By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe has been listed among the world’s leading consumers of beef, coming second after Argentina.

According to data released by Visual Capitalists on Most Consumed Meat in the World, Zimbabweans consumed an average of 42,3 kilogrammes of beef per capita per person last year, while  Argentines consumed 46,6 kilogrammes per capita.

Argentina’s 46 million-strong population eats nearly 47kg of bovine meat per person annually, the most by any country in the United Nations’ database.

Other countries in the top five are the United States of America, Australia and Brazil.

Food scientist and culinary expert, Rumbidzai Zarima, said the survey highlights the significant role that beef plays in the daily lives and cultural fabric of Zimbabwean society.

“The love for beef in Zimbabwe can be traced back to history. Cattle rearing has been an integral part of Zimbabwean culture for centuries, with cattle being a symbol of wealth, status, and prosperity,” Zarima said.

“The tradition of cattle farming has been passed down through generations, and the importance of beef in local cuisine has remained steadfast.”

Zarima said the beef industry has also played a vital role in the country’s economy.

“The sector provides employment opportunities for thousands of people, from cattle farmers to abattoir workers and meat processors. Additionally, the export of beef products contributes to foreign exchange earnings, further bolstering the nation’s economy.”

Despite eating more seafood and poultry, Hong Kong leads the world in pork consumption per capita annually at 55kg.

Poland and Spain – who are also top pork producers – rank close behind Hong Kong with similar pork consumption numbers.

-Newsday

By-The Douglas Mwonzora has suffered another blow as its national secretary for Information, Witness Dube, resigns.

In a letter addressed to the party president, Douglas Mwonzora, Dube announced his resignation and termination of his membership, stating that he had found a new political party that he would be joining. Reads the letter:

Dear MDC President and the MDC family at large, please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as the party’s National Secretary for Information and Publicity with immediate effect. I also wish to terminate my membership of the party which I have held since 11 November 1999, also with immediate effect.

I am grateful for having been a member of the party from the lowest to its highest organ which opened my global view of the politics of service and sacrifice. My current portfolio taught me a lot about the Zimbabwean political leadership question, and the opportunities available for working for and supporting development in our country while insulating future generations from repeating our past mistakes and recycling our past pains.

I wish the party and it’s leadership well in their future endeavours. Regrettably there will be nothing more I can do to wrap up my duties as I will be joining a new political home which I am looking forward to instantly serving with the best and all of my abilities

Dube has been a member of the main opposition party since its formation in 1999 and has held various positions within the party. His resignation comes just a day after another opposition party member, Edmore Gomba, withdrew his candidacy for the August 23 harmonised elections and joined the ruling ZANU PF party.

By- The government has ordered the immediate removal of “unauthorised” posters and billboards.

The directive issued by the Office of the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, and the City of Harare comes after former Zanu PF political commissar and independent Presidential candidate Savior Kasukuwere erected big campaign posters in Harare and other parts of the country.

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ON IRREGULAR BILLBOARDS 21 July 2023

The Office of the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the City of Harare have noted the rampant corruption and the mushrooming of both legal and illegal billboards including directional signage on State and Council road verges.

According to the Government Billboard Policy and the City of Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-Laws,1981, it is illegal to erect billboards or any structure within the City of Harare area of Jurisdiction and along all State roads without a valid permit and approved plans. Whilst those approved should respect the distances in between billboards and also positioning.

In this regard, all unlicensed operators are advised to remove the said illegal signage and billboards within 48 hours from the date of this notice. Failure to do so, the Municipality will promptly remove any illegal billboards identified within the City whilst the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will remove all those along the State roads. The cost of removal will be borne by the owners of these billboards and signage. This also applies to illegal signage and posters on Council Streetlights and Street furniture.

Owners found to be in violation of the regulations will be subject to hefty fines and penalties as outlined in the City of Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-laws. Continued non-compliance may also prompt further legal action. Defying this notice, the City of Harare shall proceed to evoke the provisions of Section 20 as read with Section 29B of the aforementioned by law, that is to say City of Harare will remove the said illegal, billboards or wall murals and charge the removal cost incurred to the affected entities. 

Harare Metropolitan Province, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the City of Harare jointly herein place great importance on maintaining the safety and visual appeal of our cityscape for the benefit and enjoyment of all motorists, residents and visitors. We urge all billboard owners and commercial promoters to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations and obtain the necessary permits to ensure compliance.

All existing billboards owners in the City of Harare are being requested to submit the following information to the Town Clerk and settle all outstanding payments by Tuesday the 25. of July 2023:

a) Valid Contract with the City of Harare or with the Ministry of Transport and infrastructural Development for the Billboard (s); 

b) Company Registration Documents; 

c) ZIMRA Tax Clearance; d) Proof of Payment; 

e) Certified Copies of Directors (Ds; 

f) Proof of Bank Account Activity; 

g) NSSA Compliance Certificate

Please note that all billboard companies that have applied for regularization will still be required to submit the above documentation whilst their issues are being investigated and considered.

All companies that have existing Street light pole advertising contracts have to ensure that the solar-installed streetlights on which they are advertising are in good working order as per agreement. The City of Harare is giving such companies 30 days notice to ensure that they repair and maintain all the solar streetlights. Failure to do so, these agreements will be immediately cancelled for breach.

For any queries related to billboard regulations, permits, or any other matter regarding this public notice, please contact the City of Harare, Town Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Roads Engineer for Harare Metropolitan Province.

Investigations are now underway for those who acquired permits corruptly, whilst the enforcement exercise will commence on the 26. of July 2023.

Mr. T. Muguti Secretary for Provincial Affairs & Devolution Harare Metropolitan Province 

Eng. T.K. Chinyanga Secretary for Transport & Infrastructural Development 

Eng. H Chisango Town Clerk City of Harare

By- Traditional chiefs are demanding diplomatic passports from the Government for what they call ease of travel across borders.

