good day. Sometimes I get more if the clients demands unprotected sex,” she said.

This has become the trend in many nightspots and border areas in the country.

In a snap survey in Marondera, NewsDay Weekender established that some bar owners hire teenagers from local schools as dancers before sexually exploiting them.

Martha Rumano (39), who resides near a popular nightclub in Dombotombo, Marondera, where most young girls ply their trade, said young children are sexually exploited and end up infected with HIV.

“It is a sorry state, especially at night. Young girls are running the show here. The girls will be drunk, half-naked and shouting vulgar words,” she said.

According to a 2016 report recently launched by the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC) titled Young Women In Commercial Sexual Exploitation Along Two Transport Corridors in Zimbabwe: Causes, Initiation Prevalence and Use of HIV And Social Services, 64,6% of young women reportedly started selling sex below the age of 18.

ZNCWC director Taylor Nyanhete said there is need to monitor social gathering centres so that children are not exploited.

“We would want monitoring of social centres so that children are not exploited; they are not part of syndicates or rings in communities. It’s a practice where older women tend to recruit children, it is known, so we would want those places be monitored and where officials think it’s happening, they must ensure that those people are arrested and convicted,” Nyanhete said.

Zimbabwe has ratified key international conventions concerning Child Labour (ILO.C182), Worst Forms of Child Labour and UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.

The prohibition of commercial sexual exploitation of children is embraced in section 87 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act.

According to the ZNWC report, government departments have been sluggish in combating commercial sex exploitation of children.

National Aids Council Mashonaland East provincial co-ordinator Wilfred Dube confirmed the development saying this is spreading new infections as children are vulnerable.

“We have old commercial sex workers who are established and have accommodation, now they have lost business because of age they now act like barons who recruits young girls who are very attractive and offer them men for sex work.

The elderly sex workers are the ones who are paid while the young girls are given commission. This is the scenario that we are getting almost in all the hotspots,” he said.

“The biggest challenge now is that those young girls, because of their age, if they contract sexual transmitted infections, don’t have information on what they are expected to do. And also in terms of the law they are not considered sex workers but children. Because they don’t have information they are very vulnerable to HIV infection.”

Dube said the young sex workers need to be sensitised on HIV and Aids.

According to Progressio Southern Africa Sub-Region manager Fiona Mwashita, who helped in the study, 66,7% of those involved in commercial sexual exploitation are school dropouts. – Newsday

A MUCHENA woman broke down in court last Wednesday while narrating how her son defiled her after he kicked her on her private parts.

The elderly woman, who was only identified as Mbuya Dzanza described her son, Tendai Dzanza, as evil and a womaniser, who only cared about himself, ignoring the plight of his family.

She had to be escorted out of the court room by police officers after she started weeping uncontrollably banging herself on the benches. The drama occurred at the Mutare Civil Courts before magistrate, Miss Nyasha Kuture after Zvisinei Kachigamba had dragged her husband, Dzanza, to the courts seeking protection.

As Miss Kuture questioned Kachigamba on how Dzanza was disturbing her peace, Mbuya Dzanza raised her hand from the gallery and requested to say a few words over the application. She begged the court to rule the matter in favour of her daughter-in-law, Kachigamba, whom she said was also being abused by her son.

“I have had enough of Tendai Your Worship. He calls me wicked and he always assaults me. He does the same to his wife,” she said.

Mbuya Dzanza stunned the court when she revealed that her son kicked her on her private parts countless times. She also claimed that Dzanza was a womaniser who is well-known in the Penhalonga-Muchena area.

“He defiled me Your Worship. He kicked me on my private parts and that is abomination and unheard of in our tradition,” she said.

Dzanza opposed his wife’s protection order application. “Your Worship, she is my ex-wife because she has since moved out of our matrimonial house and is now staying with my mother. She and my mother are now jealous that I have married someone else and now want to come back home.”

He also alleged that out of jealousy, Kachigamba and his mother had assaulted his new wife.

He thus requested the court for a binding order. A binding over protection order which orders both parties to keep peace with each other was granted to both Kachigamba and Dzanza by Miss Kuture. – Manica Post

Prominent businessman Shingi Munyeza has warned opposition parties that they must be ready to participate in 2018’s elections on an uneven ground, as Zanu PF will not reform itself out of power.

Writing on his Facebook page, he said “many are looking forward to an evening of the playing field by those already in power; this is wishful thinking”.

“…there is never anyone in power who would be silly enough to transform themselves out of power,” he said, adding that “get ready to play in an uneven playing field and knowing that to win this time you have to be on the right side of history”.

“In my scriptural allegory Caesar Augustus could not be bothered that Mary was nearly due to give birth and that the inn would be fully booked and that no one had the kindness to allow a first time pregnant young woman to give birth in a safe environment,” the Faith Ministries Church senior pastor said.

Zanu PF politburo member Jonathan Moyo has also made the assertion that the ruling party will not reform itself out of power.

Munyeza — owner of the upmarket Ocean Basket and News Café restaurants franchises in Zimbabwe — said “let those who are participating in this landmark election not be fooled to think that there will be an even level playing field”.

This comes as over 10 opposition parties have joined the MDC to form the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) in the call for a truly credible election as a precondition for the return to legitimacy, which the parties agreed must become an issue of national priority.

