Staff Reporter | Gutu has been devastated by floods damaging property and affecting livestock.

The Metereological Services Department recently warned that most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to receive heavy rains, with certain areas experiencing strong winds and flash-floods.

“The department strongly advises that this is a heightened warning, and urges the general public to take serious note of this. Widespread heavy rains (in excess of 50 mm in 24 hours) are forecast for throughout the countr

 Staff Reporter, The Zimbabwe national soccer team manager Sharif Mussa, has told ZANU PF supporters aligned to Vice President Emerson Mnangagwa that the soccer players are not mercenaries but professional footballers.

Reacting to statements by the angry ZANU PF youths who described the team as a bunch of mercenaries after it refused to attend a government send off dinner which was meant to be presided over by Mnangagwa, Mussa said that there was absolutely nothing wrong with his players deciding to go on a collective action to demand what was due to them.

Speaking to the media at the Harare International Airport shortly before the departure of the team, Mussa said that it was unfair to describe the players as mercenaries. “We need to identify the meaning of the word mercenary in the dictionary first then we can take it from there and attach the meaning against the actions of the Zimbabwe Warriors,” said Mussa.

“As their team manager what I know is that they were just asking for what they felt is what they should get pertaining to this qualification.” The team angered the ZANU PF supporters for standing up to the Vice President who is the Acting President claiming that the move by the players was deliberate sabotage to embarrass Mnangagwa in front of the rival G40 faction.

A 19 year old teenager who passed matric with 4 distinctions and was due to study medicine collapsed and died in Pretoria while her friends looked on and cheered thinking she was doing the viral #DeadPose challenge.

Tshidi Ngwenya, who had earlier posted a series of pictures performing the challenge, had decided to step it up a notch and perform a daring pose while her friends cheered and took pictures. The maneuver did not go as planned at she fell to the ground and collapsed. Her friends did not pick up that she was in distress and continued to cheer and take pictures.

After a few minutes of cheering and taking pictures, the friends realised their dead poser was not moving and checked on her and noticed she had choked after swallowing her tongue. Friends tried desperately to revive her as they waited for paramedics to arrive. Upon arrival of an ambulance, she was pronounced dead.

The girl’s parents said she had a history of seizures and might have suffered one while performing the #deadpose.  South Africans have taken to Social Media to pose as if they’re dead for the camera. Search for the hashtag online and you will find endless photographs mostly youngsters pretending to be dead. Some of the photographs are very graphic in nature and have angered users online.

An Ambulance spokesman said: “Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the ambulance crew, nothing could be done to save her. If her friends had noticed early, she would be alive now”. – LiveMonitor

The debate continues to rage furiously among analysts and within warring Zanu PF about the wisdom of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa granting a controversial interview to British publication, the New Statesman, last week.

Although Mnangagwa did not admit, as usual, that he wants to succeed President Robert Mugabe in the interview, former Cabinet minister and war veterans leader, Christopher Mutsvangwa — who is also one of the Midlands godfather’s most vociferous supporters — was emphatic in the same New Statesman story that the VP would “100 percent” be Zimbabwe’s next president.

But perhaps even more problematic for Mnangagwa, a secret Zanu PF document which was passed on to the New Statesman at the time of the VP’s interview suggested, damningly, that Mugabe himself created the ruling party’s Generation 40 (G40) faction as the nonagenarian had allegedly “always felt threatened by VP Mnangagwa and the prospect of his presidency being outshined by that of his protégé”.

In addition, Mnangagwa also appeared to create more problems for himself in the interview. As he absolved himself of any culpability in the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s, in which an estimated 20 000 innocent civilians were killed by the army, he unwittingly and simultaneously shined the spotlight on Mugabe with regards to the killings.

Speaking to the Daily News on Sunday, political analyst Shakespeare Hamauswa said despite all the recent controversies that had dogged Mnangagwa, including the News Statesman interview, the VP was “a survivor” who had managed to weather the storm in many previous such situations.

“Mnangagwa has survived many times, not necessarily because he is a strategist par excellence, but because he enjoys the support of the security sector.

“The donors, who are increasingly becoming dissatisfied with the opposition are also preparing for a ‘second best option’, which is a reformed Zanu PF, and they also think that Ngwena (Mnangagwa) can lead that reformation,” he said.

“So, the New Statesman interview is for me okay in that the succession battle is being fought through the media and the best way for the protagonists is to fight back through the same media.

“There might be weaknesses in the way he handled the coffee mug storm but that will not guarantee his downfall in the absence of a strong counter strategy, one that is based on tactics and not just the mudslinging of aspiring candidates,” Hamauswa added.

“I think the bigger picture is how Ngwena has conducted government business so far. Yes he can deny involvement in Gukurahundi, but he can not explain such things as his foolish statement when he said US dollars are not meant for buying mazhanje.

“He also can’t deny that he is the first high-level official to start abrogating the Constitution. What it also means is that he could now spend 99 percent of his time defending himself, without showing his capability of taking over,” Hamauswa concluded.

Another analyst, Maxwell Saungweme  said “Cupgate” — the controversy related to the VP’s “I am the boss” coffee mug — as well as Mnangagwa’s interview with the New Statesman “betrayed him as an unsophisticated politician who is overrated”.

“His recent moves seem to betray, somewhat, a lack of grasp of how the Zanu PF patronage and factional system works. He seems to have exposed himself, his surrogates and political running dogs.

“If one looks at his liberation history and his tenure in government in senior roles, the guy has never portrayed political shrewdness. He is mostly famed for being consistent in carrying out missions in the liberation struggle or for being brutal in government.

“He is not known for being an orator, a diplomatic politician or a shrewd tactician. His latest actions betray the real person in him, an unsophisticated politician. To me, this is the real Ngwena for you and his actions are definitely suicidal given the factionalism and patronage system in Zanu PF,” Saungweme said.

Within Zanu PF itself, Mnangagwa’s G40 enemies have gone to town to use the events of the past few days to portray him as “completely unfit” to ascend to the highest office in the land.

“We told you a long time ago that Lacoste is not just unelectable, he would be a disaster if he succeeded Gushungo (Mugabe),” a G40-linked senior ruling party official told the Daily News on Sunday. – Daily News

STAKEHOLDERS in the media industry have accused the government of stifling citizens’ right to communicate over the internet by increasing the cost of data and making it inaccessible to the majority, who had become dependent on social media platforms for news.

This follows the recent decision by the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) to hike the floor price for data to 2c/MB, which is nearly four times the current data charged by mobile phone operators.

Misa Zimbabwe director, Nhlanhla Ngwenya said the new tariffs were an indirect control on social media by the government.

“This is some other means outside legislation by the government to control activities on the web. It would now be more expensive to download stuff from the internet. It would be a whole lot more expensive to do some serious activity over the net,” he said.

The government has since last year been struggling to regulate social media particularly after it was hit hard by a string of anti-government demonstrations organised by social movements such as #ThisFlag, #Tajamuka and Occupy Africa Unity Square.

“This development would have a serious impact on Zimbabweans to freely share information over the internet because it would now be costly,” Ngwenya said,

Media Alliance of Zimbabwe director, Patience Zirima chipped in saying: “The announcement on new data tariffs, I believe, goes against principles of open access, and diversity of media platforms that have allowed citizens to exercise their rights to free expression.

“I believe Potraz should reconsider this directive. The needs and rights of citizens should be balanced with the needs of corporate players and the government.”

But, Potraz director-general Gift Kallisto Machengete defended the fee hike, saying it was meant to protect mobile phone operators.

“Potraz has a mandate in terms of section 4 of the Postal and Telecommunications Act Chapter 12:05 to ensure sustainable and consistent provision of domestic and international telecommunication services. Therefore, the introduction of floor prices will ensure consistent and sustainable long-term provision of services to all Zimbabweans,” he said. – Newsday

 Terrence Mawawa | An exiled white Zimbabwean national has spoken of the traumatic experiences she suffered at the hands of President Robert Mugabe’s government.

Anne Smith, who is now based in the United Kingdom told ZimEye.com yesterday she was forced to leave Zimbabwe at the height of the violent land grab exercise in 2000. As a result of the chaotic land reform programme 4000 white commercial farmers were displaced from their farmers as supporters of the ruling party Zanu PF forcibly took over their farms. Smith said she had to leave the country because of the explosive situation.

Smith and her family lived at a plot near Esgodini. “We built a house from scratch as we bought land from a farmer. So yes when the land grab exercise started -seeing that we were in a remote area ,we had to leave before the violence reached us. We sold the land for very little,”said Smith.

She added:”We also left the country because our son was denied a Zimbabwean Citizenship-even though his father and I were born and raised in Zimbabwe.The government said our son was an alien because I was from England while his father had a British passport.”

Smith also described Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe(PDZ)leader, Barbara Nyagomo as a positive voice in a negative situation. “I support Nyagomo because she is trying to unite Zimbabweans.She is trying to motivate people to help themselves. All I can say is that I support Nyagomo because at heart she is a humanitarian not just a politician.She is keen to empower the people from the grassroots by encouraging small businesses. She is a dedicated politician who is encouraging people in the diaspora to work very hard,”said Smith.

Responding to reports that it was refusing to accept Bond Notes the Department of Immigration has issued the statement below;

The public should be made aware that immigration services, over the years, have been levied in foreign currency, as the services relate to foreigners with the exception of border passes, which are designed for citizens living close to the borders and, who have relations across the border. Statutory Instrument 195/98 as amended by SI 126/05 clearly tabulates these fees and the acceptable currencies and this position existed during the Zimbabwean dollar era and still stands after the multi-currency period. The introduction of the bond notes should not cause any confusion to this state of affairs. Any alternative approach to this statutory position is contrary to statute.

Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa dealt Morgan Tsvangirai a heavy blow quickly dumping him after winning the by-election in that constituency. The MDC-T is now reported to be heavily divided over whether to support another former Zanu PF senior official Joice Mujuru’s party in the Bikita-West by-election.

Divisions have once again emerged in the MDC-T over whether party leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai should address a joint rally with Zimbabwe People First leader Joice Mujuru in Bikita to garner support for the latter’s candidate for the Bikita West by-election, Mr Kudakwashe Gopo.

It is understood that some people within ZimPF want Mr Tsvangirai to address the rally to lure his supporters to vote for Mr Gopo, a development that coalition advocates think will give impetus to the “mooted coalition” of opposition political parties ahead of next year’s harmonised elections.

However, some people within MDC-T are reluctant to join hands, raising concerns that ZimPF wants to use them.

“We don’t want to repeat the same mistake we made with Norton by-election, where we supported Temba Mliswa (Independent) thinking that he was an independent candidate but he soon dumped us after the election saying he won it on his own,” said an insider.

“The president (Mr Tsvangirai) is unlikely to attend the rally but Elias Mudzuri (MDC-T vice president) because he is one of the people pushing for this coalition.

“Besides, Tsvangirai will be away for some time as he is in Ghana and from there he will be going on a diplomatic offensive to some African leaders. So while the invitation hasn’t officially come yet, we are almost certain the president (Mr Tsvangirai) will not attend that rally.”

Another source said MDC-T wanted Dr Mujuru to go it alone so that the outcome of the result could guide the party over whether she had a following.

The source said there were others within the party opposed to the proposed coalition who were clandestinely supporting former MDC-T legislator and now independent candidate for the constituency, Mr Heya Shoko to divide the vote so that ZimPF loses.

“The idea is to make sure ZimPF loses so that they have no bargaining power when it comes to coalition negotiations. If Tsvangirai attends the rally and Gopo wins, that will be misleading because people who vote for her may be MDC-T people, so effectively, she will be bargaining using our existing supporters,” said the source.

President Mugabe’ spokesperson, Mr George Charamba, said the President was not worried about the so-called joint rally saying the revolutionary party would resoundingly win the election.

“The (by-election) result is a foregone conclusion because from the communication from ZimPF, they are already preparing their membership for a landslide defeat,” said Mr Charamba.

“What is important is not so much the outcome as a correct reading of that defeat but the defeat’s portends for 2018. “Firstly, it weakens further the holding hand of Mujuru in her quest for a coalition with Tsvangirai while at the same time strengthening the hand of a wing in the MDC-T that is opposed to the coalition.”

Mr Charamba said given that Zanu-PF would win the by-elections, it was highly unlikely that Mr Tsvangirai would want to dampen his supporters’ spirit after the polls, when Mr Gopo loses.

“If he attends the rally and ZimPF loses, it means the coalition would have been defeated well before it actualises, meaning that 2018 will be a no show for them.

“Looking in the crystal ball, I don’t see Tsvangirai taking that risk unless he is suicidal politically, which he has proved to be in the past,” he said.

Mr Charamba added: “For Zanu-PF, Bikita is important in so far as it demonstrates its capacity to overcome internal contradictions and so far so good.” – State Media

The low cost housing scheme in Kadoma where 10 model houses have been constructed for the First Lady Grace Mugabe, has been hailed for providing surrounding communities with access to safe drinking water.

Communities around Pixie Combie housing scheme are not connected to Kadoma’s water system and have to rely on shallow wells.

The project under which about 1 300 low cost houses would be constructed, has seen the drilling of a borehole with pumps and 10 000 litre water reservoirs.

This is benefiting more than 100 families who used to walk distances of up to 5km to nearby Rimuka suburb.

Pixie Combie Phase 2 being developed by Macsherp housing developers, has a plan of drilling a borehole for every 100 houses as back up to the council supplied water when it is eventually connected. Pixie Combie phase 1 and 2 are not connected to the main line linking Golden Valley Mine and Kadoma.

Mr Wilson Mutsinje welcomed the decision by the project owner Jimayi Muduvuri to allow the community to draw water from the borehole which will pump water to the new houses.

“This project has come as a relief to us as a community because we had to walk long distances of up to 5km to get water and that mostly affected women and children,” said Mr Mutsinje.

“We have done the first phase of the project and we expect to start this month the main project, which includes 700 core houses similar to the ones built for the First Lady Dr Mugabe,” he said.

The 10 model core houses were inspected by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing officials in December and were approved.

The housing project will be fully serviced before people move in under a rent-to-buy arrangement.

Muduvuri said the community had the right to safe drinking water and they would continue to use tap water from boreholes.

“If we can make a difference in the community the better. This is what Zim-Asset is all about and we are glad we are helping communities have access to safe drinking water in the face challenges of water-borne diseases such as typhoid which are being reported in other parts of the country,” said Muduvuri.