Chief Clemence Nembiri of Mt Darwin in Mashonaland Central province made the demand during a Civil Registry Department workshop on Wednesday.
The workshop with the national council of Chiefs on the implementation of active notification for community births and deaths was held at a local hotel.
Contributing during a question-and-answer session, Chief Nembiri said it was imperative that Government gives traditional leaders the special travel document since they were also leaders.
“There is a need for chiefs to be given diplomatic passports. At the moment you find that these documents are even given to people whose leadership position is never guaranteed but is at the mercy of either the appointing authority or the people who vote. Such people may be in power for just a few years yet they are quickly given diplomatic passports but a chief, whose title is neither by appointment nor through the ballot does not have that privilege. We are harassed at the borders despite the fact that we lead the masses too,” said Chief Nembiri.
In response, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Major General (Rtd) Dr Gerald Gwinji said issuing diplomatic passports was the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international relations.
“As a Ministry, we do not determine who gets a diplomatic passport and who does not. That is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. Ours is only to process upon communication from Foreign Affairs that so and so must be a recipient of a diplomatic passport, however, I will engage and pass on the request and we will copy the president of the Chiefs Council as proof of that engagement,” said Maj Gen (Rtd) Gwinji. Herald

By-Two Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidates have won their appeals against the disqualification for local authority elections in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
Joseph Khumalo of Ward 6 in Gwanda RDC had his papers rejected by the nomination court on June 21.
His appeal was heard by Justice Dube Banda of the Bulawayo High Court on Wednesday.
His lawyer Professor Welshman Ncube told ZimLive: “He was disqualified on the basis that his name did not appear on that ward’s voters roll.
“ZEC conceded that they made a mistake and that he was improperly disqualified, and we got a court order reinstating him as a candidate.”
The CCC failed, however, to have the disqualification of Mandlenkosi Moyo, its candidate for Ward 2 in Gwanda urban, overturned.
Ncube explained: “He was disqualified on the basis that he was not a registered voter in Ward 2. It was confirmed that the delimitation had removed him from Ward 2 and put him in Ward 7. We couldn’t get him instated because he is now outside the boundaries of Ward 2.
“The map was redrawn in such a way that his polling station and his physical address where he lives were all moved to Ward 7 out of Ward 2, so we conceded that he was properly disqualified because he is not a registered voter in Ward 2 but in Ward 7.”
A list gazetted by ZEC shortly after the sitting of the nomination court on June 21 showed Zanu PF had fielded all 1,974 candidates for local authority elections while the CCC had managed to field in 1,869 – 105 short of target.
The CCC has several appeals in court to overturn some of the disqualifications.
-ZimLive

By-The Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has won one of its two appeals against the disqualification of its candidates for local authority elections in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
Joseph Khumalo of Ward 6 in Gwanda RDC had his papers rejected by the nomination court on June 21.
His appeal was heard by Justice Dube Banda of the Bulawayo High Court on Wednesday.
His lawyer Professor Welshman Ncube told ZimLive: “He was disqualified on the basis that his name did not appear on that ward’s voters roll.
“ZEC conceded that they made a mistake and that he was improperly disqualified, and we got a court order reinstating him as a candidate.”
The CCC failed, however, to have the disqualification of Mandlenkosi Moyo, its candidate for Ward 2 in Gwanda urban, overturned.
Ncube explained: “He was disqualified on the basis that he was not a registered voter in Ward 2. It was confirmed that the delimitation had removed him from Ward 2 and put him in Ward 7. We couldn’t get him instated because he is now outside the boundaries of Ward 2.
“The map was redrawn in such a way that his polling station and his physical address where he lives were all moved to Ward 7 out of Ward 2, so we conceded that he was properly disqualified because he is not a registered voter in Ward 2 but in Ward 7.”
A list gazetted by ZEC shortly after the sitting of the nomination court on June 21 showed Zanu PF had fielded all 1,974 candidates for local authority elections while the CCC had managed to field in 1,869 – 105 short of target.
The CCC has several appeals in court to overturn some of the disqualifications.
-ZimLive

By-The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says 80% of its leader Nelson Chamisa’s campaign rallies will be held in the rural areas, which is traditionally viewed as a Zanu PF stronghold.
CCC spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, said they had started implementing the strategy, with Chamisa addressing three rallies in Midlands province on Wednesday, starting with one at Chachacha business centre in Shurugwi.
By mid-day he was at Mhandamabwe business centre in Chivi before ending the day in Zvishavane.
“President Chamisa has been on a campaign trail non-stop. These rallies are going to be predominantly in the rural areas,” Mahere said.
“We know the people we are dealing with, so we are not going to give them a schedule right here right now. We know they are here and they are listening but rest assured that our bona fide media would be told.
“Sometimes for the protection of citizens in certain areas we have to do things and then report afterwards so that the citizens remain safe where they are.”
Zanu PF has maintained a footprint in the rural areas, but security reports from the ruling party reveal concerns over the way CCC is making inroads into its support base.
Chamisa has been having it rough in holding his campaign rallies, with police blocking most of the events citing various reasons.
Just yesterday, police barred CCC from holding roadshows in Beitbridge to drum up support for Chamisa’s Sunday rally in the border town.
The CCC took the matter to court, but Beitbridge magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba ruled in favour of the police.
Gwazemba said police’s claims that they had inadequate resources to provide escort during the roadshows were genuine.
Police have blocked several CCC rallies across the country including the party’s 2023 election campaign launch which was scheduled for Bindura.
Chamisa was only allowed to launch his election campaign in Gweru, Midlands province, on Sunday.
On rallies being banned, Mahere said: “The ban on CCC rallies has nothing to do with the law and everything to do with repression.
“In those instances where police say that we have not complied with the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Mopa) they are unable to articulate which section would have been violated because there is simply no non-compliance.
“Our letters notifying the police are on a template. The police are not being honest.”
Analysts yesterday commended Chamisa for his deliberate strategy to target the rural vote.
“Rural areas are also where the democratic space is most constrained through a cocktail of measures that includes intimidation, violence, partisan traditional leadership and exclusionary welfare programmes,” political analyst Vivid Gwede said.
“Visibility by the opposition will break some of these barriers to its message being received by these communities.”
Another political commentator Effie Ncube said the rural vote could gift Chamisa the presidency.
“For the opposition the rural electorate has been its underbelly. It’s been underperforming otherwise it would have been in power,” Ncube said.
“Those are the people that have sustained Zanu PF’s stay in power, so if you want to undo Zanu PF’s stay in power you need to go into its base that is in the rural areas and get the votes there.”
Analyst Rashweat Mukundu weighed in saying: “Targeting rural communities gives such voting base assurance and confidence but also challenges Zanu PF more directly in an area it sees as its safe political turf.” Newsday

