Tinashe Sambiri

Zimbabwe is now a banana republic…

This was said by CCC Vice President Tendai Biti.

According to Biti, August 23 is a crucial day for Zimbabweans.

“Zimbabwe’s record inflation figures and its passage of the Patriot Bill are two issues that continue to make international headlines.Truth is we have truly become a pariah banana Republic.And those that are naively backing the I’ll conceived elitist debt plan have gone very quite

The levels of desperation are shocking . But on 23 August we finish off what we started . A New Zimbabwe beckons,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

Concerns Arise Over Pardoned Rapists Engaging in Criminal Activities During the 2023 Election Period

By A Correspondent | In recent developments, concerns have emerged regarding the actions of recently released rapists in the lead-up to the 2023 election in Zimbabwe. These concerns stem from a specific incident involving a man caught in the act of stealing shortly after declaring his support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had granted him and others a presidential pardon. This report highlights the potential dangers posed by the release of these pardoned rapists during the upcoming election period.

Incident Details:
In the most recent incident, an individual named Takudzwa Muguti, who had been pardoned by President Mnangagwa and released from prison two weeks ago, made a startling revelation during an interview. Muguti, a convicted rapist from Magamba, claimed that he had never engaged in theft before his release. However, he confessed to starting his criminal activities just the day before the interview, ZimEye reveals.

Implications for the 2023 Election Period:
The revelation made by Takudzwa Muguti raises significant concerns about the potential dangers posed by the release of pardoned rapists during the 2023 election period. With Muguti openly admitting to engaging in theft shortly after his release, it highlights the possibility that other pardoned rapists may resort to criminal activities as well. This situation has the potential to create a sense of fear and unease among the general public, affecting the overall security and atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections.

Perceived Political Implications:
Furthermore, the incident involving the recently released rapist aligning himself with President Mnangagwa’s party, ZANU PF, raises questions about the potential political ramifications. Muguti’s statement about supporting Mnangagwa’s party as a means of showing gratitude for the release could imply that other pardoned rapists might also be inclined to support the ruling party. This raises concerns about the implications of having a voter base that includes individuals with criminal backgrounds, and the potential impact it may have on the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

Security Measures and Recommendations:
To address the concerns raised by the release of pardoned rapists and their potential engagement in criminal activities during the election period, it is essential for the relevant authorities to take appropriate security measures. These may include:

1. Enhanced monitoring: Strengthening surveillance and law enforcement efforts to closely monitor the activities of released individuals with criminal backgrounds, particularly those convicted of rape.
2. Community awareness: Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate the general public about the potential risks associated with pardoned rapists during the election period and encouraging them to report any suspicious activities.
3. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies and electoral bodies: Promoting collaboration between law enforcement agencies and electoral bodies to ensure the safety and security of voters and prevent any interference or intimidation during the election process.

Conclusion:
The incident involving the recently released rapist caught in the act of stealing has raised legitimate concerns about the potential dangers posed by pardoned rapists during the 2023 election period in Zimbabwe. The situation not only raises security apprehensions but also presents a potential political challenge regarding the voter base for President Mnangagwa’s party. It is crucial for relevant authorities to prioritize security measures and ensure public safety while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

Source: Transform Zimbabwe

The High Court bail hearing is on today in Court P. Both the state and the defense counsel is already present. Waiting for the judge to appear and kick start the hearing..

The court resumes with Madhuku addressing first. He indicates that all arguments the defense has in favour of bail are contained in writen application done already. He argues that his client has good grounds for success on appeal. He said his client was convicted on a very week basis, that it, that he failed to outlined his defense when he gave his statement to the police. Further the lower court grossly misdirected itself in convicting the accused. There was no mention of a twitter account in the warned and cautioned statement. The state failed to prove that the twitter account in question belonged to the accused. Also all the 3 three witnesses declared that they did not know if the twitter account belonged to the accused. Witness Chirape confirmed that he was not an expert to say with surety that the Twitter handle indeed belong to Ngarivhume. The second witness Chief Sup Runganga had no clue but said it was Ngarivhume’s account but argued that the accused did not say it was not his wen he first appeared at the police station. Rungaga knew that law enforcement agencies can contact Twitter PLC for account verification but they chose not to blaming administrative challenges. So they now want to send the accused to jail because of their laziness. Runganga refused to accept that this was a classic example of a ghost account. From the 3rd witness who was suppose to be an expert he said it was a matter of probabilities that the account belonged to Ngarivhume. There was nothing scientific about his deductions and conclusions. He said the accused should have reported to Twitter if his name was being used as a ghost account. It is the defense’s conclusion that there was nothing credible and incriminating given by all the 3 witnesses to warrant conviction of the accused. There was no proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the alleged offense. We maintain that the sentence is manifestly excessive. It’s the first time in this country to sentence a politician for such a crime. This conviction should never have occured in our democratic country. We would suggest a bail of ZWL500k among other requirements..
[06/06, 14:26] 1009hrs

The state then argues that it abides by the ruling of the lower court. It will not make any oral presentation

The judge reserves judgement. It will be communicated later.

ED MNANGAGWA ATTENDS THE NATIONAL CONVENTION PROGRAM FOR VAPOSITORI NEMAZION FOR ED

Live @ Zimbabwe Grounds – Highfield, Harare

President ED Mnangagwa

As ZANU PF Government we are committed to work with all churches. Churches preach peace and ZANU PF loves peace. I urge you to vote peacefully. We encourage you the parents to make sure the children shun drugs. We can not leave this country in the hands of people who abuse drugs. Building good cultural practices begins at home.

We encourage you the parents to make sure the children shun drugs. We can not leave this country in the hands of people who abuse drugs. Building good cultural practices begins at home. God’s purpose for every country is for it to succeed and our county is not an exception but to do so we need to follow his commandments. You are all welcome to join ZANU PF.

ZIM1

NyikaInovakwaNeVeneVayo

IlizweLakhiwaNgabanikaziBalo

Distributed by
ZANU PF Headquarters:: INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
Follow us:
Website: www.zanupf.org.zw
Facebook: ZANU PF PARTY
Twitter: @ZANUPF_Official

GWERU -Provincial Magistrate for Gweru Miriam Banda granted Chirumanzu South Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) aspiring candidate Patrick Cheza and four others ZWL$50 000 bail each this afternoon.

They are back at Mvuma Magistrate’s court on July 7, 2023, for the trial. They were ordered to report once after a fortnight at Charandura Police Station in Chirumanzu district and not to interfere with State witnesses.

The five, Patrick Cheza (50), Tinashe Moyo (47), Elias Madhuviko (26), Tanyaradzwa Marimbe (23), and Alex Gamuchirai (37), plead not guilty.

The five, represented by prominent Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri, face four charges of malicious damage to property worth US$4, assault… Masvingo Mirror

Source: Transform Zimbabwe

The High Court bail hearing is on today in Court P. Both the state and the defense counsel is already present. Waiting for the judge to appear and kick start the hearing..

The court resumes with Madhuku addressing first. He indicates that all arguments the defense has in favour of bail are contained in writen application done already. He argues that his client has good grounds for success on appeal. He said his client was convicted on a very week basis, that it, that he failed to outlined his defense when he gave his statement to the police. Further the lower court grossly misdirected itself in convicting the accused. There was no mention of a twitter account in the warned and cautioned statement. The state failed to prove that the twitter account in question belonged to the accused. Also all the 3 three witnesses declared that they did not know if the twitter account belonged to the accused. Witness Chirape confirmed that he was not an expert to say with surety that the Twitter handle indeed belong to Ngarivhume. The second witness Chief Sup Runganga had no clue but said it was Ngarivhume’s account but argued that the accused did not say it was not his wen he first appeared at the police station. Rungaga knew that law enforcement agencies can contact Twitter PLC for account verification but they chose not to blaming administrative challenges. So they now want to send the accused to jail because of their laziness. Runganga refused to accept that this was a classic example of a ghost account. From the 3rd witness who was suppose to be an expert he said it was a matter of probabilities that the account belonged to Ngarivhume. There was nothing scientific about his deductions and conclusions. He said the accused should have reported to Twitter if his name was being used as a ghost account. It is the defense’s conclusion that there was nothing credible and incriminating given by all the 3 witnesses to warrant conviction of the accused. There was no proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the alleged offense. We maintain that the sentence is manifestly excessive. It’s the first time in this country to sentence a politician for such a crime. This conviction should never have occured in our democratic country. We would suggest a bail of ZWL500k among other requirements..

1009hrs

The state then argues that it abides by the ruling of the lower court. It will not make any oral presentation

The judge reserves judgement. It will be communicated later.

Tinashe Sambiri

Zimbabwe is now a banana republic…

This was said by CCC Vice President Tendai Biti.

According to Biti, August 23 is a crucial day for Zimbabweans.

“Zimbabwe’s record inflation figures and its passage of the Patriot Bill are two issues that continue to make international headlines.Truth is we have truly become a pariah banana Republic.And those that are naively backing the I’ll conceived elitist debt plan have gone very quite

The levels of desperation are shocking . But on 23 August we finish off what we started . A New Zimbabwe beckons,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri

Zimbabwe is now a banana republic…

This was said by CCC Vice President Tendai Biti.