Nera demands that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) introduces the biometric vote and also wants the next 2018 poll to be run and supervised by the United Nations.

Besides a biometric voter register, Nera also calls for the complete and total independence of Zec, the abandonment of the use of voter registration slips in polling, the use of postal voting strictly in accordance with the Sadc Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, an accurate and up to date electronic voters roll to be made available to all interested political players in a searchable and analysable format, and that traditional leaders should be apolitical.

It also calls for the harmonisation of all laws with the new Constitution of Zimbabwe and also envisages that members of the security services — the real power behind President Robert Mugabe’s throne — should not participate in any political activities.

The parties also want the Diaspora vote to immediately adopted and implemented and that those in prisons and other places of incarceration should be allowed to vote in accordance with the ruling of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other regional jurisprudence.
The 50-year-old Munyeza said Zimbabwe has entered into an election mode.

“The other smaller political parties have agreed on a coalition and started the journey of campaigning. At the moment, we have 26 registered political parties. And there is a distant noise about a third way or even fourth way,” he said.

“All I can say is that the 2018 elections will be more significant than the 2008. They will usher in a new era in our political history as well as our destiny as a nation.”
Munyeza added: “It would be irresponsible for a Zimbabwean of a voting age not to register and participate in this crucial destiny-changing moment.

“It does not matter whether you are at home or in the Diaspora, even Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem although the most sensible thing was to stay at home.” Daily News

Women in unregistered customary marriages will now be awarded part of property accumulated during the subsistence of such unions following a recent landmark High Court ruling. The judgment — which was handed down last month and only made available on Thursday — was for a case brought by Harare woman, Ms Melody Kurebgaseka. Ms Kurebgaseka approached the court seeking relief after she was denied part of the property when her unregistered customary union of 14 years to Tinei Mautsa collapsed.

Justice Alfas Chitakunye held the law governing such unions as unjust and awarded Ms Kurebgaseka part of the property accumulated during the subsistence of the marriage.

He called for an amendment of the law to protect the interests of women who stand to be left destitute after such marriages are dissolved.

“I wish to add my voice to the call for the legislative intervention, just as what happened with the situation of surviving spouses at the demise of their husbands in terms of the Administrative Estates Act, (Chapter 6:01),” said Justice Chitakunye.

“While the efforts by the courts in providing relief to such women may be commendable, a more decisive and definitive remedy should be provided by changes in the law pertaining the rights of parties at the termination of such unions.

“Where parties have met all the customary law marriage rites, a recognition of their marriage albeit unregistered as a marriage for purposes of distribution of assets acquired during the union, would go a long way in eliminating discrimination against women on the basis of the type of marriage contracted.”

The law does not recognise an unregistered customary union as a marriage and treats it as co-habitation, and upon dissolution of that union, the woman is only entitled to leave with “umai” or “mawoko” property.

“Umai” or “mawoko” property refers to goods such as utensils and linen, which in most cases do not have any value of note.

This often left women impoverished after having spent a significant part of their lives in the union performing all the duties and helping in acquiring valuable properties as is expected of a wife.

Justice Chitakunye ruled that the law position, whereby a wife under customary law was only entitled to “umai/mawoko” property had been found to be unjust in many instances.

He said Ms Kurebgaseka’s “umai/mawoko” property in terms of customary law in the circumstance of the case would be unjust and an affront to a modern day democratic society, where both local and international calls have been made for equal rights and opportunities.

“This is a union that lasted for 14 years and to expect the defendant (Ms Kurebgaseka) to move out with only “umai/mawoko” property would be the height of judicial injustice,” said Justice Chitakunye.

“Besides, the submissions by the parties to this court is also vested with the discretion to determine whether or not the justice of the case demands that general law or customary law should apply. It is in that regard that I firmly hold the view that the circumstances of this case require that general law should apply.”

Justice Chitakunye noted that Mautsa, while denying that the general law should apply, did not give his own basis for seeking the matter to be determined in terms of customary law, given the lifestyle alluded to by Ms Kurebgaseka.

“He did not refute the surrounding circumstances that the defendant identified as indicative of the family’s lifestyle,” he said.

Justice Chitakunye found that Mautsa’s position was informed by a desire to take advantage of the customary law emplacement where Ms Kurebgaseka would only be entitled to “umai/mawoko” property on dissolution of the marriage.

Ms Kurebgaseka had claimed 50 percent of Number 2 Yardley Close Chisipite, registered in her erstwhile husband’s name, but Justice Chitakunye reduced the claim to 25 percent.

“Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the defendant is awarded a 25 percent share in the immovable property namely 2 Yardley Close, Chisipite, Harare, whilst the plaintiff retains a 75 percent share of the same,” ruled Justice Chitakunye.

“The parties shall within 30 days of this order appoint a mutually agreed valuator to value the property. Should the parties fail to agree on a valuator, one shall be appointed for them by the Registrar of the High Court.”

Justice Chitakunye granted Mautsa the option to buy out Ms Kurebgaseka’s share in the immovable property within 12 months from the date of the valuation report.

But he found no justification to award maintenance.

The couple also have another house in Mandara, which is registered in the name of their children.

Ms Kurebgaseka was given the custody of the two minor children, who will be maintained at $350 each per month.

The court also allowed her to stay with the children at the Mandara property.

