By BBC-The parliament of Uganda has passed a new bill that will see gays being imprisoned for life.

 It also includes the death penalty in some instances. 

A rights activist told the BBC the debate around the bill had led to fear of more attacks on gay people.

“There is a lot of blackmail. People are receiving calls that ‘if you don’t give me money, I will report that you are gay,'” they said.

The bill is one of the toughest pieces of anti-gay legislation in Africa. 

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda but this bill introduces many new criminal offences.

As well as making merely identifying as gay illegal for the first time, friends, family and members of the community would have a duty to report individuals in same-sex relationships to the authorities.

It was passed with widespread support in Uganda’s parliament on Tuesday evening. 

Amnesty International has called the bill, which criminalises same-sex between consenting adults “appalling”, “ambiguous” and “vaguely worded”.

“This deeply repressive legislation will institutionalise discrimination, hatred, and prejudice against LGBTI people – including those who are perceived to be LGBTI – and block the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s director for East and Southern Africa. 

It has also been condemned by both US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the UK’s Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell.

In the weeks before the debate, anti-homosexual sentiment was prominent in the media, an activist who wanted to remain anonymous told the BBC. 

“Members of the queer community have been blackmailed, extorted for money or even lured into traps for mob attacks,” the activist said. 

“In some areas even law enforcers are using the current environment to extort money from people who they accuse of being gay. Even some families are reporting their own children to the police.”

The bill will now go to President Yoweri Museveni who can choose to use his veto – and maintain good relations with Western donors and investors – or sign it into law. 

He has made several anti-gay comments in recent weeks, and also criticised Western countries for putting pressure on Uganda over the issue.

Another gay rights activist accused the government of using the bill to distract the public from its failures to address some of their pressing economic concerns.

“They are trying to drum up anti-gay rhetoric to divert attention from really what is important to Ugandans in general. There is no reason why you should have a bill that criminalises individuals that are having consensual same-sex adult relationships,” Clare Byarugaba, LGBTQ+ Rights Activist, Chapter Four Uganda told the BBC. 

The bill’s backers say they are trying to protect children but Ms Byarugaba said: “Whether you’re heterosexual or homosexual, the government and parliament should introduce laws, or at least implement existing laws that protect all children – boys, girls from defilement. So the issue of recruitment has been unproven, it is baseless, it is biased.””

The final version has yet to be officially published but elements discussed in parliament include: 

• A person who is convicted of grooming or trafficking children for purposes of engaging them in homosexual activities faces life in prison
• Individuals or institutions which support or fund LGBT rights’ activities or organisations, or publish, broadcast and distribute pro-gay media material and literature, also face prosecution and imprisonment
• Media groups, journalists and publishers face prosecution and imprisonment for publishing, broadcasting, distribution of any content that advocates for gay rights or “promotes homosexuality”
• Death penalty for what is described as “aggravated homosexuality”, that is sexual abuse of a child, a person with disability or vulnerable people, or in cases where a victim of homosexual assault is infected with a life-long illness
• Property owners also face risk of being jailed if their premises are used as a “brothel” for homosexual acts or any other sexual minorities rights’ activities

A small group of Ugandan MPs on a committee scrutinising the bill disagreed with its premise. They argue the offences it seeks to criminalise are already covered in the country’s Penal Code Act.

In 2014, Uganda’s constitutional court nullified another act which had toughened laws against the LGBT community.

It included making it illegal to promote and fund LGBT groups and activities, as well as reiterating that homosexual acts should be punished by life imprisonment, and was widely condemned by Western countries.

The court ruled that the legislation be revoked because it had been passed by parliament without the required quorum. 

Same-sex relations are banned in about 30 African countries, where many people uphold conservative religious and social values.

By- Dozens of Bulawayo’s Mahatshula residential area residents and passing motorists feasted on free cooking oil after a trailer carrying the commodity disengaged from a truck and fell by the roadside.

The incident happened Monday along the Bulawayo Harare road.

The truck was coming from South Africa en route to Zambia when the incident occurred late in the afternoon.
When a Chronicle arrived at the scene the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, police and the Environmental Management Agency were already on site. The emergency services struggled to ward off the people who were pushing and shoving to collect the liquid.
The Fire Brigade resorted to spraying the crowds with water in a bid to control them to no avail as people were determined to get free cooking oil.
The driver of the truck who declined to be identified said he was carrying 33 tonnes of the edible oil when the smaller 8-tonne trailer disengaged. He could not tell how much litres were in the trailer which fell some metres off the busy highway.
“I cannot say much because I don’t want to be in the media, but I just felt a strong push and the trailer was swinging from different directions. The trailer then disengaged and overturned by its side. I am not hurt and the rest of the truck is okay. I could not do anything to stop people from looting,” he said.
A resident, Mr Godknows Matumbu said he was drinking beer at a nearby bottle store when he received the news and rushed to the scene.
“I don’t know what exactly transpired as I was relaxing with friends at a bottle store. I received a call from a friend telling me to rush with containers to collect cooking oil. We filled 40 litres but it was not easy due to the disorder. Cooking oil is very expensive so this will push us,” he said as he hurried back home carrying a 20-litre container.
Another man from the suburb who refused to reveal his identity said he drove to the scene after getting the “good” news.
He said he initially hesitated thinking the truck was carrying petrol, but when he got assurance that it was cooking oil he joined the crowd.

“We don’t know what happened for the trailer to be on its side but as you can see we have the cooking oil. We brought a number of containers and we have filled almost all of them. For now, I cannot say what we will do with them. What is important is that we have cooking oil. They poured water on us and we retreated for a little while and returned,” he said.
Another resident Mr Njabuliso Maphosa said he was driving to the city centre to collect water when he saw people collecting the cooking oil.
“I stopped my car and asked what people were collecting and when they said cooking oil I put on hold the water mission and joined the crowd. I managed to fill a 20-liter container which I will take home. But I made sure that it was not petrol because with the explosions associated with petrol when such incidents happen, this would have been a disaster,” he said
Ms Mercy Dube said she was relaxing at home when she was called by her neighbours and also rushed with containers. She said she will send some of her loot to her family in her rural home.
“We ran here with our containers after being told of what had happened. We are very happy for the oil and the fact that no one was injured. But the pushing and shoving is what I fear may cause injuries because the ground is now slippery due to the spill.
At least we will save by not buying oil now and we also share my relatives back home,” she said.
Miss Marvellous Gwenzi said it was tough for women as men used their muscle to push them aside. EMA Provincial Environmental Quality Officer Mr Fredrick Maponga said they are investigating the incident.
Mr Maponga warned members of the public to desist from collecting liquids from trucks that would have been involved in incidents as that poses danger to them. Chronicle

By- Zanu PF has announced the new dates for its aborted primary elections.

