By A Correspondent- This year’s harmonised elections will be held between July 26 and August 26, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has revealed.

President Mnangagwa is expected to proclaim the election date soon.

Preparations for the polls are, however, at an advanced stage.

“The preparatory work for holding this year’s harmonised general election is at an advanced stage,” Minister Ziyambi told The Sunday Mail.

“The next step that awaits the electorate is the announcement of the election date, through a proclamation by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa.

“It is anticipated that the elections will be held between July 26 and August 26.

“This is in line with Section 158 (1) of the Constitution, which provides that a general election must be held so that polling takes place not more than 30 days before the expiry of the five-year period upon swearing in of the President and/or Parliament.

“Consequently, this will result in the dissolution of Parliament at midnight on the day before the first polling day.”

The last harmonised elections were held on July 30, 2018, with President Mnangagwa being sworn into office on August 26.

Treasury, Minister Ziyambi said, was presently mobilising additional resources for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), which has tabled a $130 billion budget.

“As you are aware, the Government has budgeted $76 billion for the 2023 harmonised elections, to which $53 billion is earmarked for the elections,” he added.

“We urge ZEC to utilise the available resources set aside for it in order to ease the burden on the taxpayer. With that said, Treasury will try its best to mobilise adequate resources for the process.”

The Government, he said, was fast-tracking the enactment of the Electoral Amendment Bill before dissolution of Parliament.

The Bill sets out to, among other things, stop the use of driver’s licences as proof of identity for purposes of voting.

It also provides for the election of 10 youths into the National Assembly, in line with Section 124(1)(c) of the Constitution, as amended in 2021.

Further, the Bill seeks to extend the women’s quota in the National Assembly, under a party-list system, while also providing for the election of women on a party list to provincial councils and local authorities, in terms of Section 277(4) of the Constitution.

Currently, the Bill is at the second reading stage in the National Assembly.

After passing through the National Assembly, it will be transmitted to the Senate for debate.

“It is my hope that the Senate stage shall be swift but thorough,” said Minister Ziyambi.

After completion of all parliamentary processes, the Bill will be placed before the President for his assent.

“The Electoral Amendment Bill, as a Bill of paramount significance in light of the upcoming harmonised election, is receiving the due urgency it deserves.”

Electoral reforms

Minister Ziyambi said Government was satisfied with the electoral reforms since the last polls.

It is believed that platforms such as the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), which brings together all political parties that participated in the 2018 elections, have enhanced participation of a cross-section of stakeholders in the reform process.

“Furthermore, citizens have also been accorded a voice through parliamentary consultations, despite the fact that their elected officials debate constantly the electoral reforms that affect their political rights,” he added.

“In addition, there has been a lot of civic society contributions that have also been taken on board.

“Dialogue has been held among POLAD, ZESN (Zimbabwe Election Support Network), ERC (Election Resource Centre) and ZLHR (Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights) on a possible laymen’s bill on elections.”

Government, he added, has also engaged the European Union in a political dialogue “that has had issues around electoral reforms considered”.

“Zimbabwe’s ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance testifies to the strengthening of our electoral process beyond domestic standards of a truly democratic electoral process,” said Minister Ziyambi.

Observers

Government will be guided by the Electoral Act when inviting and accrediting election observer missions.

In particular, Section 40I (1) of the Act provides that an application for accreditation as an observer must be made no later than the fourth day before the first day of polling for the election of the President, constituency members of the National Assembly or councillors.

“Our law does not really require invitation and places no limitations to this end; rather, it opens up the electoral space to all.”

Last week, ZEC concluded the final national biometric voter registration.

By A Correspondent- A 68 year old Maphisa District man was allegedly killed by two men after being accused of having an affair with one of the suspect’s wives.

According to Police, they have since arrested Member Nyathi (62) and Bruce Ngwenya (22) following the death of Robert Maphosa.

“ZRP Maphisa arrested Member Nyathi (62) and Bruce Ngwenya (22) for a case of murder in which they fatally attacked Robert Maphosa (68), accusing him of having an affair with Member Nyathi’s wife. The suspects allegedly struck the victim all over the body with axes before burying the body in a shallow grave in a sorghum field to conceal the offence,” police confirmed on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- The popularly used ‘stranger than fiction’ phrase was brought to life this afternoon in Mutasa after the alleged private parts of a man who was allegedly murdered for rituals 41 years ago were retrieved from under a disused shop.

When The Manica Post news crew arrived, hundreds of villagers in Maondo Village and other neighbouring villages under Chief Mutasa had come out in their numbers to witness the retrieval of private parts, eyes and tongue which were alleged to the late Tukai Kujeke’s from the Dangarembwa shop at Maondo Business Centre.

Kujeke was allegedly murdered in 1982 and buried with missing body parts.

It is alleged that he was murdered by Oneday Manyarara and James Dangarembwa, who are both now late and whose families appeased Kujeke’s avenging spirit with seven cattle each this afternoon.

Led by Nyanga traditional healer, Sekuru Shingirai Mukotsanjera, the retrieval team found the parts in a small calabash, about two metres deep just outside the Dangarembwa shop.

Afterwards, the body parts were taken to the cemetery where Kujeke’s body was buried and were also placed in his grave to rest with his body.

The shop, which has been unused for years, is alleged to have been haunted by the late Kujeke’s spirit since the 80s.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Red Cross is training nurse aides across the country on basic first aid and related primary health care skills.

Mr Elias Hwenga, Zimbabwe Red Cross Secretary General, said they have trained 90 Adolescent Girls and Young Women on basic nursing skills in Beitbridge, Mangwe and Gwanda districts in Matabeleland South.

He said the program was being supported by the Zimbabwe Health Interventions through the DREAMS (Determined: Resilient: Empowered: AIDS-free: Mentored and Safe) RISE Program.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Stambuli Kim, the organisation’s communication manager, during the graduation of 20 nurse aides in Beitbridge, Hwenga said:

Through this partnership, we have managed to train 20 Nurse Aides in Mangwe District, 20 in Gwanda and another 30 who are in the final stages of the nurse aide program. We have also managed to populate the importance of First Aid in different spheres which include schools, workplaces and even for ordinary citizens.

The accredited nurses, now with CPR certifications, will bring knowledge and new skills to help the community when needed.

Acquisition of Basic First Aid skills is fast becoming a global trend after the realisation that lives were being lost needlessly when there are ways and means to save these precious lives.
Zimbabwe Red Cross also said the nurse aides underwent all the stages of training as well as the prerequisite three months’ attachment at various health facilities.
In summary, Hwenga mentioned that:
i). graduating nurse aides were taught first aid skills to help in various medical situations as a humanitarian act.
i). properly administering first aid can prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed and allow them to focus on more serious cases.
iii). the training also helps community members to confidently assess their surroundings during disasters, promoting a sense of safety and well-being.
iv) first aid is a lifesaving skill that everyone should have basic knowledge of since emergencies are a daily occurrence.
Sister Monica Mbawa, the Nursing Officer in Beitbridge District, explained that the DREAMS program aims to equip adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) with essential skills such as vocational training, work readiness, soft skills, and technical skills. The program follows a positive youth development framework.