According to Biti, August 23 is a crucial day for Zimbabweans.

“Zimbabwe’s record inflation figures and its passage of the Patriot Bill are two issues that continue to make international headlines.Truth is we have truly become a pariah banana Republic.And those that are naively backing the I’ll conceived elitist debt plan have gone very quite

The levels of desperation are shocking . But on 23 August we finish off what we started . A New Zimbabwe beckons,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

Source: Transform Zimbabwe

The High Court bail hearing is on today in Court P. Both the state and the defense counsel is already present. Waiting for the judge to appear and kick start the hearing..

The court resumes with Madhuku addressing first. He indicates that all arguments the defense has in favour of bail are contained in writen application done already. He argues that his client has good grounds for success on appeal. He said his client was convicted on a very week basis, that it, that he failed to outlined his defense when he gave his statement to the police. Further the lower court grossly misdirected itself in convicting the accused. There was no mention of a twitter account in the warned and cautioned statement. The state failed to prove that the twitter account in question belonged to the accused. Also all the 3 three witnesses declared that they did not know if the twitter account belonged to the accused. Witness Chirape confirmed that he was not an expert to say with surety that the Twitter handle indeed belong to Ngarivhume. The second witness Chief Sup Runganga had no clue but said it was Ngarivhume’s account but argued that the accused did not say it was not his wen he first appeared at the police station. Rungaga knew that law enforcement agencies can contact Twitter PLC for account verification but they chose not to blaming administrative challenges. So they now want to send the accused to jail because of their laziness. Runganga refused to accept that this was a classic example of a ghost account. From the 3rd witness who was suppose to be an expert he said it was a matter of probabilities that the account belonged to Ngarivhume. There was nothing scientific about his deductions and conclusions. He said the accused should have reported to Twitter if his name was being used as a ghost account. It is the defense’s conclusion that there was nothing credible and incriminating given by all the 3 witnesses to warrant conviction of the accused. There was no proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the alleged offense. We maintain that the sentence is manifestly excessive. It’s the first time in this country to sentence a politician for such a crime. This conviction should never have occured in our democratic country. We would suggest a bail of ZWL500k among other requirements..
[06/06, 14:26]

1009hrs

The state then argues that it abides by the ruling of the lower court. It will not make any oral presentation

The judge reserves judgement. It will be communicated later.

CHURCHES under the banner Vapostori nemaZion for ED have pledged their support and allegiance to the ruling ZANU PF Party and the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.

The churches converged at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield this Saturday for their national convention.

Church leaders at the convention said it is important to pray for the country and its leaders to realise the country’s vision under a peaceful environment.

“We can only develop our country by praying for it. We have seen development such as construction of dams so we must pray for the President,” said Patron-Zimbabwe Indigenous inter-denominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.

National Chairman-Vapostori for ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira highlighted, “Our duty is to pray. To pray for the country and our leaders. We are going to pray for you President to win the elections. We don’t want political office, but to pray for you to win.”

Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga said the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030 can only be attained if there is unity, harmony and peace, citing the role of the church in upholding the principles.

“The President has a vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030.We want you as the church to help make this vision become successful. You must pray for the country.”

The National Convention for the Vapostori and maZion for ED brought together different church denominations that include Johane Masowe yechishanu, St John’s Apostolic Faith Church, African Apostolic Church, Zion Christian Church and Jekenishoni among others.- ZBC News

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), a Constitutional body whose key mandate is to investigate violations of rights relating to gender equality is under fire from the public for remaining mum in the wake of allegations that a Government Minister has been demanding sex from a disadvantaged university student whose fees he is paying.

Minister of State for Agricultural Colleges, Water Resources and Irrigation Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Davis Marapira sponsored the intelligent National University of Science and Technology (NUST) girl since she was doing Form 5 at Zimuto High near Masvingo.

However, he allegedly started demanding sex from the girl when she was in Form 6 and putting pressure on her by sending threatening messages, according to WhatsApp exchanges in the hands of The Mirror.

The First Year Biotech student who cannot be named for ethical reasons has since opted out of Marapira’s education scheme as she feared for her life. The Minister is allegedly in the habit of inviting her to his hotel room at night whenever he visits Bulawayo. The last time was in April when he was in the city for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

Marapira who comes from the same constituency as the girl would also call the girl from her rural home to meet him at night. Marapira promised to call back The Mirror for comment but never did.

Readers have been inundating The Mirror with calls trying to find out what the Gender Commission and women organisations in Zimbabwe’s positions on the matter is.

The Mirror called ZGC CEO Virginia Muwanigwa who said that her organisation is investigating the matter.

The girl however said she has not been contacted by the Commission although it is now six weeks after the case of sexual abuse went public. It is not clear how the Commission would conduct investigations without involving the complainant.

Experts said ZGC runs the risk of becoming a toothless bulldog in a country where abuse of women is rampant particularly by politicians and the powerful.

“We are investigating the matter and we will be updating you ”, said Muwanigwa.Female Students Network Trust executive director Evernice Munando said Government should intervene as the ‘abuse’ of women particularly by politicians and the powerful is being swept under the carpet… Masvingo Mirror

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), a Constitutional body whose key mandate is to investigate violations of rights relating to gender equality is under fire from the public for remaining mum in the wake of allegations that a Government Minister has been demanding sex from a disadvantaged university student whose fees he is paying.

Minister of State for Agricultural Colleges, Water Resources and Irrigation Development, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Davis Marapira sponsored the intelligent National University of Science and Technology (NUST) girl since she was doing Form 5 at Zimuto High near Masvingo.

However, he allegedly started demanding sex from the girl when she was in Form 6 and putting pressure on her by sending threatening messages, according to WhatsApp exchanges in the hands of The Mirror.

The First Year Biotech student who cannot be named for ethical reasons has since opted out of Marapira’s education scheme as she feared for her life. The Minister is allegedly in the habit of inviting her to his hotel room at night whenever he visits Bulawayo. The last time was in April when he was in the city for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).

Marapira who comes from the same constituency as the girl would also call the girl from her rural home to meet him at night. Marapira promised to call back The Mirror for comment but never did.

Readers have been inundating The Mirror with calls trying to find out what the Gender Commission and women organisations in Zimbabwe’s positions on the matter is.

The Mirror called ZGC CEO Virginia Muwanigwa who said that her organisation is investigating the matter.

The girl however said she has not been contacted by the Commission although it is now six weeks after the case of sexual abuse went public. It is not clear how the Commission would conduct investigations without involving the complainant.

Experts said ZGC runs the risk of becoming a toothless bulldog in a country where abuse of women is rampant particularly by politicians and the powerful.

“We are investigating the matter and we will be updating you ”, said Muwanigwa.Female Students Network Trust executive director Evernice Munando said Government should intervene as the ‘abuse’ of women particularly by politicians and the powerful is being swept under the carpet… Masvingo Mirror

Despite being instructed to stop at an obstruction, a suspected mushikashika driver yesterday appeared in court for allegedly hitting a police motorbike accompanying a state procession.

Continue reading “Mshikashika Crashes ZRP Bike”

At a time when the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is currently working on the final voters’ roll, fixing problems discovered during the inspection, many have verified their registration status virtually.

Zec carried out a nationwide check last week to correct and clean up mistakes and anomalies on the voter list.

Across the nation, more than 11 000 inspection sites were established to allow voters who registered on or before April 28 to check their registration details. A total of 529 264 males and 648 062 women participated in the physical examination. In addition, a sizable number virtually checked the roll.

People have been asking the electoral administration organisation how their registration information was recorded, and the organisation is finally responding to those questions.

Some members of the public claimed that their names had vanished from the voter list, while others said that their names had indeed been fully struck off.

Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, vice-chairman of Zec, stated that they were currently completing the required revisions and working on the final voters’ list to make way for candidate nominations.

“The rationale for the voters roll inspection is to ensure every registrant is accurately captured on the roll and all corrections made.

“To suggest that members of a particular political party are targeted for exclusion is not only mischievous and preposterous as we are fully independent of any political party influence and in fact when registering voters we do not seek their political alignment. It would be illegal and unethical,” said Amb Kiwa.

On Wednesday last week, President Mnangagwa proclaimed August 23, 2023, as the day on which harmonised elections will be held and fixed June 21, 2023, as the day on which the Nomination Court will sit to consider and accept candidates for Presidential, Parliamentary, and local authority elections.

The Nomination Court will sit at the High Court to consider Presidential candidates while it will sit at all the 10 provincial capitals for Parliamentary candidates.

The President has also set 2 October 2023 as the day for the run-off election, should there be no outright winner in the presidential election as contemplated by the Constitution.

The Nomination Court will sit at all council offices across the country to consider candidates for local authority elections.

Article by President E.D Mnangagwa

Last week I, through an Extraordinary Government Gazette, proclaimed timelines for our General Elections, as required by our Constitution and the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13). The proclamation set out August 23, 2023 as the day our nation goes for elections for purposes of electing a national President, Members of Parliament for the 210 seats in our National Assembly and councillors to run our municipalities.

