By- Musician, and Patriotic Zimbabwe leader Hosiah Chipanga, said he was no longer interested in contesting the 2023 presidential election after he met President Emmerson Mnangagwa face to face.
Chipanga, a musician, said he launched his political to trick the President into meeting him.
He said:
I will no longer contest elections in 2023. I will vote for President Mnangagwa. My party was a trick to make me meet the President of my country.
For the past 40 years, I have tried by all means known to me to meet the President of my country, the late and the current one to no avail.
I was very elated to meet with President Mnangagwa at Beaulieu Primary School in Mutasa South constituency.
It was an emotional moment for me since I was yearning to see him for some time now.
I will not contest as a leader of an opposition party in the 2023 harmonised elections.
I entered into politics as a way of getting a platform to meet with the First Citizen.
How can I stand as an opposition leader when my wishes are fulfilled?
The Mutare-based musician claims he has a special message for Mnangagwa on how to govern the country to be delivered from current problems. He said he is yet to deliver the “divine revelation”. | The Herald
-Today, CCC squares of with Zanu PF in 6 by- elections-
As MDC T (Alliance) led by Mwonzora chickens out of by-elections
22 October 2022
By Wezhira Munya | Today, there is six local authority by-elections across the country.
Citizens Coalition for Change and Zanu PF fight to win elections in six wards namely: Ward 4 Insiza Rural District Council (RDC), Ward 2 Matobo RDC, Ward 24 of Buhera RDC, Ward 4 Guruve RDC, Ward 18 Mutare Municipality and Ward 6 Takawira RDC today.
Citizens Coalition for Change national organiser honourable Amos Chibaya said, “CCC we are going to win these by- elections. Zanu PF tried to intimidate our supporters but we are not afraid. We have trained and deployed our election agents in every polling station. I encourage all our supporters to go and vote and vote. In addition, to defend the vote.”
Few days ago, Zanu PF engaged in violence mood and injured many Citizens Coalition for Change supporters in Matobo and Insiza, Matabeleland South and also damaged vehicles.
Zanu PF activated violence after sensing electoral defeat.
Today, six by-election results will be announced after 7pm.
MDC T (Alliance) led by Mwonzora failed to field candidates in all six wards. Interestingly, Mwonzora is recalling elected councillors.
Broadcast journalist Ezra Sibanda has criticised the Minister Of Education, Evelyn Ndlovu for causing regional divisions by claiming Ndebele people migrate to South Africa before getting to Secondary Education level, hence the on-going shortage in teachers on Matabeleland.
Said Sibanda in full:
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu, has said the shortage of Ndebele teachers especially for ECD level up to Grade 3 is due to the reluctance of people from Ndebele-speaking regions to become teachers. Ndlovu said the majority of learners from Ndebele-speaking regions do not finish secondary school education and instead choose to migrate to South Africa and Botswana.
This is so hurtful, untruthful, very divisive and a huge insult to the people of Matabeleland or Ndebele speaking people. This is exactly the talk which Mugabe used to say about people of Matabeleland which was later repeated by his wife Grace. For minister Ndlovu to say such crap is shocking and disappointing. From her utterance it means there are no Ndebele speaking people in Matabeleland because they are all in SA. Madam there are many Ndebele teachers in Matabeleland who can teach Ndebele in primary schools in the region but your ministry continues to deploy them in remote and isolated rural areas just to frustrate them to resign. Why is the deployment of teachers just like nurses done in Harare?
Why not regions or provinces deploy teachers and nurses to work in their own regions in the spirit of devolution which is enshrined in our constitution? After all there are plenty retired teachers who can be used to teach ECD to grade 3 in Matabeleland than use teachers who can’t speak the language spoken by children. Is that fair to let a 4 year old be taught by a stranger who forces a language unknown to the little child? Common sense should prevail and just feel for these little ones. Perhaps that’s the reason why some schools post zero pass rate in Grade 7.
There is also one thing that has been very worrisome, it is the issue that when you talk about issues of marginalisation, it is always equated to issues of tribalism. It is almost as if we have taken a position as a nation that a particular group in this country is not allowed to say anything without that being equated to tribalism and I think that is unfortunate.
