The Gwanda Residents Association notes with great concern unprecedented moves by the Municipality of Gwanda to roll out the prepaid water meters project regardless of the resistance from the residents of Gwanda and that of other urban centres throughout country.
The Residents Association is particularly disturbed that council is going ahead with this move despite several requests from the association and other stakeholders for engagement on this matter before implementation or non implementation of the program.
It is an open matter that the issue of the legality and or constitutionality of the prepaid water meters is a matter certainly bound to be decided in the country’s highest court the Constitutional Court and so can not at this stage be implemented as it will be a mere waste of time and resources.
Several urban centres some of a bigger influence than Gwanda, have held huge demonstrations against the moves by their councils to install the prepaid water meters and the councils have since shelved the programs and opened up for dialogue with all stake holders.
Parliamentarians have tabled the matter in the august house for debate and so leaves it evident that the matter is under going serious considerations at different levels.
We are therefore shocked and disturbed as residents of Gwanda how or who our council presumes itself to be to consider itself better positioned and more capable to go on and implement this program in solitude against such odds.
We take this move by our local authority as a direct disregard of the coexistence of council and its stakeholders in the administration and development of the town.
We also view this move as a direct provocation of us as interested parties who have actually gone further and raised concerns to council on the matter and can therefore not take such provocation hands down.
We are aware of the unfortunate survey which council is said to have done amongst the residents to determine if the residents are for or against the meters.
This survey by council was also very unprecedented as it was very fraudulent and inconsiderate for council to put residents through an uninformed decision making process more so on a matter of basic constitutional human right consideration.
It is therefore with regret that we note that council celebrates what they call a majority of residents who opted for the meters on the basis of this fraudulent survey.
Council chooses to ignore an evident fact that when residents claim to favour the prepaid water meters to get rid of the terrible water billings, the residents are in fact sending a no confidence message to council and favouring the prepaid meters simply as a means of getting rid of council more than anything else.
As residents representation we stand by our demands that council comes for an open dialogue with us and other stakeholders on this matter and allow due processes currently underway in the higher offices to go through before they can seriously consider unrolling the program.
We by means of this statement, like to categorically reiterate to council that as the Residents Association and indeed residents, shall not sit back and watch while they engage in this move without due consultation, consideration and consensus from all involved and interested in the matter.
The calmness and willingness to dialogue exhibited by the residents of Gwanda must never be taken as a conclusion that the residents here are any different from those of other centres in the country and so can be manipulated willy nilly and wantonly.
We would like to remind our authorities that we are also equal citizens of this country with rights and privileges as with all other citizens of Zimbabwe and so very capable and ready to resist any moves that infringe on our constitutional rights by any legal moves within our hands to demand to be respected and appreciated as we are accorded rights and services due to us.
Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo Spokesperson Gwanda Residents Association.

ZANU PF Harare Province Chairman Goodwills Masimirembwa has been axed, ZimEye.com can reveal.
Masimirembwa was booted from his position following a vote of no confidence passed Wednesday afternoon by over 100 party members.
It was not clear at the time of writing if the resolution will be upheld by the Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere. Reports suggested that Harare MP Shadreck Mashayamombe is eyeing the post and allegations were raised that he may have created the circumstances for Masimirembwa’s booting.
Masimirembwa was accused of being complicit in the corruption at the ZANU PF run Nehanda Housing Cooperative which saw bigwigs milk millions from home-seekers – [READ MORE Masimirembwa Stringed in $3Million Scandal at Nehanda Housing CooperativeMasimirembwa Stringed in $3Million Scandal at Nehanda Housing Cooperative.]
More to follow…

Chombo Sends Army to Frighten Voters | BI-ELECTION UPDATE  
RESULTS :
Results so far:
HURUNGWE WEST-
MADZUDZO:
Mliswa – 155
Guzah – 281
 
NYAODZA:
Mliswa – 58
Guzha – 80
 
MAGORORO
Mliswa – 38
Guzha – 136
Spoilt – 3
 
CHIEDZA
Mliswa – 57
Guzha – 75
 
KANYATHI
Mliswa – 48
Guzha – 150
Spoilt – 3
 
CHITIMBE
Mliswa – 330
Guzha – 127
 
CHINGURUNGURU
Mliswa – 236
Guzha – 45

Highfield West

The parliamentary by elections are being held in 16 constituencies left vacant following the recall of 21 legislators by Zanu PF and the MDC-T.

At least 102 candidates successfully filed their nomination papers to contest in the 16 constituencies in different parts of the country.

By-elections which began early today in the country’s six provinces have generated widespread interest with observers from the European Union and the United States seen at some polling stations in Glen View and Highfield suburbs.

Voting in the by elections which began early today is flowing smoothly at some schools which were temporarily closed to pave way for voting.
Among those who cast their votes are Highfield West aspiring candidate Psychology Maziwisa.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Hurungwe West:
1. Murapa – one Sabhuku was arrested attempting to force people to write their names down when they vote.
2. Another Sabhuku was removed from the polling station for attempting to do the same.
3. A suspicious man was sighted loitering in the polling station and was not removed despite complaints from the polling agents.
4. The ZANU PF Chairman for Murapa assaulted a youth accusing him of supporting Temba Mliswa.
5. The ZANU PF Youth Chairperson for Murapa was witnessed harassing voters outside the polling station.
MASHUMA
1. People in possession of voters’ slips and observed to have been bussed in from Magunje were fortunately turned away as their names did not appear on the voters’ roll
NYAODZA
1. Members of Temba Mliswa’s team were attacked and assaulted by a team in support of Keith Guzha.
2. ZANU PF members have been sighted loitering in a car of registration number ACY3338 and are seemingly targeting the Independent Candidate’s Chief Polling Agent..the authorities have been alerted.
NYADARA
1. By 11am a total of 93 people were turned away on the basis that their names do not appear on the voters roll despite their insistence that they checked their names beforehand. This figure is alarmingly high and strangely suspicious.
2. ZANU PF agents present are writing down the names of the voters thereby compromising secrecy
3. Of the 12 so far assisted voters only 1 came with someone from home all the other 11 were assisted on site

Marondera

Jerold Sasa, Mashonaland East Bureau

Voters are queuing at Nehumba Primary School where voting began early in the morning. By 8am 42 people had cast their vote. There are more than 150 people forming two queues here, one for men and the other for women. Presiding officer Mr Beaven Nhakura said the process is going on well. Local observers from Zimrights and the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network had visited the polling station by 7:30am. One observer from the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace is camped at the station.

Only the Zanu PF candidate has an agent, while the other 2 are not represented.

Villagers from Ward 34, villages 18, 19 and 20 have complained that their poling station is too far, with some travelling 14km to vote. Some spent an hour waiting for well-wishers to take them to the polling station. The elderly said they cannot walk the long distance and appealed to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to provide polling stations close to their homes.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dangamvura-Chikanga, Mutare

Spren Mutiwi, Manicaland Bureau

Voting in the Dangamvura-Chikanga by election started well on time. By 7 am, all the 39 polling stations had opened to allow the electorate to exercise their democratic right to vote.

There was however a low turn out in most of the polling stations with virtually no activity at some polling stations serve for the polling officers who were just seated as they waited for people to come in.

A sizeable queue was observed in Ward 7 at TNT and Ward 15 at Federation Tent.

_________________________________________________________________________________________Tsholotsho North

Sijabuliso Ndlovu, Matebeleland North

29 people had cast their votes by 0830hrs and three were assisted.

Professor Jonathan Moyo cast his vote at 8am at Mlevu Primary polling station.

Ten were assisted to vote due to illiteracy, poor eyesight and blindness.

53 people had cast their vote by 9am at Manjelengwa polling station.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Hurungwe West

Regis Mhako, Mashonaland West Bureau

Voting started at 7am in the Hurungwe West by-election.

Mashonaland West Acting Provincial Elections Officer Austin Ndlovu said communication challenges are being faced in the constituency which is dominantly rural with poor information communication technology infrastructure.
Mr Ndlovu said they got feedback from 29 of the 35 polling station, but was having problems getting feedback from other six constituencies.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Kuwadzana constituency

-Voting in Kuwadzana has started off on a low note.

At Kuwadzana 7A primary school by 10 o’clock 104 voters had cast their ballot.

20 were turned away whilst one person was assisted to vote.

Presiding officer is Joseph Tsiga.

At Kuwadzana 6A and 7A there were no queues.

For many residents it’s business as usual.

 
Hurungwe West:
1335: Update from Kajekache 13:26:
Voted so far – 293
Turned away – 85
Assisted – 56
1315: So far 100 people have voted in Nyaodza where Temba Mliswa’a team were assaulted. ZANU PF members have been seen loitering in a car of registration number ACY3338 and are seemingly targeting the Independent Candidate’s Chief Polling Agent…..the authorities have been alerted and we will monitor the situation…
 

VOA|A United States panel on Africa has been told of China building a military base in eastern Zimbabwe, raising alarm in Washington which is increasingly worried about Beijing’s growing influence in Africa.

The issue came up for discussion last week during a hearing on Zimbabwe by the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.

California Congresswoman Karen Bass sought clarification on the issue from U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Dr. Shannon Smith, who had just returned from a visit in Harare.

“In recent years Zimbabwe has strengthened trade and military ties with China, including the construction of a Chinese military base in eastern Zimbabwe.”

“What if any, if you could speak to that, I think there are obviously security implications for the United States. What do we know about that development?” Bass asked.

Dr. Smith did not provide a direct answer, only commenting that ties between China and Zimbabwe had deepened over the years.

“The countries clearly enjoy a close relationship; China is active in much of Africa as you’ve seen in many places I know,” Smith responded, adding that the Chinese investments were mainly in mining.

Congresswoman Bass pressed further, asking who was being employed at the said camp – Chinese nationals or Zimbabweans – to which Dr. Smith said, “I couldn’t tell you.”

Studio 7 could not independently establish the existence of any such base and its purposes.

Zimbabwe National Army spokesman Colonel Overson Mugwisi could not comment, repeatedly telling VOA Studio 7 he was waiting for an appropriate response from his bosses.

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Chris Smith took aim at Beijing, saying its influence in the world was bad for democracy.

“Human rights don’t matter in China; they violate human rights with impunity against their own people. So they’re more than able and willing to help a dictatorship or authoritarian rulers use a bad governance model of secret police… use of torture,” Smith told Studio 7.

“They are doing it in South America, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia; there is a very dangerous trend underway in the World, including in Africa and this is at a time when more African countries are matriculating into more robust democracies.”

China is escalating its influence across the globe, making huge infrastructural investments and building alliances with nations normally condemned by the U.S. for poor human rights records.-VOA

Mwenezi East National Assembly member Mr Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has taken President Mugabe and ZANU PF to court challenging his expulsion from the revolutionary party.
Mr Bhasikiti, an erstwhile ruling party Politburo member and Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, was fired alongside several others on May 21 this year for alleged involvement in a plot to topple President Mugabe.
Through his lawyers, Tendai Biti Law Chambers, Mr Bhasikiti filed a review application at the High Court arguing that due process was never followed in his dismissal from the party and that the decision be nullified.
President Mugabe and zanu-pf are listed as first and second respondents in the court application.
Mr Bhasikiti, in his founding affidavit, argued that his constitutional rights were infringed and that the decision should be nullified.
“The decision to expel me, taken by the second respondent in a meeting chaired by the first respondent, is null and void. For starters, I was never subjected to the benefit of due process,” Mr Bhasikiti said.
“I was not charged of any offence and have not received any notice of any charge against me. I have not appeared before any disciplinary hearing, I have not given my side of the story. I do not even know why I have been expelled,” reads the affidavit.
Mr Bhasikiti said he had a right to be given reasons for the expulsion.
He argued that the Politburo that fired him had no authority to make such a decision.
“I was expelled by the Politburo… It does not have any powers of expulsion. Thus the decision to expel me is grossly irregular in that the Politburo that expelled me does not have such powers in terms of the respondent’s (Zanu-PF) constitution,” he said.
Bhasikiti said the Administration of Justice Act was breached because he was not given adequate notice of the nature of the charges, reasonable opportunity to make representations and adequate notice of right of review or appeal.
He further argued that all the Politburo members who decided his case were biased.
“I also wish to bring it to the court’s attention that all the members of the Politburo were grossly biased against myself and could not have sat in my matter,” he said.
“The challenge with the second respondent is that since August 2014, the party has been on an onslaught against those perceived to be in sympathy with the former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru. I have also been included in this category,” he said.
Bhasikiti argued that his right to due process and protection of the law enshrined under Section 56 (1) of the Constitution was violated.
To that end, Bhasikiti is seeking a declaration that his rights were violated.
He also argued that his right to administrative justice under Section 68 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe was also breached.
Bhasikiti said Zanu-PF even failed to follow its own constitution in expelling him.
He said his perceived alignment to Dr Mujuru also caused his expulsion from Government where he was Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister.
President Mugabe and Zanu-PF are yet to respond to the court application.

Unconfirmed reports reaching ZimEye.com say Zanu PF Councillor for Ward 23 in Zaka West, Mr Rangwani has died in a suspected murder case.
Mr Rangwani is believed to have been aligned to Joice Mujuru faction although belonging top the Gamatox faction.
The news of the death of councillor Rangwani was announced through social media platforms just as Zimbabweans were seized with the death of another Mujuru ally, Amos Midzi who was found dead in his car at a farm he owns just outside Harare.
It was not possible to confirmation from ZANU PF spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo as his phones were ringing without being answered.
Mujuru allies are being purged from the structures of Zanu Pf as factionalism rips apart the revolutionary movement.
ZAKA was a political violence hot spot in the 2008 presidential election re-run.
Moro details to follow….

The police attending to the death of former ZANU PF Harare chief, Amos Midzi have announced that they have found the car keys, close to one (1) litre of a poisonous liquid, and a pack of blue pills said to be “viagra” inside the vehicle. ALSO READ -SHOCK PICTURES: Amos Midzi’s Dead Body Car At The Scene
The deceased’s brother, Stanley, confirmed the police “find” as he read out the packet stating the blue pills found in the car were purchased on the 29th of May.
The body was found at the back-seat with his legs stretched in-between the front seats where gear lever is positioned. The police said they also found $282 which notes were in different pockets of his trousers.
ALSO READ -Amos Midzi Sudden Mysterious Death. 
There were no injuries on the body, while a 1 litre container of a poisonous liquid named methanadophos, some Dormicum Midazolam tablets, and a cup containing a bluish liquid were found in the car.
Commenting on the development ZimEye.com News Analyst Ndaba Nhuku said there was still something sinister to the whole plot because if it was suicide the car keys would not have been found under the foot mat.
“President Mugabe once said Harare is the capital city of gossip. Maybe he was right. So you now saying Midzi has these blue Viagra tablets and was out on an unused road to see a small house who turns out to have been a fatal honeytrap leaving him lifeless with keys under the mat?,” questioned Nhuku.
Mourners are currently gathered at the family house – 857 Nursery Road, Mount Pleasant.