Explicit timelines

I also set October 2, 2023 as the day for a Presidential run-off election, should that become necessary.

The Nomination Court will sit on June 21 to consider and accept candidates in these forthcoming Presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections.

In the same vein, I set August 3 as the day on which Provincial Assemblies of Chiefs shall meet to elect chiefs who will take up seats in the revered Council of Chiefs.

The road is, thus, now clear for our General Elections, which will be held in terms of the 2023 Delimitation Report, which I also caused to be gazetted much earlier, in compliance with the law.

Both our Constitution and the Electoral Act make our plebiscites predictable and transparent. Everything is in black and white; there is no room for ambushes, something which ensures our elections pan out predictably and evenly.

Voters’ roll inspection

Equally, our election management body, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) last week opened the voters’ roll for inspection by the general public. This, again, is meant to ensure transparency, and to cure any mistakes or anomalies which might be on the roll. I am happy that many Zimbabweans went out to inspect the voters’ roll, and that any anomalies they might have been were drawn to ZEC’s attention for corrective action.

Inviting observers

At an appropriate time, Government will invite international observers to our elections, which must run transparently, strictly in terms of our laws, and in fulfilment of guidelines set out by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), our sub-regional body. Government will ensure those invited to observe our elections get their invitations in ample time to make that exercise meaningful.

Convergence on architecture for future elections

I am pleased that on the legislative front, there is now greater convergence among political parties on the legal and institutional architecture for future elections, including restoring the Delimitation Commission which we had before, and bringing back the Registrar-General’s Office on voter registration. All these proposed changes are for future elections, and will release ZEC to focus on its core business, namely, that of managing our elections.

A record without blemish

From 1985, when our nation conducted its first general elections as a newly independent State, until now, Zimbabwe has never defaulted on its election timetable. She has always gone to the polls when these fall due.

It is a proud record we must strive to uphold as a nation. I am happy that these pending elections are no exception.

Elections, organic outcome of national struggles

Lest the world forgets, the institution of the ballot emerged from, and was won through, our struggles as a people hankering for majority rule, for a non-racial democracy based on one person, one vote, and for complete Statehood untrammelled by foreign domination and direction.

Indeed, we had to take up arms for this wholesome state of affairs to be attained and realised.

To that end, we view our elections as an organic outcome from our liberation struggle, and as a key process for decolonising of our governance system in order to consolidate our sovereignty.

While we benchmark our elections against best practices in the world, we jealously claim and retain a strong sense of proprietorship over the democracy which we ourselves inaugurated in 1980, and which we have enjoyed since, alongside the plebiscitary rituals it periodically occasions.

We will never tire of reminding the world that our elections are a facet of our hard-won democracy, and, thus, an institution exclusively reserved for us as Zimbabweans to shape, to participate in and, in the final analysis, to enjoy and judge.

Any and all changes we seek legislatively; changes which we provide for institutionally; and which we claim through democratic praxis, are meant to make our democracy even more wholesome for our people, who are its sole litmus test.

Claiming the right to vote

Going forward, we must cultivate and ensure an environment in which Zimbabweans are able to vote without any sense of let or hindrance.

No barriers must be put in the way of our citizens in claiming and in exercising their right to vote in accordance with our laws.

To do so is tantamount to negating a core political goal of our national liberation struggle, namely, a guaranteed right to one person, one vote.

Nothing must be spared to ensure the environment is right and conducive for free, fair and peaceful elections in which the right to vote is available to all those eligible, in terms of our laws and laid-down procedures.

Secure ballot

Secondly, we must ensure that the ballot is secure; that every vote is counted and respected; and that the overall outcome expresses the will and choice of the sovereign people of Zimbabwe. This requires that the whole plebiscite attains levels of integrity which the people of Zimbabwe can vouch and attest to.

Above all, this requires that our whole electoral process is fool-proof and insulated against undue influence and manipulation by outsiders and foreigners.

No foreign power is a stakeholder in Zimbabwe’s electoral processes; this is why foreigners come in by invitation, and participate as observers, and not as monitors.

Elections for peace and stability

Third, our harmonised elections must underpin and advance peace and stability for our nation.

When I was in Sharm El-Sheikh recently for the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, friends of Zimbabwe made an impassioned plea and call to us to cultivate peace as Zimbabweans, and to resist being instigated to violence by whomsoever: before, during and after elections.

Indeed, our country needs durable peace during and after the forthcoming harmonised elections.

The nexus between elections, on the one hand, and peace and stability, on the other, must be assured.

On my part and that of my Party, ZANU PF, peace remains the priceless goal towards whose attainment nothing should be spared.

I urge all other players in our electoral process to make the same pledge, and to be sworn to unconditional peace for our nation.

Firm hand against those bent on disturbing peace

Let me sternly warn those bent on political violence that a harsh response awaits them.

We consider political violence a challenge to the whole State, in which case all levers of the State: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must act in concert, and with a strong, unflinching sense of shared resolve and common purpose to stamp it out.

Those guilty of acts of political violence, or for inciting political violence, must be speedily put away so they do not become a menace to our society, and to its democratic processes.

If it means setting up special courts for the speedy trial of those accused of perpetrating or instigating political violence, so be it.

Magnanimous winners, good losers

Fourth and last, true democrats are magnanimous winners and good losers.

One cannot enter an electoral contest for just one outcome, namely, an outcome in which one is only a winner.

Surely, that is not the frame of mind helpful to a free and fair election; rather, it is one for war.

In any event, our rich democracy provides recourse — peaceful recourse — to anyone who might have reason to feel hard done by the whole electoral process.

We have the courts. That recourse must be pursued and exercised to the fullest. Once that has been done, and our courts have come to some determination, their judgment must be respected by all, winners and losers alike, so our whole society speedily resets for a peaceful conclusion, and moves forward. That is the Zimbabwe we want, and must work towards, namely, a country that quickly rallies back after any contest, to resume deep and encompassing routines for peace and development, all done in unity.

I say peace, peace and stability for our country!

ZBC News

Police have launched a manhunt for a company director who, in January and February of this year, defrauded at least 17 people out of almost $102,000 by tricking them into thinking that his company could help them import cars from Japan.
Investigations showed that the victims went to Siyaya Trading and paid for the import of the cars there.

Delivery was supposed to happen eight weeks after payment, however no automobiles were delivered, and it is now believed that corporate managers used the money for their own purposes after converting it.

In response, police have started a manhunt for one suspect, Evans Dilingilizwe Mbasopi, according to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating fraud cases involving purported import of vehicles on behalf of unsuspecting members of the public by a company known as Siyaya Trading Company Private Limited claiming to be a forwarding agent.

The cases cover the period extending 1st January 2023 to 28th February 2023. Investigations carried by the police established that the individuals approached the company’s offices situated at Joina City, 2nd Floor, Harare where they made payments for the import of purported vehicles from Japan.

Delivery of the purported vehicles was said to be done within eight weeks after payment.

Half of the money paid was however, channelled towards the purchase of the vehicles whilst the remainder was converted to own use by the suspects, resulting in the complainants not receiving the imported vehicles,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said 17 victims were duped of approximately USD$102 636.

“ The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of one of the directors of the company, Evans Dilingilizwe Mbasopi. Anyone with information should contact National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest police station,” he said.-state media

Article by President E.D Mnangagwa

Last week I, through an Extraordinary Government Gazette, proclaimed timelines for our General Elections, as required by our Constitution and the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13). The proclamation set out August 23, 2023 as the day our nation goes for elections for purposes of electing a national President, Members of Parliament for the 210 seats in our National Assembly and councillors to run our municipalities.

Explicit timelines

I also set October 2, 2023 as the day for a Presidential run-off election, should that become necessary.

The Nomination Court will sit on June 21 to consider and accept candidates in these forthcoming Presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections.

In the same vein, I set August 3 as the day on which Provincial Assemblies of Chiefs shall meet to elect chiefs who will take up seats in the revered Council of Chiefs.

The road is, thus, now clear for our General Elections, which will be held in terms of the 2023 Delimitation Report, which I also caused to be gazetted much earlier, in compliance with the law.

Both our Constitution and the Electoral Act make our plebiscites predictable and transparent. Everything is in black and white; there is no room for ambushes, something which ensures our elections pan out predictably and evenly.

Voters’ roll inspection

Equally, our election management body, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) last week opened the voters’ roll for inspection by the general public. This, again, is meant to ensure transparency, and to cure any mistakes or anomalies which might be on the roll. I am happy that many Zimbabweans went out to inspect the voters’ roll, and that any anomalies they might have been were drawn to ZEC’s attention for corrective action.

Inviting observers

At an appropriate time, Government will invite international observers to our elections, which must run transparently, strictly in terms of our laws, and in fulfilment of guidelines set out by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), our sub-regional body. Government will ensure those invited to observe our elections get their invitations in ample time to make that exercise meaningful.

