BUSINESS operators’ insincerity to hike prices of basic commodities has been exposed with revelations that many are harvesting from a facility that allocates a weekly average of US$20 million from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s foreign currency auction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 80 percent of the country’s supermarket shelves are currently being dominated by local products, a development which has been corroborated by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries manufacturing survey reports.

Zimbabwe is witnessing a price increase madness especially of basic commodities in the local currency despite the same accessing foreign currency at official rates thereby creating a paradox that needs urgent government intervention.

It is in this regard that economic analysts have questioned the sincerity of the business owners who are now taking the auction platform as an arbitrage source of the greenback.

“The Foreign Auction System was introduced for a noble reason and due to profiteering tendencies by our business community the good initiative is now being abused at the expense of the whole economy,” said development economist, Mr Paison Tazvivinga.

“The current price madness for goods and services being charged in the domestic currency has many causes and what is now needed is to have the Auction system streamlined or discontinued as manufacturers are just cashing in on this platform without the benefits cascading to the rest of the economy,” said economic analyst, Mr Kudakwashe Mugova.

The government is already seized with the irrational and unjust price increases being experienced by consumers and necessary measures are being instituted to redress the situation.- ZBC News

Article by President E D Mnangagwa

Most transactions in USD
All of the above positive factors are showing in our daily transactions.
Seventy percent of national transactions are now being conducted in United States dollars, with the remaining 30 percent accounted for in Zimbabwe dollars. The opposite was true at the start of the Second Republic. All this shows more widespread availability of foreign exchange, something which ordinarily should work in favour of the local unit.
For manufacturers and retailers, over 80 percent of their domestic transactions now are United States-dollar denominated, with only 20 percent accounted for in the local unit. All this money is being allowed to remain with Business, as a deliberate Government Policy to support the sector. Meanwhile, we have not only allowed wages to remain stable; we have also kept them largely in the local unit, thus making Labour shoulder a disproportionate burden in the whole transition.

Concessions on forex retention
Let me remind our Business of a few facts, some echoed in almost all jurisdictions globally. At law and by worldwide practice, all foreign currency earnings should be surrendered to Government, through the Central Bank, as obtains worldwide. Worldwide, businesses access foreign exchange for their needs from Central Bank, through cumbersome processes and on the basis of market conditions.
Here, we have waived that position at law, and in general practice worldwide, hoping to prop our business sector, and for ease of doing business.
This act of magnanimity now looks undeserved.

A multi-currency jurisdiction
Second, we are a multicurrency market as a deliberate Government decision. This makes the business environment in our country peculiarly unique in a way most favourable to Business. Yet this is now being contradicted. Any business practices which suppress the use of any one currency recognised by our laws are both illegal and do undermine this unique and most favourable position which is found nowhere else in the world. The offence gets worse when these illegal practices seek to outlaw the use of the local currency unit, itself our National Currency and currency of wage earnings.

Temporary cushioning measures
Thirdly, there are measures we put in place to cushion Business against constraints imposed on it and on our society by the Covid-19 global pandemic. Needless to say, these were only meant to last for as long as the threat of the pandemic persisted. They do not translate into a new and permanent regime of claimable rights and concessions by whomsoever. Like all measures arising from exigencies, they are time-honoured. Yet today there seems to be an expectation that such situational measures are now a right to be demanded.

Paradox at the Auction Floor
Fourth and most exasperatingly, when 20 percent of our transactions were conducted in foreign currency, and 80 percent in local currency, the demand for foreign exchange at the auction averaged US$20 million weekly. Today, when we find ourselves in 80-20 percent reverse transaction equation in favour of foreign currency, the demand for foreign exchange at the same auction, and by the same Business now directly selling more wares in United States dollars, has risen to US$30 million a week! How does one explain such a paradox?

Rampant stashing, transfer pricing
Fifth and bordering on criminality and sabotage, bids for foreign exchange on the auction are not always translating into further retooling or more importation of raw material for expanded manufacturing activity. By and large, retooling is done, with raw material requirements fully known. Economic activity remains at current levels. Clearly, we are seeing proceeds from the auction finding their way into pockets of speculators; or worse, getting illicitly transferred beyond our borders for stashing; for supporting mother companies or simply as sequestered cash assets. We even have had cases of importers of wheat and edible crude oil using shelf companies domiciled in countries that grow neither wheat nor soya! Such shelf companies are conduits for transfer pricing, and thus for externalisation. All these are acts of downright criminality.

Informalising the goods market
Here at home, activities in the black market now go beyond currencies. They now include redirecting basic goods into the informal sector where big companies have created a web of agents who sell such goods exclusively in foreign currency! Not only is the consumer hard done by; Government is prejudiced in that taxes are evaded, ironically by the same businesses Government will have foster-cared, funded and grown through the auction system! Formal retail channels are no longer being used to reach the market, in favour of self-created agents who operate in the twilight zone of informality and downright tax evasion. Our multi-currency policy is also undermined as Zimbabwe dollar-earning workers are now being forced to buy basics priced exclusively in foreign currency.

Suppressing sales in local currency
We are even aware of certain businesses which deliberately disable point-of-sale gadgets in order to force the consumer to buy key goods in one currency, contrary to the law of the Land. Maybe the time has now come for Government to insist that such businesses who do such tricks should suspend trading until they are able to technically handle transactions in multi-currency, as is bade by our laws.

Trust betrayed
Let me say that we made all the above concessions in good faith, and in the belief that we have a responsible business sector whose sole purpose is to manufacture and sell goods and services in the marketplace. Yet it is becoming increasingly clear our trust is getting abused and even betrayed. We even wonder if at all we are dealing with Business anymore, or with politicians disguised as company executives, seeking a political upset. Privileges can be withdrawn; the same way they are granted. Equally, politicians seeking to engineer market failures for definite political outcomes will be dealt with as political opponents, and through rules appropriate to politics.

Determined to correct market failures
Above all, short-circuiting set rules and cutting corners in business attract very stiff sanction. Those who break our exchange control rules, or who money launder, will only have themselves to blame. No one in business should doubt my Government’s resolve to correct blatant market failures, and to counteract and foil sinister moves to destabilise our economy. Government’s responsibility is to protect the consumer, and to ensure stability in the market and inside the country. We will take all measures necessary to ensure there is stability, including painful ones should that ever become necessary.

Back-stabbing arrears clearance efforts
I am disappointed that while I am on a mission to explore ways to clear arrears and to resolve the national debt, certain elements in Business think it helpful and appropriate to disturb the macroeconomy. Is this not the time when both Business and Government must show greater unity in order to pacify, give comfort and confidence to our creditors? We all seek lasting solution to these challenges around arrears and the debt, surely? Both have held us back; their resolution will see us lurch forward on a sustainable economic trajectory. Except it takes responsible business players, imbued with a serious national outlook to see matters this way. Is that too much to ask? I hope not.