Hurungwe West independent candidate for the tomorrow’s -elections Themba Mliswa is going to contest in the election despite losing the court challenge in which he wanted the polls to be postponed.
Mliswa today (Tuesday) had approached the Electoral Court seeking the postponement of tomorrow’s by-election because of violence which ZANU (PF) was perpetrating on his supporters.
But Justice Tendai Uchena dismissed his application citing a short period in which it was filed.
Justice Uchena said the application should have given the respondents at least 10 days for them to respond.
But Mliswa had given them (respondents) only three days.
In his application Mliswa cited Keith Guzah ZANU (PF) aspiring candidate, Ignatius Chombo the Secretary for Administration for ZANU (PF) and five traditional leaders. Recorded video and audio footage reveal the violent plot spearheaded by Minister Chombo.
In an interview after the court case hearing Musindo Dunira Hungwe who was representing Mliswa said Mliswa was not withdrawing from the polls.
“It’s a political question to answer which needs the real politician to attend to but as far as I know my client he is not such kind who retreats,” said the lawyer.
Asked if he was happy with the ruling, Hungwe said he had mixed feelings.
“I can say that I have mixed emotions over the ruling, firstly I am saddened by the fact that the main relief we were seeking before the court did not come our way and in effect the election will proceed in spite of our queries and complaints.
“But in the main we are happy that this case while it might not bring happiness to my client or relief to my client it has helped in a way to shape the jurisprudence of our law in relation to electoral matters. There were quite a number of grey areas. In particular we now know that the electoral court has jurisdiction to handle such matters which is quite different from the position that had been previously held by the very same court in terms of the jurisdiction”, he commented.

Below is what a sample of Zimbabwean news readers said following the sudden death of ZANU PF former kingmaker Amos Midzi who was found dead in his car Tuesday morning:
 
Trey Makhaza: Amos Midzi was responsible for the deaths and terror in Epworth and Hatfield in June 2008.He was also the godfather of Mbare terror group, Chipangano alongside Tendai Savanhu. So you can understand why we are not mourning. He was on a confidential list of perpetrators of crimes against humanity and a target of future justice.
 
Patrick Guramatunhu: I remember the photo of Midzi’s humiliation at the Grace Mugabe rally last year! He who sups with the devil must have a long spoon; it seems Midzi’s spoon was not long enough!
 
Revesayi Makubalo: Gamba ranyarara zvaro MaComrades. I am in pain. Just wondering whether he killed himself or by the enemy? Power is worth more than life?? Are we really a Christian country?!!!! Haaaa this is not fair. Today its him who is next?
 

Below are pictures from the scene where ZANU PF’s former Harare supremo and also Zimbabwe’s Energy Minister’s dead body was found.
Ambassador Midzi was found dead Tuesday morning in the vehicle driven outside his farm into an isolated grassy thicket. The car keys were not inside. [ALSO READ]

Police and security agents have said the causes of his death are suicide. But with the car keys missing from the vehicle among other inconsistencies, Zimbabweans rushed to conclude that he was murdered at a time when he was booted from ZANU PF leadership an accused of causing ZANU PF defeat in urban areas during the 2013 elections. Mnangagwa faction members charged at him for allegedly siding with ousted Vice President Joyce Mujuru. READ MORE – Amos Midzi Sudden Mysterious Death 

Zanu PF former Harare kingmaker ambassador and alleged Mujuru aide Amos Midzi has been found dead on the outskirts of his Marirangwe farm .
ZimEye.com is reliably told of intelligence sources Mr Midzi’s was found a dead man in his car in what is suspected to be a hit job by intelligence agents. While the sources said his death was a suspected suicide case, eyebrows were raised after they also confirmed that his car keys were missing.  SEE PICTURES–SHOCK PICTURES: Amos Midzi’s Dead Body Car At The Scene
ZimEye.com can confirm Midzi’s car keys were found missing in the vehicle. Police later announced that they found them under Mr Midzi’s foot mat.
The body was found at the back-seat with his legs stretched in-between the front seats where gear lever is positioned. The police said they also found $282 which notes were in different pockets of his trousers.
 
There were no injuries on the body, while a 1 litre container of a poisonous liquid named methanadophos, some Dormicum Midazolam tablets, and a cup containing a bluish liquid were found in the car.


Midzi was last year expelled from his powerful position of provincial Chairperson after he was accused of fanning factionalism in Harare. He was one of the absentees at the official opening of the emotive 2014 Zanu (PF) congress.
Mystery hang ups
ZimEye.com also found that senior ZANU PF gurus were refusing to speak on Midzi’s death further sparking rumours that there was an underhand in Midzi’s fate. More to follow ….

Cash scholarships are now available for UK based asylum seekers.
Announced the organisation’s staffer Emily Bowerman, We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Westheimer Health and Social Care Scholarship. This scholarship has been created by the Schwab & Westheimer Trusts to help young asylum seekers pursue higher education in social care, medicine, nursing or related professions.
Up to three people a year will be supported by the Westheimer Trust to study for a first degree or professional qualification in the field of healthcare through a scholarship ranging from £10-20k a year.

You can apply for this scholarship if you:

• Are an asylum seeker [or the dependent of an asylum seeker] who is awaiting a decision or appealing a decision for asylum; a person (or dependent of a person) who claimed asylum in the UK and has been granted limited leave to remain (without refugee status or humanitarian protection) or some other form of temporary status; or a person with limited leave to remain for unaccompanied minors
• Are 28 years old or younger (in exceptional circumstances, older candidates may be considered)
• Wish to pursue an education path in social care, medicine, nursing, or related professions

• Have applied through UCAS for an undergraduate degree and have been accepted onto a course/have applications pending

How to apply:

Online applications are now open and will close on 15 June 2015. Please click here to be directed to the application form.
Please note, we encourage applications online but if you are uncomfortable filling the application out online, please email us to receive a hard copy of the application form. You can either print it and send it to us in the post, or fill it in on the computer and send it to us by email. 
Contact Olivia or Emily on [email protected] or 07597583228 with any questions.

A 12 year old grandson relation of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has caused havoc in the United Kingdom “terrorizing” members of the public and even British Police officers. The boy is also said to be in dire need of parental guidance and real discipline because he has no filter when he talks.
He even “terrorizes” own parents.
The youth, who cannot be named (due to his age) is Mnangagwa’s young brother’s grandson and who at that tender age has already been involved in knife crime. He is seen in viral video footage circulating on social networks since Friday night verbally attacking his own mother using unprintable words that spoke about how much he hated Africa and its “Ebola”. The video has caused a stir and emotion on social networks.
In the video recorded during an incident at home on Friday afternoon, he is seen glued to an expensive mobile-phone sitting in the living room ignoring the mother and cursing an aunt (name withheld) and the mum. He utters four letter words bound to cause much concern to any listener.
He tells her to go back to Africa where there is Ebola.
The mother then stoops to the lad’s level and lightly reprimands him saying, “You are African, you will never be a white,” she says lashing back at him as she laughs it off.
The mother, Farai Mnangagwa is a nurse at a hospital in Birmingham.
More to follow…
COMMENT:
While many have come out guns blazing against the rude kid, some have descended heavily on the mother for using velvet glove methods to discipline her son. Many expressed wonder why the son has so much license to talk bad language like that as the mum continues to giggle like a normal conversation. Many on the social networks have even blamed the mum for trying to “act cool” as she enjoys the son talk trash  using the perfect British accent. The general reaction has been that the mother is more to blame for her son’s overboard conduct because she cannot instil enough discipline into her African son. Wherever he got that hate attitude or condescending behaviour against Africa, only the mum knows.
The problem now is that while the skit may have started as a spoilt brat video to show off to the world how great the mum gets in letting her son talk back and talk trash, the world had blamed her for being misinformed and needing counselling because the child already indicates how bad his future is going to look like. He hates Africa and Africans. He has no respect for his mum and the visiting aunt. He has no politeness in his speech and he sounds violent and confrontational. Some have even suggested that the boy be referred to a psychiatrists for mental evaluation together with the mother because the way the young boy threw tantrums is not normal in the Ubuntu African culture. The boy and his mum both need light. Many have also wondered on the whereabouts of the father.
More remains to be discovered. Some are even thinking that the problem of child disobedience is coming through too many electronic gadgets from the parents. Also, the urge by some African people to try as much as they can to escape from the African label is returning to hound them.

LAWYERS and MPs say they are increasingly worried by what appears to be the trivialisation of child sex abuse by the courts, with the age of consent in Zimbabwe now effectively 12 years, although it is 16 under the Constitution.
Child sex predators are getting away with community service sentences, with magistrates and judges reluctant to pass exemplary punishment.
In 2013, when a magistrate sentenced a man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl to an effective 12 months in jail, a judge rebuked her on appeal, saying it was “an extremely harsh sentence that she imposed without any plausible justification as it would have the effect of further prejudicing the accused person.”
Now campaigners want law reforms currently underway to align legislation with the new Constitution to reaffirm 16 and give judges more powers to issue deterrent sentences.
“It’s terrible,” MDC lawmaker Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said yesterday as she surveyed the current sentencing guidelines on sexual offences against children.
She added: “Look at stocktheft, it has a mandatory sentence for each cow or beast stolen, but for a young girl or woman who has had her future violated through rape, there’s no such thing.
“What does it mean to us women? It simply shows that cattle are more valorised than our children.
“There’s that comparison that losing a cow is worse than having a woman raped.”
Campaigners say families of victims have lost faith in the law, to the extent of making private arrangements with those who rape their children.
In April, Plumtree magistrate Livard Philemon sentenced a 19-year-old man who impregnated his employer’s Grade 7 daughter (13) to 315 hours of community service.
While observing that Conscience Nleya, of Bulilima, had “destroyed the girl’s future”, Philemon still handed out the light sentence.
In May, Future Ncube, a 19-year-old Kezi herdsman who impregnated his 12-year-old “lover” was sentenced to perform 210 hours of community service by Gwanda regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza.
The magistrate said while passing sentence: “Both of you exhibited immaturity and you were oblivious of the dangers of engaging in sexual intercourse.”
Lawyer Alex Magaisa says while the age of consent under the Constitution is 16, in practice it is in fact 12 – with the courts playing a major role in lowering the bar.
Writing in The Chronicle today, he said: “While it’s often said the age of consent in Zimbabwe is 16 years, it is on analysis, effectively 12 years for girls. The law says a young person is under 16, but it’s only girls under 12 who’re protected by the irrefutable presumption that they’re incapable of consenting to sex.
“This is too low and exposes young girls to abuse. The average age of consent in most other countries is 16.”
When magistrates have tried to lean heavily on sex fiends, they have in some cases met resistance from higher courts.
In February 2013, a magistrate jailed Gugulethu Tshuma, a 20-year-old man for an effective year in prison without the option of a fine after he pleaded guilty to abusing a 14-year-old girl.
On appeal, Justice Andrew Mutema blasted the magistrate for being “too harsh”.
The judge, citing earlier cases to buttress his point, added: “Her appearance is important because the moral blameworthiness of the man will be less if he wrongly believes, from her appearance, that she is older than she actually is.
“Similarly, the girl’s character – whether she be virgin or promiscuous, a flirt or demure – must have a like bearing on whether the accused was knowingly preying on the innocent or merely risking lying with an underage but worldly-wise girl.”
Magaisa says the attitude of some magistrates and judges is slowing down the campaign against child abuse.
He said: “The law does not provide sufficient protection for young girls, but worse, the attitude of the judges and magistrates to sexual offences leaves a lot to be desired.
“A reading of some of the judgments and decisions of magistrates demonstrates very conservative views which are influenced by patriarchy which remains dominant in our society.”
Activists have attacked the law for providing refuge for child sex predators.
While section 64 and 70 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act expressly states that a child under 12 years cannot consent to sex, the law becomes ambiguous on how to treat offenders who target victims between 12 and 16.
Effectively, courts are increasingly accepting that 12-year-olds and 13-year-olds are “capable” of giving consent to sex – a notion that does not sit too well with many parents, including the Information Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo.
Writing on Twitter last Saturday, Prof Moyo said: “There are no extenuating circumstances in statutory rape (sex with a young person). A child below 16 cannot consent to any sexual act.
“In Zimbabwe, the legal age of consent is 16.”
Chiedza Simbo, the former director of the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, said the categorisation of sexual offences opened too many loopholes in the delivery of justice.
She told The Chronicle: “The problem we have is that the law is viewing minors differently… we’ve some clauses talking of children under 14 or under 12 years.
“We can’t have a Grade 7 pupil consenting to sexual intercourse. We should not even be having debates about whether they are mentally capable or not.”
Simbo, currently a PhD candidate at the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Law, said the categorisation of sexual offences into indecent assault, consented and unconsented sexual intercourse was leaving children at the mercy of child sex predators.
“Children are vulnerable, and as things stand twisted men can rape a child and get away with a lesser sentence as magistrates depend on the circumstances. It’s unfortunate rape itself attacks life, but sexual crimes against children can be reduced to the levels of just mere assault.
“The sentences are not deterrent and can encourage perpetrators to go on rendering the law ineffective.”
Misihairabwi-Mushonga says faced with an ineffective justice system, many parents are turning to settling matters with perpetrators to the detriment of the victims.
“For me, the biggest issue that arises is that sometimes parents are forced to opt for that person to marry their child because they are not sure whether justice would be properly delivered,” said Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
Reforming the law is not an urgent national grievance, says Women’s Coalition chairperson Virginia Muwanigwa.
“We’ve not finished aligning our laws [with the new constitution] but as far as I’m concerned, the constitution overrides all other laws. It’s unfortunate that our courts are still using the old legislation which has no place in today’s society,” said Muwanigwa.