Convergence on architecture for future elections

I am pleased that on the legislative front, there is now greater convergence among political parties on the legal and institutional architecture for future elections, including restoring the Delimitation Commission which we had before, and bringing back the Registrar-General’s Office on voter registration. All these proposed changes are for future elections, and will release ZEC to focus on its core business, namely, that of managing our elections.

A record without blemish

From 1985, when our nation conducted its first general elections as a newly independent State, until now, Zimbabwe has never defaulted on its election timetable. She has always gone to the polls when these fall due.

It is a proud record we must strive to uphold as a nation. I am happy that these pending elections are no exception.

Elections, organic outcome of national struggles

Lest the world forgets, the institution of the ballot emerged from, and was won through, our struggles as a people hankering for majority rule, for a non-racial democracy based on one person, one vote, and for complete Statehood untrammelled by foreign domination and direction.

Indeed, we had to take up arms for this wholesome state of affairs to be attained and realised.

To that end, we view our elections as an organic outcome from our liberation struggle, and as a key process for decolonising of our governance system in order to consolidate our sovereignty.

While we benchmark our elections against best practices in the world, we jealously claim and retain a strong sense of proprietorship over the democracy which we ourselves inaugurated in 1980, and which we have enjoyed since, alongside the plebiscitary rituals it periodically occasions.

We will never tire of reminding the world that our elections are a facet of our hard-won democracy, and, thus, an institution exclusively reserved for us as Zimbabweans to shape, to participate in and, in the final analysis, to enjoy and judge.

Any and all changes we seek legislatively; changes which we provide for institutionally; and which we claim through democratic praxis, are meant to make our democracy even more wholesome for our people, who are its sole litmus test.

Claiming the right to vote

Going forward, we must cultivate and ensure an environment in which Zimbabweans are able to vote without any sense of let or hindrance.

No barriers must be put in the way of our citizens in claiming and in exercising their right to vote in accordance with our laws.

To do so is tantamount to negating a core political goal of our national liberation struggle, namely, a guaranteed right to one person, one vote.

Nothing must be spared to ensure the environment is right and conducive for free, fair and peaceful elections in which the right to vote is available to all those eligible, in terms of our laws and laid-down procedures.

Secure ballot

Secondly, we must ensure that the ballot is secure; that every vote is counted and respected; and that the overall outcome expresses the will and choice of the sovereign people of Zimbabwe. This requires that the whole plebiscite attains levels of integrity which the people of Zimbabwe can vouch and attest to.

Above all, this requires that our whole electoral process is fool-proof and insulated against undue influence and manipulation by outsiders and foreigners.

No foreign power is a stakeholder in Zimbabwe’s electoral processes; this is why foreigners come in by invitation, and participate as observers, and not as monitors.

Elections for peace and stability

Third, our harmonised elections must underpin and advance peace and stability for our nation.

When I was in Sharm El-Sheikh recently for the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, friends of Zimbabwe made an impassioned plea and call to us to cultivate peace as Zimbabweans, and to resist being instigated to violence by whomsoever: before, during and after elections.

Indeed, our country needs durable peace during and after the forthcoming harmonised elections.

The nexus between elections, on the one hand, and peace and stability, on the other, must be assured.

On my part and that of my Party, ZANU PF, peace remains the priceless goal towards whose attainment nothing should be spared.

I urge all other players in our electoral process to make the same pledge, and to be sworn to unconditional peace for our nation.

Firm hand against those bent on disturbing peace

Let me sternly warn those bent on political violence that a harsh response awaits them.

We consider political violence a challenge to the whole State, in which case all levers of the State: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must act in concert, and with a strong, unflinching sense of shared resolve and common purpose to stamp it out.

Those guilty of acts of political violence, or for inciting political violence, must be speedily put away so they do not become a menace to our society, and to its democratic processes.

If it means setting up special courts for the speedy trial of those accused of perpetrating or instigating political violence, so be it.

Magnanimous winners, good losers

Fourth and last, true democrats are magnanimous winners and good losers.

One cannot enter an electoral contest for just one outcome, namely, an outcome in which one is only a winner.

Surely, that is not the frame of mind helpful to a free and fair election; rather, it is one for war.

In any event, our rich democracy provides recourse — peaceful recourse — to anyone who might have reason to feel hard done by the whole electoral process.

We have the courts. That recourse must be pursued and exercised to the fullest. Once that has been done, and our courts have come to some determination, their judgment must be respected by all, winners and losers alike, so our whole society speedily resets for a peaceful conclusion, and moves forward. That is the Zimbabwe we want, and must work towards, namely, a country that quickly rallies back after any contest, to resume deep and encompassing routines for peace and development, all done in unity.

I say peace, peace and stability for our country!

ZBC News

CHURCHES under the banner Vapostori nemaZion for ED have pledged their support and allegiance to the ruling ZANU PF Party and the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.

The churches converged at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield this Saturday for their national convention.

Church leaders at the convention said it is important to pray for the country and its leaders to realise the country’s vision under a peaceful environment.

“We can only develop our country by praying for it. We have seen development such as construction of dams so we must pray for the President,” said Patron-Zimbabwe Indigenous inter-denominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.

National Chairman-Vapostori for ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira highlighted, “Our duty is to pray. To pray for the country and our leaders. We are going to pray for you President to win the elections. We don’t want political office, but to pray for you to win.”

Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga said the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030 can only be attained if there is unity, harmony and peace, citing the role of the church in upholding the principles.

“The President has a vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030.We want you as the church to help make this vision become successful. You must pray for the country.”

The National Convention for the Vapostori and maZion for ED brought together different church denominations that include Johane Masowe yechishanu, St John’s Apostolic Faith Church, African Apostolic Church, Zion Christian Church and Jekenishoni among others.- ZBC News

A new bill that was recently passed by the Zimbabwean Parliament has raised concerns about freedom of expression.

The bill, known as the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, criminalizes any citizen who meets with foreign diplomats or officials if the State suspects that sanctions may have been discussed.

The bill also gives the government broad powers to prosecute anyone who is seen as undermining the country or making false statements to paint a negative picture of the country to foreign governments.

Critics of the bill say that it is a draconian attempt to silence dissent and that it will have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.

“This bill is a direct attack on our right to free speech,” said Chris Mhike, a media defense lawyer. “It is a clear attempt by the government to silence its critics and to control the flow of information.”

Mhike said that the bill is also unconstitutional because it violates the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Zimbabwean Constitution.

“The government has no right to tell us who we can and cannot talk to,” Mhike said. “This bill is a clear violation of our fundamental rights.”

The bill is now set to be debated in the Senate. It is unclear whether the Senate will approve the bill, but if it does, it is likely to face legal challenges.

In the meantime, the bill has already had a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. Many people are now afraid to speak out against the government or to criticize its policies.

The passage of the Patriot Bill is a worrying development for Zimbabwe. It is a clear sign that the government is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent. If the bill is not challenged and overturned, it will have a devastating impact on freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has sensationally claimed that all top Zanu PF officials have acquired title deeds to the farms they grabbed from white former farmers at the height of the land reform programme.

Mutambara made the claims in his latest book, titled “Ideas and Solutions: In Search of the Elusive Zimbabwean Dream.” The book was launched in Bulawayo on Friday.

In the book, Mutambara claims that former President Robert Mugabe had no faith in the land reform programme, and often insinuated that future generations could challenge the process.

“In my book, I also reveal some interesting information,” Mutambara said. “Mugabe did not have faith in the land reform programme. He said to me: ‘Mutambara, this land reform programme will be challenged by future generations.’

“‘Fifty years from now, they will be sitting and saying those guys in the year 2000 parcelled the land among themselves. We were not there, let’s reverse this thing.’ Now, if Mugabe was of that mindset, you know what he did, he does not have a 99-year lease, he bought these farms and he had title deeds,” Mutambara said.

Mutambara said most of Mugabe’s lieutenants in the system had title deeds, adding that the 99-year leases were for some war veterans and low-ranking army officers.

“Any minister, any judge, any commander of consequence is holding onto a title deed,” Mutambara said. “I will explain how it was done. You want to know how it was done during (former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon) Gono’s tenure, during the burning of cash.

“They would first chase away the farmer from the farm and the farmer will run away, go to Australia, go to New Zealand, go to Harare and live in a shack. They can’t pay fees for their children because they are desperate and they then follow the farmer six months later and ask ‘Mr Farmer, how much is your farm?'” Mutambara claimed.

He said if the farmer would say US$50 million, they would reject the amount and offer to pay about US$4 million and out of desperation, the white farmer would take the amount and release the title deeds to them and keep quiet.

He said the top officials were “burning money” during Gono’s time to raise money to pay the desperate farmers.

“So, these guys are safe under any regime because they are holding on to title deeds,” Mutambara claimed.

He also bemoaned the closing of democratic space in the country ahead of elections.

Speaking at the launch, Citizen Coalition for Change deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba said Mutambara’s book presented solutions to resolve the leadership question in Zimbabwe.

