Huffington Post |Eight years ago, Hillary Clinton famously said her first White House bid had put“about 18 million cracks” in the glass ceiling, one for each voter who’d cast a ballot for her in the 2008 primary.
On Tuesday, that glass ceiling finally came down.
Clinton was formally named the Democratic nominee for president at her party’s convention in Philadelphia, making her the first woman ever to top a major party’s ticket for the White House.
More than 200 other women have sought the presidency since 1872, but none have come this far. The female Democratic leaders gathered in Philadelphia this week have waited their entire lives to see one of their own reach this point, just a step away from the Oval Office. To them, Clinton’s nomination represents the culmination of decades of work devoted to tearing down the barriers women have faced seeking high office in America.
“Yes, we do break barriers,” Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who was the first woman to win a Senate seat not previously held by her husband, said in her nomination speech. “On behalf of all the women who’ve broken down barriers for others, and with an eye toward the barriers still ahead, I proudly place Hillary Clinton’s name in nomination to be the next president.”
The former senator and secretary of state locked up the necessary delegates to become the nominee in early June, and she has already plucked Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) as her running mate. But it wasn’t until Tuesday’s roll call vote by the party’s state delegations that her nomination against Republican Donald Trump became official and history was made.
“We tend to want to emulate what we can see,” Wendy Davis, the Texas Democrat, told The Huffington Post of the possibility of a woman president. “We need to see ourselves in office so we can aspire to those things. Having [Clinton] there, I think, is going to open up for little girls ― and not-so-young girls ― the aspirations that they may not have had for themselves previously.”
Clinton will not speak at the convention until Thursday, when she delivers perhaps the most anticipated speech of her political career. So far, all the speaking has been done by Democratic stars making the case for a Clinton presidency, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), first lady Michelle Obama, and Clinton’s primary foe, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, was slated to speak Tuesday after his wife’s nomination.
Democrats had hoped to roll into Philadelphia as a unified party prepared to draw a sharp distinction in tone and substance to Trump, who, at his party’s own convention in Cleveland last week, offered a bleak and frightening view of modern American life. But Democrats were knocked off message before their convention even began, with the hack and leak of embarrassing emails by staffers of the Democratic National Committee showing a bias against Sanders.
The stunning breach, which may have involved Russian intelligence agencies, quickly led to the resignation of the DNC’s chair, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).
Democratic leaders have tried to put the turmoil behind them, aiming for full party unity behind Clinton by week’s end. Solidarity against Trump was one of the main themes of the primetime speech delivered by Sanders, who ran against the front-runner Clinton from the left in a surprisingly close primary. (Many Sanders backers literally booed the concept of unity at the start of the convention on Monday.)
The discord in Philadelphia, however, has so far failed to match the intra-party chaos in Cleveland, where one of the biggest Republican speakers refused to endorse Trump and a faction of anti-Trump delegates launched a last-minute unsuccessful coup to rob him of the nomination.
Many conservatives still cannot accept the brash real estate mogul ― who has fomented racism, misogyny and xenophobia throughout his yearlong campaign ― as the GOP’s standard-bearer. Others have quietly endorsed him but can barely manage to utter his name, except to say that he would be a better choice than the alternative.
Democrats’ goal this week is to convey a much more hopeful and forward-looking vision of the country than Clinton’s opponent. In his own acceptance speech, Trump misleadingly portrayed the U.S. as rife with criminals ― the violent crime rate has in fact continued to fall, in keeping with long-term trends ― and overrun by dangerous undocumented immigrants. Describing a nation in chaos, Trump declared himself the “law and order candidate” solely capable of restoring public safety.
At the convention so far, the best case against Trump has been made by the first lady, who delivered what’s already being called one of the best political speeches in recent years. In her remarks Monday night, Obama outlined a choice between divisiveness or unity, without even referring to Trump by name. America does not need to be made great again, she said in a swipe at Trump, because it is already “the greatest country on Earth.”
Historically speaking, Trump has had the highest unfavorability ratings of any modern presidential candidate. Unfortunately for Clinton, her polling does not fare much better, despite a long and accomplished career in public service. Her candidacy has been dogged by voters’ questions about her trustworthiness, made worse by recent findings by the FBI that her team mishandled classified information on a private server while she was secretary of state.
A formidable campaigner, Clinton has vastly out-raised the mostly self-funded Trump campaign so far in 2016. According to a recent analysis by Bloomberg, Clinton and her allied super PACs now have $86 million on hand, while the Trump campaign has $23 million. Overall, the Clinton camp has raised $386 million total versus Trump’s $94 million.
As HuffPost’s Paul Blumenthal previously reported, Clinton’s superior fundraising machine has given her a major advantage. Her campaign has established teams of hundreds of organizers in prime swing states and already made huge advertising purchases. Trump, meanwhile, only recently began establishing a ground game in key states.
Foiled $1.8 Million Gold Heist Gang Walks Free
The six men who were arrested after being alleged to have attempted to steal gold which was being taken to Fidelity Printers and Refineries in a delivery van on behalf of Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises, have walked free after a magistrate ruled that the State had failed to prove a prima facie case against them.
SIX men accused of attempting to rob a miner of 47kgs of gold worth over $1,8 million in Kwekwe.
Franco Celia Pullen, Chemist Sibanda, Munyaradzi Charakupa, Zadzisai Mutambi, Farai Sibanda, and Vengai Simari heaved a sigh of relief as Midlands Provincial Magistrate, Mrs Phathekile Msipa, dismissed the State’s application to have them put on remand.
Pullen (43) of Kwekwe, Charakupa (40) of Harare, Mutambi (34), Sibanda (43) Farai (21) and Simari (38) all of Kadoma, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted robbery through their legal representative, Mr Thomas Militao.
Mr Militao argued that Pullen was the rightful owner of the mining concession where the gold originated from and therefore he could not have sought to rob himself.
He said the accused had a prospecting licence from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and was therefore the rightful owner of the mine.
The lawyer said Pullen was a victim.
In her ruling, Mrs Msipa said the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development created the mess when it issued two licences to both parties.
“The State failed to place facts to justify that there were reasonable grounds that the accused persons had committed the offence. What we have here before the court is a scenario that has been caused by officials from the Mines and Mining Development who have issued two documents to two people. This has resulted in the dispute we have. The accused placed immutable evidence before the court to demolish facts placed by the State which was alleging that they committed the offence,” she said.
“The issue of ownership of this mine can’t be resolved now but can only be clarified by the Ministry of Mines. I find no bases to place the accused on remand because the State failed to discharge its duty whilst the accused has managed to do so, accordingly the State’s application is hereby dismissed.”
Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Mathose said the complainant is Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises led by Mr Armstrong Mapanga (44) of Kwekwe.
He said on July 12, the complainant through his company Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises was given a mining certificate to mine at Dandrum Mine North.
On July 17, Mr Mathose said, Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises started operations at the mine and extracted a substantial amount of gold ore which they took to Combustion Tech Company in Kwekwe for processing.
“On July 18 and at around 1PM, Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises being represented by Armstrong Mapanga finished processing the gold ore and produced 47,5kgs of gold which he then loaded into his Isuzu Twin Cab intending to transport it to Fidelity Printers and Refineries in Kwekwe,” he said.
Mr Mathose said Pullen waylaid the complainant along the way to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, Kwekwe.
“Accused number one then charged towards the complainant’s motor vehicle. Upon arrival he hit the complainant on the chest with a fist and tried to forcefully open the complainant’s car intending to take away the 47,5kg of gold bullion, but failed as Armstrong Mapanga locked the doors in the process,” he said.
The Prosecutor said the complainant quickly alerted the police.
“The issue of ownership of this mine can’t be resolved now but can only be clarified by the Ministry of Mines. I find no bases to place the accused on remand because the State failed to discharge its duty whilst the accused has managed to do so, accordingly the State’s application is hereby dismissed.”
Prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Mathose said the complainant is Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises led by Mr Armstrong Mapanga (44) of Kwekwe.
He said on July 12, the complainant through his company Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises was given a mining certificate to mine at Dandrum Mine North.
On July 17, Mr Mathose said, Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises started operations at the mine and extracted a substantial amount of gold ore which they took to Combustion Tech Company in Kwekwe for processing.
“On July 18 and at around 1PM, Vansburg Drumgold Enterprises being represented by Armstrong Mapanga finished processing the gold ore and produced 47,5kgs of gold which he then loaded into his Isuzu Twin Cab intending to transport it to Fidelity Printers and Refineries in Kwekwe,” he said.
Mr Mathose said Pullen waylaid the complainant along the way to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, Kwekwe.
“Accused number one then charged towards the complainant’s motor vehicle. Upon arrival he hit the complainant on the chest with a fist and tried to forcefully open the complainant’s car intending to take away the 47,5kg of gold bullion, but failed as Armstrong Mapanga locked the doors in the process,” he said.
The Prosecutor said the complainant quickly alerted the police.
Zanu PF’s Disastrous Partisan Urban Land Distribution
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA| Our partisan predispositions affect not just what we think about candidates, or about policy proposals, but how we think about the objective facts of the world,”.
Since we started parcelling out urban land to our party youth we; “have been telling [right-leaning citizens] that our freedom hangs by a thread.” To gain support by abusing our national resources is an insult to our party and a false hope that we have support yet we only have land grabbers and not genuine members. Despite our political beliefs land is supposed to be a national and not party assert. We will get more voters if we distribute land to all regardless of our political differences. When it comes to land every Zimbabwean must benefit not as reward but as a right.
The lack of meaningful change in the policy and system of campaigning causes the land distribution in an un planned manner and totally embarrassing.
The next time you get an urge to say that the country is gripped by a belief that government is dangerously out of control and that it’s threatening our freedom, remind yourself that the country is not in fact gripped by those beliefs. Cowards are gripped by those beliefs, and the fact that they’re yelling them very loudly doesn’t mean they’re shared by everyone else. So dishing the land out without proper planning is not a campaign strategy but a decampaigning way which serves to embarrass the party and its members.
It will not be long before we see a soar sight of shacks mushrooming in our towns. This is a future problem to deal with. It shows the lack of focus and total bankruptcy of ideas.
This is not fair at all. But it would be equally fair to note that people are “gripped” by similarly impugnable beliefs that land in a particular party in government now, as a matter of fact, less of a threat to Zimbabwean citizens? The president’s stance on land distribution amount to a vigorous affirmation of the very policies he openly implored during the war he has, for example, asserted the authority to order land distribution to all Zimbabweans. The slogan was Land for all not for supporters. The first lady even stated that food must be given to all regardless of their political affiliation.
It is correct to suggest that today’s Urban land bribing is a partisan phenomena.
Likewise, the overwhelming majority of the youth who are at ease with the state of land affairs are profoundly misguided; one wishes they had been roused from their oblivious slumber for better reasons.
The graph is truly troubling because it shows us that each party’s base of supporters is more or less blind to land abuse and do not wish to see the evil side when their favoured team is in power. Which is to say, their dogged partisan team-spiritedness keeps Zimbabweans from unifying to perceive and combat very real threats to their liberties and lives. It’s hard to imagine that People would not have done something by now to make government account for this land. The situation is threatening to citizens if not for the delusive complacency currently gripping the country.
There is no planning for shops schools recreation space all we do is give land. This is will come back to haunt us in the near future. The victims will be the poor youth who will have invested their hard earned coins to erects the illegal structures.
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Britain’s Outrageous Support For The Mugabe Regime
Ian Birrel |After almost four decades in power, Robert Mugabe’s vice-like grip on Zimbabwe seems to be slipping. There have been public sector strikes and street protests. The economy is shattered and the state coffers are empty, the government struggling to find funds even to pay security forces that shore up a calamitous regime. And the doddery 92-year-old despot is being deserted by key allies with calls for his departure amid a savage internal battle to succeed the President.
The latest sign of waning control came last week with a statement by war veterans attacking him as dictatorial and egocentric. For decades, these former comrades who led the disastrous seizure of white farms were the people so quick to defend Mugabe with violence. Now they claim they regret keeping quiet while citizens were abused, condemning suppression of free expression and accusing their President of corruption. “This rot needs to be uprooted, and right now,” they said.
Time to ask Boris: Why has Britain been supporting Mugabe’s regime?
For all the hypocrisy, few sane people would disagree. We can presume this includes the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, since last year he wrote a punchy article condemning Mugabe’s monstrous misrule. He accused the Zimbabwean leader of turning a prosperous nation into one of the poorest on the planet. So perhaps now he might like to ask his new officials why Britain has been leading international efforts to shore up this repressive regime?
For our government has been promoting a plan to refinance the debt-ridden Zanu-PF government, which would ensure it can borrow money again to fund its torturers and baton-wielding police forces. They have been pushing a package to pay off $1.8bn arrears to multilateral donors, which would allow Zimbabwe to take out emergency International Monetary Fund loans. So forget the savage brutality and billions stolen by senior figures: Britain is backing a bailout for Mugabe – and when he might finally be on the brink.
This shameful plan is led by British diplomats and officials in the department for international development chanting the tired old mantra of stability over respect for human rights or support for brave opposition figures fighting a brutal regime. “This is not a question of signing a blank cheque,” said one central figure involved. “They will be forced to impose monetary stability. The alternative is to say that we will walk away and watch as the whole place explodes.”
There are justified fears of implosion, which might impact on the wider region. The country has suffered drought, falling commodity prices and chronic cash shortages, leading to delays in payment of salaries to police, soldiers and teachers. There has been a “stay-away” general strike led by a churchman, the biggest act of public defiance against Mugabe in a decade, plus violent demonstrations. One group of protesters even stormed a plush hotel in fury at the vice president staying there since 2014, accusing a supposedly broke government of profligacy.
Yet the state’s failure is down to shocking mismanagement, with the future far from rosy under this regime. Just 700,000 people have formal jobs, fewer than at independence in 1980 when the population was half the size. Since Mugabe stole the 2013 election, enabling his party to regain full control after a four-year coalition, the state payroll has doubled to reward followers. An unsustainable 82 per cent of public spending now goes on public sector salaries while corruption remains rife.
With even war veterans turning against him, insiders say the increasingly frail President is feeling alarmed. “Mugabe is a very worried man,” disclosed one source, saying the President fears betrayal by long-term allies. “He has even told his aircraft engineers to make sure his plane is well serviced and ready to fly.”
So what a strange time for Britain to back up Mugabe. No doubt the aim is to regain influence in a former colony as China slows bankrolling of the regime. There are also local suspicions Britain is backing a faction led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, a bloodstained former spymaster nicknamed the Crocodile, in the three-way fight for succession against Mugabe’s wife and a former vice-president.
An infuriated Washington rightly fears a fresh injection of funds will only prop up Zanu-PF in power and help it to purloin the 2018 presidential ballot. “It seems strange London is doing this when Mugabe is on the ropes,” said one well-connected figure. Earlier this year Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, warned new lending to Zimbabwe could “entrench the very same individuals responsible for the country’s economic collapse and gross human rights violations”.
Britain remains far too ready to do deals with despots despite a torrent of smooth words about democracy, development and fighting corruption. You might have thought aiding Mugabe would be beyond the pale – but apparently not. “They are being so naive in playing the same game as always: stability at all costs, even if that means backing a dictatorship like the one we are suffering here,” said one human rights source in Harare.
Our blinkered diplomats ignore the likes of Tendai Biti, who salvaged the economy as coalition finance minister after the second-worst hyperinflation in world history. ‘Britain is selling the ordinary man and woman down the river by backing a regime that cost so many lives in Zimbabwe,’ he told me. ‘What the British are doing has no moral legitimacy – a Western government that thinks it knows best for Africans. It is appeasement. Shame on the British government.’ But does Boris still agree? Or has he suddenly changed his mind on Mugabe, a man he once called a tyrant? INEWS
War Vets Split, As Crackdown Looms
A crackdown against members of the war veterans association, who have been identified as the chief rubble rousers who authored the controversial communique calling on President Robert Mugabe to resign looms.
This comes at a time that another faction of the liberation fighters gears itself to contradict publicly the meeting held last week which endorsed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa boldly telling Mugabe in his face he was a dictator and must resign.
In an exclusive interview with ZimEye, Joseph Chinotimba who is pro establishment, denounced the war veterans gathering last week which came out with the communique, asserting that it was not representative of the association.
Chinotimba instead claims in the interview with ZimEye (see link above) that a genuine meeting of authentic members of the association who have propped up the President Mugabe will be held tomorrow, Wednesday.
This drama in the association’s body is further compounded by reports that state agents will close in on instigators and authors of the controversial communique whose publication has been equated to an act of treason which carries a heavy prison sentence should one be found guilty.
The stunning fallout between Mugabe and war veterans is getting more ominous, amid revelations yesterday that law enforcement agents are close to arresting and throwing the kitchen sink at the hapless former freedom fighters who have been identified as the chief rubble-rousers.
Well-placed sources confirmed to the media last night that police were close to “finding” the people who were allegedly behind the scathing statement that was released to the media after the war veterans met in Harare last Thursday, that has been described by panicking authorities as “treasonous” for its acerbic criticism of Mugabe.
“Investigations are in progress and police are close to finding the people who were behind that document. Watch this space,” one of the impeccable sources said.
At the same time, the media was also reliably told that Zanu PF bigwigs had conducted a thorough analysis of video material that was taken when the war veterans gathered in the capital, with a view of “identifying and punishing” all the ex-combatants who may have said anything deemed to be offensive.
Contacted for comment yesterday, police spokesperson Charity Charamba said she was not at work and therefore could not assist with answers about the reported crackdown on ex-combatants.
The spokesperson of the under-siege Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), Douglas Mahiya, said he was in a meeting and could therefore not also comment.
However, it was evident yesterday that the usually garrulous former freedom fighters were under the cosh and desperately running away from the media spotlight that is currently trained on them, as the nervous Zanu PF government embarks on its massive witch-hunt to punish those vets who are now viewed as rebels.
In a revealing Press statement that insiders said showed the extent of Zanu PF’s fears, party provincial chairpersons yesterday called for stern action to be taken against war veterans who they said were stirring up problems in the country, as well as those people who were allegedly pulling the strings from behind the scenes to push the war veterans to take on Mugabe.
“We condemn in the strongest of terms the reckless (war veterans) statement, including those who authored this treasonous document. We recognise that this statement does not speak to all war veterans whom we respect, but a few malcontents bent on dividing the party.
“We call upon the party to immediately take decisive action against those implicated in the authoring and distribution of the communiqué, including those who sponsored the gathering with financial and other resources,” the party bigwigs said.
Curiously too, they went further to assert that the increasingly frail Mugabe would remain Zanu PF’s presidential candidate for the country’s eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.
Meanwhile, it has also emerged that top Cabinet ministers and high-ranking Zanu PF officials were apparently aware of the offending war veterans’ communiqué way ahead of its release last Thursday and had pored over it before the former freedom fighters had even gathered in Harare.
This raised questions yesterday as to why these bigwigs did not act ahead of the communique’s release, with one insider telling the Daily News last night that he was “smelling a rat”.
“If some of the comrades knew about this document well in advance, as is being said, why did they keep quiet?
“Given the things and the fights taking place in the party, I smell a rat,” the source said, without elaborating on his cryptic sentiments.
Contacted for comment, War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube claimed that the war veterans’ meeting had been unscheduled, meaning that no one could have known what was going to happen.
“I only came to know about the war veterans’ meeting much later as I was only aware of a meeting with ex-detainees and restrictess that we had scheduled and still hope to hold soon,” Dube said.
However, insiders insist that top government officials “knew everything” and that the furore that had ensued after last Thursday’s meeting merely manifested the succession wars and mindless bloodletting devouring Zanu PF. DailyNews
WOZA Protests Against Police Brutality
Jenny Williams led hundreds of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) members on Tuesday in a demonstration in central Bulawayo calling for an end to corruption, repression and police brutality.
The placard waving protestors – some of them waving the Zimbabwean flag -targeted key government institutions in the city centre, namely the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) offices, Bulawayo provincial police headquarters at Southampton building, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) offices and the Mhlahlandlela Government complex.
At the ZHRC offices, they called on the officers to investigate cases of human rights abuses. At the police headquarters they told police officers who were blocking the entrance to stop violating people’s rights and fulfil their constitutional mandate.
Passing through the ZIMRA offices, the protestors expressed their displeasure at the implementation of Statutory Instrument 64/2016 which bans the importation of particular items.
They also briefly stopped at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo statue erected in the heart of the city for a mini prayer calling on God to intervene in Zimbabwe’s situation.
Some of the placards that were been waved were inscribed, Repeal Statutory Instrument 64, Respect the Constitution, respect our rights, Fight injustice not people.
Addressing the protestors, Mahlangu said the police had no right to beat up citizens when they were failing to arrest those named in corruption cases.
“The police officers have double standards, President Mugabe spoke of 15 billion dollars diamond money that disappeared but we have not seen you arresting any of those implicated in the cases,” Mahlangu charged.
Williams said as a group they did not seek a police clearance to stage their demonstration as it is their right to do so as enshrined in the national constitution.
“We are demonstrating to expose the injustices and police brutality and demand the government to engage us and deal with the socio economic crises.
“There is no such thing as police clearance the constitution allows me to petition and protest,” she said.
The protestors failed to gain entry into the Mhlahlandlela Government building where they wanted to deliver a petition to Bulawayo provincial minister Sandi Moyo as they found the gates locked with anti-riot police manning the entrance. NewZim
Mnangagwa Supporters To Be Axed
Terrence Mawawa | Zaka| A Zanu PF meeting ended prematurely in commotion last week, after a senior party official announced that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sympathisers would be expelled from the party.
As the Zanu PF factional battles escalate to unprecedented levels, senior party officials warned at the meeting that members sympathetic to Mnangagwa would be fired from the party.
Party members sympathetic to the Vice President are being systematically eliminated from the party structures as the G-40 battles to take control of party affairs.
Zanu PF National Youth Secretary for Administration and Central Committee member Severino Kazizi, warned that party members successionists would be thrown out of the party.
Kazizi made the remarks at the party meeting held at Jerera Council Hall. “I want to urge you to unite and those who cannot respect President Robert Mugabe will be expelled from the party.There are misguided elements who are already talking about succession. There is no one who can replace the President. All those who are dreaming of elevating someone else to the President’s post will be fired,” said Kazizi.
He also defended the government’s decision to ban the importation of goods. He accused South Africans and western governments of sponsoring the protests that were successfully staged across the country. “The South Africans and western governments masterminded the protests because they relied on Zimbabwe and the decision to ban imports was a blow to them. Hence they tried to counter it by organising the protests,” said Kazizi.
AUDIO-Tsvangirai Speaks Says: Chamisa Remains Vice President – BREAKING NEWS
As the internal war within the MDC-T escalates, MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai has responded to internal party sources on reports that he has reversed his appointments of Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri.
Tsvangirai told ZimEye Tuesday that Chamisa and Mudzuri’s positions have not been touched at all. He said the decision to recall the two is not his as he contradicted our source who reliably quoted the very meeting where the matter was concluded today, Tuesday.
Mr Tsvangirai told ZimEye.com, “what organ, what press conference? This decision is of the National Council. Handina (I do not have) even the power to do anything about it, so check your sources muvaudze kuti imi muri kuita speculative zvisina nebasa rese,” said Tsvangirai.
When questioned on the very initial appointments of Chamisa and Mudzuri whose they were, Tsvangirai was once again adamant. “Ko ndiyo (National Council) yakandipa directive (they are the ones who gave me the directive)…
“I am just telling you that it is the resolution of Council. Council is the highest decision making body in between congress. If there is anyone who gives you the false impression that Tsvangirai has reversed, I mean there is nothing. It is not within my purview, it is within the purview of the council, should they want to do it”, he said.
FULL INTERVIEW AUDIO FOLLOWS… – Please refresh to listen
BREAKING NEWS: Tsvangirai Axes Chamisa, Reverses Appointments
LATEST UPDATE: Morgan Tsvangirai speaks – CLICK HERE TO READ.
Staff Reporter|MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has reversed his appointments of Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri.
Impeccable sources have exclusively told ZimEye.com that Tsvangirai has deleted the two men’s names after arriving at legal clarity on the party’s constitution said to have been violated following bad advice given to the MDC President.
Legal interpretation availed to ZimEye.com states that Tsvangirai failed at extrapolating the MDC constitution.
Barely a week into power as Vice President, Nelson Chamisa had already built around him a thick-field of fearsome bodyguards to the rank of national Presidents (Tsvangirai himself does not enjoy.)- PICTURE ABOVE
Whether Tsvangirai will stick to his latest decision overnight to Wednesday (tomorrow) was not known at the time of going to press, but at the time of writing Tsvangirai was locked up inside a closed door meeting with legal experts after officially declaring that Chamisa and Mudzuri are no longer his deputies. More to follow…
PICTURE:Grace Mugabe’s Koffi Jailed for 18 Months
Congolese music star and First Lady Grace Mugabe’s fav’ ace, Koffi Olomide has been slapped with an 18-month jail term without the option of a fine by a Kinshasa court for assaulting one of his dancers in Nairobi.
Olomide’s jailing deepened the singer’s free fall that started when he kicked a woman in his band at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi last Friday.
Olomide was deported alongside three of his female dancers.
Police arrived at his residence in a continuation of perhaps the worst run in Olomide’s fortunes, a painful price to pay for his moment of madness in Nairobi.
According to reports from Kinshasa, a campaign to have him arrested was started by Congressman Zakarie Bababaswe, who had filed a petition on behalf of the Congolese public to get the musician punished for assault.
Mr Bababaswe had in a televised press conference wondered why Olomide was “still walking scot-free and yet there was video evidence that he assaulted his dancer in Kenya?”
Incidentally, the congressman and Olomide used to be good friends until they fell out after the musician and Cindy Le Coeur, his lead singer, were accused of belittling him in their songs.
His arrest, which was ordered by the attorney-general, has been received with jubilation by locals and foreigners, who feel justice must be done for all, and especially in enforcing women’s rights.
Since video footage of the incident, in which one of Africa’s leading musicians lashed out with a “Kung Fu kick” at one of his dancers, came to light, Olomide has suffered a huge setback in a career the mercurial singer, composer and band leader has diligently nurtured for several decades. The Nation
“Mugabe Meeting Pastor Mawarire for Tea” Needed – Mliswa
President Robert Mugabe must bring in #ThisFlag founder, Pastor Evan Mawarire for a cup of tea, former ZANU Pf Chairman for Mash West, Temba Mliswa challenges the Head Of State saying.
President Mugabe Sends Off Nyahora, Olympics Team
Athlete Rutendo Nyahora has made it to the 2016 Rio Summer games, she told ZimEye weeks ago, “nothing can stop a determined woman.”
ZimEye had an interview with Nyahora after she had broken a commendable second in South Africa during the Spar Ladies League.
Meeting with the team earlier today, President Robert Mugabe said he was delighted to receive the team which stands on the verge of writing a new page in the country’s 36 year history when they participate at the 2016 Rio summer games beginning on the 5th to the 21st of next month.
“You have the potential to add to the eight medals so far achieved, 3 gold, 4 silver and one bronze at Olympic games. We also expect you to display a high standard of discipline and sportsmanship and market brand Zimbabwe,” Cde Mugabe told the team.
“What I can only give you now is my best wishes. You must expect tough opposition and when you lose, do it with dignity, respect and not lose heart. Your qualification alone is an achievement in itself, so you would remain the county’s heroes and heroines,” he added.
Team Zimbabwe is comprised of 31 athletes from seven different sporting disciplines that include aquatics, athletics, archery, equestrian, shooting, football, rowing and will be accompanied by 25 officials.
At the ceremony, President Mugabe was presented with Team Zimbabwe’s kit as a token of appreciation by Sport and Recreation Minister, Makhosini Hlongwane.
The send off ceremony was also attended by the two vice presidents, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cde Phelekezela Mpoko, several government ministers, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) officials and members of various national sport associations. ZBC
BREAKING NEWS: Police Attack NERA Marchers In Harare
Staff Reporter| Harare – Hoardes of riot police cops “armed to the teeth”, Tuesday mid-day, attacked signatories to the National Electoral Reforms Agenda (Nera), who were marching to Parliament House seeking to hand over a petition calling for the urgent implementation of NERA objectives.
Bulawayo MP and MDC-T deputy spokesperson, Thabitha Khumalo told ZimEye.com the youths were pounced upon with the police charging that the activists’ act was illegal as they “did not obtain police clearance.”
But the activists who marched peacefully seeking to hand over their petition at parliament, were not in any way protesting but simply walking to submit their paper.
The police descended onto Nelson Mandela avenue armed to the teeth in what many assumed were preparations to brutalise the activists. PICTURES & VIDEO BELOW…….
Truly credible election.
Over 10 opposition political parties last year joined Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T to craft and sign up to the Nera in the call for a truly credible election as a precondition for the return to legitimacy, which the parties agreed must become an issue of national priority.
Nera last month told government it would hold a series of demonstrations if the government fails to address their electoral reform demands.
“We pray that the above-mentioned demands be met in the shortest time so that we rescued Zimbabwe out of political and legitimacy crisis that we find ourselves in,” the petition said.
“Failure to realise will leave the young people of Zimbabwe with no other option than to take it upon themselves to rescue this country from the political, economic legitimacy crisis by any means possible,” it concluded.
More to follow…
Linda To Remain Behind Bars Till August
Staff Reporter | Linda Masarira will remain incarcerated until 11 August after the sitting magistrate dismissed her Constitutional Court Application, on the grounds that there are no merits for success. Linda also has another outstanding matter in the courts in Mutare and her case is now being referred there.
Her lawyers led by Kudzayi Erick Kadzere had asked the Magistrate at the Mbare Court to refer her matter to the Constitutional Court, the country’s apex court, for determination of the violation of her constitutional rights as the lawyers are convinced that she was detained beyond the prescribed 48 hour period before she was brought for her initial appearance in court.
The magistrate will rule on 11 August on the application to refer to Mutare.
Linda was denied bail because she has an outstanding warranty in Mutare. More To Follow
LIVE UPDATES: Linda Masarira Court Case, Con Court Application Dismissed
Staff Reporter | Prolific protester, Linda Masarira’s second hearing is being held at Mbare Magistrate Court this morning, with scores of Zimbabweans coming out in full support of her.
UPDATE – At 2PM ruling on the application made by the defense for Linda to be transferred to Mutare where she has a pending warrant of arrest, will be made.
UPDATE – We have just received a report that Linda’s Constitutional Court Application has been dismissed, on the grounds that there are no merits for success. Linda also has another outstanding matter in the courts in Mutare and her case is now being referred there. The magistrate will rule on 11 August on the application to refer to Mutare.
