A 43-year-old Chinhoyi man who failed to cool down his tempers after suspecting his 51-year-old wife of cheating, was arrested yesterday evening after gruesomely killing her.

Kosamu Chitsiru of the Rujeko suburb in the town, was apprehended by police at Hoped Shopping Centre after vanishing from the crime scene where he had pierced his wife’s stomach twice with a kitchen knife following a misunderstanding.

Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Margaret Chitove confirmed the incident.

“The two had a misunderstanding yesterday over a text message that was sent to the wife.

“He drew a kitchen knife and stabbed his wife twice in front of their 13-year-old son before fleeing the scene, leaving the woman’s intestines protruding outside,” she said.

The son called for help from neighbours who then rushed her to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A report was made at Chemagamba Police Station before a manhunt was launched leading to the arrest of the accused

Inspector Chitove encouraged couples to resolve their challenges amicably and respect the sanctity of life.-state media

Tinashe Sambiri

The Mayor of the city of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafumhe has accused ZINARA of stealing road refurbishment funds.

Mayor Mafumhe also blamed the Zanu PF regime for using cheap political gimmicks to soil the Citizens Coalition for Change image.

See statement below:

1/5 ON ROADS: Mayor Mafume said the road reconstruction challenge lies squarely with ZINARA. It’s the one that’s currently collecting motorist fees which are meant for road reconstruction.

2/5 Last year alone, ZINARA collected USD64 million from motorists & disbursed a paltry USD2 million to the City Council which is not enough to reconstruct a 5km road.

3/5 In the last five years, out of expectations of ± US$60 million per year, City of Harare received less than US$2,5 million per year which is not enough to deal with the road problems bedeviling our city.

4/5 Last year, the city had a target to rehabilitate 40km of road but because of funding constraints, they only managed 12,5km.

5/5 The Harare City Council is going to launch a court application to reverse the current model which gives power to ZINARA to administer funds meant for road reconstruction in the city.

Tinashe Sambiri

The Mayor of the city of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafumhe has accused ZINARA of stealing road refurbishment funds.

Mayor Mafumhe also blamed the Zanu PF regime for using cheap political gimmicks to soil the Citizens Coalition for Change image.

See statement below:

1/5 ON ROADS: Mayor Mafume said the road reconstruction challenge lies squarely with ZINARA. It’s the one that’s currently collecting motorist fees which are meant for road reconstruction.

2/5 Last year alone, ZINARA collected USD64 million from motorists & disbursed a paltry USD2 million to the City Council which is not enough to reconstruct a 5km road.

3/5 In the last five years, out of expectations of ± US$60 million per year, City of Harare received less than US$2,5 million per year which is not enough to deal with the road problems bedeviling our city.

4/5 Last year, the city had a target to rehabilitate 40km of road but because of funding constraints, they only managed 12,5km.

5/5 The Harare City Council is going to launch a court application to reverse the current model which gives power to ZINARA to administer funds meant for road reconstruction in the city.

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo has, with immediate effect, suspended three Kwekwe councillors for alleged gross incompetence.

The councillors are Angeline Kasipo (CCC), who is the former Kwekwe mayor, Melody Chingarande (CCC) and Makomborero Mlambo (ZANU PF).

The three councillors were suspended on the same day MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora recalled Kwekwe Deputy Mayor Pikurai Msipa and two other councillors.

A letter by Minister Moyo dated 28 February 2023 reads in part:

In line with Section 114(2) of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter (29:15) as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act Number 8, of 2016, I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you Councillor Angeline Kasipo have committed acts of gross misconduct, gross incompetence, and willful violation of the law as referenced in subsection (1) (b) (C) and (e) and hereby suspend you with immediate effect, from the office of Councillor of City of Kwekwe, Ward 10 in terms of Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15)as amended by Section 3 of the Local Government Amendment Act, Number 8 of 2016.The councillors allegedly participated in a council process where a motion had been submitted by Councillor Ndlovu, Msipa, Chingarande, Ngwenya and Moyo on a review of the 2023 approved budget.

Wrote Moyo:You supported the proposal and secondment of the illegal resolution passed on 27 January 2023 of reviewing an approved budget though you were advised by the Chamber Secretary about the illegality.

This was in Violation of the Public Finance Management Act (Chapter 22:19) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).

Moyo said due to their actions the Kwekwe City Council became ungovernable, illegally operating without a budget.

Pindula News

The European Union (EU) has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by one year as it pushes Harare to implement democratic reforms and uphold human rights.

In a statement issued on 28 February 2023, the EU said the “restrictive measures” are in the form of an “arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries”.

Zimbabwe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European UnionThe European Union (EU) reiterates its ambition to continue developing a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe.

The EU welcomes the intention of Zimbabwe’s President to extend an invitation to the EU to deploy an Electoral Observation Mission for the 2023 Elections once constitutional processes have been finalised.

The EU follows closely the process leading up to the elections, which are of great importance to the trajectory of the country.

The EU encourages all electoral stakeholders, state and non-state alike, to play their role in ensuring the organisation of a credible and peaceful electoral process.

The EU Election Observation Mission of 2018 provided a set of recommendations and encourages actors to continue improving the electoral framework to allow for credible, inclusive and transparent elections.

The EU welcomes the recent launch of the dialogue platform related to arrears clearance and debt resolution process and looks forward to tangible progress in this process.

Furthermore, the EU welcomes Zimbabwe’s engagement on the Universal Periodic Review process, the alignment of legislation with the 2013 Constitution, the enactment of the Independent Complaints Commission Act, the new Marriages Act and the High-Level Political Compact on gender-based violence. Other developments are of concern from a democratic and civic space perspective.

These include the Data Protection Act and, if enacted, bills such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged “patriotic provisions” in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.

The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution.

It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected.

In view of all the above, in its 2023 revision of the restrictive measures, the EU has decided to extend by one year the two measures in place (i.e.: the arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries). Since February 2022 there are no listed individuals.

The EU will continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.

The remaining restrictive measures in place do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investments, or trade.

Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty free and quota free access of its exports to the EU, while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement.

There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the Government promote political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Together with EU members states the EU will continue to support Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 in particular on (i) Gender equality and women empowerment and (ii) Greener and climate smart agriculture, with over €400 million until 2025.

The EU commits itself to enhancing common efforts on addressing climate change on the basis of the Zimbabwean and EU commitments at COP27.

The EU will continue to support the Zimbabwean people with humanitarian assistance, when needed.

The EU looks forward to a more comprehensive and constructive article 8 political dialogue in Harare, including on international issues, and more opportunities for high-level meetings.

A positive example was the recent mission to Harare from the EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

Pindula News

Primary and Secondary Education minister Evelyn Ndlovu yesterday aborted a scheduled media briefing and tour at the last minute to assess how the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) secures examination papers and how it runs national exams.

The tour was organised following rampant cases of examination leakages.
Journalists were barred from touring the printing press and other facilities by both the ministry and Zimsec officials for security reasons despite the invitation.

The media was then advised to wait for a brief from Ndlovu after the tour. But Ndlovu was in no show. She immediately left after touring the Zimsec facilities. Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the minister could not address the media because of medical issues.

“The minister said she was advised to stay off the media for two weeks on medical grounds, so she will not be able to address you today. We apologise for having you wait,” Ndoro said.

-Online

A Chiredzi man was killed in a shockingly bizarre development, a fortnight ago, and his head crushed with an axe handle by a fellow villager who had sensationally claimed he dreamt of the now deceased using mubobobo on him.

Mubobobo is a magical way of having sexual intercourse particularly with women without their consent.

