By Terrence Mawawa Masvingo
Former MDC Member of The House of Assembly for Chiredzi West Moses Mare has been arrested over failure to settle a furniture debt.
Mare who left the MDC’s early last year to join Tendai Biti’s PDP purchased a four piece Bali Lounge suit and a Univa stove on credit at a local shop in 2013 and has been defaulting on the monthly instalments such that the interest ballooned to $ 2815 .The court summons also indicate Mare has to pay an additional interest of 60% for defaulting on the instalments.
The former Tsvangirai frontman was also ordered to settle the amount in a period of seven days from December 18, according to summons seen by ZimEye.com.
Mare is now expected to appear in court since there are no indications he will settle the debt ,according to court records.
It has emerged former legislators who dumped Tsvangirai for Biti have fallen on hard times and some have been begging the former premier for a comeback while some are jostling for posts in Mujuru’s People First.
The embattled Mare who won resoundingly in the 2008 parliamentary contest for Chiredzi West reportedly approached the MDC leadership in Chiredzi seeking a comeback .
Mare also stands accused of blowing the Constituency Development Fund during his term as MP with the Chiredzi electorate blaming him for spending the money on luxury.
Millions of Zimbabweans have been taken for granted by politicians who canvass for support only to satisfy personal desires at the expense of the suffering people.
Teenagers Steal A Gun
Two teenagers from Gweru who broke into two houses in Daylesford and Senga surbubs where they stole R25, $255, a pistol and goods worth over $1,200 have been arrested.
Prince Mhenyu, 17, and Blessing Nowake, 19, both of no fixed abode appeared on initial remand before Gweru Magistrate Judith Taruvinga facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.
They were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to January 8 for trial.
Prosecuting, Daniel Tafuma told the court that between December 25 and December 28 Mhenyu and Nowake went to a house along Dudley road in Daylesford, Gweru.
They broke into the house by forcing a locked door open using an unknown object.
Tafuma said the duo then stole a Lama pistol, R25, $255 and a duvet and ran away.
“Again, on December 28 around midnight Mhenyu and Nowake proceeded to a house in Nehosho Suburb in Senga and used duplicate keys to gain entry,” he said.
“Whilst inside, they stole a home theatre, DVD player, a desktop monitor and keyboard, a brown monarch bag and seven dinner plates and went away.”
The court heard that the duo was arrested the following day at around 5PM, and was found in possession of some of the stolen property.
The police found them with evidence that indicated they committed the offences. The duplicate keys they used to open the door and $300 worth of goods were recovered. – state media
Smallhouse Demands $500 Child Maintenance
A woman from Bulawayo dragged her married lover to the Maintenance Court demanding $500.
She argued and pointed out that he used to give her $1,500 per month when times were good and before she became pregnant.
Brian Moyo pleaded with his girlfriend Yvonne Mabhena to accept his offer of $100 in child support.
Moyo told magistrate Sheunesu Matova that he could no longer afford to give his girlfriend a luxurious life.
“My business is low now and my wife lost her job. I can no longer afford to provide for my own family because my income has changed,” he said.
Mabhena refused to accept Moyo’s offer alleging that he was no longer interested in her because she now had a child with him.
“He no longer cares for me because I’ve a child with him. He now has other girlfriends. I know he can afford to give me $500 a month because he used to give me about $300 weekly when we used to date,” she said.
Mabhena told the court that she could not prove Moyo’s income as he sells cars and spare parts.
She said he had no office and worked through communicating on the phone.
She told the court that he was able to pay the maintenance saying his children were attending fancy schools and the wife was employed.
Magistrate Matova ordered Moyo to pay $200 towards the upkeep of his two month old daughter. – state media
Ghana:Minister Quits Job Over Electricity Failure
By Reuters – ACCRA: Ghana’s power minister has resigned after failing to resolve a three-year-old electricity crisis that President John Mahama, who seeks re-election this year, had promised to fix, government sources said on Friday.
Power Minister Kwabena Donkor told voters in February he would would resign if the crisis was not resolved by Dec. 31.
“The president was unhappy with his performance, particularly in handling the crisis. He has accepted the resignation and thanked him for his service,” one of the sources said.
President Mahama will contest what is expected to be a close-run vote in November against opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo.
The power crisis began in the 2012 election year and the opposition New Patriotic Party says it is a sign of government mismanagement. Ghana was one of Africa’s top economies but growth based on exports of gold, cocoa and oil has slowed sharply due to lower global commodities prices.
At the same time, the government is following an International Monetary Fund loan programme to restore fiscal stability.
“The biggest problem the government has is lack of credibility so trust and empathy are the next to go,” NPP policy advisor Boakye Agyarko told Reuters..
The Ministry of Power was created in 2014 to fix the blackouts. Donkor, its first head, submitted his resignation on Thursday, a source close to the presidency told Reuters.
A day earlier, he had said planned power cuts were over due to increased capacity the government installed in 2015.
His statement appeared to be an attempt to show that the government was upholding its promise but it was soon contradicted by another state institution that said power capacity, while improved, remained inadequate to meet demand.
“The president wants to ensure that people entrusted with responsibility deliver and Donkor is no exception,” another government source said, adding that Mahama would have dismissed the minister if he had not resigned. Attempts to contact Donkor were not successful.
The key issue is voter confidence in the president’s ability to keep his promises, John Gatsi, a senior lecturer in the business school at the University of Cape Coast, told Reuters.
Voters “want to see the president exerting his authority and all his appointees showing due respect,” he said.
In a national address on New Year’s Eve, Mahama said he would ensure appointees uphold their promises to citizens.
“Those who fall short of that commitment have been, and will continue to be, asked to tender their resignations,” he said. The Transport Minister Dzifa Attivor stepped down last week over a spending scandal.
UK:Zim Boy Britain’s First 2016 Baby at Midnight on New Year’s Day
Birmingham Mail|It was one unforgettable new year for a Birmingham mum – who was among the first in Britain to have a baby in 2016.
Valentine Mayekiso, from Erdington, gave birth to little Nathan at 12.22am on New Year’s Day.
The tot came into the world at Sutton Coldfield’s Good Hope Hospital weighing 3.11kg after Valentine went into labour at 9am on New Year’s Eve.
Valentine, 26, is orginally from Zimbabwe and said she hoped Nathan, her first child, would embrace different cultures as he grew up.
The proud mum said: “It took so long that I wasn’t thinking about having the one of the first babies of the New Year – I just wanted him to arrive as it was taking forever.
“At one point I felt like giving up because I was tired and hungry but the staff were amazing, they really took care of me.
“The doctors and midwives were very encouraging.”
Valentine lives with her South African husband Thembela.
She is a qualified accountant but plans to spend time at home with her new arrival before possibly going back to work two or three days a week.
She attends the Power of the Word Ministries in Birmingham and hopes Nathan will adopt good Christian values while also learning about other cultures.
“I want him to grow up and achieve his dreams and be a good person,” she said.
“For me, as a Christian, I would like my child to go to church with me.
“At our church we are from different cultures but we are all one.
“I would also like him to travel and experience different cultures, and to come home having learnt something.
“I want him to get the best out of life.” – Birmingham Mail.
Mugabe Inclusive Govt The Only Way – Pastor Mugadza
Pastor Patrick Mugadza, who staged a one-man demonstration against President Robert Mugabe at the annual ruling Zanu-PF party conference held recently in the resort town of Victoria Falls says the president should form an all-inclusive government that has technocrats to turn around Zimbabwe’s hemorrhaging economy.
Mugadza of The Remnant Church was arrested on 11 December, brought to court, fined and then freed on Thursday after Victoria Falls magistrate Lindiwe Maphosa agreed a variation of his bail from $500 to $50.
He is charged with contravening Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 for allegedly demonstrating against the president.
State prosecutor, Listen Nare, alleged that Mugadza, who resides in Kariba, Mashonaland West province also disturbed the movement of Zanu-PF party supporters who were on their way to the conference.
Mugadza carried a banner written, “Mr. President. The people are suffering. Proverbs Chapter 21 verse 13.” The verse says, “Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won’t be answered.
Pastor Mugadza was represented by lawyer Thulani Mugadza, a member lawyer of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
His trial is scheduled for January 5th in Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North province. Pastor Mugadza told VOA Studio 7 that the country’s worsening economic crisis inspired him to protest and he does not fear abduction and disappearance like human rights activist Itai Dzamara.
Dzamara, a prominent critic of Mr Mugabe’s government was on the 9th of March 2015 forced into an unmarked vehicle in Harare and has not been heard from since.-VOA
Natalie Cole Dies
Dead at 65… Natalie Cole
Grammy award-winning singer Natalie Cole, the daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, is dead at the age of 65.
Cole died Thursday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from “ongoing health issues,” according to a family statement. The statement said Cole “fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived — with dignity, strength and honor.”
In quoting her most identifiable song, the family also said, “Our beloved mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever,” putting the name of the song in capital letters.
Celebrity gossip website TMZ said Cole died from congestive heart failure, but that it had been told the underlying medical issues were complications from a kidney transplant and hepatitis C. Cole had struggled with drug and alcohol problems in the past and underwent a kidney transplant in 2009.
‘Unforgettable’ career
Natalie Cole began her career as an R&B singer and had hits that included the Grammy-winning song, “This Will Be.”
Cole’s career, however, reached superstar status when she recorded the 1991 album, Unforgettable…With Love, which paid tribute to her father, who died in 1965. The album included reworked versions of some of his best-known songs. The title song, “Unforgettable,” featured Natalie Cole’s voice spliced with her father’s. Engineers used technology that was considered cutting edge at the time to make it appear as if father and daughter were singing a duet.
The song was a hit for Nat King Cole in 1951. The song and the album garnered several Grammy awards for Natalie Cole. In addition to R&B, Natalie Cole delved into pop and jazz music. Other hits included “Our Love” and the reworked “Pink Cadillac,” a song originally by Bruce Springsteen.
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson was among those paying tribute to Natalie Cole.
In a tweet, he described her as a “sister beloved … of substance and sound. May her soul rest in peace.” VOA
Mujuru’s Thick Smell of Crocs and Cocks
By Prof Masiyiwa Snr| Joice Mujuru has been caught smelling of both crocs and cocks and that stench has not left her despite her savoury association with democratic forces. READ ON…
Her former boss Robert Mugabe joined politics in 1960 under NDP. 55 solid years living with Mugabe and aiding him in his desire to stay glued to the throne until kingdom come, a certain group of people have come out guns blazing as opposition demanding space “immediately or we will give Mugabe legitimacy in 2018”.
They have, infact denied association with Mugabe and his party’s system in all the bad deeds, but however accepted association with him in good deeds.
If anything, Didymus Mutasa, Jabulani Sibanda, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, Rugare Gumbo and Joice Mujuru’s cases must be a reminder to anyone, including those still in ZanuPF, that political violence is bad and should never be tolerated.
During the just ended year, these ZanuPF leaders and a few supporters, some of who had become dormant and mute after the 2008 election horrors, began to raise their heads, happily parading their political allegiance to ZanuPF before their one man Vic Falls congress. Believing that time had erased the horrific images of their party’s conduct in 2008 and those of 2013, and after failing to get the required attention and positions in ZanuPF, some became too vocal, claiming to be opposition “democratic” figures fronting what they called People First Movement.
Others, who previously wore MDC colours and even claimed political protection in foreign lands on the basis of alleged persecution by ZanuPF, have begun coming out and making all sorts of noises in the Diaspora, telling MDC supporters and the nation at large to get over the 2008 violence and other evil deeds pepertuated by ZanuPF which they have been part of, saying that it’s all in the past and that people must just forget about it and move on. They, infact, demanded that the opposition rally behind them as they seek to democratise Zimbabwe, defining themselves as “tried and tested” leaders, who must exercise their abilities in opposition politics ahead of the MDC and other opposition political parties.
We have argued in response, that a country does not move on if it buries its head in the sand and pretends that such things as the Gukurahundi genocide and 2008 re-run massacres did not happen, because as sure as the sun rises every morning, state-backed violence would happen again and again.
Now, the chicken began eating its own eggs. The leopard started eating its own children, saying in justification, that they smell like goats. They painfully fell off and are now at the mercy of ZanuPF, seeking sympathy from opposition circles.
Should the opposition, formerly at the end of such treatment be celebrating? No. The natural instinct is to say, you deserve it. But all that ever does is perpetuate the cycle. It has to stop somewhere. We have to bring the former ZanuPF, or PF to the negotiating table, but definitely not on their conditons. The conditions have to be set by a “combined opposition” that encompass four MDC formations and other parties in the opposition. Definitely not on the so called PF’s conditions.
Prof. Masiyiwa Snr
ZRP chase Kills Pedestrian
By Terrence Mawawa, Gutu | A high speed chase involving the police and a Toyota Ipsum vehicle resulted in the death of a pedestrian yesterday.
According to eyewitnesses the incident happened around 8 am near Buhera turnoff 3km from Mupandawana town when the police forcibly stopped the Toyota Ipsum driver demanding a bribe but the driver sped off at high speed with the cops in pursuit.
During the melee the pedestrian, a member of the Vapostori sect, was knocked down and died on the spot.
High speed chases involving the police and motorists have been repeatedly fatal in the past few months and the police been blamed for concentrating on bribes instead of executing their duties. The bribe demands have also increased during the festive season with police sources saying the officers are not happy following their failure to get bonuses.
Although Masvingo Police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula was not readily available for a comment, officers in Gutu confirmed the incident but would not release the name of the deceased saying their next of kin were yet to be informed.
Gutu police claimed the Toyota Ipsum driver did not observe the stop sign at the roadblock and the officers manning the place had to forcibly stop him.
But eyewitnesses maintained the police reacted in an overzealous manner leading to the death of the pedestrian. One eyewitness said “the police are too ambitious. They wanted a bribe from the driver who immediately sped off and hit the Vapositori member. There is need to avoid loss of life because these high speed chases are always fatal.”
Drivers brandishing Zanu PF regalia have been exempted from paying such bribes as the police also continue to execute their duties in a partisan manner.
One driver told ZimEye.com the only way to avoid police trouble was to wear Zanu PF colours.
Mujuru Special 2016 Message
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM MAI MUJURU
MY FELLOW CITIZENS, COUNTRYMEN AND FRIENDS,
As we come to the end of 2015, an eventful year politically, we wish to thank the Almighty for seeing us through. We wish to commend our law abiding and peace loving citizens. As a nation, we are confronted by a sluggish and dying economy, lack of democratic space and plenty of poverty on the majority of our people, which is a result of a corrupt political leadership without focus on the well being of the people. We should realise that without an understanding and a commitment by the country’s leadership to BUILD a vibrant economy for the benefit of our people, we are doomed. The liberation struggle was about the restoration of self-determination, self-dignity and self-pride which we had been denied by the minority settler regime.
We have a situation where in order to survive, everyone is a vendor, but there are no buyers, because the workers (buyers) have either been laid off or not paid for months, resulting in a lack of currency in circulation. We see people rendered homeless in this rainy season due to demolitions by the corrupt authorities or well-connected and corrupt individuals. The erection of structures now deemed illegal was sanctioned by either the responsible authorities or well connected individuals. The issue is that at some stage it was politically expedient to allow the structures to go up or outright corruption at play. The end loser and sufferer is the ordinary man, woman and child.
Is there hope in the future?
Constitutionalism
In a constitutional democracy, the ordinary man and woman have the ultimate weapon of freedom of association and expression. This manifests itself in a political call for action and change to address the adverse economic and social conditions. In a constitutional democracy, no person would feel threatened or risk personal harm, as these are constitutionally enshrined rights. In a constitutional democracy, there is a clear separation of the Party and the State for the benefit of all citizens, as non-Party members are not prejudiced, targeted or victimised on political grounds. Where there is rule of law, all the people who authorised the erection of illegal structures, which are now being demolished, would be brought to book. Women, Youths, Children and the Disabled are the hardest hit by these adverse conditions. We should embrace, reflect and uphold the letter and spirit of our State Constitution in our various statutes.
Economy
Faced with an imminent drought season, and a political management team without focus, there is no credit finance, irrigation infrastructure, or marketing mechanisms to mitigate the agricultural challenges that lie ahead. The investment environment is crowded by multiple incoherent policies, inadequate and unaffordable credit finance and an urgent need to reform a parasitic, non-performing parastatal sector. This has given rise to economic decay and ghost city status to once thriving commercial and industrial hubs like Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare, Masvingo, Mutare and other towns across the country. We should adopt investor friendly and market driven policies to curb corruption and stimulate economic activity.
Inadequate and dilapidated infrastructure.
We have to urgently create a conducive environment for investment whilst highlighting opportunities presented by our challenges. There is a huge investment potential from our severe energy shortfall. There are opportunities in both new and renewable energy sectors. Our dilapidated rail and road networks, inadequate water supplies and poor sanitation in our cities, towns and rural centers also present other investment opportunities. We should encourage and build on the healthy competition emerging in the telecoms sector, without stifling this with crude State participation, other than as a regulator for the common good.
International Relations and National Security
No man is an island, therefore Zimbabwe cannot run away from the fact that it is a sovereign State, that is part of a global village, with responsibilities to its people and the world at large. We should therefore engage all, East and West, North and South who can help us achieve and enhance the well being of our people. We should build bridges with our perceived foes and consolidate our relations with all those who wish to be our true friends. We pay tribute to our security forces for the peace and tranquility that we presently enjoy and we do not for one moment take it for granted. If anything, this calls for the maintenance of a professional and well-resourced security sector.
Social Space
As we see in the New Year, we should acknowledge the urgent need to address the education, health and housing sectors that are under severe stress due to inadequate and limited resources. During 2015, the economic and social hardships faced by our people were on the increase as depressing poverty took root everywhere. We should realise that the bulk of our people are not fully or properly served by our education, health and housing sectors due to lack of economic capacity to fend for themselves. We should have a government that empowers its people to address basic day-to-day challenges. We should have a government that promotes institutions that are well resourced to ensure service delivery to the ordinary people without political or partisan discrimination and interference. The dire housing situation resulting in the exploitation of the poor by the corrupt and well connected in society should be stopped. We should have consistent and predictable policies that are enforced vigorously, where all economic or social culprits are brought to book without fear or favour.
Let us not lose hope; we are masters of our own destiny.
Iwe neni tine basa rekuvaka Zimbabwe murunyararo.
Wena lami silom’sebenzi wokwakha iZimbabwe elokuthula.
Together we can BUILD Zimbabwe in peace.
GOD BLESS ZIMBABWE.
………………………
DR. J.T.R MUJURU
31 DECEMBER 2015
Mugabe MPs Meet Mujuru
The worst nightmares of President Robert Mugabe’s warring post-congress Zanu PF could soon be confirmed as dozens of the party’s legislators are holding meetings with former Vice President Joice Mujuru with the intention of joining her People First movement, the Daily News can reveal exclusively.
Well-placed sources confirmed yesterday that many post-congress Zanu PF MPs (names supplied but withheld on request) — a significant number of them from Mashonaland East Province — met Mujuru in Harare on Tuesday and pledged that they would soon come out in the open in support of her.
If the MPs follow through on their promises, this will set the cat among the pigeons in the post-congress Zanu PF which is reeling from its deadly and seemingly-unstoppable factional and succession wars.
Ruling party insiders who spoke to the Daily News last night said the mooted move by the concerned legislators would deal “a fatal blow” to the brawling former liberation movement ahead of the country’s eagerly-anticipated 2018 national elections.
“We had fruitful discussions with Mai Mujuru yesterday and pledged our commitment to the cause of democratising the country to the benefit of millions of suffering Zimbabweans.
“She wanted us to state our position unequivocally regarding the People First project and the majority of us happily pledged to go with her,” one of the legislators who plan to ditch the post-congress Zanu PF said.
Contacted yesterday to establish whether he was one of the disgruntled ruling party MPs who had met with Mujuru, Maramba Pfungwe legislator Washington Musvaire accused his Zanu PF rivals of working overtime to get him expelled from the party.
“I know that there are malicious people in the party fighting me because they are still bitter that they lost to me in the primary elections. I am not feeling well right now and I am not aware of the meeting with Mujuru,” Musvaire said.
But post-congress Zanu PF insiders said the soon-to-be departing MPs, many of whom are said to be either serving suspensions or facing expulsion, were keen to leave as they were frustrated by the ruling party’s mindless bloodletting and its bigwigs’ lack of appreciation for them.
“Mai Mujuru, being the experienced politician that she is, who also knows Zanu PF inside out, is simply taking advantage of these useless fights to build People First.
“We cannot continue pretending that all is well with us when it is clear that we are no longer reading from the same page with the people who now control the levers of power in Zanu PF.
“In any case, the ship is clearly sinking and you have to be foolish to still believe that the party can take Zimbabwe somewhere,” a Zanu PF central committee member said.
“The beginning of 2016 will be very interesting because there will be dozens of parliamentary by-elections as many MPs join Mai Mujuru and People First.
“The general feeling among many people is that there is no more room in Zanu PF for loyal and honest cadres,” the official added.
People First spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, confirmed that many post-congress Zanu PF MPs were contemplating joining the yet-to-be officially-launched party.
“There are many of them who are meeting her (Mujuru). Remember, they are politicians who are being chased away by their party. Where do you want them to go? They are obviously looking for a new political home and they feel welcome here,” he said.
In the meantime, analysts say should the Mujuru MPs, who are said to number well over 100, proceed to jump ship; the move could trigger early national polls, which could crank up the heat on the bitterly-divided ruling party which is already reeling from its seemingly-unstoppable factional and succession wars.
Zanu PF is also under pressure from the looming pact among the country’s opposition parties following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC and other parties to demand key electoral reforms before 2018.
The agreement is widely seen as a prelude to a more comprehensive electoral pact, which could see all opposition parties rallying behind a single presidential candidate against Mugabe.
Mujuru also recently launched her Blueprint to Unlock Investment and Leverage for Development (Build), throwing Zanu PF into panic mode and even provoking the open ire of Mugabe, who bizarrely went on to threaten the independent media for propping up his former second-in-command.
The latest developments corroborate a Daily News lead story last week which revealed plans for a second “Bhora Musango”, after it emerged that a number of Zanu PF legislators were readying themselves to join Mujuru.
“While many of us were hopeful that the recent conference in Victoria Falls would calm the rampant factionalism in the party, things are getting worse and not looking good at all going forward.
“As you may know, more than 200 senior officials, a good number of them legislators, have either been expelled or suspended from the party over the past year, which has bred the ideal climate for more chaos and infighting.
“The worry we have is that if dozens of MPs resign en masse, and some say up to 100 legislators could join Mai Mujuru ahead of 2018 because many of them feel unwanted anyway in the party, things could get a whole lot worse both in the party and the country,” a senior Zanu PF official said dejectedly.
A fortnight ago, the Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial executive recommended the expulsion from the party of legislators Felix Mhona (Chikomba Central), Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Uzumba), Musvaire (Maramba Pfungwe), Phineas Chihota (Seke) and Tendayi Makunde (Murewa North).
Contacted by the Daily News for comment then, Musvaire said Zanu PF would be shooting itself in the foot if it carried out this threat, alluding to the fact that many provincial and district officials were thinking of resigning from the party en masse in protest if this happened.
He said while he would “respect the party’s decision because I am very junior and they are my elders”, his Maramba Pfungwe constituency was in turmoil and a fertile ground for Mujuru to make rich pickings as the ruling party’s factional and succession wars continued to escalate.
“While we as leaders are trying our best to calm people down … those below us may not understand all this. We know the party leadership has not sanctioned our expulsion but rather lower ranking officials who lost to us in primary elections.
“What is saddening though is that all the party structures that supported us in the primary elections have been labelled Gamatox (Zanu PF code for Mujuru supporters) and district chairmen throughout the constituency are threatening to resign,” Musvaire added.
Another post-congress Zanu PF official said with Mujuru said to be launching her party in February next year, the ruling party was “clearly panicking” and hence the “irrational threat” to ruthlessly purge all officials who were suspected to be working with the former VP.
A legislator who has been “falsely accused of being Gamatox” also told the Daily News that he and many other Zanu PF MPs were indeed contemplating jumping ship “because we are not wanted”.
“If bad things can happen to the likes of (War Veterans minister Christopher) Mutsvangwa, imagine what can happen to little ones like us in this mad war. It is very clear that they want to finish us all one by one, and so we will not allow them to dictate to us.
“What our chefs (leaders) don’t realise is that what is happening is political suicidal and could backfire in spectacular fashion as it could open floodgates for en masse resignations not only by us MPs, but also by other party officials who have been labelled Gamatox,” the MP said.DailyNews
Broke Govt Offers Doctors $2 Bus Fare to Avert Strike
Zimbabwe is bracing for an industrial action Friday by state doctors and nurses after the cash-strapped government only offered them $2 per day as transport fee after failing to pay their salaries and bonuses this month.
In a letter dated December 29, secretary for Health Dr. Gerald Gwinji urged chief executives of government hospitals and provincial medical directors to brace for the worst-case scenarios, saying: “Following the threat of work stoppage by some health workers, you are hereby requested to make contingency plans to ensure that all hospital critical areas are adequately staffed and remain functional during the said period January 1-5 2016.
“All institutions are required to provide support to health workers in critical areas by providing transport or bus fare.”
President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, Dr. Fortune Nyamande, says there is no going back on their industrial action as the money being offered by government to meet their transport demands is an insult.
“The figures which are being circulated are insulting and they are not even worth mentioning on air, because we understand that they are giving doctors $2 to fuel their cars so that they can go to work. How can a respectable person like a doctor or nurse go to a service station with that amount to fuel the car? It’s an insult and not well thought out.”
Dr. Nyamande says the promise by the government to pay health workers on the 5th of January is incensing them. “How are we supposed to survive? We were last paid on November 27, 2015”
SENIOR HEALTH OFFICIAL ON HOLIDAY
Reached for comment the executive director of the Health Services Board, Dr. Lovemore Mbengeranwa, said he was on holiday.