President Robert Mugabe has left Harare for Egypt at the taxpayer’s expense.
He has spent more than $10 million on foreign trips to date since January at a time his broke government is battling to pay workers and grow the stunted economy.
Mugabe who is the African Union’s chair flew out today to Sharm-el Shekh for the launch of the Tripartite Free Trade Area, comprising Comesa, SADC and the East African Community.
The TFTA brings together 26 member states whose leaders will sign the agreement on Wednesday. It also unites a population of 625 million and a gross domestic product of US$1,2 trillion. It accounts for half of the membership of the African Union and 58 percent of Africa’s GDP.
The decision to launch the Tripartite Free Trade Area was reached in Burundi in October 2014 after taking into account the fact that the majority of the tripartite member states agreed on ambitious tariff offers and rules of origin to be applied.
The launch of the TFTA is the first phase of the implementation of a developmental regional integration strategy.
Popularly known as the grand free trade area, the TFTA will be the largest economic bloc on the continent and a launch pad for the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area in 2017.
It places high priority on infrastructure development, industrialisation and free movement of businesspersons.
The business community in particular will benefit from an improved and harmonised trade regime which reduces the cost of doing business due to the elimination of overlapping trade regimes due to multiple memberships.
Benefits of the TFTA include trade growth, reduction or elimination of tariffs to reduce the transaction costs across the continent and boosting intraregional trade.(State Media/Additional Reporting)

Zimbabwe’s vendors crushed the Zimbabwe National Army and other security agents in court on Monday.
The High court passed a bombshell interdict against Robert Mugabe’s security agents ordering them never to encroach into vendor territory as their involvement is unconstitutional.
Battalions of soldiers had been sent by Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo to gun-budge into and physically fight the unarmed businesspeople (who are now Zimbabwe’s sustenance economy backbone) so they leave the streets. The move would have seen the 6 million plus street merchants, more than half Zimbabwe’s entire resident population, pushed out by an army numbering less than 50,000 yet armed soldiers. Chombo then ordered the vendors to vacate within seven days.
In the judgment delivered in her chambers on Monday after both parties (applicants and respondents) had consented, High court judge Felistas Chatukuta ruled that due processes should be taken to regularize vending.
She said the law was going to protect vendors who would have obeyed legal ways of occupying designated market malls.
Chris Mhike who filed a legal challenge before the High court on behalf of the Informal Sector Organization, a vendor representative body, said they are happy that the courts have seen sense in the case.
“Post 8 June the government has admitted that due process should be followed. Whatever steps to be taken to clean up the streets due process has to be taken,”Mhike told ZimEye.com
 

As the Renewal Team and MDC leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Welshman Ncube parties crash out of politics leaving the nearly 100 years-old Robert Mugabe to enjoy a power vacuum, Zimbabwe’s democratique may have its last ray of hope in one woman – Barbara Nyagomo.
The UK based Barbara Nyagomo, a professional nursing practitioner, social work specialist and philanthropist whose innovations have been reportedly copied by Joice Mujuru’s ZANU People First, and the Renewal Team, has re-invested herself back into Zimbabwe having left home in 1997, now to tackle ZANU PF’s waning stranglehold. Having birthed groundbreaking international initiatives, the 1Million Zimbabwe Voices, her soap making company, charity work in the UK and Uganda among other feats, Nyagomo has decided to sacrifice her life fighting for people’s freedom.
“I am returning home and have already started with the launching of PDZ – Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe,” the mother of two who is also an acclaimed academic explorer told ZimEye.com.
In Harare and Bindura ZimEye.com caught up with several youths at the University of Zimbabwe and Bindura who have caught onto Nyagomo’s flame.
Her Media and Liaison Officer, Leonard Koni told ZimEye.com, “Zimbabwe is endowed with vast mineral deposits and good arable land but its people have been reduced into beggars and are living in abject poverty. Our country used to be a breadbasket of the region but all has gone down the drain. Our roads are in a poor state. The service delivery system has collapsed and the garbage has not been removed for quite some time and it is now in its intensive care unit.
“Zimbabwe has the capacity to grow with a very good GDP. Since 1997 our leaders have failed to resuscitate the economy to its expected standard. We have been overtaken by such countries like the troubled Rwanda which is now enjoying its economic boom. Politics of patronage has killed the country. Corruption within the government sectors is so prevalent and very few people have been arraigned before a competent court to prosecute the culprits. Thousands of US dollars are being siphoned in parastatals and little action is being taken.
“We as Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe do appreciate a job well done by the revolutionary party in ushering independence to Zimbabwe. We also appreciate MDC-T for creating a democratic space in this political discourse.
“We have failed to recognize the new blood to come into leadership. We have witnessed the recycling of old leaders in the corridors of power and thereby creating a lack of new ideas. A healthy nation needs a fusion of new ideas and brains. We should think outside our quadruple if we are to achieve these millennium goals.
“The cash-strapped government relies heavily on donated drugs and it has also allowed cheap imports
into the country, leaving local manufacturers reeling under economic hardships.
“We as Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe condone such kind of leadership. Our cities have become eye sores. You hardly walk along the streets without hearing vendors touting for customers. Harare the once beauty and sunshine city has disappeared.
“The Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe has a vision to bring back the lost beauty of most of the towns in Zimbabwe. It is so sad to learn that some towns have turned to ghost towns. The industry is no longer there. We have failed to lure direct foreign investment due to inconsistency in our economic policies. We have failed to stimulate our industries and we have increased more imports instead of exporting finished products. We have crafted many economic blue prints from Esap to ZimAsset but nothing has materialised on the ground. Too much talk without action is the order of the day. There is miscarriage of leadership. The people have lost faith in their leaders. The government is still muzzling the discerning voices.
“The Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe denounce lack of freedom of expression which is being compromised. It is so sad to learn that our own Zimbabwe Republic Police has failed to locate Itai Dzamara a journalist cum political activist. The Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe embrace a society where a Kalanga, Shona, Ndebele, Chewa, Nambia, Tonga etc will interact , live in peace and harmony.”

Health and Child Care Minister David Parirenyatwa has pleaded with donors for continued funding of the collapsing  health sector and  assured them that they will  not   divert any future  funding extended to Harare.
The Minister made  the plea last week at the signing ceremony for a $13 million Health Transition Fund grant extension from the EU through UNICEF in Harare.
He was also  updating donors on investigations of the  alleged abuse of at least $1.5 million which was part of the Health Transition Fund meant for nurses and  doctors  by his senior ministry officials.
“We had a full day meeting with representatives of funding   partners and the entire senior health staff where we reviewed   both  the negative and  positive  reports pertaining the funds they  have been giving us through the Health Transition  fund”.
“We recommended that there was need for wider consultations before any funds are distributed a thing which was lacking before.
“We also discussed the issue of targeted approach I n which hospitals were given money directly from government without following any other procedures and channels.
“This was also causing some  loopholes .We  agreed  that  this should go ahead but there  must be ways which should  be followed, ensuring that tender procedures have been  agreed up on by the head office,”Dr Parirenyatwa explained.
Recently   Health Services Board Chairperson Dr Lovemore Mumbengeranwa   said told reporters that government was aware of how the alleged misused funds were used.
“What people do not understand is the fact that we have gone through various steps where from the multicurrency situation everybody was earning $100  you know that and we are in the process of building up the salary structures and various allowances .
“One of the things which arose during the hyper inflationary era is that we had a situation where junior grades because of the allowances they were getting were now earning mo re than their senior grades and you know that is an unattainable situation in terms of supervision,”said Dr Mumbengeranwa.
“So as a temporary measure certain allowances and in this particular case On Call allowances were being paid to doctors who are stationed in the Ministry.
“We need those expertise, we need those highly qualified doctors to run programmes, but their counterparts who were working as clinicians were getting these On Call allowances and that brought about a serious discrepancy where at the end of the day you not have been able to attract staff to work in administrative positions .As a result and as a temporary measure, treasury was quite clear, yes they can get it and its treasury which endorsed that.
“As a temporary measure they could get these allowances but, please do not call them On Call allowances call them something else and of course we were over taken by events in the process,”he said.

Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Prophet Walter Magaya yesterday launched the second part of his criticism of Vapositori sects, challenging them to stop operations because they are allegedly using evil spirits from the marine world.
Addressing congregants during the launch of his booklet in Harare yesterday titled: “Marine Spirits, Part 2”, Prophet Magaya said he was not against Vapositori sects, but the spirit behind their powers.
He said his intention was not to attack anyone, but to reveal the secrets of the marine kingdom which had caused unnecessary despondency in people’s lives.
“Being a white garment sect follower means you are supernaturally empowered to fail,” he said. “My intention is for all Vapositori operating with the powers of the marine to stop operating. If your gathering does not accept Jesus Christ and believes in marine resources like reeds, pebbles or if it uses traditional tools or it believes in totems it means it’s not a church, but a cult.”
The launch of the booklet comes after Prophet Magaya received scathing attacks following the launch of Part One of the booklet early this year.
In the Part One booklet titled “Marine Spirits, Mweya Yemumvura”, he claimed that the Apostolic sects’ powers were derived from spirits that reside in the “marine kingdom” and that they do not believe in the Bible.
He also claimed that Apostolic sect preachers had a tendency to threaten congregants with death. ACCZ executive president Johannes Ndanga, then accused Prophet Magaya of launching “unrestrained and unprovoked attacks” against them and also accused him of being possessed by demons.
They also claimed that he had snakes in his anointing oil. In the new booklet launched yesterday, Prophet Magaya names and explains all the tools used by the Vapositori and the reasons behind.
He explained why he thought the apostolic sects refer to one man as men (Madzibaba) and one woman as women (Madzimai).
“Everyone who worships in this white garment shrines is addressed to in the plural sense regardless of their age,” he said. “They are very correct to advise you that way because the moment you become a follower, several spirits are drawn into your life.”
Prophet Magaya took time to defend the use of anointing oil, wrist bands and other tools, saying it was not about the spirit behind them.
“It’s not about what you are doing, but what matters the most is about the spirit you are using,” he said.

AN unlicensed policeman appeared in court last Friday charged with negligent driving after a commuter omnibus he was driving overturned and injured five passengers in Harare.
The incident occurred in the city centre. The Chikurubi Training Depot-based cop was also charged with driving without a licence. He was granted $50 bail.
Prosecutor Mr Oscar Madhume alleged that on May 27 around 9 pm the policeman drove a Toyota Hiace which he had taken from Francis Majurivevu.
He was in police uniform. The court heard that the commuter omnibus was carrying 18 passengers heading to Mabvuku.
It is alleged that the policeman was driving due east along Robert Mugabe Road.
He failed to control the vehicle which veered off the road before overturning and injuring five passengers.
The injured passengers were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital. The matter was reported to the police leading to the cop’s arrest.

A Harare woman has gone missing in the capital.
The lady who is 81 years old went missing yesterday .
Below is a picture of Mrs Alice Muvengwa.

She was travelling from Hatfield to Crowbrough and never reached her destination, family members told ZimEye.com.
” Our family is very worried, ” the source said.
Anyone with detail on Muvengwa’s whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station preferably in Marlborough; or contact Mai Mupfurutsa on 0779651678 or Mai Stan 0772497919

Expelled former Vice President Joyce Mujuru together with all Western countries are causing draught, key figures in ZANU PF say.
While ZANU PF politburo extrovert Sikhanyiso Ndlovu says Western countries are deliberately disturbing Zimbabwe’s climate in order to discredit Robert Mugabe’s land reform program, Chiefs’ Council head Chief Fortune Charumbira has claimed former Vice-President Joyce Mujuru’s alleged “witchcraft” are causing drought in the country.
Charumbira, who is on the ZANU PF payroll and does not hide his loyalty to Zanu PF, in March claimed that the gods were angered by Mujuru’s alleged plot to oust Mugabe, hence the erratic and poor rains this farming season.
He was quoted earlier in March by the Newsday dailie saying “Masvingo yakaona nhamo neGamatox (Masvingo was in trouble with the Mujuru faction), even among the rank and file of chiefs. You were supposed to go to Beatrice first (where Mujuru has a farm), otherwise you would not get a farm,” he claimed to the bewilderment of most people present.
“Mafaction ange ofamba achiroya masikati machena (Factions were practising witchcraft in daylight). They wanted to take President Robert Mugabe’s throne, that is why we did not get good rains this year and there is a drought. By flushing out Gamatox (faction), the country has now been cleansed,” Charumbira said.

President Robert Mugabe is feeling the heat over Itai Dzamara’s disappearance 3 months ago and has as a result ordered that a file be opened on the missing activist.
Report by The Standard |Foreign Affairs ministry officials told The Standard recently that Mugabe has since ordered the opening of a file on Dzamara following pressure from the UN which wants answers.
“The Dzamara issue is giving people sleepless nights. There are a lot of theories about his disappearance but the problem for the government now is that the UN has demanded answers,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
“Some countries, particularly in the West are agitating for the issue to be discussed at the next meeting of the Security Council and General Assembly.”
According to the official, there has been a flurry of communication between UN and Zimbabwean officials with the world body demanding answers on Dzamara’s whereabouts.
Dzamarai
“They have demanded answers and the government at one time in a letter claimed Dzamara had been abducted in an MDC-T vehicle.
However, that explanation was rejected by the UN because government could not explain how that information was obtained and what happened after the abduction,” the Standard was told.
While Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Joey Bimha flatly denied there had been any communication between Zimbabwean authorities and UN officials, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official in Harare confirmed it.
“It is true there has been communication between the UN Human Rights High Commissioner and the Zimbabwe High Commissioner in Geneva [Switzerland]. That is the channel of communication. I am not quite certain about the nature [of the conversation] but that there have been some discussions about the issue, I have no doubt,” said the official.
But Bimha denied there had been any discussion over the matter.
“As far as I am concerned, there has not been any communication regarding that matter,” he said.
Mugabe’s spokesperson George Charamba could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone was unreachable.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson Elasto Mugwadi seemed to confirm that indeed authorities in Harare had been taken to task by the global body over Dzamara’s disappearance.
“Not really directly but there have been discussions between us and the UN representatives in Harare and the UNDP officials in the country. The problem is there has not been a breakthrough on the case and it is difficult to say anything beyond what we said in our appeal that he should be released if he is in the custody of the state,” Mugwadi.
“However, the State also seemed not to know of his whereabouts. The UN, we expect, would have spoken directly with the relevant ministry and I remember in one of our meetings we suggested they also discuss with the police as regards the court order that required authorities to report progress on the investigation fortnightly.”
He added: “We suggested that they take the issue directly with those that have the obligation to comply with the High Court order.”
There have been suggestions that the government has been dragging its feet to the extent of being in “contempt of court” by failing to meet court demands to provide the two-week updates.
Efforts to get comment from the UN deputy regional representative Kathrine Liao in Pretoria, South Africa drew blanks.
Information minister Jonathan Moyo in an interview with BBC recently claimed Dzamara could have slipped through the country’s borders into another country, just like British citizens ended up in Syria despite tight security. Moyo said the issue of the activist’s disappearance “was obviously of concern to the government. People disappear every day… We have quite porous borders.”
Sources also claimed Zimbabwe’s embassies across the globe and in particular in Britain have been picketed over the activist’s disappearance and government’s alleged lacklustre approach to finding him.
“Our embassies are under a lot of pressure, particularly in South Africa and the UK. There are demonstrations over Dzamara on a daily basis and the situation is bad in Britain because police in that country have given the demonstrators the greenlight to do as they please,” said the foreign affairs official.
A visiting US diplomat Steven Feldstein recently said the Americans wanted “the facts” on Dzamara’s disappearance as soon as possible.
Former Vice-President Joice Mujuru — expelled from government and the ruling party on charges of plotting to assasinate Mugabe — has also weighed in and urged her former boss to “concentrate on finding Dzamara” and focus on more pressing issues than on imaginary plots to kill him.
Dzamara, a journalist turned democracy activist known in Zimbabwe mostly for his “Occupy Africa Unity Square” campaign against Mugabe’s government, was allegedly abducted by suspected State security agents on March 9 after spending months agitating for the 91-year-old leader’s ouster.