By- CCC President Nelson Chamisa was in the Bulilima and Mangwe Constituencies, where he addressed hundreds of people.

During his address, he made the following pledges when voted into office on August 23, 2023: – Free Primary Education for Every Child – Free Maternity Services for Every Pregnant Woman – Grants for Every University Student – Tarred Roads for Everyone – Free Healthcare for Every Senior Citizen – No Exam Fees for Every Student – Development for Everyone – Devolution of Authority

By-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has released a fact sheet explaining how postal voting will work for the upcoming 2023 harmonized elections scheduled for August 23rd.

Postal voting is available for members of the disciplined force on duty, electoral officers deployed outside their polling areas, and diplomats and their spouses serving outside Zimbabwe on the election day.

ZEC said to apply for postal voting; eligible persons must submit an application to the ZEC Chief Elections Officer no later than noon on the 14th day after nomination day. Once approved, the applicant will receive three postal ballots: one for the Presidential, one for the National Assembly, and one for the local authority elections. After marking their chosen candidates in secret, they must place the ballots in envelopes, seal them, and return them to the Chief Elections Officer. Processing of postal votes is being done at the TelOne Centre in Belvedere, Harare.
There are no designated venues for postal voting, and voters who choose to vote by post will neither vote at polling stations nor in the presence of polling staff, observers, or election agents. However, members of the public may inspect the postal vote applications and the register of all applications for postal ballot papers at the postal vote processing centre.
The Commission’s policy is to allow electoral officers on duty to vote on a rotational basis without disrupting the polling process. ZEC said it is committed to ensuring that no eligible voters are disenfranchised, and electoral officers who feel that their participation may

Tinashe Sambiri

CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa on Thursday stepped into the Zanu PF terror zone.

President Chamisa addressed thousands of CCC supporters at Mataga Growth Point in Mberengwa where he exhorted citizens to vote in numbers.

Despite rampant intimidation, Citizens are determined to fight for real change.

“AT MATAGA IN MBERENGWA.

There is hope written all over the faces of the citizens in this zone of terror and intimidation.

The Citizens government is a big win and victory #ForEveryone,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- Independent presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere’s case where he is seeking the nullification of the High Court ruling that removed him from the ballot will now proceed after the Supreme Court ruled that the matter be heard on July 27.

Prior to the ruling by the Supreme Court, Kasukuwere had withdrawn his application that was challenging a motion by Lovedale Mangwana to have the matter of his candidature resolved urgently.

The court also ordered both Kasukuwere and Mangwana lawyers to submit their arguments on July 26.

“An order by consent was issued, you recall that Saviour Kasukuwere filed an appeal against the judgment of the High Court and Mangwana filed an urgent chamber application asking that the appeal be heard on an urgent basis,” Kasukuwere’s lawyer, Method Ndlovu said.

“We took instructions from our client who requested that we consent to that order being sought so we have agreed that the appeal will be heard on an urgent basis.”

Kasukuwere was recently blocked from contesting in the August 23 Presidential election by the High Court.

High Court judge Justice David Mangota nullified Kasukuwere’s nomination ruling that he should stop “masquerading as a candidate.”

This followed an application by Zanu-PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana who successfully argued that Kasukuwere had ceased to be a registered voter as he has been out of his constituency for over 18 consecutive months.

However, Kasukuwere was back on the ballot paper after his legal team successfully appealed the nullification of his nomination at the Supreme Court.

His appeal suspended the High Court order.

Kasukuwere’s case procession comes after United Zimbabwe Alliance leader Elizabeth Valerio was successfully added to the Presidential candidates list becoming the only woman to feature in this year’s presidential race

By A Correspondent- A member of the Zimbabwe National Army allegedly falsified documents to claim $23,160 quadrillion during the hyper-inflationary era for injuries sustained during the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) war.

Nason Mhlanga (47) yesterday appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi who granted him US$50 bail.

The complainant is the Public Service Commission Pension Agency being represented by pensions assistant Simbarashe Matengaifa.

Mhlanga is a beneficiary of medical assistance in terms of the State Service Disability Benefits Act after being injured during the war.

According to the State, Mhlanga manufactured fake quotations and receipts that he used to siphon cash from the pensions office. Following the misrepresentation, Mhlanga was paid a windfall.

The complainant later learnt that the quotations and receipts were fake and filed a police report, but Mhlanga went into hiding until he was arrested on Wednesday.

By- The UK government has opened another sector for foreigners to apply for and get work permits.