You cannot continue to treat a particular people in a particular attitude and expect that they will not stand up to that kind of oppression. Zimbabwe is for everyone, let it be a fair and just society where people’s languages, culture and traditions are respected. I’m not a tribalist, l have many Shona friends who understand what lm talking about and have plenty Shona relatives so don’t take this post of mine out of its context. I will also complain if in any primary school especially ECD or grade 1 to 3 in predominantly Shona areas, Ndebele langauge is forced on the children by Ndebele teachers.
Language is an embodiment of a culture. It brings one closer to people who use that particular language and is a vehicle of social cohesion, stability and unity. We are after all a single people, having the same identity and destiny. It is vitally important that as Zimbabweans lets respect one another as people. Those who travel to work in other regions respect the local people and embrace their language than arrogantly refuse to integrate let alone learn the language because you know you can use your power of authority to force them to speak your language. You know they are desperate as you hold keys to what they are in need of and they will have to learn to speak your language whether they like it or not, otherwise they won’t get help.
The Government should urgently employ teachers to teach IsiNdebele in the Midlands and Matabeleland Provinces to address the shortage of teachers in a number of schools whose communities predominantly speak the language. There are numerous complaints by parents in some parts of these provinces whose communities are predominantly Ndebele speaking that there is an imbalance on vernacular language teachers which resulted in some schools with IsiNdebele speaking pupils learning ChiShona. Shona is a language just like Ndebele so let it be taught in predominantly Shona people not in schools where no one speaks the language
Our politicians from Matabeleland and Midlands have been a let down both in the ruling Zanu PF and in the opposition. Whilst in Matebeleland I always viewed politicians with disdain when they sought to address citizens in ChiShona, failing to as much as string a single sentence in IsiNdebele. I view that as an ignoble incidence of cultural imperialism and contend that it has no place in our society. Zimbabweans should freely navigate at least the three main languages. Even the robust exchanges that politicians have in Parliament must reflect, in the language used that we are one people. It is totally unacceptable as has happened in the past that a Parliamentarian can ask a question in one of the main local languages and a Government Minister fails to comprehend the question with the result that someone has to either translate or change their language altogether. We need to do a lot better as a country.
Ndebele speakers and indeed the Ndebele language continue to be disenfranchised and marginalised in Zimbabwe. Although a lot has been written on the marginalisation of the Ndebele language in spaces such as education, the media, politics and the criminal justice system, newer forms of marginalisation keep emerging every day and has shown how ‘official discourses play an important role in naturalising and normalising a certain language ideology.
The media and other spaces in Zimbabwe legitimise and present Shona as the de-facto national language owing to its numerical and political advantage and this in turn accords it symbolic power and dominance over other indigenous languages. Let’s all be sensible and address this problem as a nation. The minister should never divide our people. I thank you! #tshisa4life
THE United States (US) has warned that it might add more names on its sanctions list on Zimbabwe if human rights violations persist ahead of the 2023 polls.
Addressing an Africa Media Hub digital Press briefing on Wednesday, US Department of State Sanctions co-ordinator James O’Brien said sanctions against Zimbabwean leaders and entities linked to the State would not be removed if human rights abuses are not stopped.
“People who commit human rights abuses should be identified. We are going to review our sanctions on Zimbabwe to make sure that they are current. If these individuals continue to be violent, [perpetrating] human rights abuses and corruption – there would be additional interest in extending the list as well,” O’Brien said.
US Sanctions Policy and Implementation director Jill Millinax said the measures were targeted at human rights abusers.
“We use these sanctions programmes to disrupt the activities of human rights abusers, terrorists and other bad actors’ ability to undermine democracy, to stoke instability and to provoke violence. The ultimate goal of our sanctions, I have to say, is not to punish these individuals but to bring about a positive change in behaviour,” Millinax said.
Recently, the US Department of State issued a statement saying they were removing 11 individuals on their sanctions list.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu declined to comment on the matter.
“I am not privy to the report,” Mpofu curtly said.
Addressing journalists in the capital yesterday, party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said: “We have two unprepared US diplomats coming to talk about sanctions. They have not even read their stuff; they have not even read ZDERA [Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act] on which they administer sanctions. You have to understand who America is in the United Nations – they are a supreme power and the biggest contributor to the UN budget. If you put your money into the UN – read their documents when they come out.”