End

Read full article: https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/05/21/responsible-business-players-for-a-stable-zimbabwe/

Article by President E D Mnangagwa

Most transactions in USD
All of the above positive factors are showing in our daily transactions.
Seventy percent of national transactions are now being conducted in United States dollars, with the remaining 30 percent accounted for in Zimbabwe dollars. The opposite was true at the start of the Second Republic. All this shows more widespread availability of foreign exchange, something which ordinarily should work in favour of the local unit.
For manufacturers and retailers, over 80 percent of their domestic transactions now are United States-dollar denominated, with only 20 percent accounted for in the local unit. All this money is being allowed to remain with Business, as a deliberate Government Policy to support the sector. Meanwhile, we have not only allowed wages to remain stable; we have also kept them largely in the local unit, thus making Labour shoulder a disproportionate burden in the whole transition.

Concessions on forex retention
Let me remind our Business of a few facts, some echoed in almost all jurisdictions globally. At law and by worldwide practice, all foreign currency earnings should be surrendered to Government, through the Central Bank, as obtains worldwide. Worldwide, businesses access foreign exchange for their needs from Central Bank, through cumbersome processes and on the basis of market conditions.
Here, we have waived that position at law, and in general practice worldwide, hoping to prop our business sector, and for ease of doing business.
This act of magnanimity now looks undeserved.

A multi-currency jurisdiction
Second, we are a multicurrency market as a deliberate Government decision. This makes the business environment in our country peculiarly unique in a way most favourable to Business. Yet this is now being contradicted. Any business practices which suppress the use of any one currency recognised by our laws are both illegal and do undermine this unique and most favourable position which is found nowhere else in the world. The offence gets worse when these illegal practices seek to outlaw the use of the local currency unit, itself our National Currency and currency of wage earnings.

Temporary cushioning measures
Thirdly, there are measures we put in place to cushion Business against constraints imposed on it and on our society by the Covid-19 global pandemic. Needless to say, these were only meant to last for as long as the threat of the pandemic persisted. They do not translate into a new and permanent regime of claimable rights and concessions by whomsoever. Like all measures arising from exigencies, they are time-honoured. Yet today there seems to be an expectation that such situational measures are now a right to be demanded.

Paradox at the Auction Floor
Fourth and most exasperatingly, when 20 percent of our transactions were conducted in foreign currency, and 80 percent in local currency, the demand for foreign exchange at the auction averaged US$20 million weekly. Today, when we find ourselves in 80-20 percent reverse transaction equation in favour of foreign currency, the demand for foreign exchange at the same auction, and by the same Business now directly selling more wares in United States dollars, has risen to US$30 million a week! How does one explain such a paradox?

Rampant stashing, transfer pricing
Fifth and bordering on criminality and sabotage, bids for foreign exchange on the auction are not always translating into further retooling or more importation of raw material for expanded manufacturing activity. By and large, retooling is done, with raw material requirements fully known. Economic activity remains at current levels. Clearly, we are seeing proceeds from the auction finding their way into pockets of speculators; or worse, getting illicitly transferred beyond our borders for stashing; for supporting mother companies or simply as sequestered cash assets. We even have had cases of importers of wheat and edible crude oil using shelf companies domiciled in countries that grow neither wheat nor soya! Such shelf companies are conduits for transfer pricing, and thus for externalisation. All these are acts of downright criminality.

Informalising the goods market
Here at home, activities in the black market now go beyond currencies. They now include redirecting basic goods into the informal sector where big companies have created a web of agents who sell such goods exclusively in foreign currency! Not only is the consumer hard done by; Government is prejudiced in that taxes are evaded, ironically by the same businesses Government will have foster-cared, funded and grown through the auction system! Formal retail channels are no longer being used to reach the market, in favour of self-created agents who operate in the twilight zone of informality and downright tax evasion. Our multi-currency policy is also undermined as Zimbabwe dollar-earning workers are now being forced to buy basics priced exclusively in foreign currency.

Suppressing sales in local currency
We are even aware of certain businesses which deliberately disable point-of-sale gadgets in order to force the consumer to buy key goods in one currency, contrary to the law of the Land. Maybe the time has now come for Government to insist that such businesses who do such tricks should suspend trading until they are able to technically handle transactions in multi-currency, as is bade by our laws.

Trust betrayed
Let me say that we made all the above concessions in good faith, and in the belief that we have a responsible business sector whose sole purpose is to manufacture and sell goods and services in the marketplace. Yet it is becoming increasingly clear our trust is getting abused and even betrayed. We even wonder if at all we are dealing with Business anymore, or with politicians disguised as company executives, seeking a political upset. Privileges can be withdrawn; the same way they are granted. Equally, politicians seeking to engineer market failures for definite political outcomes will be dealt with as political opponents, and through rules appropriate to politics.

Determined to correct market failures
Above all, short-circuiting set rules and cutting corners in business attract very stiff sanction. Those who break our exchange control rules, or who money launder, will only have themselves to blame. No one in business should doubt my Government’s resolve to correct blatant market failures, and to counteract and foil sinister moves to destabilise our economy. Government’s responsibility is to protect the consumer, and to ensure stability in the market and inside the country. We will take all measures necessary to ensure there is stability, including painful ones should that ever become necessary.

Back-stabbing arrears clearance efforts
I am disappointed that while I am on a mission to explore ways to clear arrears and to resolve the national debt, certain elements in Business think it helpful and appropriate to disturb the macroeconomy. Is this not the time when both Business and Government must show greater unity in order to pacify, give comfort and confidence to our creditors? We all seek lasting solution to these challenges around arrears and the debt, surely? Both have held us back; their resolution will see us lurch forward on a sustainable economic trajectory. Except it takes responsible business players, imbued with a serious national outlook to see matters this way. Is that too much to ask? I hope not.

End

Read full article: https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/05/21/responsible-business-players-for-a-stable-zimbabwe/

An eight-member gang of suspected armed robbers has been arrested in Bulawayo, leading to the recovery of guns and other weapons.

The gang, allegedly led by a Plumtree-based businessman, Limukani Khuphe, stands accused of being involved in several robberies in Bulawayo using an assortment of weapons, including Khuphe’s licenced revolver, knives, machetes and knobkerries.

Police spokesperson for Bulawayo, Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of the gang saying apart from cash, the criminals also allegedly stole household goods and other valuables.

“These daring criminals led by businessman Limukani Ngipheke have been terrorising Bulawayo breaking into properties and taking cash and property,” said Inspector Ncube.

“However, as police with the help of the members of the public, we managed to arrest them. We are also saying Bulawayo is not a safe haven for criminals and we are happy that the public is helping us make arrests,” he went on.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is also on a blitz targeting drug lords.- ZBC News

Tinashe Sambiri

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has described Kelvin Waison as a dedicated cadre.

Waison, a member of President Nelson Chamisa’s security team was shot dead in South Africa at the weekend.

CCC members have described Waison’s gruesome murder as devastating.

Also see statement below:

Wezhira Munya

Yesterday, Kelvin Waison one of the dedicated CCC security officers was shot in the head and died on the spot in South Africa.

He was shot by unknown gunmen in Brixton, South Africa.

Kelvin is survived by his wife and three children.

He was born in 1983 and comes from Murehwa West.

Mr Asiti, CCC SA interim security secretary who spoke to Change Radio earlier today confirmed the death of Mr Waison.

CCC’s Ms Vimbai Mavheruse said, “We have lost a dedicated cadre. He died a painful death.”