“This book is a reminder to us as young people that this country is not short of ideas, but is short of leadership,” Siziba said. “The greatest challenge that we face 43 years after independence is the deficit of stewardship and leadership, the ability to change the lives of ordinary people,” Siziba said.

The launch was chaired by former State Enterprises and Parastatals minister Gorden Moyo and was attended by former ministers Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, David Coltart, academics, local politicians and civil society representatives.

Mutambara’s claims are a serious allegation that could have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe. If true, it would mean that the top officials in Zanu PF have benefited personally from the land reform programme, while the country’s economy has continued to decline.

The claims could also damage the reputation of Zanu PF ahead of the upcoming elections. The party is already facing criticism for its handling of the economy and the land reform programme.

Mutambara’s claims are likely to be met with denials from Zanu PF. However, the claims have already been met with support from some opposition parties.

The Citizen Coalition for Change, which is the main opposition party in Zimbabwe, has welcomed Mutambara’s claims. The party has said that the claims are a “reminder” of the need for change in Zimbabwe.

The claims are a serious development that could have a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s future. It remains to be seen whether the claims will be substantiated, but they have already raised serious questions about the government’s handling of the land reform programme.

Transform Zimbabwe Press Statement

It has come to our attention that prison officials at Harare Central Prison yesterday denied our leader Jacob Ngarivhume access to food brought by his family. This is a clear violation of his rights.

Not only was he wrongfully convicted by the overzealous Faresi Chakanyuka, but the rogue ZANU PF Government is still determined to destroy him even in prison.

This is a shame. Its unacceptable in a democratic society. We implore the government and prison officials to uphold prisoners’ rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

Relatedly, on 1 June 2023 we expected his bail hearing at the High Court to go ahead only to be told that the presiding judge was allegedly attending a funeral elsewhere. The matter had to be postponed to 6 June 2023. Justice delayed is justice denied. We maintain that our leader has done nothing deserving imprisonment! Demanding an end to corruption is not a criminal offense! We expect his immediate release from this wrongful incarceration!

TZ Communications

A Kadoma woman is blaming her husband after he left her for a chef at the school where he serves as principal after seven years of marriage.

Tambudzai Patricia Sibanda, the wife, is enraged with her husband, Givemore Bere, for leaving her for Veronica Mationesa Kachigwe, a teacher at the same institution.

Tambudzai discovered this affair after examining the chats on her partner’s phone.

The two were approached by Tambudzai after they left a location named Laluna.

Bere responded by requesting a protective order be issued against her at the Kadoma Civil Court in case P0 116/23.

She filed assault charges at first, but later withdrew them and chose a protection order instead.

“I am disappointed with him, how could he dump me for his cook at his workplace, Great Hood Academy?

“We have been together for seven years and only for him to dump me now.

“I helped him a lot, we were doing our business, helping each other but only to wake up to see him with another woman.

“I was in pain, since I was staying alone after my first husband died in 2012.

“I stayed for years ndisina murume until I met him in 2016.

“I confronted them when they were out, and there was a scene.”

She added: “I became the mother of his family and he became a father of my family too, everything was moving on well.

“Manje hembe dzake ndikudziendesa ku old people’s home.

“They work together ku Great Hood Academy.

“I took my clothes from his house but I still have his clothes at my house.

“I took mine on April 27.”

Contacted for comment Bere, answered the phone but could not say a word.

Veronica denied snatching Bere.

“I deny the allegations that I took someone’s husband, my boyfriend’s wife died some time ago.

“The one who is claiming to be Mr Bere’s wife is his ex-girlfriend.

“They were never husband and wife.

“She is just heartbroken that they got separated and she is trying to tarnish my image. I don’t know why the two broke up and I feel it’s not fair to pin it on me,” she said.- H Metro

As the ruling party prepares for the harmonised elections scheduled for August, Emmerson Mnangagwa will be in Gweru today to oversee activities at the official opening session of an induction workshop for prospective Zanu-PF candidates.

Numerous party members, including the 210 prospective MPs, arrived in Gweru yesterday evening in preparation for the five-day orientation and induction programme, which begins today.

Senior party officials, all prospective lawmakers, and the women’s quota will be present during the induction workshop, which is also anticipated to be officially launched by President Mnangagwa.

National political commissar Dr. Mike Bimha stated that all was prepared for the high-level meeting following a visit of the workshop location, the 5,000-seat Zanu-PF Conference Centre on the Gweru-Mvuma Highway, yesterday night.
“I have just toured the venue, our party’s Conference Centre along Mvuma Road, and everything is now in place for the official opening of our workshop,” he said.

“The accreditation is still on and we hope that come tomorrow, it will be complete to allow the workshop to kickstart. The President, His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, will officially open the workshop.”

Dr Bimha said the workshop will mainly focus on spelling out the roadmap leading to the harmonised elections at the same time being an induction process for the new aspiring members of Parliament.

“You will realise that we have quite a number of new MPs who are coming for the first time. So, it’s an orientation workshop, basically to prepare our candidates, an induction of what is expected of them ahead of the campaigns,” he said.

Dr Bimha said the revolutionary party was a peace-loving organisation hence the workshop will also emphasise on the need to get into campaigns peacefully as the party prepares its road to a resounding election victory.

Zanu-PF Midlands provincial chairman who is also the Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Senator Larry Mavima, said as the host province they were ready for the event and happy to be the centre for guiding the party towards harmonised elections.

“We’re raring to go and very happy as a province to host this important workshop as we get into the election mode,” he said.

“Zanu-PF is a party of excellence and we are proud as the Midlands to host this important event that will catapult us into the election campaign mode.”

Most of the hotels and lodges in Gweru were already fully booked with some delegates and legislators intending to attend the workshop only securing accommodation in Kwekwe and Zvishavane.

“All the accommodation in Gweru is full and some of our colleagues had to go as far as Zvishavane to get their bookings,” Harare East Constituency aspiring Member of Parliament, Mavis Gumbo said.

Meanwhile, scores of delegates from Matabeleland provinces who were also on their way to Gweru expressed excitement about the meeting given its significance to the campaign period.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, said all candidates from the country’s provinces will attend the week-long meeting to strategise on the party’s campaign plan.

“This is part of our mobilisation strategy. I can’t divulge what the strategy is about but after this meeting, we will have a tactical move in our national campaign towards the harmonised elections, slated for 23 August this year,” said Ncube.

Among the new Zanu-PF candidates for Bulawayo is prominent artiste, Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, an energetic youthful leader who is expected to be part of the team to lead the restoration of Bulawayo development.

“What is inspiring most about our youthful candidates is that they conscientize youths about their past and future, as well as to drive Vision 2030 that will see the country attaining an upper middle-income economy status,” said Ncube.

She said she was particularly impressed by the manner in which Bulawayo was generating interest in political participation and development.

“We have a lot of surprise candidates. They are full of life, energy and ideas. They are in touch with all generations and are the future of the country.

“They need to rally behind what has been laid down for them by our founding fathers, particularly the ruling party. Look at what we have managed to achieve as a party and developed for the youth. Without this we are lost,” said Ncube.

“We are tired of drugs and abuse. We as a party will rain down upon all perpetrators. The scourge has to be destroyed,” she said.

Minister of State Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo said the meeting was expected to provide a basic campaign structure for the election.

“We will talk after the workshop. We are strategizing our campaign, you shall know as time goes on,” said Moyo.

MASVINGO – Gutu West CCC aspiring Parliamentary candidate, Ephraim Murudu spent two nights in the cells fromTuesday to Wednesday after he clashed with a Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) activist at Mbirikira polling station in Soti-Source where he was checking his name in the voters’ roll.

Murudu who is a war veteran was charged with indecent assault for allegedly touching a FAZ activist’s breasts. Sources however, said this is just a framed-up charge after Murudu refused to give his details to FAZ activists loitering in the inspection center.

FAZ is an unregistered Zanu PF NGO suspected to be a front for rigging elections. Its members in Gutu were recruited from unemployed youth who are receiving allowances of US$400 a month. FAZ reports and operates directly from the offices of the CIO, according to statements made by CCC MP Tendai Biti in Parliament this week.

Murudu failed to appear in court yesterday allegedly because the cop dealing with his case was not at the station. The Mirror understands that he was finally released on Thursday.

Murudu is represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyer Omen Mafa.The case is that Murudu went to Mbirikira Primary School to check his name in the voters roll and he refused to give his details to the FAZ members. His name was also allegedly missing from the voters roll…Masvingo Mirror

A list of registered Zimbabwean orchards and packing facilities for exporting fresh citrus to China has been made public by the General Administration of Customs of China.
This will significantly improve trade ties between Zimbabwe and China, which has grown to be the country’s main source of foreign direct investment.

The citrus trade protocol was agreed between the governments of Zimbabwe and China last year, and it is intended to make it easier for Zimbabwe to export citrus products to the Asian nation and therefore increase its market share.

This completed the process that was started in 2015 when the nation looked for a market for citrus growers who were small-scale participants in the Shashi irrigation programme.

The Chinese Embassy in Harare published a list of the companies that have been given permission to export fresh citrus fruits on its official Twitter account.