Dr. Mbengeranwa referred all further questions on salaries to Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, who together with Health Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa, were not picking their mobile phones.
But permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr. William Manungo, said he was not in a position to comment as he was driving. Voice of America’s Studio 7 for Zimbabwe, however, failed to reach him again by the time of going on air.
Meanwhile, as the situation gets desperate, central bank chief Dr. John Mangudya met Tuesday with representatives of the public service.
Secretary general Raymond Majongwe of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe says Mangudya requested the meeting.
“It was at the behest of Dr. Mangudya. I would want to thank him whether he did it on his own or he was sent by the politicians but the most important thing is that there was dialogue.”
On the issue of bonuses Majongwe says it is clear from their interaction with the central bank chief that there are bound to be very long delays.
CENTRAL BANK CONFIRMATION
Dr. Mangudya confirmed holding the meeting saying they are routine as he prepares for his Monetary Policy Statement next month.
Workers though said they would have wanted officials from the Ministry of Finance to be present. Dr. Mangudya acknowledged that it would have made a lot of sense if the officials attended the meeting.
At the same time, in a statement, Public Service Association chairperson, Jeremiah Bvirindi, said government’s inability to communicate effectively had made things worse and created an atmosphere of mistrust between the employer and workers.
He said government should be warned that an industrial action is almost inevitable, saying “while we understand the hard times facing government, we expect continuous engagement with our employer on issues of mutual benefit to both parties. At this juncture we are finding it difficult to convince our members to be calm at this sad development.”
Education Minister and Acting Labor Minister Lazarus Dokora said government is ready to engage civil servants and denied allegations that cabinet ministers are not willing to engage with workers.
BALOONING CIVIL SERVICE
The number of government workers increased from about 315,000 in 2009 to about 550,000 in 2014 and with government coffers dwindling due to the economic crisis, the situation is set to worsen.
Speaking ahead of his 2015 national budget presentation, Chinamasa admitted to International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials that he was embarrassed that staff costs were gobbling up about 75 percent of government revenues.
“I am embarrassed that our wage bill is some 76 percent of whatever revenue we receive. It’s not good, it’s not sustainable,” said Chinamasa during a meeting with IMF official, Domenico Fanizza.VOA
SA King Who Attacked Zuma Jailed 12 Years
Johannesburg. – A South African traditional king from Nelson Mandela’s Thembu ethnic group began a 12-year prison sentence yesterday for arson, kidnap and assault of his subjects, after a long battle to stay out of jail.
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo reported to the Mthatha Correctional Centre in Eastern Cape province overnight after failing in an 11th-hour bid to evade incarceration by seeking a retrial or a presidential pardon.
In 2009, the controversial king was convicted of manslaughter, arson and assault charges for offences committed more than two decades ago.
He was sentenced to 15 years in 2009, but in October the Supreme Court dropped the manslaughter charge and reduced his sentence to 12 years on appeal.
This week he sought to further extend his bail, but a High Court judge in Mthatha, the largest city near Mandela’s rural home of Qunu, threw out the request.
“We confirm that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo handed himself to the head of Mthatha Correctional Centre,” the justice ministry said in a statement.
He is expected to serve his sentence in Wellington Prison, outside Mthatha.
The 51-year-old king, a self-confessed marijuana smoker, was found guilty of torching dwellings that housed some of his subjects and tenants who had resisted eviction.
He was also convicted of publicly assaulting three young men who had already been brutally beaten by his henchmen, and of kidnapping a wife and children of one of his subjects whom he considered a dissident.
The Supreme Court concluded that the king “ruled with fear and trepidation” and that “his behaviour was all the more deplorable because the victims of his reign of terror were the vulnerable rural poor.”
It also accused him of “obstructive” action for changing his lawyers 11 times, causing 34 postponements of the case.
Dalindyebo became king of the Thembu, a Xhosa ethnic group that boasted Mandela as its most prominent clan member, in 1989.
The royal family will meet next week to discuss whether a successor should be chosen due to their monarch’s imprisonment.
Kings have no official power in modern South Africa, but still command loyalty among millions of people.
They are recognised in the constitution as traditional leaders and receive government funding.
Two years ago the king publicly disparaged President Jacob Zuma, an ethnic Zulu, but later apologised. – AFP.
Peter Moyo In Car Accident
Utakataka Express front man Peter Moyo was yesterday morning involved in a car accident on his way from Masvingo to Beitbridge for a show. His BMW veered off the road and hit a tree when he tried to avoid an oncoming vehicle that had encroached into his lane.
Moyo who sustained minor injuries was travelling together with some of his band members who also sustained some injuries and were all ferried to Beitbridge Hospital.
In an interview soon after being discharged from the hospital, the musician said he was coming from a show in Masvingo and was heading for Beitbridge where he was supposed to perform on New Years Eve.
“I had a show yesterday night (Wednesday) in Masvingo and was supposed to be performing in Beitbridge today, (yesterday) that is where we were heading to when the accident occurred,” he said.
“I was trying to avoid a car which came into my lane and ended up hitting a tree, my car is damaged and I don’t think it will be on the road again,” he said.
He said he was feeling much better after being discharged but was worried about his band members who were still hospitalised.
“I’m now feeling better. I was taken to hospital where I got some medication after some x-rays. I sustained some injuries but it was not serious and I was given some pills to recover,” he said.
Commenting on the Beitbridge show, Peter said he was not sure if the show would go on or not since some of his band members were still hospitalised by the time of going to print.
“I don’t know if we can still make it to today’s show since Willow, Servy and Bismark are still in hospital and at the same time it’s difficult for me to conclude that we have cancelled the show since I have not communicated with the promoters of the show yet,” he said.
This is not the first time that the young musician has been involved in an accident.
He was involved in another accident which was reportedly to have occurred in Hillside, Harare, when his Jeep Cherokee rammed into another vehicle.State Media
Pastor Who Told Mugabe The Truth Wins 1st Case
A Kariba based Pastor who told President Robert Mugabe “The Truth,” Phillip Mugadza, has won his court case for a reduction of the bail amount.
The court on Thursday slashed Mugadza’s bail from $500 to $50.
He is being charged for allegedly obstructing traffic en-route to the ZANU PF conference in December and his court case will be heard on the 6th January.
On the day the ZANU PF Conference opened he held out a poster reading, “Mr President The People Are Suffering.”
Mugadza is now expected to leave police cells and spend the new year crossover with his family.
NO Tariff Increases On Service Delivery In 2016-Harare City Council
Harare city council has announced that there will be no tariff increases on services delivery because of the stressed economy which residents are going through.
“There is no tariff increase proposal for main line services (water, property tax, health services and refuse fees) in 2016,” said the city council this week.
The city fathers say they have noted that the prevailing economic environment where thousands are in the informal sector will make life more difficult for them “should we increase” tariffs on service delivery.
“Your council is once more proposing a largely standstill budget on the back of the economic environment which essentially is characterised by deflationary pressures , receding disposable income , liquidity constraints , company closures, burgeoning debts and general mutation of the economic landscape( in formalisation )”.
“The interplay of the above dynamics dictates to us that tariff increases lack merit and justification and will easily constitute a heavy financial strain on the populace,” Harare city council noted.
Harare city council is owed $380 million by government departments, private entities and residents.
The city fathers who are also failing to remit $180 million it owes ZIMRA and NSSA in tax retention and workers pensions contributions during the Christmas holidays announced that it was offering a 30% discount on ratepayers for 2016 who would have settled their bills by 31 December 2015 as a way of persuading residents to clear their arrears on unpaid rate bills.
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Zimbabwe:Demystifying Mujuru’s People First Movement
Zimbabwe’s Only Hope For Redemption: Demystifying The People First Movement
By Setfree N Mafukidze
Columnists Note:
It is indeed a great honour to be allowed space on this publication to demystify the myths surrounding the popular and celebrated People First Movement.
To start with I must point out that the idea to come up with an alternative political force in Zimbabwe came up as a result of the unconstitutional purging of party members in the post December 2014 elective congress of Zanu-PF.
As given by the Zanu-PF constitution then, the congress held at that time was meant to elect the party’s leadership and as a result of the continued growth in popularity of the then Vice President Dr Joice Teurai Ropa Mujuru was clearly identified as a threat to the continued hold on to power by President Robert Mugabe leading to Vice-President Mujuru being accused of plotting to topple the President through witchcraft and assassination plots which up to this day one year later have not been substantiated .
This led to Dr Joice Mujuru’s ouster from the ruling party alongside several senior party officials viewed to be sympathetic to her.
It is against this background that an idea to challenge President Mugabe and Zanu-PF was mooted,taking into consideration the effects of Zanu-PF misrule on the nation had become alarming. Of course Dr Mujuru and others had been part of the same party and government for over 3 decades, but clearly saw things differently as evidenced by her ouster from Zanu-PF.
What many people may have failed to comprehend, or may have deliberately ignored, is that Dr Mujuru’s ouster is a result of her endeavour to transform ZANU PF from a personality centred party into a people centred party. She was initiating an inclusive approach within ZANU PF and the country at large, as evidenced by her refusal to overly castigate the opposition during the GNU and her overtures to engage the foreign diplomats to try and re-engage and bring back Zimbabwe to the membership of the League of Nations.This is what in essence irked Mugabe and resulted in her expulsion.
The People First Movement came up as a result of the People calling on Dr Mujuru to lead the masses out of the continued suffering that had been brought about through Zanu-PF misrule.
Over the past year recruitment and mobilisation has taken off with a seemingly overwhelming response.
At first one would have assumed those purged from Zanu-PF were the only people interested in creating a new political home but the outcome has proved that even those in other opposition parties were joining in numbers. Mobilisation of a support base which is still ongoing for the People First Movement clearly indicates the desire by the masses to work towards a people oriented party that will centre on assuring the demands of the people are put ahead of those of the leadership .
The obvious question would now be why should people support this new political outfit?
On the 8th of September 2015 Dr Joice Mujuru shared the Blueprint to Unlock Investment and Leverage for Development ( BUILD ). The blueprint is a proposal of a vision on how to bring a better Zimbabwe for all Zimbabweans. It may be pointed out that the Blueprint is not a policy document but a precursor to the real policy document, yet to be presented.
Covered under BUILD are important clusters namely
1.Constitutionalism
2 . Economic
3.Infrastructure
4 . International and National Security
5 . Social
Under these clusters they are several advancements that are meant to turn around the fortunes of our country and which are highly practical which include Manufacturing sector,Mining sector,Parastatal,Agriculture, Civil service and many other areas noted as requiring government attention to restore sanity in the country.
But why is Dr Mujuru the preferred candidate to depose Mugabe and takeover the reigns in 2018? What does she have that other opposition leaders, who have tried ever since don’t possess?
Here is an analysis of her credibility over other candidates.
1) Dr Mujuru is a liberation icon of note, whose record is impeccable and no one can soil it no matter how they try. Tsvangirai may have trumped Mugabe in 2008 but his disadvantage was mainly the lack of liberation credentials and it messed up his potential to assume power. Given the history of our country, the liberation badge stands to matter seriously in any power takeover. Our populace, especially the rural folk are very conversant of the experiences and the processes of this country’s sacrifices made by their sons and daughters to free them from the colonial york, that they would not sacrifice it to a liberation non-entity at this stage.
Dr Mujuru meets this requirement, and has the respect of the security sector, and the support thereof.
2) Dr Mujuru has worked hard since her entrance into government, to upgrade herself academically and intellectually till she acquired her doctorate in 2014, a qualification aptly necessary for the office of the president.
3) Dr Mujuru has been in government and knows the intricacies of office bearing, procedure, protocol and etiquette. Since she entered government as the youngest ever Minister and Member of Parliament at 25 in 1980, to the time she was purged, having spent ten years of it as VP, she has learnt the ropes of governance and how it operates. She will immediately settle down into office without having to be hand held and shown the ropes of governance.
4) Dr Mujuru has the support and adoration of the citizenry, both from the ruling party, the opposition and the non-aligned members of society. She is in the hearts of many a Zimbabwean and can score points over her rival contenders. She has always acted as a unifier, God fearing and has never castigated anyone, be they ZANU PF or opposition.
5) Dr Mujuru is a mother, who understands the pain of parenthood, suffering and family life, which resonates well with the populace. She is compassionate, level headed and calculative in both her speech and her action. She is a good listener, who takes time to hear the other side before making any decision.
6) Dr Mujuru has always had an open heart- open mind approach, and has never sought to isolate the country from the global village by targeting a certain race, region or country, even though she had to endure the autocratic imposition of disastrous policies by her former boss. She has always believed, not in fighting those in disagreement with the country’s interests, but in dialogue and convergence of common interests and to agree to disagree on those interests detrimental to Zimbabwe’s progression and livelihood. She has always believed in engagement with both the east and the west for the benefit of the country while protecting the Zimbabwean economy and ensuring benefication from our resources and inclusive participation as espoused in the blueprint. Locally she is a good listener and gives an ear to people of all parties and society.
It is therefore, based on the above, plus the blueprint she unveiled, safe to conclude that in Dr Mujuru as leader of People First the country has at it’s behest, the most formidable and qualified torch bearer for our country for 2018 to land the presidential seat for 2018.
Having said this it should be noted that the People First Movement considers the People the biggest resource and as such the very same citizens are free to add flesh to the already existing BUILD document for the purpose of improving livelihood within Zimbabwe.
Supporting the People First Movement means one accepts the need for reforming our country and remove it from the quagmire it is in.The party is open to all races,tribes as equal members of our society who all deserve to benefit from our national and natural resources.
A political analyst and social commentator, Comrade Setfree N Mafukidze is a young Zimbabwean leader, a former member of Zanu PF, who is passionately committed to reforming and resurrecting the nation of Zimbabwe. He writes in his personal capacity.
Harare Runs 30 Dodgy Bank Accounts
State Media| Harare runs 30 bank accounts• Signatories unknown •
Harare City Council is reportedly running over 30 bank accounts, prompting councillors to order an urgent audit of the accounts and their signatories. Ten of the accounts are reportedly active, while 20 are said to be dormant.
The Urban Council Act is silent on the number of bank accounts local authorities can operate at a time, but financial experts say multiple bank accounts raise suspicion of underhand dealings.
Councillors have asked the city’s audit committee to investigate the bank accounts and their signatories after city officials failed to provide the information upon request by the city fathers.
An audit of a reconciliation of all the city’s bank accounts carried out last year revealed that the city had 35 accounts and that council had not reconciled all of them in three years from 2009 to 2012.
Recent minutes of the Finance and Development Committee show that councillors expressed concern that a report detailing the number of the city’s bank accounts and the signatories had not been submitted.
“During discussion, the committee noted with concern that the finance director was encountering challenges to obtain the requisite information on this matter.
“The acting town clerk (Mrs Josephine Ncube) also highlighted that she had been made aware of the matter and advised that she had called for a meeting where she would meet the finance director and his senior officials to discuss the matter,” read the minutes.
“The committee expressed concern on the development and urged the acting town clerk to take corrective action as a matter of urgency. The committee felt that the matter had to be referred to the audit committee to establish the number of the city’s bank accounts and its (sic) signatories and advise this committee accordingly.”
The committee also referred to its request to be provided with the finance department’s organogram and expressed concern that this had not been submitted.
The committee referred the matter to the Human Resources and General Purposes Committee to consider the matter and advise.
Following discussions, the committee resolved that the matter regarding the number of council bank accounts and the signatories be referred to the Audit Committee to investigate and advise it.
Last year, the then town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi told the audit committee that despite the city having this huge number of bank accounts, 25 of them were dormant.
During the deliberations, council resolved that the acting finance director ensures the number of operational bank accounts and cash books are reviewed downwards.
It also recommended that bank accounts be reconciled to the cash books on a monthly basis.-State Media
Horror Accident: 10 Killed On Spot After Police $2 Bribe
$2 police bribe kills ten people in road accident
Staff Reporter| At least ten (10) people were killed in a road horrific accident 10km outside Zvishavane on the Masvingo to Bulawayo highway yesterday.
The accident happened when a suspected drunk driver of a Honda Fit vehicle drove head-on to an approaching Toyota Noah mini bus causing an instant explosion in the process.
All eight passengers in the Honda Fit died on the spot when the vehicle caught fire and they were all burnt beyond recognition. Two people who were in the front seat of the Noah also died on the spot. Eight other people in the Noah escaped with minor injuries.
According to witnesses, the driver of the Honda Fit who was operating a pirate taxi between Masvingo and Zvishabane had been drinking beer at a local bar while waiting for his turn to load passengers.
What is shocking to witnesses is that the Honda Fit had just gone through a police roadblock. The small vehicle can only carry a maximum of five people and it’s surprising how the vehicle made it past the roadblock with eight people in it.
Police manning the road block claim that the driver of the Honda Fit who appears known to them fled past the roadblock when he was signalled to stop. A witness who claims to have been driving behind the vehicle however disputes the police story claiming that the driver of the vehicle was stopped and had a casual chat with one police officer who received a bribe from the driver.
Another pirate taxi operator who spoke to a ZimEye.com correspondent claimed that they are all aware of the roadblock and they all normally load about seven people in their small vehicles and pay a $2 bribe through the roadblocks on their way. The driver claims that the taxi operators now refer to the road block as a tollgate.
Burundi President threatens to Kill Peacekeepers
Reuters| NAIROBI: Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza said on Wednesday that Burundians would fight against any peacekeepers sent into the country by the African Union, in his first public response to the AU’s plan to deal with an escalating political crisis.
The African Union said this month it was ready to send 5,000 peacekeepers to protect civilians caught up in months of violence, invoking for the first time powers to intervene in a member state against its will.
“Everyone has to respect Burundi borders,” Nkurunziza said in comments broadcast on state radio.
“In case they violate those principles, they will have attacked the country and every Burundian will stand up and fight against them … The country will have been attacked and it will respond,” he said.
Other government officials have already said any peacekeepers arriving without Burundi’s permission would violate its sovereignty.
Nkurunziza also reiterated the government’s position that any opposition members who had taken part in a failed coup in May should be barred from participating in peace talks, which kicked off this week in Kampala, Uganda.
“We saw them the other day in Kampala as government opponents,” he said. “We can’t accept this. They must be arrested… Instead of bringing them to talks, they should instead bring them to the court.”
The talks, brokered by the East African Community regional bloc, were expected to reconvene in Tanzania next month, but it remains unclear if Burundi’s government will participate if they do not agree on which individuals represent the opposition.
More than 400 people have been killed and 220,000 have fled to neighbouring countries since the crisis erupted in April, triggered by Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term.
Opposition groups took to the streets saying he was violating constitutional term limits. But he pointed to a court order allowing his campaign and was re-elected in a disputed July vote.
Continued clashes and targeted assassinations in the central African nation have unsettled a region where memories of the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda are still raw.
In his comments on Wednesday, Nkurunziza also appeared to praise Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who Burundi has accused of supporting rebel groups’ efforts to recruit Burundian refugees and of interfering in Burundi’s affairs. Kagame denies this.
“I want to inform Rwandans that the relations with Rwanda will always be good as long I will be the president of Burundi,” Nkurunziza said.
Police Attack Civil Servants
Police in Harare have brutalised the leaders of the Rural Progressive Teachers Union Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and former Zimbabwe National Students Union-Zinasu Pride Mukono for organising a demo’ against government’s failure to give civil servants their salaries.
Mkono and company were on Tuesday raided at Kuwadzana 2 shopping centre by armed police officers who mercilessly beat them up before arresting them.
The activists were working on a strategic planning meeting on January 4, 2016 in Harare where they wanted to stage a demo.
The crew on Wednesday appeared before a Mbare Magistrate court who remanded them out of custody.
Erect Manhood at Work Nurse Jailed 13 Years
By Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| A male nurse who walked around and performed his work duties with a visibly erect manhood has been jailed for 13 years by Chiredzi magistrate Judith Zuyu.
Believe Mauswa, a male nurse based at Chizvirizviri clinic became aroused after fondling a female patient’s private parts under the pretext of doing an antenatal test.
He fondled the patient’s private parts claiming he was doing some medical check-ups in the laboratory. Mauswa ordered the woman to undress and stroked her clitoris for seven minutes until his manhood was erect, as described by witnesses.
In passing the judgment in court attended by ZimEye.com, magistrate Zuyu said Mauswa failed to behave in a professional manner and took advantage of an unsuspecting woman to satisfy his sexual desire.
The confused patient informed Mauswa ‘s superiors, leading to his suspension and a police report was made leading to his arrest.
The woman said: “He pulled my clitoris and rolled cotton wool inside my private parts. I told him I no longer wanted to continue with the test but he did not listen and I also noticed his manhood was erect. The test lasted for seven minutes .”
A senior medical officer in Chiredzi said Mauswa acted in an unprofessional manner.
“We expect medical personnel to act in a professional manner.In the first place there was no need for the woman to undress,” he said.
CRISIS CAUSES REVOLUTION PRESIDENT MUGABE
By Francis Mufambi | It is common sense that a legitimacy crisis of a sitting government emerges when there is a relationship breakdown between the rulers and the ruled. In Zimbabwe the crisis is in sync with the Zartman theory. While it has never reached the ripe moment, at irregular intervals it approached climax point.
The current civil service Salary Crisis is a pointer to a crisis that is more likely to cause unrest and render your government absolutely illegitimate Mr. President.
Cde Mugabe, let me educate you on the exemplified political panoramas which ended up in violent clashes between the rulers and the ruled and in many cases the rulers lost the war. By analysis of social psychology as done by Scholars such as Heywood (2012), all government removals and overthrows are caused by a particular motivation. In this vein relative deprivation or in simple terms the inability for a government to meet rising public expectations leads to political instability.
In our national case, the expectation of benefiting from two million jobs, the expectations by civil servants to receive 13th cheque bonuses and salaries on time especially during the traditional December festive season can be the spark to the end of your long and increasingly unpopular rule.
It takes no rocket science to understand that public dislike of a government begins when the public recognises a weakness and tendency towards deliberate dishonesty in the affairs of government.
We have recognised that your government is a mere recycling system of tried, tired and failed politicians who have no snowball’s chance in hell to appreciate modern systems of governmental innovation and service delivery. We have realised that Mr. President, your personnel is simply a club of gluttonous piranhas who want to milk the proverbial cow until it drops dead to the disadvantage of the less powerful citizens. It is crystal clear that while you have done more harm to Zimbabwe ever since the day you took office you are oblivious of the image of decadence and failure staring back at you in the mirror and if left to your devices you will take this potential filled country to your afterlife.
These are facts which even your gardner will confirm to you and my humble submission is that you should avoid driving the country into destructive nationwide demonstrations that will destroy infrastructure and cause loss of lives.
If we are to delve into history books we can see where we are heading by what befell France and Russia. In France the ensuing fiscus crisis and economic woes as a result of conflicts with England coupled with severe droughts pushed Louis XVI to meet with State General authority creating expectations among the peasantry for reforms. Such an expectation and its failure to produce results was the reason for the revolution that saw Loius XVI and his extravagant Marie Antoinette ouster.
In Russia, the war she fought against Germany drained most of the strategic resources and fiscus, in the process worsening conditions of the general citizens. The rising expectation as a result of promised reform in the 44 years between 1860 amd 1904 led to the realisation of a weakness and in no time a revolution took place.
The main challenge Mr. President is that you are failing and have always failed to do an honest self introspection as well as an unbiased analysis of the manpower at your disposal and this more that anything else has made you the chief protagonist personally millitating against development.
Lets take for instance the present reality. You have taken your yearly leave and flown to the comfort and tranquility of Asian countries in search of better personal medical care or so the nation believes. But back home government workers have not been paid and thus can’t afford an ordinary chicken, rice and salad meal for Christmas. These are your direct employees as the head of state and His Excellency. Are you aware that almost all youths across the social strata are jobless as you take your vacation in the far east? Why dont you take your leave and go to Rural Zvimba by bus and whenever you want medical check up you visit Kutama Rural Hospital?
Mr. President Sir, Zimbabwe geographically and in terms of population is very small. This being an undeniable fact, why do we have such a big cabinet, parliament and security personnel. Are you aware that India on its own has a population bigger than Africa as a whole but it is run by one Prime minister and a cabinet less than that of Zimbabwe? Cde President, Costa Rica is performing very well as a nation without an army.
We have a problem with your penchant for seeking to please and reward your friends through duplication of ministries. It is shocking that a very country like ours which is beset by crisis of enormous scale can continue to have a Ministry of Primary and Secondary education, a Ministry of Higher and Tertiary education, a ministry of Psychomotor and a Ministry of Sports and Culture all of which can be collapsed into one ministry to save resources.
In short Cde President, I am saying Zimbabwe is becoming poor because of poor planning and stale leadership. Decisions which are made under your watch are not progressive.
It is good for the future of the nation and for what remains of your legacy as founding president for you to resign and stop holding the nation at ransom.
Please take a minute and listen to the voices of Zimbabweans and not those of the cabal which is holding you hostage, this includes your wife. They’re only interested in keeping you in office while they scheme and gain advantage in the race to succeed you. All of these have no consideration for the suffering masses or your legacy. I can assure you that given a chance they will be the first to deny you three times before the Jongwe’s third crown and if needs be deliver you to the justice system set up by the vapambepfumi.
I hope you heed my words Mr. President Sir
I fear that if you don’t then your grave will be spittle covered by future generations.
Francis Mufambi is a political science amd legal scholar writing in his own Capacity. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Bosso Star Arrested For Murder
Former energetic Highlanders goalkeeper, Edmore Sibanda has been arrested for allegedly fatally assaulting a man over a woman in 2006.
Sibanda,who was popularly known as MaMkhwebu during his best days with the Bulawayo giants, appeared in court yesterday facing a charge of murder.
Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo told the court that on August 19, 2006, Sibanda teamed up with two others who are still at large and assaulted a man leading to his death.