She further encouraged all Citizens across the world to support Mr Waison with prayers, money and any other form of support.”

CCC:

We continue to call for the release of our MP, Hon @JobSikhala1, Jacob Ngarivhume, and all other political detainees who are facing persecution due to their political inclinations.

It is disheartening to note that Hon Job Sikhala has been held in pre-trial detention for a record 339 days on false accusations. His only crime was to advocate for justice in the Moreblessing Ali murder case, which was perpetrated by a member of Zanu PF.

#FreeJobSikhala #FreeJacobNgarivhume

An eight-member gang of suspected armed robbers has been arrested in Bulawayo, leading to the recovery of guns and other weapons.

The gang, allegedly led by a Plumtree-based businessman, Limukani Khuphe, stands accused of being involved in several robberies in Bulawayo using an assortment of weapons, including Khuphe’s licenced revolver, knives, machetes and knobkerries.

Police spokesperson for Bulawayo, Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of the gang saying apart from cash, the criminals also allegedly stole household goods and other valuables.

“These daring criminals led by businessman Limukani Ngipheke have been terrorising Bulawayo breaking into properties and taking cash and property,” said Inspector Ncube.

“However, as police with the help of the members of the public, we managed to arrest them. We are also saying Bulawayo is not a safe haven for criminals and we are happy that the public is helping us make arrests,” he went on.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is also on a blitz targeting drug lords.- ZBC News

BUSINESS operators’ insincerity to hike prices of basic commodities has been exposed with revelations that many are harvesting from a facility that allocates a weekly average of US$20 million from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s foreign currency auction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 80 percent of the country’s supermarket shelves are currently being dominated by local products, a development which has been corroborated by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries manufacturing survey reports.

Zimbabwe is witnessing a price increase madness especially of basic commodities in the local currency despite the same accessing foreign currency at official rates thereby creating a paradox that needs urgent government intervention.

It is in this regard that economic analysts have questioned the sincerity of the business owners who are now taking the auction platform as an arbitrage source of the greenback.

“The Foreign Auction System was introduced for a noble reason and due to profiteering tendencies by our business community the good initiative is now being abused at the expense of the whole economy,” said development economist, Mr Paison Tazvivinga.

“The current price madness for goods and services being charged in the domestic currency has many causes and what is now needed is to have the Auction system streamlined or discontinued as manufacturers are just cashing in on this platform without the benefits cascading to the rest of the economy,” said economic analyst, Mr Kudakwashe Mugova.

The government is already seized with the irrational and unjust price increases being experienced by consumers and necessary measures are being instituted to redress the situation.- ZBC News

We are deeply concerned about continued incidents of victimization and intimidation of our members in rural areas such as Mwenezi in Masvingo by Zanu PF thugs and FAZ members. We strongly condemn such actions, as they are a violation of the democratic principles that our party stands for.

We urge those responsible to immediately stop such actions and respect the right of our members to participate in political activities without any fear or intimidation.

We also want to assure our members that we are taking appropriate action to address these issues and to provide support and protection for those affected. At the same time, we advise everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.- CCC

Tinashe Sambiri

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has described Kelvin Waison as a dedicated cadre.

Waison, a member of President Nelson Chamisa’s security team was shot dead in South Africa at the weekend.

CCC members have described Waison’s gruesome murder as devastating.

Also see statement below:

Wezhira Munya

Yesterday, Kelvin Waison one of the dedicated CCC security officers was shot in the head and died on the spot in South Africa.

He was shot by unknown gunmen in Brixton, South Africa.

Kelvin is survived by his wife and three children.

He was born in 1983 and comes from Murehwa West.

Mr Asiti, CCC SA interim security secretary who spoke to Change Radio earlier today confirmed the death of Mr Waison.

CCC’s Ms Vimbai Mavheruse said, “We have lost a dedicated cadre. He died a painful death.”

She further encouraged all Citizens across the world to support Mr Waison with prayers, money and any other form of support.”

Tinashe Sambiri

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has described Kelvin Waison as a dedicated cadre.

Waison, a member of President Nelson Chamisa’s security team was shot dead in South Africa at the weekend.

CCC members have described Waison’s gruesome murder as devastating.

Also see statement below:

Wezhira Munya

Yesterday, Kelvin Waison one of the dedicated CCC security officers was shot in the head and died on the spot in South Africa.

He was shot by unknown gunmen in Brixton, South Africa.

Kelvin is survived by his wife and three children.

He was born in 1983 and comes from Murehwa West.

Mr Asiti, CCC SA interim security secretary who spoke to Change Radio earlier today confirmed the death of Mr Waison.

CCC’s Ms Vimbai Mavheruse said, “We have lost a dedicated cadre. He died a painful death.”

She further encouraged all Citizens across the world to support Mr Waison with prayers, money and any other form of support.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pressed the panic button over galloping prices of basic commodity as he accused retailers of plotting his defeat ahead of the August elections. 

Retailers last week hiked prices as they chased the black market foreign currency exchange rate, which is now hovering between $3 500 and $4 000 to the United States dollar. 

A tin of Red Seal baked beans was priced at $4 000 or US$1 in one local retail shop, while a 10kg bag of  Red Seal Super Roller Meal was costing $27 999, sending shivers down many Zimbabweans’ spines as they recalled the dreaded 2008 hyperinflation, which drove goods off shop shelves.

NewsDay observed yesterday that some products such as cooking oil, sugar and rice were no longer available on most shop shelves as suppliers were allegedly withholding them in preference of the United States dollar.

Writing in his weekly column in a State-owned newspaper yesterday, Mnangagwa said government came up with several measures to stabilise the economy in “good faith”, but was being betrayed by the business sector.

“We even wonder if at all we are dealing with business anymore or with the politicians disguised as company executives seeking a political upset. Equally, politicians seeking to engineer market failures for definite political outcomes will be dealt with as political opponents and through rules of appropriate politics,” Mnangagwa said.

“We are even aware of certain businesses deliberately disabling point-of-sale gadgets to force the consumer to buy key goods in one currency, contrary to the laws of the land.

“Any business practices which suppress the use of any currency recognised by our laws are both illegal and do undermine this unique and most favourable position which is found nowhere else in the world.

“Maybe the time has now come for the government to insist that such tricks should be suspended until they can technically handle transactions in multi-currency. We will take all measures necessary to ensure there is stability, including painful ones should that ever become necessary.”

As fears mount over the possibility of basic products vanishing from shop shelves, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Kurai Matsheza said industry was in talks with government.

“We are talking with the government and I cannot comment further than that,” he said.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said Mnangagwa’s warning was warranted given the galloping prices across the economy.

“This will get business and government to constructively engage and pursue the common path of stabilising the economy,” Mutashu said.

But National Consumer Rights Association co-ordinator Effie Ncube said government should deal with the key drivers of inflation.

“Food inflation is making it impossible for many households to put food on the table. This will deepen poverty and hunger in a population where millions are already living below the poverty datum line,” Ncube said.

“Instead of addressing symptoms, government must address the key drivers of price hikes. Shortage of foreign currency has been pushing businesses to source it at a premium on the black market.”

Zimbabwe Diamond Mineral and Allied Workers Union secretary-general Justice Chinhema said workers’ earnings were now just figures.