He said the model houses now awaited handover to the First Lady and commissioning.

At least 20 stands were given to the First Lady and partners came on board to complement the developer in building the 10 model houses. The completed core houses include a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and a toilet.

The scheme will offer flexible payment terms of up to three years with people paying as little as $80 per month after meeting the cost of the land, which has been pegged at around $5 000.

Labour and material costs will drive the total cost to around $9 000.

The project mostly targets low income earners, including civil servants. State Media

Ray Nkosi | Former Prime Minister and Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai had a diplomatic briefing with Ghana’s new President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the weekend.

Tsvangirai was accompanied to Ghana by his deputy Nelson Chamisa and wife Elizabeth. Below are some of the pictures…

GWERU City Council is set to relocate vendors operating from undesignated areas in the central business district to a site in the industrial areas.

Town Clerk, Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza said vendors and commuter omnibus operators conducting their businesses at undesignated areas have become a menace in the city.

She said a vending site has been developed for vendors and they would be relocated there in due course.

Ms Gwatipedza said some vendors were now selling farm produce and clothing outside shops and banks.

The town clerk said retailers who pay substantial amounts in rates and water services to council were complaining that illegal vendors were taking away their customers and causing congestion on pavements.

“We have put sheds there to protect the vendors and their products from weather conditions. What is left is for the construction of a toilet for them to use.

“Once that is done we are moving them and that is very soon,” she said.

Ms Gwatipedza said kombis operating from undesignated areas were promoting lawlessness as those that are registered are now abandoning their official termini.

She said they have launched an operation to bring sanity back into the transport sector.

“We need to bring normalcy to this town. We are expecting operators of commuter omnibus to be in designated ranks at all times and not this situation we are experiencing,” she said.

Last year, council moved to plug revenue leakages through unregistered vendors by introducing vending badges for all hawkers trading in the city.

The introduction of the badges came at a time when councillors expressed concern  over loss of potential revenue as vendors using council stalls could not be easily identified. – State Media

CONSUMERS and business leaders have blasted the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) for unilaterally increasing the price of data and voice call services.

The regulator last week announced the move to put into effect new minimum floor prices for all voice calls and data services provided by the country’s mobile network providers — NetOne, Econet and Telecel.

Our Harare Bureau reported that the floor price for voice service will be 12 cents per minute from about 9 cents and 2 cents per MB for data, effective today.  Potraz has reportedly communicated the new prices to mobile operators who are supposed to revise their products in line with the new pricing structure and terminate bundles that do not conform to the new minimum prices, reported Techzim, a local online technology magazine. It said the change means that some packages will become more expensive, making it the latest move by Potraz to protect mobile operators’ revenues.

Consumers have reacted angrily to the move, which they view as an “unjustifiable” rip-off on clients at a time when the economic conditions are hard on ordinary people.

They said the increase in charges would reduce the value for money that consumers will get after recharging. Given that the Government has already imposed a five percent health levy for every dollar spent on voice or data bundles, in line with the 2017 budget, consumers say it is unfair for Potraz to load an extra cost on them.

The regulator has claimed the move was necessitated by a decline of revenue to mobile operators as a result of the substitution of voice and SMS by Internet Protocol (IP) voice and messaging services of the international OTT players who ride on the networks of local operators.

However, consumers view this as a highest level of treachery by Potraz. Business analyst Mr Leonard Mutambanengwe said: “Regulators in economics are to safeguard competitive environments, which benefit the consumers. A regulator setting a price floor is essentially counter-productive to the welfare of consumers.

“And as many rightfully allude to, consumers are going to pay the price for these firms’ inability to be innovative and their succumbing to disruption in their industry.”

An audit expert Mr Tymon Chikosi concurred saying generally the prices of mobile data in Zimbabwe were “too high”, adding that the country’s mobile operators are over protected by the authority.

“Is it the authority’s function to defend local operators or to enable a fair market, which primarily favours the consumer.”

Consumers and business leaders took to the social media where they questioned the rationale behind the tariff increases, arguing that in other countries data was free.

Digital media and marketing consultant Ms Delta Ndou torched widespread reaction on her Linkedin account when she said: “This move is not in tandem with Potraz’s previously stated intent to promote innovation and ensure non-prohibitive pricing of data.”

Funding partner at Best Farms Zimbabwe Mr Rob Shaw reacted: “Having spent time working in various African countries on agricultural projects, I can honestly say Zimbabwe has one of the most expensive call/data rates on the continent. Simple equation for $5 in one of the West African countries (pay as you go) I would Skype from my laptop, emails, phone calls back to Zimbabwe and local calls for a week in Zimbabwe.”

Mr Chenge Matanhire weighed in: “Potraz now actually wants to guarantee the profitability of these capitalists at the poor’s expense! I have always thought that as a regulator authorised to do so by a government elected by the people, they must be seeking protectionist to the consumer — the people.”

Another consumer Mr Simba Mashiri said given declining individual incomes and cash shortages, it was sad for Potraz to add another burden on people.

The move by Potraz will push the already high prices of data up. One gigabyte of data in Zimbabwe costs $35, compared to South Africa’s $5,30 and Tanzania’s $0,90.

In October 2016 Potraz said it was engaging mobile service providers to slash prices of data so that they are not punitive. The new development therefore, comes as an unexpected and unwelcome surprise to consumers, analysts said. – State Media

The banning of selling of vegetables and fruits in Harare is an unwelcome reaction from an irresponsible government that has zero care about the welfare of its people. We note with concern that such a hurried move from the government will go a long way in affecting a long chain of people involved in the trade of vegetables starting from the small scale farmers to the consumers on the ground.

As the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe we vehemently denounce the ban on vending as vindictive, insensitive, irresponsible and evil. The sprouting of vendors on the streets is a direct creation of a government that promised to create jobs that were never created. After managing such a failure, brave Zimbabweans took it upon themselves to find responsible ways to look after their families and send children to school, pay rentals, afford the right to health care.

The current government has managed to destroy and make life more difficult for its citizens than finding solutions to be supportive. We have witnessed an array of unthinkable policies which include Statutory Instrument 64 which has made it difficult for cross border traders to earn a living. The desperate introduction of bond has done more damage than good in worsening the economic crisis.

The fear of the disease in mention is a direct creation of the City of Harare’s management deficit. Service delivery is poor, there is no refuse collection, and citizens are surviving on borehole water. There is no transparency on what is happening to the rate payers’ money. It is the role of Harare Council to ensure that they do their part to make the city a safe market place by providing clean water, public toilets and waste collection services.

As vendors we strongly refuse to be held as scape goats, to sit back and watch the government deal with people as their own subjects. We are Zimbabweans and we have a right to live in Zimbabwe as the ministers do, we are entitled to a reasonable standard of life in which the government should take its part and be responsible. What is the purpose of having a government that has nothing to offer its people?

The people who have been brave to stay in Zimbabwe have gotten no help or encouragement from our own government but serious insults. A large population of millions have fled to South African, and to other nations and those countries are now carrying the burden of another government which is Zimbabwe. Many Zimbabweans are doing vending activities in foreign countries because back at home our government is too busy to notice what is happening to its people.

We will mobilize people to resist such an evil resolution, from ministers who if we dig deeper it will not be surprising that their own mothers send them to school or to universities through money gotten from vending. This is time not only as vendors, but as the people of Zimbabwe we should take hold of our lives and hold this irresponsible government to be responsible and to be accountable to what happens inside the borders of Zimbabwe. We will not allow this ban to kill the livelihoods of hardworking patriotic citizens of Harare. If we are silent this will be effected country wide, we need to stand up demand redress to the welfare of vendors and the people of Zimbabwe at large.

Sten Zvorwadza
CHAIRPERSON
NATIONAL VENDORS UNION ZIMBABWE

ZIMBABWEAN businesses are significantly weighed down by high taxes, with the country’s tax burden of Gross Domestic Product at 23,6 percent considered too steep.

The figure does not compare favourably with those of a number of regional peers.

According to the Economic Freedom Database’s tax burden of GDP indicator, Zimbabwe tax burden of 23,6 percent of GDP, is much higher relative to the region.

The indicator shows that the Zimbabwe’s tax burden of GDP is the third largest among its regional counterparts.

Botswana has the highest tax burden of 30,2 percent of GDP, followed by South Africa with a tax burden of 25,4 percent of GDP.

Kenya’s stands at 19,4 percent; Mauritius is at 18, 6 percent and Zambia’s tax burden of GDP stands at 17,3 percent.

Rwanda has the lowest tax burden of 13,3 percent of GDP.
The National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), in its Zimbabwe National Competitiveness Report (2016) said the high level of taxes is a significant burden to local businesses.

“In terms of local businesses, the Zimbabwean tax regime is more costly and disadvantaging compared to [other countries],” it said.

A World Bank Doing Business (2015) report showed that Zimbabwe — in comparison to Sadc peers Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique — was third in terms of taxation of business profits but highest in terms of labour tax and contributions and other taxes and overall ranks second in terms of total tax rate as a percentage of profit.

An analysis of Zimbabwe’s tax environment has shown that the multiplicity of fees, licences, regulatory charges, permits, and other levies, such as Environmental Management Agency fees, Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe licence, National Social Security Authority, Radiation Protection Authority Zimbabwe, and Health Professions Authority, among others, have huge impacts on the profitability of enterprises.

The NECF has called for a reform by way of streamlining current regulations in order to reduce the tax burden.

“These fees provide evidence for the need to reform the existing regulations and the need to introduce principles of regulatory quality across Government agencies such that any new regulation for example which has to be introduced by a particular ministry needs to be approved,” it said in the report.

Government has, however, been proactive in trying to lighten the weight of taxes on business to attract new investment.

Last month Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa announced some tax relief measures in the 2017 National Budget, with particular respect to tax incentives for Special Economic Zones, among others.

Government last year also fully adopted the Rapid Results Approach, as a mechanism to quickly improve business operations and the investment climate in the country by addressing a number of critical areas, and has achieved a number of milestones.

The approach is yet to be implemented on the taxation system.

A Chinese expatriate working at one of the biggest cement companies in Gweru is battling for his life at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare after he was allegedly attacked by robbers while making love to a commercial sex worker inside his Toyota Hilux double cab.

Journalists are reliably informed that the incident happened at Gweru Sports Club last Saturday night when Cheng Thai was having a nice time with Agnes Chaparira (34).

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko referred all questions to Police General Headquarters describing the case as a national matter. However, journalists gathered that the case was reported under number 98/12/16.

When robbers discovered that the two were having sex, they allegedly started throwing stones at the car but the sex worker managed to escape leaving the expatriate at the mercy of the attackers.

Several items were allegedly robbed from him. It is alleged that Thai who is a constructor at the cement company hooked up with the sex worker at around 1am and drove to rugby grounds at the Sports Club near Mugoni Lodge.

At some stage stones started hitting their car and Chaparira escaped and went and made a report at the Police station.

Tang is said to have fallen unconscious but woke-up later and allegedly drove naked to the Government Complex in Gweru where he was assisted by guards who called for an ambulance.

Tang was ferried to Gweru General Hospital where a scan was conducted and later transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital. It is said that Tang’s head was badly injured and he could not talk by the time he went to the hospital. -Masvingo Mirror

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the lifting of former Zanu PF chairperson Ezra Chadzamira’s suspension with immediate effect.

In a move that has irked members of the rival G-40 facttion, Mnangagwa took advantage of President Robert Mugabe’s absence to lift Chadzamira’s suspension.

Chadzamira was literally suspended by the First Lady, Grace Mugabe in 2015 as factional battles between the G-40 and Team Lacoste intensified. Chadzamira was ousted by members of G-40 team after he reportedly attempted to block Mrs Mugabe’s ascendancy.

Party sources revealed to ZimEye.com Mnangagwa was determined to topple Mugabe. However, Mugabe’s deputy has denied claims that he wants to succeed his boss. “This is a strategic move because it is Mnangagwa who has ordered the lifting of Chadzamira’s suspension. This means Mnangagwa wants to reward his loyalists. Apart from that ,Mnangagwa is determined to topple Mugabe,”claimed a party source.

Chadzamira(42) was also acquitted of charges of obstructing the course of justice. Magistrate Langton Ndokera last week ruled that Chadzamira was not guilty of stopping the messanger of court from evicting illegal settlers in Mashava. Ironically the other accused individuals in the same case were convicted. “Chadzamira has bounced back and this means Mnangagwa is fighting back.Chadzamira is a key member of the Team Lacoste,” said a senior Zanu PF official.

VICE-President Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted Zanu PF renegades and suspended party officials that have been linked to his so-called Lacoste faction at a Christmas party, reigniting claims that he is plotting to topple President Robert Mugabe, fresh details show.

Mnangagwa, who was pictured knocking back what is believed to be whisky from a mug written, “I am the boss”, was joined by at least two dozen activists who were either suspended or expelled by Zanu PF, among them former Zanu PF Matabeleland South youth chairman Washington Nkomo, Edmore Samambwa (Midlands), Tawanda Mukodza (Manicaland) and Vengayi Musengi (Mashonaland West).

The five, who were expelled from Zanu PF, were joined by other Zanu PF outcasts like the suspended former Zanu PF chairman for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira and Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is serving a two-year suspension in Mashonaland West.

Also in attendance, according to sources, were the Zanu PF chief whip Lovemore Matuke, controversial National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman Larry Mavima, youth chairman for Midlands Province Prosper Machando, a 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.

Some unnamed commanders from the security forces were also in attendance at the party.

Mnangagwa’s allies, citing Mugabe’s advanced age, are now publicly declaring that the Zanu PF strongman — in power for 36 years — will cede control to his deputy before 2017 is out.

“The year 2017 may see Mnangagwa being elevated to president and he is most likely to pick Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga [army commander] as his deputy and Kembo Mohadi [State Security minister] as second vice-president, while other security chiefs will be assigned to powerful ministries,” Energy Mutodi wrote on Facebook on New Year’s Eve just hours before he was snapped meeting the acting president at his homestead in Mapanzure, Zvishavane.

Mnangagwa “strategist” July Moyo, his vocal supporter Justice Mayor Wadyajena, Gokwe-Kana MP Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Masvingo senator Clemence

Makwaramba, and the suspended Harare women’s league provincial chair, Ratidzo Mukarati were also in attendance.