The internal polls were postponed last week because of chaos in the planning system and will now be held this Saturday.

In an update, the party’s political commissar, Mike Bimha said his boss, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, had slated the primary elections for 25 March 2023. He said:

The Politburo finalized the list of candidates. His Excellency directed that the primary elections will be held on Saturday 25 March from 7.00 to 4 pm.

The thrust was to make sure that everyone meeting the criteria was not blocked. The PB met on Monday to go through the CVs. A decision was made to allow members from the CCC and MdC as returnees to contest if they wanted to for any seats that they so desired. 

Those from CCC were, however, denied to contest at the senatorial level. 

Bimha said the results of the primary elections will be announced next week.

He also said the provinces, led by the Politburo, are holding meetings to announce the members who qualified to contest in the election. 

Those who would have won in the primary elections will represent ZANU PF in the national harmonised elections scheduled for July this year.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF hooligans clad in party regalia are causing mayhem in Kuwadzana, disrupting the voter registration exercise during the melee.

According to CCC’s MP for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, the Zanu PF goons are intimidating residents, forcing them to produce voter registration slips.

“There is a worrisome trend we are observing in Kuwadzana. Zanu PF goons wearing party regalia are intimidating residents.

At Kuwadzana 7 Primary School the hooligans tormented residents at will and nobody stopped them. This is a clear violation of key electoral processes.

We are therefore raising the alarm, hoping responsible authorities will take appropriate action. This has been happening from Sunday March 19 to today and we are deeply concerned about such uncouth behaviour,” said Hon Matambo.

By A Correspondent- A daring Chiweshe thief broke into his girlfriend’s landlord’s house and stole cellphones and money after failing to locate his girlfriend.

Takunda Banda (20) of Mupandenyama village, Chiweshe was dragged to Concession magistrates courts yesterday for unlawful entry.

He pleaded guilty before magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware who slapped him with an 18-month effective jail term.

In his plea of guilty he told the magistrate that he stole the property because his girlfriend was not on the premise

“Your worship l had come for a quality time with my girlfriend so when l failed to locate her l then thought of stealing the property,” he said.

Prosecutor Ms Precious Khanye told the court that March 16 Banda went to Anold Tauya’s place of residence where his girlfriend also resides.

He searched for his girlfriend and failed to locate her before breaking into Tauya’s house.

He then stole two mobile phones and US$260 and went away.

A police report was filed leading to the arrest of Banda.

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has criticised the government for unilaterally increasing workers’ salaries by 100%. In a statement, PTUZ president, Dr Takavafira Zhou said the government communicated the increase amid negotiations. He said: 

That the government team of negotiators in the NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council)  failed to turn up for a pencilled meeting on 20 March is unfortunate in a country 43 years after attaining independence. Needless to mention that it was the government team of negotiators that had postponed the meeting from 17th of March. As if that was not enough a government document dated 15 March, from Sec for Finance & Economic Development (G. Guvamatanga) to the chairman of the Public Service Commission (Dr V. Hungwe) seems to communicate the government’s official position on salary increments. What is worrisome is that authentic communication is made before the conclusion of negotiations, an indicator of unfair labour practice on the part of the government.

The government’s ultimate unilateral offer comprises:

1. A 100% remuneration review of ZWL emoluments from the Deputy Director and below for all sectors.
2. An increase of cushion and covid allowance from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors excluding the health sector
3. A US$80 teaching allowance to every teacher (indexed to interbank rate)
4. An increase in cushion and covid allowance for govt pensioners from US$90 to US$100.
5. Free Primary Education up to a maximum of 3 children at govt schools
6. Gvt funded funeral insurance framework

Some context:

Figures circulated in the communique are a product of figures discussed in the second meeting with workers’ representatives.

The government had initially offered a 50% ZWL salary review and an increase of cushion and COVID-19 allowances from US$200 to US$220.

Teachers and the rest of the civil service are demanding US$540 which they were being paid until October 2018.

The security sector salary review and cushion allowances are with effect from 1 February and 1 March 2023, respectively and are already being paid.

On the contrary, teachers and the rest of the civil servants’ salary review, cushion and COVID-19 allowances are postdated to 1 April 2023.

Zhou described this as “naked discrimination” and “a monument of Zimbabwean labour injustice.” He added:

We don’t need to have access to guns in order to be treated in the same manner as our brothers and sisters in the security sector. We don’t begrudge their salaries but outright discrimination as professionals in the total flouting of our national constitution.

As Ptuz we want, therefore, to reiterate that it would be naive to blame negotiators for government unilateralism and discrimination against teachers and the rest of the civil servants. The blame must be laid squarely on the government’s desire to generate industrial disharmony that militates against productivity in the workplace. Above all, govt is undermining trade unions in Zimbabwe in a dangerous attempt to capture workers by false paternalistic antics.

2018 to date:

Zimbabwe has experienced significant economic challenges in recent years, including high inflation rates and currency devaluation.

These challenges have led to widespread wage cuts and layoffs in many sectors, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.

In 2018, the government of Zimbabwe announced a salary increase for civil servants, which was seen as a positive development by many workers. However, the impact of this increase was limited by inflation and the devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar, which has continued to depreciate against major currencies.

Over the years, healthcare workers, teachers, and civil servants have embarked on industrial action demanding better pay and working conditions.

The strikes were met with a heavy-handed response from the government. 

The Government has approved a 100% salary increment for civil servants including the members of the security sector.

According to a letter dated 16 March 2023, addressed to the chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) by Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga, COVID-19 allowances for civil servants have also been increased from US$200 to $250 across sectors excluding the health sector. Part of the letter reads:

RE: 2023 REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE CIVIL COMMISSIONS, PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE, GRANT GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS

Reference is made to Treasury minutes A/26/1/8/1 dated 7 March 2023 and 13 March 2023 on the above subject matter.