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange), Citrus paradisi (grapefruit), Citrus limon (lemon) and Citrus aurantifolia (lemon) and Citrus aurantium (sour orange) are among the fresh citrus items to be transported from Zimbabwe to China.

“On June 1, 2023, the General Administration of Customs of China released the list of registered Zimbabwean orchards and packhouses for citrus exporting to China.

“Zimbabwean fresh citrus can now be exported to China, which is the largest market of citrus consumption in the world,” announced the Chinese Embassy.

The approved citrus orchards include Bishopstone Estates, BK Cawood P/L, Nottingham Estate P/L and Luhawde P/L from Beitbridge as well as Barry Warwick PVT Ltd, Broadbridge Investments T/A Mazowe Citrus Estate and Forester Estates from Mazowe.

The other citrus orchards are Harleyton Farm/GMR Eastwood, Roslin Farm/Verdun Services from Beatrice, Home Produce PVT Ltd (Makoni) and Corleinor Pvt Ltd (Zvimba).

Approved citrus packhouses are Bishopstone Estates, BK Cawood P/L, Nottingham Estates P/L all from Matabeleland South, Postwood Investment, Broadbridge Investments t/a Mazoe Citrus Estates (Mashonaland Central) and lastly Mashonaland West’s Corleinor P/L.

The Chinese Embassy said that orchards and packhouses that want to export citrus to China must be registered by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and approved by both the Ministry and China Customs(GACC).

“The registration record must be forwarded by MLAWCRR to GACC for approval prior to the export season.”

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera said that the release of the list of citrus orchards and packhouses by the GACC marks the successful conclusion of preparations to export into the Chinese Market by Zimbabwean growers.

“Now that the compliance issues have been achieved, all registered growers are eligible to export to China subject to pre-shipment inspections by inspectors from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” he said.

“My ministry will provide support to ensure that the long-awaited citrus exports are achieved in line with engagements being done by the Second Republic that have led to the widening of market access to include China.”

Basera also disclosed that his Ministry is now drafting new export agreements for blueberries, avocados, and chillies with China.

Zimbabwe exported 57 283 tonnes of citrus produce in 2017 to Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.

Ms. Virginia Dende, a 27-year-old resident of Kadoma, says she is still in disbelief after winning a brand-new Ford Ranger worth US$60,000 in Saturday’s OK Zimbabwe Grand Challenge.
She buys her first car, an expensive new Ford Ranger.

Because she didn’t think she would win any of the items up for grabs, Ms. Dende didn’t even show up for the draw, which was held in front of a large crowd at the Borrowdale Racecourse in Harare. She claimed she was taken aback when OK Zimbabwe called to inform her that she had won the Ford Ranger.

The elated Ms. Dende spoke in an interview with the state media yesterday from her stronghold in Kadoma and said:

000 OK Grand Challenge horse race.

Mashonaland Turf Club vice chairman Mr Scott Buchan said the partnership between them and OK had transcended into more than just a horse race.

“It is more than just a national sporting event and if I may acknowledge OK’s obvious transformation over the last two years, their investment into our sport has grown to be the largest yet, with US$90 000 being put across the races held on the day,” said Mr Buchan.

OK Grand Challenge is the biggest and longest running retail promotion in Zimbabwe, having been launched 1988.

The group skipped the 2020 edition owing to Covid-19.

The group continues to grow its branch network under diverse brands like OK Stores, OK Mart, Bon Marche, and the recently acquired Food Lovers, (all but one separately franchised branch) as well as specialty stores like pharmacies.-state media

CHURCHES under the banner Vapostori nemaZion for ED have pledged their support and allegiance to the ruling ZANU PF Party and the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.

The churches converged at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield this Saturday for their national convention.

Church leaders at the convention said it is important to pray for the country and its leaders to realise the country’s vision under a peaceful environment.

“We can only develop our country by praying for it. We have seen development such as construction of dams so we must pray for the President,” said Patron-Zimbabwe Indigenous inter-denominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.

National Chairman-Vapostori for ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira highlighted, “Our duty is to pray. To pray for the country and our leaders. We are going to pray for you President to win the elections. We don’t want political office, but to pray for you to win.”

Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga said the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030 can only be attained if there is unity, harmony and peace, citing the role of the church in upholding the principles.

“The President has a vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030.We want you as the church to help make this vision become successful. You must pray for the country.”

The National Convention for the Vapostori and maZion for ED brought together different church denominations that include Johane Masowe yechishanu, St John’s Apostolic Faith Church, African Apostolic Church, Zion Christian Church and Jekenishoni among others.- Source: State Media

CHURCHES under the banner Vapostori nemaZion for ED have pledged their support and allegiance to the ruling ZANU PF Party and the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030.

The churches converged at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield this Saturday for their national convention.

Church leaders at the convention said it is important to pray for the country and its leaders to realise the country’s vision under a peaceful environment.

“We can only develop our country by praying for it. We have seen development such as construction of dams so we must pray for the President,” said Patron-Zimbabwe Indigenous inter-denominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.

National Chairman-Vapostori for ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira highlighted, “Our duty is to pray. To pray for the country and our leaders. We are going to pray for you President to win the elections. We don’t want political office, but to pray for you to win.”

Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga said the country’s vision of attaining an upper middle income society by 2030 can only be attained if there is unity, harmony and peace, citing the role of the church in upholding the principles.

“The President has a vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030.We want you as the church to help make this vision become successful. You must pray for the country.”

The National Convention for the Vapostori and maZion for ED brought together different church denominations that include Johane Masowe yechishanu, St John’s Apostolic Faith Church, African Apostolic Church, Zion Christian Church and Jekenishoni among others.- Source: State Media

MASVINGO – Gutu West CCC aspiring Parliamentary candidate, Ephraim Murudu spent two nights in the cells fromTuesday to Wednesday after he clashed with a Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) activist at Mbirikira polling station in Soti-Source where he was checking his name in the voters’ roll.

Murudu who is a war veteran was charged with indecent assault for allegedly touching a FAZ activist’s breasts. Sources however, said this is just a framed-up charge after Murudu refused to give his details to FAZ activists loitering in the inspection center.

FAZ is an unregistered Zanu PF NGO suspected to be a front for rigging elections. Its members in Gutu were recruited from unemployed youth who are receiving allowances of US$400 a month. FAZ reports and operates directly from the offices of the CIO, according to statements made by CCC MP Tendai Biti in Parliament this week.

Murudu failed to appear in court yesterday allegedly because the cop dealing with his case was not at the station. The Mirror understands that he was finally released on Thursday.

Murudu is represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyer Omen Mafa.The case is that Murudu went to Mbirikira Primary School to check his name in the voters roll and he refused to give his details to the FAZ members. His name was also allegedly missing from the voters roll…Masvingo Mirror

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By Farai D Hove | Has Joseph Chinotimba joined the Bhora Musango army? The outgoing Buhera South MP has for the second time filmed himself dancing inside his car, contradicting his enemies the incoming ZANU PF candidate Joseph Mudekunye’s expectations that he would be saddened over losing the party seat to the younger politician. Last month Chinotimba came out while bumping up and down inside his small car singing, “kumagumo!,” which means I shall have the last laugh, at the end of the story. Outside context this seems to indicate that the MP has mooted a secret attack against his enemies who are at present celebrating his fall. Chinotimba was still to comment to the allegations at the time of writing. VIDEO

https://fb.watch/lfwCGoLwZx/

By A Correspondent | The exiled former ZANU PF National Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere last Sunday blast out what is claimed is his preparatory message before a so called “major announcement,” according to propagandist, Never Maswerasei. Kasukuwere criticises the pardoning of paedophiles done ahead of the 2023 elections, which has seen some of the forgiven criminals re-offending just days after their release.

The pardoned rapists have been told to vote for ZANU PF and its President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Kasukuwere made the below comments during a spaces discussion:

It has never been the boy. It has always been the girl child… there are certain crimes that can never be pardoned… if you murder somebody… if you rape… you can’t be pardoned.

When the law was made, it was never meant to set aside those types of crimes. Statutory rape should never be pardoned, says @Hon_Kasukuwere

I was personally disturbed by it… Yes, I belong to the Marange (church), but I think we have done away with some of these practices… whoever made that decision, they made a big blunder… how do you release a 65-year-old man who raped a 9-year-old? asks @Hon_Kasukuwere

If it was me, I was going to look for those men and throw them back into prison, says @Hon_Kasukuwere

Imagine the psychological trauma, that girl has not yet been counselled, and now suddenly the same is out of prison…

twitter.com/i/spaces/1OyJA…

Anjin Investments (Pvt) Ltd., a Chinese diamond miner, has threatened to fire employees who walk out in opposition to subpar pay and working conditions.

Prosper Munemo, the deputy manager of the mine, wrote the following to the mining, plant and workshop employees on May 31: “I have heard the stance that you took at your meeting with the workers committee in which you pointed out that you are not going to work tomorrow (Thursday). However, everyone working the day shift in the plant, mine, or workshop must report to work tomorrow without fail.

“What you ought to understand is that these are negotiations which take a bit of time to come to a consensus, so as the negotiations are going on, everyone should be at work.

