By A Correspondent- The trial of opposition legislator Tendai Biti, who is accused of verbally assaulting a local businesswoman Tatiana Aleshina, continued yesterday with the complainant refusing to answer some questions under cross-examination.

The trial proceeded with Aleshina leading evidence for the State.

Biit’s lawyer Alec Muchadehama asked Aleshina several questions relating to their company Augur Investments, Doorex and Sunshine, among others, but she refused to answer any of the questions.

“I have no authority to talk about Augur Investments. I am only here for an assault case,” Aleshina responded.

Augur Investments was given a contract for the construction of the Airport Road that was supposed to connect the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Harare’s central business district.

Only a small fraction of the road was constructed before government cancelled the contract.

“I introduced a lot of investors in this country, but I don’t remember the happenings of 2006. I am totally confused when you ask me about Augur because I don’t have authority to talk about Augur. If Augur had given me authority to represent them, I would have done so, but in this case, I cannot talk about Augur,” she said.

Prosecutor Michael Reza objected to some of Muchadehama’s line of questioning, saying some of the questions were irrelevant to the assault case.

“Since the start of this trial, the defence has not asked any questions relating to the assault case and no questions has been asked in relation to the assault case,” Reza argued.

The trial was adjourned and will continue on Tuesday next week.

Zimbabweans have been waiting impatiently for the explosive documentaries by media group Al Jazeera of the systematic looting and plunder of resources by the ruling elite.

Yesterday, the world watched with shock the first instalment of four, detailing how ZANU PF has sanctioned us and the unborn generation to perpetual poverty while a litany of fake prophets, criminals and state operatives mint millions from our national resources. ZAPU is appalled but not shocked.

We have known that our erstwhile colleagues never sacrificed for the black majority. We knew it pre-independence and we said it post-independence. As a result, over 20000 of our supporters were murdered in cold blood. The masterminds of the genocide are today occupying the highest offices In the land.

To protect their lootocrasy, they even deposed their own godfather through a coup. The lot have even imprisoned journalists for merely reporting the looting.

Today we all understand why they had to embarrass their godfather the way they did. ZAPU calls on all Zimbabweans, civic organizations, political parties, religious groups, student movements and the youth to prepare for action that will demand that those implicated must account for their actions. We caution every Zimbabwean to wait until all four documentaries our released before any action is taken.

We implore all those implicated, including those yet to be implicated, to relinquish public office immediately and for private citizens to bring into confidence the general population by exposing the real culprits in government robes. In the end, which is soon, Zimbabweans must understand that Al Jazeera has pointed at the cracks on the walls of Jericho.

They’re wide, but by episode 4, they’ll be wider. All we have to do is push and they’ll collapse. But this calls for unity of all forces. ZAPU is ready and willing to be part of this revolutionary effort.

Our ZPRA heroes, mothers and fathers did not die so that a few white people can own the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe.

Our ZAN, colleagues did not perish in Nyadzonia so that families of government leaders loot our country dry. If this does not invoke your revolutionary spirit, then nothing ever will. After the last episode, ZAPU will be making an unequivocal call to action.

In the meantime, consultations will begin in earnest. We must all be united by our desire to save our motherland from vultures in sheep clothing. We are aware that they’ll immediately run a narrative that this goldgate was a sanction-busting scheme.

Nobody can be fooled, and as the next episodes will reveal, this is a mafia syndicate which was birthed through the 2017 military coup.

By A Correspondent- Sanyati, in Mashonaland West province, reportedly turned into a war zone this week as rival aspiring Zanu-PF candidates bludgeoned each other ahead of the party’s primary elections set for tomorrow.

The violence in Sanyati follows more terror attacks that rocked Chegutu West as rivals there also beat each other up in the run up to the weekend primaries.

A video of one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lawyers, Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba, attacking supporters of Mines deputy minister Polite Kambamura also emerged.

Kambamura is the sitting Sanyati Member of Parliament (MP), who is being challenged by Magwaliba and Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena’s younger brother, Tatenda.

NewsDay is reliably informed that some Zanu-PF supporters have reportedly abandoned their homes following the violence that flared up at Kasirisiri business centre on Tuesday.

Two of the aspiring MPs for the Sanyati seat accused each other of fomenting the violence when contacted for comment.

