https://youtu.be/u2FnBiaccNc?t=9

OUTSPOKEN politician and MDC legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga has criticised the idea of forming an opposition coalition, describing it as a narrative being fed onto Zimbabweans by a group of “a few male politicians at a hotel table”.

This, while her party is reportedly in talks with other opposition formations over the same issue. Misihairabwi-Mushonga (PM), in this interview with NewsDay Weekender’s Veneranda Langa (ND), argues Zimbabweans must instead be allowed to decide who should be the face of their struggle to dislodge President Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

Below are excerpts;
ND: You are one of the most outspoken female politicians in Zimbabwe and in your opinion, do you view an opposition coalition as the way to go in order to ensure democratic change in Zimbabwe ahead of expected elections next year?

PM: First and foremost, I do not necessarily think that the coming together of all opposition political parties will provide the best way to democratically remove Zanu PF in 2018. One of the biggest problems with this proposed coalition is that it is a wrong narrative, which unfortunately also begins with a wrong answer because we have asked wrong questions.

ND: What do you mean by that?
PM: The first question to ask is: Why are we in this situation, where we are dominated by one person and one political party? If we answer this question correctly then we should be in a position to say why we are not addressing the root cause. We are not in this situation as Zimbabwe because there are many political parties in the country. We cannot say Zanu PF is in power because there are many political parties. We cannot continue with a 92-year-old ruling us and a system that controls everything.

It is the people that can remove Mugabe and those people do not necessarily belong to a political party. Even those people that voted for Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC-T president) during past elections are not members of the MDC-T, and so to continue to feed the narrative that a coalition of opposition parties will raise enough votes to dislodge Zanu PF is wrong because the majority of the voting public is not aligned to any political party.

ND: But you are considered one of the proponents of an opposition coalition. Why are you now opposed to it?
PM: No, I never pushed for a coalition of opposition parties. I pushed for an inclusive government, and that is a different thing. An opposition coalition is pre-election period and an inclusive government is a post-election arrangement. What is currently being discussed — and the media seems to have bought the idea too — is a pre-election coalition and the debate around it is problematic because you cannot tell me that bringing together a group of opposition parties will remove Zanu PF. It is not factually true because political membership of parties does not translate into huge numbers.
Here is where I am saying my narrative is different from everybody else’s. I believe we should push for the most popular candidate, who is not necessarily a political figure. It is the people, who must decide who should lead them and not a bunch of 10 to 15 men sitting at a table and forming a coalition. We should open up so that whoever feels they can lead Zimbabwe presents themselves to the people and then they decide. The narrative of a coalition is a male narrative, which assumes they know what the people of Zimbabwe want in terms of who must represent us. The issue is that we have to agree as the people of Zimbabwe on, who is to get rid of Mugabe and it should be a popular sentiment. It means we can also have independent candidates who have not necessarily been part of the current political set-up gunning for the Presidency and it must be someone popularly supported by all Zimbabweans. The majority of people that vote do not belong to political parties. In America they did it and that is how Donald Trump won the presidential elections because people were tired of politicians as leaders. We need to change the narrative.

ND: Is it possible to do that without opposition parties coalescing?
PM: Yes, we need to come together as Zimbabweans considering what happened with the #ThisFlag campaign by Pastor Evan Mawarire. Zimbabweans were not forced to gather and demonstrate at the Magistrates’ Courts. It is the situation in the country that forced them to do so. I am sad because even civic society is complicit. I would have expected a huge debate from them around this issue. Civic society talks of including people in governance issues, and they should be telling opposition political parties that whoever leads should come from the people. Civic society should be saying we are coming together with an agreed framework and will show Zanu PF what free and fair elections mean. We have seen it happening in other countries and this is an opportune time to remove Zanu PF by mobilising a popular sentiment in the people. We cannot give this right to a group of 10 to 15 men. On what basis do they have the right to decide for the people and say we need a coalition?

ND: So, how do the people then come up with a popular candidate to represent them, including those who are not politicians?
PM: It is very easy. Civic society organisations must look for resources for a parallel election, or a pre-run to elections where that popular candidate is chosen. They can group up, as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, and do elections at constituencies. Those interested in leading can submit their names for nomination. It may sound ridiculous, but the entrance of Trump was on that basis because people were sick of the establishment and politicians. So our way out may even be getting someone who is not even a practicing politician.
Civic society can use the 210 constituencies to do this pre-run election, and this method can even be used for Parliament so that capable people submit their names for elections and we avoid having people sitting for five years without uttering a word in Parliament. I am not against males, but even in the media, it is their voices that have been articulated and they are the ones talking about a coalition of opposition parties. It is Tsvangirai, Simba Makoni (Mavambo Kusile Dawn), Tendai Biti (People’s Democratic Party), and Welshman Ncube (MDC), and sometimes Joice Mujuru (Zimbabwe People First) who are given a chance to speak.
Women’s voices must also be heard on this issue because it is everybody including those that do not belong to political parties that are needed to deal with Mugabe in 2018. Every candidate should be subjected to a popular vote.
ND: Do you then consider yourself a suitable candidate?
PM: I certainly do not think 2018 is a year for me to run for the Presidency. I have no resources — I do not even own a tuckshop. I will not be presenting myself in 2018 to contest for the Presidency, but later I will certainly be interested in running. That is why I admire Hillary Clinton. She lost the elections, but she planned to run for several years. You do not just wake up saying you want to be a President. You plan.News day

Joylene Mtandwa | The Harare City Council has lost over $180 000 in a scam involving three senior officials employed in the city’s Treasury department, through the issuance of fake Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).

According to an audit report dated 26 October, 2016, the three officials (names withheld because they are yet to be arrested) prejudiced the local authority of $178 594.28, through receipting fake RTGS transactions crediting several rate payers’ accounts.

The audit report, states tha the three senior Council officials targeted private business entities and individuals who owed huge amounts to the local authority in unpaid rates and demanded bribes to cancel their debts.

“Two Harare City Treasurer’s department clerical officers connived with an Error correction clerk in-charge of the RTGS office asked for huge kickbacks (as high as 50% of the reduced amount) from rate payers or their representatives to have their account balances reduced,” read part of the audit report.

“The Council employees did this by recruiting and receiving the kick backs and then created fake RTGSs which they later authenticated and caused to be receipted,” said the audit.

The audit report said an investigation into the issue was made after a tip off from a concerned rate payer whose account had been fraudulently credited with $2000.

Harare City Council is owned over $55 million by residents in unpaid rates, by government departments, private businesses and individuals and ordinary residents.

In a bid to recover the owed revenue, the Bernard Manyenyeni led local authority has engaged some debt collectors to attached debtors’ properties.

Terrence Mawawa, Mberengwa | Traditional leaders and villagers here have petitioned  President Robert Mugabe and Transport Minister Joram Gumbo over the poor state of roads in the area.

Mberengwa District, considered to be a Zanu PF stronghold has atrocious roads. Despite voting for the ruling party and Mugabe for the past 36 years the people of Mberengwa have been totally neglected by the veteran leader’s government. Chiefs Mposi, Mudavanhu, Maziofa and Mataruse confirmed the development adding villagers were signing petitions to be send to Mugabe and Gumbo .

“Villagers are compiling petitions to be send to President Mugabe and Minister Gumbo respectively.The purpose of writing the petitions is to express displeasure at the poor state of roads in our area. It is on record that funds meant for the rehabilitation of roads in our area were abused by known individuals and government officials.This issue has to be resolved as a matter of urgency,”said Chief Mudavanhu.

The traditional leaders said the petitions would be delivered to Mugabe and Gumbo by the end of the month. Asked to comment on the matter,Gumbo was quick to defend his boss Mugabe and blamed sanctions for the lack of meaningful development in the area. “Government has no funds at the moment but if we get funding we will revive the projects.You all know that our country was affected by sanctions imposed by the west,”said Gumbo.

Angry villagers who spoke to ZimEye.com said they were tired of being used by Zanu PF. “These politicians just want our votes yet they do not care about our welfare.Mugabe himself must come to Mberengwa and see what is happening here,”said an elderly man from Chaza Village.

In the latest development regarding the recently suspended mobile data tariff increases, Econet Wireless has published a statement on its Facebook pagedefending its actions, pointing out how it reversed the data tariffs increase on its own and accusing Supa Mandiwanzira, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, of duplicity and misleading actions aimed at discrediting the mobile operator.

In its statement, Econet Wireless says that its board gave the directive to reverse the data tariff increases on the 12th of January 2017. Part of the statement reads,

On 12 January 2017, when it became clear that an exercise that was driven by the Regulator with the full knowledge and participation of The Minister and that we thought would contribute towards leveling the playing field was in fact a farce and a setup intended by the Minister and our competitors who are under the Minister’s control to portray the new Director General of POTRAZ in a bad light and to portray Econet as a gluttonous and insensitive to the public our Board directed us to reverse the data tariff increases. We wrote and delivered a letter to POTRAZ on 12 January 2017 in which we indicated that we would revert to our old tariffs if the regulator did not ensure that all the operators complied with its regulatory notice by end of day 12 January 2017.

The statement goes on to state that Supa Mandiwanzira’s statement issued on the 12th of January 2017 claiming that he had reversed the tariffs was false. Econet has accused Mandiwanzira of duplicity and reversing the gains made in telecoms ever since his appointment. – Techzim

ONE of the two Bulawayo maids who allegedly stole $28 000 from their employer wept uncontrollably in court yesterday pleading to be released on bail as conditions in remand prison were unbearable for her.

Eunice Mabhena (50) and Florence Phiri (43) allegedly stole the money from their employer, Mrs Permian Macheka, in October last year.

Mrs Macheka of Hillside suburb had allegedly sold 52 head of cattle to raise the money.

The two have been in remand prison since October 28.

Bulawayo Magistrate Ms Gladmore Mushowe yesterday further remanded the pair in custody to February 3.

Phiri yesterday wailed in court as she pleaded to be remanded out of custody.

“Please Your Worship, may we be allowed to go home. Jail life is difficult. May we come to court from our homes,” she said in-between tears.

Phiri, who initially pleaded guilty to theft saying she had used part of the money to buy her husband a car as a Christmas present, yesterday recanted her earlier statement and denied knowledge of the vehicle.

“Your Worship I only took $5 500. I used              $1 800 to buy a car as a Christmas present for my husband. I don’t know who took the rest of the money.

May this court please remand me out of custody,” said Phiri during her initial court appearance last October.

However, yesterday she denied knowledge of the motor vehicle and asked to be remanded out of custody.

The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Vhingirai, testified that a Hyundai Excel was recovered at Phiri’s rural home as per her initial statement.

“Your Worship the accused person is now just trying to distance herself from her statement. She is the one who told us about the car. We found her husband driving it. He confirmed that accused bought it for him,” said Sgt Vhingirai.

The other maid, Mabhena, through her lawyer Mr Vuyile Mpofu of V J Mpofu and Associates, maintained her plea of not guilty.

Mr Mpofu said the police were not thorough in their investigations and had allowed Mrs Macheka to interfere with investigations.

“Complainant was with the police officers all the time investigations were being done. She went with them to Mabhena’s house. She even took her to the toilet away from the police officers and searched her. Her husband is the one who told police officers that the serial numbers on the money recovered matched those of the money that had remained in the briefcase.

“None of the officers verified that. You have agreed that if police involve civilians, especially complainants in investigations, there could be a possibility of attaining biased results,” he said.

For the State, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza said investigators found Mabhena with $700 while her alleged accomplice Phiri was found with $100 of the stolen money.

He said Mrs Macheka sold 52 head of cattle and kept $28 600 in her bedroom.

“On October 19, complainant added  $2 400 to her $28 600.

“On October 24 she realised that $28 000 was missing and she made a report to the police.

“Phiri was found in possession of $100 and Mabhena had $700 and the serial numbers of the notes tallied with those of the stolen money,” said Mr Jaravaza. – state media

CHINA this week urged the Zimbabwean government to respect property rights, address concerns over policy inconsistency and clarify its indigenisation policy to attract much-needed investment into the country.

In an interview in Harare on Monday, the day President Robert Mugabe met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing, China’s acting ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhao Baogang said although relations between the two countries are “very strong”, China had concerns over the government’s policy inconsistencies “particularly in the mining sector”.

He added that the Chinese have been engaging the Zimbabwean government over the issue for some time.

Despite Zimbabwe and China signing a number of mega deals including the Kariba South Power Extension project, relations between the two countries took a dip last year after government forced all diamond miners in Chiadzwa to cease operations. The companies were forcibly moved without securing their equipment.

Government, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, then merged all mining companies into the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) where it has majority shareholding.

Chinese companies Anjin and Jinan were affected by the merger, angering authorities from the Asian nation, who view the move as an assault on property rights and a violation of the investment agreement the companies had with government.