A Mvuma man has been arraigned before the courts on allegations of threatening to axe one of the Chirumanzu chieftainship hopefuls, Julius Chimbi as the succession wrangle intensifies.
Blazio Madyiwa Chaka, whose age was not given in court papers, appeared before Mvuma magistrate Scholastica Kagwere on Tuesday on allegations of making a threat as defined in section 186 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) [Chapter 9:23].
He was remanded to November 8 on $20 000 bail.
It is the State case that on September 12, 2022, Chaka was at Musarurwa shop in Mvuma with one Takaza Sibanda discussing the Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle.
He was allegedly overheard by one Catherine Mataga threatening to harm Chimbi (48) with an axe over the chieftainship dispute.
Mataga, according to State papers, recorded the conversation on her mobile phone before sending the audio to her husband, Stanley Maregere, who forwarded the audio to the complainant.
Chimbi made a police report, leading to Chaka’s arrest.
Chimbi has been locked in a chieftainship dispute with acting chief Fidelis Mudzengi who also wants to be confirmed as substantive.
IN his inauguration speech on August 25, 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa clearly promised the nation a departure from his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe’s violent politics.
On that sunny day, Mnangagwa promised that violence would be alien to our nature, culture and traditions.
Many people, who were yearning for a political paradigm shift from the authoritarian approach used by his predecessor, believed Mnangagwa.
But it now appears he wasn’t sincere given the escalating levels of inflammatory rhetoric, some of it spewing from his mouth as the country heads for harmonised elections next year.
After he unleashed the army on unarmed civilians to ruthlessly quash post-electoral violence on August 1 2018, resulting in six fatalities, Mnangagwa appointed a high-powered commission of enquiry to investigate the shootings – and many people including the international community believed he was being sincere.
However, when he did the same in January 2019, after citizens protested against fuel price hikes, leading to 17 fatalities, that belief evaporated as the perpetrators roamed the streets scot free. The victims are still yearning for justice.
Since then, Mnangagwa has proved to all and sundry that his anti-violence stance is mere political rhetoric devoid of sincerity given what is obtaining on the ground.
Mnangagwa has on numerous occasions turned a blind eye to violence perpetrated by Zanu-PF supporters on the opposition.
Ahead of the March by-elections, a Citizens Coalition for Change supporter was stabbed to death in Kwekwe, Midlands province. The suspects who belong to the ruling Zanu-PF party are out on bail.
Mnangagwa is also using lawfare and promoting impunity which has resulted in the prevalence of violence.
Zimbabwe has had a history of violent elections and the situation on the ground points to a bloody 2023 election.
We sincerely appeal to Mnangagwa to stop this hypocrisy and walk the talk to avoid bloodshed and a tainted legacy.
Former State Security minister and top Zanu-PF official in the Midlands province Owen Ncube has threatened a bloody 2023 election campaign reminiscent of the 2008 bloodbath to ensure the ruling party wins at all cost, according to an audio which has gone viral.
This comes at a time when the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party has accused police of failing to stop the renewed brutal attacks on its members by suspected ruling party and State actors ahead of the do-or-die polls.
Addressing Zanu-PF supporters in Mberengwa, Midlands province, at the weekend, Ncube issued a stern warning to opposition supporters saying: “Sellouts will be dealt with ina crude way”.
“You have been told that 2023 will be worse than 2008. We will not just leave you while you are selling out,” said Ncube who was fired as State Security minister in January this year for “improper conduct” and fanning violence during Zanu-PF’s provincial elections in the Midlands province.
“Even during the liberation struggle, there were sellouts but they were dealt with. Some left their grandchildren. If you sell out, we are going to deal with you in a crude way,” he added in apparent reference to the orgy of violence which left over 200 opposition supporters dead during the 2008 presidential run-off election campaign.
The late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai had to boycott the polls citing violence, leaving the now late former President Robert Mugabe to be declared winner before Southern African Development Community (Sadc) intervened and brokered a power-sharing agreement.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Ncube curtly said: “I once told you, I don’t want to talk to you. I still don’t want to talk to you.”
Ncube’s chilling threats came on the backdrop of a surge in cases of politically-motivated violence against CCC members.