In his testimony, Mautsa told the court that the couple was married in 1996 and Ms Kurebgaseka was a house wife who brought no skill or asset into the marriage.

He insisted that there was no tacit universal partnership as this was purely a customary law marriage.

Through his lawyer, Mautsa also accused Ms Kurebgaseka of unjust enrichment, arguing that she was not engaged in any income generating activity from which she could have contributed to the business or welfare of the family.

As far as he was concerned, he acquired all the assets without his wife’s contribution.

He testified that he acquired Number 25 Coucal Drive, Mandara in 2000, while he bought the Chisipite house in 2006 on his own, as an investment, without Ms Kurebgaseka’s contribution.

He said the position was the same with the various movable assets that were at the centre of dispute.

Ms Kurebgaseka, who was represented by Advocate Daphine Sanhanga, told the court that she entered into a tacit universal partnership on July 6, 1996, the day Mautsa paid lobola for her when she was 20 years old.

During the subsistence of the marriage, her responsibility as a wife was to ensure that Mautsa and the children were looked after well.

She said she also contributed to Mautsa’s business by giving advice to him when asked.

It was argued by Add Sanhanga that Mautsa would be unjustly enriched if Ms Kurebgaseka only took the assets he offered to her.

Her client, she argued, deserved a substantial share in the assets.

Also at the centre of the determination was the choice of law, which the parties wanted applied to their case given their lifestyle.

Mautsa argued that since theirs was an unregistered customary law marriage, it ought to be governed by customary law.

In that regard, he argued, Ms Kurebgaseka was only entitled to that which customary law dictates – “umai/maoko” property.

But Adv Sanhanga argued that the general law should apply as the parties maintained a Western lifestyle and were not governed by African customs and practices.

The couple lived in a low density area, Mautsa was a businessman and farmer; their children attended private schools where they were taught and lived Western lifestyle, and the couple would go on holidays and shopping trips outside the country.

Justice Chitakunye said Ms Kurebgaseka was also entitled to all household appurtenances at 25 Coucal Drive, Mandara, two vehicles, namely a Ford Mondeo, a Mercedes Benz 300D, two tractors of medium size and one disc harrow. – State Media

Four men from Gwanda allegedly beat a resident to death over 50 cents.

The attacker bust open Wellington Moyo (29)’s skull, leaving his brains splattered on the roadside outside his home.

They were allegedly demanding that he should add an extra 50c to make a dollar on the money he offered to be transported to his   home.

Moyo was killed on Sunday and police arrested the unnamed suspects on Thursday.

A source close to investigations said Moyo boarded the car outside a bar in Gwanda Town.

The suspects allegedly revealed that they got angry when Moyo offered to pay only 50 cents after he was delivered to his home.

“When they arrived at Moyo’s home, he produced 50 cents and the four refused to take the money, demanding 50 cents more. They argued and Moyo’s wife could hear them from the bedroom,” said the source.

“It is suspected that the four attacked                   Moyo with blunt objects and left him dead at the gate.”

“His whole body was seriously bruised as if he had been dragged on a rough surface. He had deep cuts on both his arms and on the soles of his feet,” said the neighbour.

He said there was an indication of heavy struggle where Moyo’s body was found.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the murder case and said investigations were underway.

“Four men (whose names cannot be immediately disclosed) have been arrested for the alleged murder of a 29-year-old man who was heavily assaulted at the gate of his home.

“We are still investigating. The deceased was last seen in the company of the four suspects in the early hours of Sunday,” he said.

Insp Ndebele said Moyo’s body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a postmortem.

“We are appealing to members of the public to desist from violence as it results in unnecessary loss of lives.

“People should learn to solve their disputes amicably without being violent to each other,” he said. – State Media

Four Gweru teenagers aged between 18 and 19 allegedly drugged and gang raped a 15-year-old girl whom they had invited to a beer drinking party.

One of the accused, Emmanuel Mandizvidza of Mkoba Village 13 in Gweru, yesterday appeared before Gweru Magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga facing a rape charge. His three accomplices, who were not named in court, are on the run.

Mandizvidza was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to March 13.

Mrs Taruvinga advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting, Ms Helen Khosa told the court that on November 25 last year at around 2PM, the complainant visited Mandizvidza, who is her boyfriend, at his house and found him in the company of his three friends.

“When the complainant entered the house, the accused immediately locked the doors before hiding the keys,” said Ms Khosa.

She further alleged that Mandizvidza and his accomplices gave the complainant a liquid substance to drink after which she became weak.

“The accused person dragged the complainant into his bedroom where he undressed her,” said Ms Khosa.

She said the teen raped the complainant once before inviting his friends who took turns to rape her.

The girl later regained consciousness and escaped after her boyfriend opened the door.

Ms Khosa said when the complainant got home she told her mother what had happened and the matter was reported to the police leading to Mandizvidza’s arrest.

“The complainant was referred to Gweru Provincial Hospital where she was medically examined. The medical report revealed that there was penetration,” said Ms Khosa.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old man from Gweru will receive nine strokes after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a three-year-old neighbour’s daughter before giving her sweets in an attempt to conceal the heinous act.

Taurai Chakoma of Athlone low density suburb in Gweru pleaded guilty to aggravated indecent assault when he appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire.

The magistrate sentenced Chakoma to three months and nine strokes with a rattan cane at Whawha Prison.