“Sibanda in the company of Andrew and Shelton Magutshwe pummelled Wesley Tawanda Nyamupungidze with empty bottles. They punched and kicked him all over the body in a fight over a woman,” said Dlodlo.
The man later died.
Sibanda was represented by his lawyer, Byron Sengweni applied for $100 bail.
“Your worship, my client isn’t a flight risk. I don’t know why police say he had been on the run because he has been coaching Hwange juniors and never ran away as alleged by the police,” said Sengweni.
He said the State case against his client was weak as it had failed to charge a driver who ran over Nyamupungidze leading to his death.
“Your worship, the deceased was hit by a car as he was trying to flee some people whom he was fighting with. A case of culpable homicide was opened against the driver and the State failed to prove its case and it was dropped. After failing to charge the driver, they decided to open a murder case against my client,” said Sengweni.
Magistrate Tinashe Tashaya remanded Sibanda in custody to today for bail application ruling.
Sibanda is among the prominent Bosso stars having played for the Bulawayo giants between 1999 and 2004.
The eccentric ex-goalkeeper was a crowd favourite.
Now he is an assistant coach at Hwange Juniors.
Paediatric ART Intake Improves To Over 75%
The Ministry of Health and Child Care says HIV and AIDS treatment on children has improved to over 75% from less than 40% in the past two years.
There are 156 000 children who are living with HIV with only 46,319 (40%) of them being on treatment.
The low uptake of Anti retroviral treatment on children has been caused mainly by the “delicacy” nature of infants which has not only left paediatric ARV expire hospitals but also claimed thousands of children’s lives.
Head of HIV and TB unit in the Health and Child Care Ministry Dr Owen Mugurungi told journalists attending a health talk show on new HIV guidelines set by World Health Organisation which was organised by the Health Journalists Association of Zimbabwe in Harare that paediatric ART has improved to over 70% in a space of two years.
“I am happy to announce that as at the end of 2013 we were at 39% in terms of ART coverage on children, and end of 2014 we got slightly at above 56% and as at the end of this year we are actually even better in paediatric than in adults which I think with satisfaction that we have done a lot in improving and making sure that more children are put on treatment,” said Dr Mugurungi.
“In adults we are slightly around 70% and in children we have moved beyond 75% in terms of coverage which is a good thing which we feel we can also maintain and sustain”.
Dr Mugurungi said they have superseded the problems which were leading to the low uptake of paediatric ART.
“Initially there were no paediatric formulations, we used to break the tablet and crush it and that itself was a challenge but we now have paediatric formulations,”Dr Mugurungi said.
“The second issue was that in adults we used the CD4 count machines (to measure the amount of the virus) and in paediatric we used to have percentages and so we calculated and not everybody was good at that”.
Man Stabs Five Over Rand Comment
A South Africa based man from Gutu allegedly stabbed five men with a knife on their buttocks while drinking beer after they reminded him that the South African rand had become worthless.
46 year old Timothy Mabika, of Chief Gutu allegedly stabbed Tendai Shoko, Menaart Hungwe and brothers Reuben, Miros, Trymore Jazira leaving them with serious wounds at Mpandawana Growth Point.
The men were rushed to Masvingo General Hospital with their trousers soaked in blood following the attack on Boxing Day.
Gabriel Majomba, a relative to one of the victims, said what started as a simple argument went wrong when Mabika put a hand in his pocket and drew a knife before stabbing the five men on their buttocks.
“Mabika was drinking beer with the five victims at Mpandawana Growth Point at around 4 PM. He was the one buying them beer,” he said
“One of them, probably after having one too many told Mabika that his money was valueless. Trymore Jazira told him that the South African rand was useless and people no longer wanted it in Zimbabwe.”
He said Mabika told Trymore to stop speaking badly about the currency that was buying him beer.
However, Trymore allegedly persisted and his friends joined in.
Majomba said an irritated Mabika drew a knife and charged at Trymore who hid behind his brother, Reuben.
“The group tried to restrain Mabika but he overpowered them. They started fleeing with Mabika in hot pursuit. He caught up with them and stabbed them on buttocks one by one leaving them seriously injured,” he said.
But at the time of writing no police report was filed.
Masvingo spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said:
“That isn’t to our knowledge, the case could have happened and the victims decided not to report.”
However, hospital officials said the five were admitted on Sunday after they were rushed to hospital on Saturday with deep stab wounds on their buttocks.
“Five men were admitted at our hospital’s male surgical ward and had stab wounds on their buttocks. They all gave a similar account of how their drinking mate, based in South Africa stabbed them following an argument over the value of rand,” said an official.
Masvingo provincial medical director Dr Amadeaus Shamu declined to comment saying doing so is unethical according to the patients’ charter. – State Media
Trees Threaten to Kill President Mugabe
President Robert Mugabe’s life is in danger and the Head Of State’s long hoary life could easily be ended by natural trees planted at his official State House premises, security bosses have been warned.
These observations were communicated on Monday when a top police officer and ZRP Harare boss, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa was smashed to death by a falling tree planted just outside State House.
Several trees planted around the premises where Mugabe walks and drives around are old and can crash down at any time from now. Recently a Chinese man was lucky to be alive when together with his baby they had another huge tree bludgeon his car while driving.
CIOs have since been told to ensure that the trees around State House are properly maintained as the Monday accident is not the first and annually Harare trees have been falling onto cars.
There were wide suggestions claiming that the tree was hit by lightning. But it was not raining at all on the day, analysts noted. One analyst writing in the ZimEye Newsroom, Eric Chapanduka commented on his worries saying, “I still do not understand what could have caused the tree to fall and break instantly. Maybe the tree was diseased.
“The ZANU PF government has no history of proper maintenance of trees even those at State House. There are several causes. It could be soil erosion. But there is no such construction work allowed at State House.”
“So that theory should be dismissed and since there is no excavation work , all this means the roots of the tree were intact. And if this was so it is likely the toppling of the tree could have been caused by a severe storm or heavy rains but this theory is again dismissed since it was not raining and there were neither storm nor heavy winds.
“Then one likely scenario from natural causes is the ZANU PF planted tree was brought down by decay but for this to be possible decay should have been at the roots to bring down the giant healthy looking tree. But again decay does not mean the tree could be vulnerable to fall in the absence of a storm because the action of wind is needed to bend the branches and cause the tree to sway and bring it down . But if one insists on this theory, it doesn’t make sense.
“But again as said this is not the first time that this has happened to a seemingly healthy tree at State House. So these trees could have been grown on shallow soil. Then if the soil is shallow it leaves us to speculate what could be underground at State House.”
Govt Brings Back Green Bombers
Government has brought back the controversial National Youth Service with the graduation of over 80,000 entrants now to be called Green Bombers.
The State calls it the National Youth Service (NYS) but opposition parties say it is a mere ZANU PF program part of the wider terror network to be used to intimidate voters at election time.
President Robert Mugabe’s nephew and Youth Minister Patrick Zhuwao said the 80 000 graduates scattered around the country should have a hand in economic development.
He made the remarks after meeting the NYS Association members in Harare yesterday. “We have 80 000 graduates that are willing to make this economy move,” he said.
“This is a huge amount of human capital that we should be taking advantage of. I am going to co-ordinate your interactions with Government because the solution to the Zimbabwean economy lies with us Zimbabweans. Foreigners will only come to assist us and they do that on our terms. We are taking a strategic focus which focuses on Zim-Asset and the 10-point plan and we looking at localising the 10-point Plan so that it is implemented at ward level and co-ordinated to the constituency level.”
Zhuwao added: “In line with the economic empowerment strategy that the ministry is finalising, the NYS will play a crucial role through programmes such as Youth Build Zimbabwe, Youth Feed Zimbabwe and Youth Secure Zimbabwe which will be implemented at community level. Special emphasis will be on in-situ training.”
Zhuwao quoted by the state broadcaster said his ministry was working on the legislative framework to regulate the NYS programme and was re-institutionalising training in line with the directive by President Mugabe in February.
“Cabinet of June 16, 2012 directed the ministry to make legislative amendments to the National Service Act (Number 19, Chapter 11:08 of 1979) and we are currently working on that,” he said.
“It was during this period that camp-based NYS training stopped due to inadequacy of financial resources. The principles of the NYS Bill are now under consideration and will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Office to pursue the enactment of a NYS legislation.”
He said since President Mugabe’s directive, camp-based training had been re-introduced at Dadaya Training Centre in Midlands with 112 people graduating two weeks ago.
Zhuwao defended his move saying it was unfortunate that “certain narratives” were being created to downplay the importance of NYS yet many countries, including Western ones, had a similar programme.
He said NYS graduates had also immensely contributed to the peace and security being enjoyed in the country as they also went through conflict prevention, management, resolution and transformation skills.
Pastor who told Mugabe the Truth Languishes in Prison
A PASTOR arrested for telling President Robert Mugabe the truth while waving a simple message that ‘Zimbabweans are suffering’, is languishing in prison cells since the Christmas period and now set to cross over into the new year behind bars.
Pastor Phillip Mugadza, a family man, is being persecuted by the State for exercising his constitutional rights of free protest against Mugabe, and needs $360 to secure his bail release.
While in Victoria Falls early this month, Mugadza held out a humble placard that simply read, “Mr President The People are Suffering.” It also quoted Proverbs 21:13 from the Bible, which reads, “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered”.
The message came at a time when civil servants and other workers under Mugabe’s desk are failing to access their salaries.
The State in prosecuting however says he committed a crime stating it is that of obstructing party traffic en route to the ZANU PF conference.
Of the $500 needed for his bail only $140 has been donated to date meaning Mugadza has had to spend the entire Christmas period in cells and may crossover into the new year in chains.
Colleague and coordinator for Mugadza’s release, Tapfumaneyi Zenda backed by the Zimbabwe Lawyers Of Human Rights advocate Thulani Nkala told ZimEye.com, “we are therefore appealing to you friends to assist in raising the amount required for pastor Philip Mugadza to come out of prison.
“The Ecocash number is 0772458842 and our lawyer is Mr Thulani Nkala 0772681277 ZLHR Victoria Falls. Every deposit made will be announced publicly.
Mugadza’s lawyers on Tuesday approached the courts seeking the reduction of his bail to $50.
His lawyer Thulani Nkala of Dube and Company Legal Practitioners told ZimEye.com he approached the Victoria Falls court seeking a bail reduction.
His trial is set for 5 January 2016.
The Ecocash number is 0772458842 and the lawyer is Mr Thulani Nkala 0772681277 ZLHR Victoria Falls.
BLOODY MURDER: Pastor Kills Wife, Daughter
A Pastor based in Kwekwe allegedly hacked his wife and stepdaughter to death before hanging himself in a bush following a misunderstanding over infidelity.
Lazarus Dube, 44, brutally axed his wife Lucy, and stepdaughter Mary, 18, on Monday at around 9AM.
He allegedly committed the gruesome crime in his staff house at Sirmic Enterprises, industrial site. Dube allegedly accused his wife and stepdaughter of being prostitutes before chopping them up.
He called his uncle Nickels Sibanda barely 30 minutes after the murder, telling him he had killed his family.
Sibanda who travelled from Insiza to Kwekwe told the State Media at Kwekwe Police Station that his nephew, a pastor with an Apostolic Sect based in Mbizo 18, told him he killed his family because they refused to repent from prostitution.
“I can confirm that my nephew axed to death his wife and step daughter on Monday morning accusing them of being prostitutes,” he said.
“I was in Insiza when my nephew called me. He told me that he had killed them because they were involved with many men. He said he had asked them to repent but they had refused to listen to him and continued being promiscuous.”
He said he received Dube’s call on Monday at around 9.30AM.
Sibanda said he asked Dube to go and report the matter to the police.
He said his nephew told him that he was going to commit suicide behind his employer’s premises, Sirmic Enterprises.
Sibanda said as he attempted to talk him out of committing suicide, Dube hung up on him.
“I went to Mbembesi Police Station and told them about my conversation with my nephew. The police called Kwekwe Central Police Station. My nephew’s body and those of his daughter and wife were then discovered by the police,” he said.
A distraught Sibanda said they were going to bury the bodies in Kwekwe today.
“We’ve no money to take our nephew to our rural home. So we’re burying him here. He was a quiet person and I’m shocked by what has happened,” said Sibanda.
“My nephew grew up in Lochard and moved to Gweru where he married his first wife who passed on. He then moved to Kwekwe where he married the second wife that he has murdered,” he said.
Sirmic Enterprises manager, Edmore Gomera said Dube was a caretaker living in the staff quarters.
“It’s unfortunate that he killed his daughter and wife at our premises. He then hanged himself near our company,” said Gomera.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said:
“We received a sudden death case in Kwekwe involving three family members.”
Donkey Kills Goat, attacks 5 yr Old Girl
A Donkey mauled a five-year-old child and killed a goat in Tsholotsho, raising fears of a rabies outbreak in Matabeleland after two similar incidents in Matabeleland South recently.
Mpaninziba villagers told the State Media the tot was hospitalised with serious bite wounds.
They said they feared for their lives following the donkey’s strange behaviour on Tuesday.
The villagers said the animal was still roaming free.
Chief Tategulu yesterday said:
“The child was attacked last month and the goat was killed on Tuesday. I don’t have finer details on how the biting and killing took place but the donkey is still being kept by its owners.”
He said the donkey might be infected with rabies.
The chief said donkeys are among the tamest domestic animals and it was unheard of that they would attack people and kill livestock.
“The village head of the area told me about the incident. I was even asking why the donkey is still alive when it’s supposed to be killed as it has rabies symptoms. A donkey doesn’t attack people if it’s not infected with rabies,” he said.
Chief Tategulu said the donkey should be put down to prevent spread of the disease.
Matabeleland North provincial veterinary officer Dr Polex Moyo said chances are high that the donkey is infected with rabies but said he did not want to cause alarm as tests have to be conducted before concluding there indeed was a rabies outbreak.
“People should go for testing. It’s unusual for a donkey to do such a thing. The first thing to think in such a case is rabies. But I’m not confirming as laboratory tests have to be done first,” he said.
Dr Moyo said villagers must develop a culture of reporting unusual animal behaviour in their areas.
“I don’t know why farmers are not reporting these cases. We sometimes read about them in the newspapers but we have district offices everywhere,” said Dr Moyo.
“When there is crime people report to the police, when they get ill they go to the doctors. They should do the same when they face these incidents.”
He said unreported cases may result in deaths urging members of the public to approach the veterinary department.
Two weeks ago, the State Media reported a case where donkey killed and ate a goat in Halali area Matobo District.
Last month, two people in Filabusi were mauled by a donkey.
Rabies may be deadly if not treated and in February two people died in Tsholotsho after they were infected by the virus.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals. Symptoms of the disease can take up to 10 days to be noticed and some notable signals include general body weakness, appetite loss, salivation, hydrophobia, indiscriminate biting, delirium and convulsions.State Media
Pasuwa Handed 3 Year Contract
Zifa has offered Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa a three-year contract after paying some of his outstanding salaries and allowances.
This comes at a time the country’s national soccer squad is enjoying a new lease of life.
The good news is that Pasuwa, who was kicked out recently under controversial circumstances and reinstated following a public outcry and ministerial intervention, is about to sign a contract with the football association.
Pasuwa and Zifa were not at liberty to discuss the details of the contract though the Warriors mentor indicated that he is currently looking into the contract handed over to him a few days ago.
He did not have a contract under the Cuthbert Dube-led Zifa board, which was booted out of office a month ago and replaced by one led by businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, following accusations of failing to properly run soccer in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, for the first time in years, Zimbabwe Warriors are enjoying life in camp with no complaints over accommodation and food or non-payment of allowances.
All the players called are in camp with the exception of goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya of Hwange who has returned home due to a shoulder injury and Teenage Hadede of Highlanders who has been excused to attend to his sick mother.
The Warriors are in camp preparing for the 2016 Africa Nations Championships or Chan, which will run in Rwanda from January 16 to February 7.
There is so much happiness and unity in camp that captain Danny Phiri, who has not been training due to an injury, is promising that the Warriors will this time around reach the final or probably bring the trophy back home.
Phiri makes his promise to Zimbabweans as a whole.
Even coach Kalisto Pasuwa is a happy man after receiving his dues as a fulfillment of a promise made by Zifa president Phillip Chiyangwa during election time.
Just like his captain, Pasuwa is confident that the Warriors will negotiate their way from the group stages and go all the way to the final.
As part of their preparations, Chiyangwa says they have arranged a friendly match against neighbours Mozambique at a date still to be announced.
He told the players to compensate their loss of participation in the 2018 World Cup with a good show in Pan African football, adding that Zifa on their part will do their best.
The last time the Warriors were at the Africa Nations Championships, the Zimbabweans finished fourth behind winners Libya, runners up Ghana, and third-placed Nigeria.
The Africa Nations Championship is a tournament for players who ply their trade for clubs in their home countries.
The Warriors who are drawn in the same group with Mali, Uganda, and Zambia are set to depart for Rwanda on January 10.-VOA
Pastor Buys Married Woman Underpants As Christmas Present
By Terrence Mawawa Gutu |A daring pastor here stunned his congregants when he bought a married woman a pair of underpants as a Christmas present.
Innocent Bhera, a pastor with a local pentecostal church was fined two beasts by Chief Nyamandi after buying the married woman a pair of underpants as a Christmas gift but he appealed at the Gutu Magistrate Court and magistrate Edward Marecha is yet to make a ruling on the appeal.
Bhera lured the woman to an all night church service and later handed her a wrapped parcel containing underpants.
He also told the woman to open the parcel later since it was a Christmas surprise. Anticipating a holy gift from the clergyman the woman was shocked to see a pair of underpants and she later informed her husband who reported the matter to Chief Nyamandi.
The matter was heard at the Gutu Magistrate Court last week but Bhera said he did not have the capacity to pay the woman’s husband Leonard Machingauta the two beasts.
Meanwhile congregants under Bhera’s stewardship have expressed shock at the clergyman’s behaviour while others claimed he had an affair with the married woman who feared her husband would discover the secret affair. Men of the cloth have of late been caught up with married women, raising questions about their sincerity.
Prominent figures like Eubert Angel, also from the same area, have also been caught abusing their authority for their sexual gratification.
Magistrate Marecha is yet to make a ruling on Bhera’s case.
War Vets And Zanu PF Land-Grabbers Sell Govt Irrigation Equipment
Top Zanu PF officials and War veterans who benefited from the controversial land reform programme are selling irrigation equipment which government sourced for farming production , a senior government official has complained.
Part of the equipment which is being sold includes equipment which government under former Vice President Joice Mujuru secured from Brazil last year.
Deputy Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development minister Davis Marapira made this revelation to state journalists on Monday when he said the development was going to worsen the country’s food security which is already at stake.
Marapira said the unproductive farmers are removing pumps, as well as computer and gear boxes from the centre pivot irrigation equipment and selling them on the black market.
The deputy minister said vandalism of irrigation equipment was rife in Mashonaland West and Masvingo provinces.
“We are in the process of investigating these culprits and we will prosecute them through the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement,” said Marapira.
Grace Invades Masvingo as Presidential Candidate
- Police Officers seen openly campaigning for Grace as she invades Masvingo.
- Villagers ordered to “vote for Dr.Amai.”
By Terrence Mawawa, Gutu| Police officers at Chinyika Police post in Gutu surprised all and sundry when they were seen distributing Grace Mugabe posters and flyers to villagers who gathered at the business centre to receive farming inputs.
The incident witnessed by ZimEye.com happened on 24 December at Madondo supermarket.
Hundreds of villagers were surprised when three police officers began to distribute Grace Mugabe posters and flyers during the farm inputs distribution exercise.
The latest incident also confirms the fact that Grace Mugabe is now in charge of both government and Zanu PF programmes.
Villagers collecting the inputs were made to chant maxims praising Mrs Mugabe (Dr. Amai) for making the donations.
“We were ordered by our bosses to distribute Grace Mugabe’s posters and flyers and mind you there is no option but to comply with the directives from above. By the look of things Mrs Mugabe is now in charge of government affairs. Those receiving the inputs were also made to take home Mrs Mugabe’s posters and flyers,” said a police source.
The police details presiding over the process also told the villagers to vote for those who make donations, literally confirming Grace’s presidential ambitions.
The police officers at Chinyika are at present travelling to distribute Grace ‘s posters at neighbouring schools.
Sources also said another police officer in uniform has been distributing Mrs Mugabe’s flyers at Chinyika Rural Hospital particularly during an immunisation programme which began last week.
Despite denying the fact that she harbours presidential hopes Mrs Mugabe’s supporters are secretly campaigning for the versatile and controversial First Lady.
Contacted for comment earlier, Presidential Spokesman George Charamba told ZimEye.com he will not speak on Mrs Mugabe’s campaign programs as they are neither State House nor government affairs.
Uebert Angel Says “I Have a Doctorate (Ph.D)”
Charismatic preacher and self proclaimed “Prophet” Uebert Angel has come out saying he is the holder of a doctorate degree.
The documented sex abuser of women says he is the possessor of a Ph.D certificate.
His claims are reiterated in writing in one of his latest books “Prayer Banks”. On the expression cover of that release [pictured] Angel (real name Hubert Mudzanire altered after he was listed for academic fraud in the US,) claims he is the holder of a Ph.D.
Upon an extensive search however, there was not a single trace of his published works in academic repositories as is characteristic with all acclaimed doctorates.
The man is on record openly ordering thousands of church members to go and raid cash machines so “God can bless” them.
He has also publicly announced intention to physically attack and commit acts of violence on journalists.
He is also wanted in Zimbabwe for serious fraud involving a $300,000 Bentley Car.
Despite his dented conduct, hundreds have continued to worship him as their “Spiritual Father” as they are also told that they will be cursed by God if they ever question his behaviour.
Meanwhile introducing that same book, Angel writes claiming it is a guarantee to answered prayer. “This book is a MUST READ and a guarantee to answered prayer,” he says.
How To Make 2016 Resolutions That Actually Work
‘Failing to plan is planning to fail.’
Linda woke up this week in the morning and stared deeply at the mirror. “Oh my God. Am I really that fat?” she said to her sleepy husband. “Jack, I swear this new year I’m gonna lose this weight! I can feel that 2016 is my year to do this.”
And then she went on to update her Facebook status, bought a copy of a ‘How to Lose Weight Without Effort,’ and goes to the gym three times in January 2016. End of the story!
The same conversation is repeated again end of December 2016. And by the way, poor Jack is fade up with this annual weight lose conversation. As a good husband he has no choice but to support his wife.
Does your new year resolutions end up just like Linda’s?
Each New Year we sent each other best wishes for the year. Many people hope that the New Year will be better than the previous. This year, 2015, in January you also made some New Year resolutions about things you want to stop doing, and things you want to start doing. Some of you even take time to reflect and pray for the New Year. There is absolutely nothing wrong with all this. This is a great attitude.
I always wonder if all this effort produces the desired results on the promises. I wonder if each New Year turns to be a better year. Think about it seriously. Year after year many people do this. Many people religiously make resolutions to do this and that. If these things were really working then each year was going to turn out to be better for each one of them. Isn’t it? Why is it we always come back, I mean 90% of the people, to the same point; ‘a bad year.’ It’s rare to see at the end of the year someone saying ‘What a good year!’
You see, every year is exactly the same, 365 days made of minutes and seconds. If you want to change the year, change what you do. It does not matter whether you have 122 resolutions or if you gold plate them to the wall right at the front door. What you do ‘each minute of the year’ makes the difference, especially the things that depend on your choices. So, do not look up somewhere for a good year, make one! Make 2016 a great year by taking the advice below on ‘How to Make 2016 Resolutions That Actually Work.’
Ladies and gentlemen, make 2016 the best year of your life. You need to make life happen, not life happen to you. First you need to know and believe beyond doubt that you are in charge of your life. The power of life and death, failure and success, to live the lifestyle you want, to have inner fulfilment, to live your dream and conquer, is from within and is within reach. Do not allow other peoples systems to run your life – economic systems, social systems, political systems or financial systems. Do not be a victim. Take over your life and turn these systems to work for you, instead of against you.
Life Does Not Just Happen
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe – Abraham Lincoln.
In order to carry out you calling successfully in 2016, you need to manage your life. Life does not just happen. You have to plan your life, organise your life, lead yourself and have monitoring and control measures.
Remember to make balanced resolutions. A good balance includes career or business, family, health, spiritual, finance, networks or friends, fun or holiday, physical, mental, mental or intellectual, training or development, social, and mentors or advisors.
The two most common characters of ‘super-achievers’ are 1) relentless commitment to constant learning and 2) have detailed clear goals, with a plan of action on how to achieve them. No matter how much passion you have, if you do not have a clear plan of action you will end up going in circles. After ten years you will find yourself right where you started, just like Linda.
How to Make 2016 Resolutions That Actually Work
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Here are some critical steps and points on How to Make 2016 Resolutions That Actually Work:
- Have a purpose or vision or aim. Make it quantifiable. Do not just aim to ‘lose weight’ like Linda but aim to ‘lose 10kg by December 2016.’ Be specific!
- Assess your current position. Know where you are and the state of your situation.
- Develop and list the steps or goals that must be taken to reach the vision.
- Setting goals is not about writing a “wish list” in January and stick it on the fridge or wall, and for the rest of the year wait for your life to change. Your plan must be crystal clear. Draw a map of exactly how you are going to get there. Put management and control systems necessary to operationalize your plan, to keep you on track, to measure and monitor performance.
- Identify your resource. What resources; finance, networks, friends, skills, mentors or time does it require? Allocate these to each goal. In most cases you have to spend a lot of effort and time developing a skill that will then take you to your final purpose. Go ahead and do it. Remember this is a life purpose, it won’t happen in a day.
- Do a cost-benefit analysis. As you put up the plan constantly do a cost benefit analysis. Of course choose a route that gives you maximum benefit with minimum effort. But it’s rare to find such a route. Some benefit or efforts are short term others are long term. Identify the risks, things to watch out for and obstacles along the way. Identifying them is not good enough, put in a plan to deal with them. This is called risk management.