The purpose of this minute is to provide guidance on the framework for the 2023 compensation review, together with strategies for addressing wage inequalities brought about by prior sector-specific policy decisions.

The approved framework for remuneration reviews takes into account the requirement to continuously enhance the general welfare of public employees while attempting to stay within the budget and respecting the general rule of maintaining wage bills at sustainable levels so as not to compete with other expenditures.

The approved review is as follows and is in accordance with earlier discussions and agreement with the Principals:

• 100% remuneration review to gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director and below for all sectors
• Reviewing Cushioning and Covid Allowances from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors, excluding health sector
• Reviewing Cushioning and Covid Allowance for Government Pensioners from US$90 to US$100
• Payment of US$80 teaching allowance to every teacher per month. This is an improvement to the school fees policy which discriminated against those teachers with no biological children
• Free Primary school education up to a maximum of 3 children at government schools within the radius and
• Introducing a government-funded funeral insurance framework

The approved review of 100% remuneration to gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director and below for all sectors, takes effect on February 1st, 2023 for the Security Sector and April 1st, 2023 for the Rest of the Civil Service.

Furthermore, the increase in Cushioning and Covid Allowances from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors, with the exception of the health sector, takes effect on March 1, 2023 for the Security Sector and April 1, 2023 for the Rest of the Civil Service, taking into account March 2023 developments in the security sector.

In accordance with the approval of 100% remuneration review to gross ZWLS emoluments from Deputy Director and below, the salary key scale for the lowest paid worker for the security sector is therefore expected to be 100% of the gross ZWLS emoluments as per the attached schedule annexure 1 for selected grades as of 1 February 2023.

In that regard, the Salary key scale and wage bill should reflect the approved review as illustrated in the attached example for the positions of the lowest paid to Deputy Director equivalent levels across all sectors including Security Sector.

Given that the effective date is February 2023, it is critical to note that the March bills for the security sector included the February back pay for the gross ZWL emoluments from Deputy Director equivalent grades and below.

Furthermore, to avoid similar occurrences in the future, the Salary Service Bureau should implement salary reviews after the requisite salary key scales have been validated by Treasury.

Accordingly, Treasury awaits submission of the salary key scales for respective sectors for approval.

By A Correspondent- Police in Chivhu, Midlands Province are requesting members of the public to help identify the body of an unknown armed robber who was shot dead as he tried breaking into a house in the area.

The man, who could not be identified, was shot dead by the owner of the house which they tried to raid whilst his accomplices fled.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist in the identification of a male adult who died in a shooting incident which occurred at a certain house in Chivhu on 18 March 2023,” wrote police on their official Twitter page.

“The victim was shot after breaking into the complainant’s house and was accompanied by his accomplice who escaped. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station,” further wrote police.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa has ruled out any prospects of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with Zanu-PF led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, before or after general elections expected between July and August.

Addressing his supporters at the party’s offices in Chinhoyi Monday, Chamisa urged the electorate to vote in numbers in order to ensure CCC gains total control of urban and rural councils, Parliament and Senate.

“We learnt our lesson, there won’t be any GNU before or after elections. Let us win resoundingly in local authorities where we will restore Executive Mayors, let’s have parliamentary majority in the coming elections.

“As a new political party, we performed exceptionally well in recent by-elections clinching 89 out of 132 wards which were being contested while for MPs we managed to win 19 out of 28 up for grabs. That was an indicator we can win all the way up to president,” said Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- Some Plumtree residents were stung by bees on 20 March at Dingumuzi shopping centre resulting in some sustaining serious injuries.

Authorities in the town have dismissed social media reports that someone died as the bees rampaged through the shopping centre.

A woman is admitted to Plumtree Hospital while over 15 people were treated and discharged on the same day, according to the Chronicle.

It is alleged that the swarm of bees emerged at one of the shops’ roof trusses.

Plumtree District Hospital acting medical officer Dr Joe Nganunu told the Chronicle that they treated 17 people on Monday. Nganunu added: 

Of the 17, one person who is an elderly person is still admitted while the rest were treated and discharged the same day. We therefore denounce rumours circulating on social media which reports that two people stung by the bees have succumbed to injuries. It’s entirely false.

Plumtree Town Council acting secretary Mr Thembalami Nyoni said they suspect the bees were spooked and started attacking. Nyoni added:

The fire brigade team attended to the scene and doused a lady with water to clear the area and they also used smoke. The fire brigade team and rescue members from the community were also stung.

Remedies that can help alleviate the pain and swelling:

i). Remove the stinger: Use a flat object, such as a credit card, to scrape the stinger out of your skin. Do not use tweezers or pinch the stinger, as this may squeeze more venom into your skin.

ii). Wash the area: Use soap and water to clean the area around the sting.

iii). Apply ice: Applying ice to the sting can help reduce swelling and numb the area to relieve pain. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth before applying it to your skin.

iv). Use a topical cream: Over-the-counter creams such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste can help relieve itching and swelling.

v). Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

vi). If you experience an allergic reaction or have difficulty breathing after a bee sting, seek medical attention immediately.

Here are some ways to avoid getting stung by bees:

a). Wear light-coloured clothes.

b). Avoid using scented products.

c). Stay calm and still if a bee is near you.

d). Keep away from beehives or nests.

e). Use insect repellent if needed.

f). Cover your food and drinks when outside.

When a bee stings you, it can cause pain, swelling, and itching at the site of the sting. Some people may have an allergic reaction which can cause more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. In rare cases, bee stings can cause systemic effects like fever or nausea. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 220 000 people die every year from bee stings, mostly due to allergic reactions.

By-A six-year-old boy from Temperly Farm, Lionsden in Chinhoyi, went missing on 28 February and has not been seen since that day.

Police said the boy, Beverly Chifausipo, was last seen around midday on his way from school at Chifundi Farm, Chinhoyi. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)said:

The ZRP is appealing for information that may assist to locate a six-year-old male juvenile, Beverly Chifausipo of Temperly Farm, Lionsden Chinhoyi.

The missing person was last seen on 28/02/23 at around 1200 hours on his way from school at Chifundi Farm, Chinhoyi.

Anyone with information to contact ZRP Murereka on 0773461102 or national complaints desk 0242 703631 or report at any nearest police station.

Some members of the public have asked why a six-year-old would go home from school unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.

By- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced requirements for registered voters to vote in the upcoming general elections.
In a statement, ZEC acting chief elections officer Jane Chigidji said voters should produce national identity cards when going to vote or a Zimbabwean passport as well as proof of residence. She added:
Please note that the category of persons whose national IDs are inscribed “ALIEN” eligible to register should have long Birth Certificates that indicate that they were born in or outside Zimbabwe but one of their parents are citizens of Zimbabwe or they were born in Zimbabwe and one or both of their parents are citizens of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country and that they were ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe on the day of the publication of the Constitution on 22 May 2013.
ZEC is currently carrying out the final nationwide mobile biometric voter registration exercise ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The exercise was initially scheduled to end on 21 March but was extended by five days to 26 March.

By- President of the Zimbabwe Chief’s Council Chief Fortune Charumbira had laboured to withdraw his Sunday utterances when he said that CCC leader Nelson Chamisa and President Emmerson Mnangagwa must form a Government of National Unity (GNU).

Speaking to The Herald, Charumbira said contrary to reports on social media that he pleaded with Chamisa and Mnangagwa to consider foregoing this year’s elections in favour of a GNU, he called for unity among all Zimbabweans irrespective of political differences. He said:

Of course, it is utter rubbish that I appealed to (Mr) Chamisa to join President Mnangagwa in a GNU for whatever reason including to avoid elections due this year.

Of course, nothing can be further from the truth because the unity I was talking about was the unity of all Zimbabweans to pull and push in the same direction irrespective of political differences and who is in power.

I was not talking about the unity of political parties that they must join to form a Government, no!

It was unity to cast aside political differences and come up with a single agenda to develop Zimbabwe in peace and harmony without necessarily collapsing different political parties.

I said we must unite and contest elections in harmony and peace and this was predicated on (Mr) Chamisa who earlier on in his speech had said President Mnangagwa is his brother.

I told (Mr) Chamisa that since he openly conceded on his own during his own speech before I spoke that President Mnangagwa is his brother, why then doesn’t he visit him at State House?

Pay a courtesy call on him as the President and big brother and drink tea together to nourish harmony, peace and oneness in our country. I never talked about GNU as purported.

Charumbira was alleged to have made the “GNU” remarks at Mbetu Village in Charumbira communal lands on Sunday where he was part of the mourners at the burial of Mbuya Mafume, who is mother to Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume (CCC).

Chief Charumbira is related to the Mafumes through a family marriage.

He attended the funeral as a relative and also in his capacity as a traditional leader of the area.

Chamisa and other CCC leaders, including MPs and councillors and party members, attended the funeral.

Charumbira also rubbished claims that he was pushing for a Karanga hegemony in Zimbabwe when he said Chamisa should not challenge his “homeboy”, Mnangagwa. He said:

In the run-up to the 2018 harmonised elections, I approached (Mr) Chamisa and asked him why he was challenging his homeboy (President Mnangagwa) in an election instead of respecting him as the elder brother and let him run his race.

I was saying this as a person who is familiar with both of them by virtue of my position as chief and on Sunday again I was merely repeating the same message I first have him in 2018.

I never said we should forego this year’s elections for a GNU why would I say that when processes are already underway to hold polls as constitutionally mandated?

I was only highlighting that election outcomes should not be the basis of not working in unison to grow our country as one people with a shared past and a common future.

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has ruled out the consummation of another GNU following the 2009 catastrophe.

President Chamisa made the remarks during an interface meeting in Chinhoyi on Monday.

Speaking to thousands of Change Champions at the party offices in the same town, President Chamisa said:

“We have learnt our lessons, there won’t be any GNU before or after elections.

Let us win resoundingly in local authorities where we will restore Executive Mayors, let’s have parliamentary majority in the coming elections.

As a new formation, we performed exceptionally well in recent by-elections clinching 89 out of 132 wards which were being contested while for MPs we managed to win 19 out of 28 up for grabs. That was an indicator we can win all the way up to president.”

By A Correspondent- A Hopley woman threw herself out of a moving mushikashika vehicle leaving her husband being attacked by three armed robbers on Thursday.

Milca Tondori managed to open the door and escaped unhurt when her husband, Rodrick Kembo, was being robbed at knifepoint.

Rodrick was assaulted and dumped at Stracken Cemetery in Mbare National.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case and urged people to avoid boarding private vehicles.

“Police are investigating a case involving a couple which were attacked by three armed robbers near Rothmans,” said Insp Chakanza.

“On March 16 at around 11pm, the complainant and his wife boarded a Toyota Spacio at Simon Mazorodze Total Service Station intending to go to Hopley Farm where they reside.

“While inside the vehicle, two other men also boarded the vehicle posing as passengers. One was seated in the front seat and the other occupied the rear seat.

They drove along Simon Mazorodze Road and when approaching the Rothmans traffic lights, the driver turned left towards Trade Centre Ardbennie. “One of the accused in the front seat produced a knife and the second accused instructed the complainant to surrender all his belongings.

During the time of the scuffle the complainant’s wife managed to open the door and threw herself out of the moving vehicle.

“The complainant was stabbed on both hands and sustained minor injuries. The accused forcibly took an H-mobile cellphone and US$20 from the complainant and dumped him at Stracken Cemetery.”

By- The opposition CCC President and Change Champion in Chief Nelson Chamisa has mocked MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora for challenging the delimitation report in court, saying his erstwhile colleague has “no supporters”.
The MDC-T has failed to win a single parliamentary or council seat in elections that were held after Mwonzora became the party’s president.
On 14 March 2023, Mwonzora filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking the nullification of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) delimitation report.
He argued that the delimitation report does not meet the requirements of section 161 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
But addressing a campaign rally in Gutu, Masvingo on Saturday, 19 March, Chamisa said CCC will win in the upcoming general elections in spite of the “flawed” delimitation report. He said:
This is the year for citizens’ victory for change. I heard some people with no supporters have challenged the delimitation report in the courts, but we are not worried about the boundaries created.
Our party is everywhere, even if they move people, the people will vote in those new areas. We are ready to win, this time I will score without looking at the goal.
Witwatersrand University-based political analyst Romeo Chasara warned opposition parties against allowing ZEC to use the “discredited” voters’ roll in the upcoming elections. Said Chasara:
The Constitution is supreme and sacred. In this case, I think Mwonzora is right to test the legality of the whole delimitation exercise.
Opposition parties cannot cherry-pick battles to fight when the Constitution is under attack.
It is wrong if the CCC is not challenging the delimitation report because they think it does not affect their prospects of winning elections when there are reasonable grounds that the process is flawed and the Constitution has been violated.