Mr Nemadire, however, suspended the three months on condition of good behaviour.

For the State, Mr Lloyd Mavhiza told the court that on September 12 last year around 9AM, the complainant was playing at her home when Chakoma lured her to his house.

“The accused person inserted his finger into her privates. He told the complainant not to tell anyone and he gave her some sweets,” he said.

The matter came to light when the child’s mother noticed that her daughter’s privates were swollen and bruised.

The complainant told her mother what had transpired.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Chakoma’s arrest. – State Media

A “SERIAL” thief who asked to be given time to pray in the middle of a trial before pleading guilty and confessing his misdeeds, was yesterday sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Farai Mlauzi (32) of Rangemore suburb in Bulawayo, who found God in court on Wednesday this week, is already serving a 19 years jail term for robbery and carjacking.

Bulawayo magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza convicted Mlauzi on his own guilty plea to hijacking a taxi which he later burnt in a bid to conceal fingerprints evidence.

He sentenced him to 10 years in prison but suspended five years on condition that he changes his behaviour and also restitutes the complainant.

“Four years are suspended on condition that you do not commit a similar crime in the next five years and the remaining year is suspended on a condition that you restitute the complainant,” he said.

Mr Mabeza said he considered Mlauzi’s repentance as mitigatory but said courts were worried that robbery cases were on the increase hence deterrent sentences were called for.

Mlauzi’s co-accused Hloniphani Ndlovu (31) of Cowdray Park suburb who has pleaded not guilty, will be back in court on March 10 for continuation of trial.

On Wednesday, Mlauzi told the magistrate that he was tired of lying in court and asked the court to forgive him for wasting time.

“We committed these offences. I told Ndlovu not to take the cell phone (police used the gadget to track the duo). There’s no way the police would just pick on us and allege that we committed an offence. God has spoken to me. I’m willing to confess and tell the court all that transpired but before I do that may I be granted permission to pray,” said Mlauzi.

Mr Mabeza granted Mlauzi’s request.

Mlauzi prayed: “God, creator of heaven and earth, I’m sorry about these crimes that I have committed. I won’t do it again. Please give me strength to tell the whole truth during this trial. Amen.”

He thereafter went on to narrate his story to the court.

Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Dzipe, told the court that on January 27 this year, Mlauzi, Ndlovu and another accomplice who is still at large, asked for a lift to Esigodini from Zhou.

“Mlauzi asked Zhou to turn at Falcon turnoff. He, Ndlovu and the other accused person ordered Zhou to disembark from his vehicle. They assaulted him but he managed to escape into a nearby bush. They took $40, a worksuit, a tool box and two cell phones before torching the vehicle,” said Mr Dzipe. – State Media

A kombi driver from Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo was killed by unknown assailants who assaulted and stabbed him on the neck, leaving him to die by a roadside yesterday.

Residents alerted the police and Gift Moyo (38)’s family when they found him dead at about 6AM.

The Chronicle visited the spot where he was found dead and residents from nearby houses said they heard people quarrelling at about 12AM.

The dead man’s relatives allege a mystery woman who allegedly knocked on two houses near the place he was killed at midnight, could identify his attackers.

His brother Mr Mthokozisi Moyo said: “I don’t really know what happened. It still doesn’t make sense to me. But I was told that there is a woman who was heard knocking at two houses in the area near where his body was found,” said Mr Moyo.

“The residents didn’t open their doors for her so she slept in the toilet of one of the houses. The house owner found her still sleeping today this morning.

She refused to view his (Gift’s) body,” he said.

Mr Moyo said the unknown woman told residents that she was from Njube suburb.

“She is said to have told the residents that she didn’t want to see my brother’s body. But that story is not clear to me. She could know the events leading to my brother’s death,” he said.

His family said they got worried when Gift did not return home the previous night.

Mr Moyo said the family last saw him alive on Wednesday night.

“He arrived home at about 8PM but didn’t enter the house. He left and never returned. We only heard this morning (yesterday) that there was Gift Moyo who was killed. I went to Luveve Police Station where I described my brother’s clothes and police confirmed it was him,” said Mr Moyo.

He said he did not even go to identify his body as the information that the police gave him satisfied him.

He said police had not found any leads by late afternoon yesterday.

Residents expressed shock on waking up to Gift’s body.

One of the residents, a granny, Mrs Beauty Moyo, said the painful incident traumatised her.

“He was just lying there,” said Mrs Moyo, pointing to the spot where Gift’s body was found.

“On closer look we discovered that he was dead. I’ve been terrified ever since. I’m diabetic and due to shock I failed to eat and take my pills. Some residents have said they heard people arguing in the middle of the night,” .

The Chronicle observed that the spot where Gift was killed had been covered with soil and some grass.

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

Women in unregistered customary marriage will now be awarded part of the property accumulated during the existence of such a union following a landmark ruling made by the High Court in their favour.

The judgment, in a case brought by a Harare woman Ms Melody Kurebgaseka, was made available on Thursday.

Ms Kurebgaseka approached the court seeking relief after she was denied part of the property when her unregistered customary union of 14 years to Tinei Mautsa collapsed.

Justice Alfas Chitakunye held the law governing such a union as unjust and awarded Ms Kurebgaseka part of the property, which was accumulated during the existence the marriage.