- In the same way list the benefits, rewards and advantages that you will harvest along the way. These are important to motivate you in days when things are not good.
- Finally, fit in the ‘motivational pressure.’ Something that will make you not turn back on you goal. If you want to lose weight? Sign up for a marathon like the comrades in 7 months in an exciting foreign country, and book the non-refundable flights and accommodation now. If you want to really go on holiday in future, set the date and pay a non-refundable deposit now.
Don’t jump on Facebook to announce your New Year resolution. It gives you a short term ego buzz now (“Look at me! I’m so awesome!”), but does nothing to change your behaviour. If you want to engage friends, be real. Do not make it a show.
Most of all, wishful words alone will get you there. Nearly everyone fails their new year’s resolutions. Just saying words doesn’t make a thing happen. It is the action that accompanies the words.
Ensure that your support systems are in plan; the right associates, the right advisers and the right mentors. Your environment matters! In short, create the right environment that supports the achievement of your New Year resolutions!
‘For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it?’ Luke 14:28
I wish you the most awesome and prosperous new year ever!
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© Copyright 2015 by It’s My Footprint, www.itsmyfootprint.com.
Grace Summoned by Angry War Vets
By Terrence Mawawa, Gutu | First Lady Grace Mugabe has been summoned into line by angry war veterans.
The disquieted ex soldiers here have described Grace as a traitor who has betrayed the gains of the liberation struggle.
The war veterans from Gutu North Constituency met at Chitsa Business Centre, ward 12 on Sunday and resolved to demand an explanation from president Robert Mugabe over his wife’s persistent attacks on former freedom fighters.
They also accused Grace of undermining the role played by the former freedom fighters during and after the liberation struggle.
Speaking after the crisis meeting, Themba Ndisavaka of Ndisavaka village, who identified himself as a coordinator, said another meeting would be held early January so that a delegation would meet Mugabe over Grace’s attacks on war vets.
“We are not happy with the way our leaders are belittling the former freedom fighters. Even the First Lady has been savaging the freedom fighters and I think she must be advised on the proper way to address war veterans.
“Such utterances come from traitors who are determined to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle. It is shocking to hear such arrogant words from our leaders.
“We are therefore going to meet the president so that we can voice our concerns,”said Ndisavaka .
At the meeting the war veterans concurred Mrs Mugabe had gone too far in a bid to please her supporters .
Grace and her husband have been on a warpath against the former freedom fighters with Mugabe himself savaging the war veterans.
According to party insiders Mrs Mugabe personally sacked war veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa fearing an uprise against her ascendancy .Grace and her ageing husband who are currently out of the country for Mugabe ‘s annual leave are likely to face protests from the former freedom fighters who also blamed Mrs Mugabe for attempting to protect her personal interests at the expense the entire nation.
Civil Servants Salary Chinese Yuan: Govt blames MDC
Staff Reporter|Government has refuted claims that the country will be introducing the Chinese Yuan as the country’s main currency (and to be used for paying civil servants’ salaries) blaming the opposition MDC for fabricating the story which is making headlines in the social media.
In a statement issued through the state broadcaster, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said the public must ignore the social media story “as it is a fabrication by opposition sources bent on destabilising the nation.”
According to the statement the government will not be considering changing from the current multi currency system where the US Dollar remains the major medium in circulation.
The central bank claims that the Chinese Yuan was made one of the official currencies in the country two years ago amongst eight other currencies.
The bank says that there might only be just be an increase in the amount of the Chinese Yuan in circulation following the trade deals recently signed between Zimbabwe and China.
Government also warned against another social media circular advising Zimbabweans to withdraw all their money from the banks immediately to avoid getting their money in Chinese Yuan. The State once again blamed opposition parties for coming up with the circular in order to cause panic in the country.
UK Builds 10,000 Houses on Wetlands As Zimbabwe Demolishes them
London even sends army to protect houses from rains, while Harare abuses citizens
While the United Kingdom is building 10,000 houses on floodplains and then pouring hundreds of millions of pounds to protect them, Zimbabwe on the other hand is demolishing houses newly built by its poor citizens.
The shocking comparative statistics emerged at the weekend as the UK government sent its army around the country to protect and guard citizens’ possessions as the country was swamped in floods. On the other hand in Zimbabwe the Harare City Council for instance was announcing that it is entering the third phase of demolishing its poor residents’ houses early 2016.
The development is set to pour shame on Zimbabwe on the way it treats its citizens in comparison to other nations.
At a time when Zimbabwe is demolishing the houses, Britain is actually channelling hundreds of millions of pounds to erect flood defences so that its citizens are safe and their households safeguarded. Several areas toured by ZimEye.com in Yorkshire at the weekend were heavily guarded by soldiers sent to protect British citizens from the effects of the floods.
The UK’s Environment Agency worked the government up on the need to boost the UK’s flood defences and prime Minister David Cameron was forced to defend the government’s record on Monday as he visited areas in the north affected by the flooding, which has forced thousands of people to flee their homes and caused hundreds of millions of pounds of damage.
Ministers vetoed a £180m flood defence scheme for Leeds in 2011.
David Rooke, deputy chief executive of the Environment Agency, said the UK was “moving into a period of unknown extremes” and would have to look at flood-proofing homes as well as boosting traditional defences.
“We will need to have that complete rethink and . . . move from not just providing better defences — and we have a £2.3 billion programme to do that over the next six years — but looking at increasing resilience,” he said.
Scientists have linked the recent weeks of flooding to climate change while the prime minister and Liz Truss, the environment minister, appear to have acknowledged that view, with both speaking of “unprecedented” weather conditions.
Even so, one new home in every 14 built in 2013-14 — the most recent year for which data are available — was constructed on land that has a significant chance of flooding, either from a river or the sea, according to a Financial Times analysis of official figures.
As 138,000 homes were built in total, this suggests that 9,700 properties were built on floodplains, with housing built on more than 90 hectares of land that is at risk of inundation.
The methodology changed in 2013-14 but earlier data indicate a fairly constant level of construction on floodplains, at about 7 per cent of total housebuilding.
ZimEye.com is set to interview Harare Mayor Ben Manyenyeni on these violations. Readers may send in their questions for the Harare City Council.
People First On Point on Market Driven Economy
Tobias Kazembe | The proposal by the Joice Mujuru led People First to launch a paradigm shift by the time they form government mainly on the economic modus operandi is such an essential launchpad of boosting an ailing and grounded economy. In the BUILD document,
it is stated that the party will employ a ‘market driven’ economic endeavours opposed to the current Zanu PF ‘command’ or centrally planned economy which saw the national performing indexes hitting the lowest ebb.
According to Kimberly Amaido (2012) a market economy is where economic decisions are made by the free market. This in essence points to the fact that the means of production of goods and services are regulated by the basic laws of supply and demand . Producers are allowed to sell their goods and services at the highest possible price that consumers are willing and able to pay. This does not end with the producers but also the workers. In this more lighthearted vein, the workers also bid their services at the highest possible wages that their skills equate. There are a number of pillars that strengthen and are worthwhile in a market driven economy and these are:
1. Competition
Market driven economy calls for massive competition on the oart of the producers and that of the workers. The force of extensive unadulterated pressure keeps prices relatively low to a moderate level, and ensure that goods and services are provided most efficiently. In this vein, the prices of commodities will be relative to the demand of such a product. This therefore means producers will compete to produce the most needed goods at lower prices to enhance their profit. The consumera will take charge also to buy the best products at the cheapest prices. The result of it all is to stabilise an economy and have an efficient supply to the market.
2. Limited Government Intervention
This was first noted by the Council on Economic Reform of 2002 . It noted that in a free market driven economy the private sector grabs the largest chunk of the national basic needs production. The role of government is streamlined to only ensuring that the markets are open and working. This will make the government more of an economic regulator watching over and prosecuting any firm that would try to monopolise the market and stiffle competition. In essence when the private sector of any economy is functional then its economic growth is favourable and infrastructural development becomes easier
3. Freedom of choice and self motivation
A market driven economy have an open palm policy which gives the producers freedom of what to produce and the workers the freedom of choosing where to work and at what salary/wage range. This means there will be minimum government gagging on what is produced and how. This alliws mass good and commodity production and gives the consumers a wide choice of the best products. The workers and producers are given a heartthrobbing ability to self motivate. Salaries motivate the workers while profits and competition motivates the producers. In this vein the nations cancers of red tape and bureaucracy will be things of the past.
4. Respect of Property Rights
One of the main reason why Zimbabwe fell into abyss is because of the elite ignorance on the importance of property rights. Knowing basically that a developing economy can seldomly thrive without the umblical cord of Foreign Direct Investment the Zimbabwean government failed to note the acerbic and agound effects of property insecurity. In this case, trillions of dollars were lost mainly to our neighbouring countries simply because of our weak policy on private property ownership. Respecting property right and allowing private ownership of propert allows owner to make secure and legally binding contracts for them to sell, to buy, to lease, to rent and to hire property.
So basically in short a market driven economy helps in creating sustainable jobs,making goods goods and services available permanently, increaseing the circulation of money and stabilisation of currency, stabilising the economy, reducing levels of corruption, putting to an end bureaucracy and red tape, reducing the overall and absolute dependence on external aid, rectifulies and normalises external government. This therefore can be the way forward for Zimbabwe.
Tobias Kazembe is a political Commentator and Youth Advocate based in Capetown writing in his own capacity. He can be contacted on [email protected]
5 Day ultimatum for Govt To Pay Doctors’ Salaries
Doctors have threatened to go on strike if they do not get their December salaries and bonuses this Friday.
Government on Sunday said civil servants are going to be paid on 5 January 2016.
Below was the full statement by doctors which they issued on Monday.
DOCTORS DEMAND DECEMBER SALARIES AND BONUS PAYMENT:
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association is greatly saddened by the circus characterising the payment of their December salaries and the long overdue bonus disbursements for 2015. The ZHDA maintains that the ill treatment by the employer through uncertain pay dates and
violation of contractual obligations is a violation of the labour laws of this country and is also grossly inhumane and insensitive.
Our good doctors have tried to hold forth treating millions of patients throughout the festive season with the hope that the meagre salaries we get from the employer will be disbursed timeously. The shifting of paydays and bonus payment for health workers must be grossly condemned by all right thinking Zimbabweans and is a resemblance of the greatest
acceptance of failure by the responsible authorities. Are we able to justify such a sombre festive season for our hardworking doctors who endure long, unpaid and torturous working hours in our hospitals?
Isn’t it insulting to play hide and seek with our bonus when the Minister of Health who has just returned his loot remains mum on non monetary incentives despite our open hand to engage? In all fairness our doctors deserve a billion times the current treatment and any
attempt to thwart the disbursement of bonus payments and December salary will be viewed as a direct provocation. The flamboyance that we continue to see in the Health Services Board and the hefty perks our minister seems to enjoy are not in tandem with the chorus of limited fiscal space. The ZHDA reinstates that:
* Our December Salary and 2015 bonus be disbursed on or before the
31st of December. Our members countrywide will not be able to attend
to their duties from the 1st of January 2016 should this be violated.
*The arrogance shown by the ministry of health in failing to honour
our agreement on non cash incentives to date must be condemned with
the strongest terms possible.
* The ZHDA will immediately send formal communication to the Minister
of Health, Minister of Finance , Clinical Directors and Heads of
departments on this strict deadline. Our legal advisors have also been
tasked to mount a legal challenge on this contractual violation.
Measures will be enacted to protect our doctors from threats and
victimisation
We call upon the government to immediately come up with an alternative
funding model for health workers salaries as we foresee a turbulent
2016 should this anaemic and lethargic approach to health workers
salaries continue.
No December salary, No 2015 bonus, No free Doctors!
ZHDA NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mliswa To Remove President Mugabe
The outspoken former ZANU PF Chairman for Mash West Temba Mliswa today announced he is preparing to remove President Robert Mugabe.
In a rushed announcement conference attended by ZimEye.com today (Monday morning), Mliswa said youths are going to remove the President “peacefully”.
He said his recently formed organisation Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (YARD) will march for freedom. Political parties have under-estimated youths. “Youths will march for freedom…” he said.
Mliswa said YARD can take Mugabe’s government out and does not need six months to do it.
“If you are really true to the cause, there is no point of waiting six months. People must know about (it) you are dealing with a system which has been in power since 1980. And you don’t require six months to take it out. They have to see that they are no longer part of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mliswa also revealed he has been pumping into the NGO at least $2,000 per month and YARD now has over 20,000 members countrywide.
“I have been pumping $2000 a month since August for YARD to be where it is now. We have 20000 members now…”
He added, “do not mistake this…because political parties have neglected youths.”
But Mliswa maintains that his organisation is not a political party “we are a third force not a political party,” he said.
He said they will do things “peacefully”.
In an earlier press conference Mliswa was interviewed by ZimEye on the organisation’s mission and objectives. CLICK HERE TO WATCH/LISTEN:
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Pentecostal Prophet BeatenUp, Left For Dead After Raping Woman
By Terrence Mawawa Chiredzi | A church prophet here was severely beaten up and left for dead by Zvombe villagers after raping a woman who visited his shrine to seek help for marital problems.
Nhanganiso Dewa(40) raped the woman after telling her she was being tormented by a goblin such that there was need to destroy the bad omen through sexual intercourse .
Magistrate Geraldine Mutsotso had to do an initial court hearing for Dewa on his bedside since he was still nursing injuries following the thorough beating by angry villagers.
The woman visited Dewa’s shrine on December 9 2015 to seek help for marital problems and she was told to undress and the prophet began to rub “anointing” oil on her body including private parts. He also ordered her to smear ash on her body parts.
An ecstatic frenzy Dewa then ordered the woman to lie on a mat and raped her once.
The woman upon rising up and realising she had been taken advantage of, quickly informed other villagers who gathered and instituted mob justice on Dewa who was left for dead. A police report was made leading to his arrest.
Several women have been tricked by self styled prophets as a result of socio-economic hardships.
Meanwhile a Chiredzi based prison Chaplain called for women to be resilient and seek divine help through direct prayer to God. “There is an increase in the number of women being raped by false prophets because sometimes they tend to believe in people rather than trusting God in every situation,” said the chaplain .
I founded Ndolwane Super Sounds – Madalaboy
Staff Reporter|Ace Ndebele – Kalanga Rhumba star Madalaboy claims to he is the founder of the hotly contested Ndolwane Super Sounds brand.
Born Honest Kamanga by a father of Malawi decency and a Kalanga mother, Madalaboy as he is popularly known in the music cycles, Kamanga says he is the brains behind the formation of the music group way back in 1993. Madalaboy’s music dream started as early as 1986 when he was a young boy growing up in the Ndolwane area of Plumtree in Matabeleland South.
His music exploits were first exposed at a tender age when he was the lead musician at Makhulela Primary School in his mother’s home area. His love for music would not die until 1993 when he got his first job in Johannesburg South Africa where he saved money and bought his first set of musical instruments which gave birth to the now renowned Ndolwane Super Sounds.
On buying the musical instruments he teamed up with his home boys Abson Bhule, Charles Ndebele and Develet Moyo from neighbouring Kungubo village to make up the founding quartet of Ndolwane Super Sounds. The band took to the informal music scene by storm touring villages around Plumtree area on frequent visits from Johannesburg raising funds for its first recording.
On the verge of the band recording it’s first album, Madalaboy lost confidence with his fellow band members on how to proceed in pursuing the dream that he had about the group. This led to him leaving the group making the great trek back to Plumtree to start another group which he called the Shining Fellows.
Asked why he would quit a band he had started himself and leave the name and everything, the soft spoken musician said that he did not want to disturb the group on the verge of recording their first album and the name had grown synonymous with the group than the individual members.
After leaving Ndolwane Super Sounds, Madalaboy recorded his first album “Umona” with his new group the Shining Fellows in 1997. The group featured Joseph Silwane Sibindi on drums with Nicholas Ndlovu and Jabulani “Maxheguza” Maseko joining Madalaboy on guitars and vocals.
Since parting ways with Ndolwane Super Sounds, Madalaboy has recorded a total of 19 albums with his group the Shining Fellows and other artists who include Chase Skuza and Allen Ndoda. He has also been around the country, Botswana and South Africa dishing out live shows that are always a sale out as fans can’t resist his unique rhumba rhythm.
On who then really has the right to use the Ndolwane Super Sounds name he created between Charles Ndebele and Martin Sibanda, Madalaboy was not kind to Martin Sibanda. The principled rhumba legend says that Charles Ndebele was better positioned to have his group remain as Ndolwane Super Sounds.
“Charles was there when we started the group and he has all the right to remain associated with the group name,” he said. “Martin joined the group a little later and did very well for the group being lead vocalist and composing some songs and may incidentally feel that he did a lot to warrant him the name of the group but he could have done what he we did and made his own name separately,” he added.
Madalabo’s main sponsor Acts Aota castigated the escalating wave of music piracy saying that it was killing the musicians as they were not benefiting from their talent.
“Piracy is a huge cancer in the music industry,” said Aota. “Loyal fans must continue to find ways of supporting their loved artists by buying original CDs.”
Madalaboy urged the up coming young musicians to remain focused in their music and never give up as it is always very difficult in the beginning
Man Rapes 2 Women In One Night
A Gwanda man who broke into two premises in Mpoengs and raped two women twice his age before robbing them has been jailed for 30 years.
Gift Mthombeni, 21, of Guyu was convicted on his own plea of guilty to rape, unlawful entry, theft and assault by Bulawayo regional magistrate, Chrispen Mberewere.
He will serve an effective 25 years after five years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar crime.
In passing the sentence, Mberewere said Mthombeni’s conduct was deplorable and showed an inherent wickedness in his character.
“In assessing the appropriate sentence, the court notes and regrets that you’re a young man who stands convicted of a very serious offence. There’s substantial premeditation evident from the manner you committed the series of offences when you identified places you clearly knew the victims would be sleeping alone and pounced on them,” said Mberewere.
“You chose the very middle of the night to attack and rape two adult women both twice your age. Your conduct is deplorable and clearly imprisonment awaits you. It’s the only form of punishment that you deserve as it’ll also send a message to other predators like you,” ruled the magistrate.
Prosecuting, Liane Nkomo said on October 5 this year shortly after midnight, the victim aged 42 was sleeping alone in her bedroom when Mthombeni broke the door to the house to gain entry.
The court heard that while inside, Mthombeni grabbed the woman and pinned her down while covering her mouth to muffle her screams. “Mthombeni ordered the victim to remove her clothes before he raped her after which he took R140 from her handbag and fled,” said Nkomo.
During the same night, Mthombeni proceeded to a tuck-shop in the same neighbourhood. He knocked on the door and asked the occupant to open on the pretext that he wanted to settle a R30 debt. The tuck-shop owner, a 40 year-old woman, refused to open the door and told Mthombeni to bring the money during the day.
“Mthombeni who was wielding a machete, destroyed the locking system and gained entry into the shop,” said Nkomo.
He threatened to strike the woman with the machete but she ducked and the two wrestled until Mthombeni overpowered her. The court heard that Mthombeni assaulted the victim and she sustained bruises on her face, knees and neck.
Mthombeni raped the victim and stole packets of cigarettes, two cellphones, 28 airtime recharge vouchers and R500 and fled.
A report was made to the police leading to Mthombeni’s arrest and recovery of some of the stolen money and property.State Media
Chamisa Brother Killed as 27 Others Die In Car Accidents
Kuwadzana MP Nelson Chamisa’s brother, Stewart was today killed in an accident in Harare.
His life was ended by a stray Harare Council tractor that also hit his wife and daughter.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon.
Nelson Chamisa confirmed the death saying the brother was “hit by a city of Harare tractor that failed to give way along Seke road” PIC:
“He died on the spot,” said Chamisa.
He continued saying “the wife and daughter have been rushed to the hospital.”
It has emerged that Stewart may have known of his death after he “insisted on us praying all night,” according to Nelson.
News of Stewart’s death came as it emerged 10 more people died on Boxing Day in 59 accidents recorded countrywide to bring the death toll to 27 since the Christmas eve on Thursday.
On the same day last year, four people died in 47 accidents.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said in yesterday’s accidents, 42 people were also injured compared to 27 last year.
He said the police impounded 67 vehicles yesterday alone compared to 139 that were impounded on Boxing Day last year.
There were 5 838 arrests, 533 less than last year’s figure.
Chief Superintendent Nyathi urged motorists to observe speed limits and respect road regulations, adding that passengers should not be negligent when using roads as well.
Police Boss Killed By Tree in Harare
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Officer Commanding Harare Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa has been smashed to death by a tree planted close to President Robert Mugabe’s house which could have easily killed the Head Of State.
He was 54.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Mubaiwa died at A.M.I Medical Centre in Harare, from injuries sustained when a tree fell on his car while travelling along Borrowdale road opposite St Georges College. President Mugabe uses the same access route when leaving his official State House residence.
His death officially confirmed by ZRP Sunday morning, came with shock as Zimbabweans speculated it was too sudden.
Mnangagwa Blows Fire on Assassination of Tongogara, Muchinguri Humiliated
The embattled Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has revealed that the late ZANLA Commander General, Josiah Magama Tongogara, was assassinated by ‘some people’ and did not die of an accident as the late general’s notorious girlfriend Oppah Muchinguri, present with him at the time, has for a long time claimed.
The Zim government had until today signed Muchinguri’s account as fact but Mnangagwa says the man was instead killed of human hands.
The development has thrown a blanket of humiliation on Muchinguri who has even gone in front of cameras to defend her car accident claim.
Tongogara was also Mnangagwa’s brother in law.
The VP’s shocking revelation now flashes suggestions that Tongogara, then the most powerful military man during the cross over period, was killed because people in President Robert Mugabe’s heirarchy did not want him to take over as leader of the country.
Mnangagwa told state journalists that Tongogara who did not taste the free Zimbabwe, had his car attacked in Inyembani in Mozambique on the 26th of December 1979 on his way back to Zimbabwe soon after the signing of the ceasefire agreement at Lancaster House in Britain.
His girlfriend Muchinguri came out of the said “accident” without a scratch.
“I don’t know what I can say because General Tongo was a dedicated fighter,” said Mnangagwa.
The bitter Mnangagwa who is being fought left right and centre by Mugabe and his wife Grace, said Tongogara told him that he knew “his internal” enemies who were planning to block him from leading the country which was about to gain its independence.
“He would often say if I don’t make it into independent Zimbabwe, make sure that you go and unite people. He would say we are not fighting against white people or individuals but against an evil and racial system”.
Mnangagwa, worked with Tongogara during the liberation struggle and is also related to the late national hero having married the general’s sister.
CIVIL SERVANTS SALARY: Bankrupt Govt Raises Police Spot Fines To $100
In an effort to raise cash to fund the bankrupt government and pay the starving civil servants who went on Christmas holidays without salaries, the clueless Robert Mugabe administration has approved an increase in spot fines for traffic offences from $5 to a shocking $100.
The move which is also going to increase corruption by the hungry Traffic Police becomes effective this Friday.
Report by Staff Reporter & State Media.
Motorists, who proceed against a red traffic light, overtake over a solid white line, drive without a licence, or operate faulty vehicle without a foot brake will be fined US$100 for each offence up for the current US$20. Encroaching white lines at traffic light stops and verbally abusing other road users now attract US$20 fines, up from US$10. Motorists have raised concerns that the penalties are steep and will increase corruption.
According to a Government Gazette published a fortnight ago, the legislature gave the nod to the passage of the 2016 National Budget which, among other interventions, will see traffic fines being increased.
Government contends that the increase in fines was necessitated by growing carnage on the country’s roads as a result of human error and reckless driving.
An average of five people have died daily in road traffic accidents between 2009 and last year, while two were injured every hour, according to the 2014 Annual Zimbabwe Republic Police Traffic Report.
During the period, the country witnessed a surge in road traffic accidents.
This was attributed to an increased vehicle population following improved economic performance that saw more people importing cheap Japanese cars.
There is a mismatch between the actual number of vehicles on the roads between figures the Central Vehicle Registry has on its books and what the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration says.
CVR data shows 1,4 million vehicles cumulative from 1918, while the Zinara database shows that less than 500 000 vehicles are paying licence fees.
Police statistics show that 41 016 road traffic accidents were recorded in 2014, a nine percent increase from 31 619 reported in 2013.
At least 1 692 people were reported to have died in road traffic accidents in 2014 compared to 1 782 the previous year.
Police say an average 1 824 people died each year between 2009 and 2014.
Public transport operators, especially commuter omnibus drivers, have been accused of causing many accidents.
And while Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators secretary Mr Ngoni Katsvairo acknowledged reckless drivers in their organisation, he said the new fines would increase corruption involving Traffic Police and motorists.
“The increase in traffic fines will only fuel corruption. You will find that there are many unroadworthy vehicles and drivers with no licenses on our roads because authorities are bribed and thus offenders are not arrested.
“There is need for Government to introduce stiffer penalties which do not involve cash at all, such as imprisonment to discourage motorists from breaking the law.”
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said: “I am not in the office please contact Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi.”
Chief Supt Nyathi declined to comment saying: “I cannot comment on spot fine issues, I am not at work.”
Government says it is moving to encourage good road user behaviour.
Presenting the 2016 National Budget in Parliament last month, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa asked legislators to enforce an upward increase of traffic fines.
He proposed a review of road traffic fines to begin from level two and end at level four of the standard scale.
The minister said fines for offences related to double parking, no stopping, no parking, no left/right turn, vehicles with fuel and oil leaks, discarding rubbish from vehicles, and spitting in or from vehicles be moved from level one to level two attracting US$10 up from US$5.
Failure to signal slow down, stop or violating a turn right or left sign, cutting a corner and proceeding against an amber traffic light, he proposed, should attract US$20 fines up from US$10.
“Some motorists, particularly, commuter omnibus and ‘mshika-shika’ drivers continue to risk the lives of passengers and other motorists due to negligent driving,” said Minister Chinamasa.