“We have very strong relations and our co-operation is getting much stronger. Certainly we also have some challenge, that is the inconsistency of the policy and sometimes this is also aggravated by the Zimbabwean minister(s). So this is maybe one of the concerns and certainly Chinese business may know better than me,” said Zhao.

He said they were engaging the government over Chinese investments, adding the country needs to put favourable conditions to attract foreign direct investment.

“Yes the discussion is always under way and we disagree now (sic) for quite some time. Whenever we have any concerns on indigenisation or economic policies of the government we will talk to the government. Now we have successful discussions with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and also the Economic Planning (ministry),” he said.

“We also have had fruitful discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We believe that we continue with the discussions and I think that Zimbabwean government will take our concerns into consideration and they will create more and more favourable conditions and policies for foreign investments including Chinese investors.”

Zhao expressed optimism that Chinese concerns over Anjin and Jinan’s investments will be resolved “soon” although he declined to reveal how the negotiations had gone and what the likely outcome would be.

“We have been holding discussions with the Zimbabwean government on this issue on the diamond issue. I think that quite soon it will be resolved,” he said.

Several ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe including the European Union, British, French, Australian and Danish diplomats, among others, have raised concern over the indigenisation policy, property rights violations and Harare’s policy inconsistencies.

Numerous business delegations, which have visited the country over the years have also called for policy clarity and respect for property rights.

Despite the warm relations between the two countries, Chinese officials have consistently raised critical issues that President Robert Mugabe and his government are uncomfortable dealing with. For example, when Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Beijing in 2015, the Chinese raised fears about Mugabe’s age and lack of Zanu PF leadership renewal.

They also raised concern over Zimbabwe’s investment climate and ease of doing business, the country’s relations with Western countries, government’s failure to tackle corruption and bureaucratic red tape, among other thorny issues.
The Chinese also said they are worried about Zimbabwe’s high political, economic and country risks, as well as poor credit rating. – Independent

 Terrence Mawawa, Mberengwa |In a gory murder incident that has stunned the whole community, a local woman ran amok and murdered her sister’s two -year-old son . Arleta Mafuramoyo was not asked to plead when she appeared before Mberengwa Magistrate, Sengster Tavengwa facing murder charges.

The incident happened in Batanai Village, under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa District on Christmas Eve. According to the state, the child and his six-year-old sibling were left in Mafuramoyo ‘s custody while their parents, visited some relatives during the festive season.

The two-year-old boy complained of hunger since Mafuramoyo had not fed the two children. Incensed by the child’s loud wailing, Mafuramoyo grabbed an axe and beheaded the toddler as his sibling watched. She then advanced towards the six-year-old child and struck him on the leg with the axe. The matter has been referred to the High Court with the magistrate also saying the accused should be examined for mental illness.

Local villagers said they were shocked by the incident. “How can someone kill an innocent child just like that?It is really shocking and unbelievable. Nobody expected her to kill her sister’s child. It is really painful. The parents of child were completely puzzled by the callous act.They are yet to come to terms with the horrific act ,”said a local villager.

THE cost of living increased by 0.69 percent last month to $577,97 for a family of six per month  due to fluctuation of fuel prices and the introduction of bond notes.

A survey by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) carried out using an urban low-income earner for a family of six, showed that the cost of living increased from $574.01 to $577.97 by end of December 2016.

“As CCZ, we assume that the slight increase in prices could be attributed to various factors and these include fluctuation of fuel prices and the introduction of bond notes in circulation. Some supermarkets have taken advantage of these circumstances to increase the prices of basic commodities,” said the consumer watchdog.

The council said the food basket increased by $4.72 or 3.68 percent from $128.34 by end-November 2016 to $133.06 by end of December.

“The price of detergents decreased by $0.76 or 6.51 percent from $11.67 to $10.91. Increases were recorded in products that include flour by $0.02 from $1.85 to $1.87, meat by $0.59 from $3.98 to $4.57, cooking oil by $0.10 from $1.39 to $1.49, and mealie-meal by $0.70 from $11.25 to 11.95,” it said.

CCZ, however, said during the period under review some products prices remained unchanged.

For example, prices for tea leaves, bread, sugar, fresh milk, and salt remained stable from end of September 2016 figures.

The consumer watchdog said it continues to encourage consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products.

“Where the products are not certified, consumers should exercise their right to information by carefully examining the products they are buying. They should ensure that the products are well labelled, packaged and provided with vital information such as manufacturing and expiry dates and ingredients used in the make-up of the products,” said CCZ. – State Media

TROUBLE is brewing within the opposition MDC-T over reports that the party has decided to back an independent candidate in the forthcoming Bikita West by-election.

MDC-T Masvingo provincial chairperson, James Gumbi early this week reportedly claimed the opposition party would now throw its weight behind independent candidate, Innocent Muzvimbiri instead of former Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s Zimbabwe People First’s (ZimPF) Kudakwashe Gopo.

But yesterday, MDC-T dismissed Gumbi’s declarations. Spokesperson Obert Gutu said there was no official position or resolution that the opposition movement would back “any candidate in the by-election”.

“We are not participating in the Bikita West by-election because of our no reforms no election resolution and I can authoritatively say, on behalf of the party, that there is no official endorsement of any candidate in the Bikita West by-election,” he said.

Sources in the MDC-T said Gumbi was being motivated by factional politics. NewsDay Weekender heard that a faction within the MDC-T viciously opposed to a coalition, particularly with Mujuru, could have been behind the plot to “muddy the waters for our colleagues”.

“This is factional politics at play, there are people in the party, who want to thwart the formation of the coalition because they fear they would lose their positions in a coalition,” the source said.

In a clear indication that all was not well and the reported talks on a coalition between MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Mujuru could yet face internal resistance, Gumbi stuck to his guns insisting his party was backing Muzvimbiri.

“I can’t be naïve to say that I received an instruction from the top to back the independent candidate if I did not. It’s not my business to be lying,” he said somewhat exasperated and promising to get to the bottom of the issue.

He, however, refused to name the person, who had given him the instruction.

ZimPF spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire, on Thursday said his party was working well with MDC-T supporters and structures. Mawarire said media reports that the MDC-T had ditched them were not true.

“Our people on the ground have not told us anything to that effect. What we know is we have their (MDC-T) support on the ground and we look forward to have president Tsvangirai joining us on January 19 at our star rally,” he said.

ZimPF face Zanu PF’s Beauty Chabaya in what could be a litmus test for the Mujuru-led party which enters into its first election since it was formed.

Also eyeing the constituency are independent candidate, Heya Shoko, a former legislator for the area and Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe’s Terrence Makumbo. – Newsday

The country is expected to receive heavy rains from tomorrow up to Tuesday next week with a possibility of flooding in some areas, the Meteorological Services Department has warned.
The weather organisation has since advised responsible authorities to be high on alert as many people might need assistance.

The Civil Protection Unit has also warned of possible landslides in hilly slopes in susceptible areas. Farmers are likely to suffer heavy leaching and damage to their crop as a result of flooding and heavy downpours.

In a statement yesterday, the MSD said heavy rains in excess of 90 millimetres in 24 hours were expected in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Masvingo and advised the general public to take the heightened warning seriously.
“The MSD wishes to alert the public that potentially, heavier rain is expected to affect much of Mashonaland Central and East, Manicaland as well as north of Masvingo from Saturday to Tuesday. Already the ground in some areas is well soaked and therefore this further aggravates the risk of flooding in these areas.
“We are alerting responsible authorities such as Civil Protection Unit, Police, local authorities, rescue services including power utilities, to be on the alert for the duration of this period,” he said.
The department said the heavy rains would be caused by a series of low pressure systems, both in the lower and middle levels of the atmosphere which is expected to enter the country through Manicaland from Mozambique.
“This combination is conducive for increasing and squeezing the moisture in the country, hence the increased precipitation,” said the MSD.
CPU acting director Ms Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, said the heavy rains would significantly increase the risk of flooding as the ground was already soaked.
“In most parts of the country run off will be high. There will be increased landslides in hilly slopes in susceptible areas.
“The risk of flooding is likely to be severe for areas that usually flood, low lying areas, wetlands areas close to rivers and major tributaries, areas close to river confluences and areas that have already experienced flash flooding this season,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu said people in Manicaland and Muzarabani should take particular care and necessary precautions during this period.
In Manicaland, all communities living in the eastern highlands, particularly Chimanimani, Nyanga, Mutare, Matasa and all living in Middle Sabi should be on alert. In Mashonaland Central, all communities in Muzarabani should take necessary precautions.
“People should keep informed of weather bulletins and closely monitor levels particularly at night and timely move to higher ground.
“Children should be supervised at play, on their way to schools and from school. It is also advisable to monitor houses in case they succumb to excessive moisture. Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers and streams whether on foot or by car,” she said.
Agriculture expert, Mr Ivan Craig, said the heavy rains were a challenge this period as the ground was already saturated.
“Heavy rains will increase waterlogging, leaching and washing away of the top soil and nutrients. Farmers will not be able to apply fertiliser, herbicides or pesticides as they will be washed away.
“If the rains are associated with heavy winds and hail they will also thresh crops especially maize,” he said.
Mr Craig said the rains were positive in that water table would rise, dams would fill up and rivers would start flowing.
The MSD forecast normal to above normal rainfall during the 2016/17 season.
This was followed by advisory from the SADC Regional Early Warning Unit.
According to the SADC Early Warning Unit, it was crucial that early planning and mitigation programmes be put in place so that communities, businesses and respective countries likely to be impacted prepare as speedily as possible to face the potential threatening of the extreme weather and climate events.
The experts also warned of high chances of water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid among others.
There is also the increase of vector borne diseases such as Malaria.
Harare has already suffered as two people have died of water-borne diseases.
Farmers and supporting agencies were advised to be prepared for incidences of pests and diseases for both crops and livestock. This is especially relevant in areas where specific pests and diseases tend to occur under conditions of high rainfall.

Acting President Phelekezela Mphoko has described the role played by the late former President of Iran, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, as one that inspired many Zimbabweans to redouble their efforts in fighting for their independence and nationhood. The former Iran leader died of a heart attack on January 8 in Tehran at the age of 82.

Acting President Mphoko relayed his message when he signed the book of condolences at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Harare on Thursday.

“The people of the Republic of Zimbabwe will remember the cleric as a revolutionary who played a prominent role in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, a revolution which inspired many Zimbabweans to redouble their efforts in fighting for their own independence and nationhood,” he said.

“Zimbabwe recalls the many contributions that the great statesman made to the political and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Over the last 38 years, former President Rafsanjani served as President, Speaker of Parliament, acting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces during the eight-year Iraqi imposed war on Iran, Head of the Assembly of Experts, and the Expediency Council.

The late fourth president of the Islamic Republic visited Zimbabwe in 1996.

Acting President Mphoko said President Rafsanjani contributed immensely to economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and Iran.

“As the President of the Islamic Republic, the late Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani visited us in 1996 and immensely contributed to economic cooperation between our two countries, including the establishment of joint venture partnerships,” he said.

“The Government and people of Zimbabwe will cherish for years to come the memory of this revolutionary and friend of our country. May his soul rest in peace.”

Three days of national mourning were declared in Iran and millions of Iranians gathered at the former president’s funeral to bid him farewell.

He was buried at the holy shrine of Imam Khomeini in southern Tehran.

During a remembrance ceremony held in Harare, where leaders of varying sectors joined Iranians in mourning the death of President Rafsanjani, Chief Kamba of Makoni District said Zimbabwe was aware that the Iranian Revolution intended to make Iranians in charge of their own lives.

“We, therefore, do remember Ayatollah Rafsanjani as a leading figure in that regard, bringing about the necessary reforms that make the Iranians a proud, very resilient people we have come to know and appreciate,” he said.

“As people under sanctions and looking forward to the lifting of those sanctions, we, therefore, have got something in common because we are also under sanctions.

“And we are looking forward to the lifting of those sanctions to ease the lives of Zimbabweans.” – State media

The November 2016 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Advanced Level results are out and the 41 549 candidates may collect them from Monday.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora made the announcement during the celebrations to mark the release of the results held at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday.

“The Advanced Level candidates are worth celebrating, cognisant of the fact that they are the few candidates creamed off after the Ordinary Level examinations, and the general expectation is that the results are high.

The number of candidates who sat for the November 2016 A-Level examination was 41 549, compared to 41 653 candidates in November 2015.

In 2015, the number of candidates who obtained a Grade E or better in one or more subjects was 38 873. This gives a percentage of 93.3 percent, while in 2016, the number of candidates who obtained Grade E or better in one or more subjects was 38 924. This translates to a 93,7 percent pass rate.

A total of 33 139 school candidates wrote two or more subjects in 2016, which is an increase of 1,8 percent from the 32 550 who wrote in 2015. The 2016 school candidates registered 88.7 percent pass rate more than 87.6 percent recorded in 2015.

A total number of 7 337 private candidates wrote two or more subjects in 2016, a decrease of 7.8 percent from the 7 962 who wrote in 2015.