The hush-hush meeting, now dubbed the ‘Mug Declaration’, was called to “coronate Mnangagwa as the new boss in Zanu PF, who will succeed President Mugabe”, one insider said.

It came just a week after the British magazine, The New Statesman, carried an interview in which Christopher Mutsvangwa, the leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association who was sacked as a minister by Mugabe and later expelled from Zanu PF, said he was “100% sure” Mnangagwa would be the next President of Zimbabwe.

Jonathan Moyo, a key opponent of Mnangagwa, drew a link between Mutodi’s Facebook attacks on Mugabe and his meeting with Mnangagwa – forcing the acting president to issue a bizarre statement in which he appeared to suggest that musician posed as an MP to gain access.

Mnangagwa furiously protested that he was opening Christmas gifts, among which was the ‘I am The Boss’ mug.

Mnangagwa was also forced to denounce his war veteran allies such as Mutsvangwa as “rogues”.

Sources told The Standard this week that strategies discussed during the meeting included steps to silence the G40 faction – which so far poses the biggest hurdle in his path to the Zanu PF presidency.

Ziyambi is a former Home Affairs deputy minister and ex-Mashonaland West acting provincial chairperson who was removed from office on allegations of factionalism and working to promote Mnangagwa.

Nyakuendzwa, a convicted murderer who was linked to the death of war veteran Tino Wilson Mukono in 2005, is also linked to the Tea Lacoste faction.

Musengi is a former Mashonaland West provincial youth chair who was kicked out of the party on allegations of fanning factionalism and advancing the interest of Mnangagwa.

He was expelled from Zanu PF together with Nkomo, Godfrey Tsenengamu, Samambwa and Godwin Gomwe after a barrage of attacks on Mugabe, his wife Grace and other senior party officials while demanding that Mnangagwa takes over from the aged leader.

Madiro is a central committee who was once suspended from the party on allegations of pushing for Mnangagwa in 2004 and only bounced back after the 2014 controversial congress which saw the VP rise to his current post.

He is pictured seated with Mnangagwa while the VP is again holding the mug.

Chadzamira is one of the three provincial chairpersons barred from holding Zanu PF offices for undermining Grace while supporting Mnangagwa while Mavima is a central committee member and a strong Mnangagwa ally.

Matuke yesterday said only shallow minds found an issue out of a mug that costs a dollar at the expense of serious national issues.

He said he was not apologetic for attending the meeting, as he was free to associate with people he wanted.

“Only mad people comment about the cup. We did not ask whom those people were with on the New Year eve,” he said.

“There was nothing factional about the meeting. There was nothing bad said about the President except praising him. How does that form a factional meeting?” he asked.

On those expelled from the party over their factional links with Mnangagwa, Matuke said: “So if someone is expelled from the party and is your relative, do you disown them? For the record, this is the ninth straight year I have been at the VP’s house celebrating New Year with him. If VP Mphoko (Phelekezela) invites me, I will attend. I am free to make choices.”

Mugabe, currently on leave in the Far East, is thought to be weighing a Cabinet reshuffle in his first business when he returns from vacation.

Paralysis in his government caused by the unending succession drama may force the 93-year-old veteran leader into a realignment of his party, with an eye on the 2018 elections which his party says he will contest – although few believe he will be fit to run. – Standard

Staff Reporter | A house in Redcliff has been torched by fire with a child feared dead.

It is reported that the council which claims to have a fire tender did not show up.  Redcliff has also not had drinking water for days.

Staff Reporter | The Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman of the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC RidusTlou has died.

Party members very close to the Tlou family confirmed to ZimEye.com that the long serving opposition politician died in the early this morning at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo after a long illness.

His illness had seen him spend over a month at a private Johannesburg hospital before being flown back to the country on New Year’s day when he was immediately further admitted at the private Bulawayo hospital where he passed on.

No official comment has yet been obtained from the MDCT.

Harare City Council will this week embark on a massive clampdown to rid the city of unlicensed vendors and irregular shopping outlets as authorities step up efforts to combat spread of typhoid.This comes as the latest report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care showed that 127 cases of typhoid were reported during the week ending January 1. No new cases of the dreaded cholera were reported last week.

Police are also expected to be part of the crackdown amid concerns that municipal officers appear ill-equipped to deal with the growing number of illegal vendors who have also resorted to “night operations” in the capital city.
The blitz comes after an inter-ministerial committee last week pronounced a coterie of measures to fight spread of typhoid and other diarrhoeal diseases. Ministers of Health and Child Care; Local Government, Public Works and National Housing; Environment, Water and Climate; Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development make up the inter-ministerial committee which also includes Mayor of Harare Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail last week, Harare City Council acting public relations manager Mr Michael Chideme said Council would with immediate effect swoop on illegal vending in the city centre.
“The Harare City Council is banning all unlicensed food vending. We will also enhance inspection of all food outlets to guarantee adherence to set regulations. (We are also going to) close all outlets violating the city’s regulations.”
Asked how Council intends to get rid of the vendors who have continued to creep back into the city centre despite numerous raids by council, Mr Chideme said, “This time there is going to be strict enforcement (for the vendors) not to return and to stick to designated sites.
Mr Chideme said while the city authorities are aware that vending is a source of livelihood for many people, there will be no compromise on the health risks posed by vending.
“We cannot compromise the health of the majority. We look at public interest. The health of the majority supersedes any other interest,” he said.
Speaking during Star FM’s The Hub programme last Thursday, Mr Chideme said council would also enlist help from the police.

“We have carried out such raids before so we will also work with the police.” According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care report for the week ending January 1, at least 127 suspected typhoid cases, 21 diarrhoea deaths and three dysentery deaths were reported.
According to the report, “One hundred and twenty seven new suspected typhoid cases and no deaths were reported this week.
“The cases were reported from Harare City (86), Mazowe district (17), Bikita district in Masvingo province (2), Mutare district in Manicaland province (1), Mpilo Central Hospital (4) and Harare Central Hospital (17).
“The cumulative figures for typhoid are 2 352 suspected cases, 85 confirmed cases and 9 deaths.”
During the week under review, no suspected cases of cholera were reported after the last cases were reported earlier in December.
“No new suspected cholera cases were reported this week. The last cases of cholera were reported during week number 49 of 2016. The cumulative figures for cholera are 10 suspected cases, 3 confirmed cases and 1 death.”
“Total diarrhoea cases reported this week are 7 732 cases and 21 deaths. Of the reported cases, 3 318 (42,9 percent) and 4 deaths were from the under five years of age.”
According to the Ministry of Health and Chidl Care, the standard definition of typhoid includes any person with gradual onset of steadily increasingly and then persistently high fever, chills, malaise, headache, sore throat, cough and at times abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea. Addressing a press conference in Harare last week, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa urged Harare City Council to put measures to immediately stop illegal vending of food. sunday mail

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Jorum Gumbo has reprimanded Kwekwe Central legislator Masango Matambanadzo and challenged him not to exceed the bounds of his political authority by doing things that set him on a collision course with city fathers.

Minister Gumbo who is also the Zanu-PF Midlands interim chairperson and the party’s chief whip was speaking during the official opening of the Kwekwe Long Distance Bus Terminus which Cde Matambanadzo had unofficially opened.

Opening the facility a fortnight ago, Cde Matambanadzo did not mince his words in castigating Mayor Matenda Madzoke for continuously postponing the commissioning of the facility for use.

Matambanadzo irked Clr Madzoke when he undressed him during the opening labelling him “stupid and retrogressive” before being aided by some youths to force open the terminus for use by long distance buses and vendors.

The controversial stunt came hard on the heels of yet another shocker where he gave vendors the green light to set up stalls in any part of the city in contempt of council’s by-laws and making it difficult for city officials to control the vendors, let alone collect revenue.

Clr Madzoke was on record saying he was avoiding clashing with the legislator, choosing instead to “let the top officials solve the matter.”

During his speech Gumbo said he was saddened by Matambanadzo’s actions and urged the two leaders to respect each other and avoid clashes that might cost the general public.

“I hear there are some who came and unceremoniously opened this rank without the consent of council, that is unheard of.

How can one unofficially open something that you did not construct, and who gave you those powers?” the minister quizzed rhetorically.

“Leaders should respect each other’s authority, even when you think you are bigger than those people, you should just respect those people for the good of our country,” said the Minister.

Gumbo said everything should go procedurally to avoid chaos.

“Kusekerera benzi kuti rizvisungirire (If you entertain a fool doing his tricks, he will hang himself),” said the minister challenging Matambanadzo to make peace with the city fathers.

Gumbo applauded the local authority for constructing a state-of-the art terminus which replaces the old and dilapidated Amaveni Terminus which was commissioned by Dr Joshua Nkomo in 1980.

In his speech Clr Madzoke said the state -of-the art terminus was commissioned after the completion of the first phase which saw the construction of 35 kiosks and 20 sheds within the facility.

The mayor said funds were being mobilised to kick start the second phase which will see construction of an information centre, cloak room, electronic boom gate among other things. – state media

FLAMBOYANT hip hop singer Desmond “Stunner” Chideme’s affection for wealthy women has come under scrutiny again after his wife Olinda Chapel exposed his alleged shenanigans on Facebook, claiming he was not man enough to look after himself.

The Dhafukorera hitmaker whose music career has been punctuated by controversies has been accused of being a “gold-digger” who is in the habit of dating rich women for the love of money.

Stunner once dated socialite Pokello Nare who was also said to have financed his flamboyant lifestyle and the affair propelled him to fame before their nasty breakup.

Interestingly, Chapel has made sensational claims in the same rant she streamed live, alleging that the two (Stunner and Pokello) were still playing it underground as they constantly call and text each other.

In Chapel’s Facebook video on Thursday, she poured her heart out as she exposed the “flashy”
Stunner who is on record claiming that he worked hard for everything that he owns, yet his wife alleged she was responsible for his upkeep.

“Desmond [Stunner] walks around as this person that has made it, but I paid for everything from the Audi he used to drive to everything he uses. I paid for him to do an album launch,” an emotional and weeping Chapel said.

“I am in England working day in and day out thinking that I am building . . . thinking that I have a husband and kids to look after, but what do I get in return?”

In a dramatic turn of events, Chapel and Stunner appeared to have resolved their differences.

Chapel took to Facebook to apologise to her husband and people who had commented about the drama, saying she was fed with false information by one of the singer’s friends.

Stunner also took to Snapchat to confirm their reunion.

However, Chapel’s apology, which she later pulled down, was met with mixed reactions across social media platforms as some suggested that it was a publicity stunt for Stunner to revive his fading career, while some referred to their marriage as a transactional union.

“This is a business relationship more than it is built on love because Stunner is in it for the money while Olinda is in it for fame,” said Anotida Madzinga on Facebook.

“This could have been a publicity stunt for these two to get people talking about Stunner, just like Jay Z and Beyonce’s Lemonade issue,” Simbarashe Ndoro said.

Meanwhile, the release of a song by Stunner featuring Nox titled, Letting You Go on the same day has fuelled speculations that Chapel’s rant was a publicity stunt to market the song. – Standard

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), six months ago raided NetOne and seized documents that allegedly implicated senior management and government officials as involved in suspected shady deals, but mystery surrounds the fate of the investigation.

A search warrant issued by former Harare magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe on May 24 2016 reveals that the anti-graft body was investigating the mobile operator for various deals that included contracts with Megawatt Energy, Bopela Group, appointments of senior management and other deals involving MetBank.

According to the warrant of search and seizure obtained by this paper, Zacc took among other documents that included, a tripartite agreement between NetOne, Zanu PF youth league and Bopela Group, another tripartite agreement between NetOne, Huawei and Bopela group, the NetOne-Huawei contract, a deed of settlement between NetOne and Metbank and an advertisement for the post of NetOne chief operating officer.

According to the search warrant, Zacc wanted documents concerning the Megawatt deal, a list of candidates shortlisted for senior managerial posts at NetOne and how they performed during the interviews as well as their curriculum vitaes.

This, according to Zacc sources, was due to allegations of underhand dealing involving some NetOne officials and the ICT ministry — especially regarding the Megawatt deal and recruitment of senior staffers.

An advert for the post of chief operating officer seized by Zacc states that anyone seeking the post should possess a minimum BSc Information System or Computer Science or Electronic Engineering or Telecommunications Engineering or equivalent qualification.

A CV for Brain Mutandiro who was subsequently appointed and is now NetOne acting CEO states that he has a BA (Hons) Economics from Essex University, and Masters in Business Administration from London International School.

The warrant also demanded that NetOne avails minutes of a board meeting held on December 11 2015 that deliberated on the Megawatt Energy deal.

Zacc spokesperson Phyllis Chikudura at first seemed to confirm the investigation when she said: “aaah, am not aware what happened (to) the probe”.

She later changed her story and said; “I don’t know about it”.

Last week ICT minister Supa Mandiwanzira through his lawyers, Sawyer and Mkushi said he had nothing to do with all managerial appointments made at NetOne.

The minister said he had no underhand dealings with board members or anyone appointed to serve at the parastatal and threatened to sue The Standard for defamation.

But a dossier penned by former NetOne CEO Reward kangai for President Robert Mugabe  in April last year accuses the minister of interference.

“In early 2015, after the appointment of the current minister [Mandiwanzira], the CEO was summoned to the minister’s office  to find Mr Ozias Bvute of Metbank with the minister…the summoning of the NetOne CEO by the minister was to discuss the Metbank debt to NetOne [$700 000],” Kangai wrote in the report.

“The summoning of the NetOne CEO by the minister in the presence of Mr O Bvute without prior warning was clearly intended on intimidating or cowering the CEO into accepting access of the money after a period of three years,” Kangai stated in his voluminous report.

“Mr Bvute was brazenly arrogant throughout the meeting, leaving both acting permanent secretary Cosmas Chigwamba and I perturbed as to why he carried that disposition.”

According to documents, Metbank owed NetOne $700 000 and the parastatal had battled to recover the funds due to liquidity challenges bedevilling the bank.

Documents suggest that Mandiwanzira caused NetOne and Metbank to sign a deed of settlement for the recovery of the money which was supposed to have been cleared by November 2015.

But according to Kangai’s dossier by March 2016 the bank had not cleared the debt while at least two ex-Metbank staffers had joined NetOne.

Mandiwanzira’s lawyers went on to challenge allegations that the minister had an octopus-like grip on the parastatal, saying such claims were defamatory.

