Tinashe Sambiri| The Election Resource Centre (ERC) in collaboration with dancehall stars will hold a gig to encourage young people to register to vote.

Young people are expected to play a key role in the outcome of the 2023 polls.

Zanu PF is subtly discouraging youths from registering to vote as part of a scheme to rig elections through voter apathy.

In a statement on Sunday, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

“From the Election Resource Centre for Ama2K.

They just require your voter registration slip.

RegisterToVoteZW.”

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC vice president Hon Tendai Biti has castigated the Zanu PF regime for trampling on fundamental human rights.

Hon Biti challenged the Zanu PF regime to release Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole and the Nyatsime activists.

“The rule of law is all but gone.The law has been weaponized.We cry for Job ,Godfrey and the #Nyatsime16.

We cry for Justice #FreeGodfreySithole #FreeJobSikhala #justiceformoreblessingali,” Hon Biti wrote on Twitter.

CCC challenged the Zanu PF regime to release jailed party activists with immediate effect.

“Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Sithole and the #Nyatsime16 members’ continued persecution chronicles the deteriorating democratic space under Mr Mnangagwa.

Our champions’ persecution history will be difficult to erase and these are the heroes of our current revolution, 4th Chimurenga.”

Marara vs Mwonzora, Who Wins?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 7, 2022

A bid by former MDC Alliance leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s top ally Norest Marara to contest for the party’s presidency is reportedly set to be rejected at the party’s standing committee meeting on Wednesday.
Marara, who facilitated the purchase of two of Tsvangirai’s vehicles in 2011 and was arrested on charges of smuggling them through Beitbridge Border Post, is the first to openly challenge Douglas Mwonzora ahead of the congress.

He is currently the secretary for special projects and party business in the national executive of the MDC Alliance as well as head of finance and administration.

Insiders say Mwonzora fears losing to Marara.

Mwonzora has been loath to announce congress dates since the start of the year in what political analysts say betrays his fear of losing.

Sources in Mwonzora’s camp highlighted to NewsDay yesterday that there will be an attempt to block Marara’s candidature on Wednesday at a meeting of the party’s the standing committee.

“The party failed to suspend Marara, but it is now looking forward to barring him from contesting for the presidency. Our president, Mwonzora fears defeat by the popular Marara. Marara is popular with the structures,” the sources said.

In a statement, the party’s Harare provincial spokesperson Collen Chavengwa said Marara did not qualify to contest for the MDC Alliance presidency.

“This statement saves to inform MDC Alliance structures that the above-mentioned person, Marara, does not qualify to contest for MDC presidency. He has never served in any capacity in any of the 24 districts in Harare,” Chavengwa said

Contacted for comment yesterday, Marara said he had served the party for more than five years.

“I am also the founding member of the party and, therefore, I meet the constitutionally-required criteria. I have served the party for more than five years,” Marara said.

In the March 26 by-elections, Marara was MDC Alliance’s candidate for Harare Central and lost to Murisi Zvizwai of the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalitions for Change.

Others reportedly vying for the same post are the party’s national chairperson Morgen Komichi and vice-president Elias Mudzuri.

Efforts to get a comment from MDC Alliance spokesperson Witness Dube were futile as he was not answering his mobile phone. —Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF member Sybeth Musengezi has urged young people to unite in the battle against Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s murderous regime.

Musengezi, who insists Mr Mnangagwa is illegitimate, believes the Zanu PF leader can be removed via the ballot box.

Zanu PF hoodlums claim Mr Mnangagwa is invincible.

“If we’re to move forward and fight oppression from despots masquerading as leaders, we need one voice on elections as young people despite political affiliation.

Let’s engage about 2023/28 elections for a Generational Consensus against ED & his lot, our future is at stake here,” Musengezi wrote on Twitter.

THE Chesvingo Karanga Village stand proved to be a hit at the just ended Sanganani/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo as most exhibitors, particularly men, flocked to the stand to buy s_əx enhancing herbs to boost their libid0 and immune system.

Of particular interest and the biggest seller was the powerful herbal aphrodisiac or herbal s_əx enhancer called muchemedzambuya.

Chesvingo Karanga Village tour guide Josias Shuro said there were three main s_əx enhancing herbs that received a lot of attention from exhibitors with the muchemedzambuya being the first to get finished.

“Muchemedzambuya is a powerful herb that is used by men to increase their sp_ərm count, for fast əjaculati0n and to give firmer erecti0ns. We received a lot of customers inquiring about it and to date people are still calling us for more, we regret coming with a small amount,” said Shuro.

He said after taking it one is ensured to be fiery with passion and free to enjoy unbridled s_əxual experiences.

Shuro said besides the aphrodisiac herbs they had different herbs for cancer, backaches and s_əxually transmitted infections.

“We also have different herbs for backaches and piles and these are mostly for women who have given birth to two or more children and suffer from back aches. These medicines are mixed with food.

“The other herb that was on demand was the one that cures cancer, and most of the customers that we had were referred to us by people who once used our herbs. The herb is very effective and reduces the occurrences of procedures like amputation,” said Shuro.

Shuro said their herbs have no side effects and can be taken by anyone.

“Our medicines are 100 percent effective because we use natural herbs to help people with different conditions. We give customers our contacts so that we can constantly do check-ups on their condition and also send them more herbs in cases they need any,” said Shuro.

Chesvingo Karanga Village is located in Masvingo and is the centre for the preservation of Karanga Culture by the Karanga, a clan of Shona people. They are well known for subsistence agricultural field activities such as weeding and herding.

Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) president George Kandiero recommended the use of traditional herbs saying they were effective and had no side effects.

“These medicines are very effective, and most of them can be scientifically proven as they have been used for decades.

“The advantage of these medicines is that they have no side effects as compared to the conventional medicines which have side effects like damaging the system and creating a dependency syndrome,” said Kandiero.

Kandiero said the advantage of these traditional medicines was that they could cure conditions that the conventional medicines had failed to cure.

“As Zinatha, we take our time to investigate these s_əxual problems because some come in for excitement, some are born with s_əxual problems, and others adopted the problems on the way.

“Tablets cannot cure a man that has been bewitched, and as such our traditional medicines are effective as they are able to cure any disease regardless of the cause.

“There are men whose s_əxual problems emanate from jealous women who use witchcraft to ensure that they do not have any s_əxual partners and no tablet can deal with such a case. These conditions can only be resolved through the use of traditional medicine,” said Kandiero.

— BMetro

THE Chesvingo Karanga Village stand proved to be a hit at the just ended Sanganani/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo as most exhibitors, particularly men, flocked to the stand to buy s_əx enhancing herbs to boost their libid0 and immune system.

Of particular interest and the biggest seller was the powerful herbal aphrodisiac or herbal s_əx enhancer called muchemedzambuya.

Chesvingo Karanga Village tour guide Josias Shuro said there were three main s_əx enhancing herbs that received a lot of attention from exhibitors with the muchemedzambuya being the first to get finished.