The pass rate for 2016 private candidates registered at 63.9 percent more than the 63.7 percent recorded in 2015.

“Grading standards for each A-Level subject did not change. The standards have been benchmarked to previous ones and maintained in all subjects,” said ZIMSEC board chair person Professor Levi Nyagura.

Dr Dokora said he was happy that candidates with special needs had also been examined by ZIMSEC.

“As a ministry, we are also proud that ZIMSEC has provided for special needs candidates who wrote the Advanced Level examinations. The categories of these include Braille candidates and enlarged print candidates.

“Candidates in these two categories performed well in Divinity which seems to have been the most popular subject. The assessment of special needs candidates is also provided for in the new curriculum’s inclusive approach in terms of the teaching and learning approaches,” he said.

The minister expressed gratitude towards all the staff involved in the examinations process.

“Today we are not only celebrating the release of the results but also the increase in the pass rate. We do not take this increase for granted, but we acknowledge the dedicated service of our teachers who work tirelessly to improve the results.

“Notwithstanding, these results are a product of quality assessment by ZIMSEC. They are coming out without public uproar on examination leakages or misconduct. To this end, allow me to commend ZIMSEC for work well done.

“The 2016 Advanced Level results are dependable and are a reflection of commitment to quality performance measurement by ZIMSEC. To the candidates themselves, we say congratulations on work well done,” he said. – State Media

A MAN from Bulawayo allegedly impregnated his 15-year-old sister-in-law to spite his “disrespectful” wife.

The man (27) from Njube suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube charged with having sexual intercourse with a minor.

He pleaded not guilty claiming he had been misinformed that his sister-in-law was 17 years old.

The minor, whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons, is in Form Three at a city college.

In his defence, the man told the magistrate that he fell for his sister-in-law because he had been having problems with his wife.

“I was having a dispute with my wife in 2016 and I no longer loved her. I ended up having an affair with my sister-in-law and that is how she fell pregnant,” he said.

Magistrate Ncube asked him if he was aware that the juvenile was still at school and he said he was.

Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said the two fell in love sometime in 2015.

“In September 2015, on a day unknown to the prosecutor, the accused person proposed love to the complainant and she accepted the proposal. They started having a sexual relationship until she fell pregnant,” he said.

The alleged illicit affair came to light in July last year when the minor fell pregnant. The minor told the court that her brother-in-law bribed her with a new pair of shoes after asking her to go and clean his                               house.

“My brother-in-law asked me to go to his and my sister’s house and clean it for them. I got there and cleaned and then he bought me a pair of shoes as a token of appreciation. He told me that he liked me and then we started dating. After I got pregnant, he approached my parents and told them he was responsible for the pregnancy,” she said.

The minor’s mother reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person. – State Media

Some prominent business people have lined up to deny that they want to challenge President Mugabe next year.

Among the names that were thrown around were Econet Wireless founder Mr Strive Masiyiwa, business moguls Dr James Makamba, Anthony Mandiwanza and Calisto Jokonya.
In a statement yesterday, Dairibord Zimbabwe chairman Mr Mandiwanza said he does not have any presidential credentials.

A WOMAN from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo was yesterday morning found dead with several stab wounds on the face and body in a suspected rape and murder case.

A resident stumbled on Mrs Ivy Sibanda’s body at about 8.45AM in a bushy area between Hawkflight and Hlalani Kuhle stands.

Mrs Sibanda, a member of the Zaoga church who is thought to be in her late 30s, is suspected to have been raped and murdered on her way home from a church service on Thursday evening.

Churchmates described her as a God- fearing woman. Mrs Sibanda’s body was found in some shrubs near a road. She had allegedly agreed to meet her husband after the church service, but she did not show up.

Her husband, identified only as Mr Sibanda, is alleged to have waited for her at the agreed spot and when she failed to show up, he allegedly called her, but her phone was not being answered.

On the same night, some residents are alleged to have heard a woman screaming near the spot the body was found, but no one went to investigate.

The Cowdray Park community was shaken after waking up to the horrific scene of Mrs Sibanda’s half naked body with several stab wounds on the face and neck.

When The Chronicle arrived at the scene yesterday, police were examining the body, while scores of residents and motorists watched in shock.

Her undergarments were torn while her bruised body was in a pool of blood. Her cellphone, which was still at the scene, was still ringing at intervals.

Some of Mrs Sibanda’s churchmates and residents wept as her body was being carried away by the police. Zaoga Church Cowdray Park District coordinator, Mr Medicine Paradza, expressed grief over the incident.

He said it was a painful experience for the Sibanda family and the church.
“Mrs Sibanda was a member of our church and close to my family. We used to drop her home every evening after church but yesterday we had visitors and we didn’t manage to go to church.

“I got the shocking news this morning that she had been murdered and her body was found near the road. I can’t believe this. I don’t understand why somebody would do such a thing,” said Mr Paradza.

He described Mrs Sibanda, who has left behind her husband and three children, as a God-fearing woman who never missed church services.
Mr Paradza said the Sibandas were a happy family.

Their youngest child is said to be less than two years old, but the ages of her older children could not be established immediately.
Ward 28 Councillor Collet Ndlovu said Mr Sibanda got worried when his wife failed to show up as agreed.

“Mr Sibanda started getting worried when his wife didn’t show up. He kept calling her but her cellphone went unanswered until he went to the police to make a report. A report was made to the police after Mrs Sibanda’s body was found in the shrubs on the roadside,” said Cllr Ndlovu.

He said there were criminals terrorising residents in the area and appealed to the police to increase patrols, especially in areas that have no electricity.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango could not immediately comment on the matter. – State Media

LAWYERS representing Lebanese businessman Jamal Ahmed insist that First Lady Grace Mugabe invaded their client’s private property and is now using “rogue elements in the Zimbabwe Republic Police” to shield herself over a US$1,35 million diamond ring scandal.

In a letter dated January 11 2017 and addressed to the Police Headquarters legal department, Beatrice Mtetwa poked holes in the court submissions by President Robert Mugabe’s wife and the police. Mtetwa argued that the illegal occupants at Ahmed’s houses are acting on behalf of Grace, and querying why the police had not divulged that they had occupied the houses when the Sheriff of the High Court requested a police escort in his bid to evict the occupiers.

She also questioned why the occupants of the houses had referred them to the First Lady and her son Russell Goreraza.

“A provisional order per the attached copy was granted by the High Court on the 21st (of) December 2016 for the forthwith eviction of all those who occupy our clients’ premises,” wrote Mtetwa.

“Although the Sheriff was requested to effect the eviction as at 4th (of) January 2017, he has regrettably not done so under the subterfuge that he awaited the provision of escorts from the Officer Commanding District Harare (Dispol Harare).”

Police escort was sought after Grace’s security personnel allegedly threatened to shoot the Sheriff of the High Court, Macauff Madega, when he delivered an eviction order to the First Family’s Blue Roof palace in the Helensvale area of Borrowdale suburb on December 22 last year.

Madega last week wrote a letter to the Officer Commanding Harare requesting police escort in his bid to evict the illegal occupants of Ahmed’s premises.

“We hereby seek police assistance to enforce the attached writ and order. We want to carry out the ejectment of the occupants of 409 Harare Drive Pomona, 18 Cambridge Road Avondale and 75 King George Road Avondale,” wrote Madega.

Mtetwa said “whilst awaiting the eviction, we received, on the 10th (of) January opposing papers meant for the return.”

“These opposing papers include affidavits from Superintendent Kennedy Fero, the 3rd respondent in the High Court application and one from Superintendent Nyambo Viera of the Criminal Investigation Law and Order,” she wrote.

“As gleaned from these affidavits, Fero claims that our clients’ properties were occupied in terms of directives he received from his superiors within the police force and that our clients’ staff and other occupants of the said premises were removed from the premises for their own security and safety.

“Regrettably, his affidavit does not state the law under which he acted which allows the police to literally take over private property without any form of due process and to evict occupants without any form of due process and without explaining the reasons for this.”

Mtetwa also stated that following the receipt of instructions from their clients, she addressed letters to respondents and the occupants of various properties on November 23 2016.

“Those occupying No. 409 Harare Drive refused to open the gate to the premises other than to refer us to Russell Goreraza and the First Lady. None of these people identified themselves as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Mtetwa wrote.

“From 409 Harare Drive we proceeded to 18 Cambridge Road and we were attended to by Obed William whose immediate superior was Kennedy Fero, one of the First Lady’s bodyguards.”

Mtetwa also said when she requested Fero’s phone number, she was furnished with it and immediately called him.

“We called Fero advising that our client had been left with no choice but to litigate and whether he and his principal, the First Lady, appreciated the bad publicity which would follow such unnecessary litigation. During this conversation Fero did not at any stage advise that the First Lady had nothing to do with the occupations. Neither did he advise that the premises had been occupied as a result of police action,” the letter reads.

“Instead he pleaded with us to convince our client to refund the US$1 350 000 and that the properties would be vacated on receipt of payment. We pointed out that the occupation was unlawful and that the First Lady could not force the payment of the money through illegal occupations.

“If Fero had been acting in terms of a police investigation and the occupation was at the instance of the police, he most certainly would have advised me about this and he would not have ventured into issues related to the dispute between our client and the First Lady. That he made no reference to the police and their now claimed investigations coupled with the fact that I was not referred to Superintendent Viera speak volumes about the newly invented claims.”

In the letter, Mtetwa also states: “Instead, within hours of speaking to Fero I was called by a go-between who interceded on behalf of the First Lady requesting for an amicable and private settlement of the matter, a request that was acceded to and a draft agreement specifically included that the First Lady would cause her agents who were occupying the premises to “immediately vacate such properties”.

“This clause in the agreement was not in any way contested and it was only after the provisional order had been granted that the go-between only requested a change to the repaying terms so that US$650 000 would be paid as the first instalment.

Mtetwa went further to say: “Even at this late stage, nothing was said about the occupation having been at the instance of the police as a result of whatever investigations they might have been conducting.”

In Grace’s opposing affidavits, Viera states that he has been investigating Ahmed for months.

“The investigations of this individual have been ongoing for some months and are wide ranging,” he said.

“What is under investigation are allegations of theft, fraud, property acquisitions, money laundering, contravention of exchange control laws, his immigration status, purchase of minerals, loans he acquired and generally all those he might have done business with locally and the role each of the people might have played to facilitate his illegal activities,” reads the affidavit. Viera’s affidavit also states that: “While carrying out investigations which are advanced and which include the protection of properties under his portfolio in various vehicles, we came to learn of the theft/fraud he perpetrated against the First Lady.

“Coupled with all the other investigation material at hand, we applied and got a warrant of arrest against this individual. We alerted Interpol to assist us in extraditing him from any country he might be residing presumably Belgium, Dubai or Europe in general.”

However, Mtetwa is emphatic that Grace is using the police to shield herself.

“We wish to make it very clear that we do not believe that the unlawful occupation of private property where occupants, including employees and their children were displaced, were at the instance of the police. In our respective view, these are attempts by a few rogue police officers to shield the First Lady and to sully the image of the police force,” She stated in the letter.

“However, in the event that the police are indeed involved in the unlawful occupations and the displacements of innocent employees and their children, this constitutes a clear violation of the police duty to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of the people.

“That Harare Dispol had in fact been asked to provide the Sheriff to provide escorts to undertake the eviction can only serve to demonstrate that the latest version is fiction deliberately designed to frustrate a court order in violation of the constitutional mandate to enforce the law without fear or favour.

“Should the police therefore be responsible for these illegalities, we kindly request that our clients’ premises be vacated forthwith and in any event within 24 hours of the delivery of this letter. We also request that the police pay damages for the unlawful occupation of the premises from the 14th of October to date of vacation of the premises.

“In addition there will be damages arising from the fact that our clients have not been able to conduct business since the 14th (of) October.” – Independent

IN a new twist to the race to appoint the country’s Chief Justice (CJ), the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has hit back at High Court judge Justice Charles Hungwe’s interdict throwing out the commission’s decision to hold interviews for the soon-to-be vacant post arguing that the interviews were constitutional.

The battle to succeed Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku is now widely seen as political as warring factions within the ruling Zanu PF jostle for the highest post in the judiciary.

The JSC, in its submission filed at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, said Hungwe’s ruling was misdirected and a violation of the constitution.

On December 11, Hungwe issued an interdict preventing the JSC from proceeding with scheduled public interviews for the post of CJ on December 12 last year. The interviews went ahead after the JSC filed an appeal to stop the interdict.

Hungwe’s ruling followed a court application by a fourth year University of Zimbabwe law student Romeo Zibani seeking an order to stop the interviews arguing that the process was “unfair” and “not transparent”.

Zibani wants President Robert Mugabe to directly appoint the CJ, arguing that the procedure for appointing Chidyausiku’s successor is improper because it involves judges who sit on the JSC having a say in appointing the head of the judiciary.