Speaking from the court activist Mfundo Mlilo said, “There is massive solidarity from a cross section of society….Linda is also there and in high spirits. They are failing to break her spirit.”
Her lawyers led by Kudzayi Erick Kadzere have asked the Magistrate at Mbare to refer her matter to the Constitutional Court, the country’s apex court, for determination of the violation of her constitutional rights as the lawyers are convinced that she was detained beyond the prescribed 48 hour period before she was brought for her initial appearance in court. According to the Lawyers For Human Rights.
Election Observers Sign Official Secrets Act, Makarau Quiet
THE Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) has claimed its observers involved in the just-ended Mazowe North by-election, won by Zanu PF candidate Martin Dinha, were forced to sign “Official Secrets Act” forms and swear they would not publicly disclose any misdemeanours they observed in the polls.
In a statement yesterday, Zesn said: “Of concern, Zesn observers stationed at polling stations were made to sign the official secrecy declaration forms before voting started.
“According to Sections 86 and 87 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] only electoral officers, candidates and political party agents are required to sign the forms. The provisions in the Electoral Act do not apply to observers.”
Contacted for comment, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson, Rita Makarau said: “All I have are the results. I haven’t received that information, but I will have to confirm.
“All I know is that the elections were free and fair and there was no violence. But if you wish, I could direct you to talk to our CEO, who may have the information.”
Zec chief executive officer, Constance Chigwamba also professed ignorance over the matter.
“I do not have that information right now. I will tell you when I see it,” she said. Zesn said it had also observed that despite Zec’s adoption of a polling station-based voting system, voters were still walking long distances to cast their votes and expressed concern over an unnecessarily high number of assisted voters.
“We also observed isolated incidents of voters who were redirected to other polling stations despite their claims of having been registered at those polling stations during the registration exercise prior to the by-election. For instance, a number of voters at Pembichase Farm in Ward 26 were redirected to other polling stations such as the Mvurwi Country Club polling station,” Zesn said.
In the 2013 elections, opposition parties and independent observers claimed as much as 10 000 voters, including teachers, had been “assisted” in voting in one constituency.
The Mazowe North seat fell vacant in March following the death of Zanu PF’s Edgar Chidavaenzi. Dinha romped to victory garnering over 12 500 votes, to beat his rival, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe’s Elias Malukula, who polled just over 600 votes. – Newsday
Army Helicopters Crash Down In Chikomba
Dear ZimEye.
There was drama in Chikomba district at Nharira township when the army helicopters carrying the late hero Charles Utete to his home area for body viewing, failed to takeoff due to fuel empty tanks. One of them was forced to touch down while the other one failed to take off.
The body waited for nearly two hours waiting for fuel of which two drums had to be brought from Harare by road. This happened at Nharira township in Chikomba, Mashonaland East.
AUDIO:WarVets Attack Mugabe Again, Chinotimba Speaks Out
LIVE REPORT:As thousands of war veterans voiced their rejection of president Robert Mugabe last week Thursday, the liberation fighters have days later repeated their calls for Mugabe to step down with immediate effect. Former War Vets leader Joseph Chinotimba has told ZimEye.com Mugabe is however still popular (FULL INTERVIEW, part 1, and 2). Joining in the ZimEye LIVE studio is the Harare born woman who has become popular in recent days due to her viral selfie video blasting Robert Mugabe, only identified by the name “Rose.” part 1 still loading. Please refresh page:
Sexual Healing Prophet Jailed For 36 Years
Wellington Gase (36) of Torwood, Redcliff, infected his victim with HIV after he raped her instead of giving her spiritual healing, has been sentenced to 36 years in jail.
A self-proclaimed prophet of the Johanne Masowe weChishanu apostolic sect in Kwekwe has been slapped with a 36-year jail term after he raped and infected a congregant with HIV.
He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Gokwe-Kwekwe regional magistrate Mr Amos Mbobo. He was facing three counts of rape. Gase was convicted and sentenced to 36 years.
Six years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
In passing sentence, Mr Mbobo said the court took into consideration that cases of sexual abuse of children were rampant and only a stiffer sentence would send a message to would-be offenders.
Prosecutor Ms Mary Chapinda told the court that on January 12 this year, Gase was approached by the complainant’s mother after she suffered from continuous menstrual cycle.
He promised to perform healing sessions for three days. Ms Chapinda said the mother agreed to leave the girl in Gase’s custody. Gase raped the complaint on three occasions.
This was after he threatened to bewitch the girl’s mother and other relatives if she refused to be intimate with him.
Gase also threatened the victim, forcing her not to report the matter. The girl reported the abuse to her mother on January 21, leading to Gase’s arrest. A medical report was produced in court and it showed the victim was HIV positive.
Meanwhile, another prophet allegedly raped a 17-year-old congregant during a church service, writes Fungai Lupande. Jameson Denhere (39) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe yesterday charged with rape.
He was remanded in custody and advised to seek bail at the High Court. Prosecuting, Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that Denhere, of Nyakudya Village under Chief Chinamhora, attended a church service with the complainant.
He started praying for people some distance from the congregation. Denhere allegedly grabbed the complainant when it was her turn for prayers and had anal sex with her against her will.
The court heard that the complainant screamed for help, but no one came to her rescue.
After the sexual assault Denhere freed the complainant and ordered her to join other congregants.
She revealed the matter to one Linda Murwira who alerted church leaders.
Upon interrogation by church leaders Denhere admitted to fondling the girl, but denied raping her.
The complainant later fell sick and was taken to hospital where the abuse was confirmed.
Denhere was arrested.
Grade 2 Kids Hide Boys Death After Kombi Accident
A GRADE two pupil from Mbizo Primary School in Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb died due to serious head injuries hours later after being hit by a kombi.
The boy’s playmates didn’t notify his parents.
The driver of the kombi, who is yet to be identified, rushed Tadiwa Hillary Fida (7) to Mpilo Central Hospital soon after the accident which occurred at around 12PM on Sunday.
The driver is said to have handed himself over to the police afterwards.
Hospital staff had a torrid time locating the boy’s family. Sources said Tadiwa had accompanied his friends for a haircut and the kombi hit him as he ran to catch up with them.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Tadiwa’s mother Ms Sibonile Moyo said she became worried when her son did not come home.
“I wandered around Cowdray Park searching for him to no avail,” she said.
“Later on I asked a neighbour to accompany me to the police station. I felt my blood freeze when we were told that there was a young boy who had been hit by a car.
“A neighbour called and told me to abandon the search on the pretext that they had found him. I sensed something was amiss as I rushed home. I almost blacked out when they told me Tadiwa had been hit by a car in the afternoon,” said Ms Moyo.
She said Tadiwa’s friends, who had earlier said they didn’t know where he was, confessed he had been hit by a car.
The friends, Ms Moyo said, fled from the scene and were afraid to tell anyone.
“We then proceeded to Bulawayo Traffic West but before we got there we were told of his death. I saw the vehicle that killed my son. It’s in very bad shape, it could have been speeding,” she said.
The grieving mother said her son had died a very painful death.
She said they proceeded to Mpilo in the company of the driver’s friends and vehicle owner to identify the body but she was so grief-stricken that she could not get into the mortuary.
Ms Moyo said her husband is on his way from South Africa where he works.
News about the accident circulated on WhatsApp on Sunday evening.
A message read that a boy between the age of eight and 10 years had been hit by a kombi and was appealing for relatives who had a missing son in Cowdray Park to check with Mpilo’s casualty ward.
“I didn’t see the message. I just heard today that there was such a message,” said Ms Moyo.
She said she had not met the driver who was still in police custody but she had met the owner of the vehicle, his friends and relatives who had offered to assist with burial arrangements.
Mourners are gathered 16692 Cowdray Park.
A comment from police could not be obtained.
Drama as Driver Plunges Into Deep Sewage Pool
A Harare man is exceedingly grateful for escaping with minor injuries after his car while in motion plunged into a three metre deep ditch full of sewer.
Relatives to the unnamed man who did not want his name publicised said it was a miracle that he survived.
When the state media arrived at the accident scene, some ‘Good Samaritans,’ were busy assisting the man.
The driver in his late 50s remained mum of what could have transpired.
For some witnesses, it was now time for the driver to engage his praying gear into travelling one.
The driver in his late 50s remained mum of what could have transpired.
For some witnesses, it was now time for the driver to engage his praying gear into travelling one.
Although the state media could not establish the real cause of the accident, witnesses said they suspect the driver was drunk while others suggested he could have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Mugabe Removes Mnangagwa In 4 Months’
Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | President Robert Mugabe has hatched a plan to remove Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa from office at Zanu PF’s annual conference scheduled for December, ZimEye.com can reveal.
Mugabe has already moved to descend onto Mnangagwa’s stronghold area, ZimEye.com can reveal.
The party’s annual conference will be held in the troublesome Masvingo Province-most likely at the Great Zimbabwe monuments where Mugabe held his birthday bash earlier this year. The other proposed venue is Nehemiah Mutendi’s Mbungo Estate.
As the nonagenarian continues in his uncomfortable down-slide at the revolutionary party with war veterans pushing for Mnangagwa’s immediate ascendancy, party sources have revealed that the veteran leader has mooted a ploy to dethrone his deputy in December.
Party sources revealed to ZimEye.com at the weekend, the CIO would mobilise members of the Women’s League to push for gender balance in the presidium- in a move aimed at ousting the Midlands godfather.
“The Women’s” League will push for a gender balance in the presidium in a move calculated to push Mnangagwa out of office. Mnangagwa is angling himself to eventually succeed the President but there is a fierce succession battle between his Team Lacoste and the G-40,” said a party official.
There is likely to be fierce resistance from Mnangagwa’s sympathisers given the fact that he commands a huge following in Masvingo Province, analysts said.
Zanu PF Provincial chairman Amasa Nhenjana confirmed the annual event would be held in Masvingo.
“We have received a letter from the administration department confirming that we have been selected by the Politburo to host this year’s annual conference in December and we are already behind schedule,” said Nhenjana.
STUPID JUDGE: Woman Blocked From Registering Son In Own Father’s Name
In a case that has stocked controversy a High Court judge has ruled that for a minor child born out of wedlock to be recognised in the late father’s name relatives’ consent is needed.
DNA tests are not even taken into consideration as was done by this female judge who has since been described as ‘stupid’.
Ms Zvikomborero Paunganwa approached the High Court challenging the constitutionality of Section 12(2) (c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Chapter 5:02).
The law requires that if the alleged father of a child is deceased, his parents or near relatives should confirm paternity of the child.
In a judgment likely to spark heated debate on women and children’s rights, Justice Priscilla Munangati–Manongwa ruled that the requirements were sensible and within the purview of the law.
She said authorities had to satisfy themselves that the child was indeed fathered by the deceased or that in the very least the family (whose identity the child seeks to assume) accepts that the child was or could have been fathered by one of their own.
The assumption of a family name, said the judge, apart from through marriage, had immense intrinsic immeasurable values as it links one to ancestry, is sealed by blood and points to origin. It was also the court’s view that the legislature’s intention in putting such a requirement was to safeguard the family entity.
Justice Munangati-Manongwa also noted that there would be chaos if on mere say so, the Registrar of Births and Deaths Office was obliged to enter a man’s name in the register as the father to any child.
“The carrying of a family name comes with privileges and responsibility culturally, economically and socially, hence it is to be jealously guarded,” she said.
“Family is central to issues of inheritance where it is important that in the absence of a will, whoever gets to inherit has to be a member of the deceased’s family. As such it is not desirable that family assets end up in the wrong hands.”
The judge added that if the provisions of Section 12 (2) (c) of the Act were to be impugned, it would be a free-for-all scenario where any woman who has a child out of wedlock and in the absence of the alleged father could impute paternity to anyone.“Further, without safeguards, flood gates can be opened where if entering a man’s name in the register is done on mere say so, there can be targeting of the rich, the powerful and or the secure, where they can purport to be fathers, more so when deceased.”
Ms Paunganwa was in an unregistered customary law union when she lost her husband on June 10, 2010. This was before the parties procured a birth certificate for a minor child born on April 2 the same year.
When approached to issue a birth certificate for the child in the father’s family name, the RG’s office advised Ms Paunganwa that they could not issue the birth certificate in the absence of the husband’s relatives as required by the law.
The RG’s office advised Paunganwa that alternatively it could only issue the document on the strength of a court order arguing that “doing so in absence of a court order will be in breach of the statute for purposes of governing issuance of vital identity documents”.
Ms Paunganwa was faced with a situation where the late husband’s relatives were not willing to assist. Ms Paunganwa approached the court seeking to compel the RG’s office to issue the minor child with the birth certificate.
The issue for determination was whether or not the provisions of the Act complained of offended what the supreme law of the land provided in Section 81(1) (b) and 81 (1) (c) (i).
Ms Paunganwa argued that as the guardian of her child and being a woman she was being discriminated against in her request to procure a birth certificate for her child.
Ms Paunganwa argued that as the guardian of her child and being a woman she was being discriminated against in her request to procure a birth certificate for her child.
But Justice Munanagti-Manongwa found that in essence, Ms Paunganwa had the capacity to procure a birth certificate. However, the fact that the child was born out of wedlock, assumption of a family name without confirmation from relatives was prohibited by that section.
“In that regard, it is not correct that the applicant is being discriminated upon as a guardian,” she said. “If she so wishes she is able to procure a birth certificate for the child in her own name without the assistance of anyone.”
Ms Paunganwa was in an unregistered customary law union when she lost her husband on June 10, 2010. This was before the parties procured a birth certificate for a minor child born on April 2 the same year.
When approached to issue a birth certificate for the child in the father’s family name, the RG’s office advised Ms Paunganwa that they could not issue the birth certificate in the absence of the husband’s relatives as required by the law.
The RG’s office advised Paunganwa that alternatively it could only issue the document on the strength of a court order arguing that “doing so in absence of a court order will be in breach of the statute for purposes of governing issuance of vital identity documents”.
Ms Paunganwa was faced with a situation where the late husband’s relatives were not willing to assist. Ms Paunganwa approached the court seeking to compel the RG’s office to issue the minor child with the birth certificate.
The issue for determination was whether or not the provisions of the Act complained of offended what the supreme law of the land provided in Section 81(1) (b) and 81 (1) (c) (i).
Ms Paunganwa argued that as the guardian of her child and being a woman she was being discriminated against in her request to procure a birth certificate for her child.
Ms Paunganwa argued that as the guardian of her child and being a woman she was being discriminated against in her request to procure a birth certificate for her child.
But Justice Munanagti-Manongwa found that in essence, Ms Paunganwa had the capacity to procure a birth certificate. However, the fact that the child was born out of wedlock, assumption of a family name without confirmation from relatives was prohibited by that section.
“In that regard, it is not correct that the applicant is being discriminated upon as a guardian,” she said. “If she so wishes she is able to procure a birth certificate for the child in her own name without the assistance of anyone.”
Registrar General Mr Tobaiwa Mudede and the Master of the High Court were cited as respondents in the matter.
Factionalism Hits MDC Masvingo
It never rains but pours for the Movement for Democratic Change party, now rocked by fresh infighting in the crucial Masvingo province, as the party struggles to deal with the drama surrounding Morgan Tsvangirai’s unilateral appointment of two more vice presidents recently.
There is blood on floor as the infighting intensifies to control the previously dominant opposition party which has now become a pale shadow of its former self.
Factionalism reared its ugly head leading to fresh chaos in Masvingo after some senior party leaders in the province handpicked their allies to fill vacancies in the provincial executive during a shambolic provincial council meeting held last week.
Disgruntled members of the MDC-T Masvingo provincial council from 24 out of the 26 party districts were left fuming after the provincial executive led by chair Mr James Gumbi appointed their associates to fill vacant posts instead of opening the floor to voting by secret ballot.
There are now fears that simmering fissures in the beleaguered party in Masvingo might widen unless the move to handpick the provincial treasurer, deputy treasurer, deputy secretary for information and publicity and deputy secretary, are reversed.
Sources said the four new provincial executive members who were ushered into office during the weekend provincial council meeting were allies of newly-appointed MDC-T vice president Advocate Nelson Chamisa, who is keen to consolidate his hold in Masvingo.
A Ms Matara was appointed the new provincial treasurer, filling the vacancy left after the elevation of businessman Mr Takanai Mureyi into the national executive council.
Former Gutu senator Mr Empire Makamure was appointed to fill the newly-created post of deputy treasurer while a Mr Masocha and a Mr Mupindu were appointed deputy provincial secretary and secretary for information and publicity respectively.
Party insiders said all the four appointees were Advocate Chamisa’s allies.
‘’There were no elections as should be. The provincial leadership led by (Mr) Gumbi just announced names of individuals they had handpicked to occupy the four vacant posts. The issue caused a lot of dissatisfaction which will worsen in-fighting because we were supposed to go for elections,’’ said a provincial council member, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Mr Gumbi justified the appointments saying elections would divide the party ahead of the crunch 2018 elections.
The MDC-T Masvingo chair rubbished claims that senior provincial executive members handpicked their allies and skirted elections. herald
Chamisa Youths Plot Anti-Khupe March
KNIVES are out for MDC-T vice president Thokozani Khupe with some party youths reportedly planning to stage a demonstration against her when she reports to the party’s Harvest House offices in Harare.
The youths are said to be also targeting the party’s national organising secretary Mr Abednicho Bhebhe, secretary general Mr Douglas Mwonzora and spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu whom they accuse of opposing the appointment of two additional vice presidents.
MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai two weeks ago appointed Mr Nelson Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri to join Ms Khupe as the three party’s vice presidents in a development set to erode her powers and influence in the party.
Mr Tsvangirai said the appointments had been seconded by the party’s national council. The four officials did not attend the meeting.
However, the plot against the four thickened after a lawsuit against Tsvangirai by some party members last week challenging the appointments.
Mr Gutu downplayed the issue yesterday saying, “The issue of the appointment of the two VPs is now water under the bridge.”
He said the party was united under Mr Tsvangirai with a bigger picture of “dislodging” Zanu PF.
“The MDC is a very disciplined and democratic political party. We abhor and condemn all forms of violence. The reports of planned demonstrations against some party leaders are a complete baseless fabrication,” said Mr Gutu.
“These reports have to be dismissed with the contempt that they rightly deserve.”
Mr Bhebhe on the other hand said of the planned demo against them, “I’m not aware. If ever there is such, then that is madness. That’s all I can say.”
However, insiders said a clique within the party met in Harare last Friday where it was agreed that a demonstration be staged against the four.
“There is a belief in the party that the Khupe faction sponsored the lawsuit against the President challenging the appointment of Chamisa and Mudzuri hence the planned demonstrations.
“It was agreed that if the four are opposed to Tsvangirai then they are enemies of the party,” said the sources.
“Demonstrations will be held against Khupe and the three others when they come to Harvest House. Efforts will be made to block them from entering the party headquarters.”
Meanwhile, in yet another sign of deep seated divisions, Mr Chamisa was in Bulawayo at the weekend where he reportedly held meetings with a number of people including officials but ignored the provincial executive.
The Bulawayo provincial executive is linked to Ms Khupe.
“Many learnt through Chamisa’s Facebook post that he was in Bulawayo meeting with some people.
“The provincial executive was not aware of his visit. We heard that after Bulawayo, Chamisa also visited Midlands province where he also had some meetings,” said the source.-state media
Man Rapes Sister On Wheelchair
A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Nkayi allegedly raped his wheelchair-bound elder sister twice and then threatened to set her hut on fire if she reported the matter.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, allegedly pounced on his sister who is aged 22 while their mother was away in May this year.
His trial will commence on August 25 before regional magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere. His sister is wheelchair bound as both her legs were amputated.
Prosecutor Mr Simbarashe Manyiwa alleges that sometime in May at a home in Zenka Village, the man went to his sister’s bedroom and found her sleeping.
“He woke her up and asked where their mother had gone to and she told him that she was not at home. The man then took away the blanket covering his sister and placed it aside before undressing her,” Mr Manyiwa said.
“He raped his sister once and went away.”
The man is alleged to have entered his sister’s bedroom on a different date and started insulting her.
“He said she was an arrogant woman and questioned why she was still living in her mother’s homestead. The man then grabbed his sister and raped her once,” Mr Manyiwa said.
It is alleged that afterwards, he produced an okapi knife and threatened to kill her if she revealed the matter to anyone.
“He also promised to set alight her hut if she told anyone about the sexual assault. The woman, however, told their mother leading to the arrest of her young brother,” Mr Manyiwa said. chronicle
ZRP Cops Caught In Stock Theft Scandal
Terrence Mawawa| Chirumhanzu |ZRP cops here have been sitting on 11 cases of stock theft -since 2008, for fear of being exposed, it has emerged. In an incident that mirrors rampant corruption in the troubled force, ZRP cops in Chirumhanzu have been sitting on the stock theft cases involving known Zanu PF activist, Chief Chirumhanzu, whose real name is Gerald Mudzengi.
Complainants in the cases revealed to ZimEye.com that the police were working in cahoots with the Chief in the racket. It is understood out of the 11 cases only two dockets have been opened in a deliberate attempt to sweep the cases under the carpet. At least 26 cattle were stolen from farms near Mvuma.
Local farmers said the police were determined to protect Chief Chirumhanzu because of their active involvement in the stock theft cases. “We are surprised by the police’s reluctance to act on 11 cases of stock theft involving Chief Chirumhanzu. The police are sitting on the cases and they have opened only two dockets out of the 11 cases.”
The police officers in Chirumhanzu are unwilling to take the cases to court for fear of being implicated but we will continue to pursue the cases. The police are wary of the cases because they will be caught up in the process,”said a local farmer. National Police spokesperson Charity Charamba said, “I have not been told about the case, I will conduct some investigations.”
Biti Loses Deputy Chair To Mujuru’s PF
Shamiso Joylene Mtandwa | Former Vice President Joice Mujuru, whose party drew huge crowds in Mashonaland east over the weekend continues to “fish” in the waters of her political rivals this time snatching a top People’s Democratic Party official.
As previously hinted by ZimEye.com, the Tendai Biti led PDP, lost its Deputy National Chairman Washington Sibanda to the Joice Mujuru led Zimbabwe People First.
Highly placed PDP officials confirmed to ZimEye.com that Sibanda a former MDC-T senator tendered his resignation from the party on Friday last week.
Sibanda, formerly MDCT Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman and subsequently seconded as senator in the province, was dismissed from the MDC-T and lost his senatorial seat last year when he joined the PDP.
On joining the PDP, he was elected as the party’s vice chairman.
Sources in the Zimbabwe People First in Bulawayo confirmed to ZimEye.com that Sibanda has indeed officially joined the party and is being oriented into the party structures in Matabeleland South.
The sources further confirmed that Sibanda is earmarked to take over the Matabeleland South Provincial Chairmanship position before the party’s inaugural congress set for later this year.
Tragi-Comedy – The Drama That Is Zanu PF & The War Vets
Edinah Masanga |Zanu PF’s game of thrones plays itself out in the war veterans camp, who have been the backbone of the liberation party over the years. They have diligently served the party even when Robert Mugabe’s unpopularity soared, rejected by Zimbabweans, they have killed, raped and maimed to keep him there. Now a section says it can remove him. The drama begins, begging the question who in the military, intelligence and in general does this group represent?
But before I go any further, I would like to just say this, Mutsvangwa’s reply to Zanu PF’s internal probe floored me, ”I do not own copyright to the English language,” he said. That was a tad too much denying. Just saying.
Our experience with babies tells us that when a child says no no no too much, they might actually be saying yes yes yes. Very interesting but sad at the same time.
But, until the weevil who wrote the communique is found, we shall keep assuming it did come from the war vets themselves and in that regard, I have a few sentiments to express about the communique and points raised therein.
Your well written communique struck a chord in the hearts of many people but I am sitting here thinking; oh the cry of the spoilt child (rolls eyes). Crying the loudest for a dessert while its cheeks are chubby and shiny from too much food, on entering a house full of other kids with sunken cheeks, protruding cheekbones and rickety legs from hunger. May I say welcome to the other side. And, by the way, you are a little late for the (foodless) party don’t you think.
My bad. I am NOT against the war vets, in fact I am happy that we, the downtrodden, keep gaining ‘heavyweights’ on this our side of the fence where the grass no longer exists. It’s all dried up since a decade ago, and blown by the wind or disappeared in the dark of the night while we slept. Or, as a little bird said, it’s stashed away somewhere in a Singaporean bank, accruing large amounts of interest.
As a matter of fact, you are a decade late for the party. Oh, let me see, you were receiving what were they called again? Oh my memory can be unpatriotic sometimes but I remember now, you were on top of the world getting war vet packages including a seat on the Zanu pf feast table. But boooom! Someone pulled the tablecloth, and turned the table over, rearranged the seats only for you to see that yours had been put out onto the cold patio.
Oh, I can get carried away sometimes. Forgive my penchant for reminding people of their pasts – which they probably want us to forgive and forget just like that.
But, anyway, the fact that that war vets are running around like the second partner who got dumped, when they knew they were never the one in the first place, is besides the point. I have a plea to put forward. We need help.
Firstly, how about fighting for the country all over again? Like literally, I mean. As you might have witnessed, we have been teargassed, kicked, beaten and shot at by the police and army in our quest for justice from your patron’s dictatorship – (is he still?). Anyway, we could really use some fighting and resistance expertise.
Secondly, how about taking back that statement that you made that other time not so long ago, that you were prepared to go back to war to protect the president from none other than us the hungry vandals that were created by the same patron of yours? That’d be really nice, so that we can kiss and make up properly.
Thirdly, turn the heat up. We are over here, dearest war vets, clapping and waiting in anticipation to see what you are going to do next. Surely just a statement can’t be enough. We could really use some action in Zimbabwe. Those who are used to giving it to others, need to be given a dose of their own medicine. Now, that will be really heroic.
Fourthly, you know I love information (professional hazard), therefore we could use some dishing of dirt. Hmmm I’m wetting my appetite already. If you don’t know where to start I have an idea, tell us who approached you and manipulated you into kicking white Zimbabweans out of their farms? Is that same person now calling you traitors or what? Well, just expose them. Tell us everything!
Lastly, my dearest lovely war vets, thank you for finally showing that you, the heroic surviving fighters of the liberation war for Zimbabwe, can’t be made to cower into a corner by one 99 year old man. Oops, is it 99 or 96 or 97 or ninety what exactly? Ah, same difference, it’s still a century to me. Thirty something years past the retirement age in Zimbabwe.
Lastly, for real now, I can create a hashtag for you so that we can tweet Mugabe out as well. Can we try #MugabeMustFallNow or?
Okay, I think that’s enough, please don’t come for me, I really tried to make this as lighthearted as possible.
Thank you very much, yours in love, E.
P.S. At the end of the day I am really hoping that the communique did come from the war vets and that they indeed see Mugabe as correctly as they stated. Their breaking away from dictatorial Mugabe and his party will do a world of good for our country.
Until next time.
Mawarire Joins Global Appeal For The Release Of Linda Masarira
Staff Reporter |Pastor Evan Mawarire who is currently exiled in South Africa, has joined the global appeal for the release of incarcerated Tajamuka activist Linda Masarira, appealing to Zimbabweans to stand with her during her trial tomorrow.
Mawarire made the passionate appeal in a video recording reminding Zimbabweans of the overwhelming solidarity they gave to him when he was being harassed by the state. Masarira’s second hearing will be on Tuesday 26th of July 2016, at Mbare Magistrate Court from 09.30hrs in the morning.
Mawarire appealed to Zimbabweans to go out in full force in support of a fellow citizens, being wrongfully incarcerated, “I understand she was beaten by the police, and has been in prison since then, the state has denied her bail and she urgently needs our help.”
Mawarire urged Zimbabweans to respond to Masarira’s case the way they had responded to his when he was also faced with police harassment. ” You came to help me, you came to stand with me, and I am asking you, I am begging of you for those of you who can make it to the Magistrates Court, tomorrow July 26th Tuesday, please go to Mbare magistrates Court.”
An appeal for Masarira being shared on social media also reads;
“Let us please support our sister and our brothers who have been imprisoned for supporting#shutdown protests in Zimbabwe.Where are the 100 Human Rights lawyers who supported Pastor Mawarire?Where are you Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe and in diaspora? Do we support people with high profiles only? Women of Zimbabwe where are you?Why are we not taking care of all the foot soldiers in jail?If we dont support them at the time of need do you think that if you call for another Demo they will join you?Lets stand together and uphold the sanctity of life.All human beings must be treated the same.Lets turn up in numbers to support Linda Musarira tomorrow in Court.”
Mawarire urged Zimbabweans to respond to Masarira’s case the way they had responded to his when he was also faced with police harassment. ” You came to help me, you came to stand with me, and I am asking you, I am begging of you for those of you who can make it to the Magistrates Court, tomorrow July 26th Tuesday, please go to Mbare magistrates Court.”
An appeal for Masarira being shared on social media also reads;
“Let us please support our sister and our brothers who have been imprisoned for supporting#shutdown protests in Zimbabwe.Where are the 100 Human Rights lawyers who supported Pastor Mawarire?Where are you Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe and in diaspora? Do we support people with high profiles only? Women of Zimbabwe where are you?Why are we not taking care of all the foot soldiers in jail?If we dont support them at the time of need do you think that if you call for another Demo they will join you?Lets stand together and uphold the sanctity of life.All human beings must be treated the same.Lets turn up in numbers to support Linda Musarira tomorrow in Court.”
Shocking Reports Of Brutal Torture Of Zims in Botswana
Zimbabweans who cross into neighbouring Bostwana for economic or political reasons but have no papers risk being severely canned when caught, as shocking details emerge of wounded Zimbabwe torture survivors.
Early July nine Zimbabwean men reportedly sustained severe injuries after they were whipped on the buttocks with switches by a chief’s security forces in Botswana, according to a report. It is further reported that one of the victims of the assault, Ezekiel Mukuya spent three days unable to sit because of the severity of the injuries.
The Senate Committee on Peace and Security has petitioned the Botswana government over this gross ill treatment of Zimbabweans, with Zanu PF MP for Rushinga, Damian Mumvuri reporting to Parliament the gross abuses his committee had witnessed at the border post.
Mumvuri told Parliament; “The committee managed to witness a group of Zimbabweans at the no man’s land, between Zimbabwe and Botswana who had been deported. They could hardly walk and had wounds all over their bodies.
“They submitted that they had been beaten up by both the Botswana police and the traditional chief courts,” Mumvuri said.