“The most common offences committed include, proceeding against red robots, overtaking against white solid lines, driving on the wrong side of the road, dropping passengers at undesignated points and failing to stop when instructed to do so by the police, among others.”
He said traffic fines were meant to be a deterrent, but the current standard scale of fines – last reviewed in 2009 — did not promote safety and discipline.
Mugabe Promotes Gays
With the economic conditions in Zimbabwe getting worse by the day thousands of young Zimbabweans are daily finding their way to South Africa with the hope of getting a job and making a living.
As the old saying goes the grass is not always greener on the other side, the once City of Gold Johannesburg which used to absorb many Zimbabweans into the job market has also dried up. Jobs are now very hard to come by in South Africa as ZimEye.com reveals, forcing the millions of Zimbabweans in the country to find alternative means of survival.
For most young Zimbabwean women, the solution has always been easy as they resorted to becoming commercial sex workers. Most ladies of the night in inner Johannesburg, Pretoria and Capetown are Zimbabweans, some highly qualified professionals who could not make a living back home due to President Robert Mugabe’s failed government.
There is beyond this, a new trend of Zimbabweans trying to make a living in South Africa. Several young Zimbabwean men are roaming up market Johannesburg night spots as commercial gay sex workers.
ZimEye.com met up with several young Zim men at a night spot in Rivonia north of Johannesburg over the Christmas holiday.
In an all revealing interview with ZimEye.com the young men revealed that the number of Zimbabweans going into gay prostitution is increasing every day as job opportunities fail in Johannesburg.
According to one young man from Harare who preferred to be called Thandi, he was brought into the trade by a friend who has been practising it since 2010 during the FIFA World Cup.
“Thandi” claims that there is a huge number of fellow Zimbabweans plying the trade in Johannesburg some without even their immediate families knowing what they do for a living.
“I stay with my wife and kids in Beria and she doesn’t know what job I do here in Rivonia, as far as she knows I work at a night club four times a week,” he said.
A colleague of Thandi who calls himself Bongie claims that he has also been in the business since 2012 and has managed to buy himself a car and build a house back home in Bulawayo.
The four men interviewed who are all between the ages of 26 and 32, claim that the industry is highly paying as they can make up to R15,000 (fifteen thousand) every month.
“Thembi”also from Harare says that the gay prostitutes are actually more demanded than the conventional ladies.
” There is a higher demand for us men than ladies in these high profile areas and most of our clients are very rich professional people both black and white and even politicians, ” he said.
“Some of them are out in newspapers talking bad about gays but at night they come here running offering huge amounts of money for our service,” he added.
Tich, who is using his real name in the trade, says that he has been in the business since the World Cup in 2010. He says when he started it he was working as a temporary barman at a club in Fourways in Johannesburg and was given an offer of R15 000 for three days of escort and gay sex by a white man from the USA and has never looked back on the business which he claims to be highly paying.
The four young men all put the blame of their predicament on President Mugabe’s government for failing to provide them with job opportunities back home. The men claim that there are hundreds more of Zimbabwean men in the same trade all because they can’t get jobs in South Africa and have to resort to being “men of the night” just to make ends meet.
“Some are not out here in the streets my brother, but stay in known gay rooms where they are doing it as a job with a weekly wage,” said Tich. “It’s for the money not the love for it. I have a wife and children to take care of back home but can’t get a job so I have to think of ways of feeding my family.”
President Mugabe is a known fighter against gays and lesbians who he frequently refers to as being worse than dogs and pigs. Several of his cabinet ministers and senior party officials have however been rumoured to be heavily involving themselves in gay relationships.
Zimbabwean laws prohibit gays and lesbian marriages and have come under heavy criticism from activists backing the trade. In South Africa the relationships are practised legally and people are allowed even to marry.
Tithes are Satanic, Prophet Says
The issue of tithing remains contentious one across Christian denominational divides because of varying interpretations of its origins and purpose.
Why a tithe is given, to whom and for what purpose are some of the many questions that have kept communities in the Christian faith searching for understanding.
Insistence on paying of tithes has also been the reason – or excuse – for some to stay away from certain churches.
It is within this context that a Harare prophet, Prince Wonderful born Wellington Kahari, says his colleagues who are collecting tithes and offerings need deliverance themselves if they are serious about salvation.
Founder of the Loving Christ International Ministries, which he says he dissolved after an encounter with the Holy Spirit in 2013, Prophet Wonderful says it was revealed to him that ministries and churches who collect tithes and offerings in the name of God are destined for hell fire.
“In 2013 the Holy Spirit visited me in my room as I was praying and preparing for my Sunday service. The Holy Spirit said to me, ‘You have sinned against me for you have walked after the error of Nigeria and Ghana’.
“I asked what the error was. He then said the error was the founding of churches and ministries, making oneself a president and founder of denominations, paying and collecting tithes and offerings.
“The Holy Spirit told me that all those who have formed churches or ministries, appointing themselves presidents and founders, those who are attending, those who are collecting or paying tithes and offerings in the name of God are destined for the lake of fire.
“These three things blew my mind and the following day, Sunday, I announced that Loving Christ International Ministries has been closed with immediate effect. It was not an easy decision, but it was more valuable to follow Christ than the worldly desires.
“We began to gather about five of us in the name of Jesus Christ according to 2 Thessalonians 2:1 and 1 Corinthians 5:4. A lot of our people decided to join other denominations; they could not stomach the ‘new light’.”
He says their gathering is growing – and no one pays tithes or gives offerings.
“If we want to pay our bills or rent we just collect the money among ourselves and pay. God never said Christian converts are supposed to pay tithe for the upkeep of the church or its leaders and we are just following that,” he says.
Prophet Wonderful also has some choice words for men and women of the cloth who are fond of titles.
“In the encounter with the Holy Spirit I was questioned, who in the scriptures was anointed by God to be a founder of a church or ministry? And who ever collected tithes or offerings in the New Testament of Jesus Christ among His apostles, especially among the Gentile nations of which Zimbabwe is one.”
He continues: “The spirit gave me Ephesians 2:11-16 which plainly differentiates between Israelites (Hebrews) and us the Gentiles.
“In verse 11 the Apostle Paul was teaching the Gentiles and showing them how the Hebrews or Israelites viewed them in time past. The Gentiles were without Christ, meaning it took Jesus Christ for the Gentiles to be accepted of God.
“Hence tithes and offerings were paid by Israelites only, those who happened to be biologically Hebrews bonded with the Levitical priesthood.”
He adds that Malachi, widely used to encourage people to give offerings and tithes, is clear on the matter.
“In verse 9, God says they are cursed with a curse – even this whole nation. Was God cursing Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Afghanistan or Britain? No! It was the Israelites. God did not say He would curse nations but a nation.
“Malachi 1:1 reveals that the nation which was going to be cursed for failing to pay tithes and offerings were the Israelites not spiritual Israel (Gentiles) but the real Israel, the sons of Jacob.
“I couldn’t count the times I have heard self-appointed ministers of the gospel berate their congregations for ‘robbing God’ in tithes and offerings.
“This verse in Malachi certainly means what it says. Someone was defrauding God of tithes and offerings, but wait until you find out who it is that God blames for this act.
“This is the time past referred to in Ephesians 2:11-13 and when all this was happening among the Hebrews who are Israelites, Gentiles were not part of these covenants. They were aliens. Therefore, the collection of tithes and offerings amongst Gentile countries and people is the work of the Devil.”
He added that in the book of Acts 15 a dispute arose between the Jews and the Gentiles when certain Jews wanted to force the Gentiles to follow the Law of Moses.
“The apostles Peter and James refused that the Gentiles should follow the Law of Moses, but that Gentiles should believe in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The Lord Jesus Christ Himself never collected tithes and offerings from the people. And Jesus Himself said the New Testament was in His blood which was supposed to be shed – Luke 22:20.
“He is the High Priest of the New Testament. If God freely gave eternal life by the death of Jesus Christ, then why should all other material things of this earth be paid for to these workers of darkness?
“What can be more precious than Jesus Christ, the one true offering which alone was acceptable to God?
“The book of Luke 8:1-3 states that certain women and many others supported Jesus out of their own means, Jesus never collected tithe or offering from anyone during his ministry.
“Even when he sent his disciples to preach he gave them instructions as to where they were going to survive. Luke 10:1-11 in particular shows that the disciples were supposed to receive whatever they would be given freely by the people and not to intimidate them with the name of their master. They did not use the name or the anointing of Jesus Christ to collect tithes, offerings or seeds because they were labourers of Jesus Christ not Moses.
“The yesteryear apostles of Christ survived by a certain manner of giving which was abandoned by the current crop of false apostles, pastors and prophets.”
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Mphoko Blurts Again, Blames Gukurahundi on the West
Disturbances that occurred in Matabeleland in the early 1980s were engineered by Westerners to protect their economic interests in South Africa, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko has said.
Mphoko told the State Media on the eve of Unity Day last week that Independent Zimbabwe and its liberated neighbours like Mozambique threatened these economic interests, making them destabilisation targets.
Zimbabwe’s southern parts, mainly Midlands and Matabeleland, were major routes used by the African National Congress’ armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe, to launch attacks on the apartheid regime.
What followed, the VP said, was a Rhodesian operation to spur the civil disturbances now commonly referred to as Gukurahundi and viewed by some as an anti-Ndebele crusade by Shonas.
The violence ended with President Mugabe and Dr Joshua Nkomo signing a unity pact that amalgamated Zanu and Zapu, the country’s foremost political parties, into Zanu-PF.
The Unity Accord – signed on December 22, 1987 – is celebrated yearly.
And on its 28th anniversary, VP Mphoko said though some have disagreed with his account to the State Media on what triggered the disturbances, his research and intelligence work indicated impeccable evidence of foreign involvement.
Such “conspiracy theories”, he said, were still alive and actively working to worm their way back into Zimbabwe.
“People can disagree with me; I don’t mind … Now, the conspiracies of ’80 were very violent, and that is when we had a situation in Matabeleland,” said VP Mphoko, the Zapu Chief of Logistics during the liberation war.
“It is known that as we were at Lancaster (for Independence talks), we had units all over the country. The Rhodesians were still fighting us, even after the signing of the agreement.
“It was now clear — that’s important — that the issue of Rhodesia has now ended; it’s finished, and Zimbabwe is attaining its independence. And if Zimbabwe is attaining its independence, what’s going to happen to South Africa?”
The VP went on: “South Africa was the West’s biggest concern. Their economy is there, the money there is theirs. What is going to happen to South Africa? They knew that (South Africa’s liberation movement) the ANC was working with the Patriotic Front, with us — Zapu — in particular.
“You could not distinguish between a Zipra and MK cadre. They couldn’t draw a line, so the only thing to do was come up with a fictitious story that Zapu wants to overthrow the Government. And they deployed their forces. All along, they had been trying to find an excuse.
“The force did not go to Mashonaland, no. The Midlands! The routes (that MK used from its bases in Zambia) to South Africa were between the Midlands and Matabeleland, and that’s the reason why there was this conspiracy.
“In Mozambique, they knew that they had done their job there. Renamo was on the ground, blocking the ANC. The South Africans were now in some parts of Mozambique, fighting with Renamo. So, this is the conspiracy that, in actual fact, people want to refuse to accept.”
VP Mphoko said it was telling that Britain did not take punitive action against the Ian Smith regime for rebelling against the Crown with its Unilateral Declaration of Independence.
Instead, he said, Rhodesia’s interim Governor Lord Soames reinstated Smith’s Army chief, Peter Walls, and others who were later co-opted into apartheid South Africa’s security sector.
“You can’t ignore the fact that even up to now, the whites in South Africa are not sure whether they are going to be pushed into the sea or what. They are not sure about that. So, you can’t take it lightly, thinking that things were normal. They were not.
“The British themselves gave power to some of the generals there . . . The majority of those people left (Zimbabwe), joining the South African services, especially the intelligence.
“So, you cannot say the Rhodesians were not concerned about South Africa. That’s the conspiracy I’ve always talked about.”
The VP said Zapu and Zanu had always collaborated way before the Unity Accord, dismissing claims that the former compromised solely to end “the onslaught on Ndebeles”.
“(Some think) it was unity under duress; we wanted a ceasefire. No, it was not. The Unity Accord we are talking about is much more than the one of 1987. It started in 1972. And the unity of the people of Zimbabwe is very important. People have wrong perceptions.
“. . .The conspiracy I am talking about is still there. A united people can achieve a lot. But you see, there must always be disunity in order not to achieve something. The unity subsists because the people are there, and we still have some of these fundamentalists who want to destroy the unity and claim that no woman, no Ndebele can lead the country.
“The moment you start looking at Mugabe from a tribal point of view you are not a leader yourself, unless you are a fundamentalist. Look at the President as a person, as a national leader. Look at Emmerson (VP Mnangagwa) not as a Mukaranga or anything else, but as a national leader.”
He added: “Look at any other person as a national leader, not according to their tribe. And that is going to hold. There are people who are going to be fighting to destroy this (unity). There are people who are going to be fighting to maintain it.
“These two forces are there. We committed other people’s children into this war, and they are dead. People who are genuine are going to fight, making sure that this unity continues. It’s a struggle; it has to be maintained.
“It doesn’t mean there is no unity. No, there is, but there are other forces which are fighting. They will always be there. There will always be those who want to undermine you and so forth. This is what it means. Life goes on.”
Sex Demon Of The Year, Uebert Angel
– When a pastor became a Satanic rapist.
The Sex Demon Of The Year 2015 is neither politician nor magician, but a man who claims to be a preacher of the Bible, who this year was revealed as a Sex Brute preying on young women in his church. [PLEASE NOTE – If you fail to promptly access this website, it is because of Uebert Angel church hired hackers who seeing the rigid weight of evidence against their “prophet,” have also communicated their actions in writing to attack this website so to slow it down. A Police investigation is underway and their computers have been tagged.]
Young innocent girls seeking spiritual help found themselves under the bedroom yoke of Uebert Angel who claimed to be a man of the Cloth but was found to be a man of the Broth, a married man who is yet grooming young church girls for his carnal pleasures.
It was revealed that he has pounced on several women in his church charging towards them in order to grease his “sin-fested”, infected body on their innocent souls. Impeccable evidence came out for the first time revealed by both ZimEye.com and the investigative ZimEye Video Network, that Uebert Angel who doctored(altered) his name from Hubert Mudzanire after he was listed for shocking academic fraud, now unmasked, is really just a Sex Brute who belongs to the sex offenders pages of history and charismatic yesteryears.
In one of the video’d evidence pieces, Angel would write to one victim begging to have sex with her in London. “Wanted to have sex with you the same day you return.”
He would also have the liberty to demand the nude pictures of female congregants.
He was confronted with all this evidence at his church meeting in Birmingham and dodged answering back. Numerous requests were also put in writing but never replied to.
It was also revealed that he is involved in surreptitious methods to gain entry into large churches while using the names of seasoned preachers the likes of Tudor Bismark. Bismark would come out and throw the truth into the open that Uebert Angel and his colleague one called Passion Java are all none but pentecostal fraudsters.
A full documentary on Uebert Angel’s sex scandal is now to be released.
Despite all the insurmountable evidence, many followers of Angel would continue supporting him worshipping the 37 year old man calling him their “Spiritual Father” who they will rather die supporting, never to question his conduct.
Shortly after this investigation was commenced, Uebert Angel’s church launched an attack as they publicly announced they were hiring website hackers so to bring down the ZimEye.com website. Their actions were unmasked and a police investigation opened. ZimEye.com reiterated its committement to stand for the public and especially women when they are abused by abusive leaders, politician and pastor alike.
Mujuru Destroys Grace Mugabe: 2018 Election
By Fanuel Nsingo| The 2018 elections will most likely be a gruelling battle between ZANU-PF and the opposition, given the succession debates and Robert Mugabe’ s deteriorating health condition.
Like it or not, we are likely to witness the “battle of all battles” between Grace Mugabe and Joice Mujuru in the 2018 elections, please don’t ask me why!
Given the scenario, I dig into each likely candidate intrusively:
Grace Mugabe
The Candidate
Young, energetic, fearless and talkative, Grace should thank her Commander-In-Chief husband who undoubtedly influences her actions.
Although the 50-year old current first lady seems to be rude and stubborn, her philanthrophic work cannot be easily dismissed.
Naturally, women were created to jealously guard their children from harm, and to ensure that no one in the family sleeps on an empty stomach, thus this act of charity by the first lady could gain her overwhelming sympathy amongst the electorate.
However, the ‘Mugabe’ surname could prove to be a stain in her campaign to become the first female president of Zimbabwe since gaining independence from the Smith regime.
She should revert to her maiden name and go in the balllot as “Grace Marufu,” giving Zimbabweans hope and positive expectations during her term of office, having ‘spiritually’ divorced from her husband’ s evil name.
2018 Campaign Funding
Funders can expect their funds to be put to good use(minus Robert Mugabe) in terms of party funding activities, including preparations for the campaign towards the 2018 elections.
Grace’ s lieutenants are most likely going to toe the line in the administration of funds, due to her tough talk and whistle-blowing-owl attitude. No one would want to be called names in public for stealing party money. She will call such offenders by name, names, and command them to “Stop it,” and most probably throw them into prison.
Recommendations
Her tough talk is widely-perceived as disrespect against the elderly or elders of the ruling party, in particular, war veterans. She needs to start to build her reputation and also surround herself with men and women with war credentials as well, apart from the party youth and middle-aged.
She is also known to abuse her husband’ s office to fight her perceived enemies, and is currently the most divisive element in ZANU-PF. She should act independently from her husband, and also learn a thing or two from the US First Lady Michelle Obama, who never says she represents the president in her capacity as the first lady at any function.
Grace Mugabe tends to dedicate more time to reading newspaper stories that mention her name, and thereafter attempts to put the record straight in public, or rather attempt “damage control.” She just needs to desist from her husband’ s behaviour and actions of repressive laws against the media, but should allow for freedom of expression and free speech.
Tough as it may seem or sound, Grace should state her position regarding the Gukurahundi killings. I know its easier for women to “let out” their inner feelings on very sensitive issues than men, therefore she could assist her husband by apologising to the victims, victims families and all Zimbabweans.
The “It(Gukurahundi) was a moment of madness” statement by Robert Mugabe is another Gukurahundi itself.
Rating
Grace Mugabe has a lot of potential to lead if she stays away from insulting and disrespecting other people, especially the elderly.
That said, some men need to be put in their right place in order for them to start accepting or recognising women leadership, rendering some of Grace’ s actions deserving of certain situations/circumstances.
Zimbabwean men and women should begin to grasp the needs of the changing world and wholly participate in the elevation of women leadership as is happening in some parts of the world.
She is guaranteed 30 percent votes being the traditional ruling party voters, comprising youth and rural voters, and a further 20 percent both men and women drawn from all opposition for her philanthropic work.
A further 15 percent of women voters having been swayed from the opposition could seal her victory, as they welcome “one of theirs” to lead them as the first female president of Zimbabwe.
If given the chance, President Grace Marufu can turn the around the economy, judging by her flourishing various projects across the country.
I give Grace Marufu 7 out of 10 for President Of Zimbabwe candidate.
Joice Mujuru
The Candidate
Affectionately known as “Teurai Ropa,” – the one who spills blood, her nom-de-guerre is a stark opposite of her claims of being a devout Christian. She is so-called for the downing of a plane in the struggle to liberate Zimbabwe from the ruthless Smith regime.
She is wife to the most respected and decorated war veteran, the late Solomon “Rex Nhongo” Mujuru, who died in unclear circumstances in a fire in August 2011.
After 34 years working alongside Robert Mugabe, she was deposed from her vice-presidency post in 2014 on allegations of planning to assassinate the nonagenarian.
Currently, she is believed to be crafting an opposition known as the People First, seen as a direct challenge to her former boss and colleague in government, President Robert Mugabe. It is believed that her ambitious project will participate in the 2018 elections.
2018 Campaign Funding
Joice Mujuru will surely attract funders attention, regardless of her being at the helm for 34 years and contributing to the downfall of the economy.
Funny enough, some funders tend to overlook the fact that certain political candidates begin to fight the same policies that they established or endorsed during their time in government only after they are given the boot. This is just because they may be interested in opposition politics, without delving deeper into the origins of the party.
Having said so, I’m certain that ‘wise’ funders will not just pour money into the People First project, since Mujuru and her husband have been mentioned in many corrupt activities, including the grabbing of some farms and mines by herself and her husband.
This is cause for concern for funders to think their money will be flushed down the drain, only for Mujuru to misuse the funds or to be jailed for her corrupt activities before partaking in the 2018 elections.
After the death of her husband, Mujuru has done very little to probe the real cause of her husband’ s death. Funders may also view this as vulnerability of a widow who has lost all hope of assuming major responsibilities or taking risks. They will be right to think that her weakness and vulnerability will cause her to lose control of donated funds, leading to collapse of her campaign or the party. Surely, funders wouldn’t wish for another Agang. Ask Mamphela Ramphele!
Recommendations
Since independence in 1980, Joice Mujuru still has no bragging rights, no visible project for community upliftment or development initiative whatsoever.
If she wants to guarantee herself the first spot, she should start to invest in the rural folk, being the ruling party’ s stronghold.
She also needs to prove her detractors wrong, and start to give back to the community, by way of charity.
If her Christianity claims are true, she needs to lead by example, from her clothing style, to her deeds.
After Robert Mugabe alleged that she plotted his ouster, she has only issued written statements, but failed to stage mini-rallies in order to counter Mugabe’ s claims. This sort of cowardice will surely cost her the potential electorate that she deserves.
She should start to speak against the Gukurahundi killings, and name and shame the culprits. No one in their right mind will vote for a fake Christian who fails to confess for engaging in, or has knowledge of perpetrated mass murders.
Again, it would seem as if “Teurai Ropa” didn’t actually down the plane, you can ask Chris Mutsvangwa for more info.
My message to Joice Mujuru – People need a visible leader, not the low-profile kind.
Gone are the yesteryears of males-only leadership, go out there and prove you got the swag!
Rating
Joice Mujuru is an unpredictable horse for one to bet on – and a wounded one too!
However, she knows all the ins-and-outs of government, as she has held various government posts since independence, till she was appointed Vice President in 2004.
As Minister of Telecommunications, Joice Mujuru tried to stop top businessman Strive Masiyiwa from establishing his independent cellphone network, Econet.
Enough said, she will need to convince the electorate that she prioritises economic empowerment of the indigenous peoples of Zimbabwe, not the other way round.
She is(justifiably) guaranteed 9 percent male voters that previously belonged to ZANU-PF, plus 1 percent female voters in the same category. War veterans are set to influence the voters in this category.
We should expect a further 10 percent undecided voters being youth and (largely)women voters from across the nation, regardless of political affiliation, the majority of these from the ruling party who have seen no improvement since 1980.
A bonus of 5 percent consisting of both elderly and young first time voters will seal her fate as she loses the presidency, leading to the split of People First.
President Joice Mujuru seems like the best choice(from face value) only!
I give Joice ” Teurai Ropa” Mujuru 5 out of 10.
Lastly I say, “Take your pick!”
By Fanuel Nsingo
Mahofa Poisoned, Feared Dead
Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo|Controversial Masvingo Minister Shuvai Mahofa has gone missing as rumours flare that she dropped dead last night after being poisoned at the just ended ZANU PF conference. The “poisoning” report has been confirmed by fully named impeccable senior ZANU PF sources.
ZimEye.com can exclusively reveal from fully named ZANU PF sources she has been unwell after being poisoned following her criticising of First Lady Grace Mugabe and her province’s historic rebellion against the First Family.
Reports coming out Masvingo claimed that the Minister who has been unwell for over (2) two weeks to date, collapsed and died on Christmas day. While they remained unconfirmed at the time of writing, her cellphone reported continuously switched off when contacted several times by ZimEye on Friday morning.
Mahofa has been admitted at a Harare hospital and Gutu Central MP Lovemore Matuke confirmed to ZimEye.com she has not been well following the Victoria Falls conference. A doctor also confirmed that she ate poisoned food.
Gutu East legislator Berita Chikwama also said Mahofa has been in hospital in Harare since Tuesday.
ZANU PF Spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo was unavailable for comment.
But there was a food poisoning incident at the Victoria Falls conference when Mahofa consumed the poisoned food. She has not been well ever since.
The development comes after Mahofa attacked Grace Mugabe barely a few days before, and her province has led the only and most humiliating resistance against Mrs Mugabe which made Grace cancel her campaign rally at the last minute before the December conference. Mahofa told her Vhitorians(Masvingo dwellers) that a woman should not rule the nation while men are still alive – READ MORE – Mahofa Attacks Grace Mugabe.
Meanwhile sources in the ZANU PF provincial hierarchy told ZimEye.com they are at present unaware of her whereabouts.
More to follow as this is a developing story
Sex War as Tsvangirai Man’s Wife is Snatched By Zanu PF Councillor
By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo|In a typical case of dramatic irony, a Zanu PF councillor in Chivhu snatched the wife of an MDC official in an incident that has left the community stunned.
ZimEye.com can reveal Zanu PF councillor for ward 17 in Chikomba District, Israel Dhikinya who is also a prominent businessman proposed love to Emmanuel Punungwe’s wife, Victoria and he was trapped in Whatsapp messages he sent to the wife.
The development has sparked a volcano of controversy surrounding the issue after it emerged Dhikinya now a sex rival, also contested against Punungwe in the 2013 local government elections.
Although Victoria claimed she only knew Dhikinya as her former boss, sources maintained the two were lovebirds.
“I only met Dhikinya in town and we exchanged phone numbers. We come from the same area and he knows I am married. Infact he knows my husband very well,” said Victoria.
Dhikinya also spoiled the woman with money -sending between $ 10 and $30 via Ecocash on several occasions.
Punungwe one day became suspicious and took Victoria’s phone. While perusing messages he soon discovered the trove-shock. He then seized the handset refusing to return it.