But minutes of a board meeting held on February 11 2016 suggest otherwise as the minister is said to have told Kangai that “he had the prerogative to direct the board to fire the CEO”.

Mandiwanzira appointed Bvute, a former Metbank executive to lead the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe board and Peter Chingoka, also from the same bank, to head NetOne’s board in an acting capacity. – Standard

Barely eight years after a cholera outbreak wreaked havoc in Zimbabwe, claiming over 4 000 lives with Harare and Mbare in particular, being the epicentre, fresh typhoid cases are causing sleepless nights in the populous suburb.

Overcrowded and poorly serviced by the Harare City Council’s refuse removal teams, Mbare has been hardest hit by the typhoid outbreak that has already killed two people out of the over
1 000 suspected cases.

According to statistics released by Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa on Friday, Harare has 22 confirmed cases of typhoid.

Two hundred and fifty cases of the water-borne disease are still being investigated.

The government has isolated Mbare as the source of the outbreak in Harare and a visit to the capital’s oldest suburb revealed why the residents are bearing the brunt of the medieval disease.

Matapi and Matererini hostels are typical examples of a conducive environment under which typhoid thrives.

With their dilapidated sewer systems that are teeming with human excreta, the area is a perfect breeding ground for salmonella typhi bacteria, which causes typhoid.

From the outside, the two hostels look like a junkyard with heaps of uncollected garbage.
There is a strong stench emanating from the rotting food and diapers.

But nothing compares to the horror inside the blocks of flats which were never meant for families in the first place.

Like any compound, the place is quite vibrant and being a school holiday, there was a lot of movement and activity on the Friday afternoon.

There was loud music playing everywhere and hordes of people were lounging on window sills, open spaces and in doorways of their tiny cramped apartments.

Laundry was hung on windows as flat dwellers were afraid of thieves that snatch clothes right from the washing line.

A foul smell pervaded the whole compound but it did not seem to bother the inhabitants.

The passage at the Matapi block was dark even though it was just after mid-day.

Down the dirty passage, the news crew stumbled on a greenish liquid on the floor, which was flowing from a dilapidated toilet.

The putrid smell was pervasive and big flies known locally as green bombers made a happy sound as they buzzed in and out of the toilet.

The sight was not for the faint-hearted.

The little cubicles do not have doors and the toilet pans and holes were overflowing with human excreta.

In the men’s section, worms were squirming in the urinary.

There were sewer pipes that appeared to have long packed up and many hung wide open.

There has been no running water for ages and no one is responsible for cleaning the toilets.

“Some of us cannot use those toilets, especially the children. We would rather use the bush,” said a young woman who was busy washing her plates just outside the building.

“It is obvious that the way we are living here is risky, especially for the children.

“If there is an outbreak here, it will not be easy to contain. We will all die,” said another woman who pleaded with our news crew to highlight their plight.

“Maybe help will eventually come when you tell our story. Did you see our toilets?

“Are they fit for any human being? What about our children?” she asked.

The bathrooms, like the toilets, have no doors, exposing women to voyeurs.

“Some perverts even make it a habit of sneaking into female bathrooms just to have a glimpse of naked women,” an elderly woman said.

There is just one borehole for about six blocks of flats and it is located near a heap of garbage.

Children ran around playing in the streams of sewer water gushing out of burst pipes apparently oblivious of the lurking dangers.

“That is why we do not pay a cent to council. There is no service delivery here,” said another middle-aged woman.

A more horrific tale is told at Matererini flats. The people there literally wash dishes dodging human waste material occasionally dropping through burst sewer pipes from floors above.

“We used to put a plastic container at strategic points so that the faecal matter would collect there and we later dispose it but the container broke,” said a man who has stayed at the flats for years.

A few weeks ago two women exchanged harsh words after their children fought over faecal matter.

“One of the children was spattered with human excreta on his face and this angered his mother who then confronted the other child’s parent,” said a neighbour who witnessed the furore.

The outbreak of typhoid has exposed just how critical it is for the local authority to address the plight of Mbare flats dwellers.

The city council provisionally singled out a borehole in the area as the source of the problem.

The borehole is not properly secured, a factor which might cause runoff water and sewer to seep through into the borehole.

“The cases are coming mostly from Mbare and are being treated at Beatrice Infectious Diseases hospital,” said Harare City Council director of health services Prosper Chonzi, who also added that their team was in Mbare clearing blocked sewer pipes.

Meanwhile, council’s health department in collaboration with Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) has set up a typhoid treatment centre at the Edith Opperman Clinic in Mbare to treat patients free of charge.

The treatment centre is manned by nurses and doctors from both MSF and council, 24 hours a day.

An ambulance has also been put on standby to ferry patients with severe symptoms to the Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Typhoid symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, skin rash, abdominal pain, headache, generalised body pains and diarrhoea or constipation, explained Daniela Garone, MSF medical coordinator in Zimbabwe.

In 2012 then Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo said the government had plans to pull down the 58 shanty hostels including Matapi, Nenyere, Shawasha, Mbare and Matererini, originally built to house black migrant labourers during the colonial era.

However, the promise was never fulfilled and over the years more and more homeless people kept coming, overwhelming the already fragile ablution system, which can no longer cater for the over 100 000 people.

“The responsible authorities should give us alternative accommodation before demolishing this place. It is not fit for humans,” said a young man who was selling pirated music discs.

Typhoid, an infectious bacterial fever, can be treated with antibiotics, but it still kills more than 220 000 people worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organisation.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued an alert for typhoid fever to those returning from Zimbabwe.

The country’s health department is already on high alert following an outbreak of typhoid cases in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

The institute has warned the disease could spread to neighbouring countries.

Head of the outbreak response unit at the institute, Kerrigan McCarthy said health care practitioners and returning travellers need to be aware of the symptoms.

“The NICD has received reports of an increased number of cases of typhoid in Harare in Zimbabwe,” McCarthy said

“We are very at risk of having acquired typhoid and we really want to release an awareness and alert to clinicians and also returning travellers to be aware of the symptoms.” — Additional reporting by SABC.

A large number of urban men have two or more sexual partners, and more than 63 percent admit to regularly having unprotected intercourse, a survey has revealed.

According to a recent Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), 14 percent of men in 2015 admitted to having two or more sexual partners and having unprotected intercourse with them.

About 50 percent of women with two or more sexual partners also admitted to having unprotected sexual intercourse.

The survey showed that men between ages 30 and 49 were more likely to have unprotected sexual intercourse, with the percentage of condom use in the last sexual encounter being between 20,3 percent and 23,9 percent.

Harare had the highest number of men with multiple sexual partners with 17 percent of those interviewed admitting as much, while Manicaland province recorded the least number of men with two or more partners.

Bulawayo had the highest number of men who used protection in their last sexual encounter and Mashonaland Central anchored the statistics despite having many men with multiple partners.

The report, encouragingly, notes an overall increase in the number of men being tested for HIV and getting their results. Manicaland had the least number of males willing to go for HIV testing.

“More men than women report having two or more sexual partners, 14 percent and 1 percent, respectively,” part of the survey reads. “Among men, this is a small increase from the 2010-11 ZDHS where 11 percent of men reported having two or more sexual partners while among women, there was no notable change.

“Having multiple partners is slightly more common in urban settings. Among those reporting two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months, condom use at last sex was 50 percent for women and 37 percent for men.

“Men aged 15-19 were more likely to report condom use (71 percent) than men in other age groups. While 95 percent of men report knowing where to get an HIV test.

“Compared with women, men report lower levels of past HIV testing and receipt of their results (62 percent). ‘‘By province, similar to women, the lowest HIV testing coverage among men is observed in Manicaland 55 percent.

“Coverage of prior HIV testing has increased since the 2010-11 ZDHS. Among women, the percentage who were tested for HIV in the past 12 months and received the results has increased from 34 percent in 2010-11 to 49 percent in 2015.

“Among men, the percentage who were tested for HIV in the past 12 months and received the results has increased from 21 percent in the 2010-11 ZDHS to 36 percent in 2015.”
Director of Family Health in the Ministry of Health and Child, Dr Bernard Madzima, said unprotected sex remained a major cause for concern.

“Behaviour change, including condom use, has been one of the mainstays of the HIV programme amongst a host of other interventions which has seen the country HIV rates going down,” he said. “However this kind of behaviour remains risky.”

According to the latest Global Aids Progress Report, Zimbabwe’s HIV prevalence rate declined from 15,7 percent in 2011 to 13,8 in 2015 on the back of various Government strategies.

These include early adoption and implementation of the 2013 World Health Organisation guidelines on treatment and prevention, male circumcision, tuberculosis/HIV collaborative treatment, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Condom use has also played a big role in the declining HIV prevalence rate. The report shows that the number of people living with HIV increased from 1,35 million to 1,41 million more people accessed treatment. – State Media

LAW enforcement agencies have launched countrywide sting operations to nab farmers who are abusing free agricultural inputs provided by Government under the Command Agriculture Scheme.

The Sunday Mail understands that police deployed undercover officers to investigate malpractices, with those caught on the wrong side of the law facing arrest. It is understood that some unscrupulous farmers are selling diesel, fertilisers, herbicides and maize seed provided under the programme, in direct contravention of the scheme’s regulations and Government directives.

Provincial programme team leaders who spoke to our Harare Bureau said cases of abuse had been reported in some districts.

Police last week confirmed that several culprits had been apprehended in Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.

National Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said investigations were ongoing, adding that police were using specialised investigation techniques to unmask culprits.

Said Snr Asst Comm Charamba: “As police we continue to monitor the situation in all provinces and arrests will be effected where we have reason to believe a crime has been committed. Already, arrests have been made in several provinces like Manicaland. While arrests have been made we have not consolidated the national figures, so I cannot at the moment give you the exact number of those who have been arrested.

“We have been communicating to members of the public that they should come forward to the nearest police station and report such cases so we can investigate them.”

Our Harare Bureau last week gathered that some farmers in Mashonaland Central were being investigated after authorities received tip-offs on how they were selling a 20-litre diesel coupon for US$15 and a 50kg bag of fertiliser for US$25.

A top official in the Mashonaland Central Provincial Command Agriculture team said police had deployed undercover officers to bust the rackets.

The official said: “We continue to receive reports of abuse of the scheme from members of the public on how some farmers are abusing inputs. From the reports we have gathered that fertiliser is being sold for as little as US$25 for a 50kg bag while a 20-litre coupon of diesel is being sold for around US$15. What we have done is we have sent on the ground undercover police details to investigate where ever we would have received reports of abuse. So far I can confirm that we are investigating cases in Mazowe, Bindura and Centenary.”

Mashonaland Central produces the bulk of Zimbabwe’s staple maize crop. In Mashonaland West, officials were last week compiling reports of alleged abuses at district level with a view to launching full-scale criminal investigations.

In other provinces, our Harare Bureau understands abusers of the programme have been arrested with some recently appearing in court in Manicaland.

The Government last year launched Command Agriculture under which qualifying farmers get inputs to ensure national food security. The programme is projected to reduce Government’s grain import bill that was around US$254 million last year. – State Media

Olivine Industries, which is pinning its hopes on the current import restrictions to relaunch itself, is groaning from the cash and foreign currency shortages that are slowing its planned expansion projects.

A biting cash crunch is affecting consumer demand and the ability to acquire new capital equipment.

Soaring imports and progressively declining exports have resulted in foreign currency shortages that are making it increasingly difficult for manufacturing companies to fund critical economic activities.

Although industry is being prioritised under the current forex rationing exercise that is being overseen by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Olivine believes that delays in processing foreign payments are disrupting its recapitalisaton effort.

So far, the fast-moving consumer goods producer, which was acquired by Singapore-based Wilmar International in 2015, has invested more than US$15 million in its margarine processing technology. But there have been difficulties in sourcing raw materials for the soap plant.

Investment projects
Olivine board chairman Mr Peter Madara believes that bottlenecks in accessing foreign currency to make offshore payments will most likely delay investment into the planned projects, which are expected to take three years (2016-2018).

The company re-introduced established brands such as Buttercup margarine and Jade bathing soap to local supermarket shelves last year after a two-year absence.

There are also plans to reintroduce Perfection ad Dolphin laundry soaps by September 2017.

“The liquidity challenges also impact on the pace of implementation of capital expenditure projects which are expected to take three years (2016- 2018). The fiscal constraints facing the manufacturing companies in Zimbabwe in making payments to external suppliers of crude oil raw material inputs into local production persist.

“The foreign currency challenge extends beyond just the crude oil imports but also to other imported raw materials into local production. Like its counterparts, Olivine faces this constraint,” said Mr Madara.

He, however, noted that the central bank was pulling all the stops to ensure that there is enough foreign currency to meet demand from industry.

Market watchers say the RBZ needs to continue to allocate foreign currency, especially to local oil manufacturers, in order to enable them to continue refining, deodorising and packaging edible oil.

Olive Industries is presently supplying its iconic Olivine cooking oil brand to both the wholesale and retail market. There already exists a niche market for the time-tested products, but supply is struggling to match demand.

New products in the offing
According to Mr Madara, demand and the availability of raw materials are presently determining capacity utilisation, which, however, differs depending on product category.

Olivine began implementing a three-phased margarine processing technology project in 2016.

“Phase One was completed in June 2016 and the supply of locally produced Buttercup Margarine began end of June 2016. Phases Two and Three will be implemented this year and next year respectively.

“The investment in the laundry soap and toilet soap plants for production of laundry and bath soaps remain in progress.

“While Jade bath soap production is currently underway, the production of laundry soap will start upon plant commissioning expected by the third quarter of this year,” explained Mr Madara.

It is expected that the new margarine plant will help boost production efficiencies and improve production capacity to 80 percent from the current 20 percent.

Some of the equipment that made up the old margarine plant — which dates back to 1947, 16 years after the company was established — is blamed for the inefficient production process of the product, which resulted in the firm losing ground to its competitors.

It is believed that the success of Olivine on the local market will ultimately define its future growth in the region. Encouragingly, the company’s cooking oil products have managed to claim space in major South African retailers such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar and Massmart. Olivine was the target of major acquisitive international groups after Independence in 1980.

It is unsurprising therefore that the company was acquired by American food processing group HJ Heinz in 1982.

The Pennsylvania headquartered business subsequently increased its investment four years later.