In his judgment in the Zibani case, Hungwe indicated that the JSC had erred in refusing to wait and allow Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who oversees the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, to steer the changes to the constitution.

He further stated that the constitution itself is “work in progress”. Hungwe’s view was also that too much independence of even the judiciary may not be a good thing for the doctrine of the separation of powers since the former does not “function in a vacuum”.

However, the JSC, in heads of argument filed at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, said there was nothing wrong or unlawful in the process of the selection of the CJ as “eminent jurists on our jurisdiction were properly nominated in response to the advertisement”.

Represented by Addington Chinake of Kantor and Immerman Legal Practitioners, the JSC said under the new constitution an ordinary constitutional bill is not “a walk in the park”, hence Section 180 of the Constitution is the present law.

“In this matter Section 180 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe is clear. All the before the honourable court parties accept that it is in full force and effect. How can a valid constitutional provision which embodies in the supreme law of the land be the subject of an interdict?” argued the JSC.

The commission said the filing of the appeal and the consequent suspension of the interdict were entirely lawful and did not in any way constitute contemptuous conduct on the part of the JSC or its legal practitioners.

The commission said the office of the CJ will fall vacant on March 1 2017 and as a commission they adhered to the constitution as to how the vacancy is to be filled.

If they had failed to adhere to such provisions, the JSC said it would have acted unconstitutionally.

“It is respectfully submitted that no violation of the present constitution of Zimbabwe has occurred. There is no wrong which first respondent (Zibani) can object to and seek to interdict against; his rights have not been violated in any manner, shape or form. The court a quo therefore gravely misdirected itself in granting the interdict,” read the JSC’s heads of argument.

“Zimbabwean courts of law or constitutional bodies are not obliged (as held by the court a quo) to “follow the intentions of the policy maker”.

The JSC said High Court judges are also bound, not only to respect and follow the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe but also to enforce such provisions insofar as they dictate procedures and substantive requirements to be carried out by any constitutional bodies including the commission.

“With respect, it is not within the ambit or scope of power or authority of a judge of the High Court to set aside a clear and unambiguous provision of the constitution of Zimbabwe or to purport to suspend it under the guise of pending executive intent,” JSC said.

“With respect, such a judicial officer would be in fact violating provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe by replacing the views of the people of Zimbabwe as recorded in the constitution of Zimbabwe with his or her own views.”

The JSC said the affidavit by permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice Virginia Mabhiza and the consequent amendment of the order issued by the court a quo have made it “apparent that the sole purpose for seeking the interdict was to allow a proposed Executive intention to amend section 180 of the constitution of Zimbabwe” time to play out.

“Is this a legitimate basis for obtaining an interdict? Can the operation of the constitution of Zimbabwe be suspended for this reason?” queried the JSC.

The JSC said Mnangagwa wrongly issued an Extraordinary Gazette (GN 434 of 2016) on December 23 which was re-gazetted through an Extraordinary Government Gazette Vol XCV No 1 on January 3 2017 under the signature of the Speaker of the National Assembly in compliance with Section 328 (3) of the constitution. – Independent

BIKITA- The ruling Zanu PF party in Masvingo has fired its councillor and the entire executive for ward 10 in Bikita West constituency ahead of the January 21 by-election.

The councillor Sign Mukanganwi and some of his ward executive members were shown the exit door by the ruling party this week for allegedly sympathising with the Joyce Mujuru led Zimbabwe  People First.

Mukanganwi and some of his ward executive members are  accused of discouraging villagers from attending Zanu PF rallies at the same time encouraging them to support the Zimbabwe People First political party.

Ironically the Zimbabwe People First political party led by former vice President  Mujuru is participating in the polls.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairman Amasa Nhenjana confirmed that they had dismissed Mukanganwi and some other party supporters for allegedly switching their loyalty to the Zimbabwe People First.

“We fired people we feel were de-campaigning our party,”said Nhenjana.

“We used to chant Zanu Pf slogans with them at meetings during the day but during the night they support the Zimbabwe People First,”claimed Nhenjana.

“We can not work with such people hence we have relieved them of their duties,”he added.

It could not be established how many people were fired from the ward but sources said that the entire executive was shown the exit door.

“The whole ward had turned to be a Zimbabwe People First ward and we were having problems as Zanu Pf in penetrating the area,”said a source.

Mukanganwi said he had not received an official letter of expulsion but said he had no regrets in quitting Zanu PF.

“I am yet to get the letter of expulsion but after all I have not regrets in leaving Zanu PF ,”he said.

It also emerged this week that Zanu Pf has resorted to vote buying ahead of the polls.

The minister of public service labour and social welfare Prisca Mupfumira and psychomotor activities in Eduction minister Josaya Hungwe have literally camped in Bikita west dishing out food to desperate and hungry villagers.

Nationl Constitutional Assembly Candidate Mardock Chivasa said vote buying was now the order of the day in Bikita West constituency.

“Zanu PF is moving around with food stuffs distributing it to hungry villagers at the same time telling them that they will die of hunger of they do not vote for it,”said Chivasa.

“We have raised the issue with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission but nothing has been done,”claimed Chivasa.

Villagers in Bikita West constituency go to the polls on January 21 to choose a legislator for the area.

The Zimbabwe People First , opposition political parties and independent candidates have vowed to wrestle the seat from Zanu PF

Six candidates  are participating in the polls. Zanu PF will wind up its campaign next Wednesday when acting President Mphelekezela Mpoko is expected to address a star rally.

Zimbabwe People First leader Joyce Mujuru is also expected to hold a star rally in the constituency before the election date.

The Bikita west seat fell vacant following the conviction of Munyaradzi Kereke for raping his 13 year old niece.

Staff Reporter| Reports coming through to ZimEye.com indicate that the Joice Mujuru led Zimbabwe People First party’s Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman Leonard Mathuthu was not dismissed from his position but resigned during a furor of allegations of sexually prying on female party members.

In a revelation to ZimEye.com by sources within the party’s hierarchy, Mathuthu is said to have chickened out of the party’s administration after some young ladies within the party had informed senior party officials that he was (allegedly) troubling them asking for sexual favours in exchange for positions within the party.

The ladies claimed they were also being continuously threatened by another female youth wing party member who is now a live-in-girlfriend of the former ZANU PF member.

In the run up to his resignation, Mathuthu was reported to have been under immense pressure from the National Executive for the slow growth of the party in the province and failure to account for some party membership card receipt books issued to the province.

It remains unclear who the party has seconded to take over the party chairmanship position in the province. – ZimEye

Staff Reporter | The National Chairman of the Morgan Tsvangirai led Movement for Decomcratic Change MDCT, Mr Lovemore Moyo says that ZANU PF thieving and thuggish leaders live for too long to continue to plunder the economy.

Speaking at the burial of the late MDCT Gwanda Central constituency chairman Readus Thlou in Gwanda yesterday, Moyo said that Zimbabwe is unfortunate to remain stuck with ZANU PF leaders who live for too long while people fighting for the good of the country die at an early age.

Moyo lamented the death of Thlou who he described as a hero of democracy who needs not to wait to be confirmed as a hero by anyone but his works in the fight for democracy proved him to be a hero.

Addressing the mourners, the MDCT Vice President Thokozani Khuphe encouraged her party’s members to accept the death of Thlou as a beginning of a new phase in the party and build on from where he left off.

Khuphe also described the late liberation war veteran as someone who the party looked up upon for future deployments in an MDCT government. Thlou was a holder of a Master of Science degree in Animal Health from the University Of Sierra Leone. He worked for government in the Ministry Of Agriculture before diverting into full-time opposition politics.

Thlou died at a private hospital in Bulawayo on Monday after a long battle with a heart problem and is survived by his wife and three children. Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the highly emotional funeral.

A GLEN VIEW woman has been hospitalized at Harare Central Hospital after she was attacked on Tuesday with an empty beer bottle by her husband for allegedly cheating with two men.

Masaga tracked Placdencia and caught her in the arms of Francis and assaulted her, drawing attention of people mainly from Glen View 8 Complex.She collapsed and Masaga disappeared from the scene after the arrival of police.

“Ndamuzvambaradza, you can follow her to Harare Central Hospital where she is receiving treatment chikomba chacho chandifonera kuti ndokwavari,” said Masaga.

“She lied to me that she had been invited by her relative based in South Africa and the previous day she went to town and collected R800 she claimed was sent for her transport costs.“I discovered from her WhatsApp conversations that her boyfriend in South Africa was the one who had sent the money and they were expecting to meet at Beitbridge border post around 3am.

“I went through her mobile phone while she was taking a bath and discovered her illicit affair with Francis as well and their plan to meet at the industrial area to book at a lodge and have se_x before she went to South Africa.

“Francis also wanted his laptop he said belonged to his sister Mai Martin which was being used by my wife for the past year as she claimed that she was a student at Defence College.

“We have two children in the six years of our marriage and I wonder why she decided to cheat on me like that.

“For the past year, Francis was having se_x with my wife and I nearly attacked him as well but I quickly realised that my wife was to blame and I treated her accordingly, call me if you want to hear more about it or even see the love messages I discovered in her mobile phone,” said Masaga. – State Media

Television and radio personality, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, has vowed to continue with her hard-hitting talk shows.

The live feed video had over 20 000 viewers glued on as she sat down one on one with the rapper.

“I am in the media and I am here to stay for a while, be it print, radio, television or new media.

“My only desire is to grow, evolve and take our flag high,” said Ruvheneko.

The Iron Lady, as she’s been called for her grilling techniques, also said her plans in the media are to establish a credible fourth estate of the country.

“I want to be part of establishing a more professional, credible, valuable, diverse, non-partisan, investigative and generally entertaining fourth estate in Zimbabwe as we advance in this digital age and develop content that can be enjoyed anywhere in the world,” she said.

Her interview with Stunner was one of her most listened to talk show, after Pastor Evan Mawarire’s show on ‘the Platform’ which was her last one on radio.

Since she left ZiFM stereo late last year, she has been doing her television talk show My Future.

During her time on radio, she interviewed a lot of public figures who include her father Dr David Parirenyatwa, MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, Acie Lumumba, Wicknell Chivayo, Evan Mawarire only to mention a few. – State Media

Two Zimbabweans are vying for elections to top African Union positions at the continental body’s 28th summit schedule for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia later this month.

The two are Dr Hesphina Rukato, who has been selected as a candidate for the position of Commissioner for Political Affairs and the other one is Dr Pride Chigwedere who will contest the Commissioner for Social Affairs post.

Dr Rukato holds a PhD in Environmental Management Standards from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. “I also have a MSc. in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Zimbabwe as well as a BSc. (Honours), Politics and Administration,” she said in her campaign profile.

“I am currently working as a consultant, and Associate Lecturer-Good Governance at the Thabo Mbeki Leadership Institute (TMALI) at the University of Pretoria. I am also a technical committee member for the Tana Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.”

Dr Rukato said she worked as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Bureau of the AU Commission Chairperson from October 2012 to February 2014.

Prior to that, she worked as a consultant to the African Union Commission and the Institute of Peace and Security Studies at the University of Addis Ababa.

“This included my role as the co-ordinator for the first Tana Forum,” she said. “Between 2002 and 2009, I worked for the NEPAD secretariat in South Africa, first as Advisor on Environment and Tourism, and from 2005 to 2009 as deputy chief executive officer.

“I have worked in multicultural and diverse settings in Africa, an attribute that is critical for the AU Commission setting. All the qualities outlined above, combined with my very strong passion for Africa, makes me a suitable candidate for the position of Commissioner, Political Affairs.”

Dr Chigwedere, who will vie for Commissioner for Social Affairs, has impeccable credentials and has garnered invaluable mentorship and experience from the world’s greatest universities such as Harvard, leading management strategy companies such as McKinsey, and multilateral organisations, including the United Nations and the AU.

He holds a Doctor of Science (ScD) degree from the Harvard School of Public Health (2007), Degrees of Medicine and Surgery (MD equivalent) earned from the University of Zimbabwe Medical School (1997) and has published academic papers in international peer-reviewed journals, that have been cited by other academic publications more than 700 times.

Dr Chigwedere has taught Physiology and Anatomy at the University of Zimbabwe Medical School (1995-1997) and taught at four Harvard Schools — the College, Medical School, School of Public Health and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (2002-2008).

He is extremely knowledgeable about the African Union and continental institutions and is the UNAIDS senior advisor to the African Union, assisting in developing and monitoring implementation of HIV and Aids, and health policies. – State Media

Terrence Mawawa, Bikita | The First Lady Grace Mugabe hand picked Zanu PF Provincial chairman for Masvingo, Amasa Nhenjana, was last week attacked by drunk youths ahead of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to Bikita.

As the Zanu PF factional battles continue to escalate, Nhenjana was assaulted by drunk party youth as he was addressing a closed door briefing ahead of Mnangagwa’s visit.