Dhikinya continued to send Whatsapp messages oblivious of the fact that he was chatting with Punungwe.
The cache of shocking data in Punungwe’s hands is now set to be used in divorce proceedings.
Dhikinya had reportedly gone crazy with Victoria such that he even displayed her picture on his Whatsapp profile..
An angry Punungwe has told ZimEye.com, :”I do not want anything from him but what he did is very bad. He must leave my wife alone.”
Dhikinya after being discovered and now pleading for mercy has asked for talks so to settle the matter:”I think let us meet sometime so that I can explain everything to you,” he told Punungwe in writing.
Social analysts have attributed such incidents to the current socio-economic challenges rocking the nation.
Punungwe is a teacher and sources claim Victoria was lured by the Zanu PF councillor who is also a businessman.
The current economic situation has led to marriage disintegration and cases of married women involved in extra marital affairs have been on the increase in the past two years.
Zhuwao: “Company Grab Rules Unchanged, Don’t Listen to Chinamasa”
President Robert Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwao cut his Christmas celebration Thursday to attack Patrick Chinamasa saying an indigenisation easing pronouncement by the Finance Minister is null and void.
The outspoken Zhuwao bustled journalists to his emergency press conference where he said Chinamasa betrayed his uncle by allowing foreign owned companies to continue operating without complying. Zhuwao also said the extending of the compliance deadline to March 2016 was mischeveous.
The Indigenisation dictation forces foreigners to cede 51% of their investment to local black Zimbabweans.
Zhuwao rubbished Chinamasa saying, “Government is not backing down on indigenisation; President Robert Mugabe has pronounced himself on that. The timing of that statement is very unfortunate because it was timed specifically when the President was out of the country, when the President has gone on leave,” he said.
He added “and that to me appears to be very treacherous because we are all supposed to follow the leader of the country because he is the one who has the mandate and for one to then issue a statement around policy issues without having cleared them with the President does not make sense.”
The Indigenisation Act was passed in 2008. “All companies that have not yet submitted their indigenisation implementation plans as required by the Act should submit their applications by the new deadline of 31 March 2016,” Patrick Chinamasa said in the statement.
Horrific Accidents: 13 People Killed on Christmas Day
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that 13 people died in road accidents Thursday alone, a figure slightly lower than the 17 recorded on the same day last year.
But the number of road accidents recorded went up from 106 to 127. Police were still compiling accidents reports for Friday by the time we went on air.
Road accidents in Zimbabwe have been blamed on human factors such as speeding, drunken driving, indiscipline and impatience by drivers, very low fines for road offences, non-removal of broken down vehicles along roads, total disregard of road regulations, driver fatigue, expired tyres, red-light jumping, driving without licenses, as well as stray animals on roads among a range of faults.
Other transport safety experts identified problems that included vehicle defects, too many consecutive driving hours, unhealthy eating and drinking routines, poor sleeping habits and other factors such as dealing with difficult customers and making unanticipated route changes.
Some also blame the lack of professionalism and corruption by members of the police who are failing to reinforce the law to make sure that people are not drink driving and for failing to carry out thorough road inspection.
Police spokesman, chief superintendent Paul Nyathi told Studio 7 that police have been deployed in large numbers to curb road fatalities.
According to the World Health Organization, about 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people, aged 15–29 years.
The newly adopted united nation 2030 agenda for sustainable development’s has set an ambitious road safety target of halving the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020.
Drinking and driving increases both the risk of a crash and the likelihood that death or serious injury will result.
-VOA
R15,000 fine for Carrying Undocumented Passengers into SA
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa will impose hefty fines on transport operators who ferry undocumented travellers into the country.
Those caught on the wrong side of the law will pay penalties of R15,000 per traveller.
A notice of the new fines has been flighted on the Department of Home Affairs’ website.
It says cross-border bus or taxi operators who carry people without passports or other valid documents will be fined the amount per passenger.
The new regulation applies to all of South Africa’s ports of entry, including the Beitbridge Border Post with Zimbabwe.
Beitbridge is a well-known crossing point for some taxi operators paid to smuggle through unregistered travellers.
Earlier this month, two taxi drivers were arrested in Limpopo Province as they tried to smuggle 34 Zimbabweans into South Africa.
China Starts its Own World Bank
By Agencies| China has launched its own ‘World Bank’ whose founding members include 57 countries but exclude Zimbabwe while listing among others South Africa, UK, and Russia.
The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), an evidential rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, was formally established on Friday, according to a statement issued by Beijing.
The United States and Japan – the world’s largest and third-largest economies, respectively – have notably declined to join the bank, which is expected to begin operations early next year, though others such as Australia, Germany and Britain will take part.
The bank’s establishment came after 17 funding members of the AIIB, which account for just over 50pc of its share capital, ratified an agreement on the bank, state television quoted Finance Minister Lou Jiwei as saying.
“The AIIB is legally established as the Articles of Agreement take effect today,” said Mr Lou said.
“The establishment of the AIIB marks a milestone in the reform of global economic governance system.”
It will be operational once its board of directors and executive council have met for the first time at an opening ceremony scheduled for January 16-18, the ministry of finance said.
Beijing will be by far the largest AIIB shareholder at about 30pc, according to the legal framework signed by 50 founding member countries in late June.
AIIB initiative and China’s plans for major economic development have nothing to do with power and dominance and everything to do with peaceful co-operation across AsiPlans for economic development have nothing to do with power and dominance but with peaceful co-operation across Asia
The AIIB has been feted by Beijing as a way of financing regional development, and is seen as a potential rival to US-based institutions such as the World Bank.
The bank will initially focus on financing projects in power, transportation, and urban infrastructure in Asia, the television quoted the bank’s president-elect, Jin Liqun, as saying.
With authorised capital of $100bn, it expects to offer its first batch of project loans by mid 2016, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
First proposed by President Xi Jinping less than two years ago, the bank has become one of China’s biggest foreign policy successes.
Despite the opposition of Washington, major US allies such as Australia, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Philippines and South Korea have joined.
Chancellor George Osborne today insisted that child benefit cuts will go ahead but hinted that fewer people would be hitGeorge Osborne said joining the AIIB was an “unrivalled opportunity” Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
“Forging links between the UK and Asian economies to give our companies the best opportunity to work and invest in the world’s fastest growing markets is a key part of our long-term economic plan,” Mr Osborne said earlier this year.
“Joining the AIIB at the founding stage will create an unrivalled opportunity for the UK and Asia to invest and grow together.”
Civil Servants Pay Bribes To Get Loans
By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo|Moneylenders are cashing in on desperate civil servants to peg astronomical rates during the festive season since government workers will only get their salaries after Christmas .
Many civil servants have been forced to borrow money for Christmas since they will only get their salaries on 28 December. There are unconfirmed reports Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa is likely to push the pay date for civil servants to January 5 . The development is likely to create further misery for the already hard-pressed government workers.
Moneylenders in Masvingo, Gutu and Bikita are charging as high as 50% interest per month and workers at the respective institutions have also confirmed there is incessant pressure from broke civil desperate to access cash for Christmas shopping.
“We are really struggling to cope with the demand for cash. We are even receiving bribes in order to process their applications quickly.
The government workers have no option but to come to us since they can only get their salaries three days after Christmas. We will also work on Christmas day which is unusual. Some of the civil servants are paying bribes ranging from $5 to $10 dollars,” said a Gutu based moneylender.
Stephen Mudereri a PTUZ representative for Masvingo condemned the pathetic living conditions for teachers and the rest of the government workers who have been reduced to beggars as they continue to suffer under President Robert Mugabe’s administration.
While civil servants are jostling for loans, Mugabe and his wife Grace are currently out of the country for the nonegenarian’s annual leave ..
VIDEO:Rutendo Saurombe Drowns In Own Tears
Showbiz Reporter| Facebook socialite Rutendo Saurombe has drowned in her pwn tears.
The outspoken “This Is Me” US based lass was showing her grandmother to the world at the time.
Many have wondered who Rutendo’s life inspiration is.
As Zimbabweans were told “this is my grandmother,” Rutendo instantly pulled video watchers into her world. “This is the Alice I always talk about. I just wanted you guys to experience how much I love her,” Rutendo says as her cheeks are drenched in a stream of shiny tears.
The Manika girl took social networks by storm last year after introducing her Facebook page, “Getting Real with Rutendo.” On her page she daily interacts with the community on a wide range of controversial issues which are largely albeit bedroom-centric.
Kereke Slapped In The Face: 16 Days to Rape Trial
Attempts by Zanu-PF Bikita West legislator Munyaradzi Kereke to avoid trial over a 6 year period, for raping a minor, have failed as the lawmaker is pulled into court in 16 days’ time.
What became a bungling affair with Kereke’s friend Prosecutor General Johannes Tomana blocking court procedures, has now resulted in Kereke being summoned to the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
He will be cross examined for the first time on charges of raping an 11-year-old relative over the pack of evidence kept suppressed since 2009 and seen by ZimEye.com.
The fiasco saw Girl Child Network founder Betty Makoni intervening from her UK base as the (alleged) victim’s relatives sought external help after being snubbed by ZRP officers and prosecutors.
The matter is now set for private prosecution on January 11.
The complainant’s family lawyer, Mr Charles Warara of Warara and Associates law firm, is prosecuting. This comes after the High Court ordered Prosecutor-General Mr Johannes Tomana to issue a certificate for private prosecution on the matter.
The ruling by Justice Happias Zhou follows an application by the complainant’s guardian, Mr Francis Maramwidze, seeking the arrest and prosecution of Kereke on charges of rape.
Mr Maramwidze claimed that he reported the alleged rape in October 2009, but police did nothing about it.
Kereke is accused of sexually abusing his 11-year-old relatives at gunpoint at his home in Vainona, Harare. However, when the matter was reported to the police the docket was then referred to the then Attorney-General’s Office where prosecution was declined.
Kereke denies the allegations, saying this was a smear campaign emanating from his acrimonious feud with former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr Gideon Gono. Kereke worked as Dr Gono’s advisor, but the two have since fallen out.
Mr Warara had argued that Mr Tomana’s decision to decline prosecuting Kereke was an infringement on his client’s constitutional rights to access justice.
This, he said, was detrimental to justice delivery and Mr Tomana should not be allowed to make improper decisions.
In response, Mrs Sharon Fero who appeared for the PG’s Office argued that Mr Tomana used his discretion vested upon him in terms of the supreme law of the country.
She said her office could not be compelled to prosecute where there was no incriminating evidence against a suspect.
Caps United Shoots Makeover
In line with their ambitious drive to turn professional and lead the way in meeting FIFA’s club licensing requirements, CAPS United yesterday announced a restructuring of their management with more expert personnel brought in to strengthen the Premiership giants ahead of the 2016 season.
CAPS United also revealed that they were satisfied with the work done by coach Lloyd Chitembwe and his technical crew and also rewarded the club legend with a three-year contract.
There has been no doubting that CAPS United are no longer content with just being part of a group of also-rans in the domestic Premiership in which they have uncharacteristically gone for a lengthy spell — spanning over six years — without winning any major silverware.
That barren spell has been a serious indictment on a club which was revered as the “Cup Kings’’ of the local game.
But there has been a feel good factor at CAPS United and their strong finish in the championship race in which they edged Triangle into fourth place seems to point to the good times rolling back again.
Club president Farai Jere, who has been overseeing the massive transformation of the Harare giants since assuming majority ownership of CAPS United, yesterday revealed a new set-up in a restructuring exercise which the Green Machine’s shareholders believe will match their ambitions.
Jere and fellow shareholders Nhamo Tutisani and Twine Phiri will now make up the club’s presidency with the board of directors, chaired by Harare lawyer Lewis Uriri, being strengthened to facilitate more effective administration of Makepekepe.
The Green Machine leadership has made no secret of their intentions to make the club the Premiership’s leading brand and it is in line with that ambition that Jere announced that banker Desmund Ali, Gunners boss Cuthbert Chitima and Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana have been roped into the board.
Ali, who many in the football family remember for the sterling job he did in running the BancABC Supr8 tournament and for his ambitious youth outfit Ali Sundowns, comes in as the board member finance.
Manyengavana, who traces his football roots to CAPS United, has been appointed the board member in charge of operations.
Chitima, whose Gunners project has for years been a bastion of developing junior players churning out many talented footballers, will assume the role of board member development.
The trio of Ali, Manyengavana and Chitima come on board to strengthen a vibrant board that has been led by Uriri and also includes the board member in charge of technical Mordecai Sachikonye, Alois Bunjira (marketing) and the pair of Abraham Kawadza and Alex Munyaka (supporters).
Jere also said CAPS United would soon appoint a new chief executive with incumbent Joe Makuvire moving into the marketing arm of the Premiership giants.
“All the shareholders are part of the presidency and we cannot be part of the board now, on our part we will only attend such events like the annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting.
“Our long-term ambitions also include cutting down on the cost of buying players because we would actually want to identify, nurture and then sell our own players and in line with that we believe Chitima will help us a lot.
“We have our scout Rwafa who will work under Chitima. Chitima has an eye for juniors and it is our plan that we can have talented young players being roped into the senior team so all the young players will be turning out for Gunners as the development side for CAPS United.
“With this arrangement it means we are not going to shut the door on talented young players because they will have an opportunity to play for Gunners as part of the CAPS United family,’’ Jere said.
This is not the first time that CAPS United have had a development side playing in the Division One League.
In a memorable era when they won back-to-back championships under Charles Mhlauri in 2004 and 2005, CAPS United had an academy side that played in the Eastern Region Division One, which gave a platform for such players like Masset Zengeni, Danger Fourpence and Lionel Mtizwa.
Interestingly, Chitembwe was part of the technical set-up which Mhlauri led and the former CAPS United midfield hard man had a different Christmas present from the club yesterday with Jere revealing that they had granted the coach a three-year deal.
“Basically, the coach was on probation and he has satisfied us with his work and we have signed a three-year contract with him.
“In pursuit of our professional goals we have also given three-year contracts to Lloyd’s assistant, Mark Mathe, and the rest of the technical department, so no one is leaving CAPS United come 2016,’’ Jere said.
Before turning to the management restructuring, CAPS United had already hit the ground running on the transfer market with the Green Machine luring back the pair of left wingback Ronald Pfumbidzai and big goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda.
Castle Premiership Soccer Star of the Year for 2014 Dennis Dauda has also joined CAPS United with the spike-haired defender arriving from ZPC Kariba.
CAPS United had in mid-season also welcomed back their former skipper Method Mwanjali and striker Simba Nhivi and with payers like Raphael Manuvire being targeted, more arrivals could join the Green Machine before pre-season preparations begin.
Given their penchant for Malawian players, CAPS United, who in the past have brought in players such as Joseph Kamwendo, Hadji Tambala and Gerald Phiri, could also lure more men from the lake country.-State Media
Mahofa Caught Stealing Council Cash
By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo|Provincial Minister of State For Masvingo Province Shuvai Ben Mahofa has been caught in the act siphoning council money.
She was caught in diversion attempts of ratepayers’ back account for her party Zanu PF’s expenses incurred during the just ended national conference.
This came as it emerged institutions in and around Masvingo were forced to make secret donations towards the Zanu PF conference.
Mahofa wrote several letters to different institutions in the province instructing them to donate money towards
the Zanu PF conference, but the city council turned down Mahofa’s directive, it has emerged.
The directive came at a time several institutions and parastatals are struggling to remain afloat as the country’s economy continues to crumble.
According to city council minutes leaked to ZimEye.com, councillors and management turned down the minister’s instruction, citing the critical financial problems currently tormenting the local authority. The local authority also resolved not to fund a political cause.
“The house respectfully turned down the request on the basis that traditionally council does not make donations to political parties but to the State. It was resolved and recommended that the request for donations towards the Zanu PF People’s Conference be turned down in line with council’s tradition of not making donations to political parties,” read part of the minutes.
Ward 4 councillor Godfrey Kurauone also said the council did not have such funds in its coffers.
“The city council does not fund political parties but state events. What if all political parties demand funds from us? We have other obligations to meet and above all we do not have such funds,” said Kurauone.
Moses Chunga Speaks On Christmas
SOCCER Coaches Union of Zimbabwe president Moses Chunga has saluted his membership for their unity and dedication to duty and revealed that his organisation was working to improve their welfare through strategic partnerships in the coming year.
In a Christmas message to all soccer coaches in the land, Chunga also said their Memorandum of Understanding with ZIFA had paved the way for their recognition as an important body in the domestic game.
“The president of Soccer Coaches Union of Zimbabwe Moses Chunga, the national executive and the entire leadership would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God give you joy and may he fulfil the desires of your heart .
“As SCUZ it is our desire to see you coming out of every challenge that awaits you in 2016 and may it be a prosperous year for you.
“Let’s maintain peace, unity and love it is through unity that we can overcome every challenge that we may come across as coaches .
“In the year ahead we promise to be more visible and accessible to every coach and to improve service delivery to every member. We will announce more partners and of note it will be to have technical partners to assist in coach education. We also plan to take our general members welfare to another level,’’ Chunga said.
The former Zimbabwe skipper also took time to reflect on the coaches they had lost through death who include legends Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, Freddy Mkwesha and Paul Gundani.
“This year marked a great victory in making sure that our position was accepted by ZIFA and we signed a Memorandum of Understanding and this paved way for us to engage other stakeholders in the football fraternity.
“Let me close by remembering our dear brothers who have gone to be with the Lord this year, namely Willard Khumalo, Paul Gundani and the legendary Freddy Mkwesha, as we celebrate let’s remember their families, thank you wonderful people God Bless you,’’ Chunga said.-State Media
Wrong Lane Kombi Driver Kills Woman
A commuter omnibus driving on the wrong side of the lane has claimed the life of a Harare woman.
The tragedy, which happened on a busy Fourth Street in Harare just on the eve of Christmas, was witnessed by many who told the State Media that it all began when the commuter omnibus raced down the wrong lane next to the rank.
Eyewitnesses say after the woman was knocked down, another commuter bus came and dragged her on the tarmac.
Onlookers are reported to have rushed to try and assist the injured woman without much success.
The eyewitnesses said when they realised that there was no ambulance in sight, two Good Samaritans ferried the injured woman in their car to hospital.
However, less than 200 metres from the accident spot, the Good Samaritans realised the unlucky accident victim had died and parked their car on the side of the road and alerted the police who were yet to get to the scene when the State Media arrived.
The tragedy, a result of errant driving, comes at a time stakeholders including the police, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspection Department and the public are pulling efforts together to curb road carnage
BREAKING-No Salary for Civil Servants
The Zimbabwean government has been slapped for “insulting” civil servants by not paying their salaries.
As they approach Christmas day, civil servants woke up yesterday to realise all they have are cashless payslips. Only the army and CIO have been paid.
This follows Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa’s announcement that salaries for Civil Servants would be paid on time.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary general, Raymond Majongwe, says workers have been insulted.
“They have insulted us. At a time when President Robert Mugabe hosts a banquet for Cabinet Ministers and top Zanu PF officials, we wake up to see this.
Our government is clearly insensitive and most people will not be able to enjoy Christmas with their families. We are not even sure whether the government will be able to pay salaries after Christmas as per their promise and it is even worse when it’s come to the payment of 2015 annual bonuses,” he said.
It is understood through the Public Service Commission (PSC) that the new pay date for state workers has been set for 28th December.
But Majongwe maintains that there is no certainty to that either. “Even after Christmas, I do not think they will meet their obligations,” he said.
‘Mujuru Did Not Grab Any Farm in Mugabe’s Land Reform Program’ – Claim
Upcoming Mugabe challenger, Joice Mujuru did not take any farm in Robert Mugabe’s land reform program, members of the ZANU People First party claim.
A PF cadre says Mrs Mujuru (also known as JTR), was actually a victim who lost three farms she had acquired in the 1980s. Below was the apologetic article in its UNEDITED FORM:
Those that have problems with Cde JTR shld spelt out exactly what she did wrong not to say she was in Zanu-PF caz all of us were, everyone above 40 and eligible to be President now if he/she was politically active was at some point Zanu-PF thats a fact.
It is unfortunate that we never hear abt the fact Cde JTR never invaded or benefitted a farm from the land reform although she lost Kamurinje and Kadogen farms that she had bought in 1985 and had title deeds. She lost these to the fast-track land reform like many white, and to some extend black farmers. Dr Cde JTR did not benefit a dime from the War Victims Compensation Fund caz she returned the Z$390 000 that she was given and was castigated for that by the likes of Tekere.
This is in the public domain and she disclosed this when she appeared before the Chidyausiku commission of inquiry on the abuse of the fund. One can check the Herald, yes the Herald 09 September 1997 to get the response that she got when she revealed she never used a cent from the war victims compensation fund but returned it to government as soon as it was paid to her.
You can also judge Dr Cde JTR by tracing the genesis of what her enemies now call Dr 10 percent. Dr Cde JTR had successfully negotiated that Zimbabwe gets an export market worth 10 percent of the GDP of the Emirate Ras Al Haimar and the deal included the UAE Emirate assuming our external debt which then stood beyond $7bn, finance the purchase of irrigation infrustructure for Zim farmers who were supposed to produce horticulture products for the UAE market she was given and tractors from Brazil for the same farmers.
All these was to be funded by the Emirate and the cost added to the $7bn external debt that the Emirate had agreed to assume. We were then suppossed to service the debt thru deductions from our horticulturw exports to the UAE. This deal was scuttled by Mugabe caz there was no cash that was to directly exchange hands that his corrupt ministers, who are often his proxies in corrupt deals, could lay their filthy hands on.
To cover up on his unpatriotic action he and his spin doctors started to accuse Dr Cde JTR of having benefitted 10 percent from a deal Mugabe was quite sure he scuttled. Mugabe has not only scuttled this deal but he scuttled a proposed dialysis plant at Parirenyatwa fully funded by local banks from the construction of the centre, purchase if equipment and training of doctors, all was to be catered for by the banks.
The problem for him was every cent paid was to go from the banks directly to service providers thus it was difficult for him to get any cut and more importantly for Mugabe, the minister responsible was perceived to be pro-Mujuru. All this i will put in the public domain one day when i start my 100 days against the regime media campaign.
This country deserves Dr Cde JTR at the helm and we shall fight tooth and nail, blood and sweat to ensure she wins the presidential election in 2018, for some of us failure is not an option.
“Open Your Legs!,” Male Nurse Fondles Patient’s Private Parts
By Tinoonga Mawere Chiredzi | “Open your legs,” a male nurse based at Chizvirizviri Clinic said before beginning to fondle a female patient’s private parts while doing some medical checkups on her.
The male Nurse Believe Mauswa appeared (43) appeared before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu facing aggravated indecent assault charges. He is accused of fondling the patient’s clitoris and insterting cotton wool into her private parts while rolling it around until it was wet.
The complainant said the whole process lasted for 7 minutes until she realised Mauswa’s manhood was erect. The complainant queried the duration and the manner in which Mauswa conducted the pregnancy test since it was not her first checkup.
She said the accused instructed her to go behind a cupboard in the laboratory and ordered her to remove her pants. She was also instructed to open her legs.
“I lowered my pants to thigh level but I began to query his instructions .He then took some cotton wool and asked me to open my legs wide. He pulled my clitoris and began to fondle my private parts. I told him I was no longer comfortable with the process and I also noticed that his manhood was erect,” said the woman.
Joel Siduna,a senior nurse at the clinic said there was no need for the patient to remove her pants during a pregnancy test since she was supposed to bring her urine without going through such a process
Mauswa has since been suspended from work pending further investigations into the matter.
He also told his superiors that he made a mistake in the process and conceded he went too far although he pleaded not guilty.
ZLHR “Sues” Government Over Constititution
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says they will continue testing the new constitution through approaching the Constitutional Court challenging human rights abuses and unconstitutional laws.
Zimbabwe adopted a new constitution in 2013 and it is yet to implement the new charter.
Government has cited financial resources as the major reason for the delays in aligning the laws with the constitution.
Dzimbabwe Chimbgwa a senior staffer with the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights told reporters, diplomats, and members of the civil society and government officials in Harare recently that the granting of court orders on cases which they have taken to the Constitutional Court testifies that the constitution is working adding that they will continue testing the constitution.
“We have seen progress in that regard where for example our lawyers have challenged and taken precedent setting cases such as section 121 which was struck off the statutes by the Constitutional court which most of you know that the state was using to suspend an order by the court and in so doing undermining the issue of separation of powers, we challenged successfully that section in line with the constitution, “he said.
Chimbwga said it is not always true that citizens have to push their Parliamentarians for the enactment and or realignment of the laws with the new charter.
“We have brought a number of cases where we have challenged demolitions in Mazowe where the demolitions which we were made to understand that were done for the best of a very important person.
“We have seen demolitions in Chitungwiza where we have challenged those and managed to stop some in Epworth .We have had judgement in Chingwizi against police officers in their personal capacities because of their conduct which is inconstant with the new constitution,” said Chimbgwa.
“So in that sense we can say the new constitution is a success to the extent that it gives us a legal frame work through us lawyers to protect people’s rights and that is a positive”.
Man Catches Wife In Bed with Lover
A man returned from South Africa to find his wife in bed with her lover in Tsholotsho. He stabbed him several times, leaving him for dead.
Mandla Ndlovu, 36, pounded Elliot Zondo, 43, with a hammer, sjamboked and beat him up with a metal rod before frenziedly slashing his back with a knife. He did not touch his wife, Sipho Ncube, 21, in the brutal assault at Nembe village under Chief Magama on Monday around 8PM. Ndlovu, drenched in Zondo’s blood, allegedly surrendered himself at Tsholotsho Police Station.
Sources said police officers did not believe Ndlovu, who was still holding a bloodied knife, when he said he had butchered and killed someone he found being intimate with his wife.