But the souring relations between the United States government and Zimbabwe after 2000, which resulted in Washington imposing sanctions through the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zidera) in 2000, forced the company to pull out. The sanctions effectively outlawed American companies from dealing with firms linked to the local Government.

Olivine, which was majority owned by Government through a 49,3 percent controlled by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and a 1,3 percent stake held by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) — a state owned enterprise — was naturally affected.

IDC was also put under the sanctions watch list.
From the time Heinz divested from Zimbabwe in 2007 up until 2014, Olivine has been struggling to court a suitor. It however got relief last year when it was removed from the blacklist. Wilmar International, which also has interests in Chitungwiza-based Surface Investments — the biggest multi-oilseed processing plant in Zimbabwe —swooped on the business in 2015.

It was widely expected at the time that Wilmar would inject US$32,2 million into the business, of which US$25 million was supposed to address part of a debt estimated at US$34 million.

Apart from edible oil, bath and laundry soap, Olivine also produces bakers’ fats, candles, soya meal and cotton seed meal.

Its unit, Chegutu Canners, also manufactures canned beans, tomato and fruit products. The new investors had earlier envisaged that they will be able to make the company profitable by the end of last year.

There are still plans to push the company’s brands to reclaim their market share by the end of this year. – State Media

As you drive along Willowvale Road towards Glen View in Harare, the road is in a sorry state, it is actually impassable. This reflects the poor state of the economy and infrastructure. Thus, when infrastructure is dilapidated, there is poor hygiene and sanitation. In such conditions, diseases like typhoid are inevitable.Typhoid is a disease that is normally found in such places of poor hygiene and sanitation. It is highly associated with poverty because communities that are exposed to poor sanitation and hygiene are the ones at greater risk.

Infrastructure in most areas is dilapidated. Our water and sewer reticulation as well as our public health institutions are in bad shape. This is worse in the high density suburbs. The state of the infrastructure is atrocious. It has always been bad, but now it has really gone from bad to worse.

There is need to overhaul the infrastructure, the water, sewer reticulation system and lift the general standards of living for people so that they are not exposed to these diseases. Thus our answer lies in paying adequate attention to our water and sewer reticulation infrastructure.

Infrastructure must be upgraded. Due to its population density, Harare contributes largely to diarrhoeal diseases than most cities in the country. The city is failing to live to the status of metropolitan.

Funds need to be sourced and infrastructure needs to be replaced urgently. Residents also need to get a constant supply of clean portable water, whether they have paid for it or not.

Whilst we know that there are costs associated with bringing water to households, Government should be able to subsidise water supplies so that everyone gets water. If the prepaid water meters are fully rolled out, there should be a facility for residents to continue receiving water even if there is no payment. Water is a basic right and everybody should get clean treated water. Decongestion of the high density suburbs and cleaning up the environment is of paramount importance. Collection of the garbage that continues to pile up can never be over emphasised.

The city council should also religiously apply the city by-laws concerning health issues. By-laws that concern health issues are being violated left, right and centre and nothing is being done about it.

Food is now being cooked and sold everywhere in the CBD while the local authority is doing nothing about the situation. To make matter worse, the city does not have many functional public toilets.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care, because it has the mandate to cater for the health needs of the nation, has to play a central role in solving the problem. They are the ultimate authority that deals with health issues in the country.

We must put in place all the necessary measures. Typhoid is a disease of the past, surely we cannot have it causing deaths in this era.

The best way to fight typhoid is to adequately prepare for it, but in the event of an outbreak, our primary health care facilities should be adequately resourced to make the right diagnosis, to resuscitate and to refer to infectious diseases hospitals.

However, maybe due misallocation or poor allocation of resources to the health sector, most of our institutions are not adequately equipped to deal with emergencies, they lack resources and manpower.

It is unfortunate that lives have been lost unnecessarily. During the rainy season, we expect all health workers to be on the lookout for water borne diseases because our water sources will be contaminated.

The health sector, which encompasses all these issues, is not adequately playing its role. The Ministry needs to take this matter seriously and urgently engage the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development so as to improve funding for the sector.

Funds have to be released to health institutions for restocking, buying medical equipment and for recruitment purposes.

Funds to replace and revamp infrastructure, particularly water and sewer, have to be availed and the Ministry of Health and Child Care needs to oversee the implementation of such programmes.

There is need to come up with a solution as soon as possible. If the problem is not rectified, it will arise again next year and the following years to come. Dr Edwin Muguti if the former deputy minister of Health and Child Care. State Media

Ray Nkosi | Former Prime Minister and Movement for Democratic Change leader, Morgan Tsvangirai had a diplomatic briefing with Ghana’s new President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

It was ironic in Ghana today that Zimbabwe was officially represented by Tsvangirai, not even acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa was anywhere in sight, while the opposition leader shook hands with African leaders.

The Black Star square in Ghana’s capital, Accra, was the venue of the swearing-in ceremony for Ghana’s new president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his vice-president, Mahamudu Bawumia. In attendance was Tsvangirai and his deputy Hon. Nelson Chamisa, who also met with former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

As per the laws of Ghana, a transition of 30-days was observed as teams from the outgoing government and the incoming one met to exchange notes on the state of the country. A large number of people have converged from all walks of life to witness the event.

The state-owned newspapers, Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times described the event as “Dawn of a new era.” Akuffo Addo becomes the 5th president under the fourth republican constitution which came into effect in 1992. – Agencies

Staff Reporter | It’s all systems go once again for Gwanda villagers as they take time to go into the bush to harvest one of Southern Africa’s delicacy, Mopani worms, Amacimbi in IsiNdebele spoken in area.

The much sought after food item is this year set to give a bumper harvest for the locals as it has come out in unusually high quantities.

Villagers around the district particularly in the Makwe and Sibhula areas have already amassed hundreds of kilogrammes of the worms. According to the villagers they are set for big business this year as buyers start flocking to the area to buy the mopani worms.

At the point of harvest a 20 litre bucket is currently being sold for $15 with the price set to go up as demand increases in the next few weeks. In the past years when the worms were near scarce the price kicked off at over $30 per bucket fetching up to $60 in far off places like Harare where there is a huge market for the worms.

Community leaders have however raised concerns at the poor harvesting methods by some people who cut down trees as they fetch the worms. The leaders claim that the people cutting down trees are mostly “poachers” from outside the district who do not have the traditional background in the harvesting of the worms and are not aware of the importance of preserving the trees for purposes of continuity in harvesting the worms.

Environmental Management Authority officers in the area could not be reached for comment on the extent of the damage that has been done to the environment in the course of the intensive harvest taking place.

War veterans and anti-Mugabe leader, Chris Mutsvangwa photo-bombed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the heroes acre today. A smiling Mutsvangwa, was conspicuous by his boisterous presence during the burial of the late Peter Chanetsa as he towered over the Acting President. PICTURES:

Terrence Mawawa, Chivhu | A prophet from Govere Village in Sadza District infected a form four pupil with a Sexually Transmitted Infection after raping her under the guise of exorcising demons.

The man, Percy Mudyiwa(42),the leader of Kunzwana Kwevapostori Church, appeared before Chivhu Regional Magistrate last week facing rape charges.

Mudyiwa allegedly raped the form four pupil from Neshangwe Secondary School, claiming she was possessed by evil spirits.

Facts were that sometime in October last year, the girl visited Mudyiwa’s church situated at a bushy area near Govere Village. Mudyiwa then proposed love to the pupil and she turned down his advances.

He then intimidated the girl saying she was being haunted by evil spirits and he was the only one capable of cleansing her.

On November 8,2016, Mudyiwa followed the girl as she was going to school, dragged her into the bush and raped her.

The court heard that the girl bled and wiped the blood with a handkerchief. Mudyiwa threatened to stab the girl if she disclosed the matter to anyone.

He then ordered the girl to wash her private parts at a nearby stream.

On a separate day, the girl passed through Mudyiwa’s homestead on her way to school. He raped her again and threatened her with unspecified action if she disclosed the matter.

On December 5 the girl complained of stomach pains and told her grandfather who questioned her about the cause of her illness. She then disclosed the matter.

A report was made to the police leading to Mudyiwa’s arrest.

The girl was taken to a local hospital where she was diagnosed with an infectious STI. The case continues…

EcoCash has re-introduced DSTV payments via its RANDS wallet feature. This comes days after EcoCash suspended all DSTV payments through its normal “USD/Bond Note” wallet effective on 1 January 2017.

The Rand wallet will allow you to pay ALL your DSTV bouquets in RANDS at the following rates:

• DSTv Access: R159.50
• DSTv Box Office: R36.35
• DSTv Family Boquet: R246.50
• DSTv Compact Plus: R681.50
• DSTv Compact: R406
• DSTv Premium: R1044

EcoCash suspended its normal DSTv payments due to the remittance challenges it was facing when trying to make payments to Multichoice South Africa. The RBZ considers DSTv as entertainment so it’s not prioritised when it comes to remitting foreign currency out of Zimbabwe.

EcoCash has now ensured that what it put into their mobile money platform is what they can take out in remittances with the introduction of RANDS payments.

The only issue with using the EcoCash RANDS wallet is that you can only cash in RANDS to use RANDS, you cannot transfer your USD/Bond Note balance across to your new RANDS wallet. There is no cross rate in place to do this. When you cash-in in RANDS you can only cash-out in RANDS or make payments in RANDS.

So this new measure only applies to those that have access to RANDS in CASH. – Techzim

By Staff Reporter | The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) cops are using soldiers assisting them to man roadblocks in the country’s highways to receive and keep bribes they would have solicited from public transport operators.

One such place is the roadblock along Harare-Masvingo highway just after Mbudzi roundabout a few kilometers before the toll gate.

At the roadblock which is meant to search cars coming from South Africa, where the police are on high alert for smuggled goods, the corrupt ZRP cops are using soldiers from the Zimbabwe Military Police to collect and keep bribes.

This is so because police officers manning roadblocks are not allowed to be seen with any cash with them when their superiors make a random visit and search them. On Wednesday, ZimEye.com was in one of the Kombis which paid a bribe of $2 to a soldier assisting the police to man the roadblock.

The police officers at the roadblock do not have road traffic receipt books which are used to acknowledge receipt of motorists who they would have fined for traffic offences.

The police officers at the said roadblock after stopping the cars they direct the Kombi driver to disembark and go and “shake hands” with the soldier standing at a distant, thereby giving him some money.

“This is what has been happening at this raid block and every Kombi which plies the Southlea Park and Ushewekunze route is leaving cash to this soldier which they will later share,” said the disgruntled driver after giving a $2 note to the soldier.

By Ray Nkosi| President Robert Mugabe’s government promised 2 million jobs which have remained elusive, with donors coming in to assist thousands of unemployed youths, by giving a shot in the arm of much needed assistance.

Western donors are targeting 22 000 local youths in self help project skills training as a way of easing the country’s alarming unemployment rate.

The country’s unemployment rate deteriorated drastically in the past five years, after the expiry of the unity government of President Robert Mugabe, and the two MDC formations on July 31, 2013.

Companies since then have been closing shop with thousands of workers being driven to the streets.

In a joint statement, this week America’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) of Britain, and the Swedish’s International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) said giving entrepreneurship skills is the only way they can assist young Zimbabweans who are failing to get jobs.

“I am proud of the UK’s support to the young people of Zimbabwe, making sure that they have jobs and increased incomes in the future,” Head of DFID Zimbabwe, Annabel Gerry, said.

Maria Selin, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, said the programme which they are launching will prepare thousands of youths for productive careers when the economy improves.

“We believe that partnerships and investments that can bring young people and in particular young women into the productive sectors are incredibly important for the economic and social development of any society,” she said.

These western embassies said 12 000 youths have for the past two years benefited from through similar training which they have been conducting under the “Zimbabwe Works” project.

“ This has achieved impressive results in a shrinking economy that is increasingly informal .The activity has made a notable difference in the lives of thousands of Zimbabwean youth the majority of them women,” USAID Zimbabwe Mission Director, Stephanie Funk, said.

JUNIOR police officers are demoralised over continued forced fundraising activities within the force, which they say are depleting their meagre earnings, while enriching bosses.

Officers, who spoke to journalists on condition of anoynmity, said morale had hit rock-bottom within the force over non-stop financial fleecing, which they endure in their various stations.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Charity Charamba did not deny that junior officers are made to contribute to fundraising activities, but said if they had “genuine concerns, they know the proper channels to use to complain”.

“If they want to complain, they know the channels, they don’t come through the Press,” she said.

In December, officers at Kwekwe Central Police Station were forced to pay $61 each before Christmas Day, with $10 going to Kuyedza Club affiliation, $20 for provincial sports, $3 for district sports, $15 for the district tracksuit, $10 for camp upkeep, $2 for district records and $1 for Christmas carols.

In a notice posted at the police station, all police officers stationed at Kwekwe Central Police Station were told to pay the contributions without fail.

“NB: Above funds must be paid by November 30, 2016 without fail,” the notice, signed and stamped by the officer-in-charge, who could not be identified, read.

What has enraged the officers more is that the government is failing to pay them on time, yet they are forced to part with up to 15% of their salaries.

Sources said those who failed or refused to pay were warned of unspecified action, which could include transfer to rural stations if they don’t comply by end of this month.

The junior officers said this money, which is not audited or subjected to any accountability processes, was paid by each officer, except those at the level of superintendent and assistant commissioner, who collect the funds.

“This money is charged on each individual police officer, even if you don’t want to be part of Kuyedza Club or even if you don’t participate in any of the sporting activities. Even after the money is collected, there is no accountability, it is just frustrating,” he said.

Kuyedza Club is run by Police Commissioner-General, Augustine Chihuri’s wife, Isabel. – Newsday

The South African government has indicated that it is willing to make facilities available to ensure Zimbabweans living in that country are able to vote from there in the 2018 general elections, it has been learnt.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) director, Gabriel Shumba said they had engaged authorities in South Africa, through the Diaspora Vote Coalition, who had indicated willingness to assist Zimbabweans to cast their votes from South Africa.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is not enthusiastic about the Diaspora vote, citing financial constraints.
However, Shumba said that arguments being put forward by Zec were unconvincing.

“Arguments advanced so far, to deny us this fundamental right, are unconvincing. The alignment of the electoral laws to the new Constitution can be done in a jiffy. The South African government has indicated in informal discussions that it can make facilities available if approached,” he said.