He called for an amendment of the law to protect the interests of women, who stand to be left destitute after such marriages are dissolved.

“I wish to add my voice to the call for the legislative intervention, just as what happened with the situation of surviving spouses at the demise of their husbands in terms of the Administrative Estates Act, (Chapter 6:01),” said Justice Chitakunye.

“While the efforts by the courts in providing relief to such women may be commendable, a more decisive and definitive remedy should be provided by changes in the law pertaining the rights of parties at the termination of such unions.

“Where parties have met all the customary law marriage rites, a recognition of their marriage albeit unregistered as a marriage for purposes of distribution of assets acquired during the union, would go a long way in eliminating discrimination against women on the basis of the type of marriage contracted.”

The law does not recognise an unregistered customary union as a marriage and treats it as as akin to co-habitation, and upon dissolution of that union, the woman is only entitled to leave with “umai” or “mawoko” property.

“Umai” or “mawoko” property refers to goods such as utensils and linen, which in most cases do not have any value of note.

This often left women impoverished after having spent a significant part of their lives in the union performing all the duties and helping in acquiring valuable properties as is expected of a wife.

Justice Chitakunye ruled that the law position, whereby a wife under customary law was only entitled to “umai/mawoko” property had been found to be unjust in many instances.

He said Ms Kurebgaseka’s “umai/mawoko” property in terms of customary law in the circumstance of the case would be unjust and an affront to a modern day democratic society, where both local and international calls have been made for equal rights and opportunities.

“This is a union that lasted for 14 years and to expect the defendant (Ms Kurebgaseka) to move out with only “umai/mawoko” property would be the height of judicial injustice,” said Justice Chitakunye.

“Besides, the submissions by the parties to this court is also vested with the discretion to determine whether or not the justice of the case demands that general law or customary law should apply. It is in that regard that I firmly hold the view that the circumstances of this case require that general law should apply.”

Justice Chitakunye noted that Mautsa, while denying that the general law should apply, did not give his own basis for seeking the matter to be determined in terms of customary law, given the lifestyle alluded to by Ms Kurebgaseka.

“He did not refute the surrounding circumstances that the defendant identified as indicative of the family’s lifestyle,” he said.

Justice Chitakunye found that Mautsa’s position was informed by a desire to take advantage of the customary law emplacement where Ms Kurebgaseka would only be entitled to “umai/mawoko” property on dissolution of the marriage.

Ms Kurebgaseka had claimed 50 percent of Number 2 Yardley Close, Chisipite, registered in her erstwhile husband’s name, but Justice Chitakunye reduced the claim to 25 percent.
“Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the defendant is awarded a 25 percent share in the immovable property namely 2 Yardley Close, Chisipite, Harare, whilst the plaintiff retains a 75 percent share of the same,” ruled Justice Chitakunye.

“The parties shall within 30 days of this order appoint a mutually agreed valuator to value the property. Should the parties fail to agree on a valuator, one shall be appointed for them by the Registrar of the High Court.”

Justice Chitakunye granted Mautsa the option to buy out Ms Kurebgaseka’s share in the immovable property within 12 months from the date of the valuation report.
But he found no justification to award maintenance.

The couple also have another house in Mandara, which is registered in the name of their children.

Ms Kurebgaseka was given the custody of the two minor children, who will be maintained at $350 each per month.

The court also allowed her to stay with the children at the Mandara property.
In his testimony, Mautsa told the court that the couple was married in 1996 and Ms Kurebgaseka was a house wife who brought no skill or asset into the marriage.
He insisted that there was no tacit universal partnership as this was purely a customary law marriage.

Through his lawyer, Mautsa also accused Ms Kurebgaseka of unjust enrichment, arguing that she was not engaged in any income generating activity from which she could have contributed to the business or welfare of the family.

As far as he was concerned, he acquired all the assets without his wife’s contribution.
He testified that he acquired Number 25 Coucal Drive, Mandara in 2000, while he bought the Chisipite house in 2006 on his own, as an investment, without Ms Kurebgaseka’s contribution.

He said the position was the same with the various movable assets that were at the centre of dispute.

Ms Kurebgaseka, who was represented by Advocate Daphine Sanhanga, told the court that she entered into a tacit universal partnership on July 6, 1996, the day Mautsa paid lobola for her when she was 20 years old.

During the subsistence of the marriage, her responsibility as a wife was to ensure that Mautsa and the children were looked after well.

She said she also contributed to Mautsa’s business by giving advice to him when asked.
It was argued by Add Sanhanga that Mautsa would be unjustly enriched if Ms Kurebgaseka only took the assets he offered to her.

Her client, she argued, deserved a substantial share in the assets. Also at the centre of the determination was the choice of law, which the parties wanted applied to their case given their lifestyle.

Mautsa argued that since theirs was an unregistered customary law marriage, it ought to be governed by customary law. In that regard, he argued, Ms Kurebgaseka was only entitled to that which customary law dictates – “umai/maoko” property.

But Adv Sanhanga argued that the general law should apply as the parties maintained a Western lifestyle and were not governed by African customs and practices.

The couple lived in a low density area, Mautsa was a businessman and farmer; their children attended private schools where they were taught and lived Western lifestyle, and the couple would go on holidays and shopping trips outside the country.