Nhenjana is fighting in Mrs Mugabe’s corner and party insiders say the Zanu PF provincial boss is pushing her agenda at all costs.

Party sources told ZimEye.com the drunk youths accused Nhanjana of working with the G-40 to discredit Mnangagwa. “Nhenjana was beaten up by party youths during a closed door briefing in Bikita before Mnangagwa’s rally.The youths pushed and shoved him before assaulting him. He was visibly crestfallen after the incident,”said a party source.

Nhenjana however, downplayed the incident saying the party youths only disrupted the briefing pushed him and threatened to assault him. “We were having a meeting prior to Acting President Mnangagwa’s visit. Obvious Madzivanyika came into the room we were holding the meeting and provoked me.I knew he had a group of youths outside the building. He even came with his hands in his pocket and I advised him to excuse us since we had a crucial briefing but he refused to leave the room,”said Nhenjana.

He added:”At the end of the meeting he charged at me and began to push me.As a result there was commotion.I restrained myself from retaliating because I knew he had been sent by some people to provoke me. I also knew that he was not alone.” Nhenjana claimed very senior politicians were battling to discredit him at every given opportunity since he was perceived to be an impediment to their ascendancy.

Terrence Mawawa, Zvishavane | An enraged motorist caused a stir at a roadblock along the Zvishavane- Buchwa Road,  when he threatened to bewitch a ZRP cop following an altercation over traffic fines.

The incident happened a few kilometres outside Zvishavane Town when the man, driving a South African registered motor vehicle fumed after being fined $30 dollars for a defunct back light. “How can you ask me to pay $30 for one faulty back light? You act as if you were not raised among Africans. I am going to strike your feet. I will visit a traditional healer who will fix you over this matter.You know very well that things are very difficult these days,”fumed the man.

The man vowed he would not leave the scene until he collected soil with the officer’s footprints. “These officers just want to extort money from travellers.We are tired of their corrupt activities. They mount too many roadblocks and they just want to get cash from drivers,”said a driver who witnessed the incident.

Although ZimEye.com could not establish the names of the concerned officer,it is understood the cop only left the place after pleading with the man to retract his threats. “The officer and his colleagues only left the place after pleading with the many to retract his threats,”said another eyewitness. No comment could be obtained from the police in Zvishavane.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to amend the country’s Constitution smacks of sinister motives and bodes ill for good governance, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) has said.

In a hard-hitting statement, the lawyers’ body accused President Robert Mugabe’s administration of seeking to usurp the powers of the judiciary in the contentious issue of amending section 180 of the Constitution relating to the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Government, last month, gazetted the amendment Bill that seeks to give the President unfettered powers in appointing the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Judge President after mere consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), unlike the current situation, where the vacancies are filled through a process that includes public interviews of all nominated persons.

The proposal has been met with criticism amid accusations that the ruling Zanu PF party’s internal power struggles to succeed Mugabe are the inspiration behind the move, with current Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku’s term coming to an end next month.

LSZ argues that if there are inadequacies in the current formula to select judges, it should be relooked, but the changes should not entail giving more power to “one person, who does not report to anyone”.

“In correcting the weaknesses, the executive need not usurp the functions currently reposed in the JSC and place them under an authority with no accountability to anyone or any other institution. The amendment does not seek to improve good governance,” the LSZ statement said.

The society further described the timing of the amendment and suspension of the Constitution as questionable.

“The timing of the amendment is equally disconcerting, as it comes when a constitutionally mandated process was already underway. In an unprecedented manner, the executive has sought the suspension of the operation of the Constitution in order to allow the proposed amendment to pass through. This approach is wrong and unlawful,” it added.

Last month, JSC conducted interviews for Chief Justice candidates nominated to succeed Chidyausiku, who turns 70 in February and is constitutionally barred from continuing as head of the judiciary. There were four nominations:
Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Judge of Appeal, Rita Makarau, Supreme Court Judge Paddington Garwe and Judge President George Chiweshe.

However, Justice Chiweshe did not attend the interviews after a University of Zimbabwe law student challenged the process and sought the amendment of the Constitution.

LSZ said the suspension of the judicial process was unlawful.

“In an unprecedented manner, the executive has sought the suspension of the operation of the Constitution in order to allow the proposed amendment to pass through. The approach is wrong and unlawful. The Constitution is the supreme law of Zimbabwe. All other laws and directives are subordinate to it,” LSZ said, urging the government to adopt a “progressive approach towards constitutional supremacy and desist from circumventing it through such capricious amendments”.

The JSC has since forwarded the three names of the candidates who participated to President Robert Mugabe to choose one for appointment. – Newsday

A THREE-MONTH job stay-away by National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employees last year seems to have paid off as the parastatal has reportedly started honouring its salary obligations.

Early last year, more than 4 000 workers at the parastatal downed tools after they had gone 15 months without salaries, with the salary backlog reported to have hit $87 million.

The stalemate only ended when Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Prisca Mupfumira intervened and struck a deal with NRZ management to clear the salary arrears.

NRZ acting spokesperson, Martin Banda confirmed yesterday that workers at the parastatal were now receiving regular salaries, although they were still owed some money from the past two years.

“Every month, the workers have been getting something, and we are moving towards giving them their full salaries, as we generate more business. Everyone gets a predictable salary based on the volume and percentage,” he said.

Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were happy with the new payment arrangement.

“As a worker, the fact that I am getting something at the end of the month gives me hope and motivation to keep reporting for duty,” an employee, who declined to be named said.

“I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and, hopefully, we might be getting our full salaries in future.”

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Joram Gumbo has ordered NRZ to rationalise its workforce, as it was operating at 30% of its normal capacity. – Newsday

THE 22kg of gold valued at about $800 000 that was being transported by a Central Air Traffic Services (CATS) aircraft that crash-landed in Kennilworth, Bubi District on Tuesday, belongs to Bulawayo Mining Company also known as How Mine.

The mine is a subsidiary of Metallon Corporation Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited, which also owns Shamva, Redwing and Mazowe Mines.

Since the accident on Tuesday, there has been speculation as to where the gold was sourced from and its destination.

Metallon said yesterday that the plane that crash-landed was transporting the gold “on behalf of a private security firm” believed to be Fawcett Security.

The plane developed a mechanical fault soon after taking off from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo forcing the pilot to crash-land.

“The plane was carrying gold from Bulawayo Mining Company (How Mine) for delivery to Fidelity Printers and Refiners in Harare,” said the company in a statement.

It said established protocol for such incidents was followed and all relevant security and aviation authorities were alerted with no major injuries sustained.

“The local Bubi police attended the scene and a helicopter from the Airforce of Zimbabwe’s Manyame Airbase was on hand to safely transport the cargo onward to Fidelity.”

The Cessna 206 Aircraft took off from the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Tuesday afternoon heading to Charles Prince Airport in Harare and had two people on board.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), the pilot sent a distress signal soon after taking off when he noticed that the engine had developed a technical fault.

“The pilot communicated that he had lost the engine and indicated that he would glide and find a reasonable and safe place to land.

“Air traffic control at JM Nkomo Airport lost contact with the pilot and this triggered a search. The Air Force of Zimbabwe dispatched two aircraft and one helicopter to rescue the crew,” CAAZ acting general manager Mr Blessing Ngwarai said.

He said when the aircraft crash-landed, one person on board sustained minor injuries.

Villagers in Bubi said the aircraft flew a few metres above their homesteads before they heard a loud noise a few kilometres away. – State Media

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy from Lupane District in Matabeleland North province used a machete to circumcise himself after succumbing to peer pressure.

Matabeleland North provincial medical director Dr Nyasha Masuka said the teenager sustained injuries and was rushed to St Lukes Hospital for treatment.

He said the incident occurred last week and the teenager was admitted to the hospital for two days.

Dr Masuka said the boy who completed Form Four last year, was being mocked by his friends who were saying he was not going to attract girls because he was not circumcised.

“It seems the other boys were laughing at him for not being circumcised so he used a machete to circumcise himself and he injured himself in the process.

He was rushed to St Lukes Hospital where the health staff circumcised him,” said Dr Masuka.

He urged youths not to be pressured into making decisions that could endanger their lives.

Dr Masuka said he did not understand why the teenager tried to circumcise himself when voluntary male circumcision teams visit his home area regularly.

Lupane district medical officer Dr George Mature said the latest circumcision exercise was conducted in the boy’s area last month.

He said the boy comes from an area with diverse social groups hence it was difficult to penetrate.

“He comes from an area bordering Gokwe, Lupane and Binga and as such the area has different ethnic groups. After attempting to circumcise himself he was rushed to Kenyandavu Clinic which called an ambulance and rushed him to St Lukes Hospital,” he said.

Dr Mature said other patients at the hospital were shocked at the boy’s bravery. “The patients who were admitted with him were wondering how he managed to do it. The good thing is that he wounded the outer layer of the foreskin. So we had to keep him at the hospital to monitor him as he had used a clinically inappropriate tool so we were worried that it could have caused an infection,” said Dr Mature.

He said the boy was discharged after two days.

A 36-YEAR-OLD man from Bulilima allegedly raped his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter in the presence of her two siblings aged four and six-years.

Vusumuzi Maphosa of Gwambe Village appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere facing rape charges.

He was not asked to plead and remanded in custody to January 24.

Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said Maphosa broke into his girlfriend’s house at night on December 5 and allegedly raped the juvenile.

“On 5 December around 10PM Maphosa went to his girlfriend’s house while they were sleeping. He forced entry into the bedroom hut of his girlfriend’s children where the 11-year-old juvenile was sleeping with her two siblings aged four and six years old.

“He covered the juvenile’s mouth with his hand and removed her clothes. The juvenile struggled with Maphosa until her siblings woke up,” said Mr Mazorodze.

He said Maphosa threatened to beat up the three children if they screamed.

Maphosa then allegedly raped the 11-year-old girl and fled from the scene.

Mr Mazorodze said the two youngest children rushed to their mother’s bedroom hut and reported what had transpired. The matter was reported to the police resulting in Maphosa’s arrest.

In another matter, a 29-year-old umalayitsha also appeared before Mr Manwere for allegedly raping a woman from Mafa Village in Bulilima District.

Prosecuting, Mr Elisha Mazorodze said Calton Ngwenya allegedly raped the woman on December 19 at around 11PM.

Ngwenya was remanded in custody to January 25.

“On 19 December around 11PM the victim was at her father’s homestead where she was visiting. At night Ngwenya broke into the hut where she was sleeping.

“The woman woke up and realised that it was Ngwenya whom she normally contracted to ferry her property from South Africa to her rural home in Bulilima,” he said.

Mr Mazorodze said Ngwenya produced a knife and threatened to stab the woman if she screamed. He raped her once and then fled from the homestead.

The woman’s parents were alerted by their daughter’s screams but Ngwenya had disappeared into the darkness. – state media

THE body of a man who has been missing since Saturday was found in Entumbane suburb’s Enkwalini “pool of death” yesterday morning.

Dozens of people have drowned in the pool over the years.

A young boy who was fishing, stumbled on Ngoni Savanhu (43)’s body floating in the pool yesterday at around 10 AM.

The body had a rope tied to its neck, a scar on the forehead and several other wounds.

The deceased’s family said he had been missing since Saturday after he left the house at around 3AM, in an unusual move.

The deceased’s young brother, Mr Joseph Savanhu jnr said his brother was troubled.

He also described him as a very quiet and unpredictable man, making it difficult for them to tell what he was planning.

“He has been having serious problems of late after his wife left him with four children to take care of. He left home at around 3 AM, unlike him, and went away. We made a report to police on Sunday when he didn’t return home and today we were shocked to be told he was found dead,” said Mr Savanhu.

He said it was difficult to say whether his brother committed suicide or was murdered.

“We’re waiting for results of investigations to establish the cause of death. What we have been told is that his neck was tied with a rope,” said Mr Savanhu.

The deceased’s father,  Mr Joseph Savanhu said he was shocked and couldn’t comment on his son’s death.

A group of fishermen who continued with their fishing soon after the body was retrieved, said it was common to find a body in the pool of death.

“Suicides are now a daily thing here and we are not shaken at all. A young boy who was over that corner spotted the body and we called the police.

“Some people have drowned while being baptised while others have committed suicide by throwing themselves in the pool,” said one of the fishermen.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed that Mr Savanhu’s body had been retrieved from the pool.

She said investigations were underway.

“We are calling on people to desist from taking their own lives even when they’re having problems. It’s important to engage other people who can assist,”said Insp Simango. – State Media

Zimpapers wishes to announce that Southern Times editor Mduduzi Mathuthu will be leaving the company at the end of January.

Mathuthu joined the group in November 2013 as editor of The Chronicle, and quickly distinguished himself with some memorable front pages, a knack he carried over to The Southern Times, where his hand and craft were soon visible.