One of the victims, Beauty Jeremiah, who is the Zanu-PF Kasirisiri district chairperson, accused Magwaliba of sponsoring the violence.

“Magwaliba’s supporters have been going around threatening to come during the night and abduct Kambamura’s supporters and some people are now afraid of staying at their homes,” Jeremiah alleged.

According to Jeremiah, two teenage boys were stabbed for refusing to chant Magwaliba’s slogans at a rally the aspiring MP was addressing at Kasirisiri business centre on Tuesday.

“His (Magwaliba) supporters are threatening those who support Kambamura, unleashing violence, while boasting that he is Mnangagwa’s lawyer and that he will cause the release of his supporters who would have been arrested,” Jeremiah said.

Magwaliba denied fuelling the violence, claiming he was actually the victim.

He said four of his supporters were attacked by Kambamura’s loyalists.

“One was chopped by an axe, another shot by a catapult, while the other two were stoned. Kambamura’s supporters ambushed my supporters as we tried to attend to someone they had axed and caused mayhem,” Magwaliba said.

“I have not been retaliating. His supporters have been threatening my supporters. I preach peace at my rallies. Our innocent supporter was arrested and accused of assaulting Jeremiah. He has been released. All I can say is that Kambamura has been sponsoring violence.”

Kambamura was not answering his mobile phone, despite repeated efforts to contact him.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF has barred all aspiring candidates from speaking to the media during the primary elections.

Addressing a provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Marondera, national political commissar Mike Bimha said: “As a party, this time, we are saying no candidate is allowed to speak to the media. We have only two people in the party who are allowed to comment, that is the party spokesperson (Christopher Mutsvangwa) and director for information (Tafadzwa Mugwadi).”

Also, Zanu-PF secretary for transport and social welfare and Local Government minister July Moyo have ordered aspiring candidates to surrender constituency vehicles to the party or face disciplinary action.

“Following a resolution by the national elections directorate, you are hereby instructed to immediately withdraw and pool all Zanu-PF party constituency vehicles allocated to your province in order to enhance administration of the forthcoming Zanu-PF party primary elections,” Moyo said in a memo dated March 20.

“Additionally, all party officials, including provincial chairpersons, provincial secretaries for the commissariat and party employees, are prohibited from using official party vehicles during the forthcoming primary elections. Such vehicles must be surrendered to the provincial command centre under stewardship of the supervising politburo member for the duration of the party’s primary elections.”

The primary elections were initially scheduled for last week, but were called off at the last minute

By-A 40-year-old Chitungwiza man was beaten to death by a mob after being caught breaking into a parked vehicle in Zengeza 1.
Last Kandishaya was spotted breaking the windscreen of a Toyota Hiace at a house along Bise Street.
He was caught by Tawanda Kawondera, 31, and Walter Munjeya, 31, and a mob, who beat him to death.
The two have since been arrested.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said Kandishaya’s body was taken to Chitungwiza General Hospital mortuary where it’s awaiting a post-mortem.
“Police in Chitungwiza arrested two suspects in connection with a murder case involving a man reported to have been assaulted in Zengeza,” said Insp Chakanza.
“The now deceased was reported to have unlawfully entered one of the suspects’ yard.
“While inside the yard, the now deceased was alleged to have broken the windscreen of a parked Toyota Hiace and was seen by the second accused person who called for assistance.
“Other residents rushed to the scene and assaulted the now deceased.
“They left him lying unconscious along Bise Street.
“The vehicle owner then used the deceased’s cellphone to call his older brother’s son and advised him to come and collect his uncle.
“The relative found the now deceased lying on his back and his hands tied with a cloth.
“Police found him dead and investigations have since started.”
-H Metro

By-A prominent Masvingo bus operator, Mukumba Brothers, has been left counting the losses after a gang of five unidentified armed robbers pounced on the firm’s garage in the ancient city’s industrial area and made off with over US$11 000 and a substantial amount of South African rands.

The five suspects, who are still unknown, pounced on Mukumba Brothers’ garage around 1am on Tuesday and stole $11 394 and 13 450 rands after allegedly breaking into the cash office.