Botswana police have confirmed the canning incidents, explaining that the country’s chiefs were responsible for giving corporal punishment of six cuts.
Volumes of Zimbabweans cross into Botswana and other neighbouring countries in search for work, as Zimbabwe’s economy continues to deteriorate.
Botswana’s law enforcement agencies conduct patrols along the border with Zimbabwe, as well as urban sweeps, to find illegal migrants.
However, the deportees quickly find their way back through illegal entry points.
Biti Delegate At Historic Clinton Convention
Zimbabwe’s former Minister of Finance the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Tendai Biti will witness history in the making when the Democratic Party endorses Hilary Clinton as its first female candidate in the upcoming Presidential elections.
The four-day Democratic convention will open on Monday, with Biti’s PDP officials announcing that their leader is a participant, invited to attend the national convention organised by United States of America’s Democratic Party in Philadelphia this week.
Ahead of the convention some good news for Clinton, The New York Times reported that businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will endorse her in a prime-time speech on Monday, saying she will be the best choice for moderate voters in 2016.
PDP secretary for international relations, Willias Madzimure, told party supporters in Mabvuku yesterday that Biti would be attending Clinton’s convention from today until Thursday.
The US presidential elections are scheduled for November 8 2016, with Clinton set to lock horns with Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Madzimure confirmed that the PDP was still committed to the principle of a grand coalition of opposition parties, adding Biti might not necessarily lead the proposed coalition.
“It is our resolution that the president (Biti) is not necessarily a presidential candidate, but we will support anyone who stands for our principle”, Madzimure said.
Meanwhile, MDC-T provincial executives in Masvingo and Mashonaland West have thrown their weight behind the recent appointment of Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as the party’s co-vice-presidents.
Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Ralph Tawanda Magunje hailed MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai for making the appointments and castigated party members who have filed a High Court application challenging the decision.
MDC-T Masvingo spokesperson Dusty Zivave also embraced the decision, saying the two would help the party reconnect with its grassroots structures ahead of the 2018 elections.
Tsvangirai has been under fire from a section of supporters and other senior party officials who view the decision as a ploy to side-line his long-time deputy, Thokozani Khupe. newsday
Minister Hits At Muderous ZRP Cops
WAR Veterans’ minister Tshinga Dube, broke ranks with his fellow cabinet ministers, coming out to strongly condemn the heavy handedness of the police force in dealing with protesters.
He has condemned the police’s use of brute force in crushing the recent anti-government demonstrations, describing the police officers involved as “overzealous”.
Addressing the public at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, after donating some textbooks, Dube said the battering and and teargasing of demonstrators, among them children, during the recent nationwide job stay-away, was uncalled for.
“It’s very sad and unfortunate that some police officers become overzealous. I don’t understand when some police officers start ill-treating kids to the extent of taking them to a police station or locking them up,” he said.
“It’s very, very unfortunate. So what we can only do is to speak to their higher authorities. They (authorities) must look upon these issues very seriously. Kids are kids and you will find that anywhere in the world they are taken by storm, and if that happens, they want to be seen participating.”
Dube added: “And if you ask why they are participating, they will not give you a satisfactory answer, but be that the case, the police officers must have enough sense to see that these are young people who need help, not baton sticks to be used on them or teargas. It’s just unfortunate.”
Several people in most urban centres were reportedly injured when police ruthlessly crushed the protests, although Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo has defended the police action.
Dube’s remarks came as public anger against police was swelling with human rights activists, churches and opposition parties calling for the perpetrators to be brought to book.
Police have also been accused of firing teargas into Burombo Flats in Bulawayo, leaving at least 43 children hospitalised after inhaling the fumes.
A legislative watchdog, Veritas, recently urged Zimbabweans to report human rights violations by the police or army personnel to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Videos of police brutality have been circulating on social media networks, and despite police saying they will institute investigations, they cast doubt on their sincerity when they also argued that the videos were doctored.
The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights has warned that police officers photographed beating protesters will be held personally accountable in the future. newsday
Tajamuka: Masarira Approaches ConCourt For Freedom
Staff Reporter Mbare Magistrate Stan Mambanje will on Tuesday, hand down the ruling on an application for referral to the Constitution Court by the detained female political activist Linda Masarira who is languishing in prison.
Masarira a mother of five, is one of the Occupy Africa Unity Square organisers, arrested early this month in Harare together with several other political activists during the anti-President Robert Mugabe campaign code named #SHUTDOWNZIM2016.
The pro-democracy activist who is facing charges of obstructing the free flow of movement of traffic as defined in section 38 of the Criminal Law and Codification Act and public violence.
Masarira is now seeking recourse at the Constitutional Court arguing that her right to protection of the law was breached when she was brought to the courts 53 hours after her arrest.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)’s Kudzai Kadzere is representing her.
” All Shona Gukurahundis”- Mzila Forms Regional Party
Staff Reporter Outspoken and controversial former MDC (Ncube) Secretary General Moses Mzila Ndlovu, has formally launched his new regional political party.
Ndlovu is a self confessed regional politician who has accused all Shona people of being involved in Gukurahundi, and he will never forgive them.
The party the Alliance for National Salvation, ANSA, was officially launched in Johannesburg South Africa over the weekend.
Details of the meeting are still not available, however, inside sources told ZimEye.com that Mzila was confirmed as the party interim President, with popular Matabeleland activist Mudzimu Unami Emmanuel Moyo as the Secretary General.
In its social media postings, the party claims to be an alliance inviting Matabeleland political parties to come together and work for the region as a single regional alliance.
The alliance claims to be forcing for a federal system of governance if it takes over government.
On the other hand, they are also not disputing the possibility of them forcing for the cessation of the region an agenda moved by several other political movements in the Matabeleland.
FULL TEXT: Chihuri Admits Police Roadblocks Inside Shopping Malls
Below is the full-text copy of Police boss, Augustine Chihuri’s latest orders in which he admits the police are erecting roadblocks inside shopping malls.
LIVE REPORT: ZRP cops have been erecting roadblocks inside shopping malls, police boss Gen. Augustine Chihuri has revealed.
This emerged during the ZimEye LIVE-REPORT program in which newsreaders tuned in to engage Chihuri directly. Although he did not turn up himself for the live call, he availed his latest secret Communique sent to cops countrywide and it shows the official admission in full print, that police-men and women have been erecting roadblocks inside shopping malls.
In the emergency document, Chihuri stated that the cops have been among a host of other unlawful things, putting roadblocks inside shopping malls. This must stop and those found disobeying will be liable for swift disciplinary action, Gen Chihuri stated.
The document also went on following ZimEye’s latest special police investigations that have humiliated the force, to state that the cops must from Saturday the 23rd (yesterday), start ensuring that they have left every person they engage both dignified and “satisfied” as to the service they have received from the police. The unedited official document is herewith availed by ZimEye.com – (click here to download). ZRP_EMERGENCY_MEMO ALSO WATCH THE CHIHURI LIVE ENGAGEMENT Program (PART 1, ) videos on Sunday here. – ZimEye.com [please note, part 2 and 3 will be streamed shortly]
HIV+ Positive Boy In Group Sex With 5 Girls
Terrence Mawawa, Zvishavane | A 14-year-old HIV positive boy who is on antiretroviral treatment performed group sex on five primary schools girls-aged between six and seven- in a shocking incident that has shaken the local community here.
The accused whose name has been withheld, had sexual intercourse with the five girls without their consent.
The matter was heard before Gweru Regional Magistrate, Morgan Nemadire last week. On an unknown date in January 2016 around 2 pm, near Kandodo Primary School the boy forcibly had sex with the five girls.
In what sounded like pure fiction the report said the boy saw the girls coming from school and he called them to where he was. He was standing a few metres from the path the girls were walking along. He then orderd them to lie down and had sex with them one by one. The boy inserted his male organ into each of the girls’ private parts.
One of the girls told her guardians what had transpired after experiencing pain on her private parts. One Honest Shava who works for Save The Children reported the matter to the police.
The five girls were taken for a medical examination where it was established they were not infected with the deadly virus.
The boy was sentenced to five years that were wholly suspended on condition he would not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Magistrate Nemadire said it was not possible for him to be sent to a reformatory centre because there was a possibility he would infect others there.
Highlanders bashes Harare City
Kwesesports – Highlanders FC successfully defended the ZNA Charity Shield after beating Harare City 4-2 on penalties, handing Dutchman Erol Akbay his first silverware five months after he joined the club.
Despite dominating the possession for the majority of the game, Moses Chunga’s charges failed to capitalise on that, only for their opponents to grab the win after a penalty shootout.
The match got off to a frantic start with Harare City searching for an early goal.
City enjoyed ball possession throughout the first half but they lacked the finishing touches.
The Sunshine Boys continued with their dominance when the second half got underway with goalkeeper Prosper Matutu forced to make some excellent saves to keep a clean sheet for Bosso.
The Bulawayo giants also contained the pressure by launching a few counter attacks but their opponents easily dealt them.
With the teams tied after 90 minutes, the game went to a penalty shootout.
Highlanders took first from the spot and they got the advantage when Ronald Chitiyo was denied by the keeper Prosper Matutu.
Peter Muduwa converted Tshilamoya’s fourth penalty before Matutu was again the hero of the day when he saved Munyaradzi Dironyenye’s spot kick, giving Highlanders a 4-2 win on penalties.
By Mufaro Machenjera | Kwesesports
Mugabe Kicked Out of State House Anytime from Now
How the mighty have finally fallen…at last – 92 year old President Robert Mugabe will be out of State House following the demands by war veterans in the capital, Harare last week.
War veterans last Thursday descended on Harare and spoke before a well packed video-recorded press conference voicing that they want Mugabe to step down with immediate effect.
Within 2 days of that function, Mugabe’s former deputy Joice Mujuru also came guns blazing for the first time threatening Mugabe. As Mugabe’s troubles mount, Mujuru on Saturday mutilated the man in the wake of the historic war veterans’ ultimatum. She firmly backed the war vets who Thursday militantly told Mugabe to his face that his time is over and he must resign “or else”.
For the first time in her political career, Mujuru directly attacked Mugabe labeling him “evil” as ZimEye.com reveals. In what was her best rally ever with over 6000 who attended her Marondera stadium function which was packed to the brim, Mujuru’s speech exclusively covered by ZimEye.com, was well polished, far much better than before. Unlike at other times when she spoke in timid riddles, shying away from attacking her former boss Robert Mugabe, Mujuru was very direct and hit straight between Mugabe’s eyes. She for the first time threatened Mugabe true to her war name “spill blood” (war-name). She used the threatening noun “Gandanga” – Destroyer to describe herself in what sounded like a final warning at Mugabe since he has started another war on Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The army, police and CIO leadership is said to be wholly war-veteran sympathetic, a factor many at the weekend said shows to Mugabe “the one way-out finger”. A simple way of understanding the status quo is how the war vets “filmed on video are walking scot-free since their anti-Mugabe function” last Thursday, analyst David Vumba said.
The logistics of kicking Mugabe out of State House might appear difficult, but all they need is a ZANU PF veto. Former ZANU PF Chairman Mash West Temba Mliswa told ZimEye.com Mugabe will be pacing the streets within minutes once a simply ZANU PF constitutional act has been done.
Meanwhile top officials in the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) have scoffed at government threats to silence and stop them from demanding President Robert Mugabe to step down, saying no amount of intimidation would cow them into submission.
War veterans’ leaders who declined to be named yesterday said that Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere had no locus standi to dictate what they should or should not say as their “welfare as stockholders of the ruling party was at stake”.
Mnangagwa, who all along was the war veterans’ Trojan Horse for the 2018 polls, yesterday said it was “highly irresponsible and disloyal” for the former fighters to challenge Mugabe to step down.
Kasukuwere weighed in saying: “That is unacceptable and we will have to flush out these elements. We will not allow this kind of indiscipline to take root in the party. We must allow the President to do his work. He was voted for to run the country and genuine war veterans know that.”
Secretary for War Veterans Walter Asher Tapfumaneyi also threatened to institute a witch-hunt to sniff out the brains behind the former freedom fighters’ damning Thursday communiqué which described Mugabe as a “dictator”.
The latest verbal showdown followed a ZNLWVA meeting held in Harare on Thursday where the ex-fighters denounced Mugabe for failing to address their welfare issues, failing economy, corruption and widespread poverty. The veterans of the country’s 1970s liberation war declared they would not campaign for Mugabe in the 2018 presidential race.
“It’s clear there are people who want to silence us from discussing about our welfare and relationship to the party (Zanu PF),” a senior ZNLWVA executive said. “On Thursday, we had gathered to talk about our welfare and the comrades raised a lot of issues such as neglect by the party and government. Those are genuine issues that have not been responded to and it’s sad that we are being attacked by people who don’t want us to speak openly.”
The official added: “We have been silent for a long time and yet we are denied opportunities in our own country that we liberated. We cannot listen to a person like Kasukuwere who doesn’t know poverty at all. We speak on behalf of masses and again it’s sad that the majority of us cannot afford a proper meal because of poverty.”
The war veterans, after their Thursday meeting, released a strongly-worded communiqué where they described Mugabe as a sly character and dictator responsible for the current wave of corruption and economic meltdown, among a litany of other misdemeanours. They also accused Mugabe, who is their patron, of backing a Zanu PF G40 faction fronted by his wife First Lady Grace. The call for Mugabe to step down has rattled Zanu PF with reports that State security machinery has already been dispatched to clamp down on war veterans suspected of producing the damning communiqué, but the latter has scoffed at the threats.
“We cannot be identified as aliens in Zanu PF or to be told that we are useless, no that will not happen. Of course, they might choose to silence us through arrests or death but it’s only the flesh that will die. Our children will continue speaking and our issues will not go just like that,” the official said.
Already, Zanu PF youths in Chiredzi have threatened to unleash violence on war veterans’ national political commissar, Francis Nhando and repossess his sugarcane plot in the Lowveld, describing him as a “dissident”.
Addressing a Zanu PF meeting in Triangle on Saturday, provincial youth chair, Nobert Ndaarombe declared a bare-knuckle fight with war veterans pushing for Mugabe’s ouster.
“We will not fold our hands and keep quiet if you insult the President. You have crossed the red line. It is now a bare knuckle fight. We will not back down,” he said.
Another youth leader identified as Lloyd Simango, said: “Everyone who goes against the President, we immediately, repossess what he has gained because of Zanu PF. Tomorrow we are going to invade his (Nhando’s) farm.”
Masvingo provincial chairperson Amasa Nenjana threatened unspecified disciplinary action against “errant war veterans”.
“It is not easy to fight Mugabe. They will all be quiet together with (war veterans chairman Christopher) Mutsvangwa, (secretary-general Victor) Matemadanda and others,” Nenjana said.
Provincial political commissar, Jeppy Jaboon incited youths to “deal with Nhando”, saying “as Masvingo, we no longer want to see him in the province”.
Mutsvangwa has already lost his Cabinet, Zanu PF and parliamentary posts over his alleged defiance, but war veterans have vowed to retain him as their leader. The latest purge on war veterans came as former Vice-President Joice Mujuru on Saturday threw her weight behind them and urged the ex-fighters to join forces in the campaign to dislodge Mugabe.
FC Platinum Returns Heavy
Kwesesports – FC Platinum are back at the summit of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League after beating Chicken Inn 1-0 at White City Stadium in a postponed fixture.
The Zvishavane side moved to 33 points with the win, three clear of second- placed Highlanders.
The match got off to a cagey start, with neither team making serious attempts on goal, but two minutes before the break Winston Mhango’s effort broke the deadlock after Walter Musona made a cut through pass.
Moments into the second half, the champions thought they got a penalty after the assistant referee signalled for a handball, but the referee thought otherwise.
The Gamecocks were also reduced to ten men after Thabani Goredema was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Despite playing with only 10 players, the Chicken Inn made a series of attacks, but FC Platinum kept a clean sheet and picked up the three points.
Meanwhile, Highlanders will also play their game in hand against Triangle United on Wednesday.
By Mufaro Machenjera | Kwesesports
Grace Mugabe’s Musician Deported From Kenya
First Lady Grace personal favourite Koffi Olomide, has been deported from Kenya after he was filmed kicking a woman.
Olomide is Mrs Mugabe’s favourite musician and was a special guest at her daughter Bona’s wedding.
Footage of the incident at Nairobi’s international airport was posted online and sparked outrage on social media. Olomide, from Democratic Republic of Congo, denied assaulting anyone but was arrested hours after arriving in Kenya for a concert.
He was deported to the DRC capital, Kinshasa, with three of his dancers. Olomide, 60, was accused of kicking one of the women dancers but, speaking to the BBC, he denied kicking anyone and said he had tried to “stop” a “girl who wanted to fight the dancers I came with”.
The video shown on Kenya’s KTN News shows police intervening to stop the apparent attack on the woman, identified by Kenyan media as one of his dancers. A Kenyan minister of Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, said the singer should be deported and his visa permanently revoked.
“His conduct was an insult to Kenyans and our constitution,” she said. “Violence against women and girls cannot be accepted in any shape, form or manner. It is a blatant violation of their human rights.” The star has been in similar trouble in the past.
In 2012 he was convicted in DRC of assaulting his producer and received a three-month suspended prison sentence. In 2008 he was accused of kicking a cameraman from DRC’s private RTGA television station and breaking his camera at a concert in Kinshasa but a reconciliation was later brokered. —Nation.
Trial Date Set For Ex-ZBC Boss
The date has been set for the former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation chief executive Happison Muchechetere, who will stand trial on August 2, facing charges of contravening procurement procedures when he was ZBC boss.
Muchechetere’s lawyer, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, withdrew their first constitutional application challenging the criminal proceedings but later made another application for referral to Constitutional Court.
In his ruling, magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa said: “The court is making this ruling without reference to the State’s response for the reason that accused made a Constitutional Court application, then withdrew the same application.
“There is no provision that once such an application is made and withdrawn, as in this case, the accused can make a second application. “I have noted that indeed Chris Mutangadura’s (chief law officer in the Attorney-General’s Office) response to the initial application was that the matters raised were not frivolous and vexatious but Section 175 (1) of the Constitution does not allow accused to make the same application before the same magistrate court.
“Therefore the application is dismissed.” Prosecuting, Mr Michael Reza advised the court that he was overwhelmed with work before postponing the matter to August 2 for trial. Mr Mupeiwa said he would be committed on that day and referred the matter to another court.
Muchechetere (64) is facing charges of contravening procurement procedures while he was head of the ZBC. In February this year, the Constitutional Court threw out Muchechetere’s appeal after ruling that the application was not filed in terms of the law.
Mr Reza alleged that on January 18, 2013 Muchechetere — without going to tender — entered into a procurement deal with a Chinese company to purchase an audio outside broadcasting van for $1 050 000.
On April 23 2013, he allegedly misrepresented to ZBC’s executive committee that $495 000 donated by BancABC was enough to purchase an audio van, a cargo van and a crew bus; and, the committee approved the purchase of the items using the said money.
The State alleged that Muchechetere did not disclose to the committee that he had already entered a deal for only one item, the OB van. The court heard that Muchechetere flew to China and signed an agreement for inspection of the van, which was never carried out by other members of the executive committee.
Muchechetere (64) is facing charges of contravening procurement procedures while he was head of the ZBC. In February this year, the Constitutional Court threw out Muchechetere’s appeal after ruling that the application was not filed in terms of the law.
Mr Reza alleged that on January 18, 2013 Muchechetere — without going to tender — entered into a procurement deal with a Chinese company to purchase an audio outside broadcasting van for $1 050 000.
On April 23 2013, he allegedly misrepresented to ZBC’s executive committee that $495 000 donated by BancABC was enough to purchase an audio van, a cargo van and a crew bus; and, the committee approved the purchase of the items using the said money.
The State alleged that Muchechetere did not disclose to the committee that he had already entered a deal for only one item, the OB van. The court heard that Muchechetere flew to China and signed an agreement for inspection of the van, which was never carried out by other members of the executive committee.
The OB van was delivered in August 2013 after BancABC released $100 000 to the Chinese company. The alleged crime was discovered after Muchechetere’s suspension in November last year when it was established that the OB van had a market value of $350 000, contrary to the $1 050 000 he had stated.
Holland Ignites Revolution Spirit In Paris
Sekai Holland Madame Maryam Rajavi, distinguished guests; From Africa I bring our Solidarity message from the National Peace Trust, one of Zimbabwe’s strong civil society and from Pillars of Peace in Africa. I salute this Great Paris Gathering. I also salute our people in Zimbabwe engaged in the ongoing non violent ‘Stay Home’ Resistance, to disable 50 years of dictatorship as we like you ache for Freedom.
This is my first grand rally. We had heard of your struggle, role of National Council of Resistance of Iran, Peoples Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), its leadership of the Movement, from our Australian friends, Dr Meredith Burgmann, former President of the New South Senate for 10 years, present here with a strong delegation.
I as most Zimbabweans walk the same path for Freedom as you do. From late 60s through the 70s until our own independence I participated in our Liberation struggle to end the racist Smith dictatorship in Rhodesia until we gained 1980 independence. Our victory was hijacked and indeed on March 11, 2007, with 140 fellow opposition party and civiI society leaders we were severely tortured. Today we are part of Zimbabwe’s 1 million torture survivors. Despite this it is impossible to be silent about what goes on in our beautiful country.
I add my voice to condemn religious dictatorships ruling Iran and against gender apartheid. Our work going forward is to convince African Union, United Nations and Anti-Apartheid Movements survivors that supported us until we won, to turn their full attention to this Iran struggle.
In conclusion: Women in Africa struggle for liberation. Today we extend our solidarity to your struggle as Iranian women, against Religious fundamentalism. Yesterday I was empowered by the panels where I heard in context the story of the captives in Camp Liberty, a symbol of Iran’s condition! I heard Madame Maryam Rajavi communicate to us an inspiring message today!
I know now that Freedom is coming in Iran!
Until we meet in Teheran soon. I thank You!
Senator Sekai Masikana Holland,
Chairperson of Board of Trustees – National Peace Trust, Zimbabwe
PARIS, JULY 9, 2016 GRAND GATHERING – FREE IRAN – 2016
Brutal Murder – Teacher Axes Wife, Butchers Two children
In the most brutal murder a cold hearted teacher based at Madume Secondary School in Matangombe Village in Gwanda District allegedly went berserk, axed his wife and callously butchered two children under his guardianship.
He then attempted to commit suicide by axing himself with the same axe.
The incident occurred on Friday at around 3am. Matabeleland South police spokesman Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident yesterday. Insp Ndebele said Rueben Maphosa (53) reportedly woke up at around 3am, axed his wife, Jennifer Maphosa (52) at Mafuko Primary School and later proceeded to the room where the two children aged four and 12 were sleeping and struck them with the axe killing one on the spot while another died on the way to Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
Maphosa and his wife resided at Mafuko primary teachers’ cottages where the wife was employed as a teacher and lived with the two deceased children who were also pupils at the same school. The youngest child who was doing Grade Zero was Mrs Maphosa’s granddaughter whose parent is from her previous relationship while the other one who was in Grade Six was her niece.
“We confirm to have received a murder case on 22 July at around 3am where Reuben Maphosa had a misunderstanding with his wife Jennifer, axed her on the head and two juveniles. The wife managed to escape the violent scene with minor injuries and is admitted to Manama Hospital. One of the toddlers died on the spot and another on her way to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where she was being taken for treatment. He then axed himself and is in a critical condition at the United Bulawayo Hospitals. The two deceased children are at Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem,” said Insp Ndebele.
He urged members of the public to find other means of solving problems instead of resorting to violence.
“I urge members of the public to seek counselling from elders or even police if they are having misunderstandings and not indulge in violence which will cause unnecessary deaths, more so involving innocent souls. People should value life,” Insp Ndebele said.
When the Sunday News crew visited Matangombe Village yesterday, a sombre atmosphere engulfed the area as most of the villagers were still to come to terms with the horrendous incident. However, some villagers had contrasting views on how the incident transpired. According to villagers, Maphosa allegedly started an unspecified domestic dispute with his wife at their house.
“The two are understood to have been involved in an altercation and in a fit of rage the husband is said to have picked an axe and struck the children while in their sleep,” said one of the villagers, Mr Simon Nyathi who resides near the school.
It is said after committing the heinous act, Maphosa turned the axe to his wife, striking her on the head but during the ensuing assault he was overpowered. The wife is said to have reiterated and struck her husband with the axe and then bolted out to report the horrendous incident to her sister-in-law who resides close to the school.
“The sister-in-law rushed to the school cottages and found Maphosa seated on the bed bleeding profusely from the injuries he had sustained from the assault while the bodies of the two children were on the floor. One of the children doing Grade Zero was already dead while the other doing Grade Six was still breathing,” said Mr Nyathi.
A member of the Maphosa family who spoke on condition of anonymity said the family was in shock and was failing to come to grips with their son’s actions.
“What I can say is that both families are hurt by what Reuben did. It left us speechless. We are waiting for the post-mortem of the two young children then we prepare for burial services. We suspect that Reuben is no longer mentally stable. If he is normal then he is possessed by evil spirits because what he did doesn’t make sense. We have known the couple to be happily married for many years and for it to end just like this defies all the logic especially considering their ages,” said a relative fighting back tears. State media
Mnangagwa Removal:G40 Demands Emergency Congress
President Robert Mugabe’s loyalists on Friday demanded a special Zanu PF congress to deal with Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a day after war veterans said they were withdrawing their support for the 92-year-old leader.
The over 500 war veterans that met in Harare before issuing the scathing communique on Thursday, expressed unhappiness over moves by the Zanu PF G40 faction to scuttle Mnangagwa’s chances of succeeding Mugabe.
Mugabe was accused by the war veterans of creating G40 to counter his rivals in Zanu PF as the succession wars rocking the ruling party took a new dimension.
Reacting to the stance taken by the war veterans, Zanu PF leaders linked to G40 that include Zanu PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, attended a hastily arranged rally in Rusape where youth leaders openly denounced Mnangagwa.
Zanu PF Manicaland provincial youth leader Mubuso Chinguno told the rally that Mnangagwa should either come clean or be expelled.
“Some war veterans keep on endorsing Mnangagwa. we endorsed President Robert Mugabe as our candidate for the 2018 elections; if you endorse someone [else], it’s treasonous,” he said.
“Mnangagwa should come clean. If he is using the war veterans, he should be expelled from the party just like Mujuru and her cabal.”
Former vice-president Joice Mujuru was expelled from Zanu PF towards the end of 2014 on allegations that she was plotting to unseat the veteran ruler. She has denied the charges and has since formed her own party, Zimbabwe People First. Mujuru was immediately replaced by Mnangagwa who is now facing the same allegations of plotting to topple Mugabe.
Zanu PF deputy secretary for youth Kudzi Chipanga suggested that the party should organise a special congress to settle the succession debate.
“All members in the politburo were appointed by President Mugabe so why should we be bothered by people who were appointed?” he charged in a pointed attack on Mnangagwa.
“If it is difficult, we are calling for an extra-ordinary congress and we will see if those people who are leading factionalism in the party will retain their posts.”
The rally held at Vengere Stadium was also attended by Energy minister Samuel Undenge and Manicaland provincial affairs minister Mandi Chimene.
Kasukuwere parcelled out 500 hectares of land, claiming that 2 000 housing stands were immediately available in Rusape.
Chipanga also proposed an August 1 march in support of Mugabe. The ruling party’s youth league gathered in Harare in April for what was dubbed a million-man march before demonstrating again in the capital on Wednesday.
But at their Thursday meeting, war veterans scoffed at the protests, describing them as “bankrupt marches for a bankrupt leadership”.
“All people who have benefitted from our stands on August 1, let’s go to Harare and show support to our President Robert Mugabe: from here [Rusape] it will take just two hours, you will hear someone asking about transport,” Chipanga said.
“It costs just $5. If you don’t want, you can leave our stand and we see what we will do with it”.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) leaders yesterday said they stood by their Thursday communique despite claims by the government that they had disassociated themselves from it.
The former fighters said they feared a crackdown to cow them was being planned amid claims that a war veteran who was photographed chanting Zanu PF slogans at the meeting has been arrested.
“We know what they are up to. The communiqué is correct, but they want to do a witch-hunt to fire the perceived ring leaders like they have done on Mutsvangwa,” said a senior ZNLWVA official.
“We will not be intimidated. We also know they have arrested those police officers who are war veterans because they want to intimidate them so that they extract information on how the meeting was organised and victimise people.”
Mugabe’s spokesperson George Charamba said the government would only comment after completing investigations on the war veterans communiqué .
“Government’s position is very clear that there is an investigation underway to determine the veracity of that statement,” he said.
“We will investigate it, and when we reach a stage where we know where the document emanated from, that is when we can comment on it.”
He also denied reports that Mugabe chickened out of a press conference on Friday night, which had been scheduled to address the war veterans’ communique.
“You seem to know who organised it, because I did not organise it and I do not know about it. I am just coming from Buhera and that is how quiet my world is,” he said.
The relationship between Mugabe and the former liberation war fighters deteriorated following First Lady Grace Mugabe’s entry into politics in 2014. standard
Mahofa Threatens To Deport Mozambican Refugees
Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| Controversial Masvingo State Minister Shuvai Ben Mahofa, has warned that Mozambican nationals masquerading as refugees, while they are Renamo rebels will be deported without hesitation.
Mahofa who is known for her penchant for controversial remarks said the majority of Mozambican nationals who sought refuge in the Lowveld were Renamo agents. She said such people were a threat to national security and stability. Hundreds of Mozambican nationals have fled from Renamo attacks in that country. However, Mahofa said the government was ready to conduct a thorough vetting exercise and all those suspected of harbouring Renamo motives would be deported. “We were instructed to warn you over the issue of these Mozambican nationals. Some of them are insinuating sinister motives so the government will not hesitate to deport them. There is a possibility that Renamo bandits might take advantage of the situation to cause havoc in the country.We know that some of them are genuine refugees but we have to keep our eyes wide open,” said Mahofa.
Mahofa warned the government would not compromise national security by harbouring Renamo elements among the refugees. It is understood over 300 hundred Mozambican nationals have fled from their country in the wake of heightening tension caused by Renamo forces.
BREAKING – Ammara Brown Jets Into Leeds, UK Sunday Night Splash
5 Back Newton Grove, Leeds, LS7 4HW
Mukoko song smasher Ammara Brown has jetted into Leeds, West Yorkshire for her last show stager. Revelers will be able to meet the late Andy Brown’s daughter and those who failed to attend her other shows in Wolverhampton and London will be able to get snaps with her as well. The function is in Chapeltown, LS7….