“Muchemedzambuya is a powerful herb that is used by men to increase their sp_ərm count, for fast əjaculati0n and to give firmer erecti0ns. We received a lot of customers inquiring about it and to date people are still calling us for more, we regret coming with a small amount,” said Shuro.

He said after taking it one is ensured to be fiery with passion and free to enjoy unbridled s_əxual experiences.

Shuro said besides the aphrodisiac herbs they had different herbs for cancer, backaches and s_əxually transmitted infections.

“We also have different herbs for backaches and piles and these are mostly for women who have given birth to two or more children and suffer from back aches. These medicines are mixed with food.

“The other herb that was on demand was the one that cures cancer, and most of the customers that we had were referred to us by people who once used our herbs. The herb is very effective and reduces the occurrences of procedures like amputation,” said Shuro.

Shuro said their herbs have no side effects and can be taken by anyone.

“Our medicines are 100 percent effective because we use natural herbs to help people with different conditions. We give customers our contacts so that we can constantly do check-ups on their condition and also send them more herbs in cases they need any,” said Shuro.

Chesvingo Karanga Village is located in Masvingo and is the centre for the preservation of Karanga Culture by the Karanga, a clan of Shona people. They are well known for subsistence agricultural field activities such as weeding and herding.

Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) president George Kandiero recommended the use of traditional herbs saying they were effective and had no side effects.

“These medicines are very effective, and most of them can be scientifically proven as they have been used for decades.

“The advantage of these medicines is that they have no side effects as compared to the conventional medicines which have side effects like damaging the system and creating a dependency syndrome,” said Kandiero.

Kandiero said the advantage of these traditional medicines was that they could cure conditions that the conventional medicines had failed to cure.

“As Zinatha, we take our time to investigate these s_əxual problems because some come in for excitement, some are born with s_əxual problems, and others adopted the problems on the way.

“Tablets cannot cure a man that has been bewitched, and as such our traditional medicines are effective as they are able to cure any disease regardless of the cause.

“There are men whose s_əxual problems emanate from jealous women who use witchcraft to ensure that they do not have any s_əxual partners and no tablet can deal with such a case. These conditions can only be resolved through the use of traditional medicine,” said Kandiero.

— BMetro

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition for Change ( CCC ) vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has described the wave of escalating violence in the country as worrisome.

The Zanu PF regime is using violence to cow perceived opponents of the system into submission.

The former revolutionary party’s support base is dwindling due to rising inflation, corruption, violation of human rights and social unrest.

On Friday Hon Biti argued:

“Political violence is on the rise in ZimbabweThe brutal assault on Hon Toffa ⁦@Kucaca1⁩ a few weeks ago in Insiza is further proof .

Sadly #ZANU leadership in Parliament refused to accept responsibility of the State to guarantee security of the person & individual freedoms.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF member Sybeth Musengezi has urged young people to unite in the battle against Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s murderous regime.

Musengezi, who insists Mr Mnangagwa is illegitimate, believes the Zanu PF leader can be removed via the ballot box.

Zanu PF hoodlums claim Mr Mnangagwa is invincible.

“If we’re to move forward and fight oppression from despots masquerading as leaders, we need one voice on elections as young people despite political affiliation.

Let’s engage about 2023/28 elections for a Generational Consensus against ED & his lot, our future is at stake here,” Musengezi wrote on Twitter.

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has reportedly demanded a staggering US$187 000 from a local independent election watchdog for the release of a hard copy of the voters roll.

Election Resource Centre (ERC) director Babra Bhebe told stakeholders at a delimitation conference in Bulawayo yesterday that they received the invoice after requesting a quotation from the electoral management body.

“As ERC we submitted a request to Zec to have access to the voters roll that it is going to use for the delimitation process. We received a response that it can onlygive us the hard copy. We then went ahead and requested an invoice and we got a quotation of above US$187 00 for us to be able to access the voters roll,” Bhebe said.

“We think that this is way too much. Given the cost of the hard copy, it will be difficult for any stakeholder to acquire it and this puts into question whether Zec is willing to have anyone scrutinise the voters roll.”

Data analysts have exposed various anomalies in the voters roll, while the ruling Zanu-PF party has also raised reservations over the state of the voters roll. Critics say this dented the ability of Zec to hold credible elections.

Opposition parties yesterday described Zec’s charges as ridiculous and an attempt to deny interested stakeholders an opportunity to scrutinise the document.

Zapu election secretary Kevin Mapanda said: “This is totally ridiculous and I don’t think any political party will pay that amount. The problem is that Zec only engages the ruling Zanu-PF party and this delimitation process is going to cause confusion.”

MDC Alliance national deputy organising secretary Mukombwe Dube said Zec’s fees were meant to deprive other political parties of access to the voters roll.

Zanu-PF director of commissariat, mobilisation and elections Kizito Kuchekwa said they respected the independence of Zec despite having their own concerns against the electoral management body.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) national deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga said they could not afford the Zec fees.

“The challenge is that Zec never consulted stakeholders when it gazetted those fees and this destroys the prospect of a multiparty democracy because few political parties can afford that amount. As CCC, we surely can’t afford that as we don’t have the money,” Shiriyedenga said.

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa said only a credible, auditable and affordable voters roll would lead to a free and fair election.

“A credible voters roll is non-negotiable. By all means necessary, getting a verified, certified and audited copy of the voters roll is a must. By law, the voters roll is biometric. Levying a cost to limit access is unacceptable. It’s a fight for a credible election,” Chamisa tweeted.

Zec spokesperson Jasper Mangwana, however, told NewsDay that a cheaper electronic format would be available “soon”.

Mangwana said there were currently no legal provisions on how the independent audit demanded by CCC could be done.

“The provisions available is what the commission has been doing through voter inspection where the owners of the information are able to audit their own information if it’s correct or not. The commission used a lot of resources to inspect the voters roll at 11 107 inspection centres across the country for 10 days in July,” Mangwana said.

“There are no issues of rigging that can be really a key issue when it comes to voters roll considering that voting is happening at polling stations, not only that all agents are available when voting is happening. So the alleged facts around rigging are impossible.”

Mangwana then referred NewsDay to Zec chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana when asked to justify the figure.

Silaigwana said: “ERC should not send an alarm. Everyone should know that the prices are not set by Zec, but they are gazetted by the laws of Zimbabwe. Zec simply follows the rules.”

ACTING President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to comply with the country’s legal requirements.

His call comes as a law that seeks to govern civic society organisations, the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill (PVOs) Bill, is currently being amended, and has raised a lot of dust with many saying it is oppressive because it contains clauses that are likely to ban their operations, and give government powers to register or deregister them.

The PVOs Amendment Bill also gives the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister power to demand disclosure of funding of NGOs ahead of the 2023 elections.

Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations for Caritas Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday, Chiwenga applauded the bond that has existed between government and the Catholic Church’s humanitarian wing, Caritas.

“The bond has further been cemented by the registration of Caritas Zimbabwe as a Public Voluntary Organisation in line with first and foremost, the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (Chapter 17:05),” Chiwenga said.

Caritas Zimbabwe was legally registered in 2014 as a PVO in terms of subsections 5 and 9 of the PVO Act.

“Public voluntary organisation registration of Caritas has given it the mandate to work in areas of emergency response; water, sanitation and hygiene; food security and sustainable livelihoods and sustainable community development. Registration as PVO means that Caritas now has an obligation to comply with government regulations for PVOs,” he said.

Chiwenga, who is also a Catholic, said the church played a pivotal role in providing assistance to vulnerable groups during the liberation struggle.

“It is a fact that over 50 000 of our people died during the war and it was difficult at that time for those vulnerable groups to get someone to help them.  The church was there and assisted greatly.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said the proposed PVOs Amendment Bill was being crafted to clamp down on civic society organisations and people’s liberty.

In a video posted on its website, the forum’s programmes co-ordinator Wilbert Mandinde said claims by government that NGOs work with the opposition on a regime change agenda were false and unsubstantiated.

“Government is always talking about this issue and there is no evidence. Our law on political financing is very clear that anyone who could have committed that crime should get arrested. Government is just hiding behind a finger,” Mandinde said.

A 16-year-old Harare girl stabbed and killed a 35-year-old man with a knife Wednesday following a quarrel at a shebeen in Harare’s Hatcliff suburb.

Police said Thursday they have since arrested the girl for murder.

“On 02/11/22, ZRP Borrowdale arrested a 16 year old girl for murder which occurred on 2/11/22 at around 2130 hours at the suspect’s residence at Premier Park, Hatcliffe, Harare.

“The victim, Amos Mhere (35) died on the spot after being stabbed on the chest with a kitchen knife following a misunderstanding during a beer drinking spree at a shebeen in Hatcliffe,” police reported via their official Twitter handle Thursday.

Police did not give further details on the shock incident.

Incidents of murder involving teenage suspects are now common in Zimbabwe.

In February this year, a 16-year-old boy ripped his 18-year old friend’s stomach open with a kitchen knife following a quarrel while they were herding cattle in uMguza district, Matabeleland North.

In another incident in March this year, 18-year-old Pasina Nyasha of Gokwe was arraigned before the courts for murdering a fellow villager following an altercation over an empty beer bottle.

ZEC starts changing Voters Roll Map Boundaries

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 6, 2022

.

..Commission was bringing together provincial and district maps with topographical features such as mountains, rivers, roads, communication lines, settlements and different types of land use.)….

Bulawayo will not get any extra constituencies or wards, neither is it going to lose any according to the preliminary report of the delimitation exercise that is being conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) was pushing for an additional six wards to be incorporated into the city during the delimitation exercise, which would have seen a number of areas that fall under Umguza constituency being incorporated into the city.

However, according to a preliminary provincial report compiled by Bulawayo District Elections Officer, Mr Ntando Gumede, the province is not going to have any additional seats or wards. Bulawayo has 12 seats in the National Assembly and 29 wards.

The report shows that the current figures will be maintained but the boundaries will be reconfigured with each constituency having an average of 22 000 registered voters. In the present set up the constituencies are Bulawayo Central, Bulawayo East, Bulawayo South, Emakhandeni-Entumbane, Lobengula, Luveve, Magwegwe, Makokoba, Nketa, Nkulumane, Pelandaba-Mpopoma and Pumula.

In the proposed new set up there will now be Bulawayo North comprising wards two and three, Bulawayo Central (wards one and four), Mpopoma-Mzilikazi (wards eight and nine), Bulawayo South (wards five and seven), Entumbane-Njube (ward 10 and 12), Emakhandeni-Luveve (wards 11 and 16), Nkulumane (wards 22 and 23), Cowdray Park (wards 6, 15 and 28), Nketa (wards 24, 25 and 26), Lobengula-Magwegwe (wards 14, 18 and 29), Pumula (wards 17, 19 and 27) and Pelandaba-Tshabalala (wards 13, 20 and 21).

Zec chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said in preparation for mapping afresh electoral boundaries, the Commission was bringing together provincial and district maps with topographical features such as mountains, rivers, roads, communication lines, settlements and different types of land use. He said their expectation was that the process will be completed by December to ensure that the results were usable for the next harmonised elections set for next year.

“The Commission expects to conclude the exercise by December this year. In terms of Section 161(2) delimitation must be completed six months before the conduct of any general election for it to be applicable to that election. Failure to adhere to this provision means the results of the delimitation exercise will not apply for the next general election, as the Commission will be compelled by the law to revert to boundaries of the 2007/2008 delimitation.

“The Commission would like to assure the electorate that no one will be prejudiced by the delimitation outcome. The delimitation results will be an outcome based on the Commission’s adherence to the country’s legal provisions and fair practice. At all stages of the process, voter education and stakeholder engagements will be conducted to bring all interested parties on board,” said Mr Silaigwana in a statement.

He said Zec’s provincial and district offices are conducting the geo-referencing exercise, which is expected to be completed within the next few days.

“After geo-referencing, physical features that guide delimitation are extracted from the maps using computer-based software through a process called digitising. Digitising is followed by combining the extracted information with voter registration statistics of polling stations and physical addresses of voters to assist in drawing the polling areas so that each one of them remains within a stipulated voter population threshold,” he said.

Zec is in the process of delimiting the 210 constituency National Assembly seats for the 2023 polls in a manner that reflects the population distribution premised on latest census data. Due to different rates of population growth, migration and to land use changes, the boundaries of constituencies and wards need to be redrawn on a regular basis. –Sunday News

A SILOBELA man died upon admission at hospital after being assaulted with a log in fight over a well-endowed woman.

20-year-old Bradwell Ncube of Mawetu Village under Chief Malisa in Silobela died upon admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital after being assaulted with a log by Mpostoli Mhlanga.

Mhlanga, of Swabi Village, is now on the run after he vanished into the bush soon after committing the crime.

According to Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the now deceased was walking with the said girlfriend, whose name was not given, when Mhlanga pounced.

“Mhlanga, an ex-boyfriend of the woman in question, emerged from the bush. He used a log to strike Ncube on the back of the head without saying a word and fled leaving Ncube lying unconscious in a pool of blood,” said police.

The now deceased, who had sustained a deep wound on the back of his head, was rushed to Mazebe Clinic before being referred to Silobela District Hospital.

His condition deteriorated and was further transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he died upon admission.

“We appeal to anyone with information that might help police in locating the suspect to inform any nearest police station,” said Inspector Mahoko.