Government is over the next two months demolishing over a thousand houses (in Harare alone) the State says were constructed in undesignated areas after it ordered municipalities to “regularise” land use.
The cost of destroying the houses is the same as the one that could have been used to build an equivalent number of new properties for the people who are now set to be made homeless by August this year – The current cost of demolishing a house ranges from $9,000-$13,000 for a small 80-120m2 detached property, up to $20,000-$24,000 for a more substantial property of 200-250m2.
Although costs could be mitigated if there are materials with salvage value, the values of perceived gains are still outweighed by the gross demolition costs thereof.
In Chitungwiza, authorities have begun negotiating with people “illegally” occupying land and have made a police report against groups that have threatened to assault them for seeking to move them.
Over 1 000 unapproved structures have been constructed in the town in recent months, while Harare has roughly 20 illegal settlements to contend with. Many families will see their houses demolished, as unscrupulous property developers led them to believe that the residential stand purchases were above board.
Last week, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo ordered councils to formulate firm and time-bound strategies on illegal settlements.
It could not, however, be immediately determined how other local authorities will handle the matter.
Chombo said: “The days of lackadaisical plan implementation are over and I am demanding councils become more serious in this aspect of their work. Accordingly, you are with immediate effect, to come up with a robust timetable for the return of order in the various illegal settlements in your local authorities.
“I am aware that some misguided elements are currently occupying what they deem ‘idle land’ within municipal boundaries and in peri-urban areas with the intention of becoming land barons. Where such invasions do occur, you are to immediately work with your local provincial and district administrators and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to end the invasion and halt any efforts to effect a settlement.”
Following this directive, Harare Town Clerk Tendai Mahachi devised a plan to clear all illegal settlements in the capital within two months, with assistance from the Joint Operations Command for Harare Province.
The plan — shown to the State Media — shows that teams comprising council officials and law enforcement agents will lead the exercise.
Mahachi said notifications have already been dispatched to those building on and/or occupying undesignated areas.
“Council and JOC have audited land occupations in Harare and established the existence of a number of illegal settlements. Occupants of the land were duped to pay varying amounts by space and land barons for land that belongs to council and Government (State land).
“None of that money was ever remitted to City of Harare. To adess the matter, teams comprising council officers and law enforcement agents have been put in place to come up with plans to remove illegal settlements. We have a two-month period within which to do that.”
In Chitungwiza, The State Media witnessed illegal land occupiers constructing small houses in St Mary’s and Manyame, and Town Clerk Mr George Makunde said more such structures were sprouting all over the town.
Mr Makunde said: “We estimate that these illegal structures are now over 1 000. People have gone on a rampage, occupying as much land as they can without council permission.
“We suspect some land barons are behind this.
‘‘They have already started building structures and as council, we have issued ‘Stop Development’ orders to try and halt this lawlessness.”
Shady property developers, usually referred to as “land barons”, take advantage of desperation for affordable housing to “allocate” residential stands in unapproved areas, pocketing huge amounts of money from their criminal enterprise.
Most illegal settlements do not have running water, sewer reticulation systems, roads and electricity.
Some structures in Harare and Chitungwiza have been built on wetlands, under power lines or on top of sewage pipes.
The move also comes after the High Court in 2014 had senior Judge Nicholas Mathonsi ordering Harare and Chitungwiza to stop demolition of illegal residential and business properties.

PUPILS at a Bulawayo school whose parents have not paid fees have been spending the day in a fenced enclosure instead of attending lessons, Sunday News can reveal.
Officials at Sobukhazi High School are keeping the pupils at the enclosure which is popularly known as the “cage” until their fees is paid in full.
Parents and pupils, who spoke to this publication expressed their displeasure over the development, saying this had been going on for more than two weeks, with about 30 pupils being locked in the “cage” daily.
“What I understand is that all pupils who owe the institution have not been able to attend lessons. They would spend the whole day inside a cage until their mates dismiss. We are concerned because these affected pupils include some who are preparing for their final examinations.
“I think this is clear cruelty but you never know because institution policies differ from one institution to the next; we end up asking ourselves if the institution is going to educate only those who are capable of paying fees,” said one parent, who declined to be named.
When our news crew visited the institution on Wednesday last week, some pupils were inside the cage with a security guard monitoring the situation.
Pupils, who were once affected by this policy said the school officials did not allow their parents to make payment plans.
“I have been in the cage ever since schools opened and I now fear that by the time my parents manage to pay my fees in full, I will fail to catch up with the others,” said a Form Two pupil who was in the “cage”.
“I was once in that cage for some days last week. If you are put inside there, whether you have a genuine case or not, you are not allowed to go to the classroom for lessons. I was released after my parents had fully paid my fees. However, my friends have been forced by the situation not to come to school,” said a Form Three pupil.
Approached for a comment, Sobukhazi deputy head, a Mr C Ndlovu, was evasive and denied ever locking pupils in the “cage”.
“I am not allowed to talk to the Press and for your own information how do you think we can do such a thing. You reporters have a tendency of targeting Sobukhazi High of all these schools. You are probably doing this story for your own benefit. What I can tell you is that some students come to school in the afternoon, when they arrive before their lessons start we put them in the cage so that they do not disturb those who are already in class,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Bulawayo Provincial Education Director Mr Dan Moyo were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.
In a telephone interview, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora said he had not received any reports about the issue.
“I do not know anything about that. Honestly, in this age it is not a good thing to do such a thing to students especially for failing to pay fees. However, it is possible to have them put in a fence if they do not have infrastructure to accommodate them while waiting to attend lessons,” he said. sunday news

Sahara Reporters| “I wasn’t trying to make news, I was just trying to ask at least one question on how long this would be, when will you [Mugabe] step down as President” she explained
The Nigerian journalist who confronted Robert Mugabe last week, Adeola Fayehun, has explained her attempts to interview Mugabe.
The explanations were made at a Sahara TV panel on Saturday where she explained that she was surprised that the other journalists at Eagle Square only asked him to smile for the cameras. When she got access to Mugabe afterwards, she decided to question the President.
“I wasn’t trying to make news, I was just trying to ask at least one question on how long this would be, when will you [Mugabe] step down as president”, she explained.
The Zimbabwean President is often hard to get hold of, and does not often grant interviews. As he finishes his 6th term in power, many have wondered if the 90 year old can perform the duties of the office, especially as Zimbabwe faces economic problems and a disturbing human rights record, especially towsrds opposition activists, politicians and journalists. The question of whether any person should rule for 6 terms in a republican democracy has also been raised.

Lance Guma, speaking on the same panel, lauded Adeola. Guma is an exiled Zimbabwean journalist living in the UK. “A lot of people are happy that someone had the courage to ask the obvious questions,” he declared.
The Zimbabwean Minister of Information had led the backlash to Adeola’s questioning, insisting that she had disrespected the President and jeopardized his security by questioning him so aggressively. Adeola insisted that she had no desire to claim the limelight.
“I wasn’t trying to make news, I was just trying to ask at least one question on how long this would be, when will you [Mugabe] step down as president”, she insisted.
Guma insisted that Moyo had missed the point. “All she [Adeola Fayehun] did was ask questions that our own Information Minister [Moyo] asked in 2005.”
“There is no different whatsoever in the questions asked so I do not think simply asking someone when they are going to step down, why there is no democracy in Zimbabwe can constitute a breach of security”, he pointed out.
As Fungai Maboreke, the thrid panelist concluded, Adeola had brought up a question that was important. “I think at this point, its the length of time and this continuous persistence of trying to keep running the country”, he explained. “You can clearly see that you [Mugabe] failed on all sectors, he opined, pointing out that “people want to try and understand why at that age after enjoying such a lustrous career.”

[lightbox link=”http://www.zimeye.com/http://www.zimeye.com/wp-content/live_images/2015/05/mphoko2.jpg” thumb=”http://www.zimeye.com/http://www.zimeye.com/wp-content/live_images/2015/05/mphoko2.jpg” width=”640″ align=”right” title=”mphoko2″ frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]HARARE – Fearless former war veterans’ leader, Jabulani Sibanda, claims that Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko sold out during the liberation struggle when he allegedly diverted weapons meant for the late Joshua Nkomo’s Zapu to President Mugabe’s Zanu, a move he says could have led to the needless death of thousands of people.
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko
Damningly for Mphoko, a number of Zapu bigwigs who spoke to the Daily Newsyesterday — including Dumiso Dabengwa and Thomas Ngwenya (a former deputy to Mphoko) — appeared to buttress the claims.
Mphoko himself has previously admitted that he diverted weapons meant for Zapu’s military wing, Zipra, to Zanu’s Zimbabwe National African Liberation Army (Zanla).
Tearing into Mphoko with relish at the weekend, Sibanda said while there was nothing wrong per se in the VP having diverted weapons to a sister liberation movement, Zipra intelligence officials had subsequently discovered that some weapons that were in the hands of the Rhodesian Selous Scouts had serial numbers identical to those diverted by Mphoko.
“I know that he remained in Mozambique when others withdrew, and by his own admission he diverted weapons meant for Zipra to Zanla.
“I don’t have a problem with that sharing of weapons between liberation movements, but it was not done right,” Sibanda said.
Characteristically shooting from the hip, Sibanda added that some of the weapons that were diverted like anti-air missiles had resulted in Zapu cadres and supporters being left exposed as there was nothing for them to use to defend themselves against the Rhodesian Airforce — which allegedly led to “massacres”.
“People died because of Mphoko. There was nothing to use in defence. At the same time people were trained to use those weapons and so to have given them to people who were not trained was also like killing the Zanla combatants,” he charged.
Laying further into Mphoko, Sibanda said investigations by the Zipra intelligence had also allegedly discovered that not all weapons which were diverted went to Zanla.
Some of the weapons allegedly found their way to “the South African intelligence, which then found their way to Zimbabwe and were arming Selous Scouts who were moving with AK47s pretending to be guerrillas killing innocent people”.
“Now we know because Mphoko has said it with his own mouth that he diverted weapons. He therefore cannot accept that he diverted weapons to Zanu and then deny that some of the weapons went to South Africa. Some of the weapons used by the Selous Scouts had serial numbers that were so close to some weapons Zipra had,” he said.
Dabengwa, the former Zipra intelligence supremo — who was nicknamed the Black Russian during the liberation struggle — appeared to buttress Sibanda’s claims but was quick to say “it would not be fair for me to speak about the intelligence issues”.
“I have made my comments on Mphoko and I will not make any further comments on him. I don’t think that would be fair. Other comrades can speak, but my position does not allow me to speak,” Dabengwa said.
Asked if Zipra’s intelligence had gathered that Selous Scouts had been armed with artillery similar to that used by the guerrillas, Dabengwa said “it was true”.
“We heard about those allegations and we made our investigations and the allegations were proved to be true,” Dabengwa said.
Sibanda, who was accused by Mphoko of being a sodomite, said he had been provoked into exposing the VP because of his “insensitive comments”.
“This only shows that some weapons were diverted. Mphoko enriched himself with the blood of the people of this country. That is where he derives all this wealth that he is throwing around.
“He had a lavish wedding in Mozambique where people like (South African President Jacob) Zuma were part of his bridal team going to expensive hotels. Some of the weapons were used by Matsanga (Renamo) to destroy Zanu, which is what happens when you have zvipfukuto ( weevils) in your midst,” Sibanda said.
Mphoko is said to be closely connected to the fast growing Choppies Zimbabwe supermarkets, whose parent company Choppies is angling to list on the London stock exchange.
However, his stint as the Vice President has been dogged by a number of controversies, including his pronouncements on Gukurahundi, amid accusations that he is part of a faction of Zanu PF hardliners that is fighting his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Contacted for comment, Ngwenya, Mphoko’s deputy during the liberation struggle, said the VP “just disappeared” when other comrades were arrested in Mozambique after a fallout between Zanu and Zapu.
“Our statistics were taken during the raid at Gwayi assembly point so I won’t confirm (if weapons were sold to the South Africans) but there is a possibility.
“Mphoko, as we were in Zipa just disappeared. I don’t know where he went. We only heard that he was in Maputo when we were in Tete. He only surfaced after independence, but where he went to and what he was doing nobody knows,” Ngwenya said.
Repeated efforts to get in touch with Mphoko yesterday were fruitless. -Daily News

MDC Renewal Mat South Youth Press Statement
As the MDC Renewal youth of Matabeleland South we receive with regret news that our party Treasurer General Elton Mangoma has quit the party and formed a new party.
The Mat South Youth Assembly of the party by means of this statement disassociates itself with the new party formed by Mangoma and others.
We believe that as the MDC Renewal Team we have proper party channels through which any grievances within the party can be addressed and the Treasurer General is well aware of those procedures and should so have presented his issues to the National Working Committee and National Council if he had any as per order.
It is our view that as leaders we should stand together and work hard to uplift the people of Zimbabwe in general and Mat South in particular who have not enjoyed any fruit of independence and those efforts begin with us as a party having a unity of purpose and not prioritising personal aspirations over the wishes and struggles of the people we are supposed to be leading.
The Mat South Youth Assembly therefore calls on all youth members in the province and indeed the country not to be swayed but to remain calm, steadfast and guided by the Mandel Training Centre resolutions that clearly guide our vision.
That as it may be, we would like to call upon our leaders to comply with the conflict resolution procedures as guided by the party’s laid out procedures than divide the movement at this very crucial stage as we approach congress and policy conference. It is our belief that personal egos and grudges have no room in our vanguard movement as we seek to build an alternative to the failed government of Robert Mugabe and ZANU PF.
We believe in the courage to be different.
Wellington Nare Mat South Youth Secretary
Methuseli Ngwenya Secretary for informal and publicity
Ngqabutho Moyo Organising Secretary
Bhekinkosi Dube Youth cadre development

NewZimbabwe | A TOP ZANU PF official’s hypothesis for the failure of the party’s land redistribution programme is that Britain and America have imposed sanctions on the country’s weather patterns.
The stunning revelation was made by former education minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu while addressing a public meeting in Bulawayo on Thursday.
Pressed to explain the decline in agricultural production, Ndlovu said Western countries are tampering with the country’s rainfall patterns in order to sabotage the land reform programme.
Zimbabwe embarked on the chaotic fast track land reform programme in 2000, forcefully taking prime agricultural land from the minority white farmers and parcelling it out to locals, most them supporters of the ruling Zanu PF party.
President Robert Mugabe says the programme was meant to correct historical wrongs in the distribution of land but opposition parties have accused Zanu PF of embarking on the programme as a way of propping up its waning fortunes.
Agricultural production has gone down drastically in the last fifteen years, with the government this year expected to import over 700,000 tonnes of maize from neighbouring to avert food shortages, partly caused by a dry spell sweeping through the country.
At independence Zimbabwe was said to be producing 28 million tonnes of maize, which declined to about 17 million tonnes in the 1990s.
“The West say we have failed. We have not; we are saying to them, bring the weather patterns to order and we will produce and even export to those countries,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu cited Stephen Hawking’s book Economic Hit-man, as containing damning evidence that western countries manipulated other nation’s rainfall patterns.
He reiterated his party’s official excuse that sanctions imposed on the country had wreaked havoc on the country’s economy.
Government is currently carrying out a land audit in various provinces and Zanu PF bigwigs who had been allocated large swathes of land are set to have some of the land repossessed. – NewZimbabwe