By A Correspondent- A 56 year old security guard allegedly shot himself with his service rifle in Checheche after discovering that his wife was having extra-marital affairs.

Johane Chiweshe from Dambamuromo Village in Chipinge South committed suicide recently after making several suicide attempts before.

ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, confirmed the incident which happened in Checheche on 07 March 2023. He said:

The now-late Johane Chiweshe who was employed as a security guard was on duty when the incident happened. He was armed with a 303 riffle.

His workmate, Munyaradzi Gorivoto heard a gunshot around midnight and called out Chiweshe who did not respond. He alerted their superior, Enock Musasike, and he rushed to the scene.

The two searched around the company premises and discovered that Chiweshe was already dead. His body was found lying facing upwards with blood oozing from his head.

A report was made to the police who attended the scene and observed a gunshot wound on Chiweshe’s head.

The 303 riffle was also discovered near Chiweshe’s hand with a magazine containing seven rounds.

An empty cartridge was also discovered at the scene and the body was conveyed to St Peter’s Mission Hospital mortuary.

Inquiries done indicate that Chiweshe had attempted suicide many times before.

Chiweshe’s neighbour who spoke to The Manica Post claimed that the now-deceased had accused his wife of infidelity several times. Said the neighbour:

Chiweshe accused his wife of infidelity several times. Their relationship was an on-and-off affair. His church members would intervene whenever the couple had a misunderstanding and they would reconcile.

However, Chiweshe always told church members that his wife had not reformed from her old habits and because of this, he would end his life. He made several suicide attempts before.

We don’t know why his employers gave him a gun at work as he had suicidal tendencies.

Chiweshe was buried in Dambamuromo Village on 11 March.

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man (34) allegedly killed his landlord for evicting him from his house.

Admire Mnkandla went on the run after his landlord, Mgcini Sibanda (44), was found dead on a toilet seat.

On 18 March, Sibanda had allegedly asked Mnkandla why he was still at his house in Nkulumane when he had evicted him in January 2023 and Sibanda beat him up.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police are hunting Mnkandla.

“On 18 march 2023 at around 11 PM, the now deceased Mgcini Sibanda a male adult aged 44 years had a misunderstanding with the accused person over an issue why he was still staying in his house while he had given him notice in January 2023.

“The accused person assaulted Mgcini Sibanda with an unknown object and he sustained injuries but did not report the matter to the police neither did he seek medical help. The accused person ran away soon after committing the offence.

The deceased was found the following day by a neighbour dead whilst sitting on the toilet seat. A police report was then made.

He had two cuts on the forehead consistent to have been caused by a sharp object, bruises on both knees and blood stains on the left arm,” said Insp Ncube.

He warned members of the public are warned against violence.

“At least choose better ways of resolving disputes and not take the law into your own hands. It may start as a mere assault which then turns into murder,” said the police spokesperson.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Rusape taxi driver is lucky to be alive after he was robbed, stripped naked, and dumped by gun-wielding robbers recently.

The taxi driver, Julius Jusa and his friend, Rasheed Chikwenya, were robbed of two cellphones, US$150 and the vehicle.

The duo was dumped in the bush at around midnight and had to seek help while naked.

ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the incident to The Manica Post but he did not reveal when the robbery occurred. Said Insp Muzondo:

The incident happened near St Joseph’s Primary School Turn-off, along the Rusape-Hwedza Road.

On the day in question, Mr Jusa, who was at OK Parking Area in Rusape, was approached by the three accused persons who asked him to transport them to St Joseph’s Primary School Turn-off.

Mr Jusa asked Mr Chikwenya to accompany him. One of the suspects sat at the passenger’s seat, while the two and Mr Chikwenya sat at the back.

One of the suspects told the driver to turn left towards St Joseph’s High School, but he refused.

Sensing danger, the driver refused to stop the vehicle. The suspect who was on the passenger’s seat produced a pistol and fired a warning shot.

He threatened to shoot Mr Jusa if he failed to comply with their orders.

He ordered Mr Jusa, who was now in panic mode, to sit at the back while he took over the driving. He drove towards Hwedza Road.

He ordered the two complainants to surrender their cellphones and threw the SIM cards outside.

They reached Zindoga Turn-off and turned right. They drove for over two kilometres on a dirty road.

The accused then stripped the complainants naked and took away their wallets with a combined US$158.

They threw the clothes away and dumped the two in a bush. The duo later walked naked before they met a Good Samaritan who reported the matter to the police.

By A Correspondent- Residents in Bulawayo have been hit by a serious water crisis with most suburbs going for weeks without running water amid fears of a disease outbreak.

The city is enduring a prolonged water-shedding exercise as the Bulawayo City council (BCC) struggles to pump water due to alleged power outages.

In a statement, the local authority said due to the power outages at Ncema and Fernhill pump stations, the city is only receiving eight to ten hours of pumping water per day instead of the normal 24 hours of pumping.

This has resulted in minimal volumes of water being pumped, which is not enough to meet the water demand.

Residents said the failure of the local authority to supply water has forced them to get it from unsafe sources.

A Chronicle crew on 19 March visited selected suburbs in the western areas and observed people who were getting water from unclean sources.

In Pelandaba West some women were fetching water from swampy areas which they said will be used for washing, cleaning, and other household chores as the cleaner water is kept for drinking and cooking.

An elderly woman who only identified herself as Mamoyo said she had no option other than to get the water from the swampy areas as the water woes were getting worser as days went by.

“It has been three weeks now without water from my taps. Others say it came last week for a few hours but because l was at work l did not get a chance to refill my buckets which is why l am here today. The clean water that l have at home l have to keep it for drinking and cooking because should l waste it on washing l shall end up stranded,” she said.

The news crew observed a group of children who were squatting at a nearby bush relieving themselves since there is no water, oblivious to the fact that they are breeding diseases as the waste will attract flies.

Mr Mike Maphosa from Iminyela suburb said he gets water from White City stadium as there is a tap open for residents there.

Mr Maphosa said the ongoing water shedding programme was breeding diseases, especially for residents at Iminyela who share toilets.