Pastor Mawarire Signals Joining Politics
As #ThisFlag movement sweeps across the country and beyond borders, the man behind it Evan Mawarire, who has become an international sensation, says if President Robert Mugabe fails to deliver he should leave office.
In one of the interviews, Mawarire even shed tears while narrating his ordeal.
The Daily News on Sunday sat down with Mawarire before his arrest and below are excerpts of the interview.
BM: What does #ThisFlag movement stand for?
EM: The movement stands for the inclusion of citizens of Zimbabwe to speak into matters that build the country. It is to strengthen the voice of the citizen; it is to teach the citizen to stand up and to speak, and stand up and get involved and to get government accountable.
A key component is not to be afraid anymore, which for me is an emphasis because we have been afraid, it’s not a secret that Zimbabweans have been afraid to speak and afraid to talk, particularly when it comes to issues of national governance.
BM: Did you ever think the video you posted in the beginning was going to get much attention and the campaign get the prominence it has?
EM: Honestly the whole thing has caught me by surprise in terms of the response of people, but it shows me that indeed people have had enough, and it shows that this is not a joke, it’s not just a Facebook thing that we are saying we have had enough, indeed, for sure we have had enough, it’s been 36 years.
The first years kind of worked, but after some years it was clear that there was a problem in the way government was running things.
It shows everyone else is exactly where I am at, because it started with me saying that enough is enough, I can’t provide for my kids, I can’t fix my car, I can’t even buy a house, in this country.
I am 39 years old and I can’t even buy a house. My friends who live abroad, they are on their second mortgage, that pains me.
Our main concern is we can’t leave a country like this to our children. For people like me, we represent the last generation that has the institutional memory of a Zimbabwe that works.
And you know government actually doesn’t get. They go every month with their salaries, yet
the rest of the citizens are suffering.
BM: What is your take on the sanctions mantra that government keeps using as the reason why Zimbabwe is in such a mess?
EM: Its old news, find a way around it, you created the mess, so don’t tell us kune Zidera hamuna kupihwa ma sanctions by the citizens, fix it, you are paid to do that.
Someone said to me don’t just present problems without solutions, so you want me to complain about a problem, give you a solution and then pay you a salary again, ah no man!
Tiri vanhu vanofunga, no no no, you admit, first admit that you are wrong, and you are sorry to us, you can’t solve problems without the people.
BM: Would you be interested in having an audience with government officials, or the president?
EM: For me, whether or not we have an audience the issues will remain the same, what will an audience do for me that these people have failed to do in the last 36 years. So I turned to my fellow citizens.
They need to admit that they are wrong and need to make drastic changes.
Corruption, injustice and poverty, those are the three things that need to be dealt with heavily, and they know this, their officials are corrupt.
BM: And then we move on to the aspect of fear, Zimbabwe has a history where people who have been vocal on governance issues have disappeared, for example, Itai Dzamara, don’t you fear that, as well for your family?
EM: I won’t lie to you, it’s there, the fear is there hapana munhu asingatyi kuti never never, kutya kuripo, but when we say hatichatya, we have got to a place where I have considered the risk, and said how much longer should I keep quiet?
And the people said to me the other day, you will die and I said kusiri kufa ndekupi? And they said you will disappear but every day we see things disappear every day, our money, our dreams our health system is disappearing every day, and our infrastructure. If I disappear so be it, because we can’t go on like this.
My thanks to Dzamara is that a thousand more people have replaced him who are now talking, if Mawarire disappears then 50 000 more and it will keep getting louder and louder.
You can’t take everyone, so it’s a sacrifice, it’s a big sacrifice but it’s one that must be taken.
BM: And your wife and kids what do they say?
EM: You know my wife has been a great support, she said to me, ‘I don’t have the kind of determination and guts that you do, but I’m glad that you have it’ and I know you are thinking about our safety as you do this and there is no other way that this can be done, and I understand that.’
She just said to me do what you have to do, we will be safe, we will make sure we are safe. My family is my first priority, I love them, but it is also because of that love that I’m doing this.
BM: Why do you think government uses this tactic of fear, if they use it?
EM: From my perspective the reasons are varied, but when people start to challenge you to be accountable, it exposes a lot of things. I think that within government, there are characters so entrenched in corruption that they will do anything to cover up.
They have taken from the citizens without shame for years and now they are afraid that people will find out and demand for them to be brought to book. So what you do naturally is to try and keep the gravy train going and you try to shut people up.
BM: Do you think the church in Zimbabwe and church leaders are doing enough to hold government accountable?
EM: Each person makes a decision on what role they are going to play and I think the risk is different. Some leaders have weighed the risk and thought it’s too much, because they don’t want to lose what they have and they felt they didn’t want to politicize their roles. But when you look at the bible you can see, man of God got involved with the way nations were run.
They would go and challenge the Kings, and challenge the rulers of the day when things went wrong.
And for pastors some are afraid of character assassination, because as a pastor that’s where your value is. And we have seen it before where a pastor who speaks out ends up with a scandal being exposed, and it’s a tactic that the system uses.
BM: What’s your assessment of social media movements, are they the way to go for this generation?
EM: I think our generation finds social media as a real world for us, we communicate, we talk, we socialise, we share things we grow ideas on social media. This is why #ThisFlag has worked because citizens have been able to communicate.
It may not be the only way to go, but in this day and age you cannot rule it out as a way.
BM: If an existing political party approaches you would you join them?
EM: One of the successes of this flag is that it has been an apolitical movement, and it just said as citizens we are tired of political parties and I think personally I would like to keep it that way.
If I do decide to be in politics it’s my right. By being a citizen I have already started. I don’t think I will join any existing political parties, or join the movement to any existing political parties, part of the ethos with #ThisFlag is ‘your personal story is being joined to other stories and your struggle to many other struggles to create THE struggle of our generation.
What inspires me in doing this whole movement is thinking about the fact that, my children will ask me one day, what happened? Where were you? And what were you doing? And part of what I am doing here is to be able to teach our children to be fearless and be bold when building your country.
BM: Any word to Zimbabweans as we wrap up?
EM: Zimbabwe is ready for the next chapter, the question is, are we ready to open that chapter, are we ready to walk into that chapter? This flag is part of getting to that door and opening it, stretch that hand and opening it. Let’s save what we can when we still have time. Daily News
Fuel Prices Shoot Up
The increase has been attributed to changes in free on board (FOB) price — the price at which fuel is charged by local traders as determined by international market forces at the port of delivery.
The move has raised fears of general commodity price rises in an economy already weighed down by a crippling liquidity crunch.
Fuel dealers have raised prices as the international price of crude oil per barrel rose to $44,57 as of Thursday.
The price of crude oil had fallen during the early months of 2016, dropping in February to an average of between $33 and $38 per barrel, leading to a downward review of fuel prices, in Zimbabwe.
In February, the local price of fuel stood at $1,35 and $1,25 for petrol and diesel respectively. The price was further reduced to $1,27 and $1,02 for petrol and diesel respectively.
In an interview last week, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) CEO Gloria Magombo said fuel prices had gone up again due to corresponding rises on the international market, driven by the FOB price.
“We subscribe to a unit we call Platt, a market priced data base used to monitor fuel prices, especially the FOB prices. Fuel supply contracts are linked to Platts,” Magombo said.
S&P Global Platts is a leading independent provider of information and benchmarks prices for commodities on the energy markets for use, especially by regulatory bodies.
Under this platform, FOB prices can be followed easily and Zera is then able to capture market data each week to calculate the FOB price.
“When the FOB price starts going up, according to our taxing system, fuel prices will also go up. Currency differences regionally are the reason why we [Zimbabwe] are priced higher than the rest of the region. As long as we are a United States dollar economy, we cannot compete against regional fuel prices,” Magombo said.
She said the main reason for the recent surge in fuel prices was the increase in international prices since March.
A survey conducted by Standardbusiness on fuel dealers revealed that Total was charging $1,32 and $1,18, Engen ($1,30 and $1,14), Puma ($1,32 and $1,16), Redan Petroleum ($1,33 and $1,17), Zuva ($1,32 and $1,17) and Trek ($1,31 and $1,14) for petrol and diesel respectively.
Malawi fuel prices ranged at $1,09 and $1,06, Lesotho ($0,70 and $0,67) and Swaziland ($0,75 and $0,74) for petrol and diesel respectively. The reason for the lower prices in these countries was that they used weaker currencies than the US$ and the effect was that they appeared like they were subsidising the price, Magombo said.
Meanwhile, in South Africa fuel prices range at an average of $0,91 and $0,92, Namibia ($0,68 and $0,64), Angola ($0,95 and $0,80), Botswana ($0,69 and $0,65), Mozambique ($0,74 and $0,57) and Zambia ($1,02 and $0,89) for petrol and diesel respectively.
The low prices in these markets are influenced by the fact that some of these countries are close to the ports, while some have their fuel semi-subsidised.
Others like South Africa have refineries and therefore import crude oil at cheaper prices.
In Zimbabwe, fuel prices are determined by Statutory Instruments (SI) 80 of 2014, 20 of 2015 and 100 of 2015. Under these statutory instruments, the pricing structure for fuel is made out of a plethora of factors which then lead to a substantial rise in the price of the product.
These include FOB, freight, duty, Zinara road levy, carbon tax, debt redemption, strategic reserve levy and storage.
Other factors are handling, clearing agency fees, financing cost, inland bridging cost, storage and handling costs, and secondary transport costs.
According to the SI, the price of duty per litre is $0,45 and $0,40 for petrol and diesel while the FOB, which is dependent on market forces, is $0,474 and $0,472 respectively.
Diesel 50, emits more carbon gas and as such, the cost also stands higher at $0, 478.
Zuva Petroleum CEO Bothwell Gumbo confirmed prices in Zimbabwe were affected by FOB and duty.
Willard Manungo, treasury permanent secretary, said Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa was working on the mid-term fiscal policy and he could, therefore, not comment on the fuel prices as that risked pre-empting the minister.
“If you look as of February, our duty, Zinara levy, debt redemption, and all our taxes and levies take up $0,461 and $0,632 for diesel and petrol respectively,” he said.
“We are still at that level. So in terms of the prices, the duties have remained the same so we [government] are not taking any increasing share.”
Economist Tony Hawkins said government had few options and little scope to raise revenue and as such, government had no choice but to look for the money where demand was constant, such as fuel.
“Without knowing too much of the pricing structure itself, since the beginning of the year oil prices have turned quite a bit; you would expect that our prices would bounce back and start increasing again, assuming that the price structure remains the same,” he said.
“But, that does not explain why prices are higher here than elsewhere. One would assume it is because of higher taxes, which is the most likely explanation.
“It is the excise duty and the margins that you have to look for [in the pricing structure]. It [high prices of fuel] will certainly have a negative effect as it would increase the cost of doing business and it is certainly negative from an export viewpoint.”
With depleting sources of disposable income, motorists and individuals are bound to be the ones to cover the cost, according to Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce CEO Christopher Mugaga.
“One thing that we are not aware of which we need to know is the average cost of fuel in the production cost,” he said.
“The impact is damaging. I think you agree with me that petrol has been defining the whole cost side, so generally in terms of regional prices, Zimbabwean petrol prices are still very high but we cannot avoid that given the fiscal vulnerability of this economy,” Mugaga said, adding that some taxes were necessary to cater for budgetary constraints.
“Some of these include the salary outfit that needs to be paid by government and you do not okay them by limiting your fiscal space, so what you do is that you end up piling pressure on consumers by increasing petrol prices.”
He said if government was broke, higher fuel prices could not be avoided.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said fuel price increases had a tendency to force prices upwards.
“However, the market is subdued at the moment as demand for goods and services has been low for a long time,” he said.
“That might see prices of goods remaining where they are and /or if at all they rise, it will be marginal.
“The fuel price increase will only act to erode retail margins as there is no space to raise prices at the moment.”
ZRP Cops Erect Roadblocks inside Shopping Malls | CHIHURI LIVE | LIVE REPORT VIDEO
LIVE REPORT: ZRP cops have been erecting roadblocks inside shopping malls, police boss Gen. Augustine Chihuri has revealed.
This emerged during the ZimEye LIVE-REPORT program in which newsreaders tuned in to engage Chihuri directly. Although he did not turn up himself for the live call, he availed his latest secret Communique sent to cops countrywide and it showed an official admission in full print, that policemen and women have been erecting roadblocks inside shopping malls.
In the officially stamped emergency document, Chihuri stated that the cops have been among a host of other unlawful things, putting roadblocks inside shopping malls. This must stop and those found disobeying will be liable for swift disciplinary action, Gen Chihuri stated.
The document also went on following ZimEye’s latest special police investigations that have humiliated the force, to state that the cops must from Saturday the 23rd (yesterday), start ensuring that they have left every person they engage both dignified and “satisfied” as to the service they have received from the police. The unedited official document is herewith availed by ZimEye.com – (click here to download). ZRP_EMERGENCY_MEMO ALSO WATCH THE CHIHURI LIVE ENGAGEMENT Program (PART 1, ) videos on Sunday here. – ZimEye.com [please note, part 2 and 3 will be streamed shortly]
NetOne Forensic Audit Report Shocker
A DRAFT document of the much-awaited NetOne forensic audit report has been released exposing massive corruption and mismanagement in the parastatal.
The draft has reportedly been handed over to the Auditor-General’s Office where some officials felt the real issues were not conclusively dealt with.
According to the report gleaned by media, NetOne has a debtors’ book amounting to $54 million of which about $11,2 million was owed by Firstel Cellular, a company linked to the firm’s top management.
The report does not name the five top NetOne managers who owned Firstel Cellular and also glosses over circumstances surrounding the acquisition of shares by the executives.
It also does not say why the amount owed to NetOne ballooned from $8 million to $11 million when management took over Firstel Cellular.
“The whole idea was for NetOne, management to go and protect the interests of NetOne, but that debt continued to balloon from $8 million to over $11 million,” one official told the media.
“The management also repeatedly tried to persuade the NetOne board to write off the debt.”
The forensic audit was done after the NetOne board said the mobile company had lost millions of dollars owing to alleged corruption, flouting of State Procurement Board tender procedures, mismanagement and poor finance control systems.
The audit centred on reviewing internal control systems, the integrity of the payment system, the accounting system, reviewing airtime distribution processes, assessment of the process of paying salaries and allowances, reviewing the process of acquiring base station sites and the engagement of third parties in site acquisition, the process of selecting suppliers as well as to review banking procedures.
The forensic report is also silent on another former service provider, Zelco Cellular which owes NetOne $15,3 million and was shut down in 2011.
However, the audit revealed an alleged tax fraud involving a company known as Bopela owned by Zanu PF activist Agrippa Masiyakurima with the connivance of suspended managers.
Bopela and NetOne management amended the company’s contract to cede $2,6 million worth of work to construct base station towers to Macharawanda, a sub-contractor owned by Masiyakurima in order to avert a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority garnish order.
The report also revealed that Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke owed NetOne ($10 375), Zanu PF Chegutu MP Dexter Nduna owed ($8 585) and one David Chivandire ($28 000).
It was also established that between January 2010 and December 2015, NetOne management gobbled a total of $274 418 in holiday allowances, contrary to provisions of the parastatal’s human resources policy.
On selection of supplies, the report revealed that some contractors including Sectional Poles, Bopela, Macharawanda, Afrosoft and Redan were appointed in contravention of the State Procurement Board regulations.
It also revealed that NetOne extended $80 000 to Bopela to fund the construction of a base station.
Masiyakurima also constructed base stations at his two properties and that of his brother without clear authorisation from NetOne and was later advanced two year rentals to cover a family emergency.
But officials who spoke to The Standard said transactions involving sim cards and airtime distribution were not conclusively investigated by the audit.
“The audit process did not interrogate why millions of dollars were lost on the One Wallet platform which never realised the intended benefits due to poor services,” said officials from the AG’s office.
“The system was supplied by a company called Gemalto and is reported to have at one time demanded payment of $500 000 when its service had only generated $904.”
The forensic audit did not interrogate the current NetOne billing system where leakages running into millions were being experienced as a result of shortcomings, said another source.
NetOne management was also allegedly negligent by not timeously attending to statutory obligations resulting in the company being levied fines by Zimra in excess of $5 million.
Another official said contracts signed by suspended chief executive officer Reward Kangai which resulted in the company being prejudiced of millions of dollars were also not interrogated, including one with the National Railways of Zimbabwe where NetOne owes the parastatal close to $1 million.
“The issue of several bank accounts which were being run by management without the knowledge of the finance department was also not investigated by the audit process,” said the official. standard
Mliswa’s YARD Roots For Chamisa Presidency
The Temba Mliswa led Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (YARD) has endorsed the appointment of Nelson Chamisa as a Vice President of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai.
In a national command meeting held on Saturday, the 23rd of July, the YARD National Executive Command unanimously agreed on the political correctness of the decision by the leader of the MDC-T, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Nelson Chamisa was a student leader in his youthful prime when the Labour Party was formed. Chamisa recently lost the election to be the Secretary General of the MDC-T.
During the meeting, the YARD Founder & Commander-in-Chief of, Hon Temba Mliswa, praised the Tsvangirai led MDC-T for pioneering the elevation of Youths to higher political offices. “I have to be honest and congratulate the appointment of Nelson Chamisa into the presidium of the MDC-T. The elevation of the youth is a clear sign that the YARD ideals have been appreciated by major players in politics.”
The YARD National Spokesperson, Tinotenda Mhungu, equally spoke in glittering terms of the appointment of the youth leader. “Nelson is a charismatic, young and educated leader, who is the future of Zimbabwean politics”, he said. The YARD National Executive’s unanimous endorsement of the MDC-T appointment was based purely on the principle of the fulfilment of the youth agenda of youth participation and representation in the political arena.
YARD has been advocating for the inclusion and active participation and representation of youths in politics and leadership positions in a conscious and well thought out policy formulation and constitutional consistency for the development of Zimbabwe.
Augustine Chihuri LIVE on ZimEye.com
Zimbabweans are invited to tune in LIVE on ZimEye.com Sunday morning at 11.45am to engage Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri.
This program will be streamed LIVE on the ZimEye website’s portals. – ZimEye.com.
Mugabe’s Removal Okayed By Govt Media
President Robert Mugabe’s removal call has been officially-canonised, sealed by the government media.
It is perfectly acceptable and totally legal for war veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle to demand Mugabe’s resignation, the state run and Mugabe controlled Sunday Mail paper shoved through reflecting at the weekend. Printing in bold ink, the Sunday Mail expunged the word “treasonous” from its articles, replacing it with a lighter one, “traitorous”. The word “treason” has previously been used to describe calls for Mugabe’s ouster. Government Editors however instead used the word “traitorous,” to ascribe an official anti Mugabe war vets meeting on Thursday in which Mugabe was told under clear terms his time is over and he must exit State House.
According to the ZANU PF constitution Mugabe can be removed at any time and he must be replaced by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the fiery former ZANU PF Chairman Temba Mliswa voiced in a separate ZimEye video interview.
On Thursday dreaded war veterans descended on Harare to issue an ultimatum on Robert Mugabe that he must step down. Within two days of that declaration, Mugabe’s former vice Joice Mujuru also threatened the President using the noun “Gandanga” – Destroyer to describe herself in what sounded like a final warning at Mugabe since he has started another war on Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We are the real Gandangas, we are the ones who are now saying, this old man has become evil(Tisu vacho magandanga tirikuti Mukuru uyu aipa uyu)!, ” Mujuru said as she set herself as a fearless, unique brand in the formerly hot ZANU PF stronghold area, Mashonaland East.
She also stood out to support the war veterans who on Thursday issued Mugabe an ultimatum to leave office or else. She said their farms and pensions remain theirs and Mugabe cannot take them away. READ MORE ON THE LIVE UPDATES HERE.
Another $15 Billion Disappears While Mugabe Watches Gwanda Gold Mine Collapse
By Redley Mugabe| IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION|As Zimbabwe remains infamous for a $15Billion mineral cache that was “siphoned” out of the country by foreign diamond mining companies in Chiadzwa, billions more are disappearing from the country’s many gold mines with government watching and not doing anything about it.
A point in question is the collapsing of one of the country’s biggest gold mines Vumbachikwe Mine in Gwanda.
Previously owned by a local mining company Forbes and Thompson Zimbabwe Limited, the mine was sold to Duration Gold a company owned by a known mining mogul, Allan Brent Dolan who has a long history of mining and dumping a string of operations throughout Africa after “taking all the returns from the mines”.
The story of Vumbachikwe Mine is a very sad story as the mine which is amongst the top gold producing mines in Africa is on the verge of closing down within less than ten years of take over by Dolan’s Duration Gold.
For the first time since its mining operations began 112 years ago in 1904, workers have gone for over nine months without being paid their salaries. The mine used to boast of well large looked after properties in and around Gwanda but now the properties are all either falling down due to lack of maintenance or being sold out for way below market values.
A close check on the company, Duration Gold, which now runs the mines shows that the directors do not have a pleasant mining history in Africa where they have taken over several prosperous mines and drained them before eventually closing them down. The company which has operated in Sierra Leone and left unceremoniously is believed to be good at striking shady mining deals with government officials who allow them to take wealth out of the country before eventually dumping the mines.
High ranking sources at Vumbachikwe Mine revealed to ZimEye.com that since the take-over, Duration Gold is indeed living to its reputation and not ploughing gold returns back into the operations of the mine as all the money realised from the gold is taken out of the country.
According to the sources, the company has been enjoying a huge amount of protection from top government officials who are benefiting from the mine’s clandestine gold dealings.
Profit boost but financial problems
A classical case is that shows that in January 2015, the country co-ordinating project manager, Ollie Iversen told The Source that the miner was set for a massive increase in bullion output to 14,400 ounces of gold up from the 12,850oz realised in 2014.
But the company in the year was also forced to temporarily suspend operations early this due to non-payment of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority bills and was petitioned by National Mine Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe over outstanding union dues they are supposed to remit every month.
It was also forced to close down for two weeks for failing to abide by an Environmental Management Agency order to line the carry at its dumps and for failing to settle $55,000 in fines.
Obert Mpofu and Saviour Kasukuwere
Duration Gold took over the mine from the seasoned Forbes and Thompson at a time when Obert Mpofu was Minister of mines and during that time Mpofu incidentally took over ownership of over half of the mine’s buildings in Gwanda town which the sources claim could have had something to do with the unregulated operations of Duration Gold at Vumbachikwe.
The mine has also been a challenge in terms of the country’s indigenisation laws dating back to a time when Savior Kasukuwere was the cabinet Minister in charge of Indigenisation.
According to the sources, management at the mine has previously told complaining workers that they have strong protection from top government officials and Kasukuwere is their personal friend so nothing will ever be done to them no matter how bad the mine operates.
President Mugabe recently shocked the world when he said that $15 billion disappeared from the country’s diamond mining operations as the money was syphoned out of the country. A similar set up is apparently brewing at Vumbachikwe mine and will only wait for government to mourn the mine when it eventually closes down the sources say.
ZimEye.com was at the time of writing awaiting an official response from the company, Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Obert Mpofu.
Mnangagwa Develops Cold Feet, Ditches War Vets
Robert Mugabe’s automatic successor, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has rushed to distance himself from his loyal supporters, War Veterans, who stood out to issue a final ultimatum on Mugabe to resign “or else” on Thursday. Mnangagwa described as “nonsensical” calls by the war veterans for Mugabe to resign, as the State security aparatus struggles to identify who was behind the said “traitorous” communique issued last week in the name of liberation fighters.
In an interview with the Mugabe-controlled state media yesterday, the VP also claimed he had nothing to do with the clique of war veterans who are pushing Mugabe out of office and replace him with Mnangagwa at both ruling party and Government level.
Last Thursday, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association commissar Francis Nhando told journalists at the end of an executive meeting in Harare that they wanted President Mugabe to resign.
However, senior members of the association have dissociated themselves from the statement, as have other top commanders of the Second Chimurenga; while the Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees Ministry has reaffirmed veterans’ loyalty to the President.
Zanu-PF says it will not tolerate such dissent. The ZNLWVA is an affiliate of the ruling party. And yesterday VP Mnangagwa weighed in saying all war veterans should remain loyal to their Commander-in-Chief, President Mugabe.
“I watched ZBCtv (on Friday and learnt) that they made a statement, but I haven’t read it. If they said the President must resign, then that is nonsensical. If they are true war veterans, the President is their Commander-in-Chief and they must be loyal and committed.
“I don’t think those who say such things are loyal or genuine war veterans. They must be loyal,” the VP said.
In recent months, some war veterans have claimed they are campaigning for VP Mnangagwa to assume the highest office in the land. VP Mnangagwa trashed such claims saying: “That’s nonsense, absolute nonsense.”
The state media suggests the said communique was prepared before the Thursday meeting and had nothing to do with the welfare issues discussed on the day.
The country’s security agencies are now conducting investigations to determine the source of the document. Yesterday, ZNLWVA secretary for information Douglas Mahiya told the state media that the association was also carrying out its own investigations.
“As war veterans, we are also trying to find out the origins of that document. But (secretary-general) Victor Matemadanda will be in a better position to give you more information about that,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Matemadanda told us to call him again after 30 minutes, but subsequent efforts to reach him were futile as his cellphone was no longer reachable. Sources said Headman Moyo, who chaired the Thursday meeting, had distanced himself from the document.
“Most of those we have talked to so far say they had nothing to do with the communique. They are suggesting that the document was authored before the meeting and then presented there to try and legitimise it.
“What makes us angry is that if there are people who have taken positions on certain matters, they should at least have the spine to stand by those positions instead of hiding behind the association and tarnishing all war veterans in the process,” he said.
The Commander of Chimoio Camp during the Second Chimurenga, Midson Gomba Mupasu alias Norman Bethune, said war veterans should be disciplined.
“I can’t have freedom of speech to attack my President; my commander. If a commander is angry about a mishap in a war, he/she should find better ways of solving the situation. A commander has to be tactful and quick in making decisions.”
Zanu-PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere added: “The message has been very clear and investigations have been set in motion. We should distinguish what the general war veterans would want to see and the individuals who want to use the war veterans’ association as an umbrella body against the President.
“The party is solid. The party supports President Mugabe and we have said any future leader of the party will come from the people through proper channels. We respect the veterans who fought for the independence of the country, but not individuals who want to incite or who want to turn the body politic of the war veterans against the leadership of the party.
“That is unacceptable and we will have to flush out these elements. We will not allow this kind of indiscipline to take root in the party. We must allow the President to do his work. He was voted for to run the country and genuine war veterans know that.”
Kasukuwere continued: “He is the man who is needed by the people of this country, not individuals simply saying ‘I think I must author a document surreptitiously to undermine the system’. No. We need to allow the President to focus on the economy. We want to get our farmers to succeed.
“The President has led us as a nation and as a people to greater heights and what is left is for us, who have been given the opportunity, land, to utilise it and to get the economy to work; local leadership to get service delivery to be achieved.
“If you look at the statement, it shows someone typed it. There is a computer that was used to type the statement and there is a certain type of wording that we know real war veterans would not use.”
The commissar also said, “We need to get to the bottom of this matter. It is a serious matter; it is not a jocking matter. We can’t accept this because we have always known that some individuals were trying to get to the President, but they should know that the President is not there because he wants to be there, but because he was elected by the people to be there.
“There is a Constitution in this country that recognises that there should be a President, and we reiterate what we have said before that any attempt to undermine the President will be met equally and we will not let it succeed.
“Rest assured that President Mugabe will succeed in his term and win the next election comfortably. We are going to see our economy turnaround with him at the helm. We are not going to allow anybody to divert the attention of our leader from ensuring the people of Zimbabwe attain the economic liberation that he fought for.”
He went on: “Real war veterans are within the party and we should not bunch them with some misguided elements who are running a parallel project pretending to be war veterans.
“I am very cautious in using the term ‘war veterans’. Those we are seeing are a rebellion and we cannot allow it to end up confusing genuine war veterans who are revered in this country, who are respected and whom we know sacrificed for this country to be where it is.”
Zanu-PF deputy secretary for youth Kudzanai Chipanga said: “President Mugabe was voted for by an elective congress of the party first, and secondly, by the entire nation in 2013.
“There are some fringe elements who are intentionally hurting the credibility of the party and Government with irresponsible utterances that President Mugabe must go. Go where? Forget it. He is not going anywhere as he still has a Constitutional mandate to fulfill.
“These are statements uttered by comrades who have lost the path. They think their utterances have potential to induce hatred and stoke chaos. Zimbabweans are not foolish, they cannot be swayed by ill-advised utterances that border on gutter politics and lack of good sense.”
On Friday, Secretary for War Veterans Brigadier-General (Retired) Walter Tapfumaneyi said patriotic freedom fighters were loyal to the President, and those behind the communique were traitorous and treasonous.
He too said the war veterans leadership steering Thursday’s executive meeting had distanced themselves from the document. War Veterans Minister Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube said any liberation fighters with gripes should follow laid down procedure to seek redress.
“There is a Constitution in this country that recognises that there should be a President, and we reiterate what we have said before that any attempt to undermine the President will be met equally and we will not let it succeed.
“Rest assured that President Mugabe will succeed in his term and win the next election comfortably. We are going to see our economy turnaround with him at the helm. We are not going to allow anybody to divert the attention of our leader from ensuring the people of Zimbabwe attain the economic liberation that he fought for.”
He went on: “Real war veterans are within the party and we should not bunch them with some misguided elements who are running a parallel project pretending to be war veterans.
“I am very cautious in using the term ‘war veterans’. Those we are seeing are a rebellion and we cannot allow it to end up confusing genuine war veterans who are revered in this country, who are respected and whom we know sacrificed for this country to be where it is.”
Zanu-PF deputy secretary for youth Kudzanai Chipanga said: “President Mugabe was voted for by an elective congress of the party first, and secondly, by the entire nation in 2013.
“There are some fringe elements who are intentionally hurting the credibility of the party and Government with irresponsible utterances that President Mugabe must go. Go where? Forget it. He is not going anywhere as he still has a Constitutional mandate to fulfill.
“These are statements uttered by comrades who have lost the path. They think their utterances have potential to induce hatred and stoke chaos. Zimbabweans are not foolish, they cannot be swayed by ill-advised utterances that border on gutter politics and lack of good sense.”
On Friday, Secretary for War Veterans Brigadier-General (Retired) Walter Tapfumaneyi said patriotic freedom fighters were loyal to the President, and those behind the communique were traitorous and treasonous.