“Other countries, I am sure, can also do the same if requested. The cost, thereof, can be in part raised by the Diaspora if the political will is present. Safeguards for transparency can be employed in much the same way as they are employed at home.”

Shumba said that denying Zimbabweans living in other countries the right to vote was a violation of their constitutional rights.

“The Diaspora vote, as far as Zimbabwe Exiles Forum is concerned, is a non-negotiable right. The Constitution is unequivocally clear on the rights of all citizens to vote. Readers may also recall that in 2013, in Gabriel Shumba and others versus Zimbabwe, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in Banjul granted us provisional measures on the expatriate vote,” he said.

Shumba said due to financial constraints, as well as pressing work commitments, it would be difficult to mobilise Zimbabweans living in South Africa to return home to vote, hence, the need for Zec to facilitate for the Diaspora vote.

“To mobilise Zimbabweans to come and vote is way too expensive both in terms of time and financially. We tried it in 2008 and only got about 100 000 voters, with the rest unable to come to Zimbabwe owing to work commitments or finance limitations,” he said.

“What is needed here is political will. In the Diaspora, we now have the Diaspora Vote Coalition formed on November 12, 2016, which will advocate for the Diaspora vote.” – Newsday

Attempts by spiritist preacher Walter Magaya to stop prosecution for rape have flopped.

Eleven (11) witnesses have been lined up to testify against Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder Walter Magaya, who is facing charges of rape, when his trial takes off at the High Court next month. Magaya, accused of raping a 25-year-old former congregant, will go on trial on February 20.With a high profile and prominent in national and international religious spheres, Magaya’s case will be closely watched by the media and those in Christian circles. According to the indictment, the complainant used to be a congregant at PHD Ministries. She reportedly accepted an invitation from the self-styled prophet to visit him and was shown around the house.

Magaya allegedly left the woman in a room inside the house and later returned naked. It is alleged that Magaya raped the woman once. After the offence, he allegedly gave her $200 and she later reported the incident to her boyfriend in July 2015.

However, in November last year, the complainant sought to withdraw the charges claiming she was being threatened with unspecified action by unidentified people allegedly against the criminal trial of Magaya.

The prosecution refused to drop the rape charges, prompting the clergyman’s lawyers to refer the case to the Constitutional Court.

The application was granted. The apex court will decide on the constitutionality of prosecuting a rape suspect following the withdrawal of a report by the complainant.

Granting the application for referral, Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, ruled that the Concourt should decide whether or not the decision by the Acting Prosecutor-General to indict Magaya when the complainant confessed that the rape allegations were false violated his constitutional rights.

Apart from the Magaya rape trial, the High Court will this term alone hear 45 murder cases and one robbery case between this month and March.

The National Prosecuting Authority has since notified authorities in charge of prisons in Bindura, Marondera, Karoi, Mt Darwin, Murehwa, Kadoma, Chinhoyi and Mutoko to make arrangements and transfer the murder suspects held in their prisons to Harare prisons immediately.

Police have been advised to ensure that witnesses are available to attend court on time.

“The subpoenas for all witnesses for the cases set down for this period have been sent to you for distribution to the various police stations and for the services to the witnesses,” reads the notice to Deputy Commissioner General of Police (Crime) Godwin Matanga.

Meanwhile, the newly opened Masvingo High Court will hear 22 murder cases when the judicial year opens. The court was officially opened in May last year.

The first ever High Court to be opened in Masvingo in post-independence Zimbabwe is manned by two judges—Justices Joseph Martin Mafusire and Garainesu Mawadze.

Masvingo became the third city to house the High Court after Harare and Bulawayo. – state media

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Dr Walter Mzembi officially launches his candidature for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General post in Spain next week.This comes after the African Union Commission and several stakeholders endorsed Dr Mzembi as the rightful candidate for the post last year. In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Ambassador Stuart Comberbach confirmed the formal launch of Dr Mzembi’s candidature, saying it would boost Zimbabwe’s run for the top post.

“Dr Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the current Chairperson of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, is set to formally launch his candidature at a landmark reception event to be held in Madrid, Spain on January 19, 2017,” he said.

“Invited guests include representatives of all UNWTO member states, the Secretary-General of the UNWTO and all executive directors of the organisation, as well as senior representatives of the Spanish Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.”

Ambassador Comberbach said the formal launch would provide Dr Mzembi with an opportunity to unpack his vision for the international body.

“The launch event in Madrid will provide an appropriate opportunity and platform for Dr Mzembi to outline his vision as well as provide an overview of how, if elected Secretary-General, he intends to lead the UNWTO to those ‘new heights of relevance, recognition and results’.”

Ambassador Comberbach said following the unanimous endorsement by African Heads of State and Government at the AU Summit held in Rwanda in July last year, Dr Mzembi assumed the mantle of Africa’s candidate for the top UNWTO post, a position which has never before been held by an African.

Dr Mzembi has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry since 2009.

Prior, he held various positions in both the public and private sectors in Zimbabwe and internationally including heading the Zimbabwe delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly for three consecutive years.

He has represented his country on the UNWTO Executive Council and is currently serving his second consecutive term as chairperson of the UNWTO’s Regional Commission for Africa.

Dr Mzembi has a long-standing, deep and abiding passion for tourism in its many facets, as well as a well-defined and clearly articulated vision for the future development of the global tourism industry, under the umbrella of the UNWTO. – State Media

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa suffered yet another humiliating blow after the Warriors boycotted a dinner he was guest of honour at the Rainbow Towers Hotel.

The dinner organised by the ministry of Sport and Recreation would have had Mnangagwa deliver a keynote speech, for the send off dinner in honour of the national team.

The acting President still has other humiliating issues on his hands among them one to do with a mug written ‘I am Boss’ he has since disowned. Mnangagwa is acting while President Robert Mugabe is away and the humiliation by the national team is a big blow for the man with ambition to one day rule Zimbabwe.

The Warriors have gone on strike, demanding their allowances before they fly off to Gabon tomorrow.

They have also boycotted a farewell dinner tonight. The players are also shocked that five coaches who had minimal input into preparations have been included in the travelling party. They want these removed and replaced by the eight players who have been dropped.

BULAWAYO City councillors on Wednesday rejected moves to rename the city’s largest football stadium, Barbourfields, after Lookout Masuku in honour of the late Zipra commander.

The eventual decision to reject the motion, which was tabled by ward one councillor, Mlandu Ncube, followed a heated debate in which councilors argued that despite the late Zipra general having played a role in liberating the country, he had made no contribution to football in both the city or the country, to deserve the stadium to be named in his honour.

Councillors instead decided to consult residents on how to honour Masuku.

In tabling his motion to council’s street naming sub-committee, Clr Ncube noted that this would help the city and the nation as a whole to remember that for independence to be achieved there are people who sacrificed their lives.

“I am writing this letter as a motion moving that we as council we rename our big stadium Barbourfields to Lookout Masuku stadium. General Lookout Masuku was a great soldier who fought the liberation struggle. I see it not good to not preserve this name yet we still have colonial names.

“We need to celebrate this great commander who was peace-loving. We already have people who were junior to him being honoured with streets and suburbs’ names. I think this will be a good move as it will keep reminding us that for us to enjoy this freedom there are people who sacrificed,” reads part of the motion.

However, in outrightly rejecting the motion, officials from the local authority’s department of housing and community services noted that since Cde Masuku was a national hero, it was the Government that bestows heroes’ names on monuments and not local authorities.

“You can never obliterate history. History shall forever be made and be a part of humanity. I therefore would not support the change of name of the stadium. Just because it is an English name does not make it colonial. ‘Lookout’ is also an English name.

“Secondly, and admittedly, Lookout Masuku is a hero to all and sundry, but what is his link to soccer? We have never heard of his interest in soccer. Lastly, Masuku was a national hero, and as such, it is Government that bestows heroes’ name on monuments and not local authorities,” reads an objection to the stadium name change.

Debating during the full council meeting held at the council chambers on Wednesday, most councillors were of the view that no one should tamper with the stadium’s name as it was a landmark in the city that had a huge bearing to the city’s history.

Ward 17 councillor Ephraim Ncube said there were bigger football legends that could have the stadium named after them but still this was impossible as the stadium was itself a landmark that had to be kept as it was.

“Some of our younger councillors might not know Taffi Moyo, who did a lot for sports especially football in the country. Actually to be honest if there was anyone we could name Barbourfields after; it should be Taffi Moyo, as he did a lot for that stadium.

“Besides Taffi, we have a lot more footballers that we can honour besides Lookout Masuku. Yes he did a lot, which we appreciate but let’s look for other means of honouring him,” said Clr Ncube.

Clr Collet Ndhlovu of ward 28 concurred with Clr Ncube noting that councillors should not be waylaid into passing decisions that would affect the city’s heritage. – State Media

ZANU-PF’s Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Rabelani Choeni and four other people have been hospitalised after they suffered serious injuries when a vehicle he was driving veered off the road and overturned.

The accident occurred on Wednesday along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road when Choeni was on his way to Matopos National Park to identify a site for hosting the 21st February Movement Celebrations next month.

National Traffic police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome confirmed the accident yesterday.

“On 4 January at around 6AM the driver and four passengers were involved in an accident at the 189km peg when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It veered off the road and overturned leaving them with serious injuries,” said Insp Chigome.

He said Choeni and the passengers were taken to Gwanda District Hospital and their condition is reportedly stable.

“They’re currently admitted at Gwanda District Hospital. At the moment we’ve not heard any news of any threat to life as their condition is reported to be stable,” he said.

The Zanu-PF provincial executive through its Secretary for Information and Publicity who is also Umzingwane legislator, Cde William Dewa, wished Cde Choeni a speedy recovery so that he continues with his job.

“As the provincial executive we are very sorry that our chairman was involved in an accident. Actually he was on his way to Matopos National Park to identify the venue as we are going to host the 21st February Movement Celebrations. We wish him a speedy recovery so that he joins others in the preparations,” saidDewa.

A party official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Choeni was driving in his official party Ford Everest vehicle from Beitbridge when the accident occurred.

“The vehicle burst its rear right tyre near Johnsley Resettlement area just before West Nicholson and he lost control before he veered off the road.

He had four passengers he had given a lift. We visited him and observed that he is out of danger although he has visible injuries,” he said. – State Media

Terrence Mawawa, Bikita | Controversial Masvingo State Minister Shuvai Ben Mahofa pulled another shocker in Bikita when she likened former Vice President Joice Mujuru to human faeces.

Mahofa made the shocking public outbursts while addressing party supporters at a rally held at Gwindingwi High School ahead of the January 21 by-election, attended by at least 3000 Zanu PF supporters.

Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was present when Mahofa openly attacked Mujuru. She uttered unprintable words in the process. Surprisingly Mnangagwa remained mum on the issue.

Mahofa warned Mujuru not to tamper with the constituency. She added Mujuru was drenching herself in human faeces. She further described Mujuru as a stinking individual and likened her to human waste.

“Let me warn Mujuru and her allies that they are wasting their time by coming here. This is what we are telling Mujuru- if you play with faeces you will regret. She is just like that…”said Mahofa.

She also said Mujuru would regret the day she was born if she continued to oppose the ruling party Zanu PF. “Mujuru will regret the day she was born. She will be embarrassed-that I can assure you,”said Mahofa.

Mahofa who could hardly stand because of ill-health also described Mujuru as a selfish individual who betrayed the liberation struggle. “Mujuru is a selfish individual who betrayed the values of the liberation struggle.Her party will be humiliated in the by-election.”

Whoever said coming clean about cheating on a spouse sets one free has forgotten how it penned out for American golfer Tiger Woods. When Sylia Nigo confessed to her husband Munyaradzi Chibudu that she had cheated on him with two men she thought she was doing it to save her marriage.

“Promise me that if I tell you the truth you will forgive me and never tell anyone because this is embarrassing. I had se_x once with Tasara Mutambanashe at his work place in Gweru. As for Brian Maturikwa, a deacon at our church, we slept together twice. First it was at our matrimonial bedroom and the second time we did it in his car,” said Nigo.

Chibidu could not believe that his wife of seven years had disrespected him to the extent of sleeping with another man in their matrimonial bed. He makes it clear in the recording that he would not forgive her for her actions and asks her to phone and invite one of her boyfriends to their house but Nigo refuses.

At the end of the leaked recording, Chibudu tells his wife that they have to part ways and they will only communicate when dealing with their two children’s issues only. Chibudu confirmed the development.

“I discovered my wife’s extra marital affairs in her phone. Before confronting her, I tried to chat with the person on Whatsapp pretending to be her but my plan failed as the man demanded a voice recording to confirm if it was her. I ordered her to send a voice recording and thereafter the man was all lovey dovey, selling her out. When she realized that she had been caught she apologized and made the confession,” he said.

Chibudu revealed he is in pain because his wife cheated on him with his former workmate Mutmabanashe and Maturikwa, their church deacon. Maturikwa refused to comment on the issue claiming that it’s a long story which is not easy to understand before dropping the phone. The woman at the centre of controversy refused to comment and Mutambanashe’s phone went unanswered. State Media

Former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) outfit’s political weight will be put to test in two weeks’ time when her party participates in the Bikita West by-election.

With opposition parties under pressure to perform from Zimbabweans who have suffered for more than three decades at the hands of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF due to their misrule, many people are waiting to see what value Mujuru — the nonagenarian’s former second-in-command — will bring to opposition politics.

Since her brutal ouster from both Zanu PF and the government in late 2014, as well as her subsequent formation of ZPF the following year, Mujuru has been shying away from participating in such polls — leading cynics to say that this was because she still harboured ambitions to return to the ruling party.

ZPF and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC have, together with other smaller parties, coalesced under the banner of the National Electoral Reform Agenda, where they are demanding electoral reforms to level the playing field which they say is heavily tilted in favour of Zanu PF.

But a confident ZPF spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire, told the Daily News yesterday that his party would win the Bikita West by-election, in which their candidate is Kudakwashe Gopo.

“We have lined up the president’s (Mujuru’s) rallies in the constituency in the coming few days and our campaign is going on well. Our message of peaceful engagement to build our country is resonating well with the people  of Bikita West,” Mawarire said.