Some CCC supporters were attacked and stripped naked over the weekend, while campaigning for their candidate ahead of tomorrow’s ward 2 by-election in Matobo, Matabeleland South province.
On Monday, Bulawayo Proportional Representation MP Jasmine Toffa was among CCC supporters who were attacked, while conducting campaigns in Insiza in the same province.
Speaking during a political violence discussion held on a local radio station on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Zanu-PF would never win an election without resorting to violence.
“We saw it in 2008 and we are starting to see it again and it doesn’t start with the violence itself. It starts with the incitement. We do condemn the selective application of the law and the abuse of State institutions including the police service by Zanu-PF where our rallies are banned,” Mahere said.
Contributing to the discussion, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, however, accused political parties of failing to cooperate during their investigations.
“Political parties should co-operate with police because yes reports can be made but if we don’t get the necessary co-operation from political parties, we will have challenges in terms of conducting investigations,” Nyathi said.
Speaking during the same chat show, Zanu-PF information director Tafadzwa Mugwadi acknowledged the presence of political violence, but claimed it was on the decline.
“If you look at these cases compared to what we had in the past, we appreciate that cases of politically-motivated violence have decreased in the second republic,” Mugwadi said.
He also denied claims that Zanu-PF members were the main perpetrators.
Human rights watchdogs and political analysts expressed concern over the new wave of political violence.
Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe spokesperson Blessing Vava said: “The signs of a bloody election are now there for all to see. It does not need rocket scientists to tell you that. Zanu-PF is going for broke and it will be a difficult terrain for the opposition going into the elections and this casts doubts of a free and fair election,” he said
Meanwhile, Ncube has been accused of teaming up with his alleged ally Tawanda Karikoga to create parallel Zanu-PF structures in the Midlands province.
He also stands accused of denigrating senior party members in the province such as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique Victor Matemadanda.
“Several Zanu-PF members are frustrated because of Ncube and Karikoga. They are going around Gokwe South imposing people aligned to them,” the source said.
Zanu-PF chairperson for Marungu district in Mapfungautsi constituency, Mabasa Matsina said: “I was removed for no apparent reason without any hearing or complaint. He (Karikoga) wanted to install his point man.”
Contacted for comment Karikoga said Matemadanda should confront Ncube over the allegations.
“He should face Ncube not me because I am his junior,” Karikoga said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched criminal investigations into the leakage of several Zimbabwe Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examination question papers.
To date, Ordinary level English Paper 2 and Mathematics Paper 2 leaked into the public domain, with some of the suspects already having been arrested.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said so far eleven cases of exam leakages have been reported throughout the country.
He said: Due to the numerous media inquiries on the response of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Police confirm that it is conducting criminal investigations in connection with the leakage and circulation of the 2022 ‘O’ Level ZIMSEC examination papers throughout the country.
So far, eleven (11) cases have been reported to the Police in all parts of the country.
The general public and the media are requested to direct all administrative issues concerning the examination leakage to ZIMSEC while the Police handle the criminal investigations.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that arrests are effected on anyone who is illegally circulating examination papers on social media and physically to the public.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Councilor for Mutare ward 9, Crispen Dube has died, party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has said.
Dube was recalled by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora before contesting under the CCC ticket.
“We’ve received sad news that Cllr Crispen Dube of Ward 9 Dangamvura Chikanga has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare. He was recalled for his unwavering support of the CCC & won back the ward in the by election. Sincere condolences to his family & loved ones,” said Mahere.
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
A man from Manhenga in Bindura axed his love rival to death after accusing him of breaking up his marriage before hanging himself.
Lovemore Mutonya separated from his wife in 2021 following an infidelity allegation involving a married man, Onias Mafadzavana (47).
Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha said on Wednesday, at around 6 pm, Mutonya waylaid Mafadzavana armed with an axe.
After spotting him, Mutonya gave chase and tripped Mafadzavana to the ground before striking him once on the right hand and leg.
Mutonya fled and a report was made at the Manhenga police station.
The following day at around 8 am Mutonya’s sister, Simbai Kampanden (46), went to check on her brother.
She peeped through the door’s key hole and saw her brother hanging at the centre of the house.
Sgt Major Chikasha urged people to seek counseling when faced with social problems. -state media
Vice President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga says some government departments are overpricing goods and services, a situation that has resulted in delayed disbursement of funds to line ministries.