He too said the war veterans leadership steering Thursday’s executive meeting had distanced themselves from the document. War Veterans Minister Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube said any liberation fighters with gripes should follow laid down procedure to seek redress.
The Raylton War Veterans’ Declaration, What It Means for Zimbabwe
By Lloyd Msipa| On the 21st of July 2016 the Zimbabwe War veterans met at Raylton Sports Club in Harare where they decided to revisit The Mgagao declaration of 1975. To highlight the significance of this declaration, we need to contextualise this
by looking at the history. Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980 following a protracted war of liberation. ZAPU (Zimbabwe African Peoples Union) and ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) were the main political parties that executed the war through their military wings, ZIPRA (Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army) representing ZAPU and ZANLA (Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army) representing ZANU. ZAPU was led by Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo and ZANU by Robert Gabriel Mugabe at the later period of the struggle. ZANU executed the war from Mozambique whilst ZAPU was based in Zambia. I will leave the intricacies of how that came about for another time.
Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo was the founding President of ZANU formed in 1963. He was killed in a car bomb explosion on the 18th of March 1975. To this day, his death remains a mystery. Theories abound. One school blames internal contradictions within ZANU, a fact not lost to the late University of Zimbabwe Political science Lecturer Masipula Sithole in his book – The Struggle within the struggle- In it he blames ZANU internal squabbles and power struggles as what triggered his assassination. Another school of thought blames former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith’s SAS crack unit. Chitepo was replaced by Rev. Ndabaningi Sithole. A Ndau ethnic minority leader from Chipinge. His reign as leader was ‘nasty, brutish and short’.
The Mgagao Declaration
The declaration to withdraw support from Mugabe made by Zimbabwe’ s war veterans at Raylton Sports club must be looked at in the context of the Mgagao declaration of 1975. The Mgagao declaration refers to a document written at the height of the war of liberation in Tanzania in 1975. It essentially accused Sithole of poor leadership, of having forgone the values of the war of liberation: that he was a counter revolutionary who by his actions had caused disunity in the party. He was accused of derailing and arresting the ideals of the liberation struggles. His actions were said to be tantamount to stamping out the flame of the peoples revolution. He was accused of selling out the struggle when he sort unity with Ian Smith and Vorster of South Africa. Essentially he was considered an ineffectual and hopeless leader. The Mgagao declaration laid the foundation for the removal of Sithole as ZANU leader and the elevation of Mugabe.
The Raylton Declaration
With 21st of July 2016 war veterans declaration at Raylton Sports club in Harare, history repeated itself. Zimbabwe’s war veterans declared that Mugabe has failed to uphold the values, the ethos of the war of liberation. Just like his predecessor Sithole, Mugabe got the no confidence vote. Just like Mgagao the declaration of the 21st July 2016 (Which I have aptly renamed The Raylton Sports Club Declaration) resolved to recall Robert Mugabe. In their own words they said; Mugabe stood accused of the ‘ deliberate neglect and abandonment by the party president of the masses, who are the foundation upon which the liberation war was fought and won…ideologically bankrupt million man marches …organised in honour of bankrupt leadership. The same leadership that has failed to address the bread and butter issues which stick out like a sore thumb.’
Like his predecessor Sithole, Mugabe stands accused of being the man in a suit who “arrived in Mozambique to join those of us who were already armed and prosecuting the war as political soldiers”. Just like Sithole, it was them that put pressure on Ian Smith to have him released from prison. The Raylton Sports club declaration for all intents and purposes lays the foundation for leadership change in ZANU PF. The fact that the war veterans have decided to withdraw their support leaves Mugabe a completely vulnerable man.
Expect the Spin
As a rule ZANU PF will seek to downplay the significance of what has just happened. As I write efforts are abound by little man in suits spinning. Some ran away from the frontline of the war of liberation and others never took part altogether. ZANU PF will downplay the significance of the declaration. They will claim that the war veterans who took part where insignificant in numbers to be of consequence. The will pull out some hungry sorry sods and parade them as ‘real’ loyal war veterans. The likes Of Chinotimba may be brought back to relevance once again. But the truth is, war veterans were a key pillar in the survival of Mugabe. They spearheaded the land reform exercise on his behalf. They have religiously handed Mugabe, by hook or crook, electoral victory every five years since 1980.
The New ZANU PF Youth
Recent protests from pro-democracy groups, in particular Pastor Evan Mawarire’s this flag campaign unsettled Mugabe. He unleashed unemployed youth into the streets and called it a“million March anti-protests – protest”- if that makes sense. Zimbabwe’s unemployed youths make up upward of fifty per cent of Zimbabwe’s population. They are unemployed, hungry and hence vulnerable. Plied with alcohol and promises of free urban land they are used to try and sustain Mugabe’s aura of invincibility. But the people understand what is taking place. ‘These are our children’, they say. None is afraid of them. In fact sympathy and understanding is extended to them more, as they are unwitting victims of ninety two year old man at the sunset of his life using children who are at the dawn of theirs to hold on to power. Mugabe will try and use the same youth to fill the vacuum left by the war veterans. But this will not work as the centre is not holding. Mugabe does not have the money to finance all this, besides the political culture itself in Zimbabwe has turned a corner. Zimbabweans are no longer as gullible as they used to be, let’s say a year ago.
The Battle lines are drawn
The residual praise singers will continue to be there for Mugabe. Some have no choice except to fight to the bitter end. Their lives are so entwined with Mugabe such that it will be impossible to continue life after he is gone. Those with the fore-sight are abandoning the sinking vessel. The battle line are drawn. The Raylton declaration must be seen for what it is. Yes, it is an attempt by genuine liberation war veterans to salvage the former liberation party before Mugabe dies with it, but most importantly to the to the people of Zimbabwe it resets the relationship of the war veterans and the masses. The very reason they went to war in the first place. It is now incumbent upon the war veterans to walk the talk and rid Zimbabwe of Mugabe and those like him from the political playing field.
Lloyd Msipa is a Zimbabwean Lawyer based in the United Kingdom. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Mugabe Finished Without War Vets
This week’s nasty and public fall-out between President Robert Mugabe and restless war veterans probably marks the beginning of the end for the increasingly frail nonagenarian’s long tenure in power — analysts, opposition parties and ordinary Zimbabweans say.
In a stunning development on Thursday, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) virtually served divorce papers on Mugabe — marking the end of a political relationship that dates back to 1975 when freedom fighters catapulted the 92-year-old to the leadership of the governing party.
Until now, war veterans have served as Mugabe’s and Zanu PF’s political power dynamos, playing particularly significant roles to keep the nonagenarian on the throne in the hotly disputed 2000 and 2008 national elections which were both marred by serious violence and the murder of hundreds of opposition supporters.
But to the utter disbelief of many Zimbabweans, the liberation struggle fighters said pointedly on Thursday that Mugabe’s continued stay in power was now a stumbling block to the country’s development, adding almost maliciously that the nonagenarian would also be “a hard-sell” if he contested the watershed 2018 presidential elections.
“We are saying this country will only go up when Mugabe steps aside because his management is no longer respected by anyone, including his own ministers,” war veterans’ political commissar, Francis Nhando, told journalists during a media briefing in Harare.
“If he announces his retirement date now, the economy will improve because there is nobody who will invest his money where the future is uncertain. Nobody will lend money to a 92-year-old and if he does not step aside, 2018 will be the most difficult year to campaign for us as war veterans.
“How do you campaign for someone you do not like and who does not like you either? The relationship between us as war veterans and the president has broken down, he and the party don’t like us anymore,” he added.
And yesterday analysts and opposition parties piled in the pressure, telling the Daily News that the fall-out between Mugabe and war veterans was significant, as it could spell the end of the nonagenarian’s rule.
“The political and historical significance of this moment cannot be overstated. It represents a major turning point in the long relationship between Mugabe and the war veterans.
“The war veterans were one of the most critical elements in Mugabe’s political campaign for survival when he faced his sternest test from (opposition leader Morgan) Tsvangirai.
“When the Mugabe government lost the vote for a new constitution that they were promoting in February 2000, the war veterans stepped in to lead Mugabe’s political campaign, which began with the violent takeovers of commercial farms.
“When white judges were purged from the Zimbabwean bench, it was the war veterans who led the campaign. On one occasion, Joseph Chinotimba, who is now an MP, invaded the Supreme Court along with a gang of veterans and danced on the tables, shouting at judges,” United Kingdom based lawyer and academic, Alex Magaisa, said.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Tendai Biti, hailed the war veterans for finally standing up to Mugabe, but quickly also warned that the fall-out could have dire consequences for the country.
He said in Africa, when founding leaders either left office under a cloud or died, it was often difficult for such states to recover quickly.
“This is a reflection of the intense contradiction and intense devaluation of the instrument of cohesion that Mugabe has controlled for such a long time.
“What this means is that there is a serious infraction and conflict inside the state. What this also means is that we have the basis of real physical confrontation being laid down,” Biti told the Daily News.
The former finance minister said what was particularly unsettling about the war veterans’ and Mugabe’s fall-out was that the sentiment by the former freedom fighters had the “explicit blessing” of some senior army officers.
On its part, the MDC said the stance by war veterans was indicative of “a consensus” across the political divide that Mugabe was the problem in Zimbabwe and that he had overstayed in power.
“We are very pleased that the war veterans have finally seen the light. We would like to applaud them for fearlessly calling upon Mugabe to step down. The war veterans have now realised that all along Mugabe had been using and abusing them for his own selfish design of creating a one-man dictatorship.
“We don’t hate Mugabe as a person but we have consistently condemned his misgovernance and misrule. After 36 years of Mugabe’s iron-fisted and authoritarian rule, Zimbabwe has been reduced into a failed State with poverty and destitution ravaging more than 90 percent of the population,” party spokesman Obert Gutu said.
War veteran and Zimbabweans United for Democracy (Zunde) president, Farai Mbira, said the decision taken by the ex-combatants was long over-due.
“What we must all understand is that Mugabe is the most illiterate in terms of freedom. He does not understand freedom and is a possible case of psychological dichotomy. He spent the whole of his youth fighting against oppression but spends the rest of his presidency perfecting it,” Mbira said.
The fall-out between Mugabe and his storm troopers also comes as the 92-year-old is battling rising public anger against him and Zanu PF, which has seen strikes hurting the already dying economy.
Earlier this month teachers, nurses and doctors went on strike after the government failed to pay them their June salaries on time.
There are also growing doubts about the capacity of Mugabe’s cash-strapped government to pay civil servants their July salaries on time, although it yesterday released what it said were proposed dates for this month’s salaries.
The military will now get their salaries on Monday — two weeks after the government failed to pay them on due date.
Worried analysts and opposition political parties say the government’s continued failure to pay its workers on time, particularly soldiers, could spark serious disturbances, including violent riots.
Amid all this, tension is rising in the country as fed up Zimbabweans join hands to demand change and an end to Mugabe’s and Zanu PF’s rule, which they say has been catastrophic. daily news
No To Revenge Porn
Katswe Sisterhood has petitioned Parliament imploring the National Assembly to enact a law which prohibits the distribution of privately-captured sexually explicit material without the subjects’ consent.
This is against a background of growing discontent over moves to criminalise non-consensual distribution of sex tapes on social media and even in the mainstream media with some sections of the public questioning why the tapes are made in the first place.
This week pressure group, Katswe Sistahood, presented Parliament with a petition saying they were concerned by the growing use of explicit images and film footage meant to humiliate intimidate, dehumanise and degrade people’s lives in general and women’s lives and livelihoods in particular.
Such a law, they argued would, seek to protect people from having their nude photos or videos leaked (usually by an ex) on the Internet or social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook where such material easily goes viral.
The emergence of the Internet, in particular social media, and the proliferation of smart phones with sophisticated photographic and film recording capabilities, had given rise to a new form of sexual victimisation, colloquially referred to as “revenge porn”.
Revenge pornography, which is synonymous with jilted or scorned lovers seeking retribution, has become so popular it is almost a normal practice. The more graphic it is, the most hits it will get on various social media platforms.
“Some of the images are taken in privacy and are shared between intimate partners while others are taken without the knowledge of one of the parties using laptops and phones,” Katswe Sistahood legal and advocacy officer Debra Mwase said.
She pointed out that this invasion of privacy had led to women losing their dignity and often times their livelihoods.
“Revenge pornography affects women and girls more than boys and men and has far more serious consequences for them,” she said.
However, as the debate rages, another section of society is now questioning the motive of making the sex tapes in the first place.
Washington Garwe, a preacher at Anointed Gospel Assemblies based in Harare’s Rugare suburb, said these were the end time signs.
“We recently held a youth conference in Epworth and I challenged young people to flee from this demonic practice,” he said.
The man of the cloth said the moral decay in society was the root cause with young people now defiling their bodies with pre-marital sex and adultery.
He said: “I have not seen any of these nonsensical tapes and pictures, but what I can tell you is that this issue can not be solved by setting up legislation. For what?”
Many celebrities have fallen prey to this new phenomenon and who can forget Zimbabwean Big Brother housemate Pokello Nare’s sleazy sex tape with musician Stunner. The leak marked a new era for the conservative society of Zimbabwe and the tape went viral overnight.
Although many said it launched Pokello into stardom with some even suggesting that it was a stunt aimed at garnering votes for the socialite who was still in the Big Brother house, it opened floodgates of a vice that Zimbabwe is still grappling with.
Former TV personality Tinopona Katsande was also a “victim” of infamous sex tapes and since then has been fronting campaigns to influence criminalisation of nonconsensual distribution of sexually explicit material.
This week, along with Katswe Sistahood, she submitted that she had not found any joy with the police when she made a report after her ex-lover leaked their sex tape.
The leaked tape cost Tino her career and attracted a lot of negative publicity and malicious comments.
“I symphathise with the so-called victims, but they were willing actors and actresses. Sex is a sacred act between two people, period,” said Martha Guriro, a vendor from Graniteside.
Lawyer and founder of Culture Trust, Nqobile Munzara, said many young people were pressured into these experimental activities.
“Young people have higher expectations when they are in a relationship and want to feel wanted and accepted,” she said.
Munzara said people were now desensitised when it comes to values and posing nude was now a “normal” thing.
“There is competition among high school students on who is sexiest and you can imagine how this is determined,” Munzara said.
Meanwhile, as the social conversations rage on Acting Prosecutor-General (PG) Advocate Ray Goba has said current legislation is adequate to deal with the mischief.
He warned couples who recorded sex tapes, saying they could be prosecuted in terms of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act.
Deputy PG Florence Ziyambi advised that if any complainant was not satisfied with the response from the police, the PG’s Office was more than willing to address their concerns.
However, the Katswe Sistahood maintains that the current laws are inadequate.
“The Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12:05) was promulgated in 16 years ago in 2000 and the relevant section relating to sending obscene messages on the telephone (s88) has never been amended,” Mwase said.
Cyber-based crimes are also provided in chapter VIII of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) which was promulgated in 2004, but the relevant sections are yet to be amended.
Bloody Zanu PF War Over Stands
Zanu PF members have had bloody clashes at Caledonia Farm after new settlers tried to elbow out old ones.
The invasion came after Udcorp moved in to service the settlement.
Tongoville Housing Co-operative chairman Mike Jiri said the new settlers were not welcome to take over the stands that have been allocated to youths from the area.
“Our youths have resisted the coming-in of people from Harare ward 46 to take over their stands here in Goromonzi. We understand Udcorp, Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Harare East MP Terrence Mukupe are encouraging the new invaders to come here,” Jiri alleged.
“The youths successfully repelled the invaders who had to retreat and sought refuge at Caledonia Police Post.”
When the NewsDay crew arrived at the scene, it saw several families at the police post with their belongings in heaps all over the place.
Mukupe confirmed that the people attacked were from his constituency.
“It’s true that they are from my constituency, but they were being lawfully resettled by officials from the Local Government ministry after I made an appeal to the minister (Kasukuwere) about the people who had been dumped on the roadside after eviction from Agriculture deputy minister Paddy Zhanda’s farm,” Mukupe said.
Kasukuwere was not immediately available for comment as he was said to be addressing a rally in Mabvuku.
The officer-in-charge at Caledonia refused to identify himself or comment about the violence that was rocking the settlement.
“You can get a comment from the Officer Commanding Suburban. I have briefed him about everything,” he said as he showed the news crew out of the office.
By the time NewsDay left the police post, the new settlers were being accompanied by armed riot police to occupy the stands under dispute.
Police chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said she was not aware of the violence and would be seeking information from the station concerned. Newsday
Mujuru Fires Final Warning at Mugabe | BREAKING NEWS
As President Robert Mugabe’s troubles mount, former Vice President Joice Mujuru today (Saturday) mutilated her former boss in the wake of the historic war veterans’ ultimatum on the Head of State to resign with immediate effect.
She also officially backed the war vets who Thursday militantly told Mugabe to his face that his time is over and he must resign “or else”.
For the first time in her political career, Mujuru directly attacked Mugabe labelling him “evil” as ZimEye.com reveals.
In what was her best rally ever with over 6000 who attended her Marondera stadium function which was packed to the brim, Mujuru’s speech exclusively covered by ZimEye.com, was well polished, far much better than before.
Unlike at other times when she spoke in timid riddles, shying away from attacking her former boss Robert Mugabe, Mujuru was today very direct and hit straight between Mugabe’s eyes. She for the first time threatened Mugabe true to her war name “spill blood” (war-name). She used the threatening noun “Gandanga” – Destroyer to describe herself in what sounded like a final warning at Mugabe since he has started another war on Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We are the real Gandangas, we are the ones who are now saying, this old man has become evil(Tisu vacho magandanga tirikuti Mukuru uyu aipa uyu)!, ” Mujuru said as she set herself as a fearless, unique brand in the formerly hot ZANU PF stronghold area, Mashonaland East.
She also stood out to support the war veterans who on Thursday issued Mugabe an ultimatum to leave office or else. She said their farms and pensions remain theirs and Mugabe cannot take them away. READ MORE ON THE LIVE UPDATES HERE
#ThisFlag Tajamuka Glasgow Beats The Drums
Patricia Murambida |We as Zimbabweans in Ireland we stand in Solidarity with the Zimbabweans at home. Robert Mugabe divided us as a nation, now our eyes are wide open we have seen the government’s divide and rule. The police are brutalising our brothers and sisters at home. We want this government ZANU-PF to resign. Mugabe has failed us for 36 years, instead of building the country after Ian Smith he destroyed it. We are not afraid to tell him to quit and go to Malaysia or Singapore forever.
Gucci Grace On Her Birthday : “Let Them Eat Cake”
Edinah Masanga | “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche” translated to english “Let them eat cake” is a quote attributed to the indifference France’s Queen Marie Antoinette had to the suffering peasants, just like Zimbabwe’s First Lady Grace Mugabe. The parallel does not end there, it goes further, during the time of Marie Antoinette, France suffered a severe financial crisis and a plethora of problems blamed on the Queens lavish life style, as they suffered she spent more on herself. As they cried out for food she arrogantly responded, in the famous quote; “Let them eat cake”, which was well beyond their means, only for the wealthy elite class she belonged to. A revolution ensued which later saw the Queen being executed by guillotine on 16 October in 1793.
Grace Mugabe, the wife of President Mugabe turned 51 today. Others like to call her Gucci Grace or First shopper but I really like to call her the typist-in-chief. Grace was picked by Robert Mugabe as a youthful woman in the government typing pool.
Robert Mugabe was first married to Sally Mugabe who died after a battle with a kidney ailment. However, sometime during Sally’s illness Robert must have started yearning for a physically fit woman. In his office, a tall, lanky and beautiful young woman from the government typing pool caught his eye.
The young woman was, then, Grace Marufu and nomatter how much people love to hate her, she is beautiful with an almost perfect figure. She is tall, with face features that stand out. She speaks with a nasal accent and walks with a seductive stride – a perfect delight for an old man still with a bit of energy then. However, during that time, Grace was, allegedly, still married to her first husband Stanley Goreraza. But she had caught the eye of the most powerful man in the land. A man who nothing or no one could stop. A man known for taking.
The affair between Grace and the president was a top level secret which was broken after they bore their first born child, Bona. Journalists who wrote about it were victimised, arrested and tortured. But, for Robert and Grace, their secret was no longer a secret anymore. During that time when the secret came out, Sally also conveniently died in 1992.
With no obstacle in their way, Robert Mugabe finally officially married Grace at a lavish wedding at his rural home Kutama in Zvimba. By that time, Grace had already given the President two children.
After the wedding, Grace became the object of picturesque photos, always sitting or walking besides the President quietly. She did not address too many public gatherings. One time she tried addressing university students and came away embarrassed after she failed to pronounce some English words properly. Besides that one incident, all she did was stand or sit besides the president and just be beautiful. She decorated the President’s side in colourful attire at many domestic and international fora.
As years passed by, there were rumours about her power behind the scenes. Her extravagant shopping sprees were speculated as being the symptom of a woman out of control. However, people did not dwell much on that theory, they assumed she was just a woman of able means, being the president’s wife.
She was photographed all over the world shopping a storm and her insatiable taste for designer shoes made it into international gossip columns. As time passed, construction of a sprawling mansion with a private helicopter pad began in Harare’s leafy suburb of Borrowdale. With the building of that house, the rumours of her being a controlling, greedy and demanding woman started to swell.
The shopping sprees also continued unabated until when the western countries imposed travel sanctions on high ranking Zanu Pf officials including Grace and her husband. She could no longer jet to Paris or New York for purposes of shopping. Everyone hoped this would bring the shopping sprees to an end but alas no. Grace Mugabe discovered new hunting ground, Asia. That is when it became clear to the people of Zimbabwe that she was indeed a woman out of control.
As Robert Mugabe’s age progressed, Grace tightened her grip on him and slowly but surely began showing her true colours. Even her sitting posture changed, she began holding her shoulders high and was the one who paid attention at government functions as Mugabe became famous for taking long naps in-between proceedings. The supposed sweet innocent face changed to a constant intimidating frown.
With Mugabe’s advancing age came the issue of succession. It started as whispers and grew into chants locally and internationally. And then Grace realised she had to stand up to protect the family’s wealth which they had amassed during Mugabe’s strong years. For Grace, if her husband was to be succeeded, he had to be succeeded by someone who could protect her and the children and their massive unexplained wealth. Being the one still with energy, the Mugabes hatched a plan to put Grace into a position of power.
Events were staged but one particular event changed Zimbabwe’s history forever. In 2014, Zanu pf women’s league held a birthday party for Grace Mugabe at her orphanage in Mazowe and during the celebrations, they delivered a plea to her. They supposedly begged her to take over the leadership of Zanu pf women’s league.
When time came for her to respond, she took the microphone and professed (read faked) reluctance. She however did not turn down the plea, she promised to go and think about it. It is of course an open secret that the women’s and youth league are the two strongest organs that determine internal party leadership in Zanu pf. With increasing weakness and failing health of her husband, Grace had hatched a plan to take control of one of the strongest arm of Zanu pf. By so doing, putting one foot in the door of control of Zanu pf and by extension the country.
Like lightning, she began a whirlwind spiteful tour disguised as ”meet the people rallies”. The velocity with with she went from being an unwilling, reluctant nominee to a full fledged public speaker implored people to think the whole reluctance charade was a ploy to blindfold the people of Zimbabwe not to see the devious strategy that had been put in place.
With Grace Mugabe’s ascension to political power, chaos reigned supreme in Zanu pf. Zanu heavyweights who were known to have been calling for Mugabe’s resignation and advocating for a Joice Mujuru takeover were chopped like baby onions, together with their Joice. Out with the old, in with the new.
Overnight, the President’s sweetheart became a vindictive ugly woman whom even the police commissioner and vice presidents knelt when greeting her. When she said someone should go, someone went. She became an object of terror before and after Zanu pf congress in 2014. But early 2015, she was rumoured to have undergone major surgery for an alleged colon cancer. People celebrated on social media and some even wished the worst could happen. That’s how much people came to hate her.
Right now Zimbabwe is in turmoil. There is fierce infighting and factionalism in Zanu pf. Men and women are standing on shaky ground. To be safe, you have to be on Grace Mugabe’s side. Ministers are underperforming, for whatever sorry performance they used to offer, instead they are busy falling over each other to bootlick Grace Mugabe. Or their powers are limited because they cannot do things that are seen as undermining Grace.
She has created an indelible mark on the history of Zimbabwe, albeit a dark one. Mugabe should have married a mature woman who, by now, would have grown old with him and would have probably urged him to retire but instead he opted for the tall, beautiful younger woman who has now wrecked Zimbabwe and brought nothing but chaos.
Grace is still too young to let go of the luxuries that come with being the President’s wife and her holding on has brought nothing but chaos in the country. That’s the price Zimbabweans pay for Mugabe’s eye for a young and beautiful woman those many years ago.
Edgars Zim Comes To The Rescue Of Disabled Jemwa Family
Sheillah Sibanda |Following an appeal by John Jemwa and his family for cash assistance to start a popcorn business, Edgars Zimbabwe has responded by donating a Gas Popcon machine valued at R6000. The machine is still in South Africa though, yet to be collected.
Jemwa who is part of the ZimEye.com community made his appeal for help and at last has received a substantial donation. Jemwa’s story will bring tears to any reader, he narrated before; “We are a disabled family of three, I John Munetsi Jemwa visual disability my wife Vimbai Hove physical disability and our two year, nine months old daughter who is visually disabled.”
The family is now appealing for further assistance in cash around $700, or R9800, to enable them to purchase the remaining equipment to kick start their intended business.
They still need the following, a Gas Cylinder R1000, a machine cart to carry the Glass machine arround R2600, Popcorn Packaging and spices R3700 and bus fare plus machine carriage to collect the machine from Johannesburg R2500.
Jemwa said he is so thankful, “I thank Edgar’s Zimbabwe for their helping hand in a country currently in an economic crisis. The Gas popcorn Machine will go a long way in bringing Economic independence.”
I greatly appreciate the publication of my plight by Zimeye.com, and I thank them for all the space the media house gave me on their website.”
Paris: Sekai Holland Honours Iran’s Courageous Female Opposition
From Zimbabwe, Senator Sekai Masikana Holland, leader of the democratic movement against Robert Mugabe, founding member of Australia’s Anti-Apartheid Movement, winner of the Sydney Peace Prize 2013, and French Legion of Honor (Legion d’Honneur) 2011, has declared her solidarity with the women of Iran and their struggle for freedom. “By participating in the rally, I want to ask the African Union and the United Nations and the anti-Apartheid movement survivors to turn their full attention to the struggle of Iran. We extend our solidarity with Iranian women against religious fundamentalism.”
Women NCRI |Over 100,000 Iranians and supporters of the Iranian opposition gathered on July 9, 2016, in Le Bourget, Paris, to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the Iranian Resistance against the clerical regime in Iran.
The keynote speaker to the rally was the President-elect of the Iranian Resistance Maryam Rajavi who vowed to continue the struggle until a republic based on separation of religion and state, democracy and gender equality is established in Iran. She called on the West to abandon the policy of appeasement which emboldens the Tehran regime to intensify the suppression of the Iranian people while continuing the policy of exporting terrorism to the region.
Over 600 distinguished personalities and officials from 80 countries in the five continents participated in the gathering to express their solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom. Women made up a large number of the participating delegations and 22 prominent women spoke to the gathering on their behalf.
From East Turkmenistan, Rebiya Kadeer, leader of the Chinese opposition, President of the World Uyghur Congress and Noble Peace Prize candidate, also addressed the Iranian opposition’s gathering when she said, “We share common struggle. We salute people of Camp Liberty. We are under threat of extremist Muslim. And part of the solution is in front of us, Maryam Rajavi, who is a Muslim woman with a tolerant interpretation of Islam… She reflects the true essence of Islam. Peace and liberty. Her respect for tolerance and deep compassion are true pillars of Islam.”
In her remarks to the gathering, Dr. Ranjana Kumari from India, director of the Centre for Social Research, and winner of the 2015 Lotus Leadership Award, said: “I don’t think any power around the world can stop your struggle… Your struggle for freedom is very important for the world. Your message is spreading everywhere, that when you remain steadfast, you will win. I salute you and salute Maryam Rajavi for her courage and for her leadership of this struggle. The day is not far when you will be victorious.”
From Nepal, Ms. Bandana Rana, 2016 UN CSW Women of Distinction Awardee, head of the World Network of Shelter for Women, and member of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), told the gathering: “I share the pain of women in Iran. I declare my solidarity with your movement. I have seen an amazing leadership and great energy and power in women in your movement… Let us make sure that the women of Iran are not left behind in our quest for equality by 2030; we can and we must.”
From Zimbabwe, Senator Sekai Masikana Holland, leader of the democratic movement against Mugabe, founding member of Australia’s Anti-Apartheid Movement, winner of the Sydney Peace Prize 2013, and French Legion of Honor (Legion d’Honneur) 2011, also declared her solidarity with the women of Iran and their struggle for freedom. “By participating in the rally, I want to ask the African Union and the United Nations and the anti-Apartheid movement survivors to turn their full attention to the struggle of Iran. We extend our solidarity with Iranian women against religious fundamentalism.”
Maria Candida Almeida, deputy Prosecutor General of Portugal also addressed the gathering. In part of her remarks, she said, “I admire Madam Rajavi as a woman leader who has persistently led this hard struggle for freedom and women’s rights in Iran… As a Portuguese woman who deals with the rule of law, on behalf of my people I would like to express my deepest solidarity with your struggle for justice, democracy and women’s rights in your country.”
In part of her speech to the gathering, Frances Townsend, Homeland Security Advisor to United States President George W. Bush (2004-2008), said: “I look out at the women here today and I am so proud to stand with the women of this movement, with the women in Camp Liberty… I am proud to be your voice and I stand with you… You are the future of Iran. You are the voice of Iran.”
Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, also addressed the meeting. She said, “The largest group the mullahs target makes up fully half the population of the country and that is women. There has been a horrific increase in acid attacks against women perceived to be in violation of the dress code…. Let the mullah tyrants tremble and shrink as we join with the people in Iran and speak truth to power. It is time to free Iran.”
Anthea McIntyre, MEP from UK, said in her remarks: “As an MEP, I would like to see any future relations with Iran conditioned on respect for human rights and halt to executions. As a woman I am especially concerned about the situation of women in Iran… I find it sickening to see women officials discard their normal clothes just to appease the mullahs and wear the dress code that is imposed on the women of Iran against their will… The people of Iran deserve so much better. And that is why we stand behind Maryam Rajavi.”