Five alleged armed robbers have been arrested after being on run for over 6 months. They are believed to have been part of the group that allegedly raided Koala Estate in the manner of a movie last September and made off with $30,000 before committing a number of other armed robberies.
The suspects at Koala also managed to escape with a Toyota Land Cruiser, an Isuzu car, cellphones, Tatenda Madzudzo (28), Munyaradzi Gumbo (42) and Happiness Mutsago (41).

Two of the defendants, Mukavi and Charles Muzvidzwa, are suspected of kidnapping a complainant in February of this year after they had rented his truck from N Richards Wholesale in Tynwald.

They reportedly broke into Goodhope Farm in Mount Hampden using the same truck and made off with at least $1.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said: “At Koala Park Estate, the suspects, who were wearing orange worksuits, had initially posed as cellphone network providers who had come to survey for a place to put a network booster.

“Police investigations led to the arrest of Godknows Mukavi, who implicated the other four suspects.

“Detectives tracked the other suspects who were on their way to Banket, where they intended to commit another robbery, leading to their arrest at Mbare Musika . . . ,” further reads the statement.

More robbery cases linked to the suspects are being investigated.

By- Vice President Constantino Chewnga and the speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, have hero-worshipped President Emerson Mnangagwa and said that God sent him to rule.

The two praised Mnangagwa at an event held for his freedom in Gweru.

At the event, attended by a sizeable gathering that included traditional leaders, Cabinet Ministers and Zanu PF supporters, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the conferment was a special honour for the Head of State and Government.

“This is indeed a special honour in recognition of a man who has contributed to the growth and development of Gweru. The conferment of Freedom of the City symbolises the confidence the people of Gweru, Midlands province and indeed the generality of Zimbabweans have in your leadership. This is not just an achievement but a celebration of the highest order in appreciation of the impact that you have made in improving the livelihoods of your people,” said VP Chiwenga.

“For us privileged to work with you on a daily basis, we are convinced that there is no better leader to take us to the Zimbabwe we all want and desire. The Lord must be smiling that the leader that he bequeathed to Zimbabwe has made great strides and has achieved so much in stabilising and consolidating the social and political gains made since the advent of the Second Republic.”

He commended Gweru City Council led by Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi, saying they have demonstrated love and appreciation for the leadership of President Mnangagwa.

Clr Kombayi, commended President Mnangagwa for what he is doing to improve local authorities.

“His Worship, the Mayor, Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi and his entire council and the people of this city have demonstrated the greatest love and affection to you by bestowing this honour of the Freedom of the City and we join them blissfully. The fact that the conferment was done when council was in full session shows that the President is a distinguished leader and deserves this high honour,” VP Chiwenga said. 

He said President Mnangagwa stood tall among other luminaries and this made Gweru City Council and Zimbabwe as a whole to place him in the annals of strategists.

“I also want to say to the city of Gweru and the people of Gweru, that after what you have done, can you also demonstrate it in the forthcoming election by observing peace, unity, love and harmony. We are all Zimbabweans and this is our only motherland, we were born here and we will die here,” said VP Chiwenga.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, said President Mnangagwa deserved the honour.

“You more than deserve this coveted civic recognition especially on account of your illustrious contribution to the development of urban local authorities including Gweru city, let alone the entire Zimbabwe,” said Adv Mudenda.

He chronicled the origin of the name Gweru which he said originated from Ndebele settlement which meant a steep place, in itself symbolic to President Mnangagwa’s high position as a leader. 

“Today you have been honoured at the euphemistic steep place of Gweru river. You are at the steep place as the Head of Government,” said Adv Mudenda.

He said President Mnangagwa was at the centre of driving economic growth to achieve Vision 2030 anchored on the National Development Strategy 1.

Clr Kombayi, commended President Mnangagwa for what he is doing to improve local authorities.

He said on November 28 last year, the full council resolved to confer President Mnangagwa with Freedom of the City.

“We have benefitted from devolution funds. They have helped us a lot. The funds did not come on time and slightly affected our operations but they indeed helped us, you also helped us to get water pumps,” said Clr Kombayi.

He said the city’s population had outgrown its infrastructural capacity. 

“The infrastructure was for 300 000 people but in Gweru we now have a population of 1,2 million,” said Clr Kombayi.

Residents of the town commended the President for transforming their lives through his policies.

“Most of our roads have been improved. Some of them were impassable but now we see tangible works on the ground. We pray for continued support on the remaining roads,” said Mrs Chipo Makoni of Mkoba 9. Mr Daniel Mapolisa of Ascot said he was encouraged by the unity of purpose shown by Gweru City Council.

“Gweru city council is constituted by councillors from different political parties but they resolved to confer the honour on President Mnangagwa,” he said.

By-Eight people, some of them believed to be Zimbabweans, were killed when a Toyota Quantum they were travelling in was involved in an accident near Musina town on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred before the Baobab Tollgate along the N1 highway at around 5 am.
Limpopo’s Traffic and Community Safety spokesperson, Ms Tidimalo Chuene said the Toyota Quantum collided head on with a delivery van when its driver made an overtaking error.
“Indications are that the accident happened when a minibus taxi overtook unsafely on a barrier line and collided head-on with a light delivery vehicle,” she said.
“Five men and three women died as a result of the accident while eight other people who sustained injuries were transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention”.
She said the road is still temporarily closed for emergency services to attend to the scene.
Ms Chuene advised motorists to use alternative routes or exercise patience if unable to change the route.
-Herald

5 of my relatives were killed last night, when they tried to protect me, from people vakauya kumusha kwangu, vachida kundiurayira ma tweets angu about Gold mafia, if I don't make it, fellow Zimbabweans vote peacefully pic.twitter.com/nzsuhkBLc0

— Hon Zivhu (@killerzivhu1) April 1, 2023

By A Correspondent- Eight people (8) some of them believed to be Zimbabweans were killed in a road traffic accident near Musina town on 1 April 2023.

The now-deceased were travelling on a Toyota Quantum when it collided head-on with a delivery van.

The incident occurred before the Baobab Tollgate along the N1 highway at around 5 AM.

The Chronicle reported Limpopo’s Traffic and Community Safety spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene as saying the driver of the minibus made an overtaking error resulting in the crash. She said:

Indications are that the accident happened when a minibus taxi overtook unsafely on a barrier line and collided head-on with a light delivery vehicle.

Five men and three women died as a result of the accident while eight other people who sustained injuries were transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention.

The road was reportedly temporarily closed for emergency services to attend to the scene.

A report in 2022 said there are more than 800 000 road accidents in South Africa every year, translating to roughly 2 200 crashes every day.

Many road accident deaths were attributed to drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

By A Correspondent- Learners whose fees are paid through the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam), have reportedly been told to top up examination fees.

Beam is a government programme which pays tuition and examination fees, and levies for underprivileged students. It was introduced in 2001.

Bulawayo provincial education director Jane Ndebele yesterday, however, told Southern Eye that the Beam programme pays for only six Ordinary Level (‘O’ Level) subjects. Beam students doing more than six subjects have to pay for the extra subjects.

“Through Beam assistance, students can only register six subjects. Those who have been asked to pay on their own are probably doing more than six subjects,” Ndebele said.