So grisly was the incident that pieces of his brains were left splattered on the ground. Although the real motive behind the brutal axing of Henry Manyara (71) from Village 7, Ward 32, Chiredzi North by Evans Bhazela (25) is yet to be established, according to a source from the area who claimed to have intimate details of the incident he was killed on suspicion that he possessed mubobobo.

Manyara was brutally murdered in the presence of his wife who watched helplessly as Bhazela repeatedly struck his head with an axe handle until it split into pieces.

He was buried on Saturday last week after his family was reportedly paid seven head of cattle by the murder suspect’s family claiming it was payment only for the retrieval of the body from the mortuary for burial and to cover funeral costs.

Bhazela’s family is yet to pay an additional 35 head of cattle as compensation for the callous murder of Manyara.

“It seems Bhazela had a long standing dispute with the now deceased whom he once worked for. On the fateful day he went to his homestead and accused him of possessing mubobobo.

“What happened is that he went to his homestead and found his wife alone at home and was told the now deceased had gone to the fields. He then waited for some time and seeing that he was taking long to come back Bhazela left. He came back later and found the now deceased at home.

“He then immediately went into a trance-like state claiming that the previous night he had a dream about the now deceased using mubobobo on him.

“That is when he took an axe handle and used it to strike him twice on the forehead before he used it to repeatedly strike him on the head until it broke into pieces. His wife, who is disabled, helplessly watched as her husband was being brutally murdered,” said the source.

A relative, William Musepa (59) who confirmed the incident said they were still struggling to come to terms with the brutal death of Manyara.

Although he didn’t state the motive behind the grisly murder he said investigations from some neighbours revealed that Bhazela was alleged to have suspected the now deceased of bewitching him.

“We are yet to establish the reasons behind this brutal killing which left everyone in the village shocked.

We just heard that this man arrived at the now deceased’s homestead at around 1pm and was told that he wasn’t there and was busy at his fields. He came back again at around 3pm and was told he was not yet back,” said Musepa.

He said when he came again for the third time at around 6pm that is when he found him on his way from the fields in the company of his son-in-law.

“He then said to him there was something he wanted to talk to him about, just the two of them. He insisted that the matter needed only the two of them. Sensing danger the now deceased refused before he sent his son-in-law to call the village head so that Bhazela could tell his story in his presence.

“After his son-in-law had just left, Bhazela took an axe handle and started hitting the now deceased on the head. He repeatedly struck him until his skull split into pieces. When some people who were nearby attending a church service heard his wife wailing they quickly came but a violent Bhazela chased after them.

“His wife continued watching helplessly as her husband was being pounded repeatedly on the head by Bhazila who also threatened to kill her if she tried to intervene. When he came back from chasing away the church members he continued pounding it until the skull broke into pieces,” said Musepa.

Neighbours who later attended the scene reported the matter to ZRP Mkwasine who attended to it and arrested Bhazela. -B Metro

JEALOUSY has earned a man from Njube suburb in Bulawayo a one-year jail sentence after he kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and her new lover before he brutally assaulted them and forced the man to drink his urine.
Munyaradzi Shara (28)’s fate was heard when he appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Vivian Ndlovu facing a kidnapping charge. He pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted after a full trial.

Shara who was sentenced to two years in jail had one year of his sentence suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The court heard that on 25 November 2022 and at around 6pm, Shara met his ex-lover Sophia Ncube (21) with her new boyfriend Ntandoyenkosi Mbambo (27) and his friend Talent Sibanda (21) in the city centre.

Shara approached the trio and ordered them to move towards the Registrar’s Offices in Bulawayo. When they got there, he asked Sibanda to wait for them from a distance while he was talking to Ncube and Mbambo.

While talking to the two parties Shara demanded Mbambo’s cellphone before he ordered them together with Sibanda to accompany him to his workplace at Herentals College where he is employed as a security guard.

Upon arrival he started assaulting Sibanda with open hands and kicked him several times all over the body.

Shara then took his ex-lover and Mbambo into one of the classrooms where he assaulted Ncube with a broom stick, chair and slaps all over the body.

He then kicked Mbambo on the face before he urinated in a plastic bottle and allegedly forced him to drink his urine.

He then detained Mbambo and Ncube in the classroom in question from 7pm to 12am.

After their release, the duo went and reported the matter to the police leading to Shara’s arrest.

As a result of the assault Ncube suffered multiple bruises on her left thigh and a medical report was produced in court as an exhibit. -B Metro

A 43-year-old Chinhoyi man who failed to cool down his tempers after suspecting his 51-year-old wife of cheating, was arrested yesterday evening after gruesomely killing her.
Kosamu Chitsiru of the Rujeko suburb in the town, was apprehended by police at Hoped Shopping Centre after vanishing from the crime scene where he had pierced his wife’s stomach twice with a kitchen knife following a misunderstanding.

Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Margaret Chitove confirmed the incident.

“The two had a misunderstanding yesterday over a text message that was sent to the wife.

“He drew a kitchen knife and stabbed his wife twice in front of their 13-year-old son before fleeing the scene, leaving the woman’s intestines protruding outside,” she said.

The son called for help from neighbours who then rushed her to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A report was made at Chemagamba Police Station before a manhunt was launched leading to the arrest of the accused

Inspector Chitove encouraged couples to resolve their challenges amicably and respect the sanctity of life.-state media

The European Union has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by another year after expressing concerns over the slow pace of reforms.

Sanctions first imposed in 2002 previously targeted individuals accused of undermining the rule of law and right abuses, but were revised last year and now remain in the form of an arms embargo and asset freeze against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

In a February 28 statement, EU said it “reiterates its ambition to continue developing a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe” but voiced concerns “from a democratic and civic space perspective.”

It added: “These include the Data Protection Act and, if enacted, bills such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged ‘patriotic provisions’ in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.

“The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution.

“It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected. In view of all the above, in its 2023 revision of the restrictive measures, the EU has decided to extend by one year the two measures in place, i.e. the arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries.”

The EU said it would “continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.”

It welcomed an invitation by Zimbabwe to observe elections expected in August and encouraged “all electoral stakeholders, state and non-state alike, to play their role in ensuring the organisation of a credible and peaceful electoral process.”

“There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the government promotes political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the EU said.- ZimLive

Deputy Prosecutor General Mr Michael Reza has accused Tendai Biti of delaying trial by making another application for referral of his assault case to the Constitutional Court.
Biti, who is facing allegations of assaulting an investor Mrs Tatiana Aleshina at the Harare Magistrates Court had his recent application for referral to the same court dismissed by Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro Muchuchuti. 

In his response to Biti’s request for referral of the matter to the Constitutional Court, Mr Reza said it is a tactic used by the accused to delay trial.

“This is the second application for referral to the Constitutional Court that the accused has filed in an effort to delay the trial.

“With respect, the application is an abuse of process and is frivolous and vexatious,” said Mr Reza.

He said before the court can even consider the procedural request that the accused seeks in Para 1 to 6 (of his application) it is incumbent on it to be satisfied that the request is not frivolous or vexatious.

He also stated that Biti’s request to stop the trial as stated in para 6 (of his application) is irregular and has no basis in the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act.

“This court has the power to control its processes subject to the law,” he said.

When the trial kicked off last week, a visibly emotional Mrs Aleshina testified in court as she was narrating how she was assaulted by Biti sometime in 2020.

Mrs Aleshina told the court that she froze when the opposition legislator charged towards her and felt he was going to physically attack her.

“As we were walking in the corridor, l suddenly heard some noise and shouting behind my back.”