“To make matters worse the water bills that come every month are very high, especially when one thinks of how there is always no water from our taps. That is why some people are not paying bills because they are tired of paying bills for no solid reason,” said Mr Maphosa.

In Mpopoma Ms Gugulethu Gundu said she is now used to not having water and becomes worried when her children tell her there is running water.

She said because the water is always not there l have advised my children to not drink it because water pipes that are always dry have deadly water so l now buy water from the city centre.

“It’s like l am now paying double water bills because l need to buy drinking water and still pay my water bills which always come with terrifying bills,” said Ms Gundu.

Some business people are however rejoicing as business is booming for them since people are now resorting to buying water buckets and distilled water.

In Thorngrove suburb the crew met Mr Isheanopa Sithole who was selling water containers and he told the crew ever since water woes started business has been good because people have no choice but to buy the buckets.

He said he had to increase the price of a bucket recently due to high demand.

Bulawayo City Council’s corporate communications manager, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu told our Sister paper the Sunday News last week that: “It’s still too early to say if shedding is going to be implemented up until the end of the year as the rainy season hasn’t lapsed.

“The city is officially on the 72-hour shedding period. However, it is overridden by daily restoration strategies due to load shedding at our plants at Umzingwane, Inyankuni, Ncema and Fernhill that affects our Reservoir levels resulting in reduced storage volumes.

However, the city is banking on an unlikely heavy downpour to avert disaster.

By A Correspondent- Mazowe North Member of Parliament Campion “Missing MP” Mugweni has come under fire from Mvurwi residents and vendors who accuse him of giving fake promises after he promised to deliver cabbages at a funeral but failed to meet his promise.

Mugweni was humiliated by vendors last week after he promised them loans which they never got.

The residents told Mugweni during a meeting that last year he duped mourners by promising to donate 10 cabbages which he never brought.

“We no longer trust you MP, last year promised mourners 10 cabbages at a funeral in Rusunguko and people clapped hands, but you never brought your pledge. So, how can we trust you again with our votes,” fumed one resident.

In his response, Mugweni said the cabbages took a long time to come and when they finally arrived, people were already eating.

“Forgive me, l was overwhelmed but l remembers when those cabbages came people were already eating,” he said.

Vendors who spoke to this publication said Mugweni promised them loans which he said would be available by Thursday but to date no one received anything.

“Mugweni cannot be trusted, last week he promised to give us loans, he was hoping that primary elections will be held last Saturday but to date, we got nothing,” lamented the vendors.

Mugweni went missing from the constituency soon after winning the 2018 general elections, only to resurface now seeking re-election. Due to his unavailability in his constituency, people from his constituency nicknamed him “The Missing MP.”

By-Zanu PF has barred its Harare Provincial Commissar Kudakwashe Damson from participating in the upcoming primary elections for assaulting Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) officials.

Damson attacked the ZEC officials on duty conducting voter education in Epworth, accusing them of wearing yellow T-shirts.

Damson is facing charges of contravening the Electoral Act by obstructing ZEC proceedings. He was remanded to 5 April on a $50 000 bail.
This was said by ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa while addressing the media at a post-extraordinary Politburo session in Harare on Monday, 20 March. Said Mutsvangwa:
We await the justice system to guide us in decision-making. Cde Damson, the PC for Harare province was disqualified.
We hope he will accept the decision. He still has a future in the party and is a hard worker.
The President stresses that the party is bigger than individuals.
This also goes to show that there is zero tolerance for violence There is zero tolerance against corruption and violence.
He also said the Politburo approved at least 99.9 percent of CVs of aspiring primary elections candidates.
Mutsvangwa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the ZANU PF First Secretary, will soon announce the dates of the primaries.

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has mourned the passing on of Alderman Ephraim Ncube who died on Wednesday last week after a short illness.

In a statement yesterday, mayor Solomoin Mguni said:

“Alderman Ncube served as councillor for ward 17 from 2008 to 2018 ( Pumula North, Hyde Park Villages and Hyde Park) having been sworn in on April 2, 2008 and re-elected and sworn in on September 16,  2013 for the 2013 to 2018 council.

“During his term of office he served in the following council committees, finance and development (2008-18), town lands and planning (2008-18), environmental management and engineering services (2008–13) and deputy chairperson for the allocation of stands and premises for development (2008–13).”

Mguni said Ncube represented the City of Bulawayo as an alternate member in various outside bodies and committees which included the Zesa Western Area Advisory (2008-09), Local Authorities Pension Fund board of trustees (2008-09).

“He was elevated to the dignity of alderman on May 14,  2018, a fitting status for a dedicated son of Bulawayo. His death has left a void which the city will not be able to fill for many years to come,” Mguni said.

Mourners are gathered at 6844 Pumula North. A special council meeting will be held this morning in his honour in the council chamber at City Hall before departing for Amphitheatre where the funeral service will be held ahead of burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery.

By A Correspondent- Police in Ekurhuleni have arrested a 45-year-old man who was riding a motorbike, after he initially ignored instructions to stop, and later produced a “fake” Zimbabwean driving licence.

Spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Constable Marie Mashishi said a case of fraud had been registered, and charges under the Immigration Act could be added.

“On Friday 17 March 2023 at 1pm, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Tembisa precinct officers arrested a 45-year-old male driver for being in possession of a doubtful official document in the Tembisa area,” Mashishi said.

“Metro police officers busy with law enforcement on Andrew Mapheto Drive near Esangweni section made an attempt to stop a motorcyclist for riding inconsiderately. A biker ignored instructions and a chase ensued, until he was cornered, on Straight-line Road, near the Caprivi entertainment centre.
A food delivery biker was arrested after a high-speed chase in Ekurhuleni, after being found with an alleged fake licence purportedly issued in Zimbabwe. Picture: EMPD

“The undocumented lawbreaker, from Zimbabwe, was handcuffed and taken to the Rabasotho police station after producing a fraudulent Zimbabwean-issued driver’s licence to officers. A case of fraud has been registered and charges under the Immigration Act could be added against him,” Mashishi said.