“The claims that Beam is no longer paying fees for ‘O’ Level students probably came from parents who do not understand that the programme pays for six subjects (only),” she said.

In September last year it was revealed that some schools in Bulawayo were demanding top-up school fees from pupils under the Beam facility, resulting in alleged double collection of fees.

In 2022, government increased the Beam allocation to $5,6 billion to cater for an increasing demand for assistance after many people lost their livelihoods due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government is targeting to assist 1,5 million children under the facility.

By A Correspondent- Two detectives from CID Bindura appeared in court yesterday on allegations of extorting money from a suspected armed robber whom they had helped secure bail, but then started demanding more money until in the end he went to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission who set the trap that led to their arrest.

Detective Constable Petros Kambalazaza and Detective Assistant Inspector Elvis Magaya appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with extortion.

They were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro, who remanded Kambalazaza to Monday for his bail application while Magaya was granted $50 000 bail.

They allegedly initially extorted US$1 000 from suspected robber Godfrey Chimupanje of Katarira, Mutyoramwendo village under Chief Chiswiti and then while he was on bail tried to extort more. The State led by Mr Zebadiah Bofu alleges that on December 7 last year Kambalazaza, Magaya and a third officer identified only as detective Charuma, and who apparently was not involved in the later extortion, arrested Chimupanje on allegations of robbery and they took him to CID Bindura for questioning.  

On December 12 the two now charged took him to Bindura Magistrates Court for initial remand where he was remanded in custody to December 23. But the next day, December 13, Kambalazaza and Magaya visited Chimupanje at Bindura remand prison where they booked him out for indications, a normal police procedure at this point.

But then the two allegedly became bent coppers. They took him to CID Bindura offices, where they did not get out of the car but allegedly told him that they could make the charges vanish if he gave them US$1 000.

Chimupanje told them he could not get the money and could not phone his wife since investigators had taken his wife’s phone. The two police detectives told him to call his mother-in-law so that he could speak to his wife and ask her for money.

Kambalazaza allegedly called Chimupanje’s wife who promised to get the money two days later on December 15. Kambalazaza then told Chimupanje’s wife that he would take him back to remand prison until she was able to get the money for her husband.

It is alleged that Chimupanje’s two wives later contributed US$400, which they took to the two cops.

Chimupanje was booked from Bindura remand prison and taken to Kambalazaza’s office at CID Bindura where the wives handed over the US$400.

Kambalazaza told them not to disclose the amount to his colleagues as he wanted to pocket US$200 and share the remainder with others. Kambalazaza then promised Chimupanje’s wives that he would arrange for his release.

On the same day at around 2pm, Kambalazaza booked Chimupanje from remand prison and took him to Bindura Magistrates Court, where he was granted bail and was remanded to December 23.

On December 22, Kambalazaza called Chimupanje and advised him to bring the balance when he attended court. Still paying the bribe in installments, Chimupanje gave the detectives US$300 on Decembet 23 and was remanded to January 10 this year.

The day before that routine remand, January 9, Kambalazaza allegedly called Chimupanje demanding the final installment of US$300 the next day. Chimupanje told him he did not have the money but could get it around 2pm on the same day.

The court heard that on January 26 Kambalazaza called the Chimupanje reminding him to bring his balance. He was remanded to February 28.

At the next remand the two detectives called asking where he was and he told them that he was in Harare.

They later met him at the court gate and they angrily asked why he had lied and told him to get into their car.

They told him that as punishment they were preparing summons for him to reappear in court since he had no money. They allegedly made him sign a document indicating that he would appear in court on March 15.

The court heard that they searched his pockets and took his personal documents and warned him that if he did not bring the money they now wanted they would ensure that he languished in remand prison.

They allegedly went further and threatened him that if he failed to bring the money, they would stage a robbery and plant his identity documents at the scene to incriminate him for the robbery.

Chimupanje promised to sell his stand to ensure that he gave them the money and they agreed to let him go.

On March 15 Chimupanje reported the alleged extortion to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

On March 28 a trap was set leading to the arrest of the two detectives.

In a sad incident, a nine-year-old girl was mauled by a pit bull in Whitecliffe Harare and died upon admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Saturday last week.

The police confirmed the incident on their Twitter handle.

“The ZRP is investigating a sad incident where a 9-year-old female juvenile died on admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being attacked by a pit-bull dog at a house in Whitecliffe, Harare on 25/03/23.”

However, some Twitter users suggested that pit bulls should be banned.

“Why can’t we ban pit bulls in Zimbabwe? wrote The boy from Shekwa.

Dziva Sambiei Vegona Mzik said, “My humble opinion is all those with pit bulls should just surrender them to SPCA anyone found with a pit bull should go to jail those are vicious animals same as a lion.”

By A Correspondent- A Grade Four learner at Kaitano Primary School in Nyanga District is heavily pregnant after she was sexually abused by her uncle, a cousin and a schoolmate.

The girl, who turned 13 on 6 January this year, is now six months pregnant.

In an interview with The Manica Post on Monday, with the consent of her father, the girl said he was intimate with her uncle, who is in his late 40s; her 23-year-old cousin and a 15-year-old schoolmate.

The abusers were identified as Alison Mabvundisa, Joseph Mabota-Mabvumba, and a 15-year-old teenager (name withheld).

The girl’s uncle is a known artisanal gold miner. It is believed that he sexually abused the girl to enhance his gold mining initiatives, a ritual act known as kupinga gomba.

The detestable practice is done with the help of traditional healers. Said the girl:

I slept with Baba vaTalent (Mabvundisa). This happened while I was alone at home.

I also slept with my schoolmate (name withheld) and Joseph Mabota-Mabvumba.

In a separate interview with The Manica Post, the Grade Four learner’s father, (name withheld to protect her identity) said:

We were informed of her pregnancy by the school authorities. In fact, we were summoned to the school and they told us that she is pregnant.

We are being assisted to handle the matter by a local childcare worker and we have been to the clinic with her. She is six months pregnant now.

The school allowed her to continue attending lessons and will only be excused to give birth.

She will continue with her education soon afterward. Her uncle is said to be the one responsible for the pregnancy.

He said he has not talked to his brother about the issue as he is no longer coming to the area.

The local childcare worker, Dudzai Matiwenga told The Manica Post that the matter was reported to the police. She said:

I received the report of this child’s pregnancy after the school authorities referred her to the clinic.

Teachers discovered that she is pregnant during a sports event.

When I contacted the Social Services Department, I was advised to take the child to the police.
The father had to sell a goat to raise the bus fare for us to go to the police.
Unfortunately, the child has difficulties explaining what really happened to her.
Two of the alleged perpetrators (the teenager and Mabota-Mabvumba) were initially arrested, but have since been released.

When we went to the clinic, we were told that it is too late to terminate the pregnancy.

The child told us that she was in love with her schoolmate and Mabota-Mabvumba. She said the schoolmate was her long-time boyfriend.

She said he would visit her at home and force her to be intimate with him several times.

She also told us that she met Mabota-Mabvumba on her way from fetching water while he was going to the tuck shop.

They got intimate that day. Later, the issue of her uncle, who is in his late 40s, then surfaced.