“Our view is that government needs to accept that our current situation requires robust measures that protect the poor,” he said.

Government is, however, determined not to dump the local currency for the US dollar despite clear signs that the local currency is losing the battle against other currencies, especially the US dollar.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition chairperson Peter Mutasa said those feeling the economic heat would express their discontent through the ballot.

“The currency problem and its concomitant effects will be an important factor in the upcoming elections. The majority of voters are feeling the heat. People have not been able to express their anger by way of protests. They will do so in the ballot box,” Mutasa said.

Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust director Ignatious Sadziwa said Zanu PF’s failure to address the current situation would disadvantage it.

However, political analyst Phillan Zamchiya believes that the current situation will mainly affect urban voters.

“Such an economic catastrophe will affect everyone differently. The paradox is that since 2000, more than 70% of what remains of the Zanu PF vote has come from constituencies that live on less than US$1,90 a day and hardly use the US dollar in exchange,” Zamchiya said.

“It is the economically emancipated mainly in urban areas who use the US dollar that have ditched Zanu PF. Even a survey in the rural areas would show you that it is the economically enlightened that have mostly voted for the opposition.”

-Newsday

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is weak and is capitalising on intimidation to gain mileage ahead of this year’s harmonised elections, opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has said.

She made the claims last week while addressing international delegates at the Geneva Human Rights Convention.

Mahere is one of Zimbabwe’s many political leaders arrested and convicted alongside the likes of Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume.

“It might surprise you that after repeated arrests and wrongful imprisonment, I have come here today to the UN optimistic because the crackdown now taking place in Zimbabwe is a sign that we are winning.

“Even within his party, Mnangagwa is weak and their intelligence tells them that the opposition will win this election in the coming summer,” Mahere said.

“I am free now, but in Zimbabwe, nobody is truly free. I am here today to let the whole world know that Zimbabwe is currently reeling under a dictatorship worse than Robert Mugabe.”

Mahere said almost half of the country’s population is living in extreme poverty because those in power would rather loot and persecute than lead.

“The government’s war against freedom and its weaponisation of the law against myself and other government critics, journalists and civic society members including Sikhala and Ngarivhume is calculated to send a chilling message to the rest of society,” Mahere said.

Taking to Twitter and other social media platforms, ruling Zanu-PF supporters labelled Mahere a traitor.

Zanu-PF director for communication Tafadzwa Mugwadi described Mahere as a drama queen bereft of political oxygen.

“Burning the midnight candle vilifying your country, shaming your people and undressing our values before a panel of white colonial gringos is regrettable idiocy,” Mugwadi said.

“The people of Zimbabwe enjoy fundamental freedoms and human rights under President ED Mnangagwa and the second republic. The reforms taken thus far across all sectors are aimed at opening up democratic space for our people, not to please whites.

“Calling our people derogatory names and attacking our national pride through spreading falsehoods to impress a white audience makes the opposition further distant from the people, history has shown. However, as usual, they appear to have learned nothing and forgotten nothing. The day of reckoning is upon.”

-Newsday

A protest vote is looming in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s backyard in Midlands where Zanu PF grassroots are rejecting recently elected party candidates in more than 10 constituencies.

Insiders said a bhora musango/ibhola egangeni was looming in constituencies where Mnangagwa’s allies allegedly hijacked internal processes to deploy their associates to represent the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

Bhora musango was popularised during the 2008 elections where Zanu PF supporters voted for the ruling party candidates for parliamentary seats while rejecting the late president Robert Mugabe for factional reasons.

Mugabe was almost booted out of power after subsequently losing to the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the election.

He only survived through a violent campaign ahead of a presidential run-off where he ran unchallenged after Tsvangirai pulled out citing violence against his supporters.

In the latest Zanu PF internal wars, insiders said the protests in the Midlands were against Mnangagwa’s allies.

According to insiders, there is simmering discontent in the party in the way the primaries were handled where Mnangagwa’s allies held sway on who was to be elected or not.

Sources said Local Government minister July Moyo, former State Security minister Owen Ncube, politburo member Mackenzie Ncube and Tsitsi Muzenda ran rings around the Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Heritage Trust, who were running the elections.- The Standard

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is a wrong leader with wrong priorities.

The CCC leader was commenting on the purchase of helicopters from Russia by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.

Zimbabwe has received 18 of the 32 helicopters sourced from Russia at a cost of $320 million despite the country’s dwindling economy.

On Friday President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“Wrong leaders always have wrong priorities and wrong answers.

Bad leaders always have bad interventions and bad intentions.

When it’s rotten at the top everything else stinks and sinks!! Choose change. Choose happiness.

Choose new leaders!! #RegisterToVoteZW.”

By A Correspondent | Chalton Hwende, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker from Kuwadzana East, has asked the Speaker of Parliament to provide an explanation for why Kennedy Chokuda, the under investigation Clerk of Parliament, continues to report to work despite his involvement in a dubious computer purchase tender.

Chokuda was detained by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) in April as a result of a corruption incident in which he botched the deal to buy 173 computers from Blinart Investments at an exorbitant price of US$9,264 each, causing a public uproar.

By negotiating a lower price for the computers with a business that had submitted its proposal, he was accused of criminal abuse of power and acting against and inconsistently with his obligations as a public servant.

According to the state, Chokuda should have complied with Section 52 of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Praz) Act, which details an accounting officer’s actions when the lowest evaluated responding bidder’s cost exceeds the allocated budget.

Chokuda and Parliament’s director of procurement Stanley Bhebhe were each given a ZW$100,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in court on May 31.

Hwende questioned this week in Parliament why no action has been taken against Chokuda, claiming that this brings Parliament into contempt.

The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, prevented the National Assembly from looking into the findings of the Gold Mafia documentary by the international television network Al Jazeera, thus tarnishing the integrity of the Parliament.

The scandal made it clear that tightly-knit syndicates, all connected to Mnangagwa, had been engaged in gold smuggling and money laundering with the help of the government.

The debate went as follows:

HON. HWENDE: I have a point of order and there are two issues. The first issue which you can rule is whether as a Speaker you have got the power to change a resolution that has been made in a plenary by Parliament. That, you can rule.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: That, I cannot rule.

HON. HWENDE: My second point of order is that this is a serious issue. We have seen that the Clerk, Mr. Chokuda, someone who is facing corruption charges after the laptop issue is still part of your procession and is the one who is taking lead to advise you on an issue of such importance that involves corruption that has never been witnessed in this country. We want an explanation also on why Mr. Chokuda is still coming to Parliament because he is bringing this institution of Parliament into serious disrepute. You cannot face serious charges of wanting to buy a laptop for US$9 000 and still come to Parliament and advise our Speaker. Those two matters Madam Speaker, I am sure you are capable of ruling so that we can proceed.

The other one, we will wait for the Speaker because we had come here today prepared for him but we can wait for him but on those two, please can you help us with a ruling.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Hwende, I think on that one you are a bit out of order – [HON. HWENDE: On which one?] – Both, I told you that I am not able to rule on the second issue. On Mr. Chokuda’s issue, I am sure you know that he was taken by ZACC and ZACC is still doing some investigations – [HON. HWENDE: He has gone to court.] – So, if it is before the courts, we cannot talk about it in this House. You know very well that we cannot talk about it in this House.