London has added Bricklayers, plasterers and other construction jobs to the government’s “shortage occupation list”, making it easier for foreign builders to come to Britain amid labour shortages partly caused by Brexit.

The UK government has relaxed visa restrictions for a number of sectors that face severe worker shortages, and has added bricklayers and masons; roofers, roof tilers and slaters; carpenters and joiners; plasterers and other construction workers to the list. Fishing jobs have also been added to the list.

The Home Office said that this would “aid the delivery of key national infrastructure and stimulate growth for related industries”.

Those working in a shortage occupation can be paid 80% of the job’s going rate and still get a skilled worker visa, and benefit from a lower application fee. Applicants need a sponsored job offer from an employer and must meet English language requirements.

The independent migration advisory committee recommended in March that construction workers be added to the shortage occupation list. The list already includes care workers, engineers, web designers and laboratory technicians, along with healthcare roles.

This allows employers to recruit staff from abroad on salaries as low as £14,880 for senior care workers and from £15,120 for lab technicians.

With the move, Rishi Sunak faces a further backlash from Conservative MPs, after making promises to reduce immigration. Conservative governments have promised since 2010 that they would cut net migration.

Overall migration into the UK reached a record of 606,000 last year, up 24% on the previous year, while the backlog of asylum cases is also at an all-time high.

Britain’s construction industry has long battled worker shortages, but Brexit has worsened the gaps as EU citizens can no longer come to work in the UK without visas as before. Many EU workers returned to their home countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Suzannah Nichol, the chief executive of Build UK, said: “It is vital that construction is able to fill vacancies and quickly address shortages around particular roles.

“So we welcome the news that five occupations will be added to the shortage occupations list, which will help the industry continue to deliver the schools, homes, hospitals and infrastructure that we need.”

However, Sir John Hayes, a former minister and ally of the home secretary, Suella Braverman, told the Daily Telegraph that the government should be “training up the British workforce” instead.

-The Guardian

By-The body of the founder of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) Forward in Faith Ministries International, Ezekiel Guti, is still in South Africa and is expected to arrive in the country this weekend.

Guti died on July 5, after serving for 63 years since he founded ZAOGA FIF.
In the past fortnight, tributes have been pouring in from celebrities, politicians, business leaders, clergymen and other influential figures in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.
In a letter addressed to Greater Harare, Norton and Chitungwiza leaders and saints, Secretary General of ZAOGA FIF Apostle Mishael Nyambo said: “We announce the homecoming of our Father, who is accompanied by our mother, Archbishop Prof Eunor Guti and the family this Saturday around noon.
“We therefore encourage Greater Harare, Norton, and Chitungwiza members to come in numbers and honour our Father at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Harare, on this historic day,” Apostle Nyambo said.
He also said mourners would line up along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road from the airport roundabout to Braeside roundabout before the convoy proceeds to a funeral parlour.
The church had organised grand celebrations which everyone was free to attend. Those from outside Harare were encouraged to come for the grand celebrations scheduled for 3 – 6 August.
The late Ezekiel Guti has been described as a modern day Christian giant who dedicated his life to preaching the word of God.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said the death of Prof Guti left him “deeply shattered and saddened”.
He said Guti’s works and footprints indelibly abounded across the length and breadth of the country, well beyond the vast, national movement of congregants and places of worship that he led.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga described the late clergyman as a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s Christian movement, nation building and preservation of the social fabric.
Over and above his religious calling, Guti also played a role in several other nation building initiatives including in the education and health sectors where he founded the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare.
-Herald

By- In a shocking development about the murder of Tapiwa Makore, there are fresh revelations that murderers boiled the boy’s head to contain the smell from its decomposing state before taking it to a traditional healer in Mozambique.

Tapiwa was murdered by Tafadzwa Shamba and his uncle and namesake Tapiwa Makore in 2020 in a ritual to boost the latter’s cabbage business.

Gaylord Shamba (59), who is the uncle of Tafadzwa, told the weekly publication Kwayedza that his nephew confessed that the boy’s head was taken to a Mozambican “n’anga” for ritual purposes. He said:

I once visited him when he was in the cells to find out what really transpired.

He confessed that he killed Tapiwa after slicing him into pieces and stashing the body parts into plastic papers, including the head, as per instructions.

He confessed there were others involved, including Tapiwa Senior, who took the head and left with it for Mozambique after it was cooked.

Tafadzwa made it clear that he doesn’t know where the head is.

He insists that the sangoma did not accept the head they took to Mozambique as the n’anga wanted a fresh and uncooked head, similar to a chicken head.

It is said the entourage dumped the head along the way, but he was not sure whether it was dumped on the Mozambican or Zimbabwean side.

Tapiwa Jr was buried several months after his death with his head still missing.

Shamba and Tapiwa Sr were recently sentenced to death by High Court Judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi.

By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s gold smuggler and controversial preacher Uebert Angel has donated 5 600 bags of foodstuffs to Zanu PF supporters.

According to the Twitter handle @zanupf_patriots, Angel made the donation this Wednesday. Said Zanu PF.

Thank you, Ambassador Uebert Angel… Today Ambassador Angel donated 5 600 bags of food to families who had gathered in support of Cde ED and our party candidates.

Angel was appointed Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for Europe and the Americas by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 17 March 2021.
He is also a self-proclaimed prophet and the founder and leader of Good News Church, formerly Spirit Embassy.
Angel claims God uses him to heal the sick and predict the outcomes of elections and football matches.
In early 2021, an Al Jazeera documentary called “Gold Mafia” alleged that Angel offered to use his status to assist Al Jazeera reporters who posed as Chinese nationals launder millions of dollars through a gold-smuggling scheme.
Angel claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was aware of his schemes. He said in one of the episodes:
I can call the president now, not tomorrow, now and put him on speaker, it’s not an issue. We are the government.
Despite being caught on camera bragging that he could use his diplomatic cover to carry large volumes of dirty cash into Zimbabwe as part of a laundering operation also involving gold smuggling, Angel was recently appointed as the African Union’s Pan African Parliament (PAP) Ambassador for Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Affairs.