A spokesperson for Zimpapers yesterday said the board and management wished to thank Mathuthu for his dedication and service and was confident that he would be successful in his future endeavours.

Mathuthu said: “The last three years and two months have been an incredible journey on which I met and worked with some of the most amazing people, starting with The Chronicle and later The Southern Times.

“These experiences shaped me into a better journalist and a better person. It’s a sad moment to be leaving Zimpapers, the finest media company in Zimbabwe, but also a triumphant one too because we achieved some incredible things with colleagues. These great memories I will take to the grave.” – State Media

Victory for Zimbabweans, ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira has suspended his draconian data rates he imposed on poor citizens. ZimEye readers demand that if he is in any way serious, he must do more that that, and cancel the whole plan.

Below was Minister Mandiwanzira’s statement:

By Supa Mandiwanzira, HON| In the last few minutes, I have conversed with the Potraz Chairman and with the kind permission of the Acting Minister of ICT, Postal & Courier Services, Cde. Prisca Mupfumira, I have directed an immediate suspension of the tariff increases that were effected two days ago, to the dismay of many mobile phone users.

I have been told that the new prices were actually proposed by the mobile operators to the regulator. While it is conceivable that the price of data may go up, the margin by which the prices have gone up is shockingly high and can only reflect insensitivity to fellow Zimbabweans and gluttonous corporate greed.

Internet is now a key driver of economic growth – innovation, entrepreneurship and government service delivery. Internet access is at the centre of all development. It, therefore, follows that it must be accessible – physically and financially. I share and sympathise with concerns expressed by a multitude of Zimbabwean internet users that the recently effected data prices are unparalleled and extortionist.

Unreasonable data prices, especially in a high literacy country like ours, undermine our huge investments in human capital, broadband infrastructure and the ability to attract investment.
My Ministry’s Innovation Fund initiative, which has raised more than $6 million to date, is premised on affordable broadband and growth opportunities in on-line enterprises in Zimbabwe and beyond.
On the occasion of the official opening of the Chikato Community Information Centre in Masvingo last month, our President, His Excellency Cde Robert Mugabe, spoke passionately about his desire to bring marginalized communities, especially in rural areas, onto the information superhighway. This in itself, is instructive that broadband access must be affordable.
Given the astronomical rates that have been charged over the last two days, it may be necessary and morally correct to get the concerned mobile networks to refund their subscribers. This shall be on the agenda when I undertake a comprehensive review of the developments of the last two days on the first day of my return from leave on January the 30th.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all Zimbabweans, a happy and stress-free new year.
Issued by: Hon Supa Collins Mandiwanzira, MP
Minister of ICT, Postal & Courier Services

A cheating wife has been hospitalised after she was beaten by her husband who allegedly found her in the arms of another man.

McDonald Masaga discovered his wife, Placdencia Sori’s cheating plans on her WhatsApp conversations and tracked her down. He caught her in the arms of one, Francis, and assaulted her, drawing attention of people mainly from Glen View 8 Complex.

She collapsed and Masaga disappeared from the scene after the arrival of police.
“Ndamuzvambaradza, you can follow her to Harare Central Hospital where she is receiving treatment chikomba chacho chandifonera kuti ndokwavari,” said Masaga.

“She lied to me that she had been invited by her relative based in South Africa and the previous day she went to town and collected R800 she claimed was sent for her transport costs

“I discovered from her WhatsApp conversations that her boyfriend in South Africa was the one who had sent the money and they were expecting to meet at Beitbridge border post around 3am.

“I went through her mobile phone while she was taking a bath and discovered her illicit affair with Francis as well and their plan to meet at the industrial area to book at a lodge and have sex before she went to South Africa.

“Francis also wanted his laptop he said belonged to his sister Mai Martin which was being used by my wife for the past year as she claimed that she was a student at Defence College. We have two children in the six years of our marriage and I wonder why she decided to cheat on me like that.

“For the past year, Francis was having s.ex with my wife and I nearly attacked him as well but I quickly realised that my wife was to blame and I treated her accordingly, call me if you want to hear more about it or even see the love messages I discovered in her mobile phone,” said Masaga.

Placdencia confirmed cheating with two boyfriends saying she no longer loved Masaga.

“To be honest, I have since lost feelings for Masaga for the past eight months. “It’s only that he does not want to leave my brother’s house where we are staying,” said Placdencia.

“Masaga is not working and he lied to me that he is under Zimbabwe National Army based at 2 Brigade only to discover that he is unemployed and is a thief. I am the one who bought everything in the house including my mobile phone he went away with since I am gainfully employed. – HMetro

A DANGAMVURA woman who poured hot water on her cop husband after a misunderstanding over a bank loan has been ordered to perform 360 hours of community service for committing the crime.

In sentencing her, Mutare magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, said Maria Teni Mukombe (31) had shown remorse by pleading guilty to the charges that she was facing and that she was a first offender who has two minor children to look after.

However, he said she badly burnt her husband, as shown in the medical report and therefore deserved a stiffer penalty in the form of a lengthy community service sentence.

“Had he not been taken to the hospital in time, we would be talking otherwise in this court and you would be facing a different charge,” he said.

Mukombe will be performing the community service during the weekends as she is a first year student at a local teachers’ college.

Mr Gwezhira had slapped Mukombe with a 12-month jail term.

He, however, suspended two months on condition of good behaviour for five years and went further to suspend the remaining 10 months on condition that she performs the 360 hours of community service.

Public Prosecutor, Mr Brian Goto told the court that on December 21, 2016, Mukombe who was having an argument over debt arrears with her husband Blessing Mukombe (a police officer stationed in Nyanga) called him into their bedroom to sort out the matter.

“While in the bedroom, Mukombe asked her husband not to leave the room. She went out and came back with a pot full of hot water which she poured on him threatening to kill him and their minor children.

“The complainant managed to escape, got medical treatment and made a police report,” said Mr Goto.

He was badly burnt on his left cheek, neck, shoulders and back. Responding to the allegations, Mukombe said she had acted out of anger and already regretted her actions.

She begged the court and her husband for forgiveness as she faced the gallery which was full of her husband’s relatives. Manica Post

A 33 old Zimbabwean hairdresser, Wadzanai Madiri, is languishing in Johannesburg, seriously injured from gunshot wounds after being shot while working as a casual worker at a nightclub in Nelspriut. Her employer refuses to compensate her or pay for her treatment, four months later.

Wadzanayi a hairdresser by profession, was told by a friend that there was a nightclub looking for casual employees, and seeing it as a way to make extra cash took up the opportunity, in August last year.

“She was hired as a casual worker to put wrist bands on patrons at the club entrance. As she was doing her job, a guy who was having a fight with his girlfriend chased his girlfriend to the nightclub tried to shoot at her, instead shot Wadzanayi on the forehead and then fired a second bullet, which then hit his girlfriend,” narrates Wadzanayi’s sister Ida.

According to Ida, the nightclub owners (name provided) came out to get their cash box and immediately  closed the nightclub, leaving her sister lying in a pool of blood outside.

“The owners of the club didn’t even bother to take her to the hospital, and a friend who is from Zimbabwe and one of the nightclub revelers are the ones who carried her in their arms and took her to the hospital,” says Ida.

“What really hurts me before we get into other issues is that they didn’t even bother to take her to the hospital, which is a stone throw away from the nightclub, but were only concerned about their cash box, yet the three owners all have cars,” says a visibly distraught Ida.

The man who shot Wadzanayi is facing two charges of attempted murder, while the fate of his girlfriend is unknown but for Wadzanayi, a single mother of three, life has taken a turn for the worst.

After spending three weeks, unconscious, barely able to talk, Wadzanayi was discharged after spending  four weeks at a government run hospital.

Doctors are surprised that she survived and say there is  a fifty, fifty chance that she could lose her sanity.

But in the meantime her family are struggling to take care of her three children as Wadzanayi , a single mother is too sick to work and take of her children.

“When she tries to plait someone’s hair, she gets so tired that she has to rest for the next two days,” says Ida adding tha four months later, neither have the nightclub owners visited  he in hospital, let alone contribute a cent towards Wadzanayi’s upkeep.

“They  only sent a friend of Wadzanayi’s, whose also a Zimbabwean with  R160, which was supposed to be her salary for the night and nothing else. I have tried to contact them(employers) and though they take my calls, they keep promising that they will get back to me but they don’t. We are now contemplating on taking Wadzanayi  back to Zimbabwe as we  have run out of ideas on how to fend for. We as her family are struggling  to eke a living and one of her kids is supposed to start school this year,” adds Ida with tears rolling down her eyese

Migrant Workers Union of South Africa (MIWUSA) general secretary Mandla Masuku, who is now trying to help the family get legal help, says, cases like Wadzanayi’s are common as most employers donot compensate workers injured while working for them.

“What makes this worse is that when a worker is a non SA citizen, workers even take advantage of this, but it is illegal,” says Masuku. – Zimsinza

Terrence Mawawa, Bikita | With less than two weeks to go before the crucial Bikita West by-election, opposition parties say they are ready to defeat Zanu PF.

Tanyaradzwa Terrence Makumbo of Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe(PDZ) said the Bikita West by-election would gauge the mood of the electorate ahead of the 2018 polls.

“It is crystal clear that Zanu PF will be defeated in the Bikita West by-election.The people of Bikita are fed up with Zanu PF’s empty promises,”said Makumbo.

He lamented the lack of development, rampant corruption and poor road networks in the area. “We will deal with the real issues affecting the people of Bikita West Constituency. The real issues affecting the people of Bikita West Constituency include poor roads, lack of adequate health facilities,unemployment,siltation of rivers and poverty.That is what we want to address as a party. Zanu PF has failed dismally to address such key matters,”said Makumbo.

He said despite the threats from the ruling Zanu PF party, he was determined to romp to victory. “I am holding door to door campaigns in the constituency and I am optimistic of winning resoundingly. I cannot say anything about what other candidates are doing but I am confident of victory,”said Makumbo.

Firebrand ZimPF candidate for Bikita West Constituency, Kudakwashe Gopo also said he was confident of victory. He declared he would win the election by a wide margin. “I am more than prepared for the election. I am not a visitor like some aspiring candidates. Let it be known that I reside in Bikita. I have always been a winner and I know that I will romp to victory,”said Gopo.

Independent candidate Heya Shoko, a former MDC MP for the constituency said he was confident of victory despite attempts by Zanu PF to intimidate his supporters. Opposition parties are optimistic of victory against a fractured Zanu PF.

Staff Reporter | Professor Jonathan Moyo has dismissed the political grandstanding by the War Vets led by Christopher Mutsvangwa, in which they have pushed Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa to deal harshly with him.

Writing on twitter Moyo said, “Plz. Anyone who thinks this exemplifies an offensive or abusive tweet is not only an enemy of freedom but is also mad and should go to hell!”

This was after Moyo had earlier twitted; “Big progress would be made if officials worked not for their successor, but for the success of the policies of President Mugabe and govt.”

“He [Mnangagwa] says he will only speak when the President [Robert Mugabe] says speak, but I think he can’t allow this to continue. He has to censure Moyo, who is his junior in the party, to stop this abuse. Mnangagwa has to speak out and shut him up,” said Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda to the media.

“Moyo is being cheered on as he attacks the revolution and it appears as if he is being sent to continue attacking Mnangagwa and nothing happens to him. If President Mugabe wants to stop this madness, surely he can because he can’t just say by word of mouth stop abusing Twitter and not take action.”

Moyo has over the past weeks exposed the Mnangagwa faction through social media.

HARARE City Council’s decision to force vendors off the streets beginning today could trigger a bruising court battle, a representative body has warned.

The Vendors’ Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (Viset) yesterday said it was getting ready to approach the High Court for an interdict if the council pushed through with the contentious ban on the selling of vegetables and fruits at “undesignated points in the city”.

Viset, in a statement, said there was no tangible correlation between the selling of the fruits and vegetables and the spread of typhoid, which is the reason council gave for the ban, arguing the move would result in loss of income for millions of street traders.

“The loss of income and livelihoods is likely to be disproportional to the aim that the government seeks to achieve,” Viset said.

Vendors accused council and the government of insensitivity at a time when millions are making a living out of selling wares on the streets.

Harare, struggling with an outbreak of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, which has since claimed two lives, has said preliminary investigations have shown that typhoid was being fuelled by unregulated vending of foodstuffs.

Mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni yesterday said council was caught in an invidious position.

“At the moment, we are caught between three factors: the livelihoods of the venders, the cleanliness of the city and disease control,” he said.

The city spokesperson, Michael Chideme said the vendors would be forced off at the expiry of the 48-hour notice issued this week.

“We gave them a 48-hour ultimatum. Apparently, we are still waiting for the 48 hours and then from there we will remove them,” he said.

Police used a hailer to give final warnings to vendors to vacate their selling points. – Newsday

Grace kwinjeh | Firebrand Member of Parliament, Priscilla Misihairabwi- Mushonga, is guest on ZimEye LIVE this morning as she blows open the Olinda Chideme matter, explaining it within a broader feminist perspective.