“Failure to go to work will be taken as AWOL (absent without official leave) since you did not follow the right procedure about resorting to a collective job action as laid out in section 104 sub-section (2) of the Labour Act (Chapter 28.01).”

Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company in China and Matt Bronze Enterprises, a special purpose vehicle owned by the Zimbabwean army, jointly own Anjin.

In the Chiadzwa diamond fields of Manicaland province in Marange communal lands, Anjin Investments is engaged in diamond mining and prospecting.

However, Justice Chinhema, the secretary of the Zimbabwe Diamonds and Allied Minerals Workers Union, urged Anjin management to cease intimidating employees in a letter dated June 1.

Chinhema said that the management of the corporation must act quickly to address employee complaints and carry out the decisions made at a works council meeting on May 11, 2023.

“A properly constituted works council is resolved and there is no other board or structure that can recede or change the resolutions besides the Labour Court. Further, unless the matters listed hereunder are addressed, workers have resolved not to report for duty and will continue with the current collective job action across all departments,” Chinhema wrote.

“The other issues that the workers are demanding to be resolved are poor working environment (safety and health issues), workers are working without proper clean ablution facilities, health facilities including ambulance and medical doctor, working under dusty conditions without suitable and adequate protective clothing.”

Chinhema added: “The general working conditions are deplorable and we need to bring to your attention that workers are employed to work and after working, they expect to get paid a living salary so as to bring food to their families, pay school fees, medical bills for them and extended families, buy clothes and enjoy life for someone employed by a diamond mining company.

“The ball is in your hands and if your management continues to ignore, workers are happy to continue with their industrial action. We wait to hear from you before the situation at the mine degenerates into chaos.”

– Agencies

CHIREDZI -The Shangani people of Chiredzi including their chief are against an alleged proposal to change the name of Chambuta Refugee Camp to Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home.

Sources said that the first Lady Auxillia will be in Chiredzi this Saturday for the ceremony and is expected to change the name.

Chief Chilonga, born Tiyani Chilonga confirmed the first lady is coming on Saturday, but complained about the proposed change to The Mirror. He described it as an adulteration of history adding that his people are comfortable with the current name. He detested the fact that Government was always imposing changes on his people.

Chiredzi District Development Coordinator (DDC), Lovemore Chisema repeatedly said that he was in a meeting.
Sources said the proposal to change the name is coming from the First Lady and the reasons for the proposed change are that she has been sourcing resources for the home for over three years.

This was after the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) handed over to the First Lady Chambuta Children’s Home in Chilonga, Chiredzi North on October 25, 2021.
Through the Angel of Hope Foundation she identified Chambuta as place to provide shelter to Children on the streets…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has concluded his three-day State visit to Malawi, with the two heads of state describing the state visit as a huge success.

It has been a busy three days for the two heads of state from the time President Mnangagwa arrived in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

The three days were comprised of not just business meetings, but visits to significant places like the Mausoleum where the remains of former Malawian President Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda are interred as well as the Malawi Parliament.

The two Presidents rounded up the visit in Blantyre where they issued a joint media briefing at Sanjika Palace.

President Chakwera expressed his joy for the successful state visit.

“Words are insufficient to express the joy I feel during this visit. In the 3 days, he has been to 4 regions of our country… He did all. This in a short space of time.”

On his part, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome.

He took the opportunity to remind African citizens of their responsibilities to build their economies.

“It is a mistake to admire nations built by their own people. You must build yours,” he said.

Earlier, President Mnangagwa visited Mount Soche, one of the areas affected by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi’s city of Blantyre.

The President handed over a consignment of goods to the affected people and highlighted the strong bond developing between the two countries and the spirit of Ubuntu.

Having spent the first two days of his visit in Lilongwe, this Friday President Mnangagwa went to Blantyre and his first port of call was Mount Soche where over 200 people lost their lives during Cyclone Freddy.

President Lazarus Chakwera showed him the areas that were hit by the cyclone at the foot of Mount Soche.

Some in the area are currently housed in makeshift houses.

After viewing the damage, President Mnangagwa handed over a consignment of goods to assist those affected by the cyclone.

The goods included cement, groceries and kitchen utensils amongst other basic necessities.

President Mnangagwa said the region needs to do more to mitigate the effects of climate change and said as Zimbabwe they hope Malawi can restore what was damaged and return to their way of life.

“I managed to see Mount Soche where huge rocks fell during the cyclone. I was saying to my brother these incidents continue to affect us due to climate change. We were affected by Idai, but it was not as severe as Freddy. We need to look for strategies to deal with these disasters.”

President Mnangagwa said in bad and good times, African nations will stand together.

President Chakwera says Malawi will be forever grateful for this unprecedented level of support in their time of need in Zimbabwe.

“Let me express my deep gratitude from the people of Malawi to President Mnangagwa. This level of generosity is unmatched,” he said.

From Soche, President Mnangagwa and his counterpart visited the Mboma tea factory.

Zimbabwe and Malawi are seeking to increase trade.- ZBC News

It has come to our attention that prison officials at Harare Central Prison yesterday denied our leader Jacob Ngarivhume access to food brought by his family. This is a clear violation of his rights. Not only was he wrongfully convicted by the overzealous Faresi Chakanyuka, but the rogue ZANU PF Government is still determined to destroy him even in prison. This is a shame. Its unacceptable in a democratic society. We implore the government and prison officials to uphold prisoners’ rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

Relatedly, on 1 June 2023 we expected his bail hearing at the High Court to go ahead only to be told that the presiding judge was allegedly attending a funeral elsewhere. The matter had to be postponed to 6 June 2023. Justice delayed is justice denied. We maintain that our leader has done nothing deserving imprisonment! Demanding an end to corruption is not a criminal offense! We expect his immediate release from this wrongful incarceration!

TZ Communications

Transform Zimbabwe Press Statement

It has come to our attention that prison officials at Harare Central Prison yesterday denied our leader Jacob Ngarivhume access to food brought by his family. This is a clear violation of his rights. Not only was he wrongfully convicted by the overzealous Faresi Chakanyuka, but the rogue ZANU PF Government is still determined to destroy him even in prison. This is a shame. Its unacceptable in a democratic society. We implore the government and prison officials to uphold prisoners’ rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

Relatedly, on 1 June 2023 we expected his bail hearing at the High Court to go ahead only to be told that the presiding judge was allegedly attending a funeral elsewhere. The matter had to be postponed to 6 June 2023. Justice delayed is justice denied. We maintain that our leader has done nothing deserving imprisonment! Demanding an end to corruption is not a criminal offense! We expect his immediate release from this wrongful incarceration!

TZ Communications

Stare Media – In a departure from the custom of holding elections on weekends, Emmerson Mnangagwa chose to hold this year’s harmonised elections midweek on Wednesday, August 23. By doing so, he ensured that all registered voters, including those from various religious groups, had the opportunity to cast their ballots.
It is said that members of several religious sects formerly found it challenging to participate due of conflicting schedules, especially when election dates coincided on Saturdays or Sundays.

On June 21, 2023, the Nomination Court will convene.

Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, claimed in an interview with the state media that the President selected a day that would be practical for all eligible voters.

“His Excellency, the President has shifted the election date, which traditionally fell on weekends, to a midweek date.

“The main reason is that on Fridays, we have some members of Apostolic sects who go to church, and on Saturdays, we have some churches such as the Seventh Day Adventist Church that strictly observe the Sabbath, as well as some Apostolic sects that also go to church,” said Minister Ziyambi.

“Then on Sundays, we have other religious groups that also go to church.

“This is why his Excellency decided that we should have the elections on a day when no one will be going to church, hence he decided that we have elections during a weekday.”

Election preparations had begun in earnest, Minister Ziyambi said, with Parliament suspending automatic adjournment times to clear outstanding business in order to ensure parliamentarians seeking re-election have adequate time to campaign.

“As Parliament, we are also rushing to finalise business of this current session. Hence, we had suspended the automatic adjournment times and we were working late into the night so that we clear the Government business that is before Parliament.

“I am glad that the majority of the Bills are out of the way,” he said.

“We will be finishing them and allowing our MPs to go out to campaign . . .”

Although the country will not be able to use some provisions in the Electoral Amendment Bill, particularly after last week’s proclamation, most of the amendments were already provided for in the country’s supreme law.

“When the President proclaims an election date, we cannot change any electoral laws.

“So, effectively, we are not going to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill that is before Parliament,” he said.

“However, the majority of amendments in the Bill are actually covered under the Constitution and in the current Act.

“For example, the women’s quota that we extended, it was already provided for in our laws, and we were already applying it since 2013. The youth quota provision is there in the Constitution,” he said.

“So, we have everything that we need, even if we do not pass the current Bill that is before Parliament.

“There are sufficient legal provisions to ensure that we proceed with elections without affecting any democratic processes.”

Provincial and metropolitan councils will also be included in this year’s harmonised elections, with Government set to enact legislation that enables the councils to function.

The country’s electoral laws, he added, compare favourably with those in the region and provide a framework for free and fair polls.