By A Correspondent- The Bulawayo High Court will this afternoon deliver a ruling on preliminary points raised in the case in which 12 registered Bulawayo voters are challenging the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s decision to accept nomination papers of Citizens Coalition for Change candidates arguing that they filed their papers after the 4pm deadline.

At the High Court in Bulawayo

CCC is being represented by Advocate Mpofu and Prof Welshman Ncube. The case is before Justice Bongani Ndlovu.

Proceedings at the High Court in Bulawayo

More details follow…

By A Correspondent- A family from Borrowdale, Harare, was robbed of a Mercedes Benz, gun and cash by robbers just before midnight.

ZRP spokesperson for Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the robbery incident.

He said Paul Themba Munashe (50) and his family were subjected to emotional abuse by five robbers soon after arriving at their Brookview house from a church function. Said Insp Chakanza:

The complainant arrived home from a church function with his wife and their two minor children at around 11.30 PM driving a silver Mercedes Benz E280 registration number AEW 3882.

As they were entering the house, they were confronted by five men armed with unidentified pistols wearing face masks.

They forced the complainant and his family into the house and demanded cash from him.

The complainant took out an envelope from his pockets containing US$1 000 and handed it to them.

They demanded his firearm and also took a Dell laptop from the bedroom and tied the couple with shoelaces.

They drove away in his vehicle with a 5kg gas tank, gas heater and marriage certificate book.

Armed robberies have been on the increase in Zimbabwe in recent years as a lot of people now prefer storing value in US dollars often stocked away from formal banking institutions for fear of losing them.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Zimbabwe recorded 1 120 armed robberies in 2021, compared with 931 in the previous year.

In 2022, in a bid to reduce robberies and rampant gun crime in Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended a gun amnesty that allowed Zimbabweans illegally in possession of firearms to surrender them to the police with no questions asked.

By A Correspondent- LEAD President Linda Masarira has called for dialogue and unity calling on fellow citizens to desist from using the social media to insult each other.

We publish below, Masarira’s full statement:

One thing I have done in my life is to believe in me. Even when some people tried to bury me because I didn’t believe in their normative leverage strategies, they failed because I am a seed. A seed does not die. It might germinate late, but it will germinate.

My life journey taught me to be bold, courageous, resilient, tenacious, and pragmatic. Even when all the odds have been against me for believing in realistic ways to reclaim our identity not only as Zimbabweans but also as Afrikan people,

I have continued to thrive in adversity. People without identity are future less as identity crisis will always stifle growth and prosperity. We are people who are trying to exist in a borrowed space with borrowed culture, borrowed systems, borrowed identity, borrowed lifestyles, and borrowed everything. In the midst of all these borrowed things, we have found ourselves in a gango of intolerance, toxicity, polarity, corruption, hate, greed, malice, etc.

Why do we even hate each other so much for just having different opinions? Why do some people even pride themselves in typing vulgar insults in social media spaces? If only the unity that leaders have at the top could cascade to the followers, we would definitely be in a better space politically.

As I gaze into the horizon awaiting my fate on 24 July 2023, I pray for unity of purpose, tolerance in our diversity, love for thy neighbour, and above all peace. Dialogue should always be our preferred conflict resolution method.

Even the worst wars ended with dialogue. Violence should be condemned by all Zimbabweans, and as we campaign, let us exercise restraint and let love lead.

One thing I have done in my life is to believe in me. Even when some people tried to bury me because I didn't believe in their normative leverage strategies, they failed because I am a seed. A seed does not die. It might germinate late, but it will germinate.

My life journey… pic.twitter.com/YYVmgiWJKe

— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) July 20, 2023

By A Correspondent- In a shock incident, a 15-year-old Mwenezi male juvenile stabbed and killed a rival, also 15, over a girlfriend.

Police said Wednesday they were investing a case of murder involving the unnamed juvenile.

“Police in Mwenezi are investigating a case of murder in which a male juvenile, 15, stabbed another juvenile, 15, with a kitchen knife on the shoulder and head after an argument over the suspect’s girlfriend on 18 July 2023 near Masongwe Secondary School.

“The victim died on the spot,” police said.

The incident follows growing cases of teenagers in parts of the country turning to murder to settle arguments often over girlfriends and boyfriends.

In November last year, a 16-year-old Harare girl was arrested for stabbing and killing a 35-year-old man with a knife following a quarrel at a shebeen in Harare’s Hatcliffe suburb.

The victim, Amos Mhere, died on the spot after being stabbed on the chest with a kitchen knife.

A year earlier, another 15-year-old schoolgirl died after she was stabbed by a 16-year-old rivalrival, girlfriend,  during an ill-fated fight over a boyfriend in Nkayi district’s Ngwaladi area in Matebeleland North.

“The suspect stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife which she was given by her 14-year-old cousin,” police said at the time.

Just recently in July, a 19-year-old Fort Rixon teenager was stabbed to death allegedly by a 17-year-old juvenile who was reportedly incensed by the deceased’s attempts to stop a brawl he was having with another youth over a 15-year-old girlfriend.

Police identified the victim as Mthokozisi Sibanda.

By A Correspondent- The opposition United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) party has welcomed a ruling by the Electoral Court instructing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to take the necessary steps to ensure that its leader, Elisabeth Valerio, is added to the ballot.