Mushonga has come out guns blazing in support of Olinda, cautioning women, “there is an Olinda in each of us.” Olinda’s story Mushonga says is just ‘reality show’ of what most women are going through, only difference being their response mechanisms.

Mushonga says she is strong in ‘Team Olinda’, because of the realisation that since time immemorial women have always found coping mechanisms to keep their relationships with their men; this time round through Olinda all emotions, vulnerabilities and pains have been laid bare.

“The anger that’s coming from women as a result of Olinda’s issue is a mirror image of our lives, she speaks to our lives, the anger, betrayal showing out of what we are going through. She has been brave enough to show the world what marriage is all about where at times women are powerless, we have always run after the the other woman.”

Mushonga says Olinda did not run after the other women Stunner is chasing, instead she used a platform she knew he would respond too which is social media, just as other women will alternatively go to the prophet, the pastor or even witch doctors. “That’s why there are love portions,” says the outspoken legislator, “women want to keep their men.”

“To blame her for using social media as her coping mechanism is ridiculous, we all have our coping mechanisms, hers is public use of social media, that is her way, she wants her marriage, she wants her husband, the working strategy is social media, that is what Stunner responds to,” said Mushonga.

More of this explosive interview with Mushonga on ZimEye Live.

Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa faced a major party revolt yesterday, as 10 Zanu PF chairpersons and commissars censured him for associating with expelled and suspended party members, as the fallout over a New Year’s Eve party he hosted deepens.

The unprecedented attack on the Vice-President – considered a front runner to succeed the soon-to-be 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe – followed weekend revelations that he wined and dined with Zanu PF renegades at a party held in Mapunzure, Zvishavane, on New Year’s Eve.

In a statement on behalf of the provincial chairpersons and political commissars after a meeting in Harare yesterday, Manicaland provincial chairperson, Samuel Undenge said they were concerned about party leaders, who continued to associate with Zanu PF rejects, although they did not name Mnangagwa.

“This kind of behaviour puts doubt on those leaders’ commitment and loyalty to decisions that are made by Zanu PF collectively, as party leaders should not be seen to be associating and entertaining people, who were expelled from the party for indiscipline, which involved disrespect of the party leadership,” Undenge said.

“As the party’s leaders in the provinces, we call upon all party leaders and all party structures to focus and redirect all efforts at uniting the party and prepare it to win the harmonised election coming in 2018.

“No one in the party should divert the party’s focus from this revolutionary goal.”

Mnangagwa was accused of plotting to topple Mugabe last week, when pictures of him drinking from a mug inscribed “I am the boss” that were taken at the party were leaked on social media.

The Zanu PF Midlands godfather appeared in the picture with controversial businessman, Energy Mutodi, a fierce Mugabe critic, who claims to be a member of the ruling party and has been doing the Vice-President’s bidding.

Mnangagwa claimed Mutodi had gate-crashed the party, but pictures of the Vice-President with suspended and
expelled Zanu PF officials at the party in Mapanzure have since surfaced.

The majority of the expelled Zanu PF officials, who attended Mnangagwa’s party, were disciplined for advancing the interests of a faction linked to the Vice-President.

The party’s provincial leaders seemed particularly peeved that Mnangagwa had hosted Mutodi, who continues to denigrate Mugabe at every turn.

“As the Zanu PF leaders in the provinces, we wish to condemn, in the strongest terms, sentiments being expressed by some rogue discredited party elements such as one Energy Mutodi, who unrelentlessly (sic) continue to use the media to attack our party leader,” the statement said.

“Energy Mutodi has no mandate to speak on behalf of Zanu PF nor is he in the leadership structures of the party and, therefore, should stop, henceforth, this habit of denigrating our party leader.”

Mutodi was quoted in the Daily News, saying Zanu PF should hold an extraordinary congress to unseat Mugabe and enthrone Mnangagwa.

Earlier this month, Mnangagwa was quoted in The Herald claiming he had only hosted a family party, which Mutodi gate-crashed, but images leaked on social media show that it was much bigger than that, and the backlash over the fiasco is much bigger than a storm in a mug, literally.

Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo, a fierce opponent of Mnangagwa, drew a link between Mutodi’s Facebook attacks on Mugabe and his meeting with the Vice-President – forcing the then acting President to issue a bizarre statement in which he appeared to suggest that the musician posed as an MP to gain access.

A number of Zanu PF officials have confirmed to having attended the party, discrediting Mnangagwa’s statement in State media.

Some of the officials, who attended the meeting included former Home Affairs deputy minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, former provincial youth chairpersons, Vengai Musengi (Mashonaland West), Washington Nkomo (Matabeleland South), Edmore Samambwa (Midlands) and Tawanda Mukodza (Manicaland).

Former Masvingo provincial chairperson, Ezra Chadzamira, Zanu PF chief whip, Lovemore Matuke, National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairperson, Larry Mavima, youth chairperson for Midlands province, Prosper Machando, Manicaland businessman and Zanu PF politician, Albert Nyakuedzwa, Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Paul Mavima and former Zanu PF provincial chairman for Manicaland, Mike Madiro were also at the New Year’s Eve gathering.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by eight provincial chairpersons. Daniel McKenzie Ncube stood in for Midlands chairman, Joram Gumbo, while the Bulawayo chairperson did not attend, but was also represented.

The women’s league was represented by First Lady Grace Mugabe’s secretary, while national secretary for youth affairs, Kudzi Chipanga represented the youth wing.

Speaking at the same meeting, Zanu PF commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere said the party was already rolling out a restructuring exercise in preparation for the 2018 general elections. – Newsday

A BULAWAYO man was given a wholly suspended four-year sentence for causing the death of his 13-year-old nephew who suffocated due to excessive heat when he left him locked in a car.

Herbert Chipango (23) sobbed throughout the court hearing on Tuesday when he appeared facing a culpable homicide charge.

Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mrs Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze heard that last month, Chipango was assigned by the child’s father Mr Mhlomuli Sibanda to collect his wife Maureen Chipango from the City Hall in the city centre. Chipango locked his nephew, a mental patient, in a car and parked it under a tree near Imbizo Barracks, with all its windows closed and took a commuter omnibus into town.

It was not stated why Chipango could not drive the car into town. It is the State’s case that the child bled from the nose and mouth, had blisters on both legs and arms due to suffocation. Chipango pleaded guilty to the offence.

He cried as his lawyer, Mr Gary Sengweni of T. Hara and Partners mitigated on his behalf.
Mr Sengweni explained to the court that Chipango was the custodian of the deceased child for the past seven years.

He said when the unfortunate incident occurred, he co-operated with the police during investigations.

A CENTRAL Air Traffic Services (CATS) aircraft that was transporting gold from Bulawayo to Harare on Tuesday crash-landed due to engine failure, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) said yesterday.

The Cessna 206 aircraft, which had two people on board, crash landed in Kennilworth, Bubi District in Matabeleland North. It was reportedly transporting 22 kilogrammes of gold worth about $800 000.

CAAZ acting general manager Mr Blessing Ngwarai said the pilot sent a distress signal after noticing that the engine had developed a technical fault soon after taking off from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport in Bulawayo.

“The CATS aircraft took off from JM Nkomo Airport to Charles Prince Airport in Harare and had two people on board. The pilot communicated that he had lost the engine and indicated that he would glide and find a reasonable and safe place to land.

“Air traffic at JM Nkomo Airport lost contact with the pilot and this triggered a search. The Air Force of Zimbabwe dispatched two aircraft and one helicopter to rescue the pair,” said Mr Ngwarai.

He said when the aircraft crash-landed, one person on board sustained minor injuries. “One of the two people on board the aircraft sustained minor injuries. The two got assistance from the Air force of Zimbabwe personnel. They were taken to Harare and they’re safe,” said Mr Ngwarai.

He declined to comment on the gold that was being transported by the aircraft saying investigations were underway.

“As CAAZ we don’t inspect people’s cargo. When we respond to such incidents we look at what happened not the cargo. However, investigations are in progress and I’m yet to be briefed on the other details,” he said.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that there’s an aircraft that crash landed in Bubi District on Tuesday afternoon. The aircraft was transporting gold but I don’t have the value,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

Villagers in Bubi said the aircraft flew a few metres above their homesteads before they heard a loud noise a few kilometres away.

Ward 15 village head Mr John Mutambo said they rushed to the scene and discovered that the aircraft had crash landed.

The village head said there was a pilot and a security guard on-board, but that could not be independently verified.

“We saw the aircraft flying above our homesteads and I thought it was rather too close. We heard a loud noise just a few kilometres away and we rushed to check what had happened.

“We found two men, a pilot and a security guard in the plane that had crash landed. The pilot explained that the aircraft developed a mechanical fault. We rushed to call the police at a nearby police base and when we came back we found an Airforce of Zimbabwe aircraft on the scene,” said Mr Mutambo.

A villager said when police arrived, they ordered them off the scene saying there was gold in the aircraft.

By end of day yesterday, the aircraft was still at the accident scene. – State Media

ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers shot and killed two poachers on Tuesday in Hwange National Park after they violently resisted arrest.

Zimparks spokesperson Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo confirmed the shooting yesterday.
One of the poachers was from Nkayi while the other had no particulars on him.

“Zimparks rangers and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police reacted to gunshot sounds at the Main Camp, Hwange National Park, mid-morning on Tuesday. Upon noticing the team, the poachers opened fire resulting in a shootout and the two were later shot and killed,” she said.

“According to the particulars of one of the poachers, it was concluded that he is from Nkayi, while the other could not be immediately identified because he had no identification particulars on him.”

Ms Washaya-Moyo said they recovered a .450 rifle, two live cartridges, one empty cartridge, three pairs of elephant tusks, one adult bull elephant, an axe, a stone file, two elephant tails, 5kg of mealie-meal, salt, a pot and four cellphones from the poachers.

She said further investigations into the matter were underway. “We want to appeal to the public that protected areas especially those with wildlife have people that police them, and any illegal entry for the purposes of harvesting of wildlife is suicidal.

“Our rangers, working together with the police have a mandate to protect and conserve wildlife. They will continue doing exactly that,” she said.

The incident comes a few days after a suspected poacher from Kwekwe, Godknows Mashame (43), was arrested for killing a rhinoceros and removing its horn.
The rhino was worth $120 000.

The incident occurred in Bubye Valley Conservancy, Beitbridge district. Mashame of 19067 Mbizo 4 Extension was arrested after dropping his mobile phone at the crime scene on December 24 last year. Police used the phone to track him.

They recovered three firearms, two empty magazines, 71 Emmex explosives, eight live rounds of bullets and two kudu horns from the suspect.

Mashame has since appeared before a Beitbridge magistrate charged with unlawful killing or hunting of a rhinoceros and was remanded in custody to January 16.

A MAN from Hwange has been arraigned for allegedly inserting his finger into the privates of his married neighbour through her bedroom window while her husband slept.

Hlonipho Sibanda (35) of Empumalanga suburb appeared before Hwange regional magistrate Mrs Dambudzo Malunga yesterday facing indecent assault charges.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to today for continuation of trial.

Sibanda said the woman fabricated the allegations against him because he rebuked her about her extra marital affairs.

“She is lying and fabricating these charges because I refused to take a letter to her boyfriend when she asked me to do so. I told her she is a married woman and I don’t condone such behaviour and she got angry. She wants to fix me (sic),” he said.

Prosecuting, Mr Bheki Tshabalala said Sibanda caressed the woman and inserted a finger into her privates through a window while she was asleep with her husband.

“On October 25, 2016 at around 4AM, the accused proceeded to the complainant’s place of residence,” he said.

Sibanda allegedly peeped through an open window and saw the complainant and her husband sleeping.

“The complainant was sleeping near the open window and he started touching her all over the body. The accused then inserted his finger several times into her privates. The woman woke up thinking it was her husband but was shocked to find it was her neighbour Sibanda,” Mr Tshabalala said.

He said the woman screamed and her husband woke up.

Sibanda allegedly fled from the scene. _ State Media

POLICE have dismissed as false claims that First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe “grabbed” properties belonging to a Lebanese businessman, Mr Jamal Ahmed, saying the assets in question were duly placed under police guard as part of an investigation into an assortment of criminal allegations against the mogul.

Mr Ahmed on December 21 last year obtained an interdict at the High Court against Dr Mugabe, her son Mr Russel Goreraza and a top police officer Superintendent Kennedy Fero, whom he accused of unlawfully occupying and taking over his three houses.

However, the three respondents, through Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners, this week approached the court seeking discharge of an order granted in favour of Mr Ahmed by Justice Clement Phiri last month.

In a notice of opposition filed at the High Court on Monday, the lawyers attached separate affidavits by Superintendents Nyambo Viera and Kennedy Fero confirming the placement of Mr Ahmed’s property under police guard had nothing to do with the First Family.