— Chronicle

Police in Gwanda are investigating a murder case which occurred at a nightclub in Gwanda last week where Tanaka Zingoni (19) was stabbed twice in the chest after a misunderstanding with four unknown suspects.
“The victim was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on admission. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police station,” police said in a social media post on Friday.

Meanwhile, police in Bulawayo have arrested two suspects in connection with theft of property worth US$102 000. In a post on social media, the ZRP on Friday said that police in Bulawayo acted on a tip-off and arrested Mpofu Dingani (44) and Thabisani Ndlovu (43) for armed robbery cases committed in Bulawayo between June 2019 and October 2020.

“So far, the suspects are linked to four armed robbery cases, including the one they pounced at a company at Corner Bon-Accord and Steel Works Roads, Bulawayo, where they stole a grinding meal, various car parts, and property worth US$102 000,” police said—Sunday News

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF is desperate to bribe senior CCC members, it has emerged.

Sensing political defeat in the coming polls, Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF is planning to use cash to capture influential CCC members.

Writing on Twitter, President Chamisa said:

“A crazy season is upon us. Expect a lot of drama and shifts in the next months. Be vigilant.

Watch out. They will and are compromising some even pouring in serious money into various pockets. Some will fall for it and fall by the wayside. Be careful! Act smart! Win Big!”

CCC spokesperson Gift Siziba, quoted by NewsDay said:

“We are aware of what our opponents are plotting.”

Tinashe Sambiri|A member of President Nelson Chamisa’s CCC was attacked with a machete by a Zanu PF official in Magunje on Friday.

Wonder Matashu of Magunje, ward 12, was brutally assaulted by a machete wielding Zanu Pf Cllr over a dispute on Pfumvudza inputs after asking why his name was omitted, the CCC party reported on Friday.

“Terror in Magunje
Today, champion Wonder Matashu of Magunje ward12 has been brutally assaulted by a machete wielding ZanuPf Cllr at Kapfunde over a dispute on Pfumvudza inputs after asking why his name was omitted. @hwendec @nelsonchamisa @MakomboreroH @LynneStactia pic.twitter.com/iqOVGVmkdo”

— CCC Mash West (@cccmashwest)

Prosecutors at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) say they will appeal a decision by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Gloria Takundwa to acquit four suspected armed robbers accused of being behind the theft of cash and property worth US$187 000 on three different occasions in Harare early this year.
This comes after Mrs Takundwa cleared suspects Alexio Mupamhura, Kallson Mabhonga, Tapiwa Zimbandu and Emmanuel Dylan Matiza of two counts of robbery and one count of armed robbery, citing lack of evidence.

However, NPA spokesperson, Ms Angeline Munyeriwa, said the State is dissatisfied with the decision as they strongly feel they had submitted sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

“We are dissatisfied with the decision by the regional court because we believe we have strong evidence to get a conviction on appeal,” she said.

“We believe a higher court can reach a different judgement. So, as soon as we satisfy all the procedures, including transcribing the judgement, we will launch our appeal.”

Mupamhura, Mabhonga, Zimbandu and Matiza are said to have robbed Natasha Channel Naicker of her Subaru Legacy car on February 8 this year in Braeside, Harare.

The four are also said to have robbed Khumbulani Mulenga of his Isuzu KB single cab on February 14, before using it in an armed robbery the following day at Number 1 College Road in Alexandra Park, Harare.

In Alexandra Park, the four allegedly escaped with two safes containing US$11 907 and US$928, as well as other valuables.

In her judgement, Mrs Takundwa said the witnesses failed to identify the four and link them to the offences.

But the NPA insists it had submitted enough evidence to secure a conviction.

“The State presented evidence before the court in a bid to prove that the quartet went on a rampage early this year and committed a series of robberies on different occasions using a pistol and iron bars. The State’s allegations were that the quartet robbed the first complainant of her vehicle, a Subaru Legacy worth US$4 500, in Braeside.

“The second complainant lost an Isuzu KB single cab worth US$12 550 to the robbers, while the third complainant was robbed of US$142 342 and property worth thousands of dollars.

“The National Prosecuting Authority is dissatisfied with the court’s decision to acquit and believes that the prospects of success on appeal are high.”

Meanwhile, the NPA says it is closely following all robbery cases. -Sunday Mail

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says a credible voters’ roll is needed before polls.

According to President Chamisa, a credible voters’ roll is non negotiable.

Analysts have slammed ZEC’s dithering on availing the voters roll.

Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chamisa challenged ZEC to release an audited copy of the voters roll.

“A CREDIBLE VOTERS ROLL IS NON NEGOTIABLE!

By all means necessary,getting a verified,certified & audited copy of the voters roll is a must. By law,the voters’roll is biometric. Levying a cost to limit access is unacceptable. It’s a fight for a credible election #RegisterToVote.”

“THE YELLOW CRAZY has spread everywhere and gone abroad. Thank you fellow citizens. There is no easy walk to freedom & happiness.#RegisterToVoteZW #fakapressure #CitizensFirst,” added President Chamisa.

https://fb.watch/gz06jaToxd/

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition for Change ( CCC ) vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has described the wave of escalating violence in the country as worrisome.

The Zanu PF regime is using violence to cow perceived opponents of the system into submission.

The former revolutionary party’s support base is dwindling due to rising inflation, corruption, violation of human rights and social unrest.

On Friday Hon Biti argued:

“Political violence is on the rise in ZimbabweThe brutal assault on Hon Toffa ⁦@Kucaca1⁩ a few weeks ago in Insiza is further proof .

Sadly #ZANU leadership in Parliament refused to accept responsibility of the State to guarantee security of the person & individual freedoms.”

A 37-YEAR-OLD Mutasa man last weekend gruesomely hacked his wife on the neck, shoulder, chest and mouth with a machete after she took his cellphone and unlocked it without his consent, hardly three months into the couple’s marriage.

Mirriam Joni (27) died on the spot from the injuries sustained during the brutal and heartless attack.

Police confirmed the murder which happened in Matsapa Village in Chief Mutasa’s area last week on Saturday.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said the suspect, Gwaramba Jimu, disappeared from the scene soon after committing the heinous act.

It is alleged that a few minutes before vanishing from the scene, Jimu instructed his mother, Ms Kandala Maluwiza (72), to take care of his children when he was gone.

“The two who were customarily married for three months had a domestic dispute after Joni took Jimu’s phone without his consent. After a heated altercation, Jimu went to his aunt, Ms Netsai Jolomile (48) of Mhandire Village, to ask her to solve the dispute.

“Ms Jolomile accompanied Jimu back to his home and she counselled the couple, advising them to live in peace. Ms Jolomile left the couple and went back home.

“On October 28, at around 2am, Jimu woke up and armed himself with a machete. He hacked Miriam several times on the shoulder, neck, chest and mouth,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

He said after the heinous act, Jimu proceeded to his mother, Ms Maluwiza’s homestead in the same village and told her to take care of his children.

He then disappeared.