She said she immediately stopped in shock only to see Biti with a crowd of people charging towards her.

While evidence was led by Deputy Prosecutor General Mr Michael Reza, Mrs Aleshina said she had never came across that type of unruly behaviour in her life.

She told the court that Biti was aggressive and pointed his finger at her face while shouting “you stupid stupid stupid idiot” and was shaking his body in an aggressive and angry way.

“I did not understand what was going on and I asked him if he was talking to me. But he continued shouting and pointing at my face. After that, my colleague Michael Van Blerk then tried to protect me and stood in front of me.

“Someone said, ‘It’s not right, it’s dangerous here. You need to go’,” Mrs Aleshina told the court.

Mr Reza asked her to describe how she felt in that situation and she explained, “I felt he would physically hit me. I believed in that moment I was in danger. I thought he could kill me. I was shaken and humiliated and disturbed.”

Mrs Aleshina said after the incident, she felt confused and wondered around the court for some minutes looking for an exit point.

“On my way out, someone asked me why Biti was shouting at me and l couldn’t answer that. Someone else said Biti can’t treat women like that. You need to report him to police. I decided to go to the Russian embassy and tell them what had happened. They calmed me down and advised me to go to the police to report the matter,” she said.-state media

POPULAR comedian, Felistas Murata, also known as “Mai TT”, has appeared in court on allegations of fraud and theft of trust property.

Murata, popularly known as Mai TT, was not asked to plead when she appeared in court on charges of fraud and theft of trust property this Thursday.

Mai TT allegedly borrowed US$10 000 from a local businesswoman before she surrendered a hired vehicle as collateral.

It is alleged that in September last year, the accused borrowed money for her business and handed the businesswoman a car as surety.

The court heard that the complainant realised she was duped after the police came to take the car saying it did not belong to Mai TT but to a car rental.- ZBC News

Mai TT was remanded out of custody.
https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/03/03/comedian-mai-tt-nabbed-for-us10-000-fraud/

By A Correspondent

The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has declared the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is not going anywhere.

Speaking at a clean up exercise led by Zanu PF vice president Kembo Mohadi in Masvingo on Friday, Chadzamira said Zanu PF would bury the opposition in the coming polls.

“President Mnangagwa is not going anywhere, Zanu PF is not going anywhere- That is undeniable,” boasted Chadzamira.

“Say whatever you want but we will rule forever. As you know we are targeting a resounding win for President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe belongs to us and those who think people from the West will dictate to us what to do are lost,” added Chadzamira.

Zanu PF seized the clean up exercise and party zealots chanted slogans at the event.

Mohadi also imposed himself on the official opening of a clinic in Masvingo.

POPULAR comedian, Felistas Murata, also known as “Mai TT”, has appeared in court on allegations of fraud and theft of trust property.

Murata, popularly known as Mai TT, was not asked to plead when she appeared in court on charges of fraud and theft of trust property this Thursday.

Mai TT allegedly borrowed US$10 000 from a local businesswoman before she surrendered a hired vehicle as collateral.

It is alleged that in September last year, the accused borrowed money for her business and handed the businesswoman a car as surety.

The court heard that the complainant realised she was duped after the police came to take the car saying it did not belong to Mai TT but to a car rental.- ZBC News

Mai TT was remanded out of custody.
https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/03/03/comedian-mai-tt-nabbed-for-us10-000-fraud/

The European Union has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe by another year after expressing concerns over the slow pace of reforms.

Sanctions first imposed in 2002 previously targeted individuals accused of undermining the rule of law and right abuses, but were revised last year and now remain in the form of an arms embargo and asset freeze against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

In a February 28 statement, EU said it “reiterates its ambition to continue developing a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe” but voiced concerns “from a democratic and civic space perspective.”

It added: “These include the Data Protection Act and, if enacted, bills such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged ‘patriotic provisions’ in the Criminal Law Amendment Bill.

“The EU also maintains its concerns that the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and the perpetrators of violations which occurred in August 2018 and January 2019 are to date still enjoying impunity from prosecution.

“It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected. In view of all the above, in its 2023 revision of the restrictive measures, the EU has decided to extend by one year the two measures in place, i.e. the arms embargo and targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries.”

The EU said it would “continue to closely follow developments, with a particular attention to the human rights situation and recalls its readiness to adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.”

It welcomed an invitation by Zimbabwe to observe elections expected in August and encouraged “all electoral stakeholders, state and non-state alike, to play their role in ensuring the organisation of a credible and peaceful electoral process.”

“There is significant potential in terms of investments and job opportunities, provided that the government promotes political and economic reforms, facilitate a conducive and more predictable business environment, tackle corruption and foster respect for human rights and the rule of law,” the EU said.- ZimLive

Tinashe Sambiri| The Register, Elect and Protect campaign ( REAP) seeks to remove Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from office via the ballot box.

According to CCC youth taskforce spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, the REAP initiative is spreading like veld fire.

“It’s #REAP_zw everywhere. Today we were in ghetto, Ward 4 St Mary’s for voter registration mobilization.

Register, Elect and Protect campaign,” Sarkozy wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri| The Register, Elect and Protect campaign ( REAP) seeks to remove Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from office via the ballot box.

According to CCC youth taskforce spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, the REAP initiative is spreading like veld fire.

“It’s #REAP_zw everywhere. Today we were in ghetto, Ward 4 St Mary’s for voter registration mobilization.

Register, Elect and Protect campaign,” Sarkozy wrote on Twitter.

By A Correspondent

The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has declared the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is not going anywhere.

Speaking at a clean up exercise led by Zanu PF vice president Kembo Mohadi in Masvingo on Friday, Chadzamira said Zanu PF would bury the opposition in the coming polls.

“President Mnangagwa is not going anywhere, Zanu PF is not going anywhere- That is undeniable,” boasted Chadzamira.

“Say whatever you want but we will rule forever. As you know we are targeting a resounding win for President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe belongs to us and those who think people from the West will dictate to us what to do are lost,” added Chadzamira.

Zanu PF seized the clean up exercise and party zealots chanted slogans at the event.

Mohadi also imposed himself on the official opening of a clinic in Masvingo.

By A Correspondent

The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira has declared the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is not going anywhere.

Speaking at a clean up exercise led by Zanu PF vice president Kembo Mohadi in Masvingo on Friday, Chadzamira said Zanu PF would bury the opposition in the coming polls.

“President Mnangagwa is not going anywhere, Zanu PF is not going anywhere- That is undeniable,” boasted Chadzamira.

“Say whatever you want but we will rule forever. As you know we are targeting a resounding win for President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe belongs to us and those who think people from the West will dictate to us what to do are lost,” added Chadzamira.

Zanu PF seized the clean up exercise and party zealots chanted slogans at the event.

Mohadi also imposed himself on the official opening of a clinic in Masvingo.

A DZIVARASEKWA man has been arraigned before the courts facing murder charges after he killed a man who owed him US$6.

The accused, Gift Jamu (46) was today remanded in custody to March 16 by Harare magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure.

He was ordered to apply for bail at the High Court due to the serious magnitude of his crime.

It is alleged that on February 25, he got engaged in a scuffle with the now deceased Moses Nkhulungo in Dzivarasekwa 3, Harare.

Allegations are that on the fateful day, he persistently demanded his cash, US$6, which the now deceased person owed him.

He was not given back the money and he shoved the now deceased who fell down on a tarred road and lost consciousness. Blood started to ooze out of his mouth and nose.