Matiwenga said she was now facing daily threats from the families of the accused persons.

She said the situation has been compounded by the questionable mental state of the Grade Four learner and her parents.

By-Seventeen (17) out of twenty-two (22) Zanu PF sitting MPs in Manicaland Province lost in the primary elections held over the weekend.
Joshua Sacco was uncontested in Chimanimani East while Chido Sanyatwe and Supa Mandiwanzira retained their constituencies, that is, Nyanga North and Nyanga South respectively.
Misheck Mugadza also won in Mutasa South while Raymore Machingura sailed through in Chipinge Central, Isau Mupfumi won in Mutare Central, and Shepard Nyika in Makoni Central.
Moses Ruwona defeated Makoni West sitting MP and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere.
In Makoni North, ZANU PF will be represented by Joseph Muwombi who defeated the incumbent legislator, James Munetsi while Albert Nyakuedzwa will represent the party in Makoni South.
Innocent Benza won in Mutasa Central, while Obey Bvute defeated Chido Madiwa in Mutasa North Constituency.
In Buhera South, Joseph Chinotimba lost to Ngonidzashe Mudekunye, while Cde Tafadzwa Mugwadi beat Saul Nzuma in Buhera West.
Phillip Guyo will represent ZANU PF in Buhera North after William Mutomba opted for the Senate slot.
Samson Matema beat Gijima Nyashanu in Buhera Central, Admire Mahachi defeated Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Mike Madiro.
Clide Jani will represent ZANU PF in Dangamvura, Kenneth Muchina will represent ZANU PF in Chikanga, and Godfrey Harahwa will represent the party in Mutare South after beating Jefry Ngome.
Brighton Mwanengureni beat Percy Muchimwe in Mutare West, and Lincoln Dhliwayo will represent ZANU PF in Chipinge East.
Joshua Murire beat Angelina Gata in Mutema-Musikavanhu, while Enock Porusingazi lost his Chipinge South Constituency to Robert Nyemudzo.
In Chimanimani West, Wilson Maphosa beat the sitting MP and Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Nokhutula Matsikenyere.
-Manica Post

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered a re-run of primary elections in areas where there were incidents of violence.
Mnangagwa made the directive while addressing the politburo at the party headquarters in Harare on Thursday.
Addressing journalists after the politburo meeting last night, ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa condemned the violence. Said Mutsvangwa:
One aspect which came out is that if there were any instances of violence in any particular constituency or ward, the President is a hardliner, he is on record for zero tolerance to violence and was very clear that charity begins at home.
If there were instances of violence carried [out] by either or both of the candidates there could be some disqualifications. If the violence was mutual there are going to be some re-runs
I am not going to announce when the re-runs will be because we would like to have a comprehensive list, when the whole process is done we will come to you.
ZANU PF held primaries last weekend and there were reports of gunshots having been fired, kidnapping, and rape in some areas.
Some cabinet ministers and ministers of State for provincial affairs and long-serving members of parliament lost in the primaries.

By- The ongoing series of Al Jazeera corruption documentaries has divided the Zanu PF administration, with government officials issuing conflicting statements.

This came out after Friday, George Charamba, the presidential spokesperson, said Uebert Angel remains Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-at-Large and has not been stripped of his ambassadorial status.

Charamba earlier intimated that the self-proclaimed prophet, who was appointed Zimbabwe’s Ambassador at Large and Presidential Envoy to Europe and the Americas in 2021, has lost his role.

He was responding to one Ba’Zuva on Twitter who had asked why “Uebert Angel have his diplomatic status revoked if the Al Jazeera documentary, #GoldMafia was much ado about nothing”. Charamba, using one of his accounts “Tinoedza Zvimwe”. He said:

Appointment to a diplomatic post means you further the interests and image of the country which appoints you as a representative of the Head of State of that country.

Once your actions run counter to both objectives, you are stripped of that title and all which goes with it.

This basic remedial ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION stands quite apart from any legal action your actions might attract. It is that simple.

You serve at the mercy of the appointing authority for as long he retains trust and confidence in you and in your competence to keep and protect the dignity of the STATE! Understood?

But in another Twitter post later on Friday, Charamba, using the same Twitter handle “Tinoedza Zvimwe”, said:

CLARIFYING ON THE STATUS OF AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE HUBERT ANGEL:

Following claims circulating in social media that Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-at-Large, Ambassador Hubert Angel has been stripped of his ambassadorial status, kindly be advised that His Excellency the President, Dr. ED who is the sole appointing authority of all Ambassadors representing the State of Zimbabwe, HAS NOT TAKEN SUCH A STEP.

The Ambassador-at-Large remains in that status and executes all his duties as outlined at the time of his appointment. Please be so advised.

Angel was recently exposed by undercover Al Jazeera journalists allegedly offering to launder US$1.2 billion using his diplomatic cover.

In the first episode of the Al Jazeera documentary, titled “Gold Mafia: The Laundry Service”, Angel is seen calling Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya in the presence of the undercover reporters.

Angel made the calls in an attempt to convince the “investors” that he was able to facilitate the laundering of more than a billion US dollars in cash.

Seventeen (17) out of twenty-two (22) ZANU PF sitting MPs in Manicaland Province lost in the primary elections held over the weekend, reported The Manica Post.

Joshua Sacco was uncontested in Chimanimani East while Chido Sanyatwe and Supa Mandiwanzira retained their constituencies, that is, Nyanga North and Nyanga South respectively.

Misheck Mugadza also won in Mutasa South while Raymore Machingura sailed through in Chipinge Central, Isau Mupfumi won in Mutare Central, and Shepard Nyika in Makoni Central.

Moses Ruwona defeated Makoni West sitting MP and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere.

In Makoni North, ZANU PF will be represented by Joseph Muwombi who defeated the incumbent legislator, James Munetsi while Albert Nyakuedzwa will represent the party in Makoni South.

Innocent Benza won in Mutasa Central, while Obey Bvute defeated Chido Madiwa in Mutasa North Constituency.

In Buhera South, Joseph Chinotimba lost to Ngonidzashe Mudekunye, while Cde Tafadzwa Mugwadi beat Saul Nzuma in Buhera West.

Phillip Guyo will represent ZANU PF in Buhera North after William Mutomba opted for the Senate slot.

Samson Matema beat Gijima Nyashanu in Buhera Central, Admire Mahachi defeated Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Mike Madiro.

Clide Jani will represent ZANU PF in Dangamvura, Kenneth Muchina will represent ZANU PF in Chikanga, and Godfrey Harahwa will represent the party in Mutare South after beating Jefry Ngome.

Brighton Mwanengureni beat Percy Muchimwe in Mutare West, and Lincoln Dhliwayo will represent ZANU PF in Chipinge East.

Joshua Murire beat Angelina Gata in Mutema-Musikavanhu, while Enock Porusingazi lost his Chipinge South Constituency to Robert Nyemudzo.

In Chimanimani West, Wilson Maphosa beat the sitting MP and Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Nokhutula Matsikenyere.

STATEMENT BY WESTPROP HOLDINGS LTD CEO MR KENNETH SHARPE

It is with honour and respect that I speak to you today on this defining historic moment, the pinnacle of our history at WestProp.