In a previous interview with the Daily News, Mawarire has also rubbished the possibility of Mujuru re-joining Zanu PF, saying that it did not make sense for her to do this as their party has, since its formation, grown in leaps and bounds to a size bigger than the ruling party’s.
“Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) has grown bigger than Zanu PF. It will be folly for someone in the case of Mai Mujuru, who started a political party that is bigger than Zanu PF to even contemplate going back to Zanu PF which is disintegrating every other day.

“If she were to go back to Zanu PF, which Zanu PF will she go to, because there are so many splinter groups. There is Lacoste, G40, Grace, Mugabe and his group and expelled war veterans on the other hand,” Mawarire said. – Daily News

Her account was no longer available by Friday afternoon following her new post apologising to the rapper barely 24 hours after she attacked him on the social networking site accusing him of being a gold-digger and a cheating husband.

On Thursday, she made made a live Facebook post on her account Olinda Chideme, sobbing, undressing the rapper, saying she is the one behind his well-being from clothes, rentals to cars.

She made a U-turn and apologized to the rapper saying his friend had snitched on him.

Several people attacked her following the post, with some hurling insults describing her as desperate and female ‘blesser’.

It seems she could not contain the comments and deactivated the account.

Some believed it was a publicity stunt to push Stunner’s new song which came within hours of Olinda’s outburst titled Letting You Go featuring Nox.

Several people expressed their views on social networking sites Facebook, twitter and Instagram some calling her a ‘desperate female blesser’.

Below are some of the comments by people on social media:

“I got a feeling that this was a planned thing”

“stunner and olinda planned it just to support their track am pretty sure wen she was filming that video stunner was there laughing and saying keep going babie”

“hahahahahaha we ar victims yesterday we stood wt her vamwe kutotukirira vasina mhosva aaah zvonyadza”

“That was just a publicity stunt to promote single ya Stunner irikubuda. Pane imwe clip ichangobuda yavarikutoseka vari 2 zvavo. Vapfana vamazuva ano varikutsvaka mari nebheura chairo”

“stunner zvake zvakabhadare and she (Olinda ) is desperate …and Stunner knows she will cling to anything that he says to her to counter the allegations”

“Ngaaite apology LIVE sezvaakaita pekutanga”. – State Media

By Promise Sande

🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼Please Requesting your feedback

Out of 16 Policy Areas Identified by my FB friends and family, The Poll… https://t.co/OZaPcRoNeS

— Promise Sande (@PromiseOfAfrica) January 5, 2017

By Langton Ncube | A Kwekwe magistrate has sentenced the town’s deputy mayor Aaron Sithole to two years imprisonment.

Sithole was arrested last year together with former MDC-T Kwekwe MP, Blessing Chebundo, former mayor Shadreck Tobaiwa, MDC-T activists Moses Mashizha, Sekai Marashe and Tendai Kokera councillor Weston Masiya and Tendai Virimai and charged with of public violence following a demonstration.

Information reaching ZimEye.com is that the convicted MDC-T officials’ lawyers are appealing against both the conviction and sentence.

Analysts say Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s unusual move on Wednesday to disown disgruntled war veterans, as well as his veiled swipe at maverick businessman Energy Mutodi, betray his anxiety to remain on President Robert Mugabe’s good books as Zanu PF’s escalating tribal, factional and succession wars get uglier.

This saw Mnangagwa’s party opponents going to town and interpreting, rightly or wrongly, the pictures as confirmation of the VP’s mooted presidential aspirations and his Team Lacoste party faction’s alleged plot to take power irregularly.

However, Mutodi — who ignited the brawl after he posted the pictures of him and Mnangagwa posing with the mug — was still sounding bullish yesterday despite the storm, further suggesting that the VP was now allegedly unstoppable in his quest to succeed Mugabe.

“However, the time has come to tell the G40 (Zanu PF’s Generation 40 faction, which is rabidly opposed to Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe) that they will not be able to dislodge Vice President Mnangagwa from his position or stand in his way as they did to former Vice President Joice Mujuru.

“President Mugabe has managed to stay this far in power owing to the work of Mnangagwa and the security forces and not owing to (Higher Education minister) Jonathan Moyo’s tweets,” Mutodi wrote on his Facebook wall.

“We all know that the genuine Zanu PF cadres are the war veterans who were prepared to die to liberate Zimbabwe and not small-brained professors who see treason on tea cups.

“Furthermore, Zanu PF members are aware that Jonathan Moyo and his G40 associates are misleading the president and continue to isolate him from his support base and if this continues, it is a sure case that Zanu PF will emerge from the 2018 elections as an opposition party.

“A revolutionary is known by his willingness to peacefully hand over power to another party cadre and not to continue holding on for selfish reasons until the party loses elections,” Mutodi added.

The brawl over the coffee mug comes as Mnangagwa has been increasingly touted as a front runner to succeed Mugabe, who turns 93 next month.

At the same time, a large section of the war veterans and some members of the uniformed forces security have also thrown their full weight behind Mnangagwa, with the former publicly endorsing the Midlands godfather repeatedly and warning that blood could be shed in the country if their man doesn’t succeed the increasingly frail nonagenarian.

It was in this light that many were taken by surprise when Mnangagwa attacked the war veterans who are led by former Cabinet minister Christopher Mutsvangwa on Wednesday, in an uncharacteristic rant which some insiders claimed was a tactical ploy to distance himself from the former freedom fighters’ increasing attacks on Mugabe.

This, the insiders told the Daily News yesterday, was more so since Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF detractors such as women’s league secretary for finance, Sarah Mahoka, and Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene, had previously accused the VP of remaining silent while people who claimed to be his supporters denigrated Mugabe.

In his attacks on the war veterans, Mnangagwa aped Mugabe’s line, re-iterating that it was politics which led the way, not the other way, in remarks that the analysts said were meant to put a distance between him and the vocal ex-combatants, who stunningly fell out with Mugabe in July last year, after penning a damning communiqué against Zimbabwe’s long-ruling leader.

And in a veiled dig at Mutodi, in the aftermath of what is now derisively referred to as “Cupgate”, Mnangagwa said there were many people who were abusing his name for their selfish interests.

“Against this background of many utterances and activities, all of them unsolicited but claiming or seeking association with my person, my family and or my position both in Zanu PF and in government, I want to make it clear that there are elements on the loose who talk and act as if they support me and or the party, Zanu PF, when in fact they are being handled and managed from elsewhere by hostile forces.

“These elements are against the president, are against the party and its leadership. In other instances, they have a history of disloyalty to the party and hostility to the president, which is well-documented,” Mnangagwa said in his indirect attacks on Mutsvangwa and Mutodi.

UK-based analyst and Kent University Law School lecturer, Alex Magaisa, said Mnangagwa was moving to douse the fire which had been ignited by the coffee mug storm.

“The mug incident brought too much attention and suspicion and he knows his boss gets tetchy about such things. The fact that he has been forced to make a statement suggests it caused unnecessary trouble.

“Mugabe is growing paranoid and any show of haughtiness from his lieutenants could invite trouble,” Magaisa said.

Afghanistan-based political analyst, Maxwell Saungweme, said what had happened was to be expected from Mnangagwa, because he was “a smart tactician”.

“He is a typical politician. With this politics of patronage in Zimbabwe who would masquerade as a surrogate for someone without their blessing? He is just trying to be smart, but people are not politically naïve.

“We all know dogs bark to protect their owner. If you beat the dog hard, the owner will come out. Those (war vets and Mutodi) are bonafide Ngwena’s political running dogs.

“If you believe Mugabe’s statement during Sona (State of the Nation Address) where he said the economy was picking up, then you can be forgiven for believing Ngwena’s claims that he has nothing to do with those barking political running dogs of his,” Saungweme added. – State Media

A Gokwe man allegedly went mad after he slept with his cousin’s wife. Sifelani Chuma (29) of Chandala village under chief Njelele reportedly started behaving strange after tasting the forbidden fruit of Sihle Sibanda, his cousin Ben Sibanda’s wife.

After going bananas, Chuma confessed to Sibanda that he was sleeping with his wife and asked for forgiveness.

“Immediately after the incident Chuma went berserk running all over the place telling everyone who cared to listen that he has been having an illicit with his cousin’s wife. His relatives tried controlling him by tying his legs and hands with a rope and carried him away,” added Njoma.

Sibanda said he only set a trap to catch the man who was sleeping with his wife. “I only set a trap to catch the man who was having an extra marital affair with my wife. If he is the one sleeping with her then that’s his problem, not mine,” said the furious Sibanda .chief Njelele was not reachable for comment. – State Media

By Staff Reporter | The cash stripped Harare City Council has released $107 000 to be used for the renovation of Rufaro stadium, ahead of the 2017 football season.

Home ground for the Harare football giant, Dynamos, Rufaro stadium was condemned two years ago after the team together with CAPS United and the Zimbabwe Senior National Men’s teams, had complained about the artificial turf which they said was causing injuries to football players.

This forced the teams to relocate and share the National Sports Stadium, in the beginning of 2014.

Harare City Council for the past two years has been losing out on revenue (15%) it used to collect from every match.

Goran Blagojevich is the contractor who the Harare City Council approached for the renovation of the artificial turf.

“ The council resolved to avail $107 000 for the rejuvenation and restoration of the Rufaro Stadium artificial turf whose work should start as soon as possible to meet the Premier Soccer League Schedule of 2017 football season by March 2017,” said a Harare City Council official.

FIRST Lady Grace Mugabe’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, as it also emerges that President Robert Mugabe’s wife has invaded two more houses belonging to Lebanese businessman Jamal Ahmed over a US$1,3 million diamond ring dispute.

High Court judge Justice Clement Phiri on December 21 issued a provisional eviction order directing Grace (second respondent) and her accomplices — her son Russell Goreraza (first respondent) and her security aide Kennedy Fero (third respondent) — to vacate, within 24 hours, three upmarket properties belonging to Ahmed.

The occupied Harare houses are number 409 Harare Drive in Pomona, 18 Cambridge Road and 75 King George Road, both in Avondale.

Sources close to the latest developments say on December 22 Madega delivered the High Court order to the three premises as well as to Mugabe’s residence in Borrowdale.

“Upon his arrival at the gate, armed soldiers stopped him as he tried to gain access into the premises to serve the notice,” a source said.

“The armed soldiers said the premises were a security area and the sheriff was not allowed to be anywhere near. The soldiers refused to identify themselves and even refused to take the High Court order.

“When the sheriff tried to affix the High Court order on the wall so that the second respondent (Grace) could have access to it upon her arrival, the soldiers dragged him away from the gate to the tarred road with another soldier threatening that he was going to shoot the sheriff if he persisted.”

The Zimbabwe Independent can exclusively reveal that, despite having been ordered to vacate the premises within 24 hours, Grace has invaded two more houses belonging to Ahmed.

In an affidavit presented to the High Court on Tuesday January 3, Talent Kasiya, a gardener employed by Ahmed, said: “On Sunday December 18 I attended at Dungarvan House, Wilson Avenue in Borrowdale, where I saw two men whom I recognised as having been part of the group that had initially come to the Cambridge Road premises.”

“I noticed that the lock at the back entrance of Dungarvan House had in fact been broken and, as there was no one manning the gate, I was able to enter.”

“From Dungarvan I proceeded to No. 11 Borrowdale Lane where I saw two persons at those premises, but I could not enter as I did not know the persons and did not know what authority they have to be on the premises,” reads the affidavit.

Grace’s lawyers, Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners, said their client had not been served with any eviction notices.

Lawyer Wellington Pasipanodya who is handling the case said no papers have been served on Grace.

“My client has not seen anything. She is in Singapore and she was away at the time you are saying properties were invaded,” Pasipanodya said.

He said the law firm representing Ahmed should serve the papers on Grace’s law firm.

Ahmed’s lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, yesterday said a second eviction notice was issued this week for Grace and her accomplices to vacate the properties.

“When we opened on Tuesday, another eviction order was issued and the sheriff is expected to deliver it anytime from now. If they refuse to vacate the five premises, then it will be contempt of court, meaning the respondents have to be arrested and kept in custody,” Mtetwa said.

“It will be up to the courts because we have exhausted all other possible avenues to engage them.”

Grace was dragged to court last month after allegedly invading three upmarket houses in Harare belonging to Ahmed, a diamond dealer and business tycoon.

In his provisional order, Justice Phiri directed that the three respondents “forthwith” vacate Ahmed’s premises.
“Take note that on 21 December 2016 the High Court, sitting at Harare before the honourable Justice Phiri, issued a provisional order,” reads the order.

“… The respondents and all those claiming through them forthwith vacate the premises known as No. 409 Harare Drive, Pomona, Harare; No. 18 Cambridge Road, Avondale; and No. 75 King George Road, Avondale, Harare.

“In the event that the respondents and their agents do not vacate the said premises within 24 hours of the service of this order at each one of the premises, that the sheriff be and is hereby authorised to evict the respondents, their agents at each one of the premises and all those claiming title through the respondents and to restore and handover the properties and their keys to the applicant’s agents and nominees.

“The respondents restore onto the premises all property removed and taken to the workers’ alternative homes.”

Documents seen by this paper show that Grace placed an order for a US$1,3 million diamond ring in Dubai through Thatchfree Investments (Pvt) Ltd, a company owned by Ahmed. The expensive ring was meant to be President Robert Mugabe’s 20th wedding anniversary gift to his wife. They wed in August 1996.

“Sometime in April 2015, the 2nd respondent (Grace Mugabe) placed an order for a diamond with my daughter in Dubai which she indicated her husband wanted to buy her for their anniversary,” reads one of the affidavits lodged before the courts.

“As the diamond was not readily available, it had to be sourced from a third party who wanted to be paid upfront and when this was advised to the 2nd respondent, she indicated that she was in Singapore and could not immediately pay and that we could pay on her behalf in Harare and she would refund the amount. That was done.”

The documents also state that Grace gave “approval” for the diamond to be polished by a third party who also needed to be paid and again we made this payment on the basis that she would refund these payments as she authorised the polishing by a third party.

“Upon her return to Harare, the second respondent instructed CBZ Bank to attend to the transfer of the US$1,350 million, being the purchase price for the finished diamond, which amount took time to transfer as it had become difficult to transfer the money out of Zimbabwe. The transfer was ultimately done in May 2016 and the diamond was tendered to the 2nd respondent in Dubai.

“Surprisingly, the 2nd respondent then refused to take delivery of the diamond and instead demanded a full refund in Dubai.”

After Ahmed refused to give Grace the refund in hard cash in Dubai, citing forex externalisation laws, she instructed her son to invade the properties.