The German delegation included Prof. Rita Süssmuth, former President of German Bundestag (1988-1998); and Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, former German Minister of Justice.
From France, Rama Yade, former advisor to Foreign Minister for human rights and deputy leader of the Radical Party, Senator Evelyne Yonnet-Salvator, and Sylvie Fassier, Mayor of Le Pin; Ingrid Betancourt from Columbia, former presidential candidate; Dr. Meredith Burgmann from Australia, former president of the Senate and a senior member of the Labour Party and president of the New South Wales parliament; Laurence Fehlmann Rielle from Switzerland, Member of the Swiss Assembly; Judy Sgro from Canada, Member of Parliament; and Malgorzata Zwiercan from Poland, Member of Parliament and chair of the Elderly Committee; also addressed the gathering.
Zinat Mir Hashemi, member of the NCRI and editor of Nabard-e Khalgh journal; Zohreh Shafaii, Nargess Azdanlou and Rabi’eh Mofidi, members of the PMOI Central Council, also spoke to the audience.
LIVE UPDATES-Mujuru Rally in Marondera
ZimEye brings you live updates from Joice Mujuru’s rally at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.
COMMENT: This was Mujuru’s best rally ever. Over 6000 attended today and the stadium was packed to the brim. Her speech was also well polished far much better than before. Unlike at other times when she spoke in timid riddles and was shying away from attacking her former boss Robert Mugabe, Mujuru was today very direct and hit straight at Mugabe’s wrinkled forehead. She for the first time threatened Mugabe true to her name, “spill blood.” See at 1510H – Mujuru: “We are the real Gandangas, we are the ones who are now saying, this old man has become evil(Tisu vacho magandanga tirikuti Mukuru uyu aipa uyu)!, ” all this signifying she is now making positive inroads politically as a fearless unique brand and this being done in a hot ZANU PF stronghold area… – ON THE GROUND COMMENTARY: Simba Chikanza.
1550H – Mujuru concludes her speech.
1541H – Mujuru: “We have hosted the best rallies to date where people are neither forced nor coerced…”
1539H – Mujuru: We of People First stand for this, that here in Zimbabwe we shall fix the nation. Our unity with other parties…to hear our children advising us, this is our way of doing things. This unity is not in deception, it is a one-ness of truth, integrity and focus…
1534H – Mujuru: You ZANU people are beating up people. Police stop beating people!
1533H – Mujuru: The cash crisis did not just start today. It started a long time ago, and has only naturally grown…
1529H – Stop making national decisions from your bedrooms, Mujuru says
1525H – Mujuru takes another swipe at Robert Mugabe: “The work of leaders is not to go on holiday (sic-Shona linguo)…”
1522H – Mujuru:”These farms, by now we would have managed the lands using professional assessors and experts. I once said some countries do their food processing….”
1510H – Mujuru: “We are the real Gandangas, we are the ones who are now saying, this old man has become evil(Tisu vacho magandanga tirikuti Mukuru uyu aipa uyu)!” UPDATES CONTINUE BELOW…
1508H – “I have my Sekuru here close to Chikomba who loves mbeva (mice), when you travel to his house, you drive through a tiny narrow road which Ian Smith built and left in the state which it remains….,” Mujuru says.
1506H – “The way Zimbabwe has become totally destroyed as if there is no tomorrow…” Mujuru bemoans.
1505H – Mujuru takes the podium. Introduces PDP and ZAPU officials.
1415H – Still on lengthy introductions. Numbers continue to swell. Marondera could turn out to be Mujuru’s stronghold through former ZANU PF Central Committee supremo, Ray Kaukonde’s hand.
1330H – Mujuru enters stadium flanked by aides.
1200H – Hundreds throng the stadium. Number continues to rise…
Mnangagwa’s Prophet Abducted, Disappears
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s prophet, Madzibaba Wimbo disappeared soon after prophesying that Mnangagwa would take over from Robert Mugabe.
The Johane Masowe Vadzidzi Vajesu Church founder is said to have been abducted by his own church officials who are suspected to be Mugabe agents.
The abducted preacher’s daughters broke down in tears before a Cabinet committee appointed by President Robert Mugabe to look into a bitter internal dispute in the church.
Gomo (94), popularly known as Mudzidzi Wimbo, was allegedly abducted by his church aides last year and since then, his children have not accessed him.
After a closed-door meeting with the committee, led by State Security minister Kembo Mohadi at Wimbo’s home in Madziwa on Thursday, the Gomo family had hoped their father would be released.
“Are you leaving before we can see our father?” one of the wailing daughters asked Mohadi as other female church members joined in the weeping, with the place resembling a funeral.
Mohadi’s team that included Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo, Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi, Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Mashonaland Central Provincial minister Martin Dinha said it had only come on a fact-finding mission and report back to Mugabe who would decide on the way forward.
They then offered to take them to the shrine to see their father, but they declined. The family members said they would only see their father once he was brought home.
The Gomo family held an hour-long meeting with Mohadi and his team where they chronicled the events leading to the alleged abduction of their father.
They accused Ishmael Magodi, Zex Pamacheche, Shepherd Chingwena and Edison Mukuhwa, who are on remand over a murder charge, of abducting Wimbo and holding him against his will.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mudzidzi Obenesia claimed that the four were not family members, but joined the family after being treated by Wimbo of mental sickness.
“The problem started when they killed Jacob
Zifungo in 2014, a prophet from Gwanda accusing him of resisting the introduction of Chinese herbs under the Tians programme. They killed him in
Zvisokwe River. They were arrested, and are on remand and are still terrorising people at the shrine,” he said.
“After the incident, we the Gomo family, church members and the local traditional leadership agreed to send them back to their families because we could not stay with murderers. After a few months, they came back and abducted Mudzidzi to the shrine under the guise that they were taking him to the Chihuri family for a visit.”
They also accused the church aides of misappropriating over $120 000 raised by the church to buy a new vehicle for Wimbo.
Since then, Obenesia said, the family members were being denied access to their father. An effort by one of his sons, Gadjwet Gomo, who is a police chief superintendent, ended in violence when he was assaulted together with his sisters, church members and one of Wimbo’s eldest wives.
“The assault has been done with the help of soldiers who are now camped a few kilometres from here. We are now living in fear. They are always firing guns in the air to intimidate us. At one time, a helicopter came. We don’t know who set up the camp and also ordered the training of youth under the Border Gezi programme,” Obenesia added.
“We have tried all we can, including visiting the office of Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to have our father released, but it has not helped. Instead, VP Mnangagwa came to the shrine and did not order his release.”
Mugabe early this month also visited Wimbo’s shrine and promised to set up the Mohadi-led ministerial committee.
The family members said they strongly believe Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, the Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff, was behind the heavy military presence.
“He has actually married one of the daughters of one of the four who abducted our father,” he alleged.
“Nyikayaramba told the President that he did not know how those soldiers came, but we have evidence that he is commanding them.” – Newsday
WATCH:ZRP Cops Who Beat Up Protesters Finally Caught | LIVE VIDEO
LIVE REPORT: ZimEye.com in the below live video (from time minute marker 4:19) tracks down “bloody” violent ZRP Cops who have been terrorising citizens to date and have been recruited under Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri’s nose.
The following uniformed Constables part of a large batch were caught in the act at work last night:
Cst George Vambe Force No. 069453X
Cst Munyaradzi Denga Force No. 069778W
This was done LIVE in the newsroom on Friday between 6.20pm and 7.30pm (Zim time tonight)….. broadcast via YouTube LIVE and Facebook LIVE: (investigation starts from time-marker 4:19)
Treason Charge for Mutsvangwa As He Gets Fingered In War Vets Communique
State Media – Government has dismissed a communiqué purportedly released by war veterans renouncing and castigating President Mugabe’s leadership, saying investigations were underway to establish its origins and authorship.
Secretary for Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees Brigadier-General (Retired) Walter Tapfumaneyi yesterday said all patriotic freedom fighters were behind and loyal to President Mugabe and his Government.
He said all those who attended a meeting, purportedly organised by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association on Thursday, had distanced themselves from the “traitorous and treasonous” communiqué.
The war veterans’ association is led by Mr Christopher Mutsvangwa, who was recently expelled from Government and Zanu-PF for gross misconduct and disloyalty.
Rtd Brig-Gen Tapfumaneyi said Government was investigating the matter with a view to punishing those behind the traitorous communiqué.
“Government, therefore, dismisses the said traitorous so-called communiqué which is treasonable in the constitutional democracy that Zimbabwe is, with utter disdain and all the contempt that it deserves,” he said.
“While multi-agency investigations are underway to establish its origins, authorship, ownership and purpose which will bring all associated with it to justice, the ministry urges all patriotic veterans of the liberation struggle to remain loyal to His Excellency the President and to the party, to remain disciplined and principled while at the same time being wary of the divisive machinations of Zimbabwe’s detractors.
“The ministry wishes to inform the nation that all those who attended the above meeting and had authority over its purpose and content have all categorically distanced themselves from the document in terms of its ownership, authorship, substance and purpose.”
Rtd Brig-Gen Tapfumaneyi said following the indaba between President Mugabe and war veterans in April, Government was working on improving the welfare of the freedom fighters.
“We wish to reassure the nation that all issues relating to the welfare of veterans of the liberation struggle and their relationship with the ruling party were tabled comprehensively, responsibly and constructively in their inaugural historic meeting with their patron, President Mugabe.”
“Both the Politburo of Zanu-PF and Cabinet are now seized with the resolutions of this epic meeting, as contained in the report that was released by the Ministry on May 9, 2016, with a view to addressing as many of the issues raised as practically possible by April 2017 when the next in this series of now annual meetings is due to be held. It follows that any agitation or activism outside this very constructive process in the manner of this purported communiqué would therefore, be misguided, treacherous and outright counterproductive.”
The War Veterans Minister Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube weighed in saying war veterans should engage their patron President Mugabe for a redress of any grievances rather than taking a confrontational approach.
He said a militant approach being exhibited by some freedom fighters’ leaders was a disservice to the war veterans and their association.
It is widely believed that the statement was authored by Mr Mutsvangwa.
“I want to know what this means and I will engage the war veterans to reason together,” he said.
“As long as they say they are Zanu-PF, we say if they have any grievances they must come through the right channels.”
Asked on how his ministry was working with a deposed Mutsvangwa, Rtd Col Dube said: “As far as we are concerned we are working on the welfare of the war veterans. Even if he is expelled from the party as long as he is a war veteran it is his constitutional right that we should look after his welfare. It does not mean that if you have been expelled from the party now we cannot execute your welfare rights. We have not been given a right to stop looking at them as war veterans.”
He said it was up to the association not his ministry to call for a congress to elect a new leadership for the war veterans.
“You see, this is an association and it is up to them to see what has happened since their chairperson was expelled from the party,” Rtd Col Dube said.
“This is not the first time. Jabulani Sibanda was expelled and they decided that they call for a congress to choose another one. It is up to them and you cannot ask the ministry to do that for them.”
“Both the Politburo of Zanu-PF and Cabinet are now seized with the resolutions of this epic meeting, as contained in the report that was released by the Ministry on May 9, 2016, with a view to addressing as many of the issues raised as practically possible by April 2017 when the next in this series of now annual meetings is due to be held. It follows that any agitation or activism outside this very constructive process in the manner of this purported communiqué would therefore, be misguided, treacherous and outright counterproductive.”
The War Veterans Minister Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube weighed in saying war veterans should engage their patron President Mugabe for a redress of any grievances rather than taking a confrontational approach.
He said a militant approach being exhibited by some freedom fighters’ leaders was a disservice to the war veterans and their association.
It is widely believed that the statement was authored by Mr Mutsvangwa.
“I want to know what this means and I will engage the war veterans to reason together,” he said.
“As long as they say they are Zanu-PF, we say if they have any grievances they must come through the right channels.”
Asked on how his ministry was working with a deposed Mutsvangwa, Rtd Col Dube said: “As far as we are concerned we are working on the welfare of the war veterans. Even if he is expelled from the party as long as he is a war veteran it is his constitutional right that we should look after his welfare. It does not mean that if you have been expelled from the party now we cannot execute your welfare rights. We have not been given a right to stop looking at them as war veterans.”
He said it was up to the association not his ministry to call for a congress to elect a new leadership for the war veterans.
“You see, this is an association and it is up to them to see what has happened since their chairperson was expelled from the party,” Rtd Col Dube said.
“This is not the first time. Jabulani Sibanda was expelled and they decided that they call for a congress to choose another one. It is up to them and you cannot ask the ministry to do that for them.”
Observers believe that after the expulsion of Mr Mutsvangwa, the most logical thing for ZNLWVA to do was to go back to its membership and request for a renewed membership or reconfirmation of the executive.
WATCH:ZRP Cops Who Beat Up Protesters Caught
LIVE REPORT: ZimEye.com in the below live video (from time minute marker 4:19) tracks down “bloody” violent ZRP Cops who have been terrorising citizens to date and have been recruited under Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri’s nose.
The following uniformed Constables part of a large batch were caught in the act on duty last night:
Cst George Vambe Force No. 069453X
Cst Munyaradzi Denga Force No. 069778W
This was done LIVE in the newsroom on Friday between 6.20pm and 7.30pm (Zim time tonight)….. broadcast via YouTube LIVE and Facebook LIVE: (investigation starts from time-marker 4:19)
ZRP Cop Demands $160 Bribe To Release Offender – LIVE REPORT
LIVE REPORT: 20 July 2016, 1800Hrs:
A Gutu based ZRP officer is in trouble after demanding $ 160 – to release an offender, ZimEye.com can reveal.
In yet another incident that has exposed corruption in the ZRP, Constable Leonard Mabheka of Gutu Police Station, demanded the money from Edward Changonda of Mupandawana Village in order to facilitate the release of the latter’s wife, Fungai Zikumba.
Mabheka promised to release Zikumba after the payment of the cash. He also told Changonda he would use his influence to avoid a court trial.
The case came to light when Gutu Magistrate Edwin Marecha remanded Zikumba in custody. Zikumba was arrested after assaulting her husband’s former girlfriend, Mellisa Matuke.
Chagonda said he paid the money so that his wife would be released.
“When my wife sent me a message saying the magistrate had remanded her in custody. I then contacted Mabheka asking him to give me back my money but he refused. I gave him the money at Chivaraidze bar in Gutu town. The officer deceived me,” said Chagonda.
Mabheka said the claims were baseless.
“It’s not true, I never demanded a bribe from that man. I did not take his money,” said Mabheka.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Charity Mazula said she had no details of the matter. She said she would check with the police in Gutu.
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15 July 2016, 0430Hrs: Five (5) Ndebele villagers are reported to have been killed by a ZRP Support Unit team on Tuesday. The incident brings the total number of Ndebele deaths by brutal ZRP cops to (8)eight.
The massacre is said to have occurred in a village close to Plumtree where the cops “stormed into the village and killed a whole family,” as a source told ZimEye.
Full details were at the time of writing still sketchy amid reports that villagers have been threatened into silence.
The incident comes just after 3 Ndebele people were killed by ZRP cops in Bulawayo last week. Bulawayo residents of Burombo flats have reported how police officers ambushed their hostels in the evening and ordered everyone to move out of their house. Due to fear, the residents didn’t move out and the police started throwing teargases through windows and on corridors which forced people to move out and gather at an open space.
Everyone, from as young as 10 years and the elderly, were made to lie down on their stomachs and were beaten with baton sticks. Residents said they do not know why they were beaten as some of them never even participated in the protests.
The residents who spoke to Habakkuk Trust explained that the police forced them to sing the National Anthem in Shona and when they could not they were beaten again. Some were made to roll on the floor.
Some of them sustained injuries, some heavily affected by the teargas and are in need of medical assistance. Two people, a child and a old woman, have reportedly died as a result of inhaling teargas.
Meanwhile some residents have also complained that the police are indiscriminately arresting children accusing them of being part of the gang that looted at Mzilikazi Supermarket.
Meanwhile ZimEye was at the time of writing still investigating the Plumtree matter. If proven to be true, the cops will instantly listed for murder charges and added to the ZimEye Live Database. At the weekend ZimEye.com launched the Zimbabwe’s first database of all abusive police officers in preparation of their arrests and trial within and outside Zimbabwe. This growing database will be used by local lawyers as well as those at the International Criminal Court once relegation has been performed.
Do you know these police officers? Send us your pictures, videos, and summary guides to WhatsApp +447426863301
LIVE REPORT: 14 July 2016, 0500Hrs: The ZRP cops who were caught on camera in shocking videos assaulting alleged protesters last week, are now being identified, named and nabbed.
ZimEye.com sources have named four of the cops so far. The quad are respectively,
- David Mupandira
- Hilton Mutyandiripo
- Dazzy Ncube
- Benard Gomo
ZimEye is reliably told the four are based at Chikurubi Maximum Prison Support Unit. Further details were not available at the time of writing. Do you know these four officers and others who participated in committing violence on protesters last week? Send us your pictures, videos, and summary guides to +447426863301
ZimEye at the weekend launched a new live database storing all abusive police men and women who assault and abuse civilians. The update-roll continues below:
13 July 2016, 0558Hrs:
ZimEye.com sources have fingered one of the ZRP officers, Edmore Runganga, who abused Pastor Evan Mawarire yesterday (Tuesday). This is the same ZRP officer who authored the Search Warrant document that states the ZRP is looking for among other things a stolen police “button stick,” at Mawarire’s house.
Exclusive pictures of the ZRP officer, Inspector Edmore Runganga in brown jacket (pictures), have also been availed.
He was born around 1966, completed his O’Levels in 1987, and currently operates principally from Avondale police station, Harare.
He is from Manyene village, close to Chivhu.
At the weekend ZimEye.com launched the country’s first database of all abusive police officers in preparation of their arrests and trial within and outside Zimbabwe. This growing database will be used by local lawyers as well as those at the International Criminal Court once relegation has been performed.
We ask the public to quickly identify them by printing their names, dates of birth, addresses and phone numbers in full here. Local and international lawyers will henceforth utilise these details to effect an arrest warrant within and outside the country for these gross violations of human rights. These ‘bloody’ criminals will not get away with this, a lawyer told ZimEye on Saturday morning. Do you know a police officer who has been assaulting civilians? Contact ZimEye now on +447426863301, or type their details and full residential address below.
This page is updated daily as the database grows
#ThisFlag – ZBC, We Will Not Pay To Be Abused
Advocate Fadzai Mahere | I note with interest the contents of the recent Constitutional Court judgment entitling you to the payment of license fees effectively from every member of the public. I respect the court’s judgment but disagree with it (as I am entitled to do). That’s something I will take up in the appropriate forum – but for now, I have a few words for you.
Your content is deplorable, outdated, biased and of exceptionally low quality – including as it does cartoons from the eighties, news reports riddled with spelling mistakes and – barring one or two – programmes nobody has any intention to watch, even if they were paid to do so. People prefer to pay upwards of $80 a month to watch DSTv – including your own management and employees who can afford it.
It’s time for you to introspect and ask why people refuse to pay any form of tax or licensing fees to you. It’s because you suck – in every respect imaginable. You are biased. Knowing full well that there was something big going on during Pastor Evans remand hearing, you reported on extraneous drivel that does not resonate with anyone. You ignored the stay away. You ignore #thisflag. You ignore hunger, injustice, poverty and corruption. You have no content that would be even remotely interesting to the general populace. You are not for the people but against them. If this improved, believe me – I’d be the first to pay for my license. People who cannot afford DSTV would much rather buy pirated movies and other material off the street than watch ZBC.
As things currently stand, why should I pay a cent of my hard-earned cash to you? Why not get funding from those who decide your content and whose agenda you so ably support?
You will have to sue me for that $30 before I pay it. I say that knowing that the cost you will have to pay for issuing and serving the summons is far more than $30. I am prepared to fight the claim using every defence at my disposable and if I lose, you will have spent so much money fighting the legal battle, I will feel some sort of retribution – and only when the deputy sheriff is at my doorstep two years later, will I pay the $30. I am prepared to pay a fine if you choose to go the criminal route – even if that fine is more than $30.
It’s the principle – you can’t abuse people and simultaneously expect people to pay for such abuse. Enjoy trying to enforce the law by the way – especially in respect of gadgets I own that are capable of receiving your signals – but which you will never see.
As things currently stand, why should I pay a cent of my hard-earned cash to you? Why not get funding from those who decide your content and whose agenda you so ably support?
You will have to sue me for that $30 before I pay it. I say that knowing that the cost you will have to pay for issuing and serving the summons is far more than $30. I am prepared to fight the claim using every defence at my disposable and if I lose, you will have spent so much money fighting the legal battle, I will feel some sort of retribution – and only when the deputy sheriff is at my doorstep two years later, will I pay the $30. I am prepared to pay a fine if you choose to go the criminal route – even if that fine is more than $30.
It’s the principle – you can’t abuse people and simultaneously expect people to pay for such abuse. Enjoy trying to enforce the law by the way – especially in respect of gadgets I own that are capable of receiving your signals – but which you will never see.
Thank you. Bye.
Outrage As 70% O’Level Students Fail Key Subjects
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo has made a sensational revelation, likely to rile most parents that 70% of students in the country who sit for the Ordinary Level examinations fail to garner the required five subjects.
The revelation made by the minister indicates that students are failing key subjects which include Mathematics, Science and English making it necessary to adopt a skills-based training system as a way of creating employment for them.
He was addressing a graduation ceremony at Mupfure Self-Help College in Chegutu recently.
“Our country is proud as we have always ensured that we are in the first position (in Africa) as far as literacy is concerned. We have never run below 92 percent most of the time and our literacy rate has hovered around 96 percent,” he said.
“Many thanks to our excellent system of basic education in our country, but good as it is, it is also true that at least 70 percent of Ordinary Levels do not achieve a minimum of five ‘O’ levels with English, Science and Mathematics to be able to proceed to tertiary and higher education.
“That is a very significant part of our population. Ordinarily, not less than 310 000 students sit for the examinations and 70 percent of that number does not proceed for tertiary and higher education.
“It is that significant number which we should all worry about and in particular, industrial colleges like Mupfure should be worried about it and develop programmes which have the kind of skills and competencies, but our artisans must have to meet the requirements for our country’s new thrust for industrialisation and modernisation,” he said.
Moyo said it was against this background that his ministry was considering the transformation of more colleges into industrial training centres.
He said this would ensure the education sector meets the country’s quest for industrialisation and modernisation.
He said three colleges, namely Danhiko, St Peter’s Kubatana and Mupfure Self-Help College, would be transformed into industrial training and trade testing centres.
They join the two existing industrial training centres — which are the Msasa Industrial Training Centre in Harare and the Westgate Industrial Training Centre in Bulawayo.
Mupfure Self-Help College principal Mr Cletos Ncube said he was in full support of the move adopted by Government.
He said Mupfure had already begun partnerships with industry.
“The college is engaged in partnerships with private and public sectors to enhance training and self-sufficiency.
“The college is currently in partnership with Bata Shoe Company for the production of shoes which will be sold to Bata shops.
“I am pleased to announce that the college has made approximately 9 000 pairs of shoes for the year 2015 and raised an income of about $23 000,” he said.
Moyo said it was against this background that his ministry was considering the transformation of more colleges into industrial training centres.
He said this would ensure the education sector meets the country’s quest for industrialisation and modernisation.
He said three colleges, namely Danhiko, St Peter’s Kubatana and Mupfure Self-Help College, would be transformed into industrial training and trade testing centres.
They join the two existing industrial training centres — which are the Msasa Industrial Training Centre in Harare and the Westgate Industrial Training Centre in Bulawayo.
Mupfure Self-Help College principal Mr Cletos Ncube said he was in full support of the move adopted by Government.
He said Mupfure had already begun partnerships with industry.
“The college is engaged in partnerships with private and public sectors to enhance training and self-sufficiency.
“The college is currently in partnership with Bata Shoe Company for the production of shoes which will be sold to Bata shops.
“I am pleased to announce that the college has made approximately 9 000 pairs of shoes for the year 2015 and raised an income of about $23 000,” he said.
Mr Ncube said other training partners were Talana Farm, T & G Vegetables and Botswana Okavango programme on which students from Botswana are trained at the institution.
When War Vets Betray The Cause – Opinion
Dr Masimba Mavaza| The events of the last few days in the War Veterans camp proved more than ever that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. “Permanent interests” in this case simply means – you scratch my back or groin, I scratch yours – we tame the itch and stop fidgeting.
Friendship is a difficult thing to maintain even among the closest of families. Friends are hard to come by, so hard to keep and at times even so hard to get rid of. Not in politics though. Here, friendships are as easy as ABC. You can change them like underwear without having a bath and it is just okay. This is exactly the scenario between war veterans and what remains of ZANU PF. Maybe war veterans are being fooled by the expelled leader Cde Mutsvangwa or simply that they are genuinely concerned.
Politics is a dangerous and dirty game, and truth is not necessarily a fair game. The war veterans have been a back bone of the party and have caused a plethora of gigantic economic problems by demanding fifty thousand dollars even if they knew that the money was not there. When the money was finished they demanded more and now they blame the government for the mess they caused. Now they claim to love the same people they destroyed economically. This kind of political friendship does not require any standard of proof or evidence beyond any reasonable doubt. It does not care what the rest of the country think or feel, as long as you both stand to gain from the friendship. That is “permanent interests” for you. The question becomes are these war veterans or mercenaries?
But what one can vouch for is that “permanent interests” is the sadza and the selfish mind of war vets with which politics is eaten.
A snake is known by its skin. Even if it crawls out of its skin, it still remains a snake. It can wish to be another animal, cover itself with grass, fly like a bird or jump like a frog, but it’s rattling or hissing nature will always betray it. The war veterans have not shown any complete change from the selfish mentality that they freed our country so they need a payment. Some are permanently lodged in a hotel and some are demanding school fees for their children yet they know the masses have no pay.
At this point, matters of those who wish well for the war vets and the opportunistic people around come into play. Who really are the friends of the rogue war vets?
A lot has been said about the true intentions of some of the politicians around the War vets. How quickly will they move on from, for instance, a killing machine to angels. On the other hand, some members of the opposition secretly imagine that they will gain from this fallout. Is this plausible? So, who truly means well for the war vets and for the country.
Should we take the war vets seriously, since they keep changing with the tide, adapting to the situation with a well-trained political eye? And who suffers in the course of these political games? Is it not ordinary Zimbabweans?
As the marriage of convenience between War veterans and opposition endorsed by over six million voters in the 2018 elections continues to weather. The backlash observers wait to see how long this marriage will last. Will it continue long after the elections? Will they continue to be sweethearts when the elections are over? Will the bond be that close if they lose to ZANU PF.
Once members of the opposition, no one dared imagine that OPPOSITION and WAR VETS would one day be as close as a finger and a ring. But they had permanent interests to assume the leadership of out country and hold it tight between them so no one can wrest it away from them. After striking a common bond and targeting a common enemy, they ride on sympathy votes and will campaign on the grounds that Mugabe must go. Forgetting that they have been together with Mugabe and its only their indiscipline which causes their grief.
They are painting Mugabe as a common enemy that is persecuting them like Saul on his way to Damascus and emotionally blackmailed their supporters to feel and suffer with them at the foot of their rebellion.
And they cried out loud to ZANU PF Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?” And the people heard and voted.
One of ZANU PF’s best friends on the scene is Mutsvangwa MP this is the man who allegedly confessed to having fixed Mai Mujuru. Despite Mutsvangwa appearing on the scene like a mourner at a burial with dripping saliva in his eyes and wailing louder than the bereaved, he is now at the forefront of championing Tsvangirai’s interests and pushing for the masses to dump the party. Despite his self-incriminating confessions, no one will arrest him because he serves “permanent interests”, and they love and trust him because he is that friend who would lay down his life for a brother.
Now he has abandoned the same brother he stood out for.
Who knows about tomorrow in this political world of permanent interests? It would not be a surprise to see Mutsvangwa and Opposition one day eating, joking and laughing together while sitting at the table of brotherhood, long after their supporters have killed each other, created widows, widowers, orphans and refugees and destroyed property worth billions.
The war vets have learnt that “Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.”
The actions of the war vets is motivated by selfishness not genuine love of the country. If they are offered more bread and coke they will again be war veterans.
[email protected]
Cheating Wife Says Goblins Impregnated Her
Terrence Mawawa| Gutu| A Gutu woman who cheated on her husband has claimed goblins are responsible for her pregnancy.
In an outright act of total disrespect, William Tarugarira’s wife Olivia had an affair with his brother Bornright, who is alleged to have also infected her with a Sexually Transmitted Infection(STI).
Appearing at Chief Gutu’s Traditional Court last week, Olivia made the bizarre claim that goblins were responsible for impregnating her.
Olivia left villagers in stitches when in narrating her ordeal said her husband’s goblins had sexual intercourse with her, going further to claim that they had also infected her with a Sexually Transmitted Infection.
William said he started to experience problems with his wife in 2010 when she began to deny him conjugal rights. “My wife and I began to face problems in our marriage in 2010. That is when she began to deny me conjugal rights. I shared the problem with my younger brother Bornright and he said he would help me to solve the matter. Little did I know that the solution was to have sex with my wife,” said William.
He only discovered his wife was pregnant after forcing her to go to clinic, where her pregnancy and STI were detected. William took Olivia to the clinic after realising her health was deteriorating.
Lumumba Repeats Mugabe F*** Y** In Court
Defiant Acie Lumumba repeated his public insults aimed at President Robert Mugabe once again in court this morning. Lumumba appeared in Rotten Row Court before Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe facing charges of insulting the president as defined in Section 33 (2) (b) of the Criminal Law .
The media report that Lumumba who directed the f* you word to President Robert Mugabe on the launch of his party, this morning told the court when he was being cross examined by his lawyer Arshie Mugiya that the President has been f**ing Zimbabweans for 36 good years.
“Robert Mugabe is a leader of a political party and I also am a leader of a political party and we can exchange expressions and what I did was not an insult, the President exchanges expressions ,two days ago at the National Heroes Acre he said All those who think this country is not run well let them go to the countries they think are being run well and that’s an insult.” He also told the court that his constitutional rights for freedom were being undermined.
“I don’t know why we are sitting in this court yet the President has not felt insulted……If he was insulted he should have been here not to send people.”
His cross examination by the state had been scheduled to Tuesday the 26th of July 2016.
He told the court that: “I understand the charges they are placing before me………….F*** you is a word used to express feelings and it can mean different things depending on the situation ,for example I can say this court room is *ucken full or I am *ucken tired ”
No Food Aid For Sellouts, Declares Mugabe MP
Terrence Mawawa, Zaka| The ruling party, Zanu PF has made it clear food aid will benefit only its members, a ruling party MP has announced.