Justice Chitakunye said Ms Kurebgaseka was also entitled to all household at 25 Coucal Drive, Mandara, two vehicles, namely a Ford Mondeo, a Mercedes Benz 300D, two tractors of medium size and one disc harrow.

Angry opposition parties coalescing under the banner of the National Electoral Reform Agenda (Nera) will hold mass protests on March 22, to force the government to abandon its plans to hijack the procurement of biometric voter registration (BVR) kits for next year’s make-or-break national elections.

This comes amid grave concerns that the controversial decision by the government to take over the procurement process of the BVR kits from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a thinly-disguised attempt to rig the 2018 polls.

This is more so after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said earlier this week that Mugabe and his warring ruling Zanu PF were already allegedly working feverishly to steal next year’s watershed elections.

Nera’s head of legal affairs, Douglas Mwonzora, told the Daily News yesterday that they had been left “with no option but to protest” after the government’s suspicious decision to hijack the BVR procurement process.

“We have therefore set the 22nd of March as the date for a massive demonstration against this political abomination and we call upon all responsible Zimbabweans regardless of their political affiliation to rise up against this thuggery.

“We can ill-afford another stolen election next year. Depending on government’s reaction, the Harare protests will trigger more countrywide demonstrations and we are certainly aware that the authorities will respond with their usual heavy-handedness, but we are not afraid anymore.

“The demonstration will define whether Zimbabweans will make progress or will forever be confined to poverty under this regime,” Mwonzora, who is also the secretary-general of the MDC, said.

Controversy has erupted over the past few weeks following the government’s sudden decision to sideline the UNDP from assisting in the procurement of the BVR kits, with unanswered questions being raised about how and where the stone-broke administration was able to secure funding for this, to the staggering tune of $17 million.

A tender was floated in December and interested companies had an opportunity to present their bids through a process that was digitally-managed from Copenhagen, Denmark.

However, following the conclusion of the bidding process, the government announced two weeks ago that it would fund the purchase of the equipment, after pumping in $17 million.

This raised eye brows, with the opposition alleging that the government was hijacking the process to rig next year’s eagerly-anticipated national elections.

Last week, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa told Parliament that the government was providing the funds required to buy the equipment, and that it was not booting out the UNDP.

But Mwonzora said opposition parties were certain the move by the government “marks the commencement of a well-planned rigging system for 2018 in which Mnangagwa is central”.

“What we are saying is that Mnangagwa lied in Parliament because we know he is part of the grand design to steal the election,” Mwonzora said.

This week, during his tour of Mashonaland East, Tsvangirai was told of an alleged elaborate plan by Zanu PF to rig next year’s polls, including misrepresenting to the villagers about the functioning of the BVR kits.

Tsvangirai’s spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka said the former prime minister during the era of the stability-inducing government of national unity was gravely concerned by the “overwhelming information” that the MDC had received, which pointed to the fact that Zanu PF was “already in the process of stealing next year’s elections”.

“There is a plan by Zanu PF to steal next year’s elections. We have been on the ground here in Mashonaland East and what we are seeing and hearing is that Zanu PF wants to steal the next elections again, after they took over the BVR process, in addition to commandeering chiefs, village heads and headmen on board this devious scheme.

“However, we will do all that we can to ensure that traditional leaders are not abused and absorbed into Zanu PF structures? Indeed, the rights of traditional leaders must and will be observed,” the resolute Tamborinyoka said.

Traditional chief after traditional chief had apparently told Tsvangirai during his tour of the restive Mashonaland East province, which is traditionally a Zanu PF stronghold, that they were being forced to not only join the ruling party, but to also lead its cells and wards — and to actively work to help rig next year’s polls.

“The fearful village heads all said they were forced to be chairpersons of Zanu PF’s cells. That way, Zanu PF will coerce them to frog-march people to vote for the ruling party.

“So, the sum total of Zanu PF’s ploy is that it is assimilating traditional leaders into its partisan structures, abusing them in the process,” Tamborinyoka added.

And during his meetings in Mukumbura, Mashonaland Central, on Wednesday, village heads, pastors and civic leaders also told Tsvangirai how Zanu PF had allegedly manipulated the hotly-disputed 2013 polls.

It was claimed that Zanu PF had won the vote by directing voters to give their ballot-paper serial numbers to their headmen, who had marshalled the villagers to the polling stations and made them queue in a predetermined order.

Speaker after speaker spoke of how endemic fear and the rampant intimidation of communities, as well as the abuse of traditional leaders by Zanu PF had forced them to do the ruling party’s dirty bidding.

The Daily News was also told how a retired policeman had told Tsvangirai how he was allegedly forced to be an assisted voter, adding that several literate teachers and school heads had also been assisted to vote by known Zanu PF youths.

This comes as observer group, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn), has asked the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) “to interrogate the huge numbers of assisted voters” in the 2013 poll.

Tamborinyoka also said community leaders had told the opposition leader of how they were often forced to engage in partisan food distribution and to coerce and frog-march people to vote for Zanu PF.

It was also claimed that during election times, villages were overwhelmed by Mozambicans who were allegedly provided with Zimbabwean identity cards to enable them to vote for Zanu PF.

“It was heartening to hear forsaken communities pledging to finish it all off by voting in a new dispensation in the watershed election of 2018,” Tamborinyoka said, adding that his boss had urged them to turn out in their numbers to register to vote so that they could vote for change.