Perhaps an illustration of the petrifying perils of supporting Robert Mugabe – the man who praised and loved President Robert Mugabe so much that he equated the 91 year old man to Cremora, Webster Shamu, was yesterday booted from the party.
Shamu is known for many praises of Mugabe and his ZANU PF party.
He once said he would fight all odds to be called Robert Mugabe’s second born son after Robert junior.
He is also known for bragging during the government of national unity, in a song that screamed under the title: “Can You See How Tasty Power and Control Are?”
On the 2nd March 2011, Shamu who was at the time Media, Information and Publicity minister, said Mugabe was feared the world over because of his intelligence and was like Cremora.
But yesterday Shamu was met with his destiny and analysts say despite the multitude of his praise and worship for Mugabe, he will never rise again politically, not in this lifetime. READ MORE -Politburo Kicks Out Webster Shamu, Sylvester Nguni And 37 ‘Mujuru’ Allies

Temba Mliswa| The decision to participate or stand for office as a citizen is a right bestowed to every individual and should be peacefully enjoyed. This right remains grounded in the ethos of the liberation struggle, one in which great sacrifices were made by ordinary, gallant and dedicated daughters and sons of Zimbabwe. This right should be cherished and guarded jealously, without anyone claiming superior entitlement. We are equal before the law and under God.
Following my arbitrary expulsion from ZANU Pf and my decision to stand as an
Independent Candidate, residents and constituent members of Hurungwe West have
been mercilessly subjected to varying forms and degrees of violence, all intended to undermine the existence of a conducive environment for the holding of free, fair and credible elections. The continued prevalence of coercive campaign methods,
violence and intimidation unfortunately prevailing in Hurungwe West defies these
fundamental tenets and principles which are founding values of the Zimbabwe we
covet as provided in the Constitution.
As an aspiring Independent Candidate I have registered these concerns on numerous
occasions with the authorities, including with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
It is saddening to note that the institutions mandated with safeguarding our lives
and rights have been subverted, rendered impotent and unable to protect the many
innocent, defenceless, unarmed citizens under attack from supposed custodians of
national values. To restore confidence in institutions and systems, the responsible
authorities need to urgently return to their constitutionally enshrined mandate for
purposes of instilling confidence in the electorate and citizens to avert the situation of our country being seen and viewed as a pariah state with selective application of the law.
I salute the constituent members of Hurungwe West, volunteers, women, youths,
and the elderly who have, despite these very trying times remained steadfast in
defence of truth, peace and sustainable development. They are the real custodians
of our values and aspirations.
Humbled and encouraged by such commitment, sacrifices and resilience by ordinary
citizens of Zimbabwe and the constituents of Hurungwe West, as an individual, I
affirm my resolve to stand for what is just and fair, the civil heroes and heroines of Hurungwe West and Zimbabwe will emerge victorious and justice and peace shall
reign once again.
– Temba Mliswa

REVIVAL Centre Church leader and prophet, Adventure Mutepfa, was on Monday convicted of culpable homicide and was fined $400 or four months imprisonment. He had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful or negligent killing of a person.
Mutepfa appeared before Mutare magistrate, Miss Venencia Zvichanzii Mugota, who said the only reason why the prophet was spared time in prison was his 30 years clean driving record.
Said Miss Mugota: “This court finds you guilty as charged. However, in passing sentence I considered the fact that the accused is a family man. He is also a first offender who has managed to maintain a clean driving record for three decades.”
The court heard that on December 3 last year, Mutepfa knocked down Mr Joab Madzibangure while driving to a Wednesday service. He was driving along Mutare-Chimanimani Highway when he lost control of his speeding vehicle when he got to the 3,5km peg near Quest Motors and it swerved to the right, hitting Mr Madzibangure in the process.
Although Mutepfa rushed Mr Madzibangure to Mutare Provincial Hospital, he later died after admission. Prosecuting, Mr Medson Garidza told the court that despite the imminent danger, Mutepfa failed to stop or control his vehicle leading to the victim’s death.
In his defence, Mutepfa, who had no representation, denied responsibility of having killed Mr Madzibangure saying it was neither his intention nor premeditation, but just an honest accident.
He added that Mr Madzibangure was the one who was not in control of his actions and he actually chose his fate when he jumped into his moving vehicle.
“I was driving along Mutare-Chimanimani Road and when I approached Quest Motors, a vehicle on my left swerved towards my lane and I tried to stop. On the extreme left was a parked kombi and when I tried to figure out why the vehicle had swerved, I suddenly saw the pedestrian in front of my car.
“He had just been missed by the swerving vehicle. The victim made an about U-turn and started moving backwards. I tried by all means not to hit him, but in vain. I had firm control of the car and I wasn’t driving fast.
“This is explained by the fact that the victim did not sustain any visible injuries. I was not driving negligently, rather the pedestrian himself is the one who negligently crossed the road, causing mayhem as he jumped onto my vehicle,” said Mutepfa.
One of the witnesses, however, insisted that Mutepfa had knocked down the victim on the island of the road. manica post

First Lady Grace Mugabe’s son, Russell Goreraza, was today found guilty of killing a pedestrian a few months ago.
Rusell Goreraza, the son of Mrs. Mugabe and her first husband, former Air Force of Zimbabwe intelligence officer Wing Commander Stanley Goreraza, was arraigned before a Harare magistrate to face charges of culpable homicide.

Prosecutor Venencia Mutake told the court that on February 23 this year, Russell was driving his BMW vehicle registration number ACO 0266 along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare’s central business district when he knocked down an unidentified pedestrian who died on the spot.
The state attorney said the first lady’s 31 year-old son was over-speeding resulting in him failing to apply emergency brakes to avoid the accident.
Goreraza, who spent a night at Rhodesville Police Station, pleaded guilty to the charge and immediately apologized for causing the death of the un-identified pedestrian.
Magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe then ordered Goreraza to pay a fine of $800 or alternatively spend two months in jail. The magistrate said he was lenient on the accused person because he was never convicted before adding that he was the custodian of his minor child following his divorce with his wife.
After the magistrate gave his ruling, Goreraza rose again to apologize for the unidentified person’s death.
Coalition Against Corruption director Terry Mutsvanga the non-disclosure of the deceased person’s identity in court is suspicious.
Mutsvanga said this puts a dent on the first family’s image.
This is almost the first time in the history of culpable homicide cases in Zimbabwe that a deceased person under such road accidents has not been identified.
Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba was not reachable for comment.
Russell Goreraza made headlines recently when he was allegedly refusing to pay workers at his Tolrose Gold Mine in Kadoma. He also made headlines for the wrong reasons when he was involved in several violent incidents at drinking joints.-VOA

The 287th session of the Zanu PF politburo has endorsed the National Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend 39 members from three provinces that had not been discussed at the last sitting a few weeks ago.
Thirty-seven party members were suspended for two years while two others Webster Shamu and Sylvester Nguni (Mashonaland West) were suspended for three years.
The suspended cadres are from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West.
Those suspended from Mashonaland West include kindness Paradza, Joshua Chakona, Adrian Musiwa, Steven Karenga, Constance Shamu, Jackson Chizanga, Dominic Muza, Mernard Waneke, Talent Muduuri.
In Matabeleland South, Andrew Langa, Jabulani Phetshu Sibanda, Jeremiah Langa, Moffat Sithole, Ollen Ncube, Morris Muhambi, Lungisani Nleya, Malachi Nkomo, Alice Dube, Clara Langa, Greater Ncube, Vongai Mpofu, Alma Mkwebu, Ndabayabo Ndhlovu, Tafirenyika Seremani and Moses Langa, have been suspended.
Those suspended from Bulawayo are Callistus Ndhlovu, Christopher Dube, Elifasi Mashabe, Charles Chiponda, Nicholas Mhlanga, Canaan Ncube, Bertha Moyo, Methuselah Ndhlovu, Quite Moyo, Bheki Dube, Calvin Musuta and Noma Mokoena.
Those who have been suspended and are legislators will, however, continue to attend parliament.

France’s Ambassador says his country is a serious foreign investor Zimbabwe should consider which does not strike “mega” deals which he described as “hit” and “run” business deals.

President Robert Mugabe last year signed a number of mega deals with China and Russia which are yet to be realized.
Speaking to journalists in Harare Friday after a high level diplomatic meeting he held together with the visiting French Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr Rémy Rioux, and government officials French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Laurent Delahousse said his country signs genuine business contracts.
“What I want to stress is the approach of French companies in Zimbabwe is not an approach for deals.
“French companies are not looking for deals, be they legit deals or shady deals or even mega deals. That is not their interest.
“French deals are looking for clever, win-win, long term business relations in Zimbabwe. When they come to Zimbabwe it is not for three years, it is for the long term.
“Total has been here in a long term, Lafarge has been here in a long term.
“You will not see French companies do a deal and then disappear. It is not hit and run. It is investing in a long term.
“So it needs security, it needs of-course certainty on the protection of your investment. It needs some security on the legal issues .It needs security on property right” he said.

A BEITBRIDGE teacher and a pupil died on the spot when a vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road and hit a tree, police confirmed yesterday.
The accident happened last Friday at around 3.30PM on the road linking Chamunangana and Zezani villages in Beitbridge.
Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Province, Sergeant Thabani Mkwananzi, said Phinos Ngonidzashe Bere, 29, who was a Science teacher at Kwalu Secondary School and a form four pupil from the same school, Rejoice Tlou, 17, died when an overloaded Toyota Noah vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road and hit a tree.
“The driver, Conwell Sibanda, 19, was driving towards Zezani Business Centre from Chamunangana area with 17 passengers on board. He then lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road to the right and hit a tree,” said Mkwananzi.
Bere was buried on Wednesday in Gweru and Tlou at Zezani on Tuesday. Sibanda is expected to appear in court soon charged with culpable homicide.

Bradford – The “Miracle Diesel and Petrol” Zimbabwean “prophet” Uebert Angel promised multitudes in April this year, is a pure fluke, church members have charged.
On the 30th April, Angel preached to a congregation at Zambian pastor Ramson Mumba’s El Shaddai church in Bradford saying they would upon leaving the premises instantly see miracle fuel in their tanks.
He even proffered assurance saying he would check up on progress via the Whatsapp network.
“And we want you to Whatsapp that number, take the photo of the gauge as you go out there. You know it was on empty or it was on quarter tank….You don’t even need to go out of this place at the end of this service….,” he said. VIDEO:

But top church members who attended the meeting have told ZimEye.com there was no extra petrol at all in their tanks. Fifteen (15) people were interviewed. Thirteen(13) key church members said there was nothing other than their faith with them, just as two others the latter who have diesel engine cars said it was all a fluke.
“We have interacted with everyone who attended church and have found out no one experienced a breakthrough, perhaps it will happen soon. We keep holding onto faith though, because we are victorious; Nothing moves our faith,” one senior member only identified as John who has been in the church for over 7 years said.
Another El Shaddai follower, a Zimbabwean who has a diesel engine vehicle told ZimEye.com, “There was nothing, hapana zviripo apa, I am shocked Pastor Ramson (Mumba) who I always thought is on track, allowed this guy to preach” he said.
Angel’s real surname is Mudzanire and was changed after he was listed for academic fraud.
The “prophet” has in recorded video footage told thousands of church members to go and raid cash machines so God can bless them. He is also wanted in Zimbabwe for fraud involving a $300,000 Bentley Car.
Despite the negative development, Mumba has continued to engage Angel in his services and the two are scheduled for a conference on the 20th June in Birmingham.

It never rains but pours for an 82 year old Masvingo grandfather from Muchehe Village under Chief Murinye, as neighbouring hookers and widows who were sexually quenching their desire from the mentally ill young man are breathing fire over the unauthorised circumcision, which was carried without the victim’s consent.
Kufakunesu Pagwaringira’s grandfather who has since been slapped with a six-month jail term after he bound the man and forcibly used a home-made knife to circumcise him, is said to be seeking police protection, after he was threatened with unspecified action from the mentioned women, who are accusing him of having caused their lover’s anguish, by using the domestic knife.
 
Pagwaringira who was sentenced by Masvingo Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu, told this reporter that he is now fearing for his life, after receiving threats from these hookers, who are staying in the same village. “He is a cruel old man, who belongs to hell, because he is not a medical practitioner and therefore is not authorised to operate anyone. He has inconvenienced us sexually, because Gibson is our man,” said a hooker who only identified herself as Kumbirai.
 
Sixteen-year-old Gibson Hwekave who is mentally challenged only got some herbs applied to the wounds after the operation. It is said that Pagwaringira circumcised the boy because he was sexually abused from time to time and Pagwaringira felt that he could protect him from sexually transmitted diseases by removing his foreskin.
 
 
Pagwaringira pleaded with the court to give him a non-custodial sentence since he was the only one looking after the mentally challenged boy, and was sentenced to a wholly suspended jail term.
 
 
The Court heard that the accused called the complainant into his house and asked him to get some nice clothes so that they could go to church, and the complainant complied.
 
 
However Pagwaringira tied Hwekwave’s hands behind his back, before he force-marched the complainant onto a mountain and ordered him to lie down on a rock.
He removed Hwekwave’s pair of trousers and produced a knife from his pocket and cut the foreskin of the complainant’s manhood afterwards applying some herbs.
 
Magistrate Zuyu slapped Pagwaringira with 6 month imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years.
 
 
An unknown caller, most suspected to be one of the hookers, tipped the Police who discovered that a home-made knife had been used to circumcise the boy.
Pagwaringira was arrested and the knife was then recovered as an exhibit. The complainant was referred to hospital for medical examination by a medical doctor who compiled the expert report used in court.