According to police the five suspects, who were armed with an as-yet-to-be-identified pistol and iron bars, first tied a security guard at the adjacent premise with shoelaces and put him in a vehicle boot before proceeding to Mukumba Brothers garage driving the vehicle in question.
Two of the suspects forced open the garage gate while three others scaled the precast wall and once inside they ordered security guards and everyone inside to surrender at gunpoint.
They allegedly took a Samsung cellphone from a Mukumba Brothers employee before they forcibly opened the door to the cash office.
Masvingo Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said after getting into the cash office they took US dollars and South African rands and fled as police from Masvingo Central who had been alerted of an ongoing armed robbery closed in.
“We managed to recover the vehicle where a security guard manning an adjacent premise had been dumped by the suspects after they tied him with shoelaces,” said Inspector Dhewa.
“A manhunt for the suspects is still underway and we believe the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.” Herald

By-Former Zanu PF Kambuzuma MP Tinashe Maduza has been arrested for allegedly sodomising his former employee at gunpoint.

The 23-year-old ex-employee was allegedly sodomised on several occasions.
Maduza appeared in court yesterday.
The court heard that on May 31 last year, the complainant (name withheld) went to Maduza’s workplace, demanding his outstanding salary.
Maduza allegedly told the complainant to wait claiming that someone would bring money from his mine in Kwekwe.
After a while, Maduza allegedly took the complainant to Family 24, for a drink, while they waited for the person bringing the money.
They drank alcohol until around 1am and Maduza allegedly drugged the complainant and took him to Island Lodge in Belvedere.
Maduza allegedly booked a room and the two slept on the same bed.
During the night, Maduza allegedly sodomised the complainant several times before leaving the lodge at around 5am while the complainant was asleep.
The complainant woke up at around 6am and discovered that he had been sodomised and Maduza had left.
Maduza allegedly left US$70 on the side table.
The complainant called Maduza and demanded to be taken to a hospital, for medical treatment, because he was bleeding from the anus.
Maduza allegedly sent a taxi that took the complainant to one Dr Munetsi, of Warren Park, where he was treated and discharged.
The complainant made a report at ZRP Milton Park.
Maduza also appeared together with Makosa Mazhilikawo, 53, facing robbery and aggravated indecent assault.
It is the State’s case that the two lured the same complainant, under the pretext that Maduza wanted to give him his outstanding balance.
Maduza is said to have called the complainant and told him to meet at Joina City.
The three drove to Kopje where Maduza allegedly produced a pistol and ordered the complainant to surrender his phone and identity card.
Mazhilikawo instructed the complainant to take off his clothes and allegedly sodomised him.
The duo, together with another accused person Ashley Svondo, then kidnapped the complainant and restricted his movement for the rest of that night.
They released him the next day and he made a police report leading to their arrest on Monday.
The pistol was recovered from Maduza’s residence.

By- Exposed self-proclaimed prophet Uebert Angels said he could sign government deals and treaties with other countries on behalf of Zimbabwe without consulting President Mnangagwa.

The founder of the Spirit Embassy, The Good News Church, was, on 17 March 2021, appointed Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for Europe and the Americas. 

Angel was appointed to seek trade and investment opportunities.

In an Al Jazeera documentary – Gold Mafia – which exposes corruption and looting in the mining sector, Angel said that as a plenipotentiary, he has full authorisation to sign a treaty or convention on behalf of President Mnangagwa.

He made the remarks while talking to a delegation of one Mr Stanley, an undercover Al Jazeera reporter who was investigating illicit financial flows in Zimbabwe.

His remarks were meant to assure Mr Stanley that his word was binding.

Mr Stanley pretended to have huge sums of dirty money which he needed to be cleaned. 

Angel said it was possible as he had signed such deals before.

By- Self-proclaimed prophet Uebert Angels said he has the authority to sign deals and treaties with other countries on behalf of Zimbabwe without consulting President Mnangagwa.

The founder of the Spirit Embassy, The Good News Church, was, on 17 March 2021, appointed Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large for Europe and the Americas. 

Angel was appointed to seek trade and investment opportunities.

In an Al Jazeera documentary – Gold Mafia – which exposes corruption and looting in the mining sector, Angel said that as a plenipotentiary, he has full authorisation to sign a treaty or convention on behalf of President Mnangagwa.