Since last year, the MDC — working with other opposition parties through Nera — has been demanding comprehensive electoral reforms to level the political playing field.

It has also been engaging Zec, which it says is infested with Zanu PF functionaries who are there only to look after the interests of the ruling party. – Daily News

Terrence Mawawa, Mutare | Unruly Zanu PF youths have vowed to defy Mutare City Council’ s land distribution procedure claiming the local authority is biased towards the Movement for Democratic Change.

The youths told ZimEye.com last week they would allocate themselves residential stands in Dangamvura and Chikanga Suburbs regardless of the council procedures.

Zanu youth chairperson for Manicaland Province , Mubuso Chinguno said ruling party youths would allocate themselves land because the city fathers were deliberately thwarting their efforts to get land. Chinguno said the ruling party youths were tired of the MDC councillors’ political games.

“We have waited for too long to get the stands.This is mainly because the council is dominated by corrupt MDC councillors.The MDC councillors are thwarting development here,” said Chinguno.

He added:”Let me say nothing will stop us from taking over the stands. We have discovered unoccupied land in Dangamvura and Chikanga Suburbs.We are going to occupy the land by force in the coming two weeks. Remember the Jambanja days-there is no going back.”
Mutare City Mayor, Tatenda Nhamarare said the council would stick to the normal land allocation procedure.

“We have a clear housing policy and we will not shift our stance. Residential stands are not for free. If the Zanu PF youths want stands, they must go through the expected process.It means will not allow the youths to take the land by force. Everything is very clear,” said Nhamarare.

#ThisFlag campaign championed by Pastor Evan Mawarire has blasted Linda Masarira’s unjust conviction, below is their statement.

We started this together to fight POVERTY, INJUSTICE and CORRUPTION. Lynda Tsungie Masarira has been unjustly convicted for the July 6th 2016 #SHUTDOWN and will be sentenced this coming Monday. She faces a Fine of up to $500 and 6 months in Jail. If we all chip in a huge problem can become very small! Lets show THEM than WE are united. Injustice for 1 is injustice for all! If you are in the Diaspora you can you WorldRemit or Western Union. Linda has told us she has $159 on her Ecocash already which she need to pay her Child minder (screenshot below in comments). She will update us with screenshots and when (YES WHEN) we reach out target we will let you guys know! Lets do this!

MDC deputy national youth chairman Shakespear Mukoyi, accused of threatening to assault police officers during a rally, was yesterday acquitted of the charges.

He was represented by Gift Mtisi.

Mukoyi — charged with inciting public violence — was acquitted by Harare magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta after full trial.

Sabarauta ruled that the State had failed to prove a prima facie case against the 40-year-old before granting his application for discharge at the close of the State case.
His lawyer had argued that “in the present case, to put the accused person to his defence would be a disservice and wrong approach since the State through its witnesses had failed to lead incriminating evidence”.

“This was not an incitement nor a threat but more of a reminder of the constitutional duties of the police. The alleged words were a mere fabrication by the witnesses and a gross misinterpretation of what was actually said,” Mtisi said.

Prosecutor Desire Chidanire called constable Memory Zvenyika, who manned the rally, to the witness stand and said Mukuyu’s utterances made her uncomfortable.

“I was instructed to make sure the rally was conducted peacefully and I felt threatened when the accused person started saying he would assault police in uniform,” Zvenyika said.
However, Zvenyika confirmed during cross examination by Mtisi that Mukuyu did not incite public violence through his utterances.

Zvenyika was in the company of Munyaradzi Mutuzungari, manning the rally on the day.
Mutuzungari also confirmed that there was no threat of public violence following Mukuyu’s utterances.

According to court papers, on October 16 last year, the MDC made an application to hold a political rally at Mukandabhutsu Open Space in Msasa in Harare.

The rally was held on October 23 and Mukoyi allegedly said: “Kana mapurisa angotirova ngaachigara kuChikurubi Camp nekuti tikazomuona aine uniform achifamba-famba, tichamurovawo. (If police officers assault us, they must go and live at Chikurubi Camp because we will retaliate and assault every cop we will see walking around in uniform). Daily News

Ray Nkosi | Activist Linda Masarira has been found guilty of obstructing traffic, by a magistrate’s court.

A Zanu PF youth was raped as she walked from Matopo to Bulawayo after President Robert Mugabe’s birthday party which saw dozens more also endure a 40km plus walk after being dumped at the venue.

According to a petition sent to President Mugabe and his top leadership within Zanu PF, youths were forced to take the walk after some party officials allegedly stole fuel which was meant for their transport back home.

The youths were among thousands of party supporters who had attended the 93 year-old leader’s bash which was held in the Matebeleland South area last Saturday.

“The province received 6 800 litres of fuel for the transportation of youths to Matopos,” angry party youths revealed in the petition.

“Through a systematic and corrupt way, the secretary for transport Maqhawe Sibanda, conniving with Dean Hlomai converted 3 600 litres (of the allocation) into their personal use.

“A total of 15 buses were left with no fuel as the pair was alleging all the fuel allocation was being administered by Eunice Sandi Moyo who they also secretly accuse of taking the larger part (sic) of the stolen fuel.”