HON. HWENDE: This matter Madam Speaker, has passed the ZACC stage. Mr. Chokuda appeared in court and he was given bail. If he appeared in court and the case is still before the courts, we cannot discuss about it in this House please – [HON. HWENDE: Why is he coming to work interacting with the same worker that he is supposed to be investigated for. He is interfering with investigations and today he is helping you to stop gold mafia investigation.] – No, Hon. Hwende, please take your seat. I will not allow you to do that, please take your seat – [HON. HWENDE: What are you not going to allow? The issue is very simple Madam Speaker. I have two issues that I have requested you to make a ruling on. As Parliament, we have a right not to be given advice by someone who is facing serious corruption charges and these charges happened here in Parliament. The same workers that were procuring the laptops are still here. Why is he coming to work facing corruption charges?

HON. T. MLISWA: My point of order is that we will waste a lot of time here Hon. Members. I think Madam Speaker, with all senses together has clearly said she cannot respond to what the Speaker said, especially him being the head of Parliament and he must respond. We must respect that.

Secondly on the Clerk’s issue, we did an enquiry. Why is the report not being tabled in Parliament on the recommendations? We must be very clear now that it is ZACC that determines whether he is given bail or not and Parliament does not control the processes of the court. We tabled a report. You must be asking where the report is. The Chairman must table the report, we debate and there are recommendations. He sits in the Committee of Public Accounts. Why has the Chairman not tabled the report then we can debate it? It has recommendations. Let us follow procedure and not just be emotional.

We are waiting for the report to be tabled in Parliament so that everybody can contribute but if the report is not there, let us not get excited. The Public Accounts Committee must table the report so that it is debated and there are recommendations we came up with. You are seasoned politicians, do not behave like kindergarten politicians. Madam Speaker is correct there. The Chairman is going to table the report Hon. Hwende. When is it going to be tabled? I asked in the meeting last week that where is the report so that it is tabled in Parliament and we will listen to the recommendations. Those are the procedures and processes of Parliament. This is not a CCC Parliament, this is a Parliament for the nation which is based on records and facts. Pedzisai ma primary elections enyu, hatitomboziva kuti ari kucontester ndiani – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – [HON. BITI: Zvema primary edu zvapinda papi?]

By Lesley K Mpofu| Last Friday at Wilmode Farm in Mvurwi, 20 armed robbers attacked 8 security guards with a pistol, machetes, okapi knives, and iron bars before stealing 63 tobacco bales.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, a spokesman for the national police, claimed that the gang graded shades and took 63 bales after first tying the guards up with ropes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the local police station.

Tobacco growers have been robbed at gunpoint as they shift their bales at night by criminals, some of whom are disguising themselves as police officers.

Additionally, robbers have started targeting farmers at auction floors, particularly in Harare.

Farmers have been warned to be on the lookout for offenders who prey on increased foot and vehicle traffic at auction floors during the selling season.

Additionally, there has been a slight rise in occurrences of fraud including card cloning, mobile cash transactions, forgeries, car theft, and pickpocketing.

Farmers are also encouraged to protect their product and sales revenues by not entertaining outsiders.

Farmers have been robbed of their crop while it was being transported to the auction floors, costing them thousands of dollars in tobacco over the last few years.

While some farmers are being targeted by fake security personnel, other farmers are being stopped by thieves who steal their hard-earned money, commodities, and treasures.

Farmers have also been urged not to use unsafe vehicles because some of them have been robbed after having technical problems.

Police in Harare detained one of the thieves last week and found 15 tobacco bales.

By A Correspondent| Mzaya Ndunge, real name Leonard Gwaze, has sensationally claimed he exposed a cheating married Harare lady.

Mzaya Ndunge has claimed credit for exposing the cheating lady who was caught with a boyfriend inside a lodge in Harare.

The video clip has gone viral on social media.

|Mzaya Ndunge says he has the ability to reverse witchcraft spells among other misfortunes.

Mzaya Ndunge can be contacted on the following numbers:

0774636013

0714606720

0713364426

Kudzora
Zvabiwa
Rukawo rwekunamira
Kurapa vanorwara
Kurohwa nezvishiri
Kubvisa minyama mazai
Lucky re basa
Kutorerwa mukadzi kana murume
Vanoroiwa zvinopera

By A Correspondent| Mzaya Ndunge, real name Leonard Gwaze, has sensationally claimed he exposed a cheating married Harare lady.

Mzaya Ndunge has claimed credit for exposing the cheating lady who was caught with a boyfriend inside a lodge in Harare.

The video clip has gone viral on social media.

|Mzaya Ndunge says he has the ability to reverse witchcraft spells among other misfortunes.

Mzaya Ndunge can be contacted on the following numbers:

0774636013

0714606720

0713364426

Kudzora
Zvabiwa
Rukawo rwekunamira
Kurapa vanorwara
Kurohwa nezvishiri
Kubvisa minyama mazai
Lucky re basa
Kutorerwa mukadzi kana murume
Vanoroiwa zvinopera

CHIPINGE-Four people have succumbed to malaria in Chipinge, with an average of 50 cases recorded across clinics daily, Acting District Medical Officer (DMO) Doctor Ozzimo Matekenya has confirmed.

He said the hard-hit areas include Mahenye, Chinyamukwakwa, Maparadze and Chisuma.
Two deaths were recorded at Chipinge District Hospital, one at Mahenye Clinic and the other at St Peter’s Clinic.

“I can confirm that there is a malaria outbreak in Chipinge district. The hardest-hit areas include Mahenye, Chinyamukwakwa, Maparadze and Chisuma. Four deaths were recorded so far,” he said…Chipinge Times

LAW enforcement agents are turning the heat on illegal taxis as part of efforts to combat cases of kidnapping and murder involving pirate vehicles.

The brutal murder of a 17-year-old Chivhu teenager at the hands of unknown assailants in Mvuma last week has once again opened a pandora’s box on the illegality of pirate taxis.

The deceased, John Mbano from Chivhu had boarded a Toyota SUV with two other passengers, heading to Masvingo which had four people inside.

The boy was robbed of his cash and groceries before he was dumped in a nearby bush, where police found his lifeless body later.

John’s death is adding to the body count of innocent victims who fall prey to pirate taxi bandits.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is taking a firm stance to flush out the social misfits.

“As the police, we have since launched operation sunshine three where we are targeting unregistered motor vehicles, mushikashikas, touters and any other traffic offenders.

“We started the operation on Thursday and we have arrested more than 520 vehicles. We are encouraging the travelling public to board ZUPCO busses and other recognised public transport operators,” said ZRP Harare Province Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova.

The commuting public has welcomed the move by police to flush out illegal pirate taxis.

“We want to commend the ZRP for launching such an operation because cases of people who are falling victim to illegal pirate taxis are on the increase.

“This will help bring sanity in our cities especially in Harare because as people we are being taken for a ride by these pirate taxis. Penalties for those found on the wrong side of the law should be deterrent enough to send a clear message to would-be offenders,” said members of the public who spoke to the ZBC News crew.