He made the remarks while talking to a delegation of one Mr Stanley, an undercover Al Jazeera reporter who was investigating illicit financial flows in Zimbabwe.

His remarks were meant to assure Mr Stanley that his word was binding.

Mr Stanley pretended to have huge sums of dirty money which he needed to be cleaned. 

Angel said it was possible as he had signed such deals before.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is trembling as a result of the invasion of his supposed territory by President Nelson Chamisa’s CCC.

Mr Mnangagwa’s antics have failed to stop the yellow revolution.

President Chamisa held interface meetings in Masvingo West, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central- places regarded as no go zones for the opposition.

According to President Chamisa, the yellow movement is unstoppable:

“Mashonaland Central turning yellow! Dotito rocks!

A refreshing Citizens Interface !! A New Great Zimbabwe loading…”

By A Correspondent- It was free for all as residents from Mahatshula suburb in Bulawayo scrambled to collect cooking oil from a tanker that overturned along the Bulawayo-Harare Highway, next to the suburb on 21 March.

The trailer came off the truck that was en route to Zambia from South Africa.

The truck overturned at around 4PM.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has announced the exchange rates for the purposes of income tax in 2023. 

In a notice, ZIMRA said the exchange rates for income tax for the second to the fourth quarter of 2023 will be announced in due course. Read the notice:

2023 EXCHANGE RATES FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES

Section 37AA of the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06] requires taxpayers to submit separate returns where any part of income from trade or investment is earned in foreign currency.

The mentioned section indicates that for the purposes of conversion of allowable deductions exchange rates be used as follows —

(a) in the case of a person making Quarterly payments of Provisional Tax, of use the average auction rate of exchange during the quarter concerned;

For the First Quarter 2023, the average exchange rate is as follows:

AVERAGE AUCTION RATE OF EXCHANGE DURING THE QUARTER

QI 2023……………….. 808.709

Q2 2023 ……………….. TBA

Q3 2023……………….. TBA

Q4 2023 ……………….. TBA

ZIMRA could not give exchange rates for the second to the fourth quarter since the Zimbabwean dollar has had a history of instability since the early 2000s.

The government tried to stabilize the economy with currency reforms, but they were not successful. In 2009, Zimbabwe officially abandoned its currency and switched to using foreign currencies.

The government reintroduced the Zimbabwean dollar in 2019 but it is facing similar problems due to economic challenges and inflation. Many people and businesses prefer using foreign currencies or other forms of exchange.

Income Tax in Zimbabwe:

Income tax in Zimbabwe is a tax levied on individuals and companies by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Individuals are taxed on a sliding scale based on their income, while companies are taxed at a flat rate of 24%. It’s always advisable to consult with a tax professional for up-to-date information on Zimbabwe’s tax laws.

 By A Correspondent A Glenview woman was arraigned before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing charges of defrauding desperate people seeking certificates of sponsorship to relocate to the United Kingdom.

Chido Mukahadzi (29) was remanded in custody by Mangosi and ordered to apply for bail today.

It is alleged that sometime in January this year, the complainant was processing documents to go to the UK and Mukahadzi offered to assist her for a fee.

Mukahadzi told the complainant that she had obtained the certificate of sponsorship, which is the first stage in obtaining a visa.

The complainant deposited US$1 800 on February 4 this year into the accused’s account and was told that she would receive her certificate of sponsorship after a week.

The complainant made another payment of US$495, followed by another US$80. The certificate of sponsorship was never delivered.

Sometime in February this year, another complainant was referred to Mukahadzi by an agent.

She supplied bank details so that the money could be deposited. On February 17, the complainant deposited US$2 400 into an account supplied by Mukahadzi.

When the complainant demanded the confirmation slip of the deposit, Mukahadzi did not respond. The complainant called the accused but she became evasive which prompted the complainant to make a police report.

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman yesterday told magistrate Ayanda Dlamini that her husband has been hiding his payslip from her for the past decade.

Magret Maturo made the claims as she sought a court ruling directing her husband, Tonderai Chingarande to pay US$100 per month for the upkeep of their children aged six and 12 years.

The court heard that the couple stays together.