Nkhulungo was rushed to Parirenyatwa hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.- NewsDay

Several homes in Chikombedzi have been destroyed by the excessive rains being experienced in Chiredzi district since Sunday evening.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit in Chiredzi District, Mr Gift Machukele confirmed that more than eight homes in Pfumani and Mugoyani villages in Ward 11 have been destroyed but said there are no reports of injuries or death.

He said members of the Civil Protection Unit are on the ground to assist the affected families, with some areas not accessible.

“We received reports that about 8 households have been affected in Chikombedzi Ward 11. However, it is difficult to access the areas. Given that we had already activated the DRM committees at the village level, we tasked them to do some assessments and when the rain subsides, we will be able to access the affected areas,” he said.

Electricity, mobile network transmitters and some roads have been affected by the incessant rains.

Current rains being experienced in some parts of the country are a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which downgraded upon making landfall in Mozambique on Friday last week.-ZBC News

BREAKING: The two @AJIunit broadcasts scheduled for today will not air today. A contact told ZimEye, they are going ahead working on the other 3 features slated for the 9th, 16th, and 23rd March 2023. No further details were availed at the time of writing. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 2, 2023

The two @AJIunit broadcasts scheduled for today will not air today. A contact told ZimEye, they are going ahead working on the other 3 features slated for the 9th, 16th, and 23rd March 2023. No further details were availed at the time of writing. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW…

A 16-year-old Chikomba girl was on Tuesday evening raped and robbed by an assailant as she sought employment as a house helper in Harare.

Harare Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Julius Chakanza said the girl arrived in Harare on the same day from Chikomba expecting to get employed as a house maid.

She went to a hardware shop in the Central Business District looking for the person who had offered her the job but was informed he had gone to Mazowe on business errands.

While waiting for the prospective employer outside the shop, the girl was approached by an unidentified man, who pretended to be genuinely concerned about her.

He asked her why she appeared desperate and the girl explained her situation.

The man then lied to her that he knew of someone who wanted a house maid and was even prepared to pay her a better salary of US$80.

The girl was lured to a bushy area in Warren Park suburb where she was raped once without protection by the man who threatened to harm her.

After the act, the man allegedly stole the girl’s Huawei cellphone, a brown jacket and US$10 cash before fleeing into the darkness.

The girl was later helped by a passerby who took her to Warren Park Police Station where the case was reported.

The accused person is still at large and the victim was referred to hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Inspector Chakanza said parents should desist from releasing their underage children to seek employment as this would expose them to danger.

He warned girls and women to be wary of strangers offering any form of assistance as some of them were criminals.- state media

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson has appointed herself the organisation’s chairperson. 

Chigumba has exclusively designated three senior officials to be spokespersons with effect from February 20. 

The commission’s chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, her deputy Ambassador Rodney Kiwa and Chief Elections Officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana will be solely responsible for the communication affairs of the electoral management body.

In a statement, Justice Chigumba said appointment of the three spokespersons is in line with the Electoral Act.

“In terms of the Electoral Act and by the operation of law and virtue of conditions of oath of office and the ZEC Public Relations and Communication Policy, the following are the three officials statutorily designated to be the spokespersons of ZEC: a) Chairperson Honourable Justice P M Chigumba, b) Deputy chairperson Ambassador R Kiwa, c) Chief Elections Officer, Mr U Silaigwana,” said Justice Chigumba.

“In light of the above, members of the public and electorate are hereby advised that with effect from 20 February 20233 the above mentioned three people are exclusively spokespersons of ZEC.”

She committed to responding to all media queries within 72 hours of receipt.-state media

Several homes in Chikombedzi have been destroyed by the excessive rains being experienced in Chiredzi district since Sunday evening.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit in Chiredzi District, Mr Gift Machukele confirmed that more than eight homes in Pfumani and Mugoyani villages in Ward 11 have been destroyed but said there are no reports of injuries or death.

He said members of the Civil Protection Unit are on the ground to assist the affected families, with some areas not accessible.

“We received reports that about 8 households have been affected in Chikombedzi Ward 11. However, it is difficult to access the areas. Given that we had already activated the DRM committees at the village level, we tasked them to do some assessments and when the rain subsides, we will be able to access the affected areas,” he said.

Electricity, mobile network transmitters and some roads have been affected by the incessant rains.

Current rains being experienced in some parts of the country are a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which downgraded upon making landfall in Mozambique on Friday last week.-ZBC News

A Bulawayo couple has reached out for help after enduring verbal and physical abuse at the hands of their drug-addict son who has “vowed to kill us” if they don’t give him US$3 for drugs daily.

For the past seven years, Bekithemba Mhlanga (27) of Luveve suburb has been hooked on heroin, among other drugs, and recently escaped Ingutsheni Central Hospital, leaving his parents with no option but to keep him chained.

Bekithemba left Zimbabwe for South Africa to live with his sister in Cape Town in 2014 after he had finished his Ordinary Levels. Back home he had been a responsible child and his parents suspect that he was introduced to drugs in the neighbouring country resulting in his brother-in-law sending him back to Zimbabwe after he attempted to stab him.

After returning home in 2016, he has continued abusing glue, “some materials from light bulbs”, marijuana, and heroin.

He is now open about his addiction as he demands that his parents give him US$3 daily to buy drugs in Gwabalanda at a drug haven called “koSaNe”.

If they do not give him the US$3, he forcibly takes the money.

When a Chronicle news crew visited the family, Bekithemba’s mother, Mrs Sithembeni Mhlanga (53), said her son was a vision-oriented man before becoming a heroin addict in South Africa, ruining his life. Unfortunately, drug dealers in Bulawayo continue to feed his addiction.

Mrs Mhlanga said Bekithemba grew up in Emakhandeni suburb under the custody of his grandmother who passed away in 2015.

“Bekithemba did his primary and secondary education in Luveve primary and Emakhandeni secondary schools, respectively.

He finished his Ordinary Level studies and went to South Africa, Cape Town, in 2014 where he worked at a bakery up to early 2016,” she said.

Mrs Mhlanga said her son was reportedly compelled to return to Zimbabwe in March 2017 after he started physically abusing people, including his relatives in South Africa.

In the same year he returned to Zimbabwe, Bekithemba reportedly began operating as a pirate kombi driver up until July last year.

“He first resided in my mother’s home in Emakhandeni suburb, but last year, around July, he abruptly stopped pirating. Then, we got word from his neighbours that we should be on the lookout because they suspected he was drug dealing.

“We quickly took him to stay with us and found lodgers for the home. Around August/September, Bekithemba began to eat substantial meals by himself. He would prepare dinner for himself and set it on a platter before poking a hole in his sadza and inserting his relish. When his father asked why he was eating lots of meals and other treats that I was selling at my vending business, he became aggressive and threatened to beat him up,” she said.

The woman, who had to shut down her vending business, said despite their suspicions that Bekithemba was taking drugs due to his aggression, they did make much of it because their other two children had never had a drug history problem.

“Alone, he could laugh. He would occasionally simply start weeping while we were all sitting in the lounge and tell us that someone was trying to break into our house by opening the asbestos roof. We were astonished. Our neighbours told us that he might have been taking drugs,” Mrs Mhlanga said.

Bekithemba’s father, Mr Aron Mhlanga, said despite their efforts to secure the house with solid locks, he consistently breaks windows and doors to gain access and steal.

In November last year, Mr Mhlanga said they took their son to Mpilo Central Hospital where they were told that he was a heroin addict and referred to Ingutsheni Central Hospital.

Bekithemba stayed for two weeks at the hospital and he was released. Once he got home, he resumed his abusive behaviour.

He also started refusing to sleep in his bedroom, saying it needed to be cleansed.