“Ms Maluwiza became suspicious and proceeded to Jimu’s homestead. Upon arrival, she saw Joni’s body lying in a pool of blood. She alerted other villagers.

“A report was made to the police who attended the scene,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

The acting provincial police spokesperson appealed to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of Jimu to contact their nearest police station.

— Manica Post

Satellite images dating back to 1985 show that the famed US$40 million Museum of African Liberation project is being constructed on a goldfield, the Zimbabwe Independent reported.

According to the satellite images, the terrain has however changed resulting in some people being displaced and compensated to pave way for the latest construction.

As reported by this publication last week, plans by Chinese firm Ming Chang SinoAfrica Mining Investments to ostensibly set up a multi-million-dollar brick moulding plan at the same site were reversed by the government, subsequently paving way for the museum project.

In 1924, a firm known as Golden Quarries used to mine gold on part of the 100-ha piece of land where the Museum of African Liberation is being constructed under the administration of the Institute of African Knowledge (Instak). At that time the Rhodesian government had registered 16 gold blocks in the area.

The site of the museum project sits at corner Samora Machel West Avenue and a road known as Golden Quarry.

Images gleaned by the Independent on Google Earth Pro, a software application that allows visualisation, assessment, overlay and creation of geospatial data graphically reveal how the terrain of the museum site has changed from a bushy area to the current land developments unfolding in the area. The coordinates of the museum site on Google Earth Pro are 17° 49′ 30.80″ south and 30° 58′ 37″ east.

As revealed by the satellite images, land development activities only appear visible in the area, which is now known as the Liberation City, in 2021, the year construction of the giant museum commenced.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Museum of African Liberation project on December 3 2021.

To pave the way for the museum, various businesses were displaced from the Liberation City, while some, including businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, were compensated for a portion of land they used to own within the area.

Following a tour of the Liberation City this week by the Independent, Instak spokesperson Joseph Nkani confirmed that “it was not in dispute” that the area was once a gold mining site, but highlighted that the museum project developers adopted a “civil approach” to engage with people and businesses who were being displaced.

“That’s not in dispute (that gold mining used to happen on the site). We adopted a civil approach towards people who had legal papers proving that they had leased the various portions of land at the Liberation City. Of course, some did not have any papers supporting their occupancy at the museum site.

“Those who demonstrated that they had lease arrangements with the local authority were duly advised of the new project coming and were duly compensated,” Nkana said.

Some of the entities moved from the site and compensated include Westview Baptist Church, Ngoda Granite, ZimStrong and Kubatana Cooperative.

Compensation beneficiaries, Nkana said, also include, “various traders with separate names but administered under Kubatana Cooperative,” highlighting that, “financial compensation has also been advanced to them -their legal advisers can confirm this arrangement.”

Chiyangwa, Nkana told the Independent, had also been compensated for the 5,5-ha piece of land he owned in the area, to pave way for the Liberation City project, which will house the African Museum. Nkana did not disclose how much was paid to Chiyangwa and others.

During the tour, the Independent viewed a new block of ablution facilities across Golden Quarry Road, which Nkana said were built for traders under the Kubatana Cooperative stable while artists carrying out soapstone carving had also been moved. A borehole has also been drilled for those displaced.

“We have now built ablution facilities and sunk a borehole for them at their new site across Golden Quarry Road. Financial compensation has also been advanced to them…No exact figures on me right now (amount of compensation).

“But arrangements were mutually agreed and the parties are on the same page. There are no disputes,” Nkana told the Independent.

The Liberation City is envisioned to be supported by numerous recreational facilities and would be an ideal entertainment facility for visitors.

“The Liberation City (the broad term referring to the 101 hectares of land) where various commercial, recreational and amusement amenities will be established borders Samora Machel, Golden Quarry and Kirkman (now Solomon Mujuru),” Nkana added.

At the site of the museum, flags belonging to all the countries in Africa flap leisurely in the sky, as Instak forges ahead to transform the site into a major tourism drawcard. Space has also been set aside at the museum site to showcase decommissioned military armaments

The National Social Security Authority in partnership with Instak are also setting up a shopping mall which Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavhima said would create “a shopping experience in a safe congenial environment”.

An upmarket golf course will also be incorporated into the Liberation City, a luxurious hotel will be built while a skyrail connecting the site with the National Heroes Acre will be erected.

The Museum of African Liberation is meant to capture the African historical experience while immortalising the continent’s triumphant struggle against colonialism.

Instak, which is the project administrators, is a trust with a seven member board of trustees led by Ambassador Simbi Mubako.

-Zimbabwe Independent

A Gokwe man struck his brother to death with a machete following a dispute over a piece of land.

Jongwe Matsaukirwa (49) of Village Matsaukirwa, under Chief Chireya died on the spot after being struck with a machete by his younger brother Ruyamuro Matsaukirwa (42) as the two fought over a piece of land.

Police confirmed the incident.

“On 31 October 2022 around 7AM, Ruyamuro, who is the younger brother, was working in his field when his elder brother Jongwe approached him questioning why he was encroaching into his field,” said Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

As a result, a misunderstanding ensued and quickly degenerated into a fight.

“Jongwe snatched a machete that Ruyamuro was using in the field and struck him once on the chin. The later however overpowered the now deceased, disarmed him and struck him on the back of the head and he died on the spot,” said police.

Ruyamuro was arrested while the body of the deceased was ferried to Gokwe North District Hospital where it awaits postmortem.

“We are urging members of the public to respect the sanctity of life. This incident could have been avoided by involving a third party,” said police.

-State Media

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday made sensational claims that Zanu-PF was bribing his lieutenants to destabilise the party ahead of the 2023 elections.

In a cryptic message posted on Twitter, Chamisa said disloyal members exposed for hobnobbing with Zanu-PF would be expelled from the party.

“A crazy season is upon us. Expect a lot of drama and shifts in the next months. Be vigilant. Watch out. They will and are compromising some even pouring in serious money into various pockets. Some will fall for it and fall by the wayside. Be careful! Act smart! Win Big!,” Chamisa tweeted.

CCC spokesperson Gift Siziba told NewsDay that their investigations have exposed machinations to infiltrate and destabilise the opposition party.

“We are aware of what our opponents are plotting,” Siziba said.

“The regime in Harare wants to have an opposition that they can lead themselves so they are using the Lenin strategy. They are escalating such machinations, but they have not worked and will never work. The opposition has emerged stronger, fit with more vigour and vitality and ready to govern.”

Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa was not picking calls.

In the past Zanu-PF has proudly paraded opposition members who it alleged had crossed the floor.

Some opposition members who crossed the floor to the ruling party such as James Maridadi and Obert Gutu have been rewarded with government posts.

CCC currently has no formalised structures since the formation of the party early this year.

Chamisa and his foot soldiers said they would not be stampeded into having formal structures to avoid infiltration or violence targeted at office bearers.