“We stay together, but I have never seen his payslip. He works as a general hand at some private company and I want him to give me US$100 per month for the upkeep of our children,” she submitted.

She added that the oldest child was living with a disability and consistently needed medical attention.

In response, her husband said he could not afford the amount.

“I am offering to pay $60 000 inclusive of fees for the two children because from my salary I need to be left with money for transport to go to work,” Chingarande said.

After seeing his payslip Dlamini ordered him to pay $65 000, which is equivalent to US$71, using yesterday’s Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe  auction rate of $914 to the greenback.

In an unrelated case, Dlamini dismissed an application from a Harare woman Alicia Namwiro, who was seeking a maintenance order against her estranged husband, Crumton Dhobolo.

The court heard that their only child was in the custody of Dhobolo.

The matter was then removed from the roll.

By A Correspondent- A Highfield family has exposed a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer for interfering in an inheritance dispute.

A policeman who identified himself as Constable Mwachema from Police General Headquarters, Victims Friendly Unit went to Highfield House Number 5641 Old Cannan sometime in September last year saying that he had been sent to chase away a tenant in order to create a space for a family relative.

The officer further alleged that Martin Shata based in United Kingdom filed a report with Police General Headquarters against his young brother Dennis Shata for refusing to accommodate one of their nephew(muzukuru) Tinotenda Shata (26).

The two brothers are fighting over control of the house following the death of their mother last year. The issue is before the courts.

In audios accessed by this publication, Constable Mwachema is heard on several occasions instructing Dennis Shata to create accommodation space for Tinotenda Shata (Muzukuru).

“How far are you in terms of creating a room for Tinotenda. Your brother phoned me this morning from UK this is what he wants.”

In another audio Constable Mwachema is heard saying that he had phoned a tenant where he instructed them to vac ate the house.

“I phoned one of your tenant and I want to know when Tino is coming back home.”

According to Dennis Shata, the constable has been frequently visiting them forcing them to respect the wishes of their UK based brother.

“We are having sleepless nights because of you Constable Mwachema. Why are you meddling in the affairs of our inheritance disputes? Where do you fit in our family issue? This matter is before the courts so tell me, as an officer how do you come in on our family dispute?

In an interview with this publication, Constable Mwachema refused to comment after being asked why he acted in the affairs of a family dispute.

“I work under Commissioner General Matanga, please go and ask authorities handling the matter. I only came to Highfield to save them papers.”

Instantly, Martin Shata from UK phoned this publication questioning the interview held with Constable Mwachema.

“Look here it does not m atter which police officer or police station is handling this matter. All I want is to see is Tinotenda coming back home. As a journalist, you must verify your sources well. Have you been paid to write a story about us? I will do everything to make Tino come home.”

 Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyati said his office was now carrying out investigations on the matter. He also said the Zimbabwe Republic Police does not condone such acts from members of the force.

“We do not condone abuse of office by our members to settle scores on inheritance issues. I will assure you we will look into the allegation. Will look into detail and refer to his relevant commanders.”

By-The former cabinet minister Ignatius Chombo has been cleared of another corruption charge when the opposition political Job Sikhala is rotting in remand prison for freedom of speech.

State withdrew Chombo’s fourth corruption charge for what it says was because of a lack of evidence.

Three other cases against Chombo that were investigated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were withdrawn last week.

Chombo appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje yesterday, according to NewsDay.

The former Local Government Minister is now left with cases that were investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

It is alleged that on a date unknown to the Prosecutor, Chombo worked in connivance with some colleagues and signed and manufactured a fraudulent Lease Agreement intending to fraudulently acquire Subdivisions “K” Portion of Nthaba Portion of Glen Lome from the City of Harare.

He allegedly connived with Rejoice Pazvakavambwa, Psychology Chiwanga, Iben Pransisco, James Chiyangwa, Theresa Chenjerayi, Ehas Chote and one L. Chimimba. 

It was alleged that during the period extending from 25 June 2004 and December 2009, Chombo and his accomplices forged documents that included a Lease to buy Agreement and Capital Gains Tax Clearance Certificate.

They allegedly later fraudulently transferred the property in question to Alois Chimimba.

The State alleges that he acted to the contrary and was inconsistent with his duties as a public officer.

Now, the state has withdrawn that corruption case against Chombo after failing to provide evidence to back the allegations.