She said the detained suspect is set to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court soon.

https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-1808990247913755&output=html&h=280&slotname=7632241627&adk=2580078309&adf=1513479931&pi=t.ma~as.7632241627&w=728&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1679386320&rafmt=1&format=728×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-news-sc-national-byo-228865.html&fwr=0&fwrattr=true&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&adsid=ChAI8KvloAYQ-uD4-9DjjvskEjkAr-64z249CalKYbA237poJNnbJ_YxXxkCKDyb46uk7EZ5lEUbWLpRo028Hhmdd_jdJSlLxAWRK0o&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTMuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTExLjAuNTU2My42NSIsW10sZmFsc2UsbnVsbCwiNjQiLFtbIkdvb2dsZSBDaHJvbWUiLCIxMTEuMC41NTYzLjY1Il0sWyJOb3QoQTpCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTExLjAuNTU2My42NSJdXSxmYWxzZV0.&dt=1679386240041&bpp=1&bdt=342&idt=120&shv=r20230315&mjsv=m202303150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D7d67af9fa9f1b6a3-2215978013d80051%3AT%3D1672833371%3ART%3D1672833371%3AS%3DALNI_MafALRVhSvyx_EEJSvXCRzyD7fINw&gpic=UID%3D00000bbaa3a82d27%3AT%3D1672833371%3ART%3D1679385807%3AS%3DALNI_MY5fwvAZHD2xy0nvrAb3-l4ovO1Dw&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1083x280%2C160x600%2C728x280&nras=1&correlator=2021237043828&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1787177262.1672833375&ga_sid=1679385807&ga_hid=913710541&ga_fc=1&u_tz=120&u_his=5&u_h=720&u_w=1280&u_ah=672&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.5&dmc=8&adx=165&ady=1922&biw=1263&bih=512&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759842%2C44759876%2C44759927%2C44777876%2C31073105%2C31073263&oid=2&psts=AD37Y7uJAXqJNy4_mestm-MRM0E8UXpdMlfa4dTezftVzUge4ochoDTa-BdiRlU3nwySM_cC_1txxx_8sLRRk39VSJi3Ug&pvsid=2580181756630287&tmod=670911883&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-news-sc-national-byo-228872.html&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1280%2C0%2C1280%2C672%2C1280%2C512&vis=1&rsz=o%7Co%7CeEbr%7C&abl=NS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&jar=2023-03-21-08&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=XVHkoLaUjA&p=https%3A//bulawayo24.com&dtd=80033Police have impounded the arrested biker’s red Big Boy scooter, and it was towed to the Tembisa EMPD precinct for safekeeping.

Last month, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department arrested a Zimbabwean man for possession of a fake driver’s licence after he was stopped for reckless driving in Tembisa, in Gauteng.

At the time, Constable Mashishi said the driver was stopped after he sped towards oncoming traffic in an attempt to overtake a funeral convoy in the presence of police officers.

“On Sunday, 19 February, 2023 at 10am, members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Tembisa precinct, arrested a male suspect in his forties, for possession of a fraudulent driver’s licence, in the Lethabong section,” Mashishi said.

“While officers were busy with the funeral escort, from Tembisa to the Mooifontein cemetery, they noticed a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi with one male occupant, unsafely overtaking the hearse and facing oncoming traffic on Andrew Mapheto Drive near the Tembisa Plaza.”

“A driver in possession of the Zimbabwean foreign national driver’s licence, was handcuffed after officers picked up that, the driver’s licence produced, was false. Necessary arrangements were made, for the minibus taxi, to end up at the owner’s hands, while the suspect was marched to the Tembisa police station,” Mashishi said.

“A charge of ‘possession of a fraudulent driver’s licence’, was registered against the suspect and he is expected to appear at the Rabasotho/Tembisa Magistrate’s Court soon.”

By A Correspondent- Aspiring ZANU PF Mazowe West Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Makwezva is on the run after he allegedly bashed a district party chairman on Sunday.

Makwezva of house number 11570 Hatclif, Harare and is employed at Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) is challenging Mazowe West MP Kazembe Kazembe.

Sources close to investigations allege he assaulted Chinga Tsekwende of plot 8 Wengi farm Concession after he told him that he would not stand  with Kazembe in primary elections.

“Tsekwende is chairman for Munhangari district so Makwezva had come to campaign in that district but the chairman told him to try in some districts because his district is solidly behind Kazembe and that angered Makwezva hence he assaulted him with open hands,” said the source.

The matter was reported at Concession police under Rrb number 5168387.

By A Correspondent- It was on a Friday when Mr Trust Dengu (not his real name) who had just relocated to Gweru from Masvingo decided to go out and treat himself to some beers and braai at a popular night spot in the central business district (CBD).

Mr Dengu had been appointed new manager for a leading hardware company and was excited to be in a new environment.

After downing one or two beers, Mr Dengu’s eyes fell on a young woman and after engaging in a conversation, she revealed to him that she was a student at the Midlands State University (MSU) pursuing a degree in Music and Musicology.

He said they then went to his lodgings to spend some quality time together.
“On Saturday morning she left my lodgings saying she had weekend lectures. Since it was a weekend and I wasn’t on duty, some guys I work with decided to take me to Mkoba One shopping centre popularly known as Makanda,” said Mr Dengu.

He said as he was chilling with his boys, he suddenly saw the young woman that he thought was in class at MSU.

“The ‘MSU’ student I had spent the night with who was supposed to be attending weekend lectures, was at Makanda business centre drinking beer with some female friends around 11AM. I told the guys I was with that I had spent a night with her and they laughed at me saying I could not wait to settle down before sleeping with prostitutes,” said Mr Dengu.

He said that’s when he learnt that he had been lied to and as they say, the rest is history.
This is the situation in the city of Gweru and Zvishavane town where sex workers in a bid to attract clients pretend to be MSU students.

Apart from being a minerals-rich province, Midlands is home to the biggest institution of higher learning, MSU.

There are also tertiary institutions such as Gweru Polytechnic and Mkoba Teachers College but the biggest attraction is MSU.

Ms Tamari Magauze (24) a sex worker said they carry around books, satchels, and laptops so that they lure men who are more attracted to university students.

“We are now carrying laptop bags or satchels and that is an easy way of attracting our clients. Some of us actually go and loiter at the MSU campuses in Gweru and Zvishavane during knock-off time so that we get clients,” she said.

Ms Magauze said it has been proved that men find sleeping with a university student exciting.

“When I tell a client that I am an MSU student, he treats me respectfully. Even the way he looks at me and addresses me changes. They treat me with respect and I get double the usual fee for a night which is US$20. Sleeping with a university student is a status symbol for men and we are now aware of that,” she said.