In a statement released this Thursday, 20 July, UZA national spokesperson Elvis Dzvene said from the onset, they were convinced that justice would prevail. He said:

Our party recognizes the ruling as a crucial milestone in promoting a democratic and inclusive electoral process. We welcome the court’s ruling appreciating that justice has been served.

It was not right for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to reject our party leader’s nomination papers as there was no legal basis for this.

The June 21st decision of the elections body was incorrect considering that President Valerio availed all the relevant documentation to indicate that payment had been effected on time.

While UZA welcomes the ruling, we are equally unhappy about the time that we have spent in the courts challenging the unfair and unjust rejection of our nomination by ZEC. Our campaign has already begun, however, not having our President on the ballot was a setback.

It is important to note that we remained optimistic that justice would be served. We have not been deterred by the difficulties and our candidates nationally are on the ground spreading the UZA ideology to the electorate.

Dzvene called for peace in the run-up to the elections to ensure that voters cast their ballots in an environment free from intimation.

Valerio became the only female presidential candidate nominated for the 2023 elections and her name will now be added to the list of presidential candidates.

By A Correspondent- Government has angrily reacted to campaign billboards mounted by self-exiled former minister Saviour Kasukuwere’s campaign team, and has ordered  advertising companies to seek approval first before erecting them.

This comes after Kasukuwere’s campaign team mounted a huge billboard along Robert Mugabe Road and another along Simon Mazorodze Road in Harare.

Kasukuwere is one of the 11 candidates in the August 23 presidential race, and is likely to draw most of his support from Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF party to the advantage of the opposition.

A letter sent to advertising companies by the Office of The Provincial Road Engineer says advertisers have to be given greenlight before placing highway billboards.

“Please be informed that all content to be advertised on billboards on State highways in Mashonaland Central now requires prior approval from the office of the Provincial Road Engineer,” the letter  dated July 18, 2023 read in part.

“Therefore, each company seeking to put up new content on their billboards should take due diligence to notify this respective office before installation, clearly specifying the nature of the content.”

Previously poll candidates did not seek permission to put up campaign posters on national highways. In response, Kasukuwere said this was a clear indication that the ruling party was running scared.

“Allow us to campaign! These fellas are scared, pound for pound! August 23! Chachaya,” Kasukuwere posted on Twitter.

The former Zanu-PF political commissar is facing impediments in his push to contest for the biggest office on the land.

He is currently campaigning from South Africa after government said he would be arrested upon arrival in the country to faceoutstanding criminal charges.

His candidacy was challenged at the courts by Zanu-PF activist Lovedale Mangwana.

The High Court ruled in favour of Mangwana, but Kasukuwere filed a Supreme Court appeal. The case will be heard today.

By A Correspondent- A Nigerian journalist, author and activist has told of his hell after he was detained for 13 hours at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, before being ordered to board a flight back to his country.

David Hundeyin said authorities advised him that he needed a visa to enter Zimbabwe.

“I landed in Zimbabwe earlier today (Wednesday), and I have been detained at Harare Airport inside a smelly locked room for nearly 7 hours,” he wrote on Twitter during his ordeal.

“They said that despite using the travel document of a country with a visa-free relationship, my nationality is still Nigerian, and thus, I need a visa. I was processed for removal from their country and locked in a tiny room, but I have heard nothing from anyone for several hours.”

Hundeyin later reported that he had been joined in detention by a Ugandan woman, also denied entry over visa issues.

He protested in another tweet: “No-one appears to be in charge of anything, and even though my return flight to Addis has been rescheduled for tonight, I am still locked in this room, and I risk missing my flight. They appear to have forgotten that they have people in detention here. I am ready to hop on my flight and never come back to Zimbabwe for the rest of my life.

“Please, someone out there who is actually in charge of something should let me go so I can be on my merry way. I’m not interested in visiting Zimbabwe anymore. I want to go home. Please.”

Hundeyin was allowed to use the toilet for the first time after a lengthy 10 hours detention with the Zimbabwean authorities assuring him he would be allowed to catch his exit flight.

Although he is Nigerian, Hundeyin lives in London and was reportedly using a travel document of another country, known as a “1966 Convention Travel Document”, which is a passport issued to people who have sought asylum.

The founder of the West Africa Weekly, a Substack newsletter, later boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa. He tweeted that he was “safe and well”, adding: “I was untouched and unharmed.”

The Zimbabwe government accused Hundeyin of seeking special treatment.

Ndabaningi Mangwana, the secretary of information, said Nigerian nationals were in Category C of entry requirements and must obtain visas before embarking on their travel to Zimbabwe.

“I’m sorry that this journalist found himself in this situation. That said, we do have immigration laws in our country that are obligatory to all prospective entrants, and no profession is immune to them. If someone’s travel document is such that they need a visa, that law applies to everyone including an award-winning journalist. Our laws are blind to social stations or attendant achievements,” said Mangwana.

George Charamba, the spokesman in the presidency, had a more hostile take on Hundeyin’s troubles.

“Thanks to our security arms for neutralising this agent provocateur. Zimbabwe has no time for hired guns and pseudo-Africans,” he tweeted.

-ZimLive

By-The body of the founder of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) Forward in Faith Ministries International, Ezekiel Guti, is still in South Africa and is expected to arrive in the country this weekend.