Chombo’s corruption cases:

Ignatius Chombo has been implicated in several corruption cases he allegedly committed during his days in office as the Minister of Finance and later the Minister of Local Government in the government of former President Robert Mugabe.

In 2017, Chombo was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on charges of corruption and abuse of office. He was accused of defrauding the Harare City Council of over $3.5 million and illegally acquiring several properties. 

Chombo was also accused of using his position as a government minister to corruptly influence the awarding of tenders and contracts.

Chombo was released on bail in 2018, but he was arrested again in 2019 on new corruption charges. He was accused of illegally parcelling out land in Harare to several companies and individuals, including his relatives. 

Chombo has denied all the corruption charges against him, and some of his cases are still ongoing.

By A Correspondent- A Chiweshe-based cop who allegedly sold cannabis to a schoolboy together with her two investigating officers are still languishing in prison after being denied bail by Concession magistrate Joshua Nembaware.

Police officers from Chombira station Loveness Tsoorai, David Tawanda Hama and Robert Muganhu appeared before magistrate Nembaware yesterday and were further remanded to March 28 for sentencing.

Prosecutor alleged on January 31 a form four pupil at Nyachuru (name withheld) bought a twist of dagga from Tsoorai and went to school.

He was caught smoking by the school head who accompanied the boy to the police station and filed a police report.

Hama and Muza went to Tsoora’s house and conducted a search and discovered a 5 litres container full of dagga twists.

On their way to the police station, they tempered with the dagga and only two twists were said to be Tsoorai’s hence they fined her at station level.

The fine triggered a public outcry leading to the arrest of the trio.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over cases of cars being stolen mostly at car parks.

In a statement, police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Honda Fit vehicles are the most stolen cars.

Reads the statement:

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AT CAR PARKS

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with cases of theft of motor vehicles, especially of Honda Fit vehicles, occurring mostly at car parks.

In one of the cases, on 17th March 2023, police in Bulawayo recorded a case of theft of a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number, AEB 4619, which was stolen at a car park in Pumula East, after the complainant (24) had parked it for overnight safekeeping on 16th March 2023.

Similarly, on 17th March 2023, the complainant (33) lost a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number ADT 8724, he had parked for overnight safekeeping at a car park along 3rd Street, Warren Park 1, Harare.

On 17th March 2023 a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AEV 5490, was stolen along Bastch Street, between 10th and 11`h Avenue, Bulawayo, where the complainant (57) had parked it, before going to work at Mhlahlandlela Building, Bulawayo.

In a related case, on le March 2023, a 39-year-old man discovered that a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AFY 7901 had been stolen after parking it for overnight safekeeping at a car park in Manyame, Chitungvviza on 17th March 2023.

In another case, on 18th March 2023, a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration number ABE 7470 was stolen at Warren Hills Golf Club, along Kirkman Road, Harare. The complainant had parked the vehicle and left the car keys under the driver’s seat cover as he went in the bar for refreshments.

Meanwhile, police in Seke are investigating a case of theft of a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AFA 5656, which was stolen while parked for overnight safekeeping on 20th March 2023 at a car park at Murisa Business Centre, Seke.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen motor vehicles.

Nyathi urged members of the public who have information on the cases above to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp at 0712 800197 or report at any nearest Police station.

Trend:

Car theft is a significant problem in Zimbabwe, particularly in urban areas such as Harare and Bulawayo.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), there were 3 241 reported cases of motor vehicle theft in 2020, with the majority of cases occurring in Harare.

Car theft in Zimbabwe is driven by a number of factors, including high demand for second-hand cars, limited availability of new cars due to the country’s struggling economy, and a lack of effective law enforcement. Additionally, car theft syndicates often operate in the country, stealing cars and selling them in neighbouring countries or dismantling them for parts.

Addressing car theft:

The Zimbabwean government has implemented a number of measures, including increasing police patrols in high-risk areas, establishing specialized units to investigate car theft cases, and implementing measures to make it harder for stolen cars to be sold or exported.

However, more needs to be done to effectively combat car theft in Zimbabwe and improve the security of car owners. This includes investing in modern crime-fighting technologies and improving the country’s economy to reduce the demand for stolen vehicles.