Another sex worker who declined to be identified said she was once assaulted by a client who found out that she had lied that she was a university student.

“We target new faces in a club because old clients know us. Many of them will be in town for workshops or work-related assignments. I was unfortunately assaulted by one client when he learnt that I had lied to him but in order to survive we continue lying,” she said.

Mr Petros Mazengwa, who is Gweru District HIV and Aids co-ordinator at the National Aids Council (NAC) said Gweru has a thriving sex work industry largely driven by mining activities.

The city, he said, has around 4 500 sex workers and when MSU opens, sex work booms.
“Gweru is a busy city, we tend to see a lot of people coming to Gweru all the time from small-scale miners, academics and sex workers. We have plus or minus 4 500 sex workers in Gweru,” said Mr Mazengwa.

He said sex workers employ various strategies to lure potential clients.

“When MSU opens, they also flock to Gweru during that period because they also want to pretend to be students. Somehow, older men see it as a status symbol to be known to be sleeping with a university student. Clients rarely ask for students’ identity documents and so their word is enough to entice a client,” said Mr Mazengwa.

NAC Midlands provincial manager Mr Mambewu Shumba said there are still challenges in dealing with HIV and Aids.

“The biggest problem in the province is limited access to HIV prevention knowledge and health-related services by people at risk.

These include small-scale miners, sex workers, traders and students,” he said.

Mr Shumba said HIV prevalence in the province is at 11,73 percent adding that the infection rate or incidence is at 0,25 percent.

“This indicates that we have a lot of infections coming in and we still have unprotected sex taking place.

The leading district in terms of both prevalence and incidence is Shurugwi. The district has a prevalence of 16,62 percent and an incidence of 0,4 percent which is quite high in terms of transmission. That is also followed by Mberengwa, Gweru and Zvishavane.

Shurugwi is the epicentre in terms of prevalence by virtue of the fact that there are a lot of mining activities going on,” he said.

MSU director of communications, Mrs Mirirai Mawere said they opened this week for level 1.1 students.

She said the institution has a vibrant Student Affairs Division headed by an Executive Dean to cater for students’ sexual reproductive health needs.

“In that division, there is a counselling and services department with highly qualified counsellors who provide counselling on sexual reproductive health, physical and mental health, drug and substance abuse. There are also student clubs that conduct peer-to-peer counselling and also carry out awareness campaigns,” she said.

By A Correspondent- Holy Ten has had his fair share of social media crises and drama in the last two days, after his baby mama, who is based in Chitungwiza, outed him on social media and accused him of neglecting his child.

This follows trending news that Holy Ten had paid $15 000 lobola for his long time girlfriend Kimberly Richards.

In pictures seen by ZiMetro News crew, Holy Ten indeed got married over the weekend and in one of the pictures, a woman is seen blessing the couple marriage with a prayer.

Chelsea announced yesterday evening that she was solely responsible for her son with music artist Holy Ten.

It was revealed earlier today that the lady had previously tweeted that she was interested in Holy Ten and had feelings for him despite the fact that he had been living with Kimberly.

Today, a video circulated on social media showing Holy Ten at Chelsea’s home in Chitungwiza.

Many people were left in awe and wondering what would happen next.

By A Correspondent- A woman claims her ex-husband has become gay after leaving her for another man.

She stated this in court yesterday, when she was claiming child support for their two-year-old son.

Loveness Chokuvamba filed a US$150 claim against her ex-husband, Agripah Chinzou, in Harare Civil Court yesterday.

“He works as a housing inspector for a housing cooperative and can afford to pay US$150, but he is highly irresponsible and neglects his child’s needs,” Chokuvamba explained.

She also told the court that her ex-husband had become gay after leaving her for his male lover.

“He left after stealing some of my property with a man he introduced to me as his friend.

“He is now apparently staying with that man as the ‘wife’,” she said.

In response, Chinzou offered US$50.

“I can only afford to pay US$50. I have no problem with taking care of the child.

“She is giving the wrong impression of my sexuality,” he said, without elaborating.

Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini ordered Chinzou to pay US$80 in maintenance.

By A Correspondent- Fungisai Zvakavapano, a gospel musician, says her fans have no right to question why she doesn’t post pictures of her husband on social media.

She stated that her husband owes nothing to her fans. In a Facebook post, she responded to a comment from a fan, Norman Munyaradzi, who said her picture would be complete if she included her husband

ko baba varipi? “Without a father figure, the picture looks incomplete,” he said. “Whoever gave you the right to drag my husband into social media just because ndakakuimbirai gave you the wrong idea,” Fungisai responded.

“I don’t know what entitlement you think you have to treat him like he owes you social media entertainment too. Such family pictures can be found on our home walls and I reserve the right to post what I choose on my entertainment page.”

She said her husband will not be part of the entertainment.

“Ndini muimbi wenyu.

Mukazvibata izvozvo you will not be looking for my husband kubasa kwangu. Munoenda kubasa kwake kana kumba,” she said.

By A Correspondent- Zim Hip Hop artist, Holy Ten, has been exposed for impregnating a woman called Chelsea Hlomayi and they now have a four-month-old baby.

Holy Ten is also being accused of not taking care of his son.

The rapper was a hit on social media over the weekend when he married Kimberly Richards Chigubhu in Bulawayo.

Holy Ten and Kimberly, who have been dating for quite some time, have committed themselves to spending their future together.

Chelsea claimed that Holy Ten is refusing to take care of his baby, which prompted her to expose the rapper.

She leaked chats on her Facebook page, between her and the rapper, showing how he mistreated her.

“Kunonyoresa ku public hospital nhumbu yane eight months?

“Blocking me everywhere mukati deal with my lawyer?

“Sorry Shefu. Are you Mad?

“Respect goes both ways, if you respected me as well we wouldn’t be here.

“Action or no action, that’s your child ita zvaunoda even if you decide to ignore us that’s okay,” reads part of the post.

By Dorrothy Moyo | A convicted fraudster, Tendai Charuka has been allowed to contest in ZANU PF Primaries for the 2023 elections.

Charuka was once jailed for defrauding NUST students more than 100 000 US dollars. PICTURES.

This man who is of no Matebele abode has violated the CONSTITUTION OF ZIMBABWE S.41, 1(p), and S264, 1(d) which prohibit interference of other communities, and the barring of convicted persons from contesting in Parliament.