An 18 year old woman the State Media says is a witch, was last week Tuesday caught in the act trying to knife a woman so to steal her uterus. FULL REPORT:
A CREEPY looking suspected teenage alleged “witch” was last week Tuesday morning caught in action in the sprawling high-density suburb of Dangamvura allegedly trying to remove an 18-year-old’s uterus in a suspected case of witchcraft.The young witch — who identified herself as Janet — ran out of luck when the would-be victim, Joy Marwa of P346B woke up to the shock of her life around 2am to come face to face with the young witch who was allegedly staring on the mirror in her bedroom preparing in the hope to soon “transfer” the uterus to her “elders” in Buhera.
Further investigations also revealed that Janet was heating seven rand coins on the stove in Joy’s kitchen as part of the uterus transfer rituals.
Surprisingly, the main gate, main doors and screen gate at the house were all locked.
Perplexed neighbours and residents immediately rushed to the house after the terrified Joy screamed for help and sought assistance from her sister, Patience.
“I woke up to realise that a stranger was standing in my room staring at the mirror. I was so scared. At first I thought it was my aunt or a thief who had entered my room. I asked her what she wanted and she said she wanted my uterus. Akati ndirikuda chibereko chako nekuti inini handisisina. Ati mari iyi ikangotsva chete zvangu zvaita. I woke up in awe and screamed for help. I went to the kitchen and the stove was on as she was heating a R5 and R2 coins in a cooking spoon. She also had a fork.
“We further quizzed her and she said they were 28 in their kingdom. There were also some strange concoctions on the door. I screamed for help and all neighbours and my aunt woke up,” said the visibly shocked Joy who was accompanied by her sister, Patience.
“We are still scared. We really want to know the person who sent her to our house. Police should allow us to meet her. This is strange and we really hope this will be amicably solved,” said Patience.
When The Weekender arrived at Dangamvura Police Station on Tuesday morning, scores of dazzled and restless residents were jostling to catch a glimpse of Janet who was in police custody.
And upon meeting The Weekender at the police station, Janet started groaning and rumbling like an incensed pit-bull, her grumpy voice could be heard from a distance.
She started covering her face with a blanket complaining of a severe cold before she stood up and stared reporters. She said she was sent by her “elders” from Buhera.
“I come from Odzi. I don’t know how I came there. I was at Manyange’s house where we usually meet and discuss pressing issues. Some people from Buhera sent me. I was looking for something at that house,” she said before refusing to divulge more information.
It could not be established who Manyange was and where the house was located.
Acting Officer-In-Charge Dangamvura, Inspector Across Matanda, said they were still digging deeper into the matter.
“We are yet to ascertain the real intentions of this young girl. We can, however, not rule out the possibility that she could be a mental patient. We are doing further investigations,” he said.
But was Janet a girl on a mission?
Well-known Dangamvura prophet from Johane Masowe Yechishanu yeNyenyedzi Nomwe, Madzibaba John, who was also present at the police station, said there was a possibility that Janet did not know anything about what was happening.
“It is possible that she might have been used for witchcraft purposes by mischievous people. It is highly unlikely that she knows anything taking place around her. I am here to pray for her and after that she might divulge more information like her real intention and who sent her,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association president, Mr George Kandiero, said that was a clear case of witchcraft.
“If she wanted her uterus, then that is a clear case of witchcraft. She was really determined to complete her mission without failure. It is very possible that she could have been sent by some people.
“If the doors and gates were locked and she did not have spare keys to enter into that house then she can be safely called a witch,” said Mr Kandiero.

VICE PRESIDENT EMMERSON Mnangagwa is in trouble and set to be exposed after he uttered alleged falsehoods on President Robert Mugabe’s peak moments just after the 2008 elections.
Mnangagwa “falsified” information as he made claim that Mugabe became vulnerable when the President’s then security and administration chief Didymus Mutasa crossed floor to make way so MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai could become President of Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa’s utterances were made in Headlands Tuesday where the Vice President was campaigning for the party.
Responding to Mnangagwa’s frontal attack on him and other liberation struggle stalwarts, Mutasa warned yesterday that he would unleash a “treasure trove of damning information” that he had on the VP if the post-congress Zanu PF strongman continued to “mouth falsehoods” and act maliciously.
Mutasa told ZimEye.com Mnangagwa is speaking utter falsehoods. “What would you expect from him. He says he was trained to kill and forgets that he will never kill the truth,” said Mutasa.
He explained to ZimEye.com, “the 2008 election results were announced when all contestants were at their constituencies. I was at Rusape, he must have been at Kwekwe facing his defeat.
“On hearing the results I rushed from Rusape to State House and was the first person to be with the President.”
In another interview still dealing with Mnangagwa, the former close confidante to President Robert Mugabe said ominously this time to a local daily, the DailyNews, that “those who live in glass houses (Mnangagwa) should be extra-careful about throwing stones”.
He rubbished the claims as “utter nonsense”, while also dismissing Mnangagwa’s assertions that he had fled the capital Harare after receiving news that Mugabe had been soundly thumped by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the 2008 presidential elections.
The 2008 polls were later widely discredited as a farce after desperate ruling party hardliners delayed the announcement of the election results for weeks on end, before employing barbaric methods to retain power.
While the MDC has always maintained that it won those elections hands down, the fallout between the warring former Zanu PF comrades is threatening to reveal salacious details of what really transpired when Mugabe and his party lost those elections to Tsvangirai and the official opposition.
In fact, Mutasa revealed yesterday, Mugabe’s inner circle — including Mnangagwa — had been “scattered around the country” during that period of June 2008 when the announcement of the results of the presidential elections were deliberately delayed as authorities worked to manage the situation.
“We were all in our constituencies during that time. Iye (he) Mnangagwa was also in his constituency,” he said. Further mocking Mnangagwa for abandoning the Kwekwe constituency for the comfort of a “tailor made” seat of Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe, Mutasa also said that the VP was “a well known loser who prefers to run away” when the going gets tough”.
“We all know he is a loser and he failed to win in Kwekwe and ran away. When I heard the results (of the 2008 elections) I quickly came to State House. I was the only one who stood by the president during that day until others started trickling in,” Mutasa countered.
Analysts predict that the brutal purges in Zanu PF that have seen the expulsion of former top officials such as Mutasa, Rugare Gumbo and former Vice President Joice Mujuru from the party, will soon result in the disgruntled members “baring their souls” about Zanu PF’s secrets that have kept the ruling party in power since 1980.
Mutasa said pointedly yesterday that individuals in Zanu PF, including Mnangagwa, had “a lot of skeletons in their cupboards”, which would embarrass them and shock the nation if they were exposed.
“He was trained to kill but he cannot kill the truth. He should not say zvinhu zvenhando (nonsense) because we know a lot about him. He should just shut up, otherwise tinomupfumura (we will expose him).
“When he was released from detention in Zimbabwe, he went to Zambia and stayed there. I will not say much about those days. What I know about Mnangagwa is not for public consumption for security reasons. I will not speak much, at least yet,” the former senior Cabinet minister said.
Bernard Manyadza — a former member of the Zanla High Command whose nom de guerre was Parker Chipoyera, and who trained top military officials during the liberation struggle such as Air Force commander Perrence Shiri and Army general Constantine Chiwenga — has in the past said that he only met Mnangagwa once in exile and never heard of him.
“I didn’t know him. I met him once at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka when I was introduced to him. That was the time when people were arrested in Boroma, the time we had Zimbabwe Liberation Council, and we said to him since you know Zambia can you help us rescue comrades in Boroma so that we take them to Mozambique but he said he could not assist because he wanted to complete his studies,” Manyadza recently told the paper.
Mnangagwa, whose alleged political ruthlessness is captured in his nickname Ngwena (the Crocodile) has been an enigma to many Zimbabweans, with another war veteran alleging yesterday that he was “a minor league player” during the liberation struggle, who only came to the political forefront towards the end of the liberation struggle as a presidential aide.
However, Mnangagwa has described himself as “soft as wool” and that the moniker Crocodile came from the famous Crocodile Gang that allegedly blew a train in Masvingo during the liberation struggle — a group he says he was a member of.

A prostitute from Inyathi was yesterday morning found dead with her face split open a few metres from the local police station. Senzeni Sibanda, 29, is said to have left a local night spot in the company of man identified as Dube, a caretaker at
Inyathi police have since brought Dube in for questioning.
Dube, who is said to be in his late 50s, was the last person seen in the company of Senzeni after they left Senco Cocktail Bar at Inyathi Business Centre around 2AM yesterday, apparently to spend the rest of the morning together.
A Chronicle newscrew visited the scene of the gruesome murder which is along a secluded path just a few metres away from Inyathi Police Station’s perimeter fence.
Senzeni’s body was still lying on the ground face down covered with a red blanket. Two police officers were standing guard over it. There were blood stains on the ground suggesting there was a tussle between Senzeni and her assailant.
Scores of people were gathered, among them Senzeni’s colleagues, and shocked villagers. Her relatives, who were still struggling to come to terms with her death, were also at the scene.
Police collected the body at about 12.30PM. When they removed the blanket and turned her body over, Senzeni’s face had a deep gash running across from the temple down to the nose.
Her clothes had blood stains and some clotted blood was on the ground.
Senzeni’s friends and relatives started crying uncontrollably the moment the blanket was removed. The murder weapon had not been found but it was suspected that her killer used an axe to strike her over yet-to-be-ascertained reasons.
Senzeni’s aunt, Medrina Sibanda, said she received a phone call in the morning concerning the death of her niece. Medrina said she learnt that Senzeni, a mother of one, was drinking beer with Dube in the company of her friend, Sizalobuhle Khumalo, at Senco Cocktail Bar the previous night.
She said at around 2AM, Senzeni left the bar in the company of Dube who had proposed to have sex with her. “I was told that the two left the bar to go and sleep together at Dube’s house. That’s all I heard,” said a grieving Medrina.
“I don’t know what happened or what the misunderstanding was about which led to the gruesome murder of my niece. I was only called this morning and we are very saddened by her untimely passing away because she was indeed a good person.”
Senzeni’s brother, Xolani, said his sister is survived by a 10-year-old daughter. He said his sister was a well known lady of the night in Inyathi area. Senzeni’s friend, Sizalobuhle, confirmed she was with Senzeni and Dube drinking beer at the local popular joint. She said at around 2AM, she told the two that she was leaving the bar since there were no clients.
Sizalobuhle, said as they were walking home, Senzeni gave her an open can of Castle Lite beer which she had been drinking for her to finish.
“The bar was almost empty and there were no potential male clients for me. So I told them that I was leaving and they stood up and we left the bar together. As we were walking, Senzeni and Dube took a path into the bush and I told them that it was too dark to take that route. It was at that time that I parted with them going home,” she said.
Sizalobuhle said she went alone to her house and was shocked to discover in the morning that her long-time friend had been gruesomely murdered. She said they knew Dube quite well.
Sizalobuhle said Dube had been buying beer for them the whole night until they left the bar.
She said she had no idea as to what could have led to the murder.
“For all I know we were all happy and the two were showing each other lots of love and affection when I left them,” he said. Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.

High Court Judge, Justice Francis Bere, on circuit in Masvingo, has lambasted the police for ineptitude when conducting investigations of serious cases like murder.Justice Bere said this yesterday when he acquitted 63-year-old Kefas Muchemi of Muchemi Village under Chief Nyakunhuwa in Zaka of murder charges.
Kefas fatally stabbed his brother’s son, Shadreck Muchemi in 2012 during a beer drink while fighting over the village headship roles. He stabbed his nephew on the left side of his chest resulting in Shadreck dying on the spot. Kefas, who was represented pro deo by Takura Kuchenga of Legal Aid Directory, was acquitted after the defence counsel argued that Kefas acted in self-defence when he fatally stabbed Shadreck.
Justice Bere said police investigations were poorly done. The State only presented two witnesses, the owner of the homestead, Amon Makusha, where the now deceased and accused were drinking beer and the village head, Bodius Muchemi, who is Shadreck’s father.
Justice Bere said the police could have been more thorough in their investigations and provided more witnesses other than Makusha and the village head.
‘‘The court is left to rely on Kefas’ version of events especially on the circumstances that led to Shadreck’s stabbing. We find it awkward that from all the people drinking beer at Amos Makusha’s homestead, there is none who witnessed the incident. Of course, there is a risk of exaggeration in the accused’s evidence but the court is unable to dismiss it on the basis of speculation,” he said.
Justice Bere said the courts were hamstrung when it came to further investigating cases as they rely solely on the police for that duty.
In his judgment, Justice Bere sitting with assessors Samuel Mutomba and Joseph Mushuku, said the court could not reject Kefas’ evidence that that the now deceased was aggressive and had threatened him with death hence he acted in self-defence.
He said while in other countries, the courts have the mandate to further investigate cases, the situation was different here.
“The accused acted in the manner necessary when someone is under attack. The court does not adopt an armchair approach in cases like this because the evidence given by the accused cannot be dismissed as the court has no mandate to further investigate. In other jurisdictions, the courts enjoy that mandate but not here in Zimbabwe. That is the work of the police,” said Justice Bere.
Shadreck was aged 24 at the time of his death in 2012. Under cross examination, Kefas admitted to have stabbed Shadreck but, however, denied that he had the intention to kill his nephew.
Kefas said he wanted to inflict pain on Shadreck’s upper part of the left hand so that he could free himself from the deceased’s firm hold but accidentally reached for the chest.
Prosecuting, Takunda Chikwati said in May, 2012 Kefas and Shadreck were with other patrons at Makusha’s homestead for a traditional beer drink.
“At around 7AM, Kefas, acting on behalf of the village head, Bodius Muchemi, 72, who is also his brother and father to the late Shadreck, took out beer meant for the village elders.
He took out two tins filled with beer and gave them to Mavhima Maoneke to mark the traditional beer drinking ceremony. When this happened, the village head, Bodius Muchemi, had not yet arrived,” said Chikwati.
The court heard that Shadreck was not amused by Kefas’s actions and started accusing him of wanting to overthrow his father from the position of village head.
Chikwati said Shadreck then charged towards Kefas who he grabbed by the left hand and dragged him out of the hut and yard.
“In order to free himself, Kefas then produced an Okapi knife from his pocket and stabbed Shadreck on the chest. Shadreck fell down and died instantly,” he said.
After realising that Shadreck was dead, Kefas fled the scene heading towards his homestead. He narrated to his family what had happened at the beer drink before he later handed himself to the police.
Police attended the scene and took the body to the hospital for postmortem.
Results of a postmortem showed that Shadreck died of haemorrhaging shock and stab wound. He had a deep stab wound on his chest.

Zanu PF Harare province youth league chairperson Godwin Gomwe, who is in remand prison, has once again been dragged to the High Court on an urgent basis for allegedly invading land situated in Harare’s Westlea suburb.

The woman who took on bravery against odds to expose the preacher (who flaunted himself as God’s High Commissioner) Walter Masocha, taking on herself “the Samson mantle,” Jean Gasho, has launched a powerful charity organisation to support victimised church people. The legendary Samson of the Bible used the jaw bone of a donkey in a flash to kill one thousand men, and Jean Gasho picked up her own “jaw” to crush the injustices of the man who called himself God’s High Commissioner and everyone’s “Daddy,” and yet was no holy man at all, being soon revealed as a sex offender preying on simple minds using God’s name.
 
Her organisation is called JAW – Just A Woman and seeks to help female victims of religious abuse. In a statement to ZimEye.com, Jean said, “JAW is a non-profit charity organisation with a primary goal of educating and empowering women against religious and domestic abuse.
 
 
“The charity aims to raise awareness on what religious abuse actually is, and how women can prevent themselves from falling victim to cult leaders who prey on vulnerable adults.
 