There are several steps that motorists can take to help prevent car theft:

1. Always lock your car doors and windows when you park your car, even if you are just running a quick errand. This simple step can deter many car thieves.
2. Use an anti-theft device such as an alarm system, steering wheel lock, or GPS tracking device. These devices can make it much more difficult for a thief to steal your car.
3. Park in well-lit areas. Avoid parking in isolated or poorly-lit areas where a thief could easily break into your car without being noticed.
4. Don’t leave valuables in your car. This can make your car a more attractive target for thieves.
5. Don’t leave your car running.
6. Install a tracking system which can help you locate your car if it is stolen. 
7. Be aware of car theft trends in your area, and be aware of any new tactics being used by thieves. 

By A Correspondent- People of Mazowe North constituency feel betrayed by their Member of Parliament Campion Mugweni who has failed to make a single contribution in Parliament for five years.

The electorate told Mugweni at a meeting in Mvurwi that they sent him to Parliament to speak on their behalf and not to add numbers.

“We are shocked that our MP cannot even make a single contribution in Parliament one wonders if we have a representative in Parliament, I am sure we can verify this fact by checking the parliamentary hansard. Not even a single contribution from the MP can be located” Gift Dzobo said.

Sekai Nyamasoka said, “The duty of an MP is to speak but we are not happy with you honourable you are dumb in Parliament why?”

Mugweni begged for another term saying he was learning.

“I know you feel let down but please give me another term because the first term you gave me l was learning politics,” he said.

Other people said they could not send him to Parliament to learn instead they want a person who is able to represent them in the house of Assembly.

“Surely we cannot send an MP to Parliament to learn we want a representative who if it pleases the President can be appointed a Minister,” Joice Madombwe said.

However, Mugweni is fighting hard to get another term despite him missing in his constituency for a long time only to resurface for the ZANU PF primaries.

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has said there is no joy in seeing the government commissioning housing units as civil servants cannot afford them.

The union was responding to a Twitter Post by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services which indicated that President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned the FBC Fountaine Ridge Housing project in Kuwadzana, Harare.

The bank constructed 858 housing units.

National Housing and Social Amenities Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe previously said the government was doing 20 per cent of the construction while FBC did the rest. 

In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, PTUZ said civil servants cannot afford the houses. Read the post:

We prefer to see housing projects that civil servants can afford. Fountain Ridge is a housing project for the diaspora. What crime did we commit to be sidelined continuously like this? 

The houses are being constructed under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)’s Social development pillar which focuses on improving access to basic social services.

The government targets to build 220 000 housing units by 2025 by partnering with the private sector.

FBC says the whole project factors in modern trends in housing development in line with global standards such as Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to the usually required infrastructure.

Each unit will also have a 5 000-litre water tank and a booster pump.

Civil servants earn less than US$500, therefore, cannot afford the housing units.