Ahmed was prepared to pay Grace in instalments through the banking system. – The Independent

Ray Nkosi | This morning, the world woke up to a bogus news report suggesting that gospel star Lundi Tyamara has died.

However, ZimEye.com can confirm that the prince of gospel is alive and recovering in hospital.

His manager, Anele Hlazo, dismissed the rumours, saying: “Lundi is not dead. He is recovering well in hospital, and I just spoke to him.”

On Tuesday, South Africa media broke the news that the Mphefumlo Wami hit maker has been fighting for his life for more than a month in a Johannesburg hospital. He’s reportedly suffering from abdominal tuberculosis, chest pains and a liver problem.

Lundi spent his birthday, Christmas and New Year in hospital, but Anele says he is out of danger and his fans should not worry.

GOVERNMENT has amended the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Bill by introducing a section, which establishes a Computer and Cybercrime Management Centre meant to allow security personnel from the Central Intelligence Organisation to monitor citizens’ use of the internet.

The proposed legislation will impose stiff penalties for computer-related crimes such as the possession of pornographic material, which attracts a jail term of up to 10 years.

The draft Bill criminalises the possession of pornographic material even if it is for personal use. The proposed legislation, which has undergone many amendments, was introduced last year ostensibly to curb cybercrime although information communication technology (ICT) experts maintain that it was introduced to allow government to tighten its grip over the control of cyber space. The Bill also allows government to effectively spy on citizens.

The updated version of the controversial Bill, a copy of which the Zimbabwe Independent is in possession of, points out that state security minister shall in consultation with the finance minister establish the Computer and Cybercrime Management Centre, which will be headed by State Security deputy director-general.

The committee includes members drawn from ministries of defence, science and technology, justice, ZRP, prison services, National Prosecuting Authority, director-general of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and two representatives from ICT organisations.

The ICT experts have slammed criminalisation of pornography, saying that section should instead be replaced with the offence of violating a person’s computer system or breaching trust and sharing information over a computer system with the intention of causing harm in order to deal with the growing incidence of revenge pornography.

The Computer and Cybercrime Management Centre, according to the Bill, will: “Promote and co-ordinate activities focussed on improving cyber security by all stakeholders in the public and private sectors, provide guidelines to public and private sector stakeholders on matters relating to awareness, training, enhancing, investigating, prosecuting, combating cybercrime and managing cyber security threats.”

Digital Society of Zimbabwe co-ordinator Christopher Musodza said if government has to go ahead with passing such a Bill, human rights defenders should also be included in the committee in order to protect citizens and look at sections such as child pornography.

According to the Bill, a person who produces pornography for the purpose of its distribution through a computer system, offers or makes available any pornography through a computer system, distributes or transmits, procures any pornography or possesses any pornography in a computer system or on a computer data storage medium commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both
The Bill also states that for a person who unlawfully and intentionally produces child pornography for the purpose of distribution through a computer system, possesses child pornography in a computer system or on a computer-data storage medium and knowingly obtains, accesses or procures child pornography through information communication technologies shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both.

Any person who unlawfully makes pornography available to one or more children shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.

A severe 20-year imprisonment will be charged for engaging in computer terrorist activities which the Bill does not clearly define and as such the CSOs have demanded that the severity of the penalty on terrorism activities begs that the offence be as strictly and clearly defined as possible in the Bill. – Independent

ZANU PF’S vicious internal struggles for power and pronouncements by war veterans regarding the ruling party’s unresolved succession issue have forced Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa into a defensive mode.

For the second time inside 12 months, Mnangagwa was this week forced to distance himself from reports that he was being backed by the Christopher Mutsvangwa-led Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) in his campaign to succeed President Robert Mugabe.

On Wednesday, Mnangagwa told a Zanu PF campaign rally in Masvingo that Mutsvangwa and his colleagues were “lost elements”. The Midlands political godfather has on several occasions denied reports that he harbours ambitions to succeed Mugabe, although war veterans insist he is their choice for the throne.

ZNLWVA secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda, yesterday said the former freedom fighters were citizens with a right to hold an opinion.

https://youtu.be/3yHOrZRPA1Y?t=101

Why would a church issue death threats?

Staff Reporter | Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of the United Family International Church (UFIC) Ministries has been exposed for masterminding murder plots, while also covering up on fake miracles.

ZimEye.com’s Simba Chikanza has been systematically targeted and issued with death threats, as is shown exclusively in the video above. Police reports have been made to the effect, and in the above video Chikanza explains the whole ordeal in the hands of a senior Pastor in Makandiwa’s church, Norbert Magwati.

The development comes as another Makandiwa pastor, Donald Savanhu is implicated in another death threat and also damage to property docket filed with Glen Norah Police Station, Harare.

Magwati had claimed that the fake miracles the church staged were genuine, only to pull away after being shown impeccable evidence unraveling the truth in this expansive news coverage spanning over 4 years to date. The shocking correspondence between the Makandiwa senior pastor and our journo classically reveals the evidence of daylight human tampering in the miracle claims.

Magwati also makes vile allegations against Chikanza while firing his threats. “Next time you won’t find a place to hide, leave our political and church leaders alone and be safe,” threatens Magwati also making reference to the name of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who he claims to be close to.

Angered by the expose ZimEye has made over the years exposing stage managed miracles, performed by Makandiwa, who claims for instance at one time he caused a woman to fall pregnant and deliver within three days, his church has now turned to death threats.

Below is a response Chikanza made when asked about his reporting on the fake miracle baby saga; “The article about Makandiwa of the fat belly I personally handled it, IT WAS NO FALSE REPORT. I can vouch for every letter of it. I personally tracked the miracle myself not counting others. I spoke to for instance Mai Beatrice Muza from Kwekwe and she confirmed lying she had any medical evidence to show proof. I have the records and can send you if you wish to see them. I also followed up on the 3-day miracle baby one. Many of these modern day prophets run away from getting their prophecies judged. They play God, and it creates a human worship spirit.”

On the issue of death threats, the church has been told “We take very seriously threats against any of our journalists.”

https://youtu.be/3yHOrZRPA1Y?t=101

An disgruntled First Lady, Grace Mugabe has launched a fight against the High Court over her botched $1,3 million diamond ring secret deal.

Grace is fighting against a High Court decision which forces her off properties she seized from a Lebanese diamond dealer, Jamal Ahmed.

The ruling was made by Justice Clement Phiri who ordered Grace to vacate Ahmed’s properties within 24 hours on the 21st December 2016. The ruling was however disregarded and Grace has remained on them to this day defying looming legal enforcement through the Deputy Sherrif.

The First Lady’s lawyers Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners, yesterday explained the reason saying it is because they are challenging the verdict at the High Court order.

Grace’s lawyer Wellington Pasipanodya says Justice Phiri misdirected himself when he issued the order.

“The whole process was wrong since the First Lady was never served with papers and we are challenging that decision. It is wrong to say she has defied a court order because we have already indicated that we are appealing against the ruling to evict those people occupying those properties,” he said.

Background

The background to the story shows that Grace took over three properties belonging to Ahmed demanding a full refund for a ring she bought from Dubai. She made the payment through a local commercial bank, but declined the ring on delivery before demanding that the refund be deposited in her private Dubai bank account.

But Ahmed, who claimed he was in Belgium at the time, allegedly told her he had used a third party and the refund, would take long, which Grace rejected and proceeded to confiscate the three properties owned by the diamond dealer.

This prompted Ahmed to approach the courts to recover his properties and seek protection from the threats he was continuously receiving from Grace’s first son Russell Goreraza.

The story which was first broken by the Zimbabwe Independent, shows that Mugabe’s son-in-law Simba Chikore and Kennedy Fero who, according to court papers, is part of Grace’s security personnel, were also allegedly involved in verbally abusing and threatening Ahmed over the ring.

The seized properties include number 409 Harare Drive and 18 Cambridge Road in Avondale.

Ahmed’s lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa confirmed development, and Grace’s lawyer Wilson Manase also confirmed the order, but said he would challenge it.

“It is not correct. It is not how the deal went. The truth is she [Grace] is a victim in the matter. She bought the ring and never got it. The product was never shown to her. This is crooked. We will file our papers to oppose the order. It was more than a default judgment. We did not appear to oppose it,” Manase said.

“It’s a malicious campaign against the First Lady. She is out of the country and was not even served with the papers. No papers were filed at State House. She also has no account outside Zimbabwe as Ahmed claimed. If she had, let him produce it in court. We now have full information about what happened. Ahmed is being dishonest.”

Mtetwa, however, said: “The matter proceeded as scheduled before Justice Phiri who had, on the 14th made an order directing the Sheriff to do affidavits on what had happened when his office sought to serve papers at the various addresses, including at Blue Roof [Mugabe’s private residence]. The Sheriff made the two affidavits with his remarks,” Mtetwa said.

“The judge had, thereafter, directed the Sheriff to reserve the notice of set down for the 21st at 10am, which he attempted to do on the 19th. His return of service states that he could not serve at Blue Roof because no one at the premises was willing to accept service of the process.

“When he sought to affix the process at the gate in terms of the rules, he was threatened by an armed soldier who barred him from conducting any further action.”

Mtetwa said the matter then proceeded to submissions and in the middle of this, the judge was called to the Judge President George Chiweshe’s Office and on his return directed that the matter be resumed at 2:30pm.

At the appointed time, Mtetwa said Messrs Wilson Manase and Wellington Pasipanodya, who appeared for the First Lady and her underlings applied for a 10-day postponement to enable them to get full instructions from their client, who is holidaying in Singapore.

“They argued that they had only been engaged that morning and had not been able to take full instructions and that they might have to travel to Singapore to do this and, therefore, needed at least 10 days,” Mtetwa said.

“The application was opposed on the basis that the respondents had known about the matter heading for court since November 23 when they were first addressed and put on terms to vacate the premises and that instead of engaging lawyers they embarked on further threatening the applicant.

“When served with court papers on December 9, after failed attempts to have the matter resolved in terms of an agreement they had requested be drafted, which they subsequently did not sign, and they did not come to court on the set down date of December 14.

“Instead, they had consolidated their illegal actions by removing the workers’ remaining assets from one of the houses and transported them to Bulawayo.”

Although the judge had given them a second chance to be served for the hearing of the 21st, Mtetwa said Grace’s lawyers did not appear at the appointed time of 10am.

“Having commenced the hearing at 10am, it was stopped and it was only resumed at 2:30pm when the lawyers came to apply for a postponement,” Mtetwa said.

“The presiding judge asked what would happen during the 10-day period, whether the unlawful occupation would cease, and why a court would allow the continuation of an illegality for another 10-days when the relief sought was interim in nature and respondents could present their argument on the return day.

“It was also argued on behalf of the applicants that spoliation is by its very nature urgent and that the courts should not encourage self-help and anarchy,” she said.

“That the equality before the law provision should be seen to apply in practical terms by assuring the public that the mighty and powerful are subject to the same laws as the weak and ordinary.”

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo |The ruling Zanu PF party has admitted that it has dismally failed the nation as a result of rampant factionalism, corruption and bad governance.

In a Central Committee report presented to President Robert Mugabe soon after the annual conference held in Masvingo last December, the ruling party conceded failure to revive the country’s economy.

The report indicated poor policies factionalism and corruption literally led to dissent and the rise of opposition movements and anti-government elements. “There is unrest as a result of unemployment and poor policies.As such we have to revise some of our policies ahead of the 2018 elections,”read part of the report.

The report further indicated the ruling party was afraid of pressure groups like #Tajamuka and #This Flag. “We have to note the fact that groups like #Tajamuka and #This Flag capitalised on some obvious weaknesses and they caused chaos in the country.Such matters should be treated with urgency,”the report indicated. The seemingly clueless Zanu PF is panicking ahead of the 2018 polls and party insiders say desperate measures will be taken to create employment in a bid to coax the electorate.

The report also read:”There is need to create employment ahead of the 2018 elections.We are also worried about the falsehoods being peddled by the social media. Something has to be done to arrest the trend.” Zanu PF, in power since 1980, is squarely blamed for ruining the once prosperous nation’s economy through calculated acts of violence intimidation plundering of state resources and vote rigging.

Opposition MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai and one of his three deputies, Nelson Chamisa, have been invited to attend the inauguration of Ghanaian President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo at the weekend.

Impeccable sources told NewsDay there had been a “near stampede” within the MDC-T by officials who wanted to be part of Tsvangirai’s entourage.

“Tsvangirai and Chamisa are going to Ghana, but this week has been hectic with some people seeking to be part of the visit. Chamisa was invited by senior officials in Akufo-Addo’s incoming administration because he was with them at Stanford University in the United States a few years ago.

“Tsvangirai’s invitation was facilitated by Chamisa, who realised if he were to travel alone, this would send a wrong political message,” NewsDay heard.
Party spokesperson, Obert Gutu confirmed Tsvangirai would be travelling to Ghana, adding the invitation was an indication of the “confidence Africans have in the MDC”.

“I can confirm that the president and one of his deputies, Nelson Chamisa, will be in Ghana at the weekend for President Akufo-Addo’s swearing-in ceremony set for Saturday (tomorrow). For us in the MDC, it is a clear indication of the confidence that African leaders have in our capabilities as the government-in-waiting in Zimbabwe.
“As a social democratic party with growing pan-Africanist credentials, we are excited that a greater number of democratic establishments on the continent take us seriously,” he said.

President Robert Mugabe’s spokesperson, George Charamba, could not be drawn into commenting on whether the Zanu PF leader had also been invited.

“As far as I am concerned, the President is on leave,” Charamba said curtly.

Mugabe, at 92, is Africa’s oldest Head of State, but has already indicated he will contest the presidential elections next year at 94.

Regionally, Tsvangirai has a long-standing good working relationship with Botswana leader Ian Khama, who on a number of occasions has had run-ins with Mugabe over the latter’s perceived autocratic tendencies and rights abuses. The MDC-T leader also enjoys warm relations with opposition parties in Kenya.

Akufo-Addo will officially be sworn-in as Ghana’s President tomorrow, after winning convincingly in the country’s just-ended presidential elections in which he defeated incumbent, John Mahama Dramani.

Ghana is one of Africa’s most stable democracies and has seen successive peaceful changes of government since former military ruler, Jerry Rawlings handed over power after losing elections to John Kufuor in 2001. – Newsday