Political analyst Mr Methuseli Moyo, a lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology, said the move to hold the harmonised elections midweek respects people’s right to worship.

“It is very good that President Mnangagwa chose a working day.

“This affords those who worship on Saturdays and Sundays the opportunity to cast their votes.

“Religion is a serious aspect of human life and must be respected,” he said.

By A Correspondent

CCC’s Tendai Biti has pointed out that Zanu PF is unwilling to implement reforms before polls.

Biti has also accused the Zanu PF regime of playing hide and seek with citizens.

The tough-talking politician also dencounced Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shadowy FAZ.

” What is this creature called FAZ?
There is political interference in Zimbabwe s election delivery system by a shadowy group known as #FAZ .We recognize & respect Security Forces set up in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, namely the Army,Police,Prisons & the Intelligence Services. #FAZ is not a constitutional body,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

He also dismissed the Patriotic Bill.

“The election proclamation preempted & ultimately wiped out any possibility for electoral reforms before the election. It was therefore done in bad faith by a regime that is anti -reform. It however creates a constitutional conundrum in that new Constitutional amendments

A sad day indeed as Parliament passed the Patriot Bill this evening. New law is an unprecedented law that seeks to proscribe freedom of association,assembly& speech of any citizen holding a meeting with a foreign government.Not even Apartheid Rhodesia passed such a repugnant law

…political repression in Zimbabwe. It shows beyond doubt that ZANU is not credible nor ready for reforms .It embarrasses those that are naively pushing for debt restructuring in the absence of genuine political reform & an irreversible commitment to reform

It is highly debatable wether constitutional provisions without incorporation in the electoral act can hold.Very regrettable that Zim wades into an election without reforms .A missed opportunity.”

By A Correspondent

CCC’s Tendai Biti has pointed out that Zanu PF is unwilling to implement reforms before polls.

Biti has also accused the Zanu PF regime of playing hide and seek with citizens.

The tough-talking politician also dencounced Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shadowy FAZ.

” What is this creature called FAZ?
There is political interference in Zimbabwe s election delivery system by a shadowy group known as #FAZ .We recognize & respect Security Forces set up in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, namely the Army,Police,Prisons & the Intelligence Services. #FAZ is not a constitutional body,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

He also dismissed the Patriotic Bill.

“The election proclamation preempted & ultimately wiped out any possibility for electoral reforms before the election. It was therefore done in bad faith by a regime that is anti -reform. It however creates a constitutional conundrum in that new Constitutional amendments

A sad day indeed as Parliament passed the Patriot Bill this evening. New law is an unprecedented law that seeks to proscribe freedom of association,assembly& speech of any citizen holding a meeting with a foreign government.Not even Apartheid Rhodesia passed such a repugnant law

…political repression in Zimbabwe. It shows beyond doubt that ZANU is not credible nor ready for reforms .It embarrasses those that are naively pushing for debt restructuring in the absence of genuine political reform & an irreversible commitment to reform

It is highly debatable wether constitutional provisions without incorporation in the electoral act can hold.Very regrettable that Zim wades into an election without reforms .A missed opportunity.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has concluded his three-day State visit to Malawi, with the two heads of state describing the state visit as a huge success.

It has been a busy three days for the two heads of state from the time President Mnangagwa arrived in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

The three days were comprised of not just business meetings, but visits to significant places like the Mausoleum where the remains of former Malawian President Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda are interred as well as the Malawi Parliament.

The two Presidents rounded up the visit in Blantyre where they issued a joint media briefing at Sanjika Palace.

President Chakwera expressed his joy for the successful state visit.

“Words are insufficient to express the joy I feel during this visit. In the 3 days, he has been to 4 regions of our country… He did all. This in a short space of time.”

On his part, President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome.

He took the opportunity to remind African citizens of their responsibilities to build their economies.

“It is a mistake to admire nations built by their own people. You must build yours,” he said.

Earlier, President Mnangagwa visited Mount Soche, one of the areas affected by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi’s city of Blantyre.

The President handed over a consignment of goods to the affected people and highlighted the strong bond developing between the two countries and the spirit of Ubuntu.

Having spent the first two days of his visit in Lilongwe, this Friday President Mnangagwa went to Blantyre and his first port of call was Mount Soche where over 200 people lost their lives during Cyclone Freddy.

President Lazarus Chakwera showed him the areas that were hit by the cyclone at the foot of Mount Soche.

Some in the area are currently housed in makeshift houses.

After viewing the damage, President Mnangagwa handed over a consignment of goods to assist those affected by the cyclone.

The goods included cement, groceries and kitchen utensils amongst other basic necessities.

President Mnangagwa said the region needs to do more to mitigate the effects of climate change and said as Zimbabwe they hope Malawi can restore what was damaged and return to their way of life.

“I managed to see Mount Soche where huge rocks fell during the cyclone. I was saying to my brother these incidents continue to affect us due to climate change. We were affected by Idai, but it was not as severe as Freddy. We need to look for strategies to deal with these disasters.”

President Mnangagwa said in bad and good times, African nations will stand together.

President Chakwera says Malawi will be forever grateful for this unprecedented level of support in their time of need in Zimbabwe.

“Let me express my deep gratitude from the people of Malawi to President Mnangagwa. This level of generosity is unmatched,” he said.

From Soche, President Mnangagwa and his counterpart visited the Mboma tea factory.

Zimbabwe and Malawi are seeking to increase trade.- ZBC News

By A Correspondent

CCC’s Tendai Biti has pointed out that Zanu PF is unwilling to implement reforms before polls.

Biti has also accused the Zanu PF regime of playing hide and seek with citizens.

The tough-talking politician also dencounced Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shadowy FAZ.

” What is this creature called FAZ?
There is political interference in Zimbabwe s election delivery system by a shadowy group known as #FAZ .We recognize & respect Security Forces set up in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, namely the Army,Police,Prisons & the Intelligence Services. #FAZ is not a constitutional body,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

He also dismissed the Patriotic Bill.

“The election proclamation preempted & ultimately wiped out any possibility for electoral reforms before the election. It was therefore done in bad faith by a regime that is anti -reform. It however creates a constitutional conundrum in that new Constitutional amendments

A sad day indeed as Parliament passed the Patriot Bill this evening. New law is an unprecedented law that seeks to proscribe freedom of association,assembly& speech of any citizen holding a meeting with a foreign government.Not even Apartheid Rhodesia passed such a repugnant law

…political repression in Zimbabwe. It shows beyond doubt that ZANU is not credible nor ready for reforms .It embarrasses those that are naively pushing for debt restructuring in the absence of genuine political reform & an irreversible commitment to reform

It is highly debatable wether constitutional provisions without incorporation in the electoral act can hold.Very regrettable that Zim wades into an election without reforms .A missed opportunity.”

Transform Zimbabwe Press Statement

It has come to our attention that prison officials at Harare Central Prison yesterday denied our leader Jacob Ngarivhume access to food brought by his family. This is a clear violation of his rights.

Not only was he wrongfully convicted by the overzealous Faresi Chakanyuka, but the rogue ZANU PF Government is still determined to destroy him even in prison.

This is a shame. Its unacceptable in a democratic society. We implore the government and prison officials to uphold prisoners’ rights as enshrined in our Constitution.

Relatedly, on 1 June 2023 we expected his bail hearing at the High Court to go ahead only to be told that the presiding judge was allegedly attending a funeral elsewhere. The matter had to be postponed to 6 June 2023. Justice delayed is justice denied. We maintain that our leader has done nothing deserving imprisonment! Demanding an end to corruption is not a criminal offense! We expect his immediate release from this wrongful incarceration!

TZ Communications

By A Correspondent

CCC’s Tendai Biti has pointed out that Zanu PF is unwilling to implement reforms before polls.

Biti has also accused the Zanu PF regime of playing hide and seek with citizens.

The tough-talking politician also dencounced Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shadowy FAZ.

” What is this creature called FAZ?
There is political interference in Zimbabwe s election delivery system by a shadowy group known as #FAZ .We recognize & respect Security Forces set up in Chapter 11 of the Constitution, namely the Army,Police,Prisons & the Intelligence Services. #FAZ is not a constitutional body,” Biti wrote on Twitter.

He also dismissed the Patriotic Bill.

“The election proclamation preempted & ultimately wiped out any possibility for electoral reforms before the election. It was therefore done in bad faith by a regime that is anti -reform. It however creates a constitutional conundrum in that new Constitutional amendments

A sad day indeed as Parliament passed the Patriot Bill this evening. New law is an unprecedented law that seeks to proscribe freedom of association,assembly& speech of any citizen holding a meeting with a foreign government.Not even Apartheid Rhodesia passed such a repugnant law

…political repression in Zimbabwe. It shows beyond doubt that ZANU is not credible nor ready for reforms .It embarrasses those that are naively pushing for debt restructuring in the absence of genuine political reform & an irreversible commitment to reform

It is highly debatable wether constitutional provisions without incorporation in the electoral act can hold.Very regrettable that Zim wades into an election without reforms .A missed opportunity.”