By-Zanu Pf has allowed candidates who were once in opposition to contest in its primary elections set for this weekend.
The primary elections were scheduled for March 18 but were later on postponed as the party was overwhelmed with a large number of candidates who wanted to represent it in the forthcoming general elections.
A total of 2 858 Curriculum Vitaes were submitted, with 99,9 percent of the aspiring candidates making it through the vetting process.
Midlands province alone has a total of 1 429 CVs while Bulawayo has the lowest with 85 CVs submitted.
A number of candidates in the Midlands province sailed through uncontested.
Party cell registers will be used as the voters’ roll, while party district centres will be used as voting centres.
The party has already deployed Politburo members who will announce the names of successful candidates and monitor the election process in all of the country’s 10 provinces.
Those deployed are Elifas Mashaba (Bulawayo); Charles Tavengwa (Harare); Lovemore Matuke (Masvingo); Patrick Chinamasa (Manicaland); Kenneth Musanhi (Mashonaland Central); Mike Bimha (Mashonaland East); Christopher Mutsvangwa (Mashonaland West); Obert Mpofu (Matabeleland North); Richard Ndlovu (Matabeleland South) and Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Midlands Province).
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Zanu PF National Political Commissar Cde Bimha said polling would start at 7am and close at 4pm.
“President Mnangagwa who is the party’s First Secretary has directed that Zanu PF primary elections be held on March 25, 2023,” said Bimha.
Names of successful candidates who will contest in the primaries will be announced in their provinces by designated Politburo members.
Bimha said the Politburo members would also give details of how the entire process would be conducted in terms of deployment of presiding officers, ballot boxes, ballot papers, and the counting and displaying of the results.
The Politburo sat on Monday and went through all the reports, province by province and one by one.
Former opposition party members who are contesting for National Assembly slots are Tongai Matutu and Simon Chidakwa among others.
“What is also of interest is that a decision was made by the Politburo to accept and recommend former members of the MDC or Citizen Coalition for Change who have recently come forward as returnees to the party,” said Cde Bimha.
“The decision was made by the Politburo that any former MDC or CCC member willing to contest in the primary elections for a local authority position and House of Assembly are free to do so. However, at the moment it was felt that it is too early to allow them to contest at Senatorial level.”
Among those disqualified was Harare Provincial Commissar Cde Kudakwashe Damson, who allegedly beat up Zimbabwe Electoral Commission officials who were on duty conducting voter education in Epworth recently.
Yesterday, all provinces held Provincial Co-ordinating Committee meetings where senior Politburo members from the respective provinces announced the names of all candidates who have been successful towards participating in primary elections.
There will be various levels of authority to conduct these elections. There is a Constituency Command Centre, Administrative District Command Centre, Provincial Command Centre and National Command Centre based at the party headquarters.
“As elections are being conducted, normally we also have hitches here and there. We also have people who have complaints, and there will be an ad-hoc tribunal to receive these complaints.
“So whoever feels they have been treated unfairly has every right to lodge a complaint and they will be attended to well before the results are announced,” Cde Bimha said.
The results of the elections will be displayed at the polling stations and also conveyed to the Administrative District Command Centre, Provincial Command Centre and National Command Centre.
It is only the National Command Centre which will announce official results. The party has already set 87 000 cells that have been verified, reaching a total of 4.5 million voters.
Zanu PF has set a target of 5 million votes for the 2023 harmonised elections.

By A Correspondent | In a first of firsts in the world of ZANU PF, Businessman and Zvimba South MP, Phillip Chiyangwa has agreed to step down from politics so his sons can take over the mantle, following suggestions from @cdesetfree and other activists.

The development suggests Chiyangwa won’t contest in 2023 elections.

“Mudhara chizororai kani zvimwe zvinoda kungozorora izvi itai Bruce kana Edmund vapindewo,” said Mafukidze, to which the former ZIFA boss then said his preference is his other son, “Brian Chiyangwa.”

‘Brian anodhonza [can pull thorough] kubva kare zvake l like that he is firmly grounded…’ concluded Mafukidze.

It could not be established at the time of writing if the statements by the politician are sacrosanct, and he is not playing mind games. – ZimEye

By BBC-The parliament of Uganda, Tuesday passed a new bill that will see gays get life prison sentences.

 The bill 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 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 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.

Mashonaland Central turning yellow! Dotito rocks! A refreshing Citizens Interface !! A New Great Zimbabwe loading… pic.twitter.com/YeH8zHyFWf

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) March 22, 2023

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

#GoldMafia, the unshown Al Jazeera corruption documentary has triggered an investigation by central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit into alleged money laundering by gold dealer Ewan Macmillan and Ambassador at Large Uebert Mudzanire alias Angel. Documentary airs tomorrow 10PM pic.twitter.com/esjppIL1d5

— ZimLive (@zimlive) March 22, 2023

#GoldMafia, the unshown Al Jazeera corruption documentary has triggered an investigation by central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit into alleged money laundering by gold dealer Ewan Macmillan and Ambassador at Large Uebert Mudzanire alias Angel. Documentary airs tomorrow 10PM pic.twitter.com/esjppIL1d5

— ZimLive (@zimlive) March 22, 2023

#GoldMafia, the unshown Al Jazeera corruption documentary has triggered an investigation by central bank's Financial Intelligence Unit into alleged money laundering by gold dealer Ewan Macmillan and Ambassador at Large Uebert Mudzanire alias Angel. Documentary airs tomorrow 10PM pic.twitter.com/esjppIL1d5

— ZimLive (@zimlive) March 22, 2023

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.