Chiwenga gave an example where a local hotel was supposed to host a Parliamentary seminar for MPs and inflated charges to US$600 per night from US$120 per night.
He said: “We are aware that there are delays which are there and some of the delays have been legacy issues which have to be solved. We try our level best, together with the Finance ministry, to make sure that whoever delivers is paid and no tender or demand for supplies should be done when the monies are not there.
“Some of the issues might have been legacy issues where people were used to just order even if the money is not there. These are some of the areas which government is addressing together with all ministries.”
Chiwenga made the remarks during the National Assembly question and answer session in response to questions by Harare North legislator Allan Markham who wanted to know why government suppliers had not been paid after delivering the goods.
Chiwenga said all suppliers will eventually be paid.
“So as the Second Republic, we took a position to never print money when it is not there. Only money which is there is disbursed, but it is against the revenue anticipated and if there is something which causes fissures in that process, there might be delays,” he said.- Newsday
Mwenezi CCC Youth Member passes way in South Africa
Mwenezi east CCC is in tears following the untimely death of Youth Change Champion Tawanda Magaisa Mapuranga of ward 2.
Tawanda was one of the surviving cadres who were in the struggle since time of the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC up until he joined the CCC. He was currently a member of the Pretoria Olieven Branch where he was working and is survived by a son. His burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Meanwhile mourners are gathered in Mwenezi Ward 2 under Chief NEGARI at Muswere Homestead.
Tawanda was a courageous young man- at one time when Zanu pf youths were marching, led by one Ezra Mashindi, he remained unmoved and refused to join the forced Zanu pf March at Rata township. The family , CCC-ZEC-CLASH-OVER-VOTERS-ROLL and Mwenezi as a district lost a progressive man who would one day fight for the good of the Nation.
Tawanda is brother to Lovemore Mapuranga CCC Youth chaiman and ward 2 councillor candidate in 2018.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has written to Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi demanding answers on the compensation of August 1, 2018 army shooting victims.
Six people were fatally shot after soldiers opened fire using live ammunition on protestors in Harare following delays in announcing presidential election results.
Thirty-five others were wounded in the shootings that hogged international limelight, forcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to appoint a commission headed by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, to investigate the killings.
In its raft of recommendations, the commission said families of the deceased should be compensated and that perpetrators be held accountable.
In a letter dated October 18, 2022 addressed to Ziyambi, CiCZ chairperson Peter Mutasa raised concern over government’s failure to implement the recommendations by the Motlanthe Commission.
“We address you in your capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce which was tasked with addressing issues arising from the findings of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry report,” Mutasa said.
“We write to your esteemed office expressing our reservations over the failure by the Government of Zimbabwe to implement recommendations of the seven-member Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry following the events of August 1, 2018 that resulted in the death of six civilians at the hands of the army following protests over the late announcement of Presidential election results in Harare.”
The CiCZ is an umbrella body of over 80 human rights and civic society organisations in the country.
Mutasa raised concern that government had reneged on its promise to fulfil the recommendations.
“So far, the Government of Zimbabwe has not instituted security sector reforms to ensure that the military acts within the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and in conformity with human rights norms and standards,” Mutasa said.
“The State is still to implement Section 210 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe that provides for an Independent Complaints Mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from the members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct. The Independent Complaints Mechanism is a crucial body in light of the increasing cases of human rights abuses linked to security.”
Ziyambi was not picking calls yesterday when NewsDay Weekender contacted him for comment. He also did not reply to questions sent to him.
Critics have said there is no political will on government to compensate the victims of the army shootings.- Newsday
Mwenezi CCC Youth Member passes way in South Africa
Mwenezi east CCC is in tears following the untimely death of Youth Change Champion Tawanda Magaisa Mapuranga of ward 2.
Tawanda was one of the surviving cadres who were in the struggle since time of the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC up until he joined the CCC. He was currently a member of the Pretoria Olieven Branch where he was working and is survived by a son. His burial arrangements will be announced in due course. Meanwhile mourners are gathered in Mwenezi Ward 2 under Chief NEGARI at Muswere Homestead.