 
“JAW will also have a support network for victims of sexual abuse by the clergy, and other life threatening abuses facing women in cult like churches today.
“Religious abuse is on the rise in the United Kingdom, and our charity aims to provide a support network for such women that is so void in our communities today,” she said.
 
Meanwhile Jean’s father Never Gasho has spoken from Zimbabwe blessing his daughter for the work she is now doing. His tribute to her was heard by guests and speakers who attended the JAW launch in Milton Keynes on Saturday 31 May 2015. Among the guests was newly appointed Mayor of Milton Keynes Mr Keith McLean and his wife Mayoress Victoria McLean.

The Mayor encouraged Jean to continue the work she was doing and said he would support her charity in the best way he could. BEFFTA founder Pauline Long, Evangelist Kalonga and former Agape survivor Sifiso Nduna were among the guest speakers whilst International Business Entrepreneur Nick J Reynolds delivered a key note speech on breakthrough that left guests feeling motivated and empowered. Entertainers at JAW launch included Jazz singer Cynthia Gentle and Monalisa Sibanda. Children’s worker Melissa Sibanda and young Blogger Bekaa Maphosa were among the youths who graced the event with spoken word and poetry.
 
It has also since emerged that a preacher who worked for Masocha, was fired for supporting Jean’s plight. Evangelist Walter Nhliziyo was slapped with a P45 by Masocha making him immediately jobless. He wrote to Jean just before the function last Saturday: “This weekend we celebrate you Jean. Congratulations on the launch of JAW!!!!
To one you are a Mentor. To a few you are Mother. To many you are a Philanthropist and an Artist. To crowds you are a Blogger and Author. To multitudes you are a Women’s Rights Activist and a Survivor of Abuse. To all, and by all, you are LOVED.
We’ve heard this question thrown around in our homes of late, but where do you begin when honouring the servant life of a woman such as yourself. How do we say ‘thank you’ for all that you have sown, laid down, picked up, carried and poured into our lives? We’ve grasped for words that carry the weight and distinction that you deserve and come up wanting. So in order to best articulate what is in our hearts for you – who you are, and all that you have done – simply: a ‘Big Thank you”.
Thank you for answering the call. For building a blog and throwing open the doors.
Thank you for being sensitive to the Spirit, for committing to the personal journey of discipleship in order that we might share in the fruit of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thank you for counting the cost – for looking ahead and taking the road less travelled anyway.
Thank you for going the distance. For never letting anyone take advantage of who we are and what we’re all about – even if it means taking several punches every once in a while.
Thank you for leading by example –
Thank you for being you-
Thank you for BEING THERE. When the sky is falling and when all is well, proving that family is made in both the valleys and on the mountains, with equal measure of weeping and rejoicing.
Deficits have not swayed you. Critics have not moved you.
So this last weekend of May 2015, it is our deepest honour and profound privileges to share in this milestone, as you have shared in ours. Thank you does not seem enough to a woman that has personally ushered thousands upon thousands of us into the light.
Again, we say Thank You. Heaven applauds you and we rejoice that you are a sister in the Gospel.
I speak over you today the promises of GOD to a woman who has laid her life for All. And I say to you with all sincerity and belief that truly, Jean Gasho, your very best is yet to come.
With all our love,
Evangelist Walter Nhliziyo and family (Scotland-UK)”
VIDEO:

A MAN from Chiredzi will spend the next 22 years in prison after a High Court Judge found him guilty of stabbing his father to death in a row over witchcraft allegations.
Lovemore Zimoni, 29, of Village 2, Levanga Resettlement area, murdered Naison Zimoni in cold blood after the latter attempted to chase him away from home for labelling his mother, Marita Zimoni, a witch.
Lovemore courted the ire of Naison, who was 51 at the time in 2010, when he accused his mother of bewitching his wife.
High Court Judge, Justice Francis Bere who is on circuit in Masvingo, convicted Lovemore of murder with actual intent and sentenced him to 22 years in prison.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bere said while it could be true that Lovemore was angered by his father’s intervention in a dispute that concerned him and his mother, it was apparent that he had an intention of callously killing his father.
“You stabbed him because you wanted him dead given the multiple stab wounds and the vulnerability of the position you targeted. You could’ve been angered or acted in self defence but the weapon you used clearly shows that you had the actual intention of eliminating your father. However, in passing sentence, the court shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that you’ll be haunted for the rest of your life for having killed your biological father,” said Justice Bere.
He said the fact that the deceased was not armed and Lovemore went on to assault him using a dangerous weapon shows that the crime was premeditated.
“All the evidence given before this court shows that the accused had planned to murder his father and the lies that he acted in that manner because of the imminent danger from Marita who was holding a hoe do not hold water,” said Justice Bere.
Lovemore was represented pro deo by Frank Chirairo.
Prosecuting, Elson Chavarika said on March,31, 2010, Lovemore was at the family homestead with his late father, Naison and mother, Marita (age not given) when a dispute erupted over accusations of witchcraft.
“Lovemore accused his mother of bewitching his wife and threatened to hurt her. He then took his wife away and the couple put up at a fellow villager, Kelvin Gwama’s homestead. They returned home on the following day,” said Chavarika.
The court heard that when Naison saw Lovemore, he ordered him to leave his homestead because he had accused his mother of bewitching his wife.
“However, Lovemore refused and a dispute ensued. The dispute degenerated into a fight. During the shoving and pushing, Lovemore drew a knife and stabbed Naison several times on the abdomen and head,” he said.
Chavarika said Naison fell down and died on the spot. He said Lovemore immediately fled the scene. A report was made to the police leading to his arrest.
Naison’s body was taken to Chiredzi District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
A post-mortem report availed in court showed that Naison died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Barely 48 hours before the upcoming hotly contested by-elections, Themba Mliswa’s Chief Election Agent,Goodwell Zinyama, has been arrested.
At approximately 18:30hrs yesterday evening (Wednesday 3rd June 2015), Mr. Goodwell Zinyama, Mliswa’s was arrested by members of the ZRP Chinhoyi on what Mliswa’s team say are “trumped up charges of assault”.
 
Zinyama was travelling from Harare to Karoi with a group of students when the combi they were travelling in was stopped at a road block on arrival in Chinhoyi.
“It seems as though the police were on the alert for the combi and had trailed it from Harare,” a witness report seen by ZimEye.com says.
 
At the time of writing he was under detention at Chinhoyi Police Station.
The arrest is seen as another in the now frequent attempts by the ruling party to frustrate Mliswa candidacy as an Independent in Hurungwe West. Mliswa himself was released only a few hours before this arrest as the State failed to prosecute due to the absence of grounds.
 
Mliswa team told ZimEye.com, “This has now become the modus operandi as false charges upon false charges are being heaped upon Temba and his team to interfere in their campaign efforts. What is saddening to note is the way in which the ZRP, the custodians of law and order are being blatantly used at the whim of political expediency.
 
“We are working tirelessly to secure Zinyama’s release and pray that justice will prevail.”

Resolutions of the MDC Renewal National Council
Following recent developments in the renewal team which most of you are well versed with, in particular, the deviation of our erstwhile colleagues from the Mandel declaration which we hold to be timeless and sacrosanct, we the renewal democrats gathered here today on the 3rd of June in the year of our Lord 2015 have decided to peacefully disassociate ourselves from them.
Guided by the original MDC`s founding values and principles of September 1999 and the timeless philosophies encapsulated in the Mandel declaration of 26 of April 2014, we the democrats gathered here today make the following proclamations and pledge to live by them in the prosecution and execution of our struggle for a better Zimbabwe, a prosperous economy and a free people. Free from want and deprivation, free from fear and repression and indeed free to pursue our happiness and economic prosperity, make the following resolutions:
1. We shall pursue the philosophy and ideology of modern nationalism. This entails that we will, in all our endeavors always put our country and its people first before all else. We shall always pursue the emancipation and liberation of the region and indeed Africa as a whole. We endorse unreservedly all the noble efforts in the region and in the continent to fight for political autonomy and economic progression of Africa and its member states. In this regard, we endorse the latter and spirit of the African Union`s vision 2063 in its entirety. We will strive to contribute positively towards its realization both as an opposition political party and indeed when we come to government as we will certainly and inevitably do! In seeking to develop our nation we will embrace and work with the rest of the international community while leveraging on our resources to the best benefit of our people.
2. We believe that no matter how protracted, bitter and costly the struggle for change may be, it is nevertheless a just and legitimate cause. In this regard, and in spite of all the repressive mechanisms laid before us by an illegitimate and authoritarian regime of Robert Mugabe, we will pursue the struggle for change using non-violent, peaceful but fearless and bold methods. All our efforts will be aimed at galvanizing the people of Zimbabwe towards national reconciliation and nation-building. This country is afflicted by a horrendous past and our people bear deep scars from gross human rights violations and socio-economic deprivation. We therefore believe that the government must pay reparations and compensation for all victims of state sponsored violence and unrestrained economic deprivation and political persecution.
3. The economic situation reflects the dismal failure of the present government not only on its 2013 electoral promises but as well as on its constitutional duties and responsibilities to ensure a working and a workable environment for our hardworking and peaceful people to pursue their economic interests. This has led to a proliferation of vendors and an alarming rate of emigration to neighboring countries due to acute levels of unemployment forcing our people to live as second class citizens vulnerable and exposed to xenophobic and other forms of ridicule and exploitation. There is therefore no doubt that this country now needs renewal and revival. Revival of the economy, of the critical state institutions that have been rendered moribund and indeed the renewal of hope and the belief that we as Zimbabweans are no lesser humans and deserve no lesser respect from our government and our publicly elected officials. Zimbabwe has enough wealth for all of us and indeed for all future generations if managed properly and shared more fairly and transparently. Our people remain trapped in abject poverty because of the shameless greed and selfishness of a few individuals.
4. Ever since Mandel, there has been institutional stagnation in terms of building the party and its institutions. We have therefore drawn a line in the sand and start to build the people`s institution in earnest. In so doing, we believe that we must build a strong party in our own accord. We will continue to uphold and pursue social democratic values by fostering and maintaining durable relationships and networks with our grassroots members and working together with like minded parties, organizations and individuals who believe as we do, that the we can never claim to be leaders until and unless the interests of our people become the focus of our leadership. This shall be the guiding ethos of our leadership style and we will remain open and amenable to working with the others in various forms and capacities to pursue and attain change, political freedom, economic prosperity and democratic, transparent and accountable governance.
5. For a longtime, following the Mandel declaration, we have been dithering and ambivalent in constituting our party properly. As a result we have suffered an identity crisis. Thus, we want to put this confusion to rest by constituting ourselves into a clear and unambiguous leadership and party identity. In that regard, our party will be called …………………………………………………………………………………………….
6. In conclusion, we will do whatever is permissible in a constitutional and democratic society to achieve the change that Zimbabweans yearn for. We verily believe that the golden goal of change is well within our reach and achievable. We call upon the unity and effective organization of and by all democratic forces in ensuring that political change and economic freedom are achieved well within our lifetime.
Renewal: The Courage to determine our own destiny!!!

A ZIMBABWE NATIONAL ARMY SOLDIER based in Bulawayo sneaked into his neighbour’s house in Kensington suburb and kidnapped the family’s seven-year-old daughter before leaving behind a dead owl and a black bag in the yard, sparking satanism fears.
In ways reminiscent of the Itai Dzamara abduction, the army officer disappeared with the girl in the think of the night.
The State Media reports the abducted girl’s father, Dennis Moyo, 46, yesterday narrated how the suspect, Njabulo Tshuma, sneaked into his home shortly after 11.45PM on Tuesday and abducted his daughter, a Grade Three pupil at Umguza Primary School.
“We were sleeping with my wife in our bedroom when I woke up to the sound of footsteps. I left my bedroom to check where the sound was coming from and I got suspicious when I discovered that my daughter wasn’t in the lounge where she sleeps,” said Moyo.
He said on stepping out of the house, he spotted Tshuma fleeing through the gate carrying his daughter.
Moyo said the suspect had covered the girl’s mouth so that she could not scream.
“I saw a man fleeing carrying my daughter and chased after him and when he realised that I was catching up, he dropped the girl and continued running,” said the terrified father of three.
Moyo, who managed to positively identify Tshuma in the dark, said he took his daughter and went back home where upon arrival he found a bag containing Tshuma’s pay slip, among other documents.
“I suspect that Tshuma dropped the bag as he fled in the dark and didn’t realise it,” he said.
Moyo’s wife, Christine, said they suspected that Tshuma could have abducted their daughter for ritual purposes after they also found a dead owl in the yard.
“Soon after the incident, we found a dead owl tied with a red string. We believe that it could be something to do with satanism. We’re now living in fear after this incident,” she said.
Moyo said soon after the incident, he followed Tshuma to his home and found the gate locked.
“I then went to Kensington Police Base and filed a report before I joined the police who went to Tshuma’s home where they managed to arrest him,” he said.
Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo yesterday said they were not aware of the incident.
“The report hasn’t yet been brought to us, however, we’ll contact the relevant police station and come back to you,” he said.
The incident comes barely a week after another woman had her newly born baby stolen by a bogus nurse at St Luke’s Mission Hospital in Lupane.
The mother, only identified as Evers, 32, delivered by caesarean section on Thursday last week. Expecting mothers and those who have delivered at the hospital are now living in fear after the baby-snatcher left a chilling message written on a piece of paper outside the hospital.
The piece of paper had the message: “Hospital staff you are Satanists who live on human blood”.
The woman who stole the baby was spotted outside the hospital premises in the early hours of Friday morning carrying the baby by two people who were coming for an early morning visit to the hospital.

President Robert Mugabe’s wife Grace says that her pain has continued troubling since her diagnosis for colon cancer earlier in the year.
Speaking during an address in Harare where she attempted to ward off worries about her ill health casting a white face that she is fit as a fiddle, Grace said she regularly seeks medical treatment as the pain has continued across the months and it keeps coming. “At times I have pain here and there but it can be treated, that’s why I sometimes go for treatment and come back fully recovered,” she said, albeit bravely.
There are fears Mrs Mugabe’s cancer may have grown into other tissues beyond the intestines. This has been correlated by the persistent pains.
Grace made these revelations as she addressed women at the start of the Zanu-PF Women’s League national executive council meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare yesterday. But she pulled a brave face saying she had the same energy as last year when she addressed rallies across the country in her “Meet the People” tours.
“I’m happy we’re meeting while we’re all in good health. I’m very healthy,” she said.
She continued, “I still have the same energy as I had last year.
“That’s why we thank God because at times you become ill and you don’t know what it is and you end up with much bigger problems, but when you know and you’re treated you become well and continue working for the country,” Mrs Mugabe.