Guti died on July 5, after serving for 63 years since he founded ZAOGA FIF.
In the past fortnight, tributes have been pouring in from celebrities, politicians, business leaders, clergymen and other influential figures in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.
In a letter addressed to Greater Harare, Norton and Chitungwiza leaders and saints, Secretary General of ZAOGA FIF Apostle Mishael Nyambo said: “We announce the homecoming of our Father, who is accompanied by our mother, Archbishop Prof Eunor Guti and the family this Saturday around noon.
“We therefore encourage Greater Harare, Norton, and Chitungwiza members to come in numbers and honour our Father at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Harare, on this historic day,” Apostle Nyambo said.
He also said mourners would line up along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road from the airport roundabout to Braeside roundabout before the convoy proceeds to a funeral parlour.
The church had organised grand celebrations which everyone was free to attend. Those from outside Harare were encouraged to come for the grand celebrations scheduled for 3 – 6 August.
The late Ezekiel Guti has been described as a modern day Christian giant who dedicated his life to preaching the word of God.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said the death of Prof Guti left him “deeply shattered and saddened”.
He said Guti’s works and footprints indelibly abounded across the length and breadth of the country, well beyond the vast, national movement of congregants and places of worship that he led.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga described the late clergyman as a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s Christian movement, nation building and preservation of the social fabric.
Over and above his religious calling, Guti also played a role in several other nation building initiatives including in the education and health sectors where he founded the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare.
-Herald

By-Over 45 people have been hospitalised following a massive underground gas explosion in the Johannesburg CBD, that caused substantial damage to nearby roads and causing sinkholes.
Videos seen on social media showed cars toppled along Johannesburg’s Bree Street.
According to an alert sent by the Johannesburg Joint Operating Committee of Alexandra, Midrand, Sandringham and Sandton, the explosion occurred yesterday at about 5.46pm.

“We are aware of an explosion on Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD, possibly on the gas lines underground.
“At this time we request the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to attend to the scene,” said the note.
ER24, City of Johannesburg EMS, Disaster Management and several other services responded following the reports of the underground gas explosion.
“On scene, medics and rescue personnel discovered several overturned vehicles along the road, which seemed to have been split wide open,” ER24 said in a statement.
“Medics set up a triage area a safe distance away while Fire and Disaster Services evacuated the general area.
“Initial reports from the scene showed that several people had sustained minor to moderate injuries.
“The patients were treated for their injuries and later transported by various services to nearby hospitals.
“The exact details surrounding this incident are unknown, but the relevant authorities are on the scene for further investigations,” ER24 said.
Huge explosion causes massive sinkhole in Joburg, South Africa.

Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they had sent officers to the scene to confirm if the videos were true.
“At this stage we have sent officers to the scene to confirm if indeed the videos are true.
“At the present moment, all we know is what we have seen in the videos,” said Fihla.
Other widely recorded voice notes said affected streets in Joburg included Bree and Loveday Streets and some cars had apparently sunk underground.
IOL photojournalist, Timothy Bernard, who was at the scene said he witnessed a 10 metre wide trench. He said there was a smell of gas in the air.
-ILO

Mozambique’s ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party is reportedly campaigning for ZANU PF in Chipinge South constituency, where Enock Porusingazi is the sitting legislator.

NewZimbabwe.com posted a video showing a FRELIMO official, whose name is not given, telling ZANU PF supporters in Chipinge South’s Ward 28 that businesspeople who fail to support ZANU PF in upcoming elections risk being shot and killed.

The official claimed he was in the company of an army commander adding that if ZANU PF loses to MDC and CCC, that will be the end of Zimbabwe’s relationship with Mozambique. Said the official:

FRELIMO’s message to businesspeople is that they should support Zanu PF; if they fail to do so we have brought with us a commander in our army, he shoots, and he will shoot as he does back home.

It is better that we end our relationship if Mnangagwa loses, we would not want you in Mozambique. We want you to support Porusingazi and Mnangagwa.

The FRELIMO head office says that we will not lose to the MDC or CCC.

The official said if ZANU PF loses, Mozambique will not allow Zimbabwean businesses to import fuel through the country.

In 2019, Mozambique threatened Zimbabwe with sanctions, after repeatedly warning Harare against imposing trade sanctions on a variety of goods exported from Maputo including alcohol.

Mozambique’s Minister of Trade and Commerce, Rajendra De Sousa allegedly told Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the ban could be met with retaliation.

During a business seminar in Maputo, De Sousa told Mozambican industrialists that Zimbabwe had placed bottlenecks for trade between the neighbours in clear violation of the SADC Free Trade Protocol agreement.

The minister said that he told Mnangagwa that Mozambique could also close its border with Zimbabwe for three days which would complicate life for Harare.

ZANU PF and FRELIMO’s relationship goes back to the days of the liberation struggle when Mozambique provided sanctuary to thousands of ZANLA freedom fighters.

By-Nine people have been hospitalised following a massive underground gas explosion in the Johannesburg CBD, causing substantial damage to nearby roads and causing sinkholes.

Videos seen on social media showed cars toppled along Johannesburg’s Bree Street.
According to an alert sent by the Johannesburg Joint Operating Committee of Alexandra, Midrand, Sandringham and Sandton, the explosion occurred at about 5.46 pm.

“We are aware of an explosion on Bree Street in the Johannesburg CBD possibly on the gas lines underground.
“At this time we request the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to attend to the scene,” said the note.
ER24, City of Johannesburg EMS, Disaster Management and several other services responded following the reports of the underground gas explosion.
“On scene, medics and rescue personnel discovered several overturned vehicles along the road, which seemed to have been split wide open,” ER24 said in a statement.
“Medics set up a triage area a safe distance away while Fire and Disaster Services evacuated the general area.
“Initial reports from the scene showed that several people had sustained minor to moderate injuries.
“The patients were treated for their injuries and later transported by various services to nearby hospitals.
“The exact details surrounding this incident are unknown, but the relevant authorities are on the scene for further investigations,” ER24 said.
The huge explosion causes a massive sinkhole in Joburg, South Africa.

Joburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they had sent officers to the scene to confirm if the videos were true.
“At this stage we have sent officers to the scene to confirm if indeed the videos are true.
“At the present moment, all we know is what we have seen in the videos,” said Fihla.
Other widely recorded voice notes said affected streets in Joburg included Bree and Loveday Streets, and some cars had apparently sunk underground.
IOL photojournalist, Timothy Bernard, who was at the scene said he witnessed a 10-metre wide trench. He said there was a smell of gas in the air.
-ILO

By- The tainted self-proclaimed prophet and Gold Mafia Kingpin, Uebert Angel, has landed the African Ambassadorial post.

Controversy Surrounding Uebert Angel’s Ambassadorial Appointment to the African Union

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador At Large’s recent appointment as the African Union’s Pan African Parliament Ambassador for Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Affairs has been met with scepticism and raised eyebrows.

While Nehanda Radio reported the appointment, it is important to critically analyze the circumstances surrounding this decision and consider the controversy that has surrounded Angel’s previous ambassadorial position and his conduct as an envoy.

Questionable Previous Ambassadorial Appointment:
Uebert Angel’s first ambassadorial position in Zimbabwe, obtained in 2021, came under scrutiny when it was reported that he paid a substantial sum of USD 200,000 to Zimbabwe’s First Family to get the appointment passed after intervention through Emmerson Mnangagwa’s nephew, Tongai Mnangagwa, and the First Family’s twins.
Tongai Mnangagwa confirmed the development to ZimEye at the time just as the CIO (Central Intelligence Organisation) and Presidential staff members were at pains to stop the “president” from soiling himself with someone well known for money laundering and (per his own confessions) cash machine hacking. President Mnangagwa would soon regret the appointment when Angel leaked many high level money laundering operations that implicate many high profile Zimbabwe government persons who he would phone and allow undercover journalists to hear them speaking out loudly.
This revelation raises concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the AU appointment process. All this casts doubt on the integrity of Angel’s ambassadorial role and raises questions about the motives behind his subsequent appointment to the African Union.
Lack of Performance and Criminal Accusations:
Since his appointment as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador At Large, there have been no notable achievements or tangible contributions attributed to Uebert Angel in his capacity as an ambassador. Additionally, serious issues particularly his involvement in illicit activities. The documentary “GoldMafia” revealed links between Angel and very clear money laundering operations. These accusations depict him as a member of a criminal network rather than an ambassador working towards the betterment of Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole. He is filmed arranging to transport 1,2 bln dollars of dirty money to Zimbabwe.
Position as Ambassador at Large:
The title “Ambassador At Large” itself raises concerns. The term typically refers to an envoy who represents a country’s interests on specific issues. However, in this context, it seems to connote an individual granted excessive privileges and powers, possibly for personal gain. The absence of clear responsibilities and accountability raises further questions about the legitimacy and purpose of such a position.
Questionable Announcement and Confirmation:
The announcement of Uebert Angel’s appointment to the African Union’s Pan African Parliament Ambassador role has primarily been circulated through online media, with Nehanda Radio as the main source. The lack of official confirmation from the African Union itself adds to the uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of this appointment. Given the controversies surrounding Angel’s previous ambassadorial position, it is crucial to exercise caution and await an official statement from the African Union regarding his appointment.
The appointment of Uebert Angel as the African Union’s Pan African Parliament Ambassador for Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Affairs raises serious concerns. The allegations of a dubious payment for his previous ambassadorial position in Zimbabwe, the lack of performance in that role, and the criminal accusations against him suggest a troubling pattern. The position of Ambassador At Large and the absence of official confirmation regarding his African Union appointment add to the skepticism surrounding his credentials. Until more information is available and official statements are released, it is essential to approach this appointment with caution and uphold the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability that should underpin such prestigious positions.

By A Correspondent- United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) President, Elizabeth Valerio’s appeal against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) rejection of her nomination papers has been successful.

Valerio, the country’s only female presidential candidate, will now be included on the list of candidates competing for the presidency in the upcoming elections on 23 August 2023.

The decision by the electoral commission to initially reject Valerio’s nomination papers sparked controversy and drew widespread criticism from various quarters, highlighting concerns about gender representation in the political landscape.

However, the successful appeal has now opened up the presidential race, making it a more diverse and competitive field.

With Valerio’s inclusion, there are now a total of 12 candidates vying for the presidency. Among them, three prominent figures have emerged as the potential front runners, according to political analysts. Nelson Chamisa, representing the Citizens Coalition for Change party, has gained significant popularity and support among a wide range of Zimbabwean voters.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, representing the fractured post-military coup ZANU PF party, continues to maintain a strong base of support, particularly within traditional ZANU PF circles. Despite facing internal challenges, Mnangagwa is expected to put up a fierce fight for the presidency.

Adding an element of surprise to the race is the emergence of Saviour Kasukuwere, an independent candidate who has quickly gained attention as the “new kid on the block.” Kasukuwere’s unconventional approach and promises of political reform have resonated with some segments of the electorate, making him a potential wildcard in the upcoming elections.

Analysts and political observers have noted that it is difficult to determine Elizabeth Valerio’s exact position among the projected winners. With her successful appeal and the increased visibility as the only female presidential candidate, Valerio’s campaign is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks. Her policies and vision for Zimbabwe will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of her candidacy.

At the time of writing, a full statement from Elizabeth Valerio is anticipated, where she is expected to address her supporters and outline her plans for the nation. The inclusion of Valerio as a presidential candidate signifies a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, as it strives for greater gender equality and representation at the highest level of governance.

The upcoming 2023 elections are anticipated to be a closely contested race, with each candidate vying to secure the trust and mandate of the Zimbabwean people. As the nation eagerly awaits further developments, political analysts are closely monitoring the campaigns and assessing the potential outcomes of what is expected to be a historic election