Tawanda was a courageous young man- at one time when Zanu pf youths were marching, led by one Ezra Mashindi, he remained unmoved and refused to join the forced Zanu pf March at Rata township. The family , CCC-ZEC-CLASH-OVER-VOTERS-ROLL and Mwenezi as a district lost a progressive man who would one day fight for the good of the Nation.
Tawanda is brother to Lovemore Mapuranga CCC Youth chaiman and ward 2 councillor candidate in 2018.
CHIPINGE – Chipinge Village head, Aleck Ziyadhinga of Manyezu Village under Chief Musikavanhu and eight accomplices have been arrested for assaulting a suspected thief to death.
Ziyadhinga and his accomplices are accused of killing Norman Sithole (41) of Manyezu Village after the latter allegedly attempted to steal chickens from Norman Sigauke’s fowl run. Manicaland Police spokesperson Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident to Chipinge Times. Sithole was caught at around 2am on Thursday last week.
Chipinge Times is told that Sigauke was awakened by Sithole’s footsteps and he went out to investigate. He came across Sithole whom he overpowered and tied his hands and legs. He then called neighbours Onai Tafa and Hilary Tafa and took Sithole to Ziyadhinga who called Lucky Mlambo, Tatenda Chinaa, Advance Maposa and Hatemore Manyezu.
The eight allegedly assaulted Sithole with sticks and open hands. They tied him to a tree and only untied him at 7am before they took him to Tobias Sithole’s homestead whom they accused of being the now deceased’s accomplice. Tobias denied the allegations.
They then dumped the now deceased by the roadside near a tuckshop which belongs to Betserai Chikumba. Chikumba discovered Sithole’s lifeless body at around 2pm. Chikumba made a Police report at Chisumbanje Police station resulting in the arrest of the eight.
Muzondo urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands.- Chipinge Times
An 84-year-old granny from Retreat Farm in Bindura who was badly burnt while bathing in a grass-thatched bathroom, has succumbed to the wounds.
The fire was started by a seven-year-old boy at the same farm, who was playing house.
Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha said the boy was “cooking sadza” during the house play.
The incident occurred on October 5 this year at around 2pm.
The deceased, Beauty Shembure was burnt all over the body and was rescued by her son Newword Simao (46).
Sgt Major Chikasha said Simao was admitted at Bindura Hospital for two days before being transfered to Parirenyatwa Hospital where she received treatment for nine days before succumbing to the injuries.
The minor appeared before a probation officer in Bindura today.- The Herald
By-Top President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s aide Owen “Mudha” Ncube, has threatened to unleash an orgy of violence against opposition members ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to audio which has gone viral, Ncube, a former Minister of State Security, threatened to unleash violence against “sell-outs” that will be worse than what was witnessed during the 2008 presidential run-off election.
Addressing Zanu PF supporters in Mberengwa, Midlands province, at the weekend, Ncube said:
You have been told that 2023 will be worse than 2008. We will not just leave you while you are selling out.
Even during the liberation struggle, there were sellouts but they were dealt with. Some left their grandchildren.
If you sell out, we are going to deal with you in a crude way.
Contacted for comment by NewsDay on Thursday, Ncube said: “I once told you, I don’t want to talk to you. I still don’t want to talk to you.”
More than 200 opposition supporters were killed in cold blood by suspected ZANU PF activists during the 2008 presidential run-off election campaign.
The late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to withdraw from the race, leaving the now late former President Robert Mugabe to be declared the winner.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) eventually intervened and facilitated a power-sharing agreement between Tsvangirai and Mugabe which lasted from 2009 to 2013. |
By-The opposition CCC is eying six local government seats in tomorrow’s by-elections.
The by-elections to be hosted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) are in Ward 4 Insiza Rural District Council (RDC), Ward 2 Matobo RDC, Ward 24 of Buhera RDC, Ward 4 Guruve RDC, Ward 18 Mutare Municipality and Ward 6 Takawira RDC.
The run-up to the by-elections has been marred by politically motivated violence, which rocked Matobo and Insiza, Matabeleland South, where suspected ZANU-PF supporters attacked an injured CCC activists and also damaged vehicles. Despite the violence, ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana told said that they are ready to conduct the -by-elections. He said: ZEC is ready. Printing of ballot paper and distribution of materials for the 6 by-elections to be held over the weekend is in progress. Preparations are going on well and the commission hopes that by Thursday all materials will be in place. I am urging all contesting candidates and the electorate to conduct their electioneering peacefully.