The blitz on pirate vehicles has so far netted more than 500 vehicles.- ZBC News

MUTARE-High Court Judge Justice Isaac Muzenda has granted ZWL$500 000 bail to jailed Zanu PF disqualified candidate for Chipinge South Robert Nyemudzo.

Justice Muzenda sitting at the High Court in Mutare granted Nyemudzo bail pending appeal.
His bail conditions are that he continues residing at his given address, report at ZRP Checheche twice a month, surrender his passport with the Clerk of Court at Chipinge Magistrate Courts and does not interfere with State witnesses.

Nyemudzo is appealing against both sentence and conviction after being found guilty of contravening the harmful liquid Act.

He was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail for brewing an illicit brew known as Chikozodo or Musombodhiya at his homestead by Chipinge Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi in April 2023.
Nyemudzo is represented by Simon Simango of Nyikadzino and Associates.

Circumstances are that on October 29, 2020, around 11 am, Police officers executing operational order ‘No to illicit alcohol products’ received information that a brew was being made at Nyemudzo’s homestead…
www.chipingetimes.co.zw

LAW enforcement agents are turning the heat on illegal taxis as part of efforts to combat cases of kidnapping and murder involving pirate vehicles.

The brutal murder of a 17-year-old Chivhu teenager at the hands of unknown assailants in Mvuma last week has once again opened a pandora’s box on the illegality of pirate taxis.

The deceased, John Mbano from Chivhu had boarded a Toyota SUV with two other passengers, heading to Masvingo which had four people inside.

The boy was robbed of his cash and groceries before he was dumped in a nearby bush, where police found his lifeless body later.

John’s death is adding to the body count of innocent victims who fall prey to pirate taxi bandits.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is taking a firm stance to flush out the social misfits.

“As the police, we have since launched operation sunshine three where we are targeting unregistered motor vehicles, mushikashikas, touters and any other traffic offenders.

“We started the operation on Thursday and we have arrested more than 520 vehicles. We are encouraging the travelling public to board ZUPCO busses and other recognised public transport operators,” said ZRP Harare Province Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova.

The commuting public has welcomed the move by police to flush out illegal pirate taxis.

“We want to commend the ZRP for launching such an operation because cases of people who are falling victim to illegal pirate taxis are on the increase.

“This will help bring sanity in our cities especially in Harare because as people we are being taken for a ride by these pirate taxis. Penalties for those found on the wrong side of the law should be deterrent enough to send a clear message to would-be offenders,” said members of the public who spoke to the ZBC News crew.

The blitz on pirate vehicles has so far netted more than 500 vehicles.- ZBC News

CHIPINGE-Four people have succumbed to malaria in Chipinge, with an average of 50 cases recorded across clinics daily, Acting District Medical Officer (DMO) Doctor Ozzimo Matekenya has confirmed.

He said the hard-hit areas include Mahenye, Chinyamukwakwa, Maparadze and Chisuma.
Two deaths were recorded at Chipinge District Hospital, one at Mahenye Clinic and the other at St Peter’s Clinic.

“I can confirm that there is a malaria outbreak in Chipinge district. The hardest-hit areas include Mahenye, Chinyamukwakwa, Maparadze and Chisuma. Four deaths were recorded so far,” he said…Chipinge Times

By Farai D Hove | ZANU PF propagandist, Rutendo Matinyarare who alleges that the Al Jazeera documentary, #GoldMafia did not expose any money laundering, has published an accusation against the same network for causing inflation.

His comment came at a time when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced their acknowledgment over criminalities exposed in the broadcast expose’ which 4 years’ worth of an investigation.

Matinyarare on the other spent resources defending the people implicated in the investigative broadcast who both confess and demonstrate their criminal activist and are caught on camera by undercover journalists.

Matinyarare said:

Matinyarare Says Zim Dollar's Been Sabotaged By the Documentary Not The Actual Gold-Looting

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) May 21, 2023

“The Zim dollar continues to fall, and the current rate is now below $2000 to the US dollar. This comes after the currency had held at $900 for over a year due to gold exports. As a result of the negative impact of the #GoldMafia documentary, all Zimbabweans have lost half of their Zim dollar/Ecocash denominated wealth in just six weeks.

“The reason behind this decline is due to the halt of Zim gold exports since Gold Mafia. These gold exports propped up the currency and brought in US dollars from Dubai when South African banks stopped giving Zimbabwe US notes due to sanctions in 2020. Unfortunately, it is the common Zimbabwean who believes in “Gold Mafia” that will suffer the consequences.”

The comments come at a time when Zimbabwe was rated the most miserable country in the world;

according to leading economist Steve Hanke’s Annual Misery Index (HAMI). Zimbabwe surpasses war-torn nations like Ukraine, Syria, and Sudan, Zimbabwe’s distressing ranking has shed light on the country’s dire situation; and Hanke squarely attributes Zimbabwe’s disheartening position to the scourge of hyperinflation. This is not the first time the nation has faced such a predicament, as it held the fifth spot on the HAMI in 2021 due to the same underlying issue; Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a staggering inflation rate of 243%, while the unemployment rate stands at an alarming 20%. Hanke’s projections paint a bleak economic picture, with a predicted Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of a mere 0.9%, sharply contrasting Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s optimistic projection of 6%.

A protest vote is looming in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s backyard in Midlands where Zanu PF grassroots are rejecting recently elected party candidates in more than 10 constituencies.

Insiders said a bhora musango/ibhola egangeni was looming in constituencies where Mnangagwa’s allies allegedly hijacked internal processes to deploy their associates to represent the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

Bhora musango was popularised during the 2008 elections where Zanu PF supporters voted for the ruling party candidates for parliamentary seats while rejecting the late president Robert Mugabe for factional reasons.

Mugabe was almost booted out of power after subsequently losing to the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the election.

He only survived through a violent campaign ahead of a presidential run-off where he ran unchallenged after Tsvangirai pulled out citing violence against his supporters.

In the latest Zanu PF internal wars, insiders said the protests in the Midlands were against Mnangagwa’s allies.

According to insiders, there is simmering discontent in the party in the way the primaries were handled where Mnangagwa’s allies held sway on who was to be elected or not.

Sources said Local Government minister July Moyo, former State Security minister Owen Ncube, politburo member Mackenzie Ncube and Tsitsi Muzenda ran rings around the Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Heritage Trust, who were running the elections.- The Standard

A protest vote is looming in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s backyard in Midlands where Zanu PF grassroots are rejecting recently elected party candidates in more than 10 constituencies.

Insiders said a bhora musango/ibhola egangeni was looming in constituencies where Mnangagwa’s allies allegedly hijacked internal processes to deploy their associates to represent the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

Bhora musango was popularised during the 2008 elections where Zanu PF supporters voted for the ruling party candidates for parliamentary seats while rejecting the late president Robert Mugabe for factional reasons.

Mugabe was almost booted out of power after subsequently losing to the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in the election.

He only survived through a violent campaign ahead of a presidential run-off where he ran unchallenged after Tsvangirai pulled out citing violence against his supporters.

In the latest Zanu PF internal wars, insiders said the protests in the Midlands were against Mnangagwa’s allies.

According to insiders, there is simmering discontent in the party in the way the primaries were handled where Mnangagwa’s allies held sway on who was to be elected or not.