“On one occasion we were at a funeral on Christmas Eve at a house in this neighbourhood, and when we got home the next morning, Bekithemba’s little sister was trembling.

She said Bekithemba claimed to be creating firecrackers as he threw beer and Coca-Cola bottles at the door of our main bedroom. When I questioned him about breaking our door and windows, he beat me up and his mother and vowed to kill us,” said Mr Mhlanga.

“From there onwards, Themba became extremely aggressive, and we are unable to speak to him since he hits us. We calmly paid someone to repair the damaged windows and doors.

“This time around he would steal our clothes, and kitchen utensils and sell them to some people in Emakhandeni, at an area popularly known as koWozawoza. He would order us to give him US$3 every day to buy his drugs at a place called koSaNe in Gwabalanda suburb.”

A Chronicle edition of December 2 last year exposed drug havens in the city named KoSaNe as one of the go-to places for drug addicts. Mr Mhlanga said he wonders why the Gwabalanda drug supplier seems to be untouchable.

He said his son once assaulted his younger sister, who is in Form Two and robbed her of cash for her school transportation.

In January this year, Mr Mhlanga said they returned to Ingutsheni to report that Bekithemba’s mental health was deteriorating.

This was after he took his son to traditional healers and psychologists, to no avail.

“We were instructed to bring him back and we did so. However, he ran away from Ingutsheni, so we surrendered and called on neighbours, and we chained him to a window since he has grown too vicious,” Mr Mhlanga said.

Mr Mhlanga is appealing for financial assistance and information on private rehabilitation centres where he can take his son. He can be reached on 0776774003.-state media

Two armed robbers are nursing burns sustained after the owner of a house they intended to break into doused them with sulphuric acid.
The two, who were part of a four-member gang that was breaking into houses stealing cash and property in Zhombe, were later sold out by the burns and were nabbed as they sought medical attention.

Tatenda Bhebhe (23) of Mbizo 8 in Kwekwe was arrested while admitted at Kadoma General Hospital while his accomplice Mollen Banda (27) was picked up by police while admitted at Gweru General Hospital.

The two implicated their accomplices, Tafadzwa Moyo (21) and Learnmore Masaga (22) both of Village Kesani under Chief Gwesela in Zhombe.

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the gang has been linked to 5 other cases ranging from malicious damage of property to robbery.

He said luck ran out for the two as they tried to break down a door to Brighton Dlodlo’s homestead.

“On 20 February 2023 around 3AM, Dlodlo of Village Ndabenkulu Chief Gwesela in Zhombe, was sleeping when he was awakened by the noise of the gang trying to break through the door to gain entrance into the house,” said Inspector Mahoko.

Dlodlo, police said, took a bottle containing sulphuric acid and sprinkled it on the suspects’ faces through a hole they had created on the door resulting in them running for dear life.

On 25 February police received information that Bhebhe was admitted at Kadoma Hospital and they swiftly reacted and arrested him.

Banda was later arrested while admitted at Gweru General Hospital while the rest of the gang was arrested from their homesteads after being implicated by the two.-state media

Former Cabinet Minister Ignatius Chombo is far from being a free man as two more corruption related charges are still pending at the Harare Magistrates Court despite the State’s withdrawal of his fraud charge wherein he was accused of misappropriating a Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe $14 billion loan extended to him in 2006.
The charges were withdrawn after the State established that he committed the loan to purchasing farming equipment, as per the loan agreement.

Yesterday, Chombo was back in court before regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje where the State confirmed that he was still facing allegations of receiving a bribe of a 3 712 square metre stand from land developer Eddie Pfugari Property (Pvt) Limited.

Chombo is alleged to have demanded the bribe to assist Eddie Pfugari Properties to remove illegal settlers at Whitecliff Farm in Harare.

It is alleged that Eddie Pfugari Property Developers (Pvt) Ltd lost property worth $200 million after Chombo allocated residential stands on the piece of land.

Chombo is charged with contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act and alternatively bribery.

It is the State’s case that sometime in 1997 Eddie Pfugari Properties purchased White Cliff farm from Fredrick John William Smith.

The State alleges that all formalities were done and the property was transferred under Deed of Transfer number 10444/2000.

According to the State, prior to the acquisition of the property, the Government had issued a certificate of no present interest in respect of the land. Eddies Pfugari Property Developers applied and was granted a subdivision permit.

The court heard that the complainant subdivided the farm into residential stands and started selling them to home seekers.

Sometime in 2000, Chombo who was the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, allegedly allocated stands to illegal settlers within the piece of land.

Chombo allegedly appeared sympathetic and invited Eddies Pfugari Property Developers to his office and assured them that he would remove the illegal settlers using his ministerial powers.

It is alleged that Chombo offered assistance on condition that he would be given a piece of land in Norton where the complainant was selling residential stands.

Out of desperation Eddie Pfugari Properties gave up stand number 5841 Knowe, Norton measuring 3 712 valued at $310 150.

The stand was transferred into Ronchelle Trading (Pvt) Ltd, a company whose director is Nimrod Chiminya, Chombo’s brother, according to the State. Chombo is expected back in court on March 22.-state media

THE Nelson Chmaisa led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has ruled out any prospects of joining forces with other political parties under a coalition arrangement.

Prior to the 2018 elections, political formations united under the banner of the MDC Alliance to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF party in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa won.

CCC national spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere told a local media house that the party will go it alone.

“The Citizens’ Coalition for Change led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the only credible alternative to Zanu-PF. The latest Afrobarometer Report, the SABI Strategy survey and all data points to the election being a two horse race with Advocate Chamisa gearing for a clear victory. As highlighted previously, the CCC is a broad tent, open to all – the only qualification is that one must be a citizen,” said Mahere.- Bulawayo 24

Dear City Fathers and Mothers

RE : Official Opening Of Masvingo City Council Clinic

A letter by Masvingo City Clerk Eg Mukaratirwa that Masvingo City Council Clinic will be officially opened by ZanuPF official is unconstitutional and foolishness of highest order.

Any Council official who sanctioned such madness must be politically and morally out of his mind.

Any City Council business must be presided by a government official.Kembo Daglish Mohadi is not a government official as he resigned from government after his alleged sex scandal.

Mr Mohadi is coming to officially open the clinic in what capacity? He is only a ZanuPF Vice President not Zimbabwe Vice President.

The person who authorized the invitation of a none government official to preside over a government must be made answer for such a town hall coup.

Masvingo City Council must know there are many government Minister’s capable to officially open the clinic.

The City Council must have fallen into ZanuPF factional fights.Masvingo City Council Clinic falls under Hon Vice President Chiwenga’s ministry of health and child welfare.In inviting Mohadi Masvingo City Council was snubbing Chiwenga the head of the ministry.

The invitation of Mohadi to government duty whilst he is only a ZanuPF supporter means the city council is run like centre of ZanuPF factional strategic planning centre.

The City Clerk must have refused to sign the invitation letter as it violates the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Local Government Minister must explain to the people of Masvingo why Mohadi a none government official is invited to officially open the clinic.

Yours sincerely

??☝??? Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good for Citizens who want better change in Zimbabwe

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to push the country into anarchy.

This was said by CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.

President Chamisa also challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ( ZEC) to avail the voters roll.

Read article below:

Credit : Citizens Coalition for Change ( CCC ) Facebook page

?️INTERVIEW: Our Change Champion in Chief, Advocate Nelson recently had a wide-ranging interview with NewZimbabwe.com where he talked about the continued persecution of our party members including Hon Job Sikhala, the growing list of banned rallies, ZEC to act constitutionally by availing the voters roll, vowing to end the tide of bad politics this year and his readiness to lead a New Great Zimbabwe.