Analysts, who spoke to NewsDay, said claims that opposition members were being bought with various trinkets by Zanu-PF were expected in the face of widespread poverty in the country.

Political analyst Eldred Masunugure said Zanu-PF had used the politics of the stomach as a strategy to infiltrate the opposition for decades.

“The one who can provide the biggest pie is likely to win the support of an individual. That is the politics of patronage and has become very common in Zimbabwe. Zanu-PF has financial resources, unlike Chamisa’s opposition party which has no funding,” Masunungure said.

“Chamisa’s fear is real and this explains why he has not come up with structures, a party constitution or refused to go for an elective congress which could be easy entries for Zanu-PF on infiltrating.”

Another analyst Vivid Gwede said some politicians were driven by greed for quick riches.

“Not everyone who is in politics is driven by a sense of duty… Some people are there for the money and will jump at every opportunity to get it. And as we know, Zanu-PF uses its control of State resources and it has always used this vantage point to lure people from the opposition,” Gwede said.

“What is even more pertinent is that people are suffering due to the economic meltdown, opposition politicians included, hence their readiness to jump ship at the earliest opportunity.”

-Newsday

IN a dramatic policy U-turn, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has indefinitely suspended its plans to partially privatise Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR) nearly two years after announcing intentions to dispose its 60% controlling stake in the entity, the Zimbabwe Independent reported.

At the time of the widely publicised plan but which is now aborted, privatisation of the state-run gold buying firm was partly meant to plug widespread gold smuggling which is estimated to prejudice the country of US$1,5 billion annually.

Plans to sell the government’s 60% controlling stake in FPR were first announced by the RBZ in 2020 and reinforced during the course of 2021 with the primary purpose of boosting gold output by, “allowing private players to acquire a stake therein…”

If the partial privatisation plan had been carried out successfully, the central bank would have retained 40% in FPR.

In 2021, as authorities kept a tight lid on the identities of private players who were being assessed for their suitability to assume control over FPR, the Independent first revealed that Kuvimba Mining House, Better Brands, RioZim, Caledonia, Pan Africa Mining, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and Yellow Credit were potentially angling to take over the country’s sole gold buyer.

At that time, an ensuing investigative series by this publication revealed that the transaction, then valued at US$49 million, was derailed by reservations expressed by some of the private players over Kuvimba whose shareholding structure and beneficial owners remain shrouded in mystery.

As disclosed by sources close to the planned transaction, there were also fears that once privatised, the entity would be under the US sanctions radar.

Formed in 2020, Kuvimba is now among the country’s the largest gold producers having bought lucrative gold assets across the country, including the Shamva Mine, Freda Rebecca, and those of Elvington, Jena, Golden Kopje and Sandawana mines owned by Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC).

If the transaction had sailed through, Kuvimba was going to hold 12% equity in the reconfigured gold buying company.

RBZ governor John Mangudya last week told the Independent that the planned privatisation of FPR was “no longer a priority” to the apex bank.”The suspension of the privatisation of FPR was done by the RBZ board which deemed it necessary to retain FPR in its current state. The matter is no longer a priority to RBZ,” the Central bank boss told this publication. However, Mangudya did not explain why the government had a change of heart on its initial plans to cede its controlling stake in FPR. Questions posed by the Independent to Finance and Economic Development Secretary George Guvamatanga asking why the government was no longer interested in offloading

its shareholding in the state-run enterprise were not addressed at the time of going to print. Broadly, this publication also sought to understand how government intended to boost gold output in the country if FPR remains in its current state.

Treasury chief director of communications Clive Mphambela referred all questions to the RBZ. “FPR falls under the RBZ and the RBZ can clarify on all your questions,” he said. During Finance and Economic Development minister Mthuli Ncube’s mid-term review budget statement delivered in August 2021, he indicated that the unbundling process of FPR was already underway with 10 private players expressing interest in snapping up the government stake.

As part of the unbundling process, which has since been suspended, FPR was going to be split into two entities namely Fidelity Gold Refinery (FGR) and Printing and Minting Company of Zimbabwe (PMCZ).

At the time of the planned privatisation transaction, authorities had indicated that the ultimate plan was to remodel the entity in the same way as the Rand Refinery of South Africa which is owned by private shareholders.A myriad of challenges hampering gold production in Zimbabwe ranging from smuggling, informal mining operations and low producer prices were expected to be addressed by the then planned privatisation of FPR. In 2020, the central bank increased the gold retention threshold to 70% in foreign currency from sale proceeds from 55% in a policy move that was aimed at ramping up output. Under that gold trading matrix, producers of the yellow metal would receive 30% of their proceeds in the local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.

However, prior to that, the marketing framework stood at 55% in foreign currency while the remainder was paid in the local unit, sparking outrage from producers.

At the heart of their concerns, producers of the precious metal indicated that inputs and service providers were charging in the greenback. Coupled to that, mining firms also argued that upwardly reviewing the foreign currency thresholds would cushion them from the rising cost of fuel indexed in the greenback while they would also have the leg room to remunerate workers who were demanding wages in foreign currency.

-Newsday

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is planning a whirlwind tour across the world as Zimbabwe launches an ambitious bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2027.

This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Frederick Shava in his opening remarks to the Senior Management and Ambassadors’ Retreat and Strategic Planning Review in Bulawayo this week.

The UNSC consists of 15 members — five permanent and 10 non-permanent members — with the latter being elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms while five retire each year.

Mnangagwa launched an aggressive engagement and reengagement drive after winning the 2018 harmonised elections including concerted efforts to rejoin the Commonwealth.

“As we continue pushing for a renewed multilateralism fit for purpose and fit for its time, it is our responsibility, from wherever our workstations, to lobby for Zimbabwe to rejoin the UNSC.

“While His Excellency and myself would have whirlwind tours across the world to campaign for Zimbabwe as we draw towards 2026, the time to start lobbying for support is now. If it means trading horses or supporting other countries’ candidatures for international appointment in return for support for Zimbabwe’s bid, then let us begin doing that now,” Shava said.

Entrusted with maintaining international peace and security by the UN Charter, membership of the UNSC brings significant responsibility and the opportunity for global influence.

The council is called upon to tackle crises around the world and has the power to impose legally binding measures on UN members, including measures related to the use of force. The council is also responsible for overseeing the complex and dangerous work of the UN’s more than two dozen peacekeeping and political missions.

Many see the council as dominated by its five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States), who, in addition to their veto power, can leverage their tenure, institutional memory and greater resources to determine council outcomes.

Despite this perception, the council’s 10 non-permanent members, collectively and individually, can, and do, make tangible contributions to the council and have the ability to influence its decisions.

Current and past non-permanent members have emphasised that being an effective non-permanent member requires seizing the opportunities provided by the council’s procedures, as well as the informal methods by which much of its work is undertaken. Shava noted that Zimbabwe’s diplomats had achieved Mnangagwa’s foreign policy objective to reengage the international community for Zimbabwe to rejoin the community of nations.