We have turned a page and opened a new chapter in the book of our future. As has already been alluded to we have successfully migrated from being a private company to a publicly listed company on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange.

It is with this in mind that I confirm WestProp Holdings Ltd is now a public company and encourage members of the public, pension funds and investors to invest by buying shares and take up a stake in the company and join us in our journey of a billion bricks. Why do I talk about a billion bricks?

If you look at the press pack you will find a 4 min video labelled WestProp Strategy Statement where our entire team shows how each person has bought into this vision.

This was developed over the last 4 years and during my study time at Havard Business School which resulted in us being able to proudly say “By 2050 we will pioneer world class, vertically integrated, premium lifestyle communities in Zimbabwe. Using technology and innovation, we operate in a high performance culture of excellence delivering a trusted customer centric ecosystem to live, work, shop and play.”

It is not a coincidence that we have targeted one billion bricks, in fact if you look at our projected construction for the projects we have designed, it will take one billion bricks and US$5 billion to complete them.

Every day, we are putting bricks into the ground working towards the vision where we know that within the next 27 years we will have laid one billion bricks. We have made great progress over the past few years with limited resources and as such I can confirm as of last Monday we had laid 5,298,975 bricks and have 55,626,972 as committed bricks from our existing sales.

As the public joins hands with us we can achieve much more this year by opening up new markets, new products and fabulous exciting new projects like the Mall of Zimbabwe, the Hills Golf Estate and Pomona City which is about bringing Dubai to Zimbabwe.

An investment in our company and property portfolio ensures you can own a home and inheritance for your spouse and offspring. A house can be used as collateral when you want to do other investments.

The difference with our property portfolio and projects is that when you buy in you are investing into a lifestyle community which means when you decide to sell you are not only selling the built structure but also a certain lifestyle.

We believe in creating and delivering an affordable lifestyle of luxury for people to live in comfort, style and safety where our smart cities encompass the live, work, shop and play model which means we provide social amenities like shopping malls, sporting facilities, crèches, churches and many other recreational facilities in a safe 24 hour secure gated community. Buying into our vision and creating the lifestyle estates increases the selling price of the properties and in turn the value of your shares.

To date, we have done exceptionally well and had consistent growth in a market that everyone else had written off. We now want to share the success so that everyone can benefit from our exceptional business growth and profitability.

Not only is the importance of this IPO for the public to benefit from our growth and profit, but more importantly, the reason why we’re offering shares is for three benefits:

1. Firstly, it is safe. It’s a secure investment where someone who’s investing $50 will know that their $50 will still be there in one month, in one year and in five years’ time. It’s an alternative to the banks. There’s no cost we deduct for holding that value on behalf of the investor, and they are guaranteed that their investment is safe with us.

2. Secondly, once they’ve invested with us, the investment doesn’t just stay at the $50 that they invested. We give a solid return. The reason why we’re able to give them an expected return in excess of 10% a year in USD is because we are highly profitable. Our company is on a huge growth trajectory and we’re making super profits. We’re one of the few companies in Zimbabwe that are making significant profits today, and that’s the second reason that our investors benefit from our success and we’re sharing in that benefit to them.
3. The third reason, the most important reason is the journey of building Zimbabwe together. We are saying that together with the public, we can join hands and build Zimbabwe because the opportunity to invest with us will allow us and the public to come together, to hold hands and to build our country brick by brick. We are doing this today through IPO and the listing, benefiting yourself in becoming a shareholder with us, you are joining hands in owning the assets that we own. You’ll be owning part of the Mall of Zimbabwe and Millennium Heights and Office Park together with us. You’ll own the Hills Golf Estate with us. You will own Pomona City together with us. This is the time to get in. The time is now to get your share. In this day and age where the majority are crying over eroded pensions and
   banked money losing its value; we provide the best and safest way of keeping and growing the value of your money over time. For example if you invest as little as US$50 with us you are assured that the amount will not depreciate. We will not charge you handling fees. We are an alternative to the formal banking system. Your money grows with us. Let us join hands on this Journey of building Zimbabwe together. It is for the love that I have for Zimbabwe that I have decided with my family and partners to open up the listing of WestProp for this once in a life time opportunity to participate in our IPO which is the listing of the company on the Vic Fall Stock Exchange. We really want the people of Zimbabwe to benefit from our growth and success. We believe in the future of Zimbabwe and see everyone as being part of the initiative to rebuild our beloved country. When I look at the future I do not see tomorrow or next week, nor next month nor next year but I see a

Zimbabwe in 10, 20 and 50 years from now. We believe people can participate in our offering and can partner with us. I announce the offering today of one million ordinary shares at $10 each and 5.4million preferential redeemable convertible shares at $5 each.

The preferential shares allow investors a period of 5 years to decide to become ordinary
shareholders during which time they will benefit from a minimum guaranteed return of 7.5 percent per year as well as dividends from the company’s profits. This is likely to result in excess of 10 percent per year being paid out which is an amount that no other listed company or bank in Zimbabwe is currently offering investors. Over five years the value of shares is likely to also go up.

We have a goal of taking our company from the current annual sales of US$40 million to over US$100 million within seven years and to create a balance sheet that will exceed US$1 billion in value which is more than 5 times the one today. All the shareholders will benefit from this growth. We know It is achievable and within our grasp.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity that the market has given us, the management team and consultants that have worked tirelessly for the past few months including Itai Chirume from MMC who is our lead financial advisor and stock broker, Sternford Moyo from Scanlen Holderness who are our legal advisers, Grant Thornton the auditors who worked tirelessly on our books for three solid months and CorpServe the transfer secretaries as well as to all the team at WestProp.

My sincere thanks to the entire VFX management team and listing committee with a special mention to their CEO Justin and Robert and their teams for being extremely professional and efficient, allowing us to showcase what the future of Zimbabwe will look like.

As mentioned by our Chairman the VFX allows trades to be exclusively in forex, has zero capital gains tax as being in a SEZ which is a tax free economic zone and minimal fees to buy and sell shares.

In closing, like I often say, the French poet Victor Hugo said there’s nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come. And I often say, “If not me then who and if not now then when?”

My message to all of you today is: If not us, then who is going to build our country? Because truthfully this listing today is not about us as a company, it’s not even about us as a community of investors, it’s really about us as a country.

About moving our country forward, about doing the best we can to produce a result that our posterity, our future generations will be proud of.

Join us and make Zimbabwe proud.
Thank you, Tatenda, Siyabonga. Makorokoto.

A woman from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo is living in palpable fear after her neighbour who is in the habit of accusing her of practicing witchcraft sensationally claimed that she unleashed black cats to cast a spell on his daughter.

As if that was not enough Msizikazi Moyo said her neighbour Mosva Manjokota was also accusing her of trying to kidnap his other minor child.

Moyo said the witchcraft accusations being levelled against her by Manjokota had tarnished her reputation in the suburb.

Moyo said on the first encounter her neighbour confronted her last week on Tuesday at around 8am and shouted at her branding her a witch while also accusing her of sending black cats to bewitch his daughter.

Manjokota claimed that his daughter screamed in the middle of the night and complained that she was seeing Moyo in her dreams unleashing black cats at her.