“I know that Mr Mnangagwa wants to provoke us so that there is a justification to drive this country into anarchy. We have resisted the temptation because we are nation builders, because we want Zimbabwe to be the best country, the greatest country,” he said.

On the continued persecution of our members including Hon Job Sikhala and on accusations that he is not doing much to assist the persecuted activists, he said, “I am sure they are mistaking me for Mr Mnangagwa who is the one who is persecuting activists and who presides over the government. I am not the head of state yet.

“But would any sane person expect us to share my plans publicly and hope to see those plans being effective after the fact?

“A lot is being done, a lot has been done. We will continue to do that, but we can’t just come and say this is our strategy; this is our plan telling the opponent.

“The situation testifies how sick the nation is, how sick Zimbabwe is. Our politics is broken. Our politics is sick. There is no reason why on trumped-up charges anybody should be incarcerated and placed behind bars. It’s vindictive. It’s persecution.

“It’s rule by law not, the rule of law. It’s the weaponization of the law and the judiciary and that is wrong . That is wrong and we must end that this year.”

He added that there are many citizens who continue to face persecution across the country, particularly in rural areas underscoring that the scenario has been the story of the country’s struggle.

“That has been the story of this fight for democracy and freedom in Zimbabwe.

“You remember that the likes of Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere spent almost nine years behind bars over trumped-up charges when they had not committed a crime. You know the Nyatsime story; you know the Glen View story. You know the Budiriro story.

“Persecution is everywhere and all over. It’s a reminder that our politics is broken and something is rotten in Zimbabwe. We must fix the rot.”

Responding to fears that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) will be affected by the current tide of broken politics in handling the elections, the CCC leader insisted on accountability and shared responsibility.

“Look, elections are a public process. From the moment one registers as a voter it is public. To the moment that the polling booth is public and cast their ballot and the moment the ballot is counted and the result is announced all these are public.

“This whole thing of piling everything upon ZEC is less profitable. Yes. ZEC must show integrity and impartiality, independence and non -partisanship in their conduct.

“So the result will be known by everyone. So this whole thing of over-dramatizing ZEC is pointless. ZEC is just a referee but we are the players and we are all in the stadium watching the match.”

“Where a referee chooses to throw away the whistle and join the other team. We are duty-bound to draw a line in the sand.

“ZEC must simply avail the voters roll. They must not make it difficult for people to register to vote.”

He went on to challenge Zimbabweans to brace for change as he vowed to pull the curtains down on the ruling Zanu PF party’s 43 years rein.

“Change is coming. Citizens are winning big. The citizens’ victory is unstoppable. It is no longer a CCC or Zanu PF affair. It’s now about Zimbabwe and nation-building. We must join our hands together to win a new great Zimbabwe. When we win, Zimbabwe wins and everyone wins including those in Zanu PFf,” he said.

He insisted that it was about time to build a new republic under a citizen government. A government of all progressive citizens across the political divide.

“I repeat. Come let’s join hands. When we win Zimbabwe wins and the whole nation celebrates. This is a new national consensus, an inter-generational consensus that is anchored on the transformational mandate.

“Our forebears had a liberation mandate. Ours is a transformational mandate. Built on the need to democratise and achieve accelerated national transformation of the economy and politics. Transformation is the solution for the country.

“Now is the time. As I always say, God is in it and no man can stop an idea whose time has come.

“Continuing and perpetuating the past is simply continuing and perpetuating the suffering, rottenness, brokenness, disappointment and a plethora of unfulfilled and unmet commitments and promises,” he added.

THE Nelson Chmaisa led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has ruled out any prospects of joining forces with other political parties under a coalition arrangement.

Prior to the 2018 elections, political formations united under the banner of the MDC Alliance to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF party in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa won.

CCC national spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere told a local media house that the party will go it alone.

“The Citizens’ Coalition for Change led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the only credible alternative to Zanu-PF. The latest Afrobarometer Report, the SABI Strategy survey and all data points to the election being a two horse race with Advocate Chamisa gearing for a clear victory. As highlighted previously, the CCC is a broad tent, open to all – the only qualification is that one must be a citizen,” said Mahere.- Bulawayo 24

A DZIVARASEKWA man has been arraigned before the courts facing murder charges after he killed a man who owed him US$6.

The accused, Gift Jamu (46) was today remanded in custody to March 16 by Harare magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure.

He was ordered to apply for bail at the High Court due to the serious magnitude of his crime.

It is alleged that on February 25, he got engaged in a scuffle with the now deceased Moses Nkhulungo in Dzivarasekwa 3, Harare.

Allegations are that on the fateful day, he persistently demanded his cash, US$6, which the now deceased person owed him.

He was not given back the money and he shoved the now deceased who fell down on a tarred road and lost consciousness. Blood started to ooze out of his mouth and nose.

Nkhulungo was rushed to Parirenyatwa hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.- NewsDay

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe yesterday doubled the amount of foreign currency in cash someone can physically carry on their person or in their baggage out of the country to US$10 000.

Far larger sums are moved every day out of the country within the formal banking system as importers, those paying dividends, people paying other foreign bills and the like do their normal business, with the cash in wallets being only a very small proportion of the foreign currency that is used to pay for goods, services and travel outside the country.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya announced the new cash limit in a Statutory Instrument made in terms of the Exchange Control Act.

The US$10 000 limit in baggage or pocket can be cash in any foreign currency, gold coins or in any desired combination of foreign currencies or gold coins.

Besides the limit for foreign currency banknotes and gold coins, travellers can also take out the equivalent of US$1 000 at the interbank rate in “demonitised” Zimbabwean notes and coins.

Anyone intending to carry more than US$10 000 in notes and coins, rather than making electronic transfers, requires exchange control approval.

Diplomats are not subject to these limits.

Commenting on the development, economist Dr Prosper Chitambara said it would go a long way in cultivating confidence in the economy.

“It is an improvement from the US$5 000 that was there before and its meant to relax capital controls in terms of export of cash. It’s critical in terms of engendering greater levels of confidence within the economy. The more relaxed the control, the greater improvement in confidence in the economy,” said Dr Chitambara.

Another economist said it was another step in opening up the economy.

“What is important is to have less controls as much as possible. That is what the RBZ has done and it is quite positive,” said the economist.

Harare-based economist Professor Gift Mugano said while the legal instrument would help to remove controls, he expressed reservations on the new limit.

“It does not stimulate economic growth but rather will expedite draining of foreign currency from the country. The net effect of this is a liquidity crunch particularly now since we are now dollarised.

“You are aware that we have a large informal sector and by increasing the amount of money which can be taken out of the country to US$10 000, we have really taken a position to take oxygen out of our system,” said Prof Mugano.

“The most important exchange controls which must be dealt with relate to export retention and liberalisation of exchange rate. Increasing foreign currency which can be taken out is merely draining oxygen from our system.”- state media

TOBACCO Industry and Marketing Board operations director and acting chief executive Immanuel Matsvaire has found himself in the eye of a storm amid several allegations against him.

Close sources said letters have been written to investigation authorities among them the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission after a series of fraudulent transactions involving agricultural inputs fertilizers and chemicals between 2017 and 2021.

In a circular doing rounds Matsvaire is accused of a number of things.

It is said the input clerk at TIMB head office one Ms Chide would sent numerous truck loads of inputs to four provinces Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland which would be received by the regional managers for distribution to growers.