“We have achieved that goal. Zimbabwe has been readmitted into the Community of Nations. I have to declare that Zimbabwe is now a responsible and active member of the international community,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs minister added that rejoining the international community was also a precursor to bigger things to come.

He also reiterated that Zimbabwe would not be drawn into the “new Cold War” between Russia and the United States.

-Newsday

Embattled Premier Services Medical Investments (PSMI) shut down 120 of its 155 facilities last month as the entity battled to settle a four-month salary arrears bill in a turbulent period that culminated in the closure of its flagship West End and Claybank hospitals in Harare and Gweru respectively as workers downed tools, the Zimbabwe Independent revealed.

The closure of the facilities has also been marked by the arrest of PSMI executives on allegations of defrauding the entity of millions of United States dollars at a time when the entity is struggling to offer services to its clients.

PSMI chief executive officer Farai Muchena, managing director Tafadzwa Gutu and other executives Victor Chaipa, Cosmas Mukwesha and Shingai Maputo in September appeared before the courts facing fraud charges.

With a subscriber base of about two million clients, the dramatic collapse of PSMI, particularly over the past four months, sources briefed this publication, is largely symbolic of the paralysis gripping Zimbabwe’s health delivery system.

A trove of documents gleaned by the Independent in a period stretching over four months shows that PSMI had only 35 of its 155 facilities still functional by October 21, 2022, when the workers declared incapacitation and subsequently stopped reporting for work.

bribery allegations levelled against the executives have since triggered a forensic audit into the affairs of PSmI by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the CID and the Zimbabwe revenue Authority, this publication can further reveal.

relating to the number of facilities which are still operational, a letter dated october 21 2022 by PSmI acting managing director Margret Maulana to staff members, shows that the entity, with 29 medical clinics dotted around the country had closed 21 of them, while only four of its 19 dental clinics were still functional.

In the correspondence, also furnished to the PSmI chairperson, directors, head of departments and the Premier Services medical Association (Psmas) managing directors, Maulana noted that widespread closures were sparked by “declaration of incapacitation” by restive workers.

PSmI is a unit that was formed in 2003 in pursuit of Psmas’ blue ocean strategy to forward integrate medical insurance into medical services provision.

“The declaration of incapacitation has resulted in most PSmI units closing down as practitioners and supporting staff could not afford to continue reporting for duty.

-Newsday

A 37-YEAR-OLD Mutasa man last weekend gruesomely hacked his wife on the neck, shoulder, chest and mouth with a machete after she took his cellphone and unlocked it without his consent, hardly three months into the couple’s marriage.

Mirriam Joni (27) died on the spot from the injuries sustained during the brutal and heartless attack.

Police confirmed the murder which happened in Matsapa Village in Chief Mutasa’s area last week on Saturday.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said the suspect, Gwaramba Jimu, disappeared from the scene soon after committing the heinous act.

It is alleged that a few minutes before vanishing from the scene, Jimu instructed his mother, Ms Kandala Maluwiza (72), to take care of his children when he was gone.

“The two who were customarily married for three months had a domestic dispute after Joni took Jimu’s phone without his consent. After a heated altercation, Jimu went to his aunt, Ms Netsai Jolomile (48) of Mhandire Village, to ask her to solve the dispute.

“Ms Jolomile accompanied Jimu back to his home and she counselled the couple, advising them to live in peace. Ms Jolomile left the couple and went back home.

“On October 28, at around 2am, Jimu woke up and armed himself with a machete. He hacked Miriam several times on the shoulder, neck, chest and mouth,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

He said after the heinous act, Jimu proceeded to his mother, Ms Maluwiza’s homestead in the same village and told her to take care of his children.

He then disappeared.

“Ms Maluwiza became suspicious and proceeded to Jimu’s homestead. Upon arrival, she saw Joni’s body lying in a pool of blood. She alerted other villagers.

“A report was made to the police who attended the scene,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

The acting provincial police spokesperson appealed to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of Jimu to contact their nearest police station.

— Manica Post

Parirenyatwa has threatened to conduct pauper burials for 32 bodies which have remained unclaimed at the health institution since March this year.

The hospital gave the next of kin 21 days to claim the bodies, saying they had clogged its mortuary facilities.

“The hospital is requesting relatives or family members of the dearly deceased persons to come forward and claim the bodies and give them a decent burial,” the hospital said in a statement.

The deceased are adults aged between 22 and 80 years.

Some of the deceased persons are said to have died at the hospital after being involved in road traffic accidents.

Others were found dead in different places and brought to the hospital by police. -Newsday

Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala, and CCC national vice chairman, claims that the authorities want to keep him in detention beyond the 2023 general elections.

Sikhala, who celebrated his 50th on Sunday while in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, believes the State wants to keep him in jail beyond general elections slated for July or August 2023. He said:

We obtained information beforehand that they want to keep us (Sikhala and Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole) until the 2023 general elections.

The purpose is very clear, they want to eliminate me from the national political equation for reasons best known to themselves.

Whatever they do will never defeat the endurance of my spirit to continue on the path of independence and freedom for our people.

Zimbabwe, in its current state, has been placed in the same situation as the one in which Ian Smith placed this country before.

In a statement that he released as a birthday message from prison, Sikhala said he draws inspiration from the fact that he is not the first to spend birthdays in prison. He wrote:

What gives me the utmost happiness is that I am not the first nor will I be the last political prisoner to celebrate their birthdays under persecution from an evil dictatorship. History is awash with such personalities.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 consecutive birthdays in prison; Dumiso Dabengwa 7; Lookout Masuku 7; Bakili Muluzu 10; Raila Odinga 10; and many other men and women of good standing.

Sikhala faces charges of obstruction of justice and inciting violence.

He has been in detention since 14 June 2022, when he was arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

Sikhala was arrested after he convened a prayer meeting for his deceased client and opposition party member, Moreblessing Ali, who was killed by Pius Mukandi, a man linked to ZANU PF.

He has applied for bail eight times at both the High and the magistrates’ courts but has been denied this constitutional right. | The NewsHawks

Herald Celebrates Zimbabwe's Own Satellite Launch Even Though It's Just NASA's

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 5, 2022

Zimbabweans have always looked up into the night sky, but they never dreamed that one day the country would occupy space and “dance with aliens”. But in a few hours, the fantasy the nation had never conjured up — that is until President Mnangagwa came into power — will become reality.
On October 4, 1957, Russia became the first country to launch the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space. That “colonisation” of space fuelled a technological sprint that saw the United States and other countries follow suit in exploring space.

At 11am tomorrow Zimbabwe will join the league of nations that have launched satellites into space when it sends its first satellite, ZimSat-1, into orbit after developing it through the BIRDS project.