Moyo who is now being labelled a witch in her suburb said on the second occasion her neighbour once again confronted her while accusing her of stalking his other daughter with an intention of kidnapping her.

The troubled Moyo engaged elders in the community to talk to her troublesome neighbour but their efforts were fruitless.

She then applied for a peace order against him at the Western Commonage Court. In her affidavit which read in part she said: “I’m applying for a peace order against my neighbour who is accusing me of bewitching his daughters.

“He claimed that his daughter saw me in her dreams while bewitching her and he also said on the same night his other daughter failed to sleep claiming she was seeing two cats that I had sent to torment her.

On another occasion he confronted me at my house and claimed that I was stalking his minor child with the intention of kidnapping her during the night.”

In response Manjokoto said: “I once saw her following my children and after that they started to experience strange dreams and they fell sick. When I saw her stalking my children that is when I asked her to refrain from doing that.”

The presiding magistrate Sikhethile Moyo granted Moyo a peace order. Manjokoto was ordered not to insult Moyo or visit her at her place.

He was also ordered not to make false accusations against his neighbour.

— BMetro

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have condemned bullying and censorship of journalists on social media in the wake of an Al Jazeera documentary which exposes gold smuggling and money laundering in Zimbabwe. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZLHR said bullying journalists stifles them 

ZLHR CONDEMNS BULLYING AND CENSORSHIP OF JOURNALISTS

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) strongly condemns the brazen bullying of journalists in a desperate attempt to undermine efforts to hold influential and powerful people accountable for their alleged misdemeanours and unduly limit freedom of expression and ultimately curtail access to information.

In what amounts to a bizarre act of extraordinary intimidation, one faceless social media enthusiast, who identifies himself as Tinoedzazvimwe on micro-blogging website, Twitter, blatantly threatened media practitioners and labelled them as “reckless journalists” simply for reporting on the contents of a corruption-exposing documentary broadcast by Al Jazeera Investigative Unit and calling on those implicated to be held to account for their actions.

The social media enthusiast chillingly warned journalists not to repeat and report what is contained in the documentary titled Gold Mafia, which according to Al Jazeera Investigative Unit, was recorded after the Infiltration of four gold smuggling gangs and reveals a giant money laundering and sanctions-evasion scheme in Southern Africa-and warned that some undisclosed “brickbats” would visit those who elect to do so.

There is no excuse to bully, intimidate, threaten, censure and endanger media practitioners. Such threats to journalists curtail freedom of expression and freedom of the media, which is one of the most fundamental rights guaranteed in section 61 of the Constitution and also stifles access to information, which is enshrined in section 62 of the Constitution and all of which are vital to a functioning democracy.

ZLHR is convinced that this stifling of journalists by some self-important gatekeepers, who are desperate to defend and please some authorities, is a failed attempt to stop the publication and consumption of perceived offensive media reports, which apparently reflect the flow of corruption in Zimbabwe.

Such gatekeepers need to understand that suppressing journalists will neither change people’s opinions nor generate public support for the commission of corrupt activities.

It is no coincidence that the intimidation of journalists is being done in the run-up to general elections.

Bullying of journalists not only puts the lives of journalists in danger but also makes it difficult for journalists to do their work freely.

This pattern of repression of journalists is not new in Zimbabwe, and ZLHR has, over the years, documented numerous violations by senior government employees and gatekeepers of the late Robert Mugabe and his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

ZLHR is appalled by the audacity with which journalists are being attacked, and government should not protect authorities or public figures from criticism. Still, it should instead promote space for public debate and free expression in the face of shocking revelations of corruption linked to the pillaging of the country’s natural resources.

It is worrying to see the space for dissent and providing information of public importance rapidly shrink in Zimbabwe, yet freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms.

Zimbabwean journalists have faced severe obstacles to executing their professional work for several years, including threats, harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrest, detention, prosecution and abduction. It is time to dismantle continued impunity.

Zimbabwean authorities must bring those responsible for the shameless attacks on media practitioners to justice and ensure that all journalists can do their jobs without fear of intimidation or reprisals.

ZLHR is concerned that this case of threats to the life and safety of journalists could be facilitated by, and form part of, a broader climate of intolerance towards free speech in Zimbabwe. The bullying of media practitioners shows further proof of direct attacks on the civic space in Zimbabwe.

It comes at a time when Zimbabwe is already hogging the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after introducing retrogressive amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and introducing so-called patriotism provisions amendments in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which have the effect of curtailing and stifling the operations of non-governmental organisations.

Although Zimbabwe was removed from the ‘Grey List’ by the Financial Action Task Force in March 2022, the country risks severe consequences if the government does not promptly and adequately address these money laundering allegations. Especially given that such allegations arise barely one year after Zimbabwe was removed from the ‘Grey List’ by the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

By A Correspondent- The ministry of primary and secondary education has announced that there will be no extra lessons over the school holidays.

In a statement ministry of primary and secondary education, permanent secretary Mrs Tumisang Thabela said the ministry came to the decision, as lessons were not interrupted during the term. The Chronicle cites Mrs Thabela as saying:

This decision is informed by the fact that lessons have not been interrupted this term hence the need to give pupils time to rest. 

Some schools in Zimbabwe have been offering extra lessons during school holidays to help students catch up or get ahead.

For years, there have been discussions and policies in Zimbabwe regarding the regulation of extra lessons.

In 2019, the Zimbabwean government announced that they would be banning all forms of extra lessons and holiday schools, to promote equal opportunities and reduce the burden on parents to pay for additional education.

Some schools and or teachers have, however, continued with extra lessons.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered a re-run of Zanu-PF primary elections in areas where violence was recorded.

Mnangagwa said this while addressing the politburo yesterday. The party primaries, which were characterised by violence and intimidation, may see some candidates being disqualified.

Addressing journalists after the politburo meeting last night, Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa was very clear on the issue of violence.

“One aspect which came out is that if there were any instances of violence in any particular constituency or ward, the President is a hardliner, he is on record for zero tolerance to violence and was very clear that charity begins at home,” he said.

“If there were instances of violence carried [out] by either or both of the candidates there could be some disqualifications. If the violence was mutual there are going to be some re-runs,” added Mutsvangwa

“I am not going to announce when the re-runs will be because we would like to have a comprehensive list, when the whole process is done we will come to you,” he added.

“Zanu-PF is a big house and anybody can come to the house,” he said.

Violence was reported across the country in the Zanu-PF elections which were held last week. In some areas there were allegations of gunshots having been fired, kidnapping and rape.

Several Zanu-PF bigwigs fell by the wayside in the weekend bloodbath which has resulted in acrimony within the party.

Armed robbers got away with a total of US$11 000 in cash after raiding an abattoir and a homestead in two separate incidents in Kwekwe.

According to Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko both incidents occurred on Wednesday night.

In the first incident, about eight men armed with pistols, iron bars, and machetes arrived at Bellevue Abattoir just outside Kwekwe CBD and threatened workers and security with death.

“They demanded cash while threatening the workers and security guards, prompting the workers to surrender US$3 511 cash. They proceeded to blast open a safe which was in the store room and took US$813 and vanished after tying the workers with cables,” said Inspector Mhaoko.