Despite the critical shortage of food in most parts of the country, Zanu PF has taken over relief programmes, sidelining the department of Social Welfare and Non Governmental Organisations in the process.
Zaka Central MP, Paradzai Chakona told villagers at a meeting held at Jerera Growth Point last week that sellouts do not deserve to get food aid.
Chakona said the ruling party had the mandate to take control of food distribution programmes. Hundreds of villagers are facing starvation as a result of the manipulation of food aid by the ruling party.
He said the food was sourced by President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF. “We Zanu PF people should monitor the distribution of food because we sourced it. Last time I gave the maize which I sourced to Zanu PF supporters and members as a way of thanking them for voting for the party,” said Chakona.
The ruling party hardliner also said he would not work with opposition councillors because they were traitors. “I do not have a councillor in this ward -maybe you have. I cannot work with an MDC councillor,” said Chakona.
The selective distribution of food has been reported across the country despite denial by Mugabe and government officials. Villagers have been forced to buy Zanu PF membership cards in order to receive food aid.
IN PICTURES- Teenager Steals Car, Crashes it In Ruwa
Dear ZimEye.
An accident in Damafalls Park Phase 4….
This teenager instead of washing the car, took the vehicle for some rounds and then hit a woman. So he dicided to run away and he failed to negotiate the curve because of speed.
-ZimEye Source
exMinister Fires Final Warning Letter At Mugabe
In what reads like a final warning ex-Cabinet Minister Nkosana Moyo has written to President Robert Mugabe.
Nkosana Moyo |Since I came to your office to tender my resignation in 2001, you and I have not had any occasion to interact or communicate. I hope, however, you will still recall one of the observations I made about your legacy. I will not repeat it here because for me that remains a privileged conversation. I will, however, observe that I think you still have an opportunity to help create a foundation Zimbabweans can use to build a cohesive and successful nation.
What compels me to write this open letter is the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe that has led to among other things, phenomena such as that of Pastor Evan Mawarire. Before I delve into expressing my thoughts on this issue, I want to quote something President Nyusi said on the occasion of his inauguration, an inauguration I know you Mr President attended.
Among other things President Nyusi said “ I congratulate Mozambicans for their participation in the success of democracy. At present, our individual choices of faith or ideology, and political inclinations are of least significance. I take office as the President of all Mozambicans and I stand willing and available to listen to all segments of public opinion.”
When I read President Nyusi’s speech I felt a lot of hope for Africa. I proceeded to ask for his permission for my organization to post that speech on our website. By way of introducing his speech on our website I made the following observation.
“The way he (President Nyusi) frames his speech, in many respects speaks to, and challenges the way many Africans have experienced the nation state. African Heads of State have, by and large, institutionalized states with at least two classes of citizens, the first class being those citizens who also happen to be members of the ruling party and the rest who chose other associations different from the ruling party having a defacto status of second-class citizens! If President Nyusi achieves what he has articulated, his approach would be a major departure from the two classes of citizenship experienced by most Africans to date.”
Mr President, I watched your reaction to Pastor Mawarire’s #ThisFlag citizens’ movement and was intrigued. So I then took the time to listen to as much of what the pastor has said as I could lay my hands on and I was then really puzzled. Firstly, the pastor acknowledges your government. He has not said anything to imply he does not recognize your government, so he is not about regime change. Secondly he is appealing to his government, i.e. the government you lead, to heed the suffering of the population and do something about it. Thirdly, he clearly states that he is against citizens taking the law into their own hands and getting violent and destroying property.
I just learnt that Zanu youths demonstrated against Pastor Evan Mawarire and in support of The President and the Government. I further learnt that the police did not beat anyone during the Zanu youth demonstration. In contrast, a lot of the citizens who came out to support Pastor Mawarire were beaten by the police and Mawarire himself was arrested.
Leaving aside that I am not sure what demonstrating against Pastor Mawarire means given no one can dispute the fact that the Zimbabwean economy is in meltdown, I would observe that the contrast between how Pastor Mawarire and the Zanu youth demonstrators have been treated is a very clear illustration of my observation about two classes of citizenship. In itself, it is good that Zanu youth can demonstrate when they have a cause to demonstrate about. What is clearly wrong and I dare say quite dangerous for the country’s well being is that the rights accorded Zanu youths are not accorded other Zimbabwean citizens.
Moving beyond the Zanu youth issue, I would like to pose a simple question. How can it be that when Zimbabwean citizens have cause to disagree with their government they are labeled as “not part of us” at a national level? I understand that they are not part of Zanu, but I cannot understand that their different views merit their not being considered to have a right to live in Zimbabwe and enjoy the rights of other citizens, as is their constitutional right. Who are ‘us’? Members of Zanu or Zimbabweans at large? Does it mean citizenship can be withdrawn on the basis of holding different views from the governing party? Is this not a very slippery slope indeed? Where are we headed if we go down this kind of thinking and practice? Is this not the kind of thinking that has led to genocide in other societies?
Mr President, unless I am missing something in this situation, I believe that it would be good for the country if you, as head of our government, engaged with the situation that citizens are trying to bring to your attention. Citizens are crying for help. They are not fighting you. They are asking for accountability and competency in the management of the affairs of their country as I believe is their right and obligation.
There is no amount of outside intervention, support or assistance that will make Zimbabwe prosper unless Zimbabweans are united internally. I would like to persuade you to take to heart the suffering of the citizens rather than push back at them as if their pleas are not founded on the reality of a dying economy. Zimbabwe is blessed with amazingly industrious people. People, who are very focused, disciplined, hungry for education and very aspirational. We are also lucky in that we have a country, which is well endowed with natural resources.
It would not take a cohesive Zimbabwe very long to bounce back and become again the envy of the continent. To harness the energy, imagination and innovativeness of the nation, we have to have a better tolerance and capacity for challenge, pushback and inclusiveness. We have to cultivate the capacity for synthesizing other people’s views into our own to get synergistic multipliers in the national developmental effort.
Nkosana Moyo is the Founder and Executive Chair of The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS). He has served in senior positions in the IFC of the World Bank Group; Actis LLP, a British Private Equity Firm; The African Development Bank. He is currently a Non Executive Director on the boards of Old Mutual PLC and Impala Platinum. Dr Moyo also served as Minister for Industry and International Trade in Zimbabwe under President Mugabe.
Obama Meets Zimbabwe’s Masiyiwa
President Barack Obama was paneled to speak after Strive. On finishing his remarks, Strive then introduced the President. In acknowledgment, President Obama had this to say about our very own:
“Well, thank you, Strive, for those kind words and your great work in promoting opportunity in Africa and across the globe. I should point out, by the way, Strive just told me he was in the middle of a board meeting, he flew here, he’s got to go back. He hasn’t gotten any sleep. That’s how committed he is to the work that we’re doing.”
Strive Masiyiwa | Yesterday was a very special day for me and I’ve been looking forward to sharing it with all of you. I was given the honor by the White House to introduce President Barack Obama to a global audience, and to talk about the efforts during his Presidency, to help the poor throughout the world.
There are certain moment in life when you just say Wow! and this was one of those moments.
The event was the White House Summit on Global Development which brought together top global experts to talk about the progress that President Obama and his Administration have made possible in energy, food security, global health, good governance, development partnerships and youth initiatives around the world.
I first met then Senator Obama 10 years ago over lunch in Johannesburg, on one of his many visits to Africa. He had sought me out because he knew I was part of a small group of African and global leaders who had been assembled by out-going UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. We had to find solutions to address hunger, food security and nutrition in Africa.
During our lunch, I quickly recognized Senator Obama as a man of great vision – a leader with a heart not just for the people in his own country, but for the whole world, and for the African continent in particular.
He did not need me to tell him that women smallholder farmers are the backbone for agriculture in the developing world, or that in parts of Africa and India, close to 40% of children are stunted, or that over one billion people still have no access to electricity. He already knew.
__He also understood it required bold leadership and unprecedented cooperation on the part of governments, donors, philanthropists, civil society and the private sector to address these issues.
President Obama’s presidency has been a testament to this vision. Even as the global financial crisis into which he was elected raged around him, he put global development at the center from the very beginning, and he stayed the course.
As President, he’s championed major initiatives such as:
# Power Africa, to bring electricity and economic growth to sub-Saharan Africa;
# Feed the Future to dramatically improve food security and nutrition;
# The Young African Leadership Initiative to nurture the next generation of leaders;
# The Global Entrepreneurship Summit to pivot our focus to entrepreneurship and job creation… and more, much more.
Even when the Ebola crisis threatened to blow everything away, he was there too, personally and deeply engaged in taking decisive steps to mobilize the world… again, an eagle in a storm!
When I first met him, he was Senator Obama, a promising leader who’d just published his book, “The Audacity of Hope.” Now even as his Presidency of the US draws to a close, I have no doubt he’ll continue his visionary global leadership, transforming that hope into innovative actions to help the poorest of the poor uplift themselves to prosperity.
As the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, James MacGregor Burns, wrote: “The most lasting tangible act of leadership is the creation of an institution – a nation, a social movement, a political party, a bureaucracy – that continues to exert moral leadership and foster needed social change long after the creative leaders are gone.”
In this post, I’ve shared with you some of the exact words from my introduction of President Obama. Let me close now by saying again: “Mr President: On behalf of all the hundreds of millions of people whose lives you touched and continue to touch through the initiatives you launched: Asante Sana, Tinotenda, Amhlope. Thank you.”
At Last War Vets See Light – Gutu
Obert Gutu |The MDC would like to whole-heartedly thank and salute war veterans for publicly acknowledging that Robert Mugabe has outlived his relevance and as such, he should immediately proceed to resign.
As a social democratic political party, the MDC has always applauded the patriotic and selfless role that was played by thousands of gallant sons and daughters of the soil in fighting the racist colonial settler regime ultimately leading to our independence as a sovereign republic on April 18, 1980.
Our peaceful and democratic fight against the excesses of the Robert Mugabe – led Zanu PF dictatorship has always been informed by our understanding and appreciation of the role that genuine war veterans played in creating and establishing our nationhood. The political and socio-economic crisis that is presently bedeviling our beloved motherland cuts across the political, religious, ethnic and racial divide.
The majority of Zimbabweans have been reduced to beggars and touts as a direct result of decades of unprecedented economic mismanagement, rampant corruption and deep – rooted misgovernance which has been the hallmark of Mugabe’s reign. No less than four million Zimbabweans have since escaped into the Diaspora seeking both political and economic refuge. The brain drain that Zimbabwe has suffered, particularly since the year 2000 going upwards, is simply catastrophic.
We now call upon Mugabe to take heed of the very clear advice that he has been freely given by his erstwhile comrades, the war veterans. Mugabe remains the single biggest threat to Zimbabwe’s national political stability as well as economic prosperity. It is not too late for him to proceed to step down immediately so that the country can be in a position to move forward. Zimbabweans are now united in their quest for a fresh start, a new beginning. Of course, in the new scheme of things, President Robert Mugabe is not part of the solution but in fact, he has become part of the problem.
As the country enters the homestretch in our peaceful and democratic fight for the establishment of a New Zimbabwe, we truly hope and trust that all Zimbabweans will appreciate the need to immediately retire the incompetent and clueless Zanu PF regime, warts and all. The regime is damaged goods and no amount of political spin can successfully camouflage the underlying rot and decay that pervades all facets of the Zanu PF regime.
MDC: Equal Opportunities For All
Obert Chaurura Gutu
| MDC National Spokesperson |
Public Violence Ruling On Masarira Tuesday
Human rights activist, Linda Tsungirirai Masarira appeared in Court earlier today has been remanded in custody and with the ruling in her matter set for Tuesday.
See below the statement by Occupy Africa Unity Square
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira has been on our minds, as evidenced by the concern pouring in and the questions about her welfare. Cde Linda is currently in remand at Chikurubi Prison’s women section.
After her beating and detention in Mufakose she was arrested. Charges went from accusations of burning down vendor’s stalls to public violence. We expected her to be out soon, however she was denied bail. This stems from previous cases against her, which made the magistrate decide that she is not eligible for bail, the state considering her a flight risk.Considering Linda’s role as a leader of the citizens’ uprising, it is clear to us that she has no intention of going anywhere, but due to the State’s habit of fabricating accusations against us in our courts, we are not surprised. While the legal details are being worked on by human rights’ lawyers, Linda is in good spirits and health, being visited regularly. Her welfare is being attended to with the generous help of fellow Zimbabweans, for which we give thanks.
#ThisFlag- Absurd Preferential Treatment Of Zanu PF Youths
Fadzai Mahere | Nobody disputes that the youth of Zanu PF have a right to march in support of President Mugabe – no matter how ill-conceived some of us may perceive such a move to be.
However, what is certain is that they have *no* right to preferential treatment by the government and the police based on their affiliation to Zanu PF. In this vein, I note two key issues that arise from their parade on Wednesday.
Firstly, the Zanu PF youth were allowed free movement throughout the central business district of Harare with no intimidation or obstruction from armed riot police. In fact, the only police who were deployed were traffic police to ensure that the Zanu PF youth could move freely notwithstanding their noise and the wanton disruption of traffic and business in general that day. Section 56(1) of the Constitution guarantees *every person*, not just the youth of Zanu PF, a right to equal protection and benefit of the law. And yet, when non-Zanu PF members of the public attended court a week or so ago, heavily armed riot police descended heavily upon the court house and its surrounds to intimidate and keep peace-loving Zimbabweans in line – notwithstanding that all that the public wanted to do was pray and sing in solidarity with a person of their choice. The conduct of the police violated our right to equal protection and benefit of the law and law enforcement agencies, particularly the police. It is unacceptable for the police to decide, using their sheer force and armoury, whom the public can show solidarity to. In the same way that the police facilitated the solidarity march of Zanu PF youth who are choosing to support the President, persons who wish to act or march in solidarity with another person of their choosing ought to be allowed the same freedom without obstruction and unnecessary administrative hurdles. I challenge the police to show that the youth of Zanu PF sought and obtained police clearance for their march in the same way other persons who seek to conduct similar marches are. The constitutional rights to non-discrimination and equality demand it.
Who knows what numbers would turn out for a solidarity march in favour of someone else if there was no threat of violence or police brutality – and if they knew the police would protect and not harm them? Only when the playing field is equal in this manner can Zanu PF claim it has more support. Assuredly, if those youths knew that what awaited them was a beating and not a residential stand, none of them would have come – which brings me to the second issue.
It is saddening to note that the carrot that was dangled to the youth to ensure their attendance at the rally was the promise of a residential stand – which stands happen to be state property. It has to be accepted that the call to participate in the parcelling out of these stands was confined to the youth of Zanu PF. On what basis does a political party dish out state resources to its own without any notice to the general public or other guarantees to ensure transparency? Why is the door of benefit closed to those of a different persuasion? This is a clear case of discrimination against those who hold a different political affiliation. Section 56(3) of the Constitution guarantees the right against discrimination on the grounds of political affiliation. Additionally, section 60 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience which includes the freedom to think differently from Zanu PF, to disagree with its ‘values’ and to propagate thoughts that are different from Zanu PF without being punished or discriminated against for that election. If land is to be distributed in the manner displayed on Wednesday, it has to be done in a transparent, non-partisan manner as the government owes *every* person a duty of conduct that is impartial in terms of section 68 of the Constitution. It’s patently unfair and unjust for land to be distributed on condition that one belongs to Zanu PF. Non-Zanu PF persons are also Zimbabwean, pay their taxes and have a right to benefit from the fruit of this country. It is daylight corruption to marshall the country’s resources in such a manner that only those who tow the party line benefit.
We need to progress as a nation to a point where being Zimbabwean is not synonymous with being Zanu PF.
Let’s make Zimbabwe great again. #thisflag
Mphoko’s Theft Deal Stench Blows Up
President Robert Mugabe’s attempts to block the costly US$350 million loan deal between the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) and Botswana’s Capital Management Africa (CMA) brokered by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, have come to naught.
It is reported the equity firm has approached the Botswana Public Officer Pension Fund with a proposal seeking a recapitalisation loan on behalf of the local power utility.
The new twist comes hard on the heels of Mphoko unprocedurally releasing from police custody close associates of the First lady Grace Mugabe, Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) officials, acting chief executive officer Engineer Moses Juma and non-executive director Davison Norupiri. The duo were arrested for allegedly defrauding the parastatal of US$1,3 million.
In the loan deal, Mphoko, whose son Siqokoqela is a CMA shareholder, wants the power company to access the US$350 million loan at a usurious 20% per annum interest rate. The power utility is in a serious financial crisis as it is owed close to US$1 billion. It is also struggling due to mismanagement and corruption.
Zesa will be required to export power to Botswana as part of the deal.
In January, China offered Zesa a loan of US$1,2 billion to refurbish the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The Chinese loan, however, requires that government raises a substantial guarantee of at least 15% before accessing the facility, hence efforts to raise the US$350 million.
Reports from Botswana indicate that CMA is on the market looking for funding to finance Zesa.
CMA is an equity company which seeks and provides financial services to businesses that seek recapitalisation. It is one of the leading asset management companies in Botswana.
The company has approached the Botswana Public Officer Pension Fund to access funds.
Boitumelo Molefe, chief executive of Botswana Public Officer Pension Fund, told Botswana’s Business Weekly after the Independent’s exclusive story, that CMA had submitted a proposal asking the pension fund to finance the Zimbabwe credit and power purchase deal.
“We do not have a say as to where they (CMA) invest the money as long as we get our returns. They say they will be managing a power project and the proposal is currently under consideration,” she said.
In terms of an agreement signed in Harare last October, CMA would provide upfront funding of up to US$350 million to help Zimbabwe Power Company refurbish the Hwange Power Station.
The deal also involved a power supply agreement with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) importing up to 100 megawatts per month of the power generated from the revived station.
BPC spokesperson Dineo Seleke said CMA had approached them with a proposal to help with the importation of power from Zimbabwe but said no agreement had been signed.
Government officials last month told Independent that Mugabe expressed concern over the punitive interest rate and also questioned Mphoko’s role in the deal.
Despite Mugabe’s concern, it however appears the deal is still on the cards.
Government sources said the loan payment was supposed to be done through Siqokoqela’s offshore account in Mauritius, which raised eyebrows in government.
Apart from holding a 5% stake in CMA, Siqokoqela also worked as the head of business development at the company from January 2008 to August 2013.
He started when his father was Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Botswana.
Questions are still been raised as to whether Mphoko abused his position as ambassador in Botswana between 2002 and 2005 moonlighting to cut deals for himself and his family as he emerged as a partner in that country’s biggest supermarket chain Choppies.
Mphoko, last month, dismissed the corruption reports, saying it was a mudslinging campaign by his detractors. He, however, failed to address substantative issues raised about him. The Independent
Mugabe Neph Removed From Parliament
An apparently drunk President Robert Mugabe’s nephew the YOUTH, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment minister, Patrick Zhuwao was yesterday kicked out of Parliament.
It is reported Zhuwao queried MPs’ line of questioning, continuously giggled and exchanged harsh words with Youth and Indigenisation Parliamentary portfolio committee chairperson Justice Mayor Wadyajena.
Zhuwao was being quizzed by the committee on allegations that he clandestinely engaged Thandi Ngwenya’s Triple Bottom Line Consultancy to craft an economic empowerment strategy.
Ngwenya then allegedly invoiced the ministry $28 000, but permanent secretary George Magosvongwe refused to pay because the understanding was that Ngwenya was offering free services.
A defiant Zhuwao alleged the Wadyajena-led committee was on a witchhunt and seemed confused as to whether they were monitoring, investigating or making an inquiry on the issue.
“I want to understand whether there is a specific issue that the committee needs to understand and whether the committee is on a witchhunt,” Zhuwao retorted as soon as the committee requested him to make his presentation on Triple Bottom Consultancy, his relationship with Ngwenya and the reasons why Magosvongwe said he had nothing to do with the engagement of Triple Bottom Consultancy.
But Wadyajena said: “We do not hunt witches here and we do not see you as a witch, please be serious, minister, and allow us to do our job as a committee.”
Zhuwao told the committee members that they did not know what they were doing, arguing answers to their questions were already on the economic empowerment strategy or had been provided by Magosvongwe.
When called to order and told to be serious, Zhuwao responded giggling: “I am very serious and the fact that I am smiling does not mean I am not serious. I am Patrick Zhuwao and will answer questions in a manner unique to Patrick Zhuwao.”
Nketa MP Phelela Masuku (MDC-T) then asked Zhuwao to explain his relationship with Ngwenya.
Zhuwao said they shared the same totem while insisting Ngwenya offered free services to the ministry. He angered MPs when he asked them their totems.
Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole (MDC-T) then asked Zhuwao to confirm if Ngwenya gave the ministry an invoice after her company offered services. But Zhuwao challenged MPs to prove the existence of an invoice while also objecting to the manner of their questioning.
“That is exactly what happens when there is a witchhunt. If the committee was serious in getting what exactly transpired, they would have interrogated evidence before it. Is there an invoice?” Zhuwao queried laughing. MPs could not take it anymore, and Chiredzi North MP Darlington Chiwa (Zanu PF) supported by Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya (MDC-T), then suggested the minister must be chucked out on suspicion that he was drunk and was going round and round in his answers.
“The minister is drunk and he can come back sober,” Chibaya said.
Zhuwao replied: “On a point of order, one of the MPs has cast aspersions that I am not sober. Is it the position of the committee? It has no basis for an MP to accuse me of not being sober and you (Wadyajena) as chairman was laughing at that.”
Zanu PF Proportional Representation MP Nomsa Mhlanga said she had known Zhuwao since he was a toddler and was worried that his behaviour yesterday seemed unusual.
Wadyajena then kicked Zhuwao out of the committee hearing, saying he would be resummoned to appear when he was prepared to answer in a serious manner.
Speaking to journalists after the aborted hearing, Zhuwao said he was sober and serious. Newday
Woman Delivers, Slits Newborn Baby’s Throat
Alaika Dube (21) of Mpopoma suburb, in Bulawayo is reported to have given birth to a baby boy at home last Saturday and slit his throat with a knife. Dube who has since been arrested killed the baby soon after giving birth.
Dube allegedly hid the body in a wardrobe and told her boyfriend that she had suffered a miscarriage.
She was exposed when a medical report confirmed that she had given birth, leading to her arrest.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed Dube’s arrest.
She said after being told about the purported miscarriage, Dube’s boyfriend called an ambulance that took his girlfriend to the hospital where it was discovered that she had actually given birth.
Insp Simango said police acted on information obtained from doctors and launched an investigation.
“The medical report revealed that she did not suffer a miscarriage but had given birth. This led to police officers investigating the matter. They went to her home where they found the newborn baby wrapped in a plastic bag with a deep cut on the neck,” said Insp Simango.
She said police officers also found a blood stained kitchen knife and a pair of scissors which could have been used in the commission of the crime.
Insp Simango said Dube’s boyfriend had heard the baby crying but she told him that he had been mistaken.
“She told him that he might have not properly heard as there was no child in the house. She allegedly told him that she had lost her baby through miscarriage. The boyfriend rushed to call an ambulance which ferried her to the hospital where doctors confirmed that she had given birth,” she said.
Insp Simango urged young couples to be responsible as their actions may have far reaching consequences.
“They should know that indulging in unprotected sex leads to pregnancy. Therefore, they should also take care of the children that are born. In case they cannot look after the children, they should engage relatives and the Department of Social Welfare who may assist in taking care of the children instead of killing them,” she said. State media
She said police officers also found a blood stained kitchen knife and a pair of scissors which could have been used in the commission of the crime.
Insp Simango said Dube’s boyfriend had heard the baby crying but she told him that he had been mistaken.
“She told him that he might have not properly heard as there was no child in the house. She allegedly told him that she had lost her baby through miscarriage. The boyfriend rushed to call an ambulance which ferried her to the hospital where doctors confirmed that she had given birth,” she said.
Insp Simango urged young couples to be responsible as their actions may have far reaching consequences.
“They should know that indulging in unprotected sex leads to pregnancy. Therefore, they should also take care of the children that are born. In case they cannot look after the children, they should engage relatives and the Department of Social Welfare who may assist in taking care of the children instead of killing them,” she said. State media
Mugabe Resignation Letter Awaited | OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY MAKONI
President Robert Mugabe’s resignation letter is awaited today, former Finance Minister Dr. Simba Makoni says.
The war veterans’ announcement yesterday that Mugabe’s reign is over effectively means the President must resign with immediate effect.
The war veterans are Zimbabwe’s most feared elite group as they comprise the entire army and airforce leadership.
Mugabe last month threatened he would launch another Gukurahundi on the war vets and their military elements.
But the war vets several weeks later, have continued to speak out and yesterday for the first time in 37 years declared Mugabe a murderer who has been doing so since the Rhodesian bush war days.
In an official statement, the MKD-Mavambo Kusile Dawn leader Makoni said he congratulates the war veterans. “MKD wishes to congratulate the Zimbabwe war veterans for seeing the light, he began.
He continued, “what we have always said since I left Zanu Pf that Mugabe is an undemocratic leader and he is full
of humbimbindoga. In 2008 I said he has a MAZDA syndrome that says “Mugabe a chatonga Zimbawe dakara afa.”
“Mugabe thinks he is a gift to Zimbabwe kunge ndewe mbeu.
“But today we join hands with War Veterans and all democratic forces in Zimbabwe calling for change that Mugabe must resign immediately as he has failed the people of Zimbabwe.
“He has taken the bread basket of Africa turning it into a begging basket of the world. His failure is unacceptable.
“Mugabe belongs to the past and is history. He has nothing to offer to the people of Zimbabwe and as a result he must resign immediately, ” Makoni concluded.
LATEST-Pastor Fondled My Booty
By Tendayi Madhomu
SDA Pastor in court
21 July 2016
A SEVENTH Day Adventist (SDA) pastor in Bulawayo allegedly fondled a female congregant, a senior city lawyer and boasted that he was ‘untouchable’ as none of the congregants would believe the accusations, a court heard yesterday.
The complainant (name withheld) told the court that reporting her pastor to the church proved a waste of time as the church had down-played the matter as a ‘social misunderstanding’.
Pastor Brighton Ndebele (31) allegedly squeezed the 35-year-old legal practitioner to his chest, before holding her waist and fondling her buttocks after sharing lunch in her office, where they discussed church issues.
Ndebele who was represented by his lawyer, Job Sibanda pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault when he appeared before Magistrate Adelaide Mbewure at the Tredgold Magistrates Courts.
In her testimony, the complainant said she was shocked by her pastor’s actions.
“I was paralysed, time came to a standstill, and I only thought he was going to drag me to the sofas in the office, he was aggressive. I told him I was going to report him to the church leadership and he said they will not believe me. When I mentioned the conference president, Pator JB Sibanda, he said ‘he will do nothing’, she told the court.
“I had never hugged him before and I had no reason to hug him that day”.
In his defense outline Ndebele claimed they shared a consensual hug before they parted on the day in question.
The complainant alleged that Ndebele is a ‘womanizer’ who has repeatedly escaped with the similar offence.
“It was not the first time that the pastor terrorized a woman in the church, he had done almost the similar thing (to someone else) but nothing was done to him. Last year he terrorized a girl soon after baptizing her and started sending her messages. The local church leadership did nothing,” she said.
“The church refused to disassociate itself from the pastor as an individual. I am unhappy about the treatment they have given me. He should answer for his actions.
“They think it’s a social misunderstanding, yet it is criminal. What is social about touching another person’s buttocks? The church is not capacitated to deal with criminal matters.”
It is the state case that on April 20, this year at around 1230hours Ndebele went to the complainant’s workplace to discuss church business.
After the discussion and he was leaving the pastor solicited for a hug from the complainant, who refused.
He allegedly forcibly pulled the woman by the hand and forced her on to his chest, before proceeding to caress her on her back and buttocks.
The complainant related the matter to a fellow congregant and later reported the matter to the police.
The trial continues on July 26, 2016.
BREAKING NEWS – President Mugabe Expelled | FULL TEXT
In what signifies a historic turn in Zimbabwean politics, President Robert Mugabe has been “expelled” by his benefactors, in full print.
Thousands of war veterans last night appended their signatures to the below statement in which Mugabe was told under clear terms his reign is over. They even labelled him a murderer who has killed many people on flimsy grounds. “From the days of the liberation struggle to date, history records that his egocentric approach to party and national politics has led to the demise of many a party member, on flimsy grounds. We say not anymore! Never again shall we allow him such free reign,” war vets swore last night as they issued the below statement which some analysts however said could misleading.
WAR VETERANS’ COMMUNIQUE ON THE STATE OF ZIMBABWE’S ECONOMY, THE ZANU (PF) PARTY LEADERSHIP AND THE WAY FORWARD FOR THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE.
There are problematic issues that have caused concern and restlessness to Zimbabwe’s War Veterans. As a result, the War Veterans from the country’s ten provinces, including all district chairpersons and representatives from all economic and other sectors, decided to meet and deliberate on these issues, on this, the 21st day of July 2016. Following that meeting, it has been unanimously resolved to issue this communique.
1. Recalling the ideals of the National Liberation Struggle in which the blood of the departed heroes was shed in order to address the National question;
2. Reaffirming the Founding Provisions in Chapter 1of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in particular Section 3 thereof, which enunciates the supremacy of the Constitution; the rule of law; the fundamental human rights and freedoms; good governance; as well as the entrenched recognition of, and respect for, the liberation struggle;
3. Remembering the heroic success of the national liberation struggle, culminating in the birth of our Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, thereby igniting in our new nation and people, hopes for a better life in the New Zimbabwe;
4. We, the surviving Veterans of the War of Liberation, secure in the historical support that we cultivated selflessly among the broad masses of Zimbabwe, make this statement, to spell out our disappointment, and those of the broad masses and working people of Zimbabwe, at what is clearly ZANU (PF)’s abhorable and poor leadership, and to articulate the wishes of the broad masses, together with the working people of this great country. The ZANU (PF) Party Leadership has dismally failed to use the resounding mandate given to it in the 2013 general election, to address the economic l’ problems that have beset our great nation since independence from British rule.
5. We note, with concern, shock and dismay, the systematic entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the President and his cohorts, which I” have slowly devoured the values of the liberation struggle in utter disregard of the Constitution, as demonstrated by the following:
- The deliberate neglect and abandonment, by the Party President of the masses, who are the foundation upon which the liberation war was fought and won, and who have, thereby, become the bedrock of the Party. Suddenly, ideologically bankrupt million man marches are being organized in honour of bankrupt leadership! The same leadership has failed to address the bread and butter issues which stick out like a sore thumb.