The fuel scam, youths allege, saw one of their members raped after separating with her colleagues while walking home in the dead of night. No further details were revealed.

In the petition, the youths recommended that the officials cited as culprits in the scam and several other misdeeds be sacked from the party.

Zanu PF national youth chairperson Kudzanai Chipanga was not taking calls when attempts to seek his comment were made.

Mugabe’s annual birthday festivities have in the past been rocked by allegations of corruption by senior party officials who allegedly use the event to misappropriate resources meant for the gala.

A million-man march organised by party youths last year was also marred by a similar debacle as several youths were left stranded in Harare’s streets as they could not get transport or travelling allowances.

During preparations for the latest celebrations, party provincial youth members, Munashe Mtutsa and David Muhambi were reportedly suspended for allegedly mishandling preparations for the event.

Funds embezzlement allegations have also followed football matches which have also been staged before to celebrate the nonagenarian leader’s birthdays. Radio Vop

The downing of tools by overwhelmed midwives at Parirenyatwa Hospital has put lives of women and their babies in mortal danger as they are now going through childbirth without expert care.

The adverse consequences are already being felt with unconfirmed reports that some babies may have died at Mbuya Nehanda maternity wing due to unavailability of expert midwives and doctors.
“My sister lost her baby yesterday and as a family we believe she did not receive enough attention (akaregererwa),” said a relative of a patient whose baby died on Wednesday night.

A tour of the facility revealed that even women who had been discharged after giving birth were displeased with the service.  “All is not well because we were being managed by student nurses. This is my third baby, but I was nervous after learning that the midwives were on strike along with doctors,” a woman, who had been discharged along with her newborn baby boy, said.

The reception was quite busy with patients checking in. Many were clearly unsettled about the fact that there were no doctors and midwives.

“I have no choice because I cannot afford private care. All my pregnancies have complications and I was referred from a clinic,” Moreen Chitenje said with a resigned voice.

Midwives at Parirenyatwa joined other healthcare personnel who are on strike to press the government for better remuneration and working conditions and on Wednesday claimed that the situation was now beyond them.

“We are overwhelmed with the continuous inflow of patients due to the fact that the other hospitals are not functioning and are working under stressful conditions with little resources,” part of a statement from midwives dated March 1 read.

The midwives also said their situation was no longer bearable for them and patients.
The role of midwives has been key in addressing the challenge of maternal deaths currently pegged at 525 mothers per 100 000 live births down from an all-time high of 960 deaths per 100 000.

Two-thirds of the deaths are avoidable if there is a regulated system which provides for the midwives and caters for their concerns which are currently not being addressed adequately.

“People are dying in hospitals because there are no doctors and nurses,” Itai Rusike, director of the Community Working Group on Health, said.

Rusike also said there was need for honest dialogue that delivers lasting solutions to the problems facing health workers while at the same time prioritising the lives of the majority poor.

“In as much as the Minister of Health, David Parirenyatwa, has tried to address the grievances of health workers, we genuinely believe that the ministry has been more reactive than proactive,” he said.

He added: “These kneejerk reactions of opening up 250 new posts for junior doctors and 2 000 for nurses at the last minute just to avoid an impending strike breeds suspicion and mistrust. The deployment of security medical personnel in the hospital is just a stop-gap measure, we need a lasting solution.”

Meanwhile, Chitungwiza Central Hospital CEO Obadiah Moyo has dispelled reports that all admitted patients had been discharged due to the critical shortage of staff.

While admitting that they were operating on skeletal staff beefed up by some Congolese and Cuban doctors, Moyo said the situation was under control.

“We have combined wards and are attending to all critical cases. Our casualty department is open as well as the maternity wing,” he said.

The situation remains dire as the government continues to dither on the demands that have been tabled by the healthcare personnel.

The strike was initiated by public hospital junior doctors some two weeks ago. Since then, senior and expert medical officers and nurses have joined in, further crippling the services of the struggling health facilities. Newsday

CBZ Bank Limited has suspended one of its employees on charges of being allegedly involved in fraudulent activities and underhand foreign currency dealings which involved about US$600 000, it has been established.

The Zimbabwe Independent understands that Chipo Meda, who had been working at the CBZ Westgate branch as operations manager or teller, was suspended as part of the company’s disciplinary hearing.

The group’s marketing and corporate affairs executive, Laura Gwatiringa, confirmed Meda’s suspension, adding that investigations were ongoing.

“We confirm that Chipo Meda was suspended from the bank following some misconduct. Investigations, which are still being finalised, have established that the extent of the potential prejudice is not material, whilst recovery prospects are very high,” Gwatiringa said in a written response to questions sent by this paper.

Sources at the CBZ said the bank demanded that she pay back US$100 000, which was the actual prejudice, as she had allegedly been debiting from customer accounts for personal use. It is understood that Meda engaged in the actions with the help of her boyfriend.

Since the adoption of the multi-currency system in 2009, several banks have reported cases of fraud and corruption involving banking employees.

Last week, the Independent reported that Steward Bank had been prejudiced of more than US$200 000 through a scam suspected to involve the financial institution’s employees who electronically approved point-of-sale transactions from a closed and underfunded account.

The bank is investigating the matter to establish how one Jonathan Nhamburo from Mt Darwin managed to swipe US$215 800 yet his account had been closed six months prior to the numerous transactions. Independent