Detective Superintendent Viera stated in his affidavit that he was investigating Mr Ahmed in connection with a number of cases involving fraud, theft, property acquisition, money laundering, purchase of minerals, and Exchange Control laws.

Police, according to Superintendent Viera, are also investigating a case in which the First Lady lost $1,3 million to Mr Ahmed.

To that end, police have deployed officers to protect the properties—two in Avondale and one along Harare Drive in Vainona—pending finalisation of investigations.

“We are unaware that the First Lady forcibly took over any property belonging to Jamal Ahmed. All we can confirm is that the properties are under police guard to facilitate investigations,” he said.

Supt Viera added:

Police want to find out how Mr Ahmed acquired several properties in Zimbabwe in a short space of time.

Supt Viera indicated that police were looking for Mr Ahmed and requests for his extradition from whichever country he might be have since been sent through Interpol.

“While carrying out our investigations, which are advanced, we came to learn of the theft/fraud he perpetrated against the First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe.

“Coupled with all the other investigation material, we applied and got a warrant of arrest against this individual.

“We alerted Interpol to assist us in extraditing him from any country he might be residing (in), presumably Belgium, Dubai or Europe in general.

“With that red flag, we expect compliance from our colleagues in various countries where he may be to assist in bringing Jamal Ahmed to Zimbabwe to assist the police in their investigations,” reads the affidavit.

In her opposing affidavit, Dr Mugabe denied ever being served with the application that later culminated into an interdict order against her.

She argued that if the court had allowed her to present her case, it would not have granted the interim relief.

Dr Mugabe denied allegations that she forcibly took over the properties in question.

“I therefore deny forcibly taking over the said premises. Had the court heard our side of the story as respondents, there might have been no need to grant the interim relief as it did, merely to scandalise me and the institution of the Presidency,” said the First Lady.

“No one has stated, including the first applicant (Mr Ahmed), that he saw the first and second respondents commandeering matters at the houses concerned.

“To then direct that respondents were responsible for any misfortune that befell the first applicant is to say the least, being economic with the truth,” she said.

Dr Mugabe said she was out of the country when the said “invasion” took place together with Mr Goreraza.

She said Mr Ahmed and his lawyers, Mtetwa and Nyambirai, made malicious and defamatory statements against the First Family with an intention of causing political damage. – State Media

Terrence Mawawa, Beatrice | The adage a hungry man is an angry man aptly sums up an incident in which three Harare men were severely bashed by an angry crowd after they tried to use fake money to buy groceries.

Spencer Chakaedza of Waterfalls, Freedom Chipanga of Maridale, Norton and Elisha Muusha of Chitungwiza were assaulted on Monday by residents of Gilston Shops Beatrice, after they attempted to use a fake $100 note to buy groceries.

The three were also found in possession of more $1100 fake US notes. The incident happened around 2pm on the day when Chakaedza attempted to buy grocery items at a local supermarket using the fake note.

He left his two colleagues in a red Toyota Hilux, registration number AAP 6439. On discovering the fake note the shopkeeper alerted residents of the area who searched the trio’s vehicle and discovered $1100 fake notes.

The three were severely assaulted by the angry mob and they sustained serious head injuries. “Chakaedza tried to run away from the scene but he was quickly apprehended by the mob.The three were thoroughly beaten up after being found in possession of $1100 fake notes.The three sustained serious head injuries after the incident.”

“Chakaedza was in a critical condition because he was severely assaulted after attempting to flee from the scene,”said an eyewitness. Acting Mashonaland East Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza was not immediately available for a comment.

Ray Nkosi | Zimbabwe People First President Joice Mujuru’s planned rush to solve the crisis bedeviling her party in Bulawayo later this month might come a little too late as the situation quickly gets out of hand.

Very reliable sources within ZimPF in Bulawayo have revealed to ZimEye.com that the door is fast closing on party Provincial Chair Lady Pastor Esnath Bulayani, who might not be able to see her leadership survive up to the scheduled month end visit by Mujuru.

Bulayani who is a very close aide to Mujuru is reportedly facing a huge insurgence from party members who are pushing for her immediate resignation on allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

The sources who claim to be highly placed within the party outlined a list of accusations levelled against the Chair-lady who is rumoured to habour Vice President ambitions in the party.

According to the sources Bulayani is reported to have failed to account for an unspecified amount of money received from donors last year when the party held it’s first of Mujuru’s provincial star rallies to launch the party in the region. The sources believe the money unaccounted for could be around $5 000.

The former Welshman Ncube led MDC losing parliamentary candidate in the 2013 elections is also accused of siphoning funds from business persons and other members of the public on the promise of providing them “a rare opportunity to meet Mujuru” and to be appointed into positions within the party leadership structures. Efforts to get Bulayani were fruitless at the time of going to press.

A Bulawayo court has awarded damages to a teenager as compensation for lost virginity in a ruling which shines the spotlight on unfulfilled marriage promises.

Magistrate Sheunesu Matove yesterday ruled in favour of Nataly Madziwa who was seeking $8 000 as compensation for having lost her virginity to 41-year-old Joel Moyo, whom she accused of ditching her despite promises of marriage.

Matove awarded Madziwa $2 000, arguing that the $8 000 damage she was seeking was too much.

According to the court papers, Madziwa testified in court that she met Moyo who proposed love to her leading to them getting into a relationship. She further stated that Moyo made it clear that he was a single man who wanted to settle with a woman in marriage.

Madziwa, a Form Six student then staying with her parents, further told the court that Moyo on April 19, 2015 came to pick her up from her home and seduced her to have sexual intercourse — leading to her losing her virginity.

She also claimed that Moyo used to shower her with gifts and money before the sexual acts. As a result, she became pregnant and later gave birth.

Madziwa told the court that she was claiming seduction damages as she lost her virginity and that her chances of getting married have diminished not only because of her virginity status but because she has a child with the defendant.

She also spoke of the humiliation she suffered and still suffering in the community as a result.

In his defence, Moyo said the plaintiff was not a virgin at that time, adding that he even doubted paternity of the child.

He also argued that he was not married but at one point stayed with a woman whom he has a six-year-old child with. Daily News

In a call that is set to send temperatures soaring higher within the warring Zanu PF, vocal supporter of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Energy Mutodi, has called on the ruling party to hold an extra-ordinary congress to install President Robert Mugabe’s successor.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, as Zanu PF’s deadly tribal, factional and succession wars burn hotter, the musician and businessman-turned-politician also reiterated his public view that it was time that Mnangagwa took over from Mugabe, whom he described as old and “ailing”.

Mutodi also claimed that Mugabe, who turns 93 next month, 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 popular opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

The highly-opinionated Mutodi sentiments come after another vociferous Mnangagwa supporter, former Cabinet minister and war veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa, was also emphatic in a recent interview with a UK publication, the New Statesman, that the VP would “100 percent” soon be Zimbabwe’s next president.

In addition, Mutodi said yesterday, anybody who believed that Mnangagwa was “unelectable”, as many of the Midlands godfather’s Zanu PF enemies were fond of saying, was “lost”.

Further, Mutodi said, he fully supported ongoing calls by war veterans for Mugabe to retire, adding that Mnangagwa was “not to blame” for the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s in which an estimated 20 000 innocent civilians were killed mainly in Matabeleland and the Midlands.

“Mugabe must retire. What we must be discussing now is how we share power in Zanu PF post-Mugabe,” he said, adding that it will be very embarrassing for Mugabe if he stood for election again and lost.

“Mnangagwa is too loyal to Mugabe, to the extent that he cannot even express his own views for his boss to retire. 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.

“This is what the man (Mnangagwa) is made of and he has shown total loyalty and obedience to the president,” Mutodi told the Daily News.

He was also emphatic that he was “even prepared to die” for his views and personal beliefs, adding that the ongoing demand by the Zanu PF women’s league to push a woman back into the presidency, possibly at Mnangagwa’s expense, would come to nought as this would only be entertained in 2019 when the party holds its next elective congress.

“The extra-ordinary congress that we may want to do now is for the 2018 presidential candidate, because we feel our long serving president is now old.

“I don’t think that one deserves to be a VP simply because one is a woman. You must be deserving not because of your sex. We are not going to be entertaining that resolution,” Mutodi said.

He said all conferences until 2019 were not elective, which would make it difficult for the women to see their demand coming to fruition anytime soon.

“Those people raising the issue of the quota system, the likes of (Mandi) Chimene and (Sarah) Mahoka are drug abusers,” he also claimed.

Mutodi torched a similar storm just over a week ago after he appeared in pictures with Mnangagwa who was holding a cup inscribed with the words “I am the boss”, in a saga that has since been dubbed “Cupgate”.

Following the release of the pictures, Mnangagwa’s foes went to town about the issue, interpreting it as the VP’s open statement that he had presidential ambitions.

There were also questions surrounding Mutodi’s presence at the party, which was held by the VP at his rural home, but the businessman said he just found himself at the event, though he did not receive any written invitation like other officials who attended the gathering.

Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo, who is believed to be a key member of the Generation 40 (G40) faction, which rabidly opposes Mnangagwa, immediately went to town about the “Cupgate” issue.

But Mutodi dismissed the Tsholotsho North MP’s criticism as aimed at causing divisions in the ruling party.

“He is keen to see a war between Mnangagwa and Mugabe. I have always reminded him that there is nowhere he can go with factionalism.

“He has been said to have claimed that he wanted to destroy Zanu PF from within and any normal person will tell you that he is perhaps doing that now, starting with the expulsion of (former Vice President Joice) Mujuru and other senior party members, among them 16 or so ministers.

“That was not a joke and that issue could have been solved within the party amicably and people should not have been expelled in such large numbers.

“He is in the habit of divisive politics and right now President Mugabe has been alienated from the people who liberated the country, the war veterans,” Mutodi said.

“He (Moyo) is the Judas of Zanu PF. He doesn’t want the party to succeed because he has got grievances against the party that date back to the 1980s.

“He is not happy that the party continues to win elections. He has been in and out of the party and for the president to trust that individual is the biggest blunder he (Mugabe) has ever done,” he added. Daily News

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CHAOS reigned supreme at most schools countrywide, with teachers battling to come to grips with the new education curriculum foisted on them by Education minister Lazarus Dokora, while some aspiring teachers were stranded at provincial education offices awaiting deployment to their respective work stations.

Progressive Teachers’ Union (PTUZ) president, Takavafira Zhou, yesterday took a swipe at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for delaying the deployment of new teachers to their respective workstations ahead of the start of the new term.

This came as several aspiring teachers were seen milling around at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo awaiting deployment.

Zhou challenged the CSC to allow the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to directly handle teacher deployments.

“If this CSC is recruiting now, when will teachers prepare their schemes of work? We have never seen CSC recruiting soldiers, so, in the same manner, they must leave the ministry to do the recruitment and deployments, so that they meet the required services of the ministry,” he said.

Zhou noted that thousands of teachers were needed at various schools across the country and “the fact that CSC is doing the recruitment now is a clear sign that the department is confused and is derailing progress in schools, which do not have teachers”.

Efforts to contact Matabeleland provincial education directors were fruitless, as their mobile phones went unanswered.

Some of those outside Mhlahlandlela, who spoke to Southern Eye said CSC officials only registered their names, before saying they will contact the aspiring teachers in due course.

“We have registered and we were told to go back home. Some said they were informed that the government has no money to hire new teachers,” one aspiring teacher said.

The latest development flies in the face of Dokora’s assurances last November that the government would recruit at least 7 000 teachers ahead of the start of the new term to improve the teacher-pupil ratio.

Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has rapped Dokora for fomenting chaos in the education sector by hastily introducing a new teaching curriculum without adequate preparations.

ARTUZ president, Obert Masarure, in a statement, said that the new curriculum does not only cause confusion, but is bound to fail due to learners’ inability to smoothly transit from the old curriculum.

“A snap survey conducted by ARTUZ revealed that 98% of sampled schools in rural areas were not ready and will not be ready to implement the new curriculum for the next week in better circumstances and forever in worst scenarios,” he said.

Masarure said teachers in the sampled schools revealed they had not schemed because they did not have the new curriculum.

“A teacher at one rural school in the Midlands said a workshop on the new format of scheming is being lined up for form three and one teachers. There is a lack of preparedness for the teachers to implement the new learning programme,” he said.

The union also expressed concern about the understaffing, saying it compromised the quality of teaching at schools particularly in science subjects.

“Integrated science teachers are now being forced to teach physics, biology and chemistry. Some teachers had also taken heed to the call of a go slow by ARTUZ,” Masarure said.

He also said most schools in rural areas have no electricity, laboratories and textbooks to enable them to teach compulsory computer programmes.

“In all this chaos, the government’s response was to deploy overzealous inspectors countrywide. The inspectors could not do much, as they realised that there was nothing to inspect. The schools were not ready to teach.” -Newsday