- The systematic decimation of the party political structures through which the militarised and mobilized veterans prosecuted the struggle.
- When Mr. Robert Gabriel Mugabe arrived in Mozambique, he walked in to join those of us who were already armed and prosecuting the war as political soldiers. He was not the President of the Party ZANU (PF), but we made him so, thinking he was one of us. Our decision to make him the President of ZANU (PF) was accepted here at home, regionally by the Frontline States, and internationally.
- The President forgets that his release from JAIL was not out of sympathy by his jailers, but because of our war effort. That is why, after his release, he joined us. Yet, today, he refers to us as irrelevant! This depicts the President’s lifetime character of always manipulating situations, and delineating others from vantage positions for his personal interests.
Examples abound:
- None of the President’s political colleagues in prison have benefitted from Zimbabwe’s independence the way he has, as he has put all his effort in sidelining them;
- The President’s systematic elimination of those in the struggle’s leadership in Mozambique, and his continued outfoxing of colleagues in leadership after independence up to this day, is unmistaken;
- The current situation, whereby the Party is fragmented with formations, so-called factions, is clearly the President’s project, again to outfox his peers in leadership;
- The President has always thrived on divide and rule tactics in order to protect his party presidential position, each time he has felt threatened. Examples go a long way to pre independence. However, recent examples are of interest, where the Gamatox faction was created out of nowhere, its so-called members being charged with all sorts of crimes, including treason. Then followed new creations, the President’s own G40 to look after his interests, and some Lacoste, a label of those who might be in positions to challenge the President. Typical of this president, he has mobilized those of his Gamatox nemesis to boost his G40 project, rewarding them with all sorts of gifts, including ministerial posts, despite the charges originally made against them.
After independence, the Party’s successes at elections have always been predicated on our political campaigns. To date, the Party still remains strong in the rural areas, yet the Party President thinks we have no right to challenge his bigoted political views in terms of which we should be restricted to discussing welfare issues when he has turned the party into his personal project where expulsions are the only known agenda.
His persecution, decimation and expulsion of War Veteran members from the Party under his watch are legendary. From the days of the liberation struggle to date, history records that his egocentric approach to party and national politics has led to the demise of many a party member, on flimsy grounds. We say not anymore! Never again shall we allow him such free reign.
As War Veterans, we are dismayed by the President’s tendency to indulge, in his usual vitriol against perceived enemies, including peaceful protesters, as well as War Veterans, when the economy is on its knees. He has a lot to answer for the serious plight of the national economy. His distaste and disregard of divergent views is unfathomable and must be stopped. We are dedicated to stop this rot which he has nursed over time, to everyone’s disgust.
The labeling of peaceful War Veterans as dissidents induces in us a sense of shock, dismay and revulsion in light of the history of the 1980’s. It will be recalled that our fellow War Veterans and masses in the western region suffered brutal purges which only the Unity Accord pacified. Particularly worrisome in this context is the fact that, whilst the man has dismissed that sad period as “a moment of madness”, such language belies his insincerity in the Unity Accord. He should be extending an honestly remorseful regret over this foul deed, yet he appears to extol this as some macabre virtue. His continued resort to genocidal language should worry every right thinking citizen as to his true nature. This is unacceptable to the memories of those who perished during that time.
We need not remind the Party President and First Secretary that respect for those in leadership should not be equated to fear. We do not subscribe to the idea of unbridled exercise of power without consultation, where threats of genocidal magnitude are made against us. He should be reminded that he remains the major beneficiary of the National War effort at every stage including the Unity Accord. He has used the privilege of leadership to build a patronage system around him, which has turned into a personality cult. It therefore shocks us to the core that, gauging from his recent statements, he now wishes to turn the present young generation against us for his own continued personal aggrandizement.
The Land Reform Programme, which was a historical culmination of the valiant liberation struggle, made more land available to the State. The President and his hangers-on, to our utter dismay, now uses that land as reward for his foot soldiers, who have become his personal mercenaries. These mercenaries, strangely, are getting urban land as reward for destroying the War Veterans’ legacy and the Party and, with it, the national heritage. We stand firm and resolute in the defence of that legacy. The tragic consequences for the hare-brain decisions are there for the nation to see.
His leadership has presided over unbridled corruption and downright mismanagement of the economy, leading to national economic ruin for which the effects are now felt throughout the land.
The lack of leadership manifests itself in the following examples: –
- The multiple ZESA scandals;
- Netone;
- ZINARA;
- ZISCO;
- NRZ;
- ZUPCO;
- Hwange Colliery;
- Chiadzwa diamond fields;
- Public management and financial scandals replete in numerous Comptroller and Auditor-General’s Reports;
- Proliferation of land barons through systematic land-grabbing by those in positions of authority;
- Youth fund;
- Housing fund;
- Parceling out urban land on partisan grounds, thereby rendering urban authorities irrelevant;
- Distribution of national assets at Party rallies thereby depriving deserving development priorities;
- Commandeering and frog-marching parastatals’ financial resources to fund party political functions to the detriment of the public purse and public welfare.
The above instances demonstrate beyond any reasonable doubt that the party leader has absolutely no clue as to the difference between public funds earned from taxation of the people, and private individual income. It is our sacred duty as the vanguard of the people to speak out against these instances of maladministration and misrule. This rot needs to be uprooted, and right now.
We noted with regret that when some of us peacefully gathered around Harare, the leadership unashamedly and in humiliating fashion, tear-gassed and water-cannoned us for no reason. Regrettably, the general citizenry has previously been subjected to this inhuman and degrading treatment without a word of disapproval from us. That time has passed. We wish to categorically condemn the brutal oppression of the freedom of expression, whether as exercised by ourselves or by anyone else.
We therefore abhor tances where the instruments of State power have been used brutalise private citizens who share our desire to exercise our constitutionally entrenched rights and freedoms. As the vanguard of the liberation struggle we categorically reject the notion that those expressing views different to those that we hold are agents of foreign powers or agents and therefore enemies of the State. This notion, which to us is a diversionary tactic, contemptuously implies that Zimbabweans lack the capacity to rationalize issues; think through their problems and take decisive action against clear evidence of · misrule.
Instruments of State power in the hands of a responsible administration remain constitutionally bound to defend and uphold the Constitution, the rule of law and defend the sovereignty of the Republic of Zimbabwe. We therefore condemn the use of excessive force by the State against the citizens who were peacefully exercising their right to demonstrate against poor governance. We demand that those who exceeded the call of duty be held accountable in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. We further demand that the State and all its actors respect, promote, protect and uphold our Constitution.
In view of the above, we the veterans of Zimbabwe’s war of liberation, together with our toiling masses, hereby declare that, henceforth, in any forthcoming elections, will not support such a leader who has presided over untold suffering of the general population for his own personal aggrandizement and that of his cronies.
Pastor Mawarire Fires At Mugabe
No More Radio Licences
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe said two out of eight recently-licensed local commercial radio stations were operational while those that were licensed four years ago were struggling to get advertisements.
He said this has forced Government to reconsider the continued issuing of broadcasting licences to radio stations.
Minister Mushohwe was giving oral evidence before a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services chaired by Umzingwane MP William Dhewa (Zanu-PF).
“Furthermore, radio stations are going to face stiffer competition for advertising revenue from television when more television stations come on board after completion of digitisation.
“This scenario may necessitate taking a deliberate policy decision not to issue more radio licences in order to ensure the market sustains the few stations that are already in the market. As the economy improves, more and more players will be licensed,” said Minister Mushohwe.
He said experience had shown them that only one radio station was making profit while others were struggling.
On communal radio stations, Minister Mushohwe said it was unfair for Government to continue issuing licences to areas that were already receiving broadcasting signal when places like Binga do not have reception since independence.
He said Government’s view was that issuance of community radio stations be done upon the completion of the digitisation programme.
Appearing before the same committee, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said funding of digitisation programme could only be raised through sale of dividend spectrum.
He said while it was Treasury’s desire to bankroll the programme, it was unfortunate that Government was grappling with other issues like payment of salaries for civil servants.
Several MPs, however, asked whether there was no contingent plans to fund the programme.
Makonde MP Kindness Paradza (Zanu-PF) said delay in completing the digitisation programme would result in the escalation of costs to the project while some equipment would be made redundant.
Other legislators asked if Government could look for bridging finance while it was waiting to sell the spectrum.
Minister Chinamasa said he had since nullified the intended sale of dividend spectrum to NetOne after realising some challenges.
“It was never envisaged that the project would be paid from Treasury. Selling of dividend spectrum remains Plan One, Plan Two and Plan Three,” said Minister Chinamasa.
Minister Chinamasa said he was, however, agreeable to other creating plans.
“I agree that any delay to any project costs money and such costs are unavoidable,” he said.
Govt to Ban Gonyet Businesses to Boost NRZ
Gonyet (bulk transportation vehicle) businesses have become the mainstay of many unemployed Zimbabweans following the crashing down of the economy. From banning the import of domestic vitals which saw the Beitbridge border post being burnt down, government has embarked on another move which will see Gonyet company owners and their employees being arrested if found trading.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Joram Gumbo on Wednesday said government will revive struggling National Railways of Zimbabwe by outlawing bulk transportation of goods by road.
“That is the way to go and (banning bulk transportation of goods by road) is what we are planning to do because if we allow big trucks to ply our roads, they will actually destroy them and there would be continuous rehabilitation of the roads. It is something that we are considering,” Gumbo said at the inaugural infrastructure development conference held in Bulawayo alongside the Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo (MineEntra).
He was responding to a question by chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development and Chegutu West legislator, Dexter Nduna, who wanted to find out what the government was going to revive the NRZ.
The ban would be through a statutory instrument (SI), Gumbo said.
“We will not be the first ones to do that,” he said.
The SI would be good news to the struggling NRZ, which has been incapacitated due to lack of business, a situation which arose due to the parastatal’spoor reliability.
Recently, it slashed salaries by up to 50 percent as it continues to face viability challenges amid declining business volumes and charges of mismanagement.
A report by the Auditor General on NRZ’s 2014 accounts showed that its freight unit was generating annual revenue of $91,2 million, but incurring costs of $103 million. The passenger unit had annual revenues of $3,2 million, with costs over three times more at $10,9 million. – The Source
ZBC License Thuggish Evils
Edinah Masanga | The unjust ruling by the Constitutional Court, forcing Zimbabweans to pay ZBC even if they do not use it, is just Robert Mugabe and his minions stepping up efforts to continue robbing starving Zimbabweans through state organs such as the judiciary.
So I am not surprised that the Constitutional court made a ‘landmark’ ruling that everyone must pay radio licenses even though they may not be using ZBC as a provider of radio services.
First of all we know that the starving people of Zimbabwe are in fact propping the broke government through road toll tariffs, ZRP’s unjustified vehicle spot fines and now we are all going to finance the Zanu PF propaganda machine called ZBC by force.
Zanu PF is determined to survive by hook or by crook in the economic mess that it created.
Often, I meet people who remark about the resilience of the people Zimbabwe – how they have a will to survive, that they are struggling but surviving. But I always say the truth; people are not surviving at all, the companies are not surviving, the schools are not surviving, no one except Zanu PF is surviving in Zimbabwe.
This court ruling therefore had nothing to do with justice but is a mere authorisation, by a presumably impartial ConCourt, of ZBC’s fundraising efforts.
ZBC is broke and the government is broke as well, and therefore blocking fundraising efforts by the broadcaster would have had a devastating impact on it, possibly leaving Mugabe without a mouthpiece. History shows us that that cannot happen in Zimbabwe.
Mugabe is a man known for taking. You know I’m not making this up, after all there are conflicting reports whether his wife Grace Mugabe was actually single when he took her (the other major problem that he created for Zimbabwe in that yapping typist-in-chief).
I expect hell to follow. This ruling is going to cause untold suffering for Zimbabweans because they will now be swindled under the guise of having to comply with the law.
Who has time to listen to ZBC puppet presenters gushing about (the widely recognised as undemocratically elected) Commander-in-Chief of Zimbabwe? Ninety percent of ZBC news start with something about the so called Commander in chief all the time (yawn). Who cares really.
However, we have to ask ourselves whether the Zimbabwean judiciary, in matters where there is vested political interest from Zanu pf, is independent. The answer is no most of the time.
As we might all know, political power in Zimbabwe is split between three arms of government namely the executive (presidency), the legislative and the judicial branches.
We also know that under normal circumstances these three arms of government are supposed to operate independently in terms of freedoms to execute their duties without undue interference from the executive. But this is not possible in Zimbabwe because it is an authoritarian regime.
Put simply, the president must not extend his (slimy) tentacles into the operations of the parliament and the courts but in fact the opposite is modus vivendi in Zimbabwe.
But there is hope for a freer Zimbabwe. I am going to remind everyone in all my posts from now on; come 2018 none of this mess must come back. We must vote them out. The time to start planning for voting Zanu pf OUT is now. Register to vote, don’t ever be like me that always cried when Zanu pf returned to power but had not voted.
I hate to but I have to leave you for now but, as usual, always remember that love prevails over evil.
Edinah Masanga is a Zimbabwean journalist, feminist and human rights activist. She is on Facebook and Twitter as @EdinahMasanga.
Tsvangirai Slapped with Lawsuit Over Chamisa Appointment
The embattled MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai was yesterday sued at the High Court for allegedly violating the party’s constitution when he appointed Advocate Nelson Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri to the vice presidency.
The appointments were made last Friday and the two join Ms Thokozani Khupe as VPs.
Mr Tsvangirai was sued by Mr George Rice, a provincial executive member, and Mr Patson Murimoga, a musician.
Mr Murimoga is the MDC-T member who composed jingles praising Mr Tsvangirai which were used in his 2013 presidential campaign.
Mr Tsvangirai is cited as the first respondent, with Adv Chamisa and Eng Mudzuri listed as second and third, respectively.
Mr Lovemore Moyo is cited as the fourth respondent in his capacity as MDC-T national chairman, while MDC-T is cited as the fifth respondent.
“In his founding affidavit, Mr Murimoga argues that the appointments contravened the party’s constitution and should be reversed.
“On the 15th of July 2016, first respondent (Mr Tsvangirai) convened a Press conference at his Highlands House where he announced that he had appointed first and second respondents as deputy presidents of the fifth respondent (MDC-T).
“In that Press conference, first respondent claimed he was making the appointment of second and third respondent in terms of the fifth respondent’s constitution. The second and third respondents are cited so that they state clearly if their appointment by the first respondent as deputy presidents of the fifth respondent is in terms of the constitution of the fifth respondent,” said Mr Murimoga.
He justified citation of second and third respondents saying they could possibly be affected by the application.
“In particular, the first respondent claimed that he was authorised by the national council of the fifth respondent to make those appointments of second and third respondents,” added Mr Murimoga.
He said the appointment of Adv Chamisa and Eng Mudzuri had a bearing on his MDC-T membership.
“I have been a loyal member of the fifth respondent from its formation and I am a musician who has been a praise singer of the first and fifth respondents and I even sang the jingle that first respondent used to campaign in the 2013 Presidential elections. The song I sang was in vernacular and called Tsvangirai Kakata, Tsvangirai dhonza, which was repeatedly aired on national television,” said Mr Murimoga.
“I also have interest in making sure that the fifth respondent’s constitution, which binds me, is respected by all members of the fifth respondent including the first respondent.”
Mr Murimoga claimed to have substantial and direct interest in the decisions that are made for and on behalf of the MDC-T.
“In this case I am particularly affected by the appointment of second and third respondents as deputy presidents of the fifth without following the constitution of the fifth respondent.
“I seek that this Honourable Court to declare that the first respondent’s actions of appointing second and third respondent deputy presidents of the fifth respondent to be in violation of the fifth respondent’s constitution and therefore null and void,” he said.
Mr Murimoga argues that the MDC-T constitution was clear in Article 6.4.3.1 that the “deputy president shall be elected directly by congress from nominations made by the provinces”.
It is his argument that the appointment of the two VPs was a “clear violation of the constitutional right of members of the fifth respondent who participate in the congress or who appoint congress delegates who then nominate the deputy president from their provinces.”
“I am in particular entitled to participate in nomination of deputy president from the province I come from, that is Masvingo,” said Mr Murimoga.
“I am in particular entitled to participate in nomination of deputy president from the province I come from, that is Masvingo,” said Mr Murimoga.
He said the MDC-T constitution did not empower the national council or Mr Tsvangirai to appoint a deputy president, stressing that only congress carries such a mandate.
“Congress has powers provided for in Article 6.2.3 of the fifth respondent’s constitution while national council is provided for in Article 6.4.7. The national council is not an elective forum in that there are no elections done in the national council particularly of the deputy president while at the congress there are elections done,” said Mr Murimoga.
He stated that the MDC-T constitution was explicit in Article 6.4.3.1 that “the national standing committee shall constitute of the following …(b) the deputy president who shall be elected directly by congress from nominations made by the province.”
Mr Murimoga argues that Adv Chamisa and Eng Mudzuri “were never elected by anyone”.
“The other aspect that is clear is that there are two stages of electing deputy presidents which are; (a) they must be nominated by the provinces that makes up the fifth respondent (b) the congress will then have to elect directly the deputy presidents.
“The second and third respondents were never nominated by any province including the province I come from, that is Masvingo Province. There was never congress that elected second and third respondents and therefore their appointment as deputy presidents of the fifth respondent is ultra vires the constitution of the fifth respondent and is void ab initio,” he added.
Mr Murimoga took a dig at Mr Tsvangirai.
“For first respondent to violate the constitution…he should be protecting smacks of double standards in that he preached and teaches what he does not practice.”
He said Mr Tsvangirai did not have “power to relax the peremptory provisions of the fifth respondent’s constitution”.
Mr Murimoga hit out at Mr Tsvangirai again saying, “the position and decision of the first respondent of violating the fifth respondent’s constitution portrays him as a person who cannot be trusted in handling and protecting the National Constitution where he will be wielding much state power. If the first respondent can abuse a political party constitution one shudders to imagine the extent to which he can go to abuse the National Constitution if he is elected President of Zimbabwe.”
He said the MDC-T preaches adherence to the constitution at all times, be it party or National Constitution.
Mr Murimoga argues that Mr Tsvangirai failed to uphold the MDC-T constitution.
“I have also read the agenda of the national council and I noticed that there was never an agenda to appoint deputy presidents and I am reliably advised there was never a resolution to appoint deputy presidents as what first respondent purported to do. Even if there was such an agenda, such resolution, both would be in violation of the fifth respondent’s constitution and therefore null and void.”
Mr Murimoga’s application was supported by Mr George Rice, an MDC-T provincial executive member.
Mr Murimoga and Mr Rice wantsthe court to pronounce the appointment of Adv Chamisa and Eng Mudzuri null and void.
They also want the court to declare the appointment in violation of the MDC-T constitution.
Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers filed the application at the High Court on behalf of Mr Murimoga and Mr Rice. Herald
Zim Unveils Rio 2016 Team
The Zimbabwe team to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games has been unveiled.
This was during a Wednesday evening fundraising dinner gala at a local hotel in the capital, Harare.
The Rio 2016 team is biggest in Zimbabwe’s history comprising 57 members of which 31 are athletes and 26 officials.
The team unveiled on Wednesday evening comprises 31 athletes from seven different sporting disciplines and will be accompanied by 25 officials.
Speaking during the fundraising dinner, Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane urged the corporates and the nation to rally behind the team.
Zimbabwe Olympics Committee (ZOC) president Admire Masenda said the team will do the nation proud as all the athletes had put in hours of work and practice and finally aspirations would be realised in Rio, Brazil.
ZOC CEO Anna Mguni thanked all the corporates and national sports associations for rallying behind the team and athletes.
There were no major surprises as the team was announced with the biggest contingent being football where the Mighty Warriors team has 18 players and 8 members of the technical team.
Only golfer and former Sportsperson of the Year winner Brendan de Jong was missing after he dropped out in order to concentrate on his world ranking and keep his US tour card following a recent slump in form.
Kirsty Coventry leads the swimming while other disciplines represented include archery, equestrian, rowing, shooting.
The team unveiled on Wednesday evening comprises 31 athletes from seven different sporting disciplines and will be accompanied by 25 officials.
Speaking during the fundraising dinner, Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane urged the corporates and the nation to rally behind the team.
Zimbabwe Olympics Committee (ZOC) president Admire Masenda said the team will do the nation proud as all the athletes had put in hours of work and practice and finally aspirations would be realised in Rio, Brazil.
ZOC CEO Anna Mguni thanked all the corporates and national sports associations for rallying behind the team and athletes.
There were no major surprises as the team was announced with the biggest contingent being football where the Mighty Warriors team has 18 players and 8 members of the technical team.
Only golfer and former Sportsperson of the Year winner Brendan de Jong was missing after he dropped out in order to concentrate on his world ranking and keep his US tour card following a recent slump in form.
Kirsty Coventry leads the swimming while other disciplines represented include archery, equestrian, rowing, shooting.
Former ZOC and ANOCA secretary-general Robert Mutsauki was also honoured as an honourary ZOC member following his appointment as General Manager for the Homeless Team at the Rio 2016 games. ZBC
Man Murders Stepfather In Cold Blood
Terrence Mawawa| Mberengwa The entire local community has been thrown into shock and turmoil following an incident in which a man brutally killed his stepfather. Prominent Mberengwa businessman Alphonias Masvora (71)was brutally murdered by his stepson, Mkhokhe Moyo(37).
The reasons for the callous act remain unknown. Masvora was the owner of several retail outlets at Mataga Growth Point.
It is alleged that Moyo teamed up with Masvora’s brother, Tafaranazvo Hamadziripi, last Friday and went to his house where they attacked him with logs until he fell unconscious.
Masvora was rushed to Mnene Mission Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Midlands Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende, confirmed the incident and said investigations were under way. “We are currently investigating a murder case which occurred in Mberengwa. in Ramunyenyiwa Village under Chief Chingoma, where it has been reported a man murdered his stepfather.”
“The reasons for the commission of the murder remain unknown. We only know that the incident happened on July 15,2016. Moyo attacked his stepfather together with the deceased’s brother,”said Mukwende.
A relative who declined to be named said:”Masvora sustained injuries all over his body.He was seriously injured.Nobody knows the motive of the attack.It came as a surprise to all of us.We only heard there was a misunderstanding but we do not know what it was about.”
#ThisFlag : War Vets ‘Jamuka’ Denounce ‘Dictatorial’ Mugabe
The buzz word on social media this evening after the crucial war veterans Indaba in which they made some bold statements concerning Zanu PF’s succession politics has been, ‘ma war vet ajamuka.’
Many were caught in this Tajamuka euphoria representing protest, or enough is enough, as they described the bold statements by the war veterans who are now an integral part in the struggle for democracy.
Zimbabwe’s war veterans, who have played a crucial and sometimes violent role supporting President Robert Mugabe, denounced him as “dictatorial” on Thursday in the latest sign of growing national instability.
A series of recent street protests – the largest in many years in Zimbabwe – has been triggered by an economic crisis that has left banks short of cash and the government struggling to pay its workers.
Mugabe, 92, has often used his security forces to crush dissent since he came to power in 1980 after leading the liberation war in the 1970s that ended British colonial rule.
But the surge of rare public demonstrations have revealed deepening anger at the ageing president, who has vowed to stand for re-election in 2018, and at his ruling Zanu-PF party.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association issued a strongly-worded statement in Harare, saying it would no longer support Mugabe in elections.
“The Zanu-PF party leadership has dismally failed to… address the economic problems that have beset our great nation,” it said.
“We note with concern, shock and utter dismay the entrenchment of dictatorial tendencies, personified by the president and his cohorts which have slowly devoured the values of the liberation struggle.”
In February, Zimbabwean police shocked many observers by using water cannon and tear gas to prevent a meeting planned by the war veterans to air their grievances against the regime.
Starting in 2000, the war veterans led the seizures of white-owned commercial farms in what Mugabe said was a reversal of imbalances from the colonial era.
Worsening economic crisis
The government-supported seizures have been blamed for the drastic slump in food production that contributed to the country’s economic collapse.
Some veterans have also been accused of the widespread intimidation and violence during past elections that have kept Mugabe in power.
This week, Mugabe shrugged off criticisms by popular pastor Evan Mawarire, who has become the figurehead of the wave of anti-government protests.
“I don’t even know him… I don’t know if he is a man of religion. A man of religion, we would hope, would preach biblical peace,” Mugabe said, accusing Mawarire of being backed by foreign countries.
Earlier this month, many offices, shops and some government department were closed for a one-day national strike against the country’s worsening economic crisis.
Last week hundreds of Mawarire supporters rallied outside a Harare court until he was released when a case of attempting to overthrow the government was dismissed. News24
More Trafficked Zim Slaves Freed From Kuwait
Thirteen more women have been rescued after they were lured to Kuwait under the false pretext of getting jobs as housemaids only to be sold into slavery.
Their arrival takes place in the backdrop of government working towards finalising the labour migration policy meant to protect citizens and promote an orderly, safe and responsible migration of workers to other countries.
Ever since April this year, the government has been battling with cases of human trafficking that saw over 200 Zimbabweans mainly women who were being abused in Kuwait repatriated.
Officially opening the Global Action Programme on Migrant Domestic Workers Stakeholders Meeting in the capital, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Ngoni Masoka said more women are still being repatriated.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) head of mission for zimbabwe Ms Lily Sanya says migrant domestic workers from Zimbabwe to the Arab states require the government to put in place appropriate policies and legal standards backed by human rights if the nation is to officially benefit from such Diaspora remittances.
Representatives of the Zimbabwe Congress for Trade Unions and the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) concurred that both migrant and local domestic workers are a vulnerable group as they are exported without documents resulting in manipulation and being paid low wages.
The story of the Kuwait human trafficking scam came to light a few months ago following the arrest of the alleged chief culprit Brenda May, a Kuwait official, and several other perpetrators who were driving the illegal trafficking project. ZBC
Hard Times As Zanu PF Supporters Organise #ThisFlag Total Shutdown
Terrence Mawawa, Gutu| Zanu PF MP for Gutu Central Constituency, Lovemore Matuke’s brother James is an organiser who leads protests against President Robert Mugabe’s goverment.
As democratic forces continue to coalesce against the government, James Matuke, brother to the former Zanu PF provincial and current Politburo member, Lovemore, played an influential role in the stay away held two weeks ago.
James and Philemon Mhike both of Muguhu Village appeared before Gutu Magistrate Edwin Marecha on July 11, 2016 facing charges of participating in a violent political demonstration.
James, Mhike and a group of protesters are alleged to have barricaded the Gutu-Bhasera highway and obstructed vehicles with passengers from passing through. The two were noticed by Constable John Hamutoni as they led the protesters at Mushayavanhu Business Centre. An alert was sent to the Police Support Unit, leading to the arrest of the two at the scene.
James’ participation in the anti-government protests mirrors growing discontent in and out of the troubled ruling party.
The two were granted $100 bail each. As the country’s economic situation continues to dwindle with each passing day, the incident could be an indication staunch Zanu PF supporters are beginning to realise the pronounced failure by the government to steer the nation forward. Ironically the two were part of the Zanu PF terror group that terrorised opposition supporters ahead of the disputed 2008 presidential election run-off.
Succession Showdown As War Vets Push For Mnangagwa Presidency
Harare – The Zimbabwe War Veterans Association held a meeting earlier today in which it is reported they demanded for the immediate resignation of President Robert Mugabe and that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa takes over from him.
The increasingly bold veterans of the liberation struggle said they would not support Mugabe in future elections.
The war Vets declared in a statement ;”In view of the above, we the veterans of Zimbabwe’s war of liberation, together with our toiling masses, hereby declare that henceforth, in any forthcoming elections, will not support such a leader who has presided over untold suffering of the general population for his own personal aggrandizement and that of his cronies.”
The leadership of the war veterans, long accused by Mugabe of disloyalty since factional fighting began were silent throughout the entire proceedings, with suggestions of Mugabe’s exit coming from ordinary card carrying members of the floor.
Among the list of demands echoed by the War Veterans, were familiar ones as well. Grace Mugabe, the first lady, and her gang of loyalists commonly refereed to as Generation 40, are top of the familiar list of demands, with the veterans once again demanding that they be censored, and stripped of all power within Zanu PF.
Some demands are new however, with the veterans appearing incensed by the announcement that the Youth League, headed by Kudzayi Chipanga would be dishing out residential stands to the electorate. A move that appears to have driven the veterans into panic, as it is now feared Grace Mugabe will use low cost housing to sway the electorate in her favour.
What will be interesting is how Robert Mugabe responds to the latest challenge from his longest serving allies, and a key cog in his election victories, stolen as they may have been.
The last time they threw the gauntlet Mugabe responded by issuing a state of the nation address, and sought to meet the war veterans and smoothen relations with them.
When the veterans demanded that he relinquish power to Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe called them dissidents and threatened a second genocide in 3 decades. Southern Daily
Court Postpones Chivayo Convinction Hearing
The Supreme court of appeal has ordered the Registrar of the court to finalise the reconstruction of the record of flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo within the next 30 days.
Chivayo is appealing against his 2005 conviction and sentence. The court postponed the hearing of Chivayo who is challenging his conviction following an application by the prosecution.The court of appeal which comprises Justices Anne Goora, Antonio Guvava and Ben Hlatshwayo heard that note books of the late Justice Wilson Sandura who presided over the case more than a decade ago were found and the Registrar is in the process of reconstructing Chivayo’s record. Chivayo’s court record went missing back in 2005 and could not be located when he wanted to appeal against his conviction and sentence.
In 2008, Justice Sandura presided over the appeal and he directed that the record be constructed.
Chivayo is represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu and Mr Wilson Manase who initially opposed to the postponement of the matter arguing it had taken too long.
However, the court indicated no one in the court was part of the proceedings back in 2005 up to 2008, hence the need to wait for the reconstructed record and proceed.
Allegations against Chivayo, dates back to 2005, when he was convicted of receiving money from proceeds of crime amounting to US$837 000.
He was slapped with a five year jail term and two years were suspended.
However, the court indicated no one in the court was part of the proceedings back in 2005 up to 2008, hence the need to wait for the reconstructed record and proceed.
Allegations against Chivayo, dates back to 2005, when he was convicted of receiving money from proceeds of crime amounting to US$837 000.
He was slapped with a five year jail term and two years were suspended.
Chivayo served his three year prison term after his bail pending appeal was dismissed. ZBC