Sources said Local Government minister July Moyo, former State Security minister Owen Ncube, politburo member Mackenzie Ncube and Tsitsi Muzenda ran rings around the Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Heritage Trust, who were running the elections.- The Standard

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is a wrong leader with wrong priorities.

The CCC leader was commenting on the purchase of helicopters from Russia by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.

Zimbabwe has received 18 of the 32 helicopters sourced from Russia at a cost of $320 million despite the country’s dwindling economy.

On Friday President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“Wrong leaders always have wrong priorities and wrong answers.

Bad leaders always have bad interventions and bad intentions.

When it’s rotten at the top everything else stinks and sinks!! Choose change. Choose happiness.

Choose new leaders!! #RegisterToVoteZW.”

By A Correspondent| Mzaya Ndunge, real name Leonard Gwaze, has sensationally claimed he exposed a cheating married Harare lady.

Mzaya Ndunge has claimed credit for exposing the cheating lady who was caught with a boyfriend inside a lodge in Harare.

The video clip has gone viral on social media.

|Mzaya Ndunge says he has the ability to reverse witchcraft spells among other misfortunes.

Mzaya Ndunge can be contacted on the following numbers:

0774636013

0714606720

0713364426

Kudzora
Zvabiwa
Rukawo rwekunamira
Kurapa vanorwara
Kurohwa nezvishiri
Kubvisa minyama mazai
Lucky re basa
Kutorerwa mukadzi kana murume
Vanoroiwa zvinopera

Zanu PF’s elaborate plan to deploy state security services such as the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and the military as part of its strategy to win the harmonised elections at all costs has been laid bare in internal communication.

Since the 2017 coup that toppled long time ruler Robert Mugabe, his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been increasingly involving the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and the military in Zanu PF internal politics.

According to the constitution, the intelligence services and the military are supposed to be apolitical.

Last month, the CIO running under the shadowy Friends Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) ran the ruling party’s primary elections.

FAZ, led by CIO deputy director general Walter Tapfumaneyi, had the major say in the primaries.

The group was assisted by an army-linked group Heritage Trust, to conduct the elections.

This publication has obtained a Zanu PF internal memo addressed to provincial chairpersons by political commissar Mike Bimha, dated May 19 informing them that FAZ and Heritage will play a huge role in the upcoming voter registration inspection exercise

.The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has not announced when it will open the national voters’ roll for inspection.

However, Bimha said the exercise will be done soon, raising questions about Zanu PF’s relationship with the elections management body.

According to Bimha, Zanu PF will set up national, constituency and polling centre command centres to monitor the voter inspection exercise.

These shall be manned by provincial commissars from the main wing, women’s, youth and war veteran’s league, provincial FAZ and Heritage Trust liaison officers.

“For this programme to be a success, cell chairpersons and a team comprising cell main wing provincial chairperson, cell women’s league chairwoman, cell youth league chairperson and a war veteran at each polling station should be responsible and account for each member in the cell register,” Bimha wrote.

“This team led by the cell chairperson shall physically lead their cell members to the polling station, and retain an auditable record confirming each member’s inspection status.

“It is very critical that data capture is done diligently for this programme.“Constituency experts, (FAZ) and Heritage Trust constituency coordinators will monitor and capture data at each polling station as well as submit daily reports to the command centres.”

The memo was copied to Zanu PF second secretary Kembo Mohadi, secretary general Obert Mpofu, national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri and spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa.

“Central committee members, national constitutional assembly (NCA) Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect, sitting MPS and district coordinating committee (DCC) members, constituency experts from FAZ and Heritage liason officers will assist with supervision of the programmes throughout the constituency as well as motivating and directing lower party structures to go and inspect their names,” Bimha said.

Bimha said the ruling party will use the exercise to audit and update its cell registers.

“Undertake an audit of party members registered with Zec who are eligible to vote on the election day,” he said.

“Test the capability of party structures to mobilise members to inspect the voters roll and reflect the party’s capabilities to mobilise on the election day.

“Identify gaps in mobilisation capacity and implement appropriate remedies ahead of the harmonised elections and update cell registers and recruit new members.”

He added: “Ensure that party members identify and familiarise with new boundaries and polling stations following the just-ended delimitation.”

Mnangagwa has said he will proclaim election dates before the end of the month.

-The Standard

FOUR University of Zimbabwe students have appeared in court facing charges of malicious damage to property.

The accused are Emmanuel Sitima (24), Comfort Mpofu (22), Tawanda Benjamin Watadza aged (22) and 24-year-old Lionel Madamombe.

Allegations are that between the 14th and 15th of this month, the quartet and others who are still at large spray-painted and defaced several building walls in Harare without the consent of the owners demanding the immediate release of CCC Legislator Job Sikhala who is facing charges of inciting public violence.

The co-accused allegedly spray painted the High Court, Constitutional Court, Civil Court, Methodist Trinity Church in Zimbabwe, Number Seven Central Avenue Harare, Runhare House and Karigamombe.

The witness in the matter Detective Inspector Arimoni Mirombo from CID Law and Order opposed bail claiming that if granted bail they are likely to team up with their accomplices who are still at large and commit similar offences.

Detective Inspector Mirombo also submitted that the accused persons have vowed to continue committing similar offences until Sikhala is released.

Meanwhile, Harare City Council Municipal officer Prisca Mutereko who was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday has appeared in court facing charges of extortion.

Circumstances are that early this month, Mutereko and other Municipal officers issued a ticket to Paguta Trading for failure to produce a valid council business licence with a fine of US$290 to be paid within seven working days.

The court further heard that on the 15th of this month, Mutereko went to the firm where she locked the premises after the company failed to pay the required fine.

It is alleged that Mutereko later solicited for a bribe to facilitate the re-opening of the premises.

The complainant reported the matter to ZACC, and a trap was set, leading to the accused’s arrest on the 17th of this month after receiving 60 United States dollars.

Mutereko was freed on ZWL50 000 bail. – ZBC News

CHIKOMBA-Police in the Midlands is investigating a case where a 17-year-old Chivhu boy was robbed and killed by a gang driving a silver Toyota Noah on Saturday.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter to The Mirror.
He said John Mbano (17) and two other men boarded a silver Toyota Noah at Chivhu Chicken Inn, intending to travel to Masvingo.

The vehicle allegedly had three men and a woman on board.
After driving for a while, the driver turned back towards Chivhu on a detour road and stopped at a bushy area.
The three men and a woman then demanded cash and valuables from Mbano and the two men he boarded the vehicle with.
The robbers went on to strip them and assaulted them with an iron bar and went away with US$285, ZAR100 and two cell phones.

Mbano was dumped in a bushy area two meters from the road, while the other two men were dumped a short distance from Mbano.
Mvuma Police attended the scene and found Mbano’s lifeless body with several stab wounds.
The body was taken to the Mvuma District Hospital mortuary…
www.masvingomirror.com

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is a wrong leader with wrong priorities.

The CCC leader was commenting on the purchase of helicopters from Russia by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.

Zimbabwe has received 18 of the 32 helicopters sourced from Russia at a cost of $320 million despite the country’s dwindling economy.

On Friday President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“Wrong leaders always have wrong priorities and wrong answers.