In the second incident, a group of about six men armed with axes, machetes, and iron bars broke into a house in Redcliff’s Millennium Park suburb.

“They threatened the five occupants who were in the house demanding cash. They ransacked the house and took US$6 243 and seven cellphones before vanishing into the darkness,” he said.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information which may lead to the apprehension of the suspects to approach the nearest police station.

— Chronicle

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stripped presidential envoy and ambassador-at-large self-styled Prophet Uebert Angel of his diplomatic status in the aftermath of a major fallout from Al Jazeera’s corruption-busting investigation on gold smuggling and money laundering.

Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba wrote on Twitter:

“Appointment to diplomatic post means you further the interests and image of the country which appoints you as a representative of the Head of State of that country.

“Once your actions run counter to both objectives, you are stripped of that title and all which goes with it.

“This basic remedial ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION which stands quite apart from any legal action your actions might attract. It is that simple.

“You serve at the mercy of the appointing authority for as long he retains trust and confidence in you and in your competence to keep and protect the dignity of the STATE!!!! Understood?”

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered a re-run of Zanu-PF primary elections in areas where violence was recorded.

Mnangagwa said this while addressing the politburo yesterday. The party primaries, which were characterised by violence and intimidation, may see some candidates being disqualified.

Addressing journalists after the politburo meeting last night, Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa was very clear on the issue of violence.

“One aspect which came out is that if there were any instances of violence in any particular constituency or ward, the President is a hardliner, he is on record for zero tolerance to violence and was very clear that charity begins at home,” he said.

“If there were instances of violence carried [out] by either or both of the candidates there could be some disqualifications. If the violence was mutual there are going to be some re-runs,” added Mutsvangwa

“I am not going to announce when the re-runs will be because we would like to have a comprehensive list, when the whole process is done we will come to you,” he added.

“Zanu-PF is a big house and anybody can come to the house,” he said.

Violence was reported across the country in the Zanu-PF elections which were held last week. In some areas there were allegations of gunshots having been fired, kidnapping and rape.

Several Zanu-PF bigwigs fell by the wayside in the weekend bloodbath which has resulted in acrimony within the party.

By A Correspondent- Harare City Council’s acting town clerk Phakhamile Mabhena Moyo and Citizens Coalition for Change councillor Happymore Gotora appeared in court yesterday facing criminal abuse of office charges.

Moyo, who was represented by Obey Shava, was remanded in custody to Monday after the lawyer filed a notice to challenge placement on remand, while Gotora was released on $100 000 bail.

On Wednesday, five councillors appeared in court over similar charges after they allegedly unlawfully allocated themselves industrial and commercial stands.

It is alleged that the accused persons executed their plan in two meetings held on November 14, 2022 and December 14, 2022.

The State alleges that in executing their plan, they devised a plan whereby they would deliberately abscond meetings in which the issue of the allocation of stands to themselves was being discussed.

By A Correspondent- Police in Macheke, Mashonaland East province, have arrested two neighbouring farmers who allegedly cultivated more than 100 marijuana plants in their maize fields.

Kudakwashe Jarasi (37) and Suprise Chitate (age not given) of Plot 13 and 12, Mt Pleasant Farm, are currently assisting police with investigations.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi confirmed the arrest of the two and applauded the community for taking part in the arrest of the farmers.

“Police arrested two men in Macheke and discovered a number of dagga (mbanje) plants in maize fields with an average height of two metres. We applaud the community for notifying police which led to the arrest of the suspects,” Chazovachiyi said.

On March 28, at around 9am, police went to the area after receiving a tip off that the two farmers were cultivating mbanje.

The law enforcers recovered six plants in a maize field at Chitate’s plot.

After further searches, police found more plants in their gardens before discovering already harvested plants of dagga in a scotchcart.

Police proceeded to Plot 13, owned by Jarasi, where they allegedly recovered 82 plants in the  maize field and more plants in his garden.

The plants were uprooted and the two were arrested.

They went on to recommend the illegal allocation of commercial and or industrial stands in various locations to a total of 14 councillors and 14 senior council officials and one Member of Parliament.

On November 29, 2022, the 1914 ordinary council meeting adopted the recommendations by the committee chaired by Mande to allocate the commercial and industrial stands.

It is alleged that in terms of Ministry of Local Government circular 12 (cross referenced CX/7) dated March 18, 2020, a councillor who does not have a residence within his or her ward is entitled a single residential stand.

If they need a commercial or industrial stand, they have to follow the normal process like any other person.

The State alleges that in acting the way they did, the accused persons unduly favoured themselves.

By A Correspondent- Legislators have asked for  Information and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa to issue a ministerial statement explaining why government has threatened journalists reporting on the Al Jazeera documentary which exposes alleged money-laundering and graft in the gold sector.

The threats were made on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson George Charamba, who described the Al Jazeera exposé as a “phoney documentary” and warned that journalists could be charged for amplifying it.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Edwin Mushoriwa (CCC) raised a matter of national interest in the National Assembly yesterday, demanding to know why journalists exposing alleged corruption in the country were being threatened.

“The presidential spokesperson issued a chilling threat to the media fraternity in respect to the Al Jazeera documentary. The warning given to the media reminds us of what resulted in the bombing of the Daily News in 2001.

On Wednesday, we were waiting for the Information minister to come to the House so that we ask her questions over the issue, but she did not come. In our view this is an important issue to Zimbabweans and the media. We want the minister to explain whether or not our own government is no longer committed to the freedom of the Press. Mutsvangwa must come and give us an explanation on this matter,” Mushoriwa said.

Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi then exchanged harsh words with Mushoriwa demanding that he must withdraw his statement.

“Mushoriwa cannot talk about people that are not in Parliament,” Togarepi said.

Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Tatenda Mavetera responded:  “When the minister comes, can you pose that question to her.”

-Newsday

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered a re-run of primary elections in areas where there were incidents of violence.
Mnangagwa made the directive while addressing the politburo at the party headquarters in Harare on Thursday.
Addressing journalists after the politburo meeting last night, ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa condemned the violence. Said Mutsvangwa:
One aspect which came out is that if there were any instances of violence in any particular constituency or ward, the President is a hardliner, he is on record for zero tolerance to violence and was very clear that charity begins at home.
If there were instances of violence carried [out] by either or both of the candidates there could be some disqualifications. If the violence was mutual there are going to be some re-runs
I am not going to announce when the re-runs will be because we would like to have a comprehensive list, when the whole process is done we will come to you.
ZANU PF held primaries last weekend and there were reports of gunshots having been fired, kidnapping, and rape in some areas.
Some cabinet ministers and ministers of State for provincial affairs and long-serving members of parliament lost in the primaries.

By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been implicated in smuggling gold in Zimbabwe.

The Al Jazeera documentary named the President as one of the Zimbabwean authorities enabling the gold smuggling operations by offering protection to “the Gold Mafia.”

Episode 2 of Gold Mafia, Al Jazeera’s documentary on corruption and money laundering in Zimbabwe, released this Thursday, reports that smugglers use South African banks to launder money.