“Some of them explained the blood by saying he was mentally deranged and had slaughtered a goat,” said the source. The police officers were later shocked when a group of people came to the station carrying Zondo, who they thought was dead. He was rushed to Tsholotsho District Hospital where he was whisked to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, due to the serious nature of his injuries.
The cheating wife, Ncube, admitted to The State Media, in front of her in-laws, that Zondo was her lover. However, she disputed that her husband caught them having sex.
“Zondo knocked at our bedroom and my husband opened the door and attacked him,” she said. “When I shouted for help, my husband’s brothers came to our homestead. I’m not sure what transpired but Zondo was left in a bad state.”
She said she met Zondo last month on a bus when they both were returning from visiting their spouses in South Africa. Ncube said: “We fell in love at once and we’ve been seeing each other at my home, daily since then.”
She said Ndlovu had told her he was not coming home for Christmas but he suddenly arrived on Monday. Ncube said she failed to warn her lover that her husband had come home.
Zondo’s brother, Qhubekani, said he thought Ndlovu’s family abducted his brother and assaulted him. “His father is a member of the neighbourhood watch committee. We found him seated with his sons, guarding my brother who looked dead. When we tried to take him, Mandla refused, actually becoming more aggressive,” said Qhubekani.
“There were chains and a hammer next to the lifeless body and I think they wanted to tie him up overnight. Even his other two sons have been arrested, showing it was a gang assault.”
He said he doubted his brother would survive. Village head Patrick Dube said the Ndlovu family should not have taken the law into their hands. “Ndlovu’s father hasn’t even reported the matter to me yet he’s a man of the law,” said Dube.
Ndlovu’s father, Mahamba, said his son summoned the family on the day he arrived from South Africa and told them his wife was having an affair. He said Ncube shocked everyone when she admitted she was having an extra-marital relationship, without showing remorse or shame.
Mahamba said he was told the following day that his son had killed someone. “My grandchildren came running to the school that I guard, saying Mandla had killed someone,” he said.
“I rushed there to find a seriously injured man who had passed out. I ordered them to pour water on him and blood was oozing out of many parts of his body,” said Mahamba. He said he ordered his sons to surrender themselves to the police.
“The assault was serious. I’m told the victim has been transferred to Mpilo and the boys are in the police cells,” he said. State Media
Govt Fails to Pay School Fees for Disabled Children
By Tinoonga Mawere Masvingo| The broke government defaulted on paying fees for Copota School for the visually impared, creating glaring arrears for the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe run school.
Sources at the school last week said government defaulted on fees payment under the Basic Education Assistance Module(BEAM) resulting in a severe backlog. It is understood the arrears stretch back to more than two terms thereby creating a budget crisis.
The government is unlikely to clear the debt because the Ministry of Primary and Secondary School coffers are empty, sources have said.
A staff member at Copota School last week said: “we are facing problems at the school because the government has stopped paying fees under the BEAM programme. Our efforts to seek clarity on the matter have not materialised and we have been referred to different offices but all did not yield anything. We deal with children who are socially disadvantaged therefore most of them are assisted by the government.”
Several pupils are set to drop out of school since the government’s lack of commitment is frustrating the school authorities. Government services across all sectors are literally ground due to lack of funds as President Robert Mugabe’s administration continues to preside over waning service delivery.
Trapped Miners in Chegutu, A Hoax – Govt
Government says the alleged trapping of six people at Pickstone Mine in Chegutu reported last week is turning out be a hoax and is keen to question the local legislator, Dexter Nduna, over the matter.
It was reported that at least six illegal miners were trapped in a shaft after the owners of Pickstone Mine “forcibly” backfilled the shafts used by the panners while some were still underground.
The matter was reported to the relevant authorities and a rescue team comprising experts from various arms of Government was commissioned to go and excavate the area with a view to retrieving the bodies.
However, their efforts according to Mines and Mining Development Secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga, were frustrated by Nduna with the aid of the illegal miners and the district administrator.
Prof Gudyanga told The Herald that although a rescue team was still on the ground, no shred of evidence had been found to give credence to the alleged trapping.
Sources confided that it had since been established that Nduna was the biggest beneficiary of illegal mining activities at Pickstone Mine and he was using his political influence to protect them.
As such, the alleged trapping saga, according to sources, was a hoax aimed at tarnishing mining operations by Pickstone Mine.
Said Prof Gudyanga: “The local Member of Parliament claimed that there were people who were trapped underground at the mine so we decided to send a team of experts to rescue them.
“We sent the ministry’s chief mining engineer, the inspector of mines and explosives in the province and a director from Mashonaland West.
“They went there on Saturday and decided to excavate somewhere along where the alleged trapping occurred but the MP and the DA stopped the rescue team.
“The team dug up to 22 metres with the assistance of one of the panners, but there was no evidence of bodies or something like clothes to suggest there were trapped bodies underground. There was not even a stench to indicate that there were some decomposing bodies near.
“I personally went there to examine the place and I talked to our experts but we have taken great exception at the conduct of the MP and the DA for blocking our team.”
Prof Gudyanga said contrary to what should be expected from a leader Nduna was encouraging the nomadic panners to block the rescue team.
He said he was keen to talk to Nduna adding that as a legislator, he was not supposed to interfere with mining operations of a legally licensed mine.
Prof Gudyanga said it was the prerogative of the Mines and Mining Development Minister (Walter Chidhakwa) and the President to decide who should mine where in the country.
“He ( Nduna) is the one who was actually directing operations there. He is not the mines minister and he is taking the law into his own hands,” he said.
“I want to talk to this MP because he is misleading the nation because he even went on television dancing with the panners celebrating their success in blocking our team.
“We thought that maybe he was doing that for political reasons and we don’t know if these miners are depositing their gold with Fidelity Printers. I don’t think so and it’s a matter that we are already investigating as a ministry. The matter was reported to Cabinet and we are waiting for their decision.”
Sources said Nduna was protecting the illegal miners at Pickstone Mine for personal enrichment.
It was further submitted that Nduna had a bone to chew with Pickstone Mine because the company refused to give his company a $400 000 road refurbishment contract.
Another source said: “The net is closing on him on various criminal charges including making a false report to the police and inciting people to assault the police. He is also receiving royalties from a consortium of panners every month and recently when he went to the Zanu-PF National People’s Conference the panners contributed $3 000 for the trip.
“Surprising, the Pickstone Mine project is the biggest gold project to be initiated in the province this year, but he ( Nduna) is on a crusade to tarnish it. Pickstone is possibly the second biggest gold producer in the country, after How Mine.” – State Media
Quick Divorce: High Court Rules Landmark Verdict
The courts have no power to compel couples to remain in marriage when one party insists on divorce, the High Court has ruled. Even if the other party feels he or she is still in love, the fact that one is no longer interested in the marriage should end the union.
Justice Esther Muremba granted a decree of divorce in favour of a Harare woman, Ms Elta Matore, despite the fact that her former husband of 12 years Mr Enock Johannes Matore, was insisting on trying to salvage the marriage through prayer.
Mr Matore was strongly opposed to the divorce, arguing that he still loved his wife and that his wife was only possessed by a spirit of divorce. Ms Matore told the court that the marriage had irretrievably broken down as the couples had differences on financial issues.
She argued that Mr Matore’s mother was running the family’s finances and daily life and he would neglect his immediate family to cater for his father and mother. Ms Matore said she would literally surrender her own salary to the mother-in law and Mr Matore insisted that there was no problem in him taking care of his parents.
The court then ruled that the parties were not prepared to adjust and reach a consensus, they had not been staying together for at least three years, hence their marriage had irretrievably broken down. Ms Matore insisted in court that she was no longer interested and that she wanted a divorce.
To that end, the judge ruled that the court had no legal basis to force Ms Matore to continue in marriage when she personally insisted on divorce and that she had told the court orally and in papers that she had lost love and affection for the man.
“If there is no love and one insists it is the end, the question is: on what basis would a court then order the parties to reconcile and continue to stay together as husband and wife in a normal marriage relationship when one party is unwilling?”
Justice Muremba said the conduct of the parties in court showed that there was no longer room for reconciliation. “Upon considering the totality of the evidence before the court and having considered the law applicable, I find no reason why the divorce as prayed for by the plaintiff should not be granted.
“There is no basis upon which this court can force the plaintiff to remain in love and in marriage to the defendant when clearly, from her stance in court, the issuance of summons and living apart from the defendant, she is desirous to end the marriage,” ruled Justice Muremba.
The court observed that there was hostility between the parties as they gave evidence in court. “The mode of talking in court clearly showed hostility between the parties which supports that the parties had irreconcilable differences and that they are incompatible,” she said.
It was also the court’s finding that Mr Matore was simply trying to impose himself on the woman as a way of fixing her. “I read the defendant to be an ingenuine man who insisted on marriage in form simply to fix the plaintiff….
“The defendant sought to impose himself on the plaintiff under cover of biblical desire to be divorced only by death.
“Self imposition would not amount to marriage as envisaged by the law. The contract has to be between two consenting parties,” ruled Justice Muremba. The court also found that Mr Matore’s evidence was riddled with inconsistencies.
The couple was married on February 21 2003 and the union was blessed with two children who are still minors. Problems started in 2007 when the couple migrated to South Africa for employment. They had challenges in securing jobs in line with their professional qualifications. The couple had financial constraints as well as financial differences.
When it came to budget issues, it was undisputed evidence that Mr Matore would put his immediate family last while he prioritised his mother, siblings and cousins. Mr Matore argued in court that he had an obligation to help his relatives since he was first born in the family.-State Media
Killer Girlfriend : Police Forced Me
A lawyer representing a 48-year-old woman who allegedly struck her 59-year-old boyfriend on the head with an axe last month, killing him on the spot, yesterday denied the authenticity of a warned and cautioned statement made by Dzivarasekwa police officers in which his client signed, pleading guilty to the charges, saying she was forced to do so.
Steven Chikotora said his client, Tabeth Zhanda, was forced to sign the statement admitting to the charges. Zhanda is facing charges of murder. Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo deferred the matter to February 26.
It is the State’s case that Zhanda, who was cohabiting with Emmanuel Machingauta in Tynwald, Harare, could not stomach the fact that Machingauta wanted to return to his family.
Allegations are that on November 8, Zhanda and Machingauta had a misunderstanding over the payment of rentals. After the altercation, Machingauta, the court heard, is said to have told Zhanda that he was going back to his family.
Zhanda is said to have pleaded with Machingauta not to leave her, but he insisted on going back to his family.
After the heated argument, the two went out together and returned at around 10pm, the court heard. It is further alleged that when they came back home they started quarrelling again.
Zhanda then locked the door from inside in a bid to bar Machingauta from going out, it is alleged. A fistfight ensued and Zhanda picked up an axe which she used to strike Machingauta twice on the forehead, seriously injuring him.
Upon noticing that she had killed him, Zhanda packed her clothes and fled the scene.-State
Cellphone Thug Caught In The Act, Bashed Thoroughly
A thieving Mbare Musika vendor had luck turning its back on him after he stole a wallet from an unsuspecting ZUPCO passenger and sped off in lightning speed only to be seized by a crowd that responded quickly.
Mob justice was delivered instantly with the thief receiving a thorough beating that also saw some pulling his dreadlocks, fortunately the passenger recovered her wallet with all its contents.
When visiting Mbare Musika clutching on to one’s handbag or wallet is an unwritten rule.
Vendors, travellers, rank marshals, drivers, thieves and others of no fixed aboard mix and mingle and add to the huge numbers that pass though the bus terminus every day.
A young man spotting his dreadlocks and masquerading as a vendor could not escape mob justice after stealing a wallet from an suspecting passenger .
Fortunately, the thief was left alive after a thorough beating but some of his dreadlocks were pulled out and he had to nurse a bleeding nose.
What is interesting though is that those at the fore of reprimanding the thief were vendors.
All this happened in less than five minutes and the ZUPCO passenger recovered her wallet with all its contents but no one dared taking the issue to the police as Mbare has its own way of dealing with thieves.State Media
Grace Mugabe Now President of Zimbabwe: MDC Leader
President Robert Mugabe’s wife Grace, is now the virtual President of Zimbabwe, opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai says.
Grace Mugabe, 50, had taken over in a “palace coup” and no one in government was doing anything about the country’s crisis, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader said in an end-of-year message. “No one in government is thinking of solutions to the national challenges as everyone is preoccupied with issues of who will succeed this tired man steering the ship of State,” Tsvangirai said on Monday.
“There is no boldness to confront the national crisis; what with an aged president and everyone around him fighting to succeed him,” Tsvangirai added, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing unemployment and hunger.
He said Zimbabwe is faced with a leadership crisis. His own popularity plummeted since a coalition government in which he served as prime minister ended in 2013. “Unless and until we sort out the legitimacy crisis, we will not resolve the confidence deficit this government has suffered from local and international investors,” he said.
Critics warned that Monday’s announcement of a ban on cellphone recharge cards, to be implemented in six months, would threaten the livelihoods of thousands of vendors. Most Zimbabweans are employed in the informal and vending sectors.
Mugabe, who is to turn 92 in two months, has been in power since independence in 1980. He appeared in relatively good health, although he stumbled twice in public in 2015. Tsvangirai lost to him in presidential elections in 2002, 2008, and 2013. Each time the MDC leader claimed Mugabe rigged and intimidated his way to victory.
In the last 18 months, Grace Mugabe has taken an increasingly prominent role in Zimbabwe’s politics, spearheading the fight to get Joice Mujuru removed from her position as vice-president last year. Currently head of the ruling party’s powerful women’s league, Mugabe has denied having presidential ambitions.
The opposition criticised her recent handouts of clothes, washing powder, and agricultural equipment procured using a government loan from Brazil, at rallies. – Guardian
Another ‘Dzamara’ Abducted at PF Funeral
Dear Editor.
Rogue ZANU PF youths have just attacked People First mourners at a funeral this afternoon in St Marys. One of the mourners has been abducted (Dzamara style).
These violent youths were brought in by two vehicles whose registration numbers are ADA 6619 & ABH 6363.
Some prominent ZANU PF youth leaders in the area have been identified as being part of the mob.
The deceased Steven Chinasha was a vibrant ward 1(Chitungwiza) People First coordinator. He was instrumental in PF mobilisation work in St Marys.
As we speak the victims of the attack are at St Marys police station making a report.
UPDATE 1531Hrs: The alleged abductors have been called to police station. They are denying taking our cadre.. and meanwhile he is still missing
Georgias A Champion for the Disabled
By Rowdy Mabaudi | Senator Aguy Georgias did alot for Zimbabwe and I stand as an example proof of everything he fought for to see. I am one of the disability representatives: Appointed Special Interest Councilor for Harare, Chairman on the Advisory Board to Minister of Youth overseeing the empowerment and mainstreaming of youths with disabilities.
Zimbabwe has seen agents of regime change attacking government policies claiming that they have been disastrous. These blasphemous entities make no reference to the natural disasters such as drought, climate change , sanctions and others.
These agents of regime change do not make reference to the progress we have made as a nation. The progress that His Excellency President Mugabe has been inspired by God to deliver to the people of Zimbabwe. President Mugabe has never worked alone in his quest to deliver a better Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe worked with Sen. Aguy Georgias to bring development and progress to Zimbabwe. Sen Georgias stood against the institutional racial discrimination that was practised systematically against the black and mixed race Zimbabweans. Sen Georgias was part of the struggle that fought against discriminatory labour laws and wage structures that robbed the indigenous people of millions of dollars that should have been theirs.
It is still sad that mixed race Zimbabweans are still battling to achieve recognition and relevance in Zimbabwe. My mixed race brothers and sisters are embroiled in the same struggle as us the disabled. We are a marginalised group a forgotten people who suffered under the settler regime and years after independence we are still secluded from National development.
However I would like to commend Gushungo for working tirelessly to ensure that there is representation of the marginalised in government and in the party. I thank Gushungo for uniting us as people and Sen. Georgias is a vivid example of Gushungo’s policy of inclusivity. I urge my disabled brothers and my comrades from the mixed race communities to stand up and participate in national development.
Sen. Georgias fought for us to achieve the basic right to vote, to own property to work in public services and to get us citizenship in our country of birth, now we need to fight to restore our economic dignity that has been shredded by machinations of regime change agents, the same agents who sanctioned our country and our right to sovereignity, those who sanctioned our economic well being and experimented their disastrous Bretton Woods institutional policies on our economy without any compensation of sorts.
May God grant us strength to stand up and be the generation that made a difference the same way sen Georgias and his generation made a difference to the political and industrial development of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a nation that has been blessed by God, a nation that fears God and those devil worshippers persecute us for loving and respecting God.
Your Excellency we stand with you, marginalised as we are , we stand in support of your stance on homosexuality and your stance on empowerment. These two are Biblical principles we should never compromise on, people like Sen. Georgias lived their lives in defence of your stance and in support of your stance your excellency because it was the right thing to do.
Over the years we have lost many great comrades who have stood in defence of the marginalised such as Cde Solo Maimbodei, Dr. Sakupwanya, Jairos Jiri, Sen Georgias, sen. Culverwell among others. I take this opportunity to pass my concolences to you your excellency, the Georgias family and all my mixed race brethren in Zimbabwe on the loss of a gallant industrialist and development practitioner a true representative of the marginalised and a contributor to the country’s revolution. May his soul rest in peace…
Mugabe Struggles To Justify Georgias’ Hero Status
President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday struggled to explain the background of Aguy Georgias, who he declared a national hero and buried at the national shrine.
What the aging leader managed to say was that the late industrialist was a “real fighter” who fought against sanctions.
“Aguy belongs to the league of man and women who rejected oppression and racial discrimination, that is the legacy he has left. Today we are celebrating a life well lived, at 80 years, the things he achieved makes his life greater than his death,…. Georgias has left us a record which today chides you, chides all of us. It is a record which exalts us all a life worth lived,” said Mugabe who is on record saying that only those who took part in the liberation war deserved to be buried at the national heroes Acre.
According to Mugabe the war that Georgias fought was that of dragging the EU to the courts for imposing sanctions on his personal, Trinity Engineering Company and the deportation of his family from Britain.
To show that Mugabe was at pains to qualify Geogias’hero status, the state media attempted a stretched historical background of the party apologist which is below.
Who is Cde Aguy Georgias?
- Former Deputy Minister of Economic Development as well as Deputy Minister of Public Works and National Housing.
- Was Zanu PF Central Committee member.
- A businessman, founder and Managing Director of Trinity Engineering (Private) Limited.
- Senator Georgias served as a member of the recently dissolved POTRAZ board.
- He died at the age 80 last Friday at A.M.I Hosptial in Avondale, Harare after succumbing to heart and kidney failure.
Stance Against Sanctions
- Cde Georgias made several remarks on his stance on sanctions.
- He argued that the sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe as the country ruined relations with Britain by redistributing land which previously was largely in the hands of the white minority.
- Cde Georgias also fought against the deportation of children from the United Kingdom where they were pursuing their studies. The children were scheduled for deportation on the basis of their father being a Zanu PF member who had been blacklisted.
- Although he was reportedly removed from the sanctions list, Cde Georgias noted that for the five years that he was on the list his business interests suffered significantly.
Kapfupi “Kidnaps” Children
Popular Comedian and singer musician, Freddie Kapfupi Manjalima, has “kidnapped” children from a former lover.
Report by staff reporter and MyZimbabwe.
Kapfupi who rose to fame from street theatre he performed in the early 2000 in Harare’s First Street is said to have forcefully taken three children he had with his ex-wife Margaret Gejo.
According to Gejo’s relatives, Kapfupi took custody of the children without their mother’s consent, resulting in the “tug of war” between the two.
“Kapfupi impregnated Margaret when she was just a young girl of school-going age. He did not even pay the bride price. Margaret did not finish her studies,” said the source.
“Kapfupi was launching his career as a comedian then. He stayed with Margaret and they sired three children. However, their marriage broke down and the mother took the children with her.
“The comedian took the children without the mother’s consent when he heard that the mother had been married again.”
Gejo’s family is not happy because Kapfupi “kidnapped” the children before paying chiredzwa (compensation to the in-laws).
“He dumped Margaret because of ‘Mai Nga’ [Precious Kabrito]. Margaret was there for him when he was a nobody in society,” added the source.
Kapfupi’s brother, who doubles up as his manager, Steven Manjalima confirmed that the Mai Nga singer was staying with the children.
“We do not want to expose our dirty linen to the public. That woman you are talking about is in her third marriage. Kapfupi took the children because he wanted them to go to school. The eldest is in Grade 7. Their mother has no capacity to send them to school. She is staying with another man,” he said.
“If you publish the story she is going to be in trouble.”
He said Kapfupi’s camp was not bothered and they were marketing the singer’s new album called Toothbrush.
“We do not care what they think. I am currently in Mberengwa staging shows and marketing the new album,” he added.
Kapfupi met Gejo at the turn of the millennium. According to his own description, the comedian was “nothing”.
He made Harare’s First Street his second home. Dressed in rags, he would spend most of the day entertaining people.
Kapfupi is one of the people who revolutionarised street theatre. Who can afford to forget this line “Ndadaira ayini Mai Bhoyi?” [I “answered” a hot iron instead of the phone].
During those days, he virtually lived off from the well-wishers’ pockets. Those who were impressed by his act would give him a few dollars out of benevolence.
However, the musician divorced the first wife when things were starting to shape up, opting for Kabrito.
At his peak, he started to satiate his penchant for wheels with a modest Nissan Pulsar and dumped it for a Mazda 323, before making a giant leap to the BMW.
As if it was not enough, Kapfupi opened a bar in Epworth in 2011.
He even had bodyguards on his payroll.
However, he hit rock bottom, failing to pay band members, closing the bar and resorting to performing in rural areas.
“When everything was rosy, his children were suffering in Mutoko. Now he is a shadow of himself, he wants to play a good dad,” said Margaret’s relative.
Born 38 years ago in Ruwa, Kapfupi attended Raymondale Primary School, where his passion for acting started in Grade 4.
This was to continue in high school at Domboramwari Secondary School in Epworth, where he unfortunately dropped out in Form 2. He had to take up menial jobs that included acting and sewing to make ends meet.
In 1998, he teamed up with Jeffrey “Aphiri” Chikwesere to form True Vision Drama Club.
The two later went separate ways when Kapfupi added live music to his act, leading to the formation of the band Orchestra Ndoozvo.
Woman Gang Raped by Thugs As Lover Watches
Police here are hunting down three men who allegedly assaulted, kidnapped and gang-raped a woman who was with her boyfriend before escaping in their victims’ vehicle, which they used to commit other crimes.
The incident happened in Cowdray Park suburb near TM Shopping Centre on Saturday night.
The trio allegedly smashed the windscreen of their victims’ Nissan Drift with an axe before using the same weapon to attack the male victim, hitting him on the forehead.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango urged couples to desist from meeting at secluded places, saying that exposed them to criminals. Insp Simango said the lady was gang-raped by the trio.
“After attacking the boyfriend they forced him into the back seat of the car before driving away to an area near Norwood plots.
“That’s where they stopped the car and took turns to rape the woman. The three then forced the couple back into the car and drove towards Victoria Falls-Nyamandlovu Road,” said Insp Simango.
She said the three suspects stopped the car and made a U-turn after they encountered a police road block.
“When they were approaching Victoria Falls road they saw a police road block, prompting them to a make U-turn back to Cowdray Park. They dumped the couple before driving back into the suburb where they committed more crimes,” she said.
Insp Simango said in Cowdray Park they attacked another woman and robbed her. “They found a woman who was coming from South Africa and was still trying to open a gate of her house. They attacked her and robbed her of groceries, a purse, and other bags.
“The woman screamed awakening her neighbours and she was also heard by police who were on night patrol,” said Insp Simango. She said one of the neighbours managed to take down the vehicle’s registration number.
“They pursued the vehicle together with the police who were on patrol. The suspects drove towards the Nkulumane-Solusi Road where they lost control of the vehicle. The three suspects disembarked and escaped on foot,” she said.
Insp Simango said everything that had been stolen was found in the car, suggesting there could be other victims who had not reported to police. “All the groceries, cellphones, tablets were found in the car.
“However, we are still searching for the culprits and members of the public who may have information regarding their whereabouts must come forward,” said Insp Simango.
She said robberies are getting increasingly common in Cowdray Park, adding that cooperation from members of the public was important in arresting a gang that once terrorised residents in the suburb.
In October police arrested Njabulo Mlalazi (42) from Cowdray Park suburb after he, together with his gang, robbed a couple and forced them to indulge in unprotected sex as they watched. chronicle
ZRP Cop Beaten Up By 14-yr Old Girl, Family
Seven family members including a 14-year-old girl, from Lower Gweru allegedly assaulted and kidnapped a police officer from a police station and later beat up the officer’s superior, tearing his uniform in the process. The seven allegedly stormed Maboleni Police Station in Lower Gweru demanding to know the whereabouts of their 19-year-old relative who allegedly disappeared while in police custody.
They allegedly ganged up on a police officer that they found at the charge office, assaulted him before kidnapping him. They then held him for four hours.
The father of the missing child Nyashadzashe Dematema, 42, his twin brother Simbarashe, his brothers Douglas , 37 and Philemon, 38, his wife Gladys Mariwowo, 33, his daughter Tariro, 14, and Evelyn Chandu, 24, all from Musena Village appeared before Gweru Magistrate Shotgame Musaiwona facing charges of kidnapping and assaulting a police officer.
They all pleaded guilty and Musaiwona remanded them to January 12 on $100 bail each. Nyashadzashe said they were furious because his son, Kudakwashe who is a Lower Sixth pupil at Lower Gweru Adventist High School, went missing while in police custody.
Prosecuting, Bonwell Balamanje told the court that on November 25, Kudakwashe who is a boarder at the mission school, was taken to the police by his Science teacher Willard Mpofu after he allegedly broke two window panes at the school.
The court heard that he was left in custody of the police who ordered him to pay the cost of replacing the broken window panes and released him. After he was released, he allegedly went missing for five days.