Bad leaders always have bad interventions and bad intentions.

When it’s rotten at the top everything else stinks and sinks!! Choose change. Choose happiness.

Choose new leaders!! #RegisterToVoteZW.”

National Foods, a local food product maker and marketer, lost nearly US$6 million to hackers who broke into its computer systems and gained access to credentials to transfer money from its bank accounts in one of the largest cybercrimes ever documented in the nation.
The suspects, which included two foreigners, created a complex phishing scheme that started with the senders sending an email to the finance manager of National Foods that appeared to be from a South African financial institution.

Phishing is the fraudulent act of sending emails that appear to be from trustworthy businesses in an effort to get people to give personal information, such passwords.

Upon opening the e-mail, Natfoods’ computer system was corrupted.

This gave the fraudsters access to the company’s computer system, including authorisation to process financial transactions.

The scammers then began instructing the firm’s banks to deposit money into their own bank accounts in South Africa using the finance administrator’s credentials.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case.

“I can confirm that we have that case. I will have the full details by Monday,” he said.

Sources close to the case said local banks were made to believe they were receiving genuine instructions to transfer funds from Natfoods.

The Sunday Mail has gathered that the funds were transferred into two South African banks — FNB and First Rand Bank — on numerous occasions between September and October last year.

The scandal only came to light in November following an internal financial audit that uncovered the suspicious transactions amounting to millions of dollars.

An investigation was then instituted to look at transactions between Natfoods and two local banks that dealt with the food processing company, and it was established that their computer system had been compromised.

“Local investigations established that the company’s computer system was hacked through the finance manager’s email,” said a source.

“No one noticed it until one of the banks indicated that there was an overdraft, which raised management’s eyebrows.

“A check was made into how the account got an overdraft and the bank statement proved that the money was transferred to South African banks.”

The matter was reported to the CID Commercial Crimes Department and investigations are ongoing.

According to police sources, out of the US$6 million that was spirited away by the scammers, about US$3,5 million had already been withdrawn.

Law-enforcement agents have since obtained a High Court order in SA to freeze bank accounts holding part of the loot pending investigations.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with assistance from its counterparts in South Africa, have also obtained a seizure order to freeze properties suspected to have been bought using proceeds of the crime.

The South African AFU has since seized a fleet of top-of-the-range vehicles and a plush Johannesburg mansion pending further investigations.

In addition, detectives have identified two individuals — a Congolese and Ghanaian — as the masterminds behind the offence.

They are also following leads pointing to the involvement of Zimbabwean nationals.

As investigations into the matter intensify, an investigating team led by a high-ranking official from the NPA will leave for South Africa today to conduct further inquiries into the case.

South African authorities have granted the team two weeks to conduct their investigations.

“There has been a delay in the team getting clearance from the Government, but last week, they got the Cabinet authority to travel to the neighbouring country and Treasury has since provided funds for the trip,” said the source.

“Indications are that they want to trace more properties and transactions from bank accounts that were used in South Africa.

“The team will be working with the South African police since mutual legal assistance has been granted.” Sunday Mail

GUTU-Magistrate Mitchell Panavanhu has fined a member of the President’s Office (CIO) stationed in Gutu ZWL$300 000 for biting the finger of a patron during a bar scuffle.

Tatenda Chinyemba (26) was fined for biting Tawanda Zvomusha’s finger when he appeared in court yesterday.
The incident happened on February 17, 2023, at In and Out Bar near Gutu Garage.

Circumstances are that Chinyemba met Zvomusha at the bar and quizzed him over his identity details which he revealed to him.
Chinyemba then allegedly continued pestering him over what he was doing in Gutu…Masvingo Mirror

ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to fix price hikes. He made these comments in his weekly column.

Mnangagwa said the authorities are aware that some businesses were disconnecting point-of-sale devices, discouraging sales in local currency, abusing the foreign currency auction system, and directing goods to the informal market through a covert network of agents in his weekly column for The state owned Sunday Mail.

Given the increasing inflows from record foreign currency revenues and the widespread use of the US dollar in local commerce, he said that it was impossible for the exchange rate to be unstable.

Foreign currency collections increased by more than 20% between January and March of this year compared to the same time last year, continuing the trend. Cumulative earnings are predicted to reach a record US$12 billion this year.

The committee, led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, is investigating developments that prompted businesses to increase prices of goods and services.

It is also looking into reported stockouts of basic commodities in some retail outlets.

Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda told the state media the committee was literally working around the clock to enable it to present its findings this week.

“I have instructed the committee to work 24-hour shifts, including over the weekend, because we want to get the findings soon,” she said.

“The report will be submitted to Cabinet but the investigations are still work in progress.

“They haven’t finished yet and I am hoping to get the final document soon so that we can look at it and submit it to Cabinet.”

Dr Sibanda said the committee was looking at a broad range of issues, including unjustified price hikes, unfair business practices and why some businesses are refusing to transact in the local currency.

“There is really a lot of work to be done,” she added.

“The committee also includes people from the National Competitiveness Commission, Competitions and Tariffs Commission and the Ministry of Industry, so that we look at things from a broader point of view.

Tinashe Sambiri

Cotton farmers have reclaimed cotton they supplied to broke government run COTTCO citing lack of sincerity.

Irate cotton farmers say the Zanu PF regime is failing to address their concerns.

In a statement on Thursday, CCC accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of hoodwinking farmers…

Cotton farmers in Gokwe have reportedly reclaimed their cotton from Cottco due to longstanding payment delays and low cotton prices offered by the government.

In addressing these concerns, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change government promises to create a more favorable market for farmers and ensure that they receive fair and competitive prices for their produce in time. #VoteCCC

CHIKOMBA-Police in the Midlands is investigating a case where a 17-year-old Chivhu boy was robbed and killed by a gang driving a silver Toyota Noah on Saturday.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter to The Mirror.
He said John Mbano (17) and two other men boarded a silver Toyota Noah at Chivhu Chicken Inn, intending to travel to Masvingo.

The vehicle allegedly had three men and a woman on board.
After driving for a while, the driver turned back towards Chivhu on a detour road and stopped at a bushy area.
The three men and a woman then demanded cash and valuables from Mbano and the two men he boarded the vehicle with.
The robbers went on to strip them and assaulted them with an iron bar and went away with US$285, ZAR100 and two cell phones.

Mbano was dumped in a bushy area two meters from the road, while the other two men were dumped a short distance from Mbano.
Mvuma Police attended the scene and found Mbano’s lifeless body with several stab wounds.
The body was taken to the Mvuma District Hospital mortuary…
www.masvingomirror.com

GUTU-Magistrate Mitchell Panavanhu has fined a member of the President’s Office (CIO) stationed in Gutu ZWL$300 000 for biting the finger of a patron during a bar scuffle.

Tatenda Chinyemba (26) was fined for biting Tawanda Zvomusha’s finger when he appeared in court yesterday.
The incident happened on February 17, 2023, at In and Out Bar near Gutu Garage.

Circumstances are that Chinyemba met Zvomusha at the bar and quizzed him over his identity details which he revealed to him.
Chinyemba then allegedly continued pestering him over what he was doing in Gutu…Masvingo Mirror