Watch the video below for more.

https://www.ajiunit.com/investigation/gold-mafia-smuggle-zimbabwe-rudland-macmillan-pattni/

Simon Rudland, who owns Gold Leaf Tobacco, allegedly smuggles cigarettes to South Africa and then uses the illegally attained money to export Zimbabwean gold – it becomes clean.

By- Two Zimbabwe Judges have been absorbed by the Namibian judicial system.

The two, Rita Makarau and Moses Chinhengo, have been given top in the Namibian courts.

 Makarau, a Constitutional Court judge and former Supreme Court Justice and High Court Judge President Rita Makarau has been appointed acting judge of the Namibian Supreme Court for one year.

In a statement, Nia’s Judicial Service Commission said another Zimbabwean, Mr Justice Moses H. Chinhengo, has also been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court for the period 18 September 2023 to 31 December 2023. Reads the statement:

Windhoek – The Judicial Service Commission announces that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Namibia has, on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed the following acting judges to the Supreme Court:

1. Lady Justice Rita Makarau

Lady Justice Rita Makarua has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Lady Justice Makarau currently serves as a Judge of the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe. She previously served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe and was the Judge-President of the High Court of Zimbabwe.

2. Lady Justice Johanna Sophia (Hannelie) Prinsloo

Lady Justice Johanna Sophia (Hannelie) Prinsloo has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Lady Justice Prinsloo currently serves as a Judge of the High Court in a substantive capacity, having been appointed as such on 1 July 2017.

3. Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimminq-Chase

Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Lady Justice Schimming-Chase currently serves a Judge of the High Court in a substantive capacity, having been appointed as such on 1 April 2021.

His Excellency the President has, on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, also appointed the following persons as acting judges of the High Court to enable that court to deal expeditiously with its work:

4. Dr. Justice Collins Parker

Dr. Justice Collins Parker is re-appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court effective from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023.

5. Mr. Justice Moses H. Chinhengo

Mr. Justice Moses H. Chinhengo has been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court for the period 18 September 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Mr. Justice Chinhengo is a retired Judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe and formerly of the High Court of Botswana and currently serves as an Acting Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Kingdom of Lesotho. He previously served as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia for the period 1 February 2021 to 31 December 2021.

6. Adv. Ramon Maasdorp

Adv. Ramon Maasdorp has been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court from 16 April 2023 to 31 July 2023.

He currently practices as a member of the Society of Advocates, having been admitted to the Bar in 2009.

The Judicial Service Commission congratulates the Acting Judges on their appointments and wishes them well in the execution of their onerous tasks. 

Justice Makarau is also a former Chairperson of the controversial Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

By-The clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission for approving a US$9K per laptop tender.

The tender was awarded to Blinart Investments but was eventually cancelled following public outrage. 

ZACC says Chokuda’s actions constituted Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer. 

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development issued statements to the effect that it had cancelled two tenders to supply laptops and desktops arguing that the suppliers had overpriced the commodities.

Blinart Investments which had been awarded the tender to supply laptops was selling each laptop at USD9 264.49 and the government would have paid US$1 602 755.77 for 173 laptops.

The other company, Mid-End Computers and Hardware (P/L), demanded US$243 052.36 for 79 desktops as each was priced at USD3 076.61.

Members of the public criticised Parliament for awarding the tender saying this was grand corruption.

It also emerged that some companies, Lacheln for instance, submitted bids for the Laptop tender at Parliament for as low as $213 655 but Parliament opted for Blinart which had tendered for $1.6 million. 

Blinart’s managing director, Elizabeth Muchenje, has since appeared before Parliament to explain how the company levied US$9 264.49 per laptop to the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

Addressing the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) committee, Muchenje said the laptop prices reached a price of US$9 264.49 each because they were high-end laptops with seven other accessories per laptop.

Muchenje said there was the search HP Spectra 32GB laptop, Laptop Stand, Laptop Backup, HDMI Adapter, USB Adapter, Wireless Mouse search HP, Laptop pouch, and search Microsoft Professional Office 2019.

By- Former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Rita Makarau has landed a top judicial post in Namibia.

 Makarau, a Constitutional Court judge and former Supreme Court Justice and High Court Judge President Rita Makarau has been appointed acting judge of the Namibian Supreme Court for one year.

In a statement, Nia’s Judicial Service Commission said another Zimbabwean, Mr Justice Moses H. Chinhengo, has also been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court for the period 18 September 2023 to 31 December 2023. Reads the statement:

Windhoek – The Judicial Service Commission announces that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Namibia has, on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed the following acting judges to the Supreme Court:

1. Lady Justice Rita Makarau

Lady Justice Rita Makarua has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Lady Justice Makarau currently serves as a Judge of the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe. She previously served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe and was the Judge-President of the High Court of Zimbabwe.

2. Lady Justice Johanna Sophia (Hannelie) Prinsloo

Lady Justice Johanna Sophia (Hannelie) Prinsloo has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Lady Justice Prinsloo currently serves as a Judge of the High Court in a substantive capacity, having been appointed as such on 1 July 2017.

3. Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimminq-Chase

Lady Justice Esi Malaika Schimming-Chase has been appointed as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Lady Justice Schimming-Chase currently serves a Judge of the High Court in a substantive capacity, having been appointed as such on 1 April 2021.

His Excellency the President has, on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, also appointed the following persons as acting judges of the High Court to enable that court to deal expeditiously with its work:

4. Dr. Justice Collins Parker

Dr. Justice Collins Parker is re-appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court effective from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2023.

5. Mr. Justice Moses H. Chinhengo

Mr. Justice Moses H. Chinhengo has been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court for the period 18 September 2023 to 31 December 2023.

Mr. Justice Chinhengo is a retired Judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe and formerly of the High Court of Botswana and currently serves as an Acting Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Kingdom of Lesotho. He previously served as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia for the period 1 February 2021 to 31 December 2021.

6. Adv. Ramon Maasdorp

Adv. Ramon Maasdorp has been appointed as an acting Judge of the High Court from 16 April 2023 to 31 July 2023.

He currently practices as a member of the Society of Advocates, having been admitted to the Bar in 2009.

The Judicial Service Commission congratulates the Acting Judges on their appointments and wishes them well in the execution of their onerous tasks. 

Justice Makarau is also a former Chairperson of the controversial Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Tinashe Sambiri

Citizens are ready to rebuild the country and restore the nation’s glory days.

This was said by CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.

On Wednesday President Chamisa held key discussions with CCC cluster leaders in Harare.

“GETTING READY & PREPARING … The Citizens National Assembly receiving a nationwide report chronicling the progress in national mobilization for change. It’s all systems go!! #NewNation,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

“We will make Zimbabwe an entrepreneurial society with new industries, new factories, new companies, new sectors and employing more people. We will embark on radical Central Bank reforms on the back of wide consultation with bankers, businesses and labour,” added the CCC leader.

On Wednesday CCC said in a statement:
Today, our Change Champion in Chief, Advocate @nelsonchamisa received reports on our national mobilization program, Mugwazo, the just ended mobile voter registration blitz and other party related activities from the Change Champions across the country.

The reports attest to the excellent progress made by the Change Champions as we prepare for the upcoming harmonized elections.

The citizens are ready for a new government.

CitizensVictory4Change