Matsvaire who was then a regional manager in Manicaland allegedly failed to account for 3 truckloads of inputs made up of 1800 bags or 90 000 tonnes of fertilisers worth US$ 90 000 that were despatched to his area.

Claims are that the inputs disappeared and reports are that those who worked close to him said the inputs were sold for his benefit.

It is further alleged that Matsvaire also flouted tender procedures and got a tender to transport tobacco inputs for the TIMB Tobacco Inputs Credit Scheme (TICS) contract programme.

Reports are that he would use a company called Paramad Investments to transport the inputs to Manicaland where he was in charge between 2018 and 2021.

Allegations are that Matsvaire would manipulate the vehicle mileage figures and claimed higher than the actual payements for transportation services which prejudiced TIMB.

Claims are that the Burma Valley trip was the most inflated mileage.Matsvaire is alleged to have requested more truckloads of inputs which resulted in him inflating mileage and translated to several undeserving payments to Paramad Investments prejudicing TIMB.

It also alleged that he would force TIMB field ifficers to make inputs requests without corresponding contracted growers to receive these agricultural inputs prejudicing TIMB.

Claims are that the Paramad Investments payments for transportation were deposited into one Tinaye Mutanda’s ZB bank account and Mutanda would transfer the funds to Matsvaire using zipit platform.

Allegations are that the fraudulent scheme involved Matsvaire, Mutanda and one Modekayi making away with thousands of dollars through the mileage inflation strategy.Matsvaire has also been accused of nepotism allegedly facilitating the employment of four undeserving colleagues.

Matsvaire allegedly teamed up with one Divine Bona the TIMB human capital partener and employed one Rogas Chikomo as a registration cleck at TIMB Mutare office in 2017 to June 2022.

Records show a continous unprocedural renewal of employment contract without conducting any interviews for the job offer and despite not having the requisite qualification, Chikomo was employed as a permanant TIMB employee.

Matsvaire and Bona are also alleged to have facilitated the employment of Aid Taruvinga from the post of field 9fficer to that of technical officer yet he had no basic agricultural qualification and proper requirements for the job.

The two also employed Award Lovemore who is a relative of Matsvaire as a cleck in 2017 to date.

His birth certificate clearly states that his mother is a Matsvaire.

The two are also alleged to have recruited Elisher Mugombo who is also a close relative of Matsvaire to the position of field officer despite not having the required agricultural qualifications for the post.

The two allegedly justified this appointment but indicating that he is currently studying towards the qualification yet Mugombo only registered for a programme with a university so that he conforms to the recommendations made by the two and has since stopped undertaking the indicated studies.

Efforts to get a comment from Matsvaire were fruitless as his mobile number was not available.

After battling drug abuse for almost two years, Dendera music sensation Tryson Chimbetu has fully recovered from an addiction which he describes as a journey into hell.- ZBC News

Mazowe Dam is the latest large water body to spill after last doing so five years ago.

According to a tweet by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority this Tuesday, the dam last spilled in 2018.

Last week, Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo, spilled for the first time since 2008.

The spilling of dams is set to boost government’s irrigation development agenda as the country targets food self-sufficiency.- ZBC News

Govt efforts to increase gold deliveries through official channels are gathering momentum and yesterday 17 teams were deployed across the eight mining provinces to carry out a week-long monitoring and surveillance blitz.
The exercise began yesterday and will end on March 8.

The country produced 35 tonnes of the yellow metal last year and is targeting to produce at least 40 tonnes although Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando said the sector could produce up to 50 tonnes.

The assessment teams were sent off by Minister Chitando during the 2023 First Gold Mobilisation Exercise deployment workshop.

In his remarks, Minister Chitando called on the gold sector to put all efforts in contributing its target of US$4 billion in the overall target of a mining industry worth at least US$12 billion by the end of the year.

“We really would want to put as much effort as we can in achieving our set target and I believe if we put our hands together we can achieve our target,” Minister Chitando said.

He commended the small-scale and artisanal miners for their contribution of 23 tonnes to last year’s production of 35 tonnes and said they had the potential to do more especially following the unveiling of a US$10 million loan facility by Government for them two weeks ago.

“We also want to ensure that we engage in responsible mining by observing the country’s laws be they labour, immigration and environmental laws among others,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Pfungwa Kunaka said it was through efforts such as the gold mobilisation that it could ensure compliance for the gold mining sector, ensure growth and reach set targets.

“The gold mobilisation blitz, remains an effective exercise that the Government of Zimbabwe has identified as a driving force to ensure we increase the deliveries of gold to Fidelity Gold Refinery hence the growth of the mining sector and the Zimbabwean economy at large.

“The monitoring and surveillance exercise is intended to raise the amount of gold delivered to Fidelity Gold Refinery and to ensure accountability by stakeholders.

“We must ensure that we conduct the exercise diligently and show innovativeness as we conduct inspections of the production plants as we go through the various stages of production. We would also want records on all hammer mills and mobile gold processing units be collected. That way we will identify leakages and illegal operations. We hope this will open room for gold to successfully find its way to FGR,” Mr Kunaka said.

FGR chief executive officer Mr Peter Magaramombe said his organisation would strive to pay miners on delivery and matching international prices.

“We will ensure competitive pricing which is benchmarked on the international standards and that payment would be made in cash at the gold mining centres,” he said.

Mr Magaramombe added that they would open more gold buying centres especially at the six gold services centres that will be opened this year.

Mr Willie Munhutu from the National Gold Mobilisation Technical Taskforce said there was need to improve security at airports and other entry and exit points to curb leakages.

“Lack of gold detectors at entry and exit points has resulted in smuggling,” he said and also called on Government to keep records of manufacturers of mining equipment and their customers to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.

Chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, Mr Wellington Takavarasha said with increased Government support, small-scale and artisanal miners had the potential to produce 80 tonnes of gold annually.

“Government should provide geological data to artisanal and small-scale miners and ensure access to capital, grants and lines of credit,” Mr Takavarasha said.

He applauded Government for the US$10 million facility and called for more capacity building initiatives.

The surveillance exercise is set to be held quarterly to improve gold deliveries to FGR. -state media

6 armed men raided a Mukuru money transfer outlet in Silobela in Midlands Province and handcuffed a cashier and security guard manning the booth at gunpoint before they got away with US$1 800, R7 800 and cellphones.
After the raid, the suspects sped off in their getaway car, a Toyota Wish.

Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, which happened on Tuesday at around midday.

“The robbers masqueraded as genuine clients and joined the queue pretending to be waiting for their turn to be served. Three of them entered the booth and produced pistols before they ordered all clients in the booth to lie down,” he said.

Inspector Mahoko said the gang threatened to shoot the teller before ordering him to surrender all the money and out of fear, he complied.

The robbers then used the security guard’s handcuffs to jointly cuff both the guard and the teller.

“They then ransacked the booth and took the money and two cellphones before speeding off in a Toyota Wish towards Nkayi,” said the police spokesperson.

He said no arrests have been made and they are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest to contact any nearest police station.

Meanwhile, police in Gweru have arrested an 18-year-old man who is part of a three-member gang that used a Honda Fit vehicle to rob passengers in and around the city.

Tatenda Munaka was part of a three-member gang that was driving a Honda Fit around the town and targeting travellers and robbing them of cash and other valuables.

Munaka ran out of luck when one of their victims identified them while refuelling at a local service station and he alerted police and members of the public leading to his arrest.

Two other accomplices managed to escape.

Insp Mahoko said Munaka and his two accomplices moved around Gweru city centre in a Honda Fit targeting unsuspecting people looking for transport.