Balamanje said on December 1 at around 8AM, the seven accused went to the school to look for Kudakwashe and were told he was at Maboleni Police Station.
“The accused proceeded to the police station and found Sergeant Benjamin Chinyowa at the station. Sgt Chinyowa who was the investigating officer in the case was the one who was last seen with Kudakwashe at a roadblock near the station. The accused demanded to see Kudakwashe and Chinyowa told them that he was released long back,” said Balamanje.
He said on hearing this, the family members ran amok and started punching and kicking Sgt Chinyowa.
“Two of the accused later dragged Sgt Chinyowa to their house and kept him there for four hours. After releasing him they took him to the station. They went to the Officer in charge of the station Assistant Inspector Andrew Maburutse, whom they manhandled and tore his uniform, demanding their child.”
Police officers later mobilised and managed to subdue the rampaging family members. Kudakwashe was later brought home by a passerby who found him wandering in the bush.
Masimirembwa Axed
CMED (Pvt) Ltd chairperson Mr Godwills Masimirembwa has been fired amid reports of a tiff between him and new Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo over the reinstatement of the parastatal’s suspended managing director Mr Davison Mhaka.
Mr Mhaka was suspended in 2014 pending investigations into his role in the botched fuel scam in which the utility lost $3 million after a contracted firm, First Oil, failed to deliver in 2013.
The parastatal also suspended fuel manager Mr Brian Manjengwa to facilitate disciplinary measures.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Gumbo confirmed the developments.
“It is true that he has been relieved of his duties and he is no longer with CMED. At the moment the deputy (Mr Seymour Mpofu) is acting,” he said.
Asked whether Mr Masimirembwa was fired over the Mhaka saga, Dr Gumbo said; “It might be one of the reasons but the point is I have relieved him of his duties.
“They work at the pleasure of the minister and it’s not a permanent job. It’s a job to steer the board.”
Sources close to developments say Dr Gumbo wanted Mr Mhaka reinstated before the conclusion of some investigations on the allegations, while Mr Masimirembwa and other board members were protesting the decision.
Reads Dr Gumbo’s letter to Mr Masimirembwa last Friday; “As I move with my programmes to align the activities and Strategic Plan of parastatals and State-owned enterprises under my Ministry, it has become necessary to effect some changes in the leadership of the CMED Pvt Ltd.
“In this regard, this serves to advise that you have been relieved of your position as the chairman of CMED Pvt Ltd with immediate effect.
“You are instructed to immediately return all documents, material and any property belonging to CMED currently under your possession and any rate, not later than 1600 hours on Monday 21 December 2015.
“May I take this opportunity to thank you for leading CMED Pvt Ltd in the capacity of board chairman for the past one and half years. I wish you the best in your future endeavours.”
Information at hand says differences between Minister Gumbo and Mr Masimirembwa started when the minister wrote a letter to him on November 25, advising him that the parastatal should reinstate Mr Mhaka.
This was after the disciplinary authority led by Retired Justice Simbi Mubako, had just finalised deliberating the various charges Mr Mhaka was facing.
The authority made a summary, which did not contain the reasons in full for the determination of the matter.
Mr Mhaka was found guilty for an act or conduct inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of the respondent’s contract of employment.
He was also found guilty of gross incompetence and inefficiency.
Mr Mhaka was cleared on theft or fraud and also on wilful disobedience to a lawful order.
According to the November 25 letter, Dr Gumbo wanted Mr Mhaka reinstated.-State Media
Yuan to Revive Zimbabwe’s Economy: Mugabe
AFP-Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe said today the planned increased use of the Chinese yuan as legal tender next year will boost liquidity and help give impetus to the faltering economy.
“The acceptance of the yuan into the world currency basket should offer (a) new possibility for us as from next year,” Mugabe said.
The southern African country stopped using its own currency in 2009 after hyperinflation, which had peaked at around 500 billion percent, rendered it unusable.
It then started using a slew of foreign currencies, including the US dollar and the South African rand.
The yuan was later added to the basket of the foreign currencies, but its use had not been approved yet for public transactions in the market dominated by the greenback.
“I am happy the ministry of finance and the reserve bank governor are looking at other strategies of reforming the banking sector and injecting liquidity into the market,” Mugabe said at the burial of Aguy Georgias, a prominent businessman-turned-politician and deputy minister.
The country’s finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa yesterday announced that the southern African country was seeking to expand use of the yuan in its multi-currency economy.
Economic analysts believe it is the first time that any country has adopted the yuan as a currency.
“I don’t know of any other country that is using the yuan as a currency, as a second currency. So it’s an interesting experiment,” commented Johannesburg-based Iraj Abedian, chief executive of Pan African Investments and Research Services.
“I am sure there’s more political misogyny than economic rational.”
“Mugabe is basically sending a very strong anti-Western message, and to the extent that the Chinese have committed a massive capital injection to Zimbabwe, Mugabe thinks that’s a good enough reason to send that political message.”
Zimbabwe announced yesterday that China plans to cancel USD 40 million in debts that are maturing this year.
China is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner following Zimbabwe’s isolation by its former Western trading partners over Harare’s human rights record.
In reaction veteran President Robert Mugabe adopted a “look East policy”, forging new alliances with eastern Asian countries and buttressing existing ones.
Georgias a Real Fighter, Says Mugabe
President Robert Mugabe says the late national hero, Senator Aguy Georgias, was a real fighter who exposed the evil, brutality, callousness and greed of the west when he used his personal resources to fight western imposed economic sanctions.
President Mugabe said this during the burial of Senator Georgias at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today.
He said the late national hero belonged to the league of men and women who refused to be cowed into submission by colonialists, adding that is the reason he was among those on the western imposed economic sanctions.
“Aguy belongs to the league of man and women who rejected oppression and racial discrimination, that is the legacy he has left. Today we are celebrating a life well lived, at 80 years, the things he achieved makes his life greater than his death,…. Georgias has left us a record which today chides you, chides all of us. It is a record which exalts us all a life worth lived,” said Mugabe.
He also said Senator Georgias’ company, Trinity Engineering and his family suffered greatly as a result of the sanctions.
He revealed that his children who were in Britain were ordered to return home on the orders of the British government but he managed to have that over-turned in the courts of law.
Earlier, the body of Georgias was taken to the traditional stop over for national heroes, the Stodart Hall in Mbare, where President Mugabe lead mourners in body viewing.-State Media
Harare Council Attaches 20,000 Houses
The Harare City Council has served about 20 000 defaulters with summons to attach properties as it moves to recover money owed in unpaid bills by residents.
The council is owed in excess of US$400 million in unpaid bills by residents and industry.
The Harare City Council has served 20 000 households in Borrowdale, Mabvuku, Mt Pleasant, Highlands, Mabelreign, Marlborough and other suburbs with summons to attach properties.
Earlier this year, the city fathers disconnected water supplies to defaulters hoping they would pay their dues but this did not turn out the way they wanted, leaving with no option but to attach properties.
“Indeed, we have issued these households with summons, 10 000 have been served with warrants of execution for attachment while the other half should come forward and arrange for payment plans,” Harare City Council Principal Customer Relations Officer, Dorothy Mavolwane, said.
The city fathers have resorted to incentivising debtors who pay all their dues by offering discounts of up to 30 percent.
The council has also been failing to meet its financial obligations with workers reportedly going for months without getting their salaries.
Service delivery is also at an all time low.
Harare City Council Sued for Faeces Drinking Water
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights are engaging water scientists to ascertain the degree of Harare water contamination the local authority is providing to residents with the intention of dragging the city fathers to the courts.
Last week Harare City Council admitted that it was providing unsafe water to residents.
The city council’s water director Engineer Christopher Zvobgo said Lake Chivero the source of Harare water is “very” dirty due to pollution.
The local authority has been denying that Harare water was contaminated with human waste which finds its way into Lake Chivero through bust sewerage pipes characterising the city.
In an interview with Zimeye.com an official with Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights David Hofisi said they are collecting evidence of the Harare water contamination before suing the local authority.
“This is a case we are working on and we want to gather as much evidence as we can so that we challenge the local authorities with concrete evidence,” he said.
He said they are looking for independent water engineers after realizing that using state water scientists from the University of Zimbabwe was going to compromise their argument.
“We have been forced to look for private water experts because of the relationship between the state and the state Universities which we feel those who we would have engaged might not be willing to stand before the courts of law and give evidence against government which happens to be their employer,” Hofisi added.
Tsvangirai, Chamisa Infighting Turns Violent
The growing battle between MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai and his said main internal rival, Mr Nelson Chamisa’s supporters has turned violent.
What began as a mythical scuffle has turned into physical war between opposing backers of the MDC-T’s two main figures in the 2013 election aftermath period. It all began when Mr Tsvangirai reportedly blocked Chamisa’s bid to become party secretary-general at MDC-T’s 2014 congress. It was also during that time when Tsvangirai indicated to ZimEye.com he has his own choice of a successor who is not Chamisa.
Youths from the opposing factions traded blows during the burial of Harare Deputy Mayor Thomas Muzuva in Hwedza in October and further divisions were evident in Bulawayo during the burial of former MP Thamsanqa Mahlangu.
The development has also seen Tsvangirai female aide Theresa Makone being labelled an old witch.
Insiders say Tsvangirai plans to meet Mr Chamisa to assert his authority.
“The meeting has been initiated by Tsvangirai, even though Cobra (as Mr Chamisa’s supporters call him) appears uninterested. The truth is: Yes, Chamisa has a faction and his followers are known. That is why Tsvangirai is now frantically going around, meeting leaders at various levels of the party. Who knows? Maybe Cobra will emerge victorious or Tsvangirai will assert his position,” sources told the State Media.
Another source in the party’s national standing committee said Mr Chamisa and his allies, among them Energy Minister in the inclusive Government Engineer Elias Mudzuri and Mkoba National Assembly representative Mr Amos Chibaya, have held several meetings in Midlands.
Deputy treasurer Mr Charlton Hwende, said to be a Chamisa loyalist, reportedly threatened to resign after he was barred from the standing committee meeting.
Mr Tsvangirai persuaded him to stay, and subsequently sought to meet Mr Chamisa.
MDC-T spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu confirmed Mr Tsvangirai’s and Mr Chamisa’s scheduled meeting, but tried to downplay the agenda.
“Remember, our leader is full-time at Harvest House, so he meets other leaders of the party . . . at any given time,” he said.
At a recent rally in Chitungwiza in October, Mr Tsvangirai said some officials were plotting against him. A week later, Mr Chamisa shot back saying his boss was seeing shadows.
Uebert Angel Church Death Threats on Journalists Shameful
ZimEye.com has received death threats from cult leader Uebert Angel’s church. These came as the preacher himself (recorded on video) also vocalised his intention to commit violence against reporters in the face of the investigations on his sex scandal the boulder of evidence which is piling hard against him.
Written threats were also sent to hack the ZimEye.com website. There were server outages syncing with those threats and a police investigation at the highest levels is underway.
Journalists shall continue to serve the public in their duty without fear or favour.
We wish to communicate that there is an obligation on those in positions of influence to ensure that reporters, photographers and editors are able to operate without risk or threat from any quarter and such threats have no place in a democratic society and should be condemned by all public representatives.
Civil Servants’ Salaries, Bonus to Be Paid Chinese Yuan
Civil servants’ salary and bonus payments are soon to be paid out in the Chinese Yuan as it becomes the latest currency to be approved for public transactions in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has announced that it will make the Chinese yuan legal tender after Beijing confirmed it would cancel $40m in debts.
“They [China] said they are cancelling our debts that are maturing this year and we are in the process of finalising the debt instruments and calculating the debts,” minister Patrick Chinamasa revealed yesterday.
Exporters and the public can now open accounts in yuans, Australian dollars, Indian rupees and Japanese yen, the central bank is on record saying. Zimbabwe abandoned its said “worthless” currency in 2009.
It accepts the US dollar and the South African rand as the main legal tender. Their use has helped to stabilise the economy after world-record inflation threw it into a tailspin.
Independent economist Chris Mugaga last year said the introduction of the Asian currencies would not make a huge difference to Zimbabwe’s struggling economy.
“It is Zimbabwe’s Look East Policy, which has forced this, and nothing else,” he said.
President Robert Mugabe has sought to boost economic relations with Asia after his relations with the West came under strain over his policy of seizing white-owned farms.
Chinese investors have over the past two decades entered diamond mining, co
Legal Tender
Meanwhile Chinamasa said Zimbabwe will officially make the Chinese yuan legal tender as it seeks to increase trade with Beijing.
The yuan was added to the basket of the foreign currencies, but its use had until a few months ago not been approved yet for public transactions in the market dominated by the greenback.
Use of the yuan “will be a function of trade between China and Zimbabwe and acceptability with customers in Zimbabwe,” Chinamasa said.
Reserve bank boss John Mangudya is currently in negotiations with the People’s Bank of China “to see whether we can enhance its usage here,” said Chinamasa.
2 Dodgy Voters’ Rolls Used in Nkulumane Bi-Election
VOA – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), which observed the weekend Nkulumane parliamentary by-election won by Zanu PF, says it is worried that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) used two voters’ rolls – one with over 13,000 people and another with more than 20,000 voters.
In a statement, ZESN said this is not acceptable in a democratic society as only one voters’ roll is utilized in free and fair elections.
The by-election was held to fill a seat left vacant after the death of MDC-T lawmaker Thamsanqa Mahlangu. All MDC formations boycotted the polls that featured Zanu PF and two small opposition parties.
According to ZESN, ZEC registered voters in Nkulumane using the polling station-based voter registration system which was recently piloted in the Marondera Central by-election.
“ZESN observers reported on the use of two voters’ rolls namely the main polling station-based voters’ roll which had names of those who managed to register anew during the November 2015 registration exercise in the constituency and a supplementary polling station-based voters’ roll which was extracted from the 2013 ward based voters’ roll. ZEC used two voters’ rolls for the Nkulumane by-election.
“This becomes the second time that the Commission has utilized two separate voters rolls (main and supplementary rolls) under the polling station based voting system prompting some stakeholders to raise questions over ZEC preparedness to fully implement the system for the 2018 harmonised elections.”
ZESN reiterated its position that international best practice encourages the use of a single voters’ roll in order to enhance stakeholder confidence.
The main voters’ roll for Nkulumane had a total of 13,331 registered voters of which 5,121 were male (38%) and 8,234 (62%) female. The supplementary voters’ roll had 20,787 voters of which 11,071 (53%) were males and 9,715 (47%) females.
ZEC chairperson Rita Makarau was not available for comment. According to ZESN, counting procedures were conducted in accordance with the law with all political party agents confirming by signing the V11 forms at the end of the counting. “In line with the requirements of the law the election results were posted outside all polling stations where ZESN observed.”
ZESN observer reports show that the turnout was generally low with voters trickling in throughout the day. Most of those who turned out to vote were mostly women with a significantly low number of youths turning out to cast their votes. “The low voter turnout for the Nkulumane by-election is consistent with trends during all the 2014 and 2015 by-elections. These trends may be attributed to the fact that major opposition political parties have not participated in the by-elections, and also the timing of this by-election which coincides with the festive season where people travels to different holiday destinations. Another contributing factor could be that the by-election was held during the festive season.”
ZESN recommended that government should speed up alignment of electoral-related laws with the Constitution to ensure the creation of a conducive electoral environment that guarantees the respect and enjoyment of universal suffrage and fundamental freedoms.
It also suggested that the continued use of two voters’ rolls reveals the need for ZEC to come up with a more comprehensive voter registration methodology that ensures that all eligible voters are captured by the new polling station based voter registration system.
ZESN also said ZEC should devise voter education programmes that lure the youth and other voters in general to fully participate in electoral processes.
Teacher Sodomises 16-yr-old Pupil
A Chitungwiza teacher who sodomised his 16-year-old pupil after drugging him with unknown tablets, mbanje and Broncleer syrup while conducting extra lessons, was yesterday slapped with a one-year prison term.
The man (22) sexually abused the boy on several occasions and ordered him not to reveal the offences.
He denied aggravated indecent assault charges before Chitungwiza regional magistrate Ms Estere Chivasa, but was however, found guilty of sodomy.
“The State failed to prove the case of aggravated indecent assault charges the accused was facing. This is as a result of the victim who is now over 16 years and is capable of consenting. If the complainant was less than 12 years, accused was going to be convicted of the same charges.
“But in this case complainant had agreed and he is above 16, section 247 makes it very clear under such circumstances,” said Ms Chivasa.
Ms Chivasa sentenced the man to a year prison term after convicting him of sodomy.
Ms Chivasa said it was not clear from the evidence adduced in court if the victim had been drugged as the complainant could have also been abusing drugs.
It was also established that the complainant would frequent the teacher’s house for money and engaged in the act.
The prosecutor Mr Loveti Muringwa proved that from July to November this year, the boy used to go to the man’s house for extra lessons.
While there, the teacher would force the boy to take some tablets, Broncleer and smoke mbanje before abusing him.
This would happen on several times and after the abuse, the teacher gave the boy money to silence him.
On November 26, the man insulted the boy leading to a heated argument that saw the minor reporting the abuse to his mother.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest. State Media
MDC Treasurer Joins Mujuru
By Tinoonga Mawere, Masvingo| The National Treasurer General(Youth) for the MDC formation led by Welshman Ncube, Godwin Masiya has resigned to join Joice Mujuru’s People First.
Masiya becomes the latest high profile politician to join Mujuru who seems determined to clash with her former boss President Robert Mugabe in the make or break 2018 polls. Former MDC and Zanu PF bigwigs are also jostling for influencial posts in Mujuru’s People First, it has emerged.
Masiya told reporters in Masvingo earlier yesterday he quit the party in a huff citing nepotism, regionalism and what he termed a ‘general lack of commitment’. He said it was time to move on to a vibrant political party capable of delivering the much awaited transformation in the country. He added he was fed up with pumping out resources from his pockets to sponsor a losing cause.
“I have decided to quit the party because there is nepotism and regionalism. The leaders are only concerned about one province in the country so it is a real farce. I have therefore decided to move on to better things. I am tired of using my money to sponsor party activities and the guys at the top are simply ungrateful. I therefore feel it is now time to move on. There is lack of seriousness in the party so I will move on to People First,” said Masiya .
Sources in the Welshman Ncube led MDC formation told ZimEye.com the party leadership has been rocked by Masiya’s resignation and Ncube himself expressed shock at the resignation.
“Masiya’s resignation has really rocked the party leadership because he is the man who pulled the strings in terms of seeking funding for the party and he is a long serving member,” said a party official.
The resignation comes at a time Zanu PF and MDC supporters are clandestinely attending People First strategic meetings across the country.
Mujuru has emerged as the leading contender to lock horns with the nonegenarian -Mugabe who turns 92 early next year.
Mujuru who faced the ignonimy of being kicked out of Zanu PF for allegedly plotting to kill Mugabe is expected to wrestle power from her former party and end three decades of social, political and economic misery for the people of Zimbabwe.
‘Rapist’ Vanishes from Court
The bogus doctor on trial for allegedly raping two nurses has disappeared.
The man who is on bail for allegedly raping a student nurse based at Harare Central Hospital and a nurse from a private hospital, was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest after vanishing from court, the State Media reports.
Lawrence Kutoka (38) of Waterfalls, became the talk of the city when news of his rape charges reached the newsprint. The development was likened to that of a Kenyan doctor who “raped an unconscious woman in hospital”.
Kutoka was granted bail by the High Court and was yesterday back at Chitungwiza court before regional magistrate, Ms Estere Chivasa for trial.
He was not asked to plead to two counts of rape and aggravated indecent assault charges.
Kutoka was seeking a postponement of the matter after his lawyer could not attend trial.
When Ms Chivasa advised Kutoka that the trial was supposed to start, he professed ignorance telling the court that he had paid the lawyer for the services.
“I cannot stand trial because my lawyer is not around. I paid him,” he said.
However, Ms Chivasa refuted the claims.
“Tell your lawyer that he will read the record. If he is busy he should have sent someone.
“You have a right to a legal representative, but that is not absolute.
“I will give you an hour to look for another lawyer since the one you sought services from seems to be unwilling to help after he failed to collect your court papers,” said Ms Chivasa who then adjourned the court.
After the lapse of the granted time, Kutoka was called three times but was in no show prompting the prosecutor Mr Loveti Muringwa to apply for a warrant of arrest.
Ms Chivasa concurred and said: “Warrant of arrest issued.
“I have already endorsed that the accused should be remanded in custody upon arrest.”
Circumstances are that Kutoka raped the pair after he promised to offer them jobs at his “surgery” on November 5.
He met his first victim, a nurse (20) at a private hospital on her way to Eastlea to collect her salary when Kutoka allegedly introduced himself as a doctor.
Kutoka allegedly told her that he opened a new surgery and wanted nurse aides.
They later met in town and handed him her CV, inviting her into his vehicle on the pretext of taking her home to Highfield.
He allegedly drove to Marondera where he raped the woman.
On November 9, Kutoka allegedly met the second victim at Harare Central Hospital, introducing himself as Dr Madiro.
It is alleged that he used the same trick to lure her to Chitungwiza where he raped her.-State Media
Cellphone Thug Caught In The Act, Slapped 11 Months
A cellphone thug has been thrown into prison for 11 months.
The man from Mbare, was last Friday sentenced to 11 months incarceration for breaking into Mr Will Kumanguwo’s house and stealing two handsets.
The daring thief, one Tinotenda Chirume on the 30th November, invaded the house through a window before stealing two cellphones worth $110. Chirume, 26, of Nenyere Flats pounced into Kumanguwo’s house while the latter was watching television.
Kumanguwo had locked the doors of his house but forgot to close the bathroom window.
The court was told Kumanguwo saw Chirume taking the phones. It was at that point that Kumanguwo called for help from neighbours.
However Chirume escaped through the same window but was soon caught by neighbours while fleeing.
Only one mobile phone worth $50 was recovered.
He appeared before Mbare magistrate Ms Anita Tshuma facing charges of unlawful entry and was sentenced to 15 months in jail while three months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
Another month was also suspended on condition Chirume pays back Will Kumanguwo $60 by January 13. He will serve an effective 11 months.
Unity Cup Cancelled
The ZIFA Unity Cup previously slated for Rufaro stadium has been cancelled.
The reason cited is the burial of national hero Aguy Georgias at the National Heroes Acre.
The game had always been doomed since the day Highlanders snubbed ZIFA’s late request for them to play Dynamos in the encounter originally set for today that was to coincide with National Unity Day commemorations.
After Highlanders insisted that their 2015 season had been over and that they had sent their players on holiday, ZIFA then turned to CAPS United who were readily available to rekindle their rivalry with Dynamos and were busy at training yesterday in readiness for the showdown.
While CAPS United, who had wanted to also use the game to give a run to returning players — Method Mwanjali, big goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, defender Dennis Dauda and Simba Nhivi — were busy at training, the match was called off.
In a brief statement, ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa said they had called off the game as it coincided with the burial of Georgias.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation of the cancellation of the 2015 ZIFA Unity Cup.
“The cancellation has been compelled by the burial of the national hero Cde Aguy Georgias at the National Heroes acre tomorrow (today).
“ZIFA remains grateful to Dynamos, CAPS United and Bulawayo City who had agreed to participate,” read the statement.
ZIFA also joined the nation in mourning the former Deputy Minister of Local Government, Public Woks and National Housing.
“Meanwhile, the association joins the nation in mourning Cde Aguy Georgias. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Georgias family in this time of grief and we encourage them to seek comfort and solace in the almighty. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read the statement.
Initially, Dynamos and Highlanders were scheduled to play in the match which is part of the National Unity Day commemorations at Barboufields but the Bulawayo giants turned down the proposal.
Highlanders had earlier also snubbed the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Cup citing that their players are already off season and they had not planned for the match.
With Bosso adamant and ZIFA truing to have the match played, CAPS United were then roped in on Sunday and had immediately geared themselves to play.
However, it is the manner in which the Cup was organised that always had problems from the start as the mother body left it until late to arrange the cup game.
140 People Want Harare Town Clerk Job
The Harare Town Clerk post which fell vacant in August following the ouster of Tendai Mahachi, has seen at least 140 people vying for the post.
The successful candidate will replace Chamber Secretary, Mrs Josephine Ncube, who has been acting town clerk.
Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni advertised the post, saying the successful-one should be a very sound professional who would commit to successfully dealing with stubborn, sometimes competing, realities of the city with its diverse influences, constituencies and expectations.
Manyenyeni said interviews will be carried out next month with the incumbent expected to be in office by February.
“The response has been overwhelming as many people applied for the position, but 140 applicants were taken for consideration,” he said.
“We expect all the processes to be concluded in a month’s time as council will follow all the process as outlined and applications are now closed.” The remuneration for the position would be a salary and benefits package amounting to $10 475 per month.
In the advert, the mayor said: “Pursuant to the succession planning in the executive leadership of Harare City Council, His Worship the Mayor of Harare is inviting applications for the position of Town Clerk-Designate. The city is looking for a competent game changer to occupy one of the top CEO positions in Zimbabwe, managing annual budgets in excess of $300 million.
“Council needs a fresh inspiring look for many of its operations. The ideal candidates will have at least a first degree in a relevant field of study and no less than 10 years senior management experience with relevant institutions. Previous experience in local government will be an asset but is not a requirement.”
The latest events will no doubt lead to a legal dispute between council and Dr Mahachi who recently approached the Labour Court seeking an order compelling the city to reinstate him on full salary and benefits until his five year contract expires in 2018.
Clr Manyenyeni, however, said council would go ahead with its plans. “That process stops nothing, council will move on in spite of all these desperate manoeuvres. I am leading the process as agreed on by council,” he said.
Harare will retire Dr Mahachi from service after he attains 65 years on December 31 this year following protracted exit package negotiations after he was sent on forced leave in July for reportedly stalling the city’s succession plan. Dr Mahachi claims he turns 59 this year while the city argues he is turning 65.