ZimEye reveals the names of Elton Mangoma’s senior executives in their new party(Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe) RDZ formed today 3rd June 2014.
They include 5 men and one (Yet To Be Named) female boss.
The six are:
Elton Mangoma – President
Pishai Muchauraya – Spokesperson
Fidelis Mugari
Promise Mukwananzi
Trust Chikohori
A Lady(name withheld)
The other four do not have defined roles as yet, ZimEye.com was told. [ALSO READ-Mangoma Bolts Out of Renewal, Starts Own Party.
Mr Muchauraya told ZimEye.com on Wednesday the above six will lead the new party up to congress whose date was not disclosed at the time of writing.

MDC Renewal Treasurer General Elton Steers Mangoma has bolted out of the outfit to start his own party.
Mangoma’s party is called the Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe.

Announcing the development, the formation’s Spokesperson Pishai Muchauraya told ZimEye.com, “We are now RDZ. I am the Spokesman.”
The move comes at a time when he had been suspended by an ad hoc committee disciplining him for causing violence on a party cadre accusing him of bedding the man’s wife.
It was not clear at the time of writing how many people there are in the party.

Troubled Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition director Macdonald Lewanika has bowed down to pressure which was being exerted by the civil society movement’s board of directors and resigned.
Among other allegations Lewanika was accused of flouting tender procedures and abusing donor funding.
The former Crisis in Zimbabwe boss also forced out Dewa Mavhinga from chairing the troubled organization’s board late last year after an external auditor had unearthed corruption in the Coalition.
Below is the resignation letter which Lewanika wrote to the “board”.
Dear Colleagues
1.) This note serves to inform you that I submitted my Notice of
Resignation letter as Director of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition on May
17 2015. I am thus now serving my notice and will shortly be taking my
leave from this station.
– The leadership is still developing an Exit and Replacement plan and
colleagues will be briefed appropriately when these details have been fully
fleshed out. In the meantime, I urge colleagues to continue conducting
themselves professionally and continue to execute their duties, as will I,
till my time of departure.
– I also urge colleagues to desist from turning the issue of my replacement
into a political campaign, either for themselves or their preferred
candidates. A transparent and official process will be laid out and those
interested or with strong feelings around who should replace me can then
take a que from that and act appropriately.
2.) I would also like to officially announce the departure from Staff of
Vivid Gwede, who submitted his Resignation letter to me last week on Friday
the 29th of May 2015. Vivid has now joined the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Association ( ZIMRIGHTS) as their Information Officer. For those who were
in Vhumba for the Programs Team Planning Session we did mention Vivid’s
departure and bed him farewell. In addition to Vivid, Our receptionist Eve
Mazunga also left the organisation.
– As above I urge colleagues to act professionally and continue to conduct
their duties.
– Given our financial situation and also the fact that I shall soon be
replaced, I will not be making or instituting any substantive replacements
for these two colleagues – I will leave this task for the new leadership at
Secretariat Level.
3.) I however have made interim arrangements for Zvikomborero Mache to
return to the organisation to fill in for Zvikomborero Tafirenyika, in my
office, while the later is on leave. Zviko Mache is available to assist
with other duties and has so far been also assisting with manning the
reception desk.
If there are other interim measures, these will be communicated and shared
with colleagues accordingly.
Sincerely
McDonald

Arrested Hurungwe West parliamentary contestant Themba Mliswa has been released by the police and is now a free man.
ZimEye.com which broke the news of his arrest yesterday can exclusively reveal Mliswa was released this afternoon at about 3pm, Wednesday 3rd June 2015.
The release came after the police in Karoi refused to prosecute due to insufficient grounds and also lack of evidence.

Mliswa was yesterday arrested on charges of allegedly destroying party posters of his ZANU PF rival and (yet) village outcast Keith Guzah. He was referred to Karoi Police station this afternoon where cops fumbled over files failing to obtain substantial grounds of prosecution.
Evidence has emerged that it is in fact ZANU PF which is destroying party poster materials. In Harare, Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe, PDZ led by UK based Barbara Nyagomo filed a police case showing how numerous ZANU-PF activists were on a rampage removing posters of other parliamentary contestants as the upcoming by elections draw nigh.

FULL STORY – CLICK HERE-Grace Dissed By Chombo

FULL STORY – CLICK HERE-Grace Dissed By Chombo

A 27 YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean man based in Bredasdorp, Western Cape in South Africa has been arrested for allegedly killing his 14-year-old girlfriend and hiding the body under a bed at his home.
Western Cape provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut, said the teenager’s body was discovered under the suspect’s bed on Sunday morning at his home in Zwelitsha.
He identified the girl as Elba Japhta of Bredasdorp. Lt Col Traut said they were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder.
“The girl was staying with the suspect at his home in Bredasdorp. The girl was beaten and stabbed to death. We’re however, still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the matter,” he said.
Police said the girl had been living with the suspect for two years. Lt Col Traut said the suspect is expected to appear in the Bredasdorp Magistrates Court today facing a murder charge.
According to South African media reports, the Bredasdorp Community Police Forum alleges that the child had been in a relationship with the suspect for the past two years.
Social Development MEC Albert Fritz said his department was sending a team of social workers to the family of the murdered child.
“We continue to urge parents to play the greatest role in ensuring we protect and provide an enabling space for our children. If you see something, say something,” said Fritz.
Another Zimbabwean cannibal who killed a man before cutting out his heart and eating it with a knife and fork was last month jailed for 18 years.
Andrew Chimboza launched the horrific attack on 62-year-old Mbuyiselo Manona after a heated argument in Cape Town’s Gugulethu Township in June 2014. The 35-year-old claimed that Manona initially attacked him because he thought he was sleeping with his girlfriend.
Chimboza retaliated by slitting his throat and stabbing him multiple times.
He then chopped out his victim’s heart “because it was full of hatred and jealousy, but he later confessed that he didn’t know why he had eaten it. Chimboza pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced at Western Cape High Court by Judge Ashley Binns-Ward who described the assault as “extremely brutal.” Chronicle

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai was going to become President of Zimbabwe in 2008, admitting for the first time that the MDC leader won that year’s elections.
Speaking while shooting down former ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Didymus Mutasa, Mnangagwa said Tsvangirai was fully set to rule Zimbabwe. He alleged that Mutasa acted in support of Tsvangirai’s automatic presidency in that election when Robert Mugabe was beaten by the MDC leader who garnered 73% of total votes.
“In 2008 when (MDC-T leader Mr Morgan) Tsvangirai almost ruled this country, I was the chief election agent for the President and Mutasa was the secretary for Administration.
“Surprisingly, when the results were announced, Mutasa had already packed all his belongings from the office. When I phoned him he told me that he was already in Rusape,” said Mnangagwa.
He continued his barrage against Mutasa saying, “we wondered how the secretary for Administration would run away at such a critical moment. I phoned (Nicholas) Goche. He also said he was already in Bindura. How could a man in charge of our security at the time desert us at that critical moment? This is the kind of people we were dealing with. They thought MDC was going to rule this country,” he added.
Mnangagwa made these remarks while addressing rallies in Mutata’s Headlands stronghold and Mutare areas to drum up support for the Mugabe controlled party’s candidates ahead of next Wednesday’s parliamentary by-elections.

ZANU PF politburo member Oppah Muchinguri has conceded that there are deep divisions within the ruling party, while slamming Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene, for overstepping her duties in controlling the province.
Muchinguri made the remarks in Mutare yesterday at a campaign rally to drum up support for Zanu PF Dangamvura-Chikanga candidate Esau Mupfumi at St Mary’s Secondary School ahead of next Wednesday’s by-election.
She told Vice-President Emerson Mnangagwa and other top Zanu PF officials, among them political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, acting provincial chairman Samuel Undenge and senior government officials, that all was not well in the ruling party.
Muchinguri, who is also Higher Education minister, said there were sharp divisions in Zanu PF before pleading with Mnangagwa to return to Manicaland to address matters dividing the province.
“Boss (Mnangagwa), you should continue to come here because you said important words of being united in the party. So if it is possible, you also come again to address issues of unity in the party here,” she said.
“This is political commissar and I don’t need your job. I have my own duties as the Minister of Higher Education and my duty is to sharpen my students’ minds. You should be content by what God gave you. If we know that everyone has their duties, then we will move forward.”
Muchinguri said Mnangagwa was not power-hungry, hence he waited for his time to be appointed as VP by President Robert Mugabe.
“He was almost executed during the liberation struggle and look where he stands,” she said.
Both Muchinguri and Chimene were reportedly locked in a dispute for control of Manicaland after former Zanu PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa was expelled from the ruling party.
Mutasa used to be the political godfather in Manicaland and Muchinguri was now being considered the new provincial power broker.
Chimene is considered the provincial iron lady for her no-nonsense stance in politics and government.
Mnangagwa, who addressed Dangamvura on one foot as he wanted to rush back to welcome Mugabe from Sudan, said Zanu PF was still intact because it sacked wayward members.
“In Zanu PF, if you are out of way, we sack you and the party will remain strong. Zanu PF is more important than anyone else. And I heard MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai said no election with no reforms, we are saying that they should continue to do that and we will continue to participate in elections after every five years,” he said.-Newsday

Minister of Local Government Ignatius Chombo has dissed First Lady Grace Mugabe’s orders on respecting vendors. Chombo took advantage of The First Lady’s absence and her time of illness to abuse vendors. In March Mrs Mugabe warned government and police against abusing vendors saying they also have their rights. READ MORE…
We’re Just Vendors Not Soldiers
Zimbabwe’s vendors have thus responded angrily to Minister Chombo’s threats of military action on them using the Zimbabwe National Army to clamp down on the “innocent vendors, who are (yet) only trying to earn a living through legal means”.
“We are just a poor and unarmed community, who are operating legally and we are contributing $2, 60 per day to the council. How can a vendor who is un-armed let alone being voiceless, fight a soldier?

“How can soldiers who are supposed to protect us go against their mandate of security, and begin killing their own?,” asked Edward Manning, who is the national President of the Informal Sector and Vendors.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo Tuesday, Manning said that all vendors have been contributing towards the council revenues.
“We have been paying money to the council and we also have agreed with the government to pay $1 every day as tax, but we are surprised by Chombo who is eager to spill blood for no reason,” he said.
Manning also accused Chombo of imposing draconian measures, at a time the First Lady Grace Mugabe is not in the country.
“The First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe ordered the police and government to leave vendors alone because she is aware of our plight and efforts. She ordered the stoppage of the harassment of informal traders, but now that she is out of the country, Chombo is flexing his muscles during her absence.
We are a membership driven association, and we are going to act according and also engage the relevant authorities as a community. We are a law abiding community, who want to see the success of our country, not evil thinking in Chombo(sic),” said Manning. See Video for more…

MDC Renewal Team Treasurer General Elton Steers Mangoma had on Tuesday a committee decide on recommendations to suspend him over allegations he hired party youths to assault so called “sex rival” Believe Tevera. Tevera is the man who claims Mangoma is in an adulterous affair with his 20-year-old wife, Yemurai Maravanyika.
The Renewal Team’s spokesperson Jacob Mafume told ZimEye.com the conclusion does not amount to a suspension. “It is a recommendation from the committee,” he said.
The party’s senior decision making committee last week began sitting down as it investigated the violence that occurred at the party offices last week concluding that it was “satisfied” that Mr Mangoma has committed serious offences. The findings also found that Mr Believe Tevera could have handled himself better but he is more sinned against than being the sinner.”
“We find his role in the coordination and sponsoring of violence against party members to be overwhelming. The gang of youth and hired thugs were ferried and transported using the respondent’s vehicle. • One of the thugs was later seen providing the respondent with personal security. • The thugs have gone on to incessantly threaten many party members, including staff members perceived not to be aligned to his agenda,” the report read.
Below was the full report of the adhoc commitee on the violence that took place at the MDC Renewal Team offices
MDC RENEWAL TEAM REPORT NO 1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS OF THE ADHOC COMMITTEE ON VIOLENCE AT THE PARTY OFFICE
02 JUNE 2015 1.
Having carefully heard evidence, and read statements from key witnesses, it is clear to us that the charges that the arise form the facts in this matter generally fall under three categories which are. :-
(a) Those that relate to Violence against members of the party.
(b) Those that relate to bringing the party into disrepute. (c) Those that relate to factionalism and creation of division and discohesion in the Party.
2. From our findings above, we are satisfied, on the facts provided before us that Mr Mangoma has committed serious offenses and that Mr Believe Tevera could have handled himself better but he is more sinned against than being the sinner .
We have no doubt in our minds that Mr Mangoma in trying to respond to allegations against himself has failed to meet the standards expected of a senior party member and has himself gone on to commit offences against the party as more fully appears below :-
a) he coordinated youths and a vigilante group to assault members of the party
b) he brought the name of the party into disrepute;
c) he caused and has been a centre of divisions in the Party causing serious dysfunctionality of the party.
• We find his role in the coordination and sponsoring of violence against party members to be overwhelming. The gang of youth and hired thugs were ferried and transported using the respondent’s vehicle.
• One of the thugs was later seen providing the respondent with personal security.
• The thugs have gone on to incessantly threaten many party members, including staff members perceived not to be aligned to his agenda.
• We find that the holding of a press conference and the utterances thereof to be undesirable and to have brought the name of the party into disrepute, as he to dragged the entire party and some party leaders into his private social matter. Through the use of innuendo and unbecoming rumour mongering.
• We find that the Mr Mangoma violated the party team of ethics by creating and managing a centre of discohesion and disunity causing party dysfunctionality. The respondent buttressed this mischief by advising the media at his press conference that the party was headed for a split.
• We find Mr Mangoma to possess unbriddled ambition where he has employed unorthodox , illegal and uncouth means to fulfil his perharps child hood ambition to a president of something or anything before nature takes him. The undue haste in his manner and methods is that of a suicide bomber who destroys himself in the process of his mission.
• This ambititon has made him to forget the solidarity afforded to him by the very same members on whom he is instigating violence and a relentless smear campaign without any hint of restraint. The irony is that the same methods he employs today including but not limited to sponsoring and coordination of thugs to beat up victims, factionalism , vote buying, smear campaigns the list appears endless.
• A clear indication of the above is the fact that Mr Mangoma refused to appear before the committee sighting unclear reasons for doing so. He clearly showed a marked disdain for party leadership and processes.
Recommendations
1. We have carefully considered the onerous responsibility on our part. In arriving at this decision, we are fully cognisant of party values and party vision for Zimbabwe as outlined at the Mandel declaration on 26th April 2014.
2. In view of these values, it is our respectful finding that the misdemeanours committed are so gross and warrant disciplinary action to be taken.
3. We therefore hold that, in view of the gravity of the matter, it is our recommendation that the respondent be suspended forthwith and not be allowed to be engaged in party activities, pending the disciplinary process.
4. We also recommend that the identified members of the party involved in the perpetration of violence be subjected to a disciplinary process.
We so report accordingly.
SIGNED AND DATE 2 JUNE 2015 ____________ ________________ Bensoni Ntini Solomon Madzore (Chairing)