“On the day in question at around 5.15AM, the gang offered transport to two men who were travelling to Kwekwe from Gweru. Upon reaching Northlea roundabout, they stopped the vehicle and demanded money from the victims,” he said.

“They stabbed one of them with a knife on the left shoulder and right leg before taking the victims cellphones and US$130 cash.”

After pushing the complainants out of the vehicle, the suspects sped off towards Gweru city centre.

“At around 5.40AM that same day, they picked up a man who was going to Woodlands from DST Gweru in town. Along the way, they turned towards Raylton Sports Club and stopped after driving for about 100 metres,” said Insp Mahoko.

“They shocked the victim using a taser (an electroshock weapon used to incapacitate people) and took two cellphones and US$25 cash before driving towards Gweru city centre.”

One of the complainants managed to identify the Honda Fit while it was refuelling at a local service station.

“The vehicle was blocked and two suspects bolted out and ran away while Munaka was arrested. The vehicle was searched and kitchen knives, eight cellphones were recovered,” said Insp Mahoko.

Police have launched a manhunt for the other suspects.-state media

Mazowe Dam is the latest large water body to spill after last doing so five years ago.

According to a tweet by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority this Tuesday, the dam last spilled in 2018.

Last week, Lake Mutirikwi in Masvingo, spilled for the first time since 2008.

The spilling of dams is set to boost government’s irrigation development agenda as the country targets food self-sufficiency.- ZBC News

ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Dr Mike Bimha says cell building and verification is progressing well with reports expected next week Monday after the end of the process.

The revolutionary ZANU PF party is almost through with the cell building and verification exercise as per its constitutional requirement.

This exercise is meant to come up with authentic cells, which will be transformed into the party’s voters’ roll during primary elections.

Updating journalists on the process, Dr Bimha said everything is going smoothly and the process will end this week.

‘‘Cell building and verification is very important, to comply with the constitutional mandate, we need authentic cells which we will use as voters roll in the primary elections. We have teams focusing on verification to make sure that the work being done is up to standard. Initially, we had scheduled from 19-25th of February, we extended to the 3rd of March owing to incessant rains and other reasons.’’

Dr Bimha also noted that dates for primary elections are not yet out.

‘‘We want to have primary elections early but dates will be decided by the party leadership in due course. We urge our supporters to continue registering to vote.’’

ZANU PF is targeting more than five million votes in the forthcoming harmonised elections.- ZBC News

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to push the country into anarchy.

This was said by CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.

President Chamisa also challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ( ZEC) to avail the voters roll.

Read article below:

Credit : Citizens Coalition for Change ( CCC ) Facebook page

?️INTERVIEW: Our Change Champion in Chief, Advocate Nelson recently had a wide-ranging interview with NewZimbabwe.com where he talked about the continued persecution of our party members including Hon Job Sikhala, the growing list of banned rallies, ZEC to act constitutionally by availing the voters roll, vowing to end the tide of bad politics this year and his readiness to lead a New Great Zimbabwe.

“I know that Mr Mnangagwa wants to provoke us so that there is a justification to drive this country into anarchy. We have resisted the temptation because we are nation builders, because we want Zimbabwe to be the best country, the greatest country,” he said.

On the continued persecution of our members including Hon Job Sikhala and on accusations that he is not doing much to assist the persecuted activists, he said, “I am sure they are mistaking me for Mr Mnangagwa who is the one who is persecuting activists and who presides over the government. I am not the head of state yet.

“But would any sane person expect us to share my plans publicly and hope to see those plans being effective after the fact?

“A lot is being done, a lot has been done. We will continue to do that, but we can’t just come and say this is our strategy; this is our plan telling the opponent.

“The situation testifies how sick the nation is, how sick Zimbabwe is. Our politics is broken. Our politics is sick. There is no reason why on trumped-up charges anybody should be incarcerated and placed behind bars. It’s vindictive. It’s persecution.

“It’s rule by law not, the rule of law. It’s the weaponization of the law and the judiciary and that is wrong . That is wrong and we must end that this year.”

He added that there are many citizens who continue to face persecution across the country, particularly in rural areas underscoring that the scenario has been the story of the country’s struggle.

“That has been the story of this fight for democracy and freedom in Zimbabwe.

“You remember that the likes of Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere spent almost nine years behind bars over trumped-up charges when they had not committed a crime. You know the Nyatsime story; you know the Glen View story. You know the Budiriro story.

“Persecution is everywhere and all over. It’s a reminder that our politics is broken and something is rotten in Zimbabwe. We must fix the rot.”

Responding to fears that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) will be affected by the current tide of broken politics in handling the elections, the CCC leader insisted on accountability and shared responsibility.

“Look, elections are a public process. From the moment one registers as a voter it is public. To the moment that the polling booth is public and cast their ballot and the moment the ballot is counted and the result is announced all these are public.

“This whole thing of piling everything upon ZEC is less profitable. Yes. ZEC must show integrity and impartiality, independence and non -partisanship in their conduct.

“So the result will be known by everyone. So this whole thing of over-dramatizing ZEC is pointless. ZEC is just a referee but we are the players and we are all in the stadium watching the match.”

“Where a referee chooses to throw away the whistle and join the other team. We are duty-bound to draw a line in the sand.

“ZEC must simply avail the voters roll. They must not make it difficult for people to register to vote.”

He went on to challenge Zimbabweans to brace for change as he vowed to pull the curtains down on the ruling Zanu PF party’s 43 years rein.

“Change is coming. Citizens are winning big. The citizens’ victory is unstoppable. It is no longer a CCC or Zanu PF affair. It’s now about Zimbabwe and nation-building. We must join our hands together to win a new great Zimbabwe. When we win, Zimbabwe wins and everyone wins including those in Zanu PFf,” he said.

He insisted that it was about time to build a new republic under a citizen government. A government of all progressive citizens across the political divide.

“I repeat. Come let’s join hands. When we win Zimbabwe wins and the whole nation celebrates. This is a new national consensus, an inter-generational consensus that is anchored on the transformational mandate.

“Our forebears had a liberation mandate. Ours is a transformational mandate. Built on the need to democratise and achieve accelerated national transformation of the economy and politics. Transformation is the solution for the country.

“Now is the time. As I always say, God is in it and no man can stop an idea whose time has come.

“Continuing and perpetuating the past is simply continuing and perpetuating the suffering, rottenness, brokenness, disappointment and a plethora of unfulfilled and unmet commitments and promises,” he added.

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, today launched the city’s “Chenesa Harare” campaign in a bid to transform and restore the city’s Sunshine status. The clean up campaign will run for weeks. It’s our collective responsibility to keep the streets clean and tidy. #PlayYourPart

The Harare City council has partnered with various local companies to achieve the “Operation Chenesa Harare” goal.

The following skip points have been adopted by several recyclers where they are going to practice separation of waste at source bringing sanity to the areas.

Market Square – Recycling Ladies
Copacabana – Recycling Today
Charge Office – National Waste Collection
4th Street – Zimbabwe Sunshine Group

Meanwhile, there will also be enforcement of the anti-litter by laws by Municipal Police and fining of shops without requisite number of bins.- CCC

Tinashe Sambiri|The Swaziland Liberation Movement has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to release jailed CCC deputy chairperson Honourable Job Sikhala.

Hon Sikhala was arrested in June last year for denouncing the brutal murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.

In a statement, the Swaziland Liberation Movement condemned the lengthy detention of Hon Sikhala.

“Swaziland Liberation Movement says Zimbabwean authorities should release Job Sikhala of the Citizens Coalition For Change , who has been in remand prison at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for more than eight months.”