The Live coverage and countdown commentary will begin at (11:30am Zimbabwe Time) 5:30 a.m. EST on Sunday, November 6, and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, and NASA’s App.

The launch of ZimSat-1 is a culmination of a process that commenced in 2018 when President Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA). The development is part of the country’s plan to meet other nations and become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. President Mnangagwa pledged more support to ZINGSA to see the growth of a technology innovation environment that supports the development and use of new technologies.

It is also a milestone that will enhance mineral exploration and monitoring of environmental hazards and droughts. Additionally, it will aid in mapping human settlements and disease outbreaks, among other capabilities.

ZimSat-1, a nanosatellite, will deploy from the Japanese KIBO Module after a long delay caused by Covid-19. The satellite is a 1U educational and amateur radio mission CubeSat manufactured under the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan. Many experts consider the programme the first baby steps of the country’s fledgling space programme.

ZINGSA co-ordinator Painos Gweme said the launch will kick-start the transformation of Zimbabwe.

“The first one is the rocket leaving earth to the international space station where it is going to dock and take out the cargo into the international space station. And this one is going to start on 6 November. The actual deployment of ZimSat-1 into space will be through the Japanese module.

“Remember we are doing this satellite development together with the Japanese. It is going to be deployed in the KIBO module, it happens after two-three weeks after this November 6 and we have scheduled for November 21. There can be some changes, it is not definite and guaranteed that on November 26 it is going to get into deployment. It will depend on the weather and other issues.”

The launch of a Japanese space ship

Gweme said the country will use the satellite to access real time information that can aid development.

“This has a multi-sectoral camera which has a remote standing camera which we are going to use primarily for agricultural application, crop yield estimation, land cover and land use. We can see our forestry and the change over time because it has what we call a store and forward mission as part of the pilot which we are going to use together with the ground centre terminal,” said Gweme.

The satellite has sensors which can be used to sense humidity and this information can be downloaded at the ground station in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central. It can also be used for urban and rural planning.

The work towards occupying space has seen three Zimbabwean scientists being trained. They will be in charge of the satellite launch programme.- Herald

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF is desperate to bribe senior CCC members, it has emerged.

Sensing political defeat in the coming polls, Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF is planning to use cash to capture influential CCC members.

Writing on Twitter, President Chamisa said:

“A crazy season is upon us. Expect a lot of drama and shifts in the next months. Be vigilant.

Watch out. They will and are compromising some even pouring in serious money into various pockets. Some will fall for it and fall by the wayside. Be careful! Act smart! Win Big!”

CCC spokesperson Gift Siziba, quoted by NewsDay said:

“We are aware of what our opponents are plotting.”

THE CONVERSATION

By Gift Ostallos Siziba

Fellow Citizens- The Citizens Movement as led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa brings you- The Conversation a cutting-edge programme that will focus on the party´s programmes, developmental issues and citizenship.

In this platform we look inside the CCC and what it stands for as a party. Our primary aim is to educate Zimbabweans both home and abroad of the party´s values, principles and ready to govern road map. Our ready to govern road map will focus on what we will do for Zimbabweans when we assume Executive authority in 2023.

That Zimbabwe is in deep crises for long decades is not a new thing. What is not available is a clear message on what the new Zimbabwe will look like under a CCC government.

It is this void in the public domain that we seek to fill with The conversation bi-weekly show.

We intend to answer all your questions through our show. The show will also be participatory so that the people of Zimbabwe can contribute in ideas, advice and words of counsel on how best the people´s party can prepare to govern in 2023 and beyond.

Join us!!!
https://fb.watch/gAn_Nd07uF/

By Farai D Hove | Wonder Matashu of Magunje, ward 12 has been brutally assaulted by a machete wielding ZanuPf Cllr at Kapfunde over a dispute on Pfumvudza inputs after asking why his name was omitted, the CCC party reports

?Terror in Magunje

Today, champion Wonder Matashu of Magunje ward12 has been brutally assaulted by a machete wielding ZanuPf Cllr at Kapfunde over a dispute on Pfumvudza inputs after asking why his name was omitted. @hwendec @nelsonchamisa @MakomboreroH @LynneStactia pic.twitter.com/iqOVGVmkdo

— CCC Mash West (@cccmashwest) November 4, 2022

A HARARE woman was yesterday granted a protection order against her husband who assaults and harasses her in front of their children.

Magistrate Tamara Chibindi granted the order to Loice Rapozi who dragged Jonathan Mudzagada to the Harare Civil Court.

Rapozi told the court that her husband insults and beats her in front of their children whenever he gets drunk. She said that the children were now afraid of him and she was tired of the abuse.

“Whenever my husband comes back home drunk he beats me up and harasses me in front of children by calling me a pr0stitute.

“Moreover, he does not allow me to attend funerals let alone socialise with others in the community.”

In response, Mudzagada tried to justify himself saying that his wife was promiscu0us and that if she wanted to continue with that behaviour it was better she divorces him.

“Your honour, this is my wife for 13 years and I only beat her once on October 10 after she had brought her boyfriend to my house.

“If she prefers to continue having boyfriends it is better she leaves my house,” he said.

— Herald

A ZHOMBE man is battling for life after his wife scalded him with cooking oil over allegations of infidelity.

Taurai Hlala is currently admitted at Harare Group of Hospitals where he is reportedly in a serious condition.

Police confirmed they are now hunting for the woman, Sobrine Muzioni, who vanished after committing the crime.

“On 30 October 2020 around 2AM, the two were listening to music on Hlala’s mobile phone. Suddenly an audio of a female voice started playing on the phone leading to a misunderstanding,” said Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

Muzioni reportedly went to the kitchen where she boiled cooking oil and poured it on the unsuspecting Hlala, who was sleeping on the bed, resulting in him sustaining serious injuries.

Muzioni vanished into the darkness and Hlala was rushed to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was further referred to Harare Group of Hospitals where is said to be battling for life.

“The suspect is still at large and we are appealing to anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of the suspect to approach any nearest police station,” said Inspector Mahoko.- Chronicle

A ZHOMBE man is battling for life after his wife scalded him with cooking oil over allegations of infidelity.

Taurai Hlala is currently admitted at Harare Group of Hospitals where he is reportedly in a serious condition.

Police confirmed they are now hunting for the woman, Sobrine Muzioni, who vanished after committing the crime.

“On 30 October 2020 around 2AM, the two were listening to music on Hlala’s mobile phone. Suddenly an audio of a female voice started playing on the phone leading to a misunderstanding,” said Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

Muzioni reportedly went to the kitchen where she boiled cooking oil and poured it on the unsuspecting Hlala, who was sleeping on the bed, resulting in him sustaining serious injuries.

Muzioni vanished into the darkness and Hlala was rushed to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was further referred to Harare Group of Hospitals where is said to be battling for life.

“The suspect is still at large and we are appealing to anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of the suspect to approach any nearest police station,” said Inspector Mahoko.- Chronicle