By-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ZEC will hold six by-elections for local government seats tomorrow.
The by-elections in Ward 4 Insiza Rural District Council (RDC), Ward 2 Matobo RDC, Ward 24 of Buhera RDC, Ward 4 Guruve RDC, Ward 18 Mutare Municipality and Ward 6 Takawira RDC.
The run-up to the by-elections has been marred by politically motivated violence, which rocked Matobo and Insiza, Matabeleland South, where suspected ZANU-PF supporters attacked an injured CCC activists and also damaged vehicles. Despite the violence, ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana told said that they are ready to conduct the -by-elections. He said: ZEC is ready. Printing of ballot paper and distribution of materials for the 6 by-elections to be held over the weekend is in progress. Preparations are going on well and the commission hopes that by Thursday all materials will be in place. I am urging all contesting candidates and the electorate to conduct their electioneering peacefully.
By- The courts have authorised Tinashe Mugabe, known as The DNA Man, to continue with his work.
Mugabe has won a case in which he had taken the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) to court for attempting to ban his TV show, The Closure DNA.
NewZimbabwe reports that Mugabe will now do his shows without any obstacles after High court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire cleared him.
Mugabe had sued HPAZ together with the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council Zimbabwe (MCAZ) after the two organisations complained he was unqualified to issue DNA test results.
He filed a High Court application through Global Parentage Services (Private) Limited t/a Global DNA Zimbabwe.
Mugabe argued the two had no right to suspend his operations because Global DNA his company is not a medical entity and is not governed by their rules and regulations.
Mafusire upheld his arguments ruling the presenter was on track.
The judge nullified the regulatory boards’ move stating they should not have forced Mugabe to register as a health institution in the first place. Ruled Mafusire:
The conclusion reached in this judgment, that the applicant (Global DNA ) is not a health institution within the meaning of that term in the Act, puts paid to any other point of contention in this matter. It becomes unnecessary to render a determination on them. The respondents (authority boards) simply exercised powers that the Act does not give them.
It may well be that the applicant’s activities require proper regulation. But if there should exist some other law providing for such regulation, it has not been pointed out to the court. The Act is certainly no law.
However, it would be manifestly contradictory to grant the first leg of the second prayer, namely that the cancellation of the applicant’s registration certificates was void.
If it is not a health institution, then none of the requirements of health institutions as prescribed by the Health Professions Act including registering with the authority boards applies to it.
Mugabe had argued that his company was a mere sample collection site.
He also said the company did not run the DNA tests itself but rather engaged laboratories who tested the samples.
He had also argued that the initial registration last year was a result of undue pressure from the board.
The respondents had argued that the DNA company was a health institution within the meaning of the Act and was supposed to register with HPAZ.
By-Owen “Mudha” Ncube, a top Zanu PF official in Midlands Province and a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has threatened to unleash an orgy of violence against opposition members ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to audio that has gone viral, Ncube, who is a former Minister of State Security, threatened to unleash violence against “sell-outs” that will be worse than what was witnessed during the 2008 presidential run-off election.
Addressing Zanu PF supporters in Mberengwa, Midlands province, at the weekend, Ncube said:
You have been told that 2023 will be worse than 2008. We will not just leave you while you are selling out.
Even during the liberation struggle, there were sellouts but they were dealt with. Some left their grandchildren.
If you sell out, we are going to deal with you in a crude way.
Contacted for comment by NewsDay on Thursday, Ncube said: “I once told you, I don’t want to talk to you. I still don’t want to talk to you.”
More than 200 opposition supporters were killed in cold blood by suspected ZANU PF activists during the 2008 presidential run-off election campaign.
The late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to withdraw from the race, leaving the now late former President Robert Mugabe to be declared the winner.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) eventually intervened and facilitated a power-sharing agreement between Tsvangirai and Mugabe which lasted from 2009 to 2013. |
Gerald Takwara was by far Zimbabwe’s best player at the AFCON 2021 finals.
The midfielder, who is also comfortable playing in defence, was part of Norman Mapeza’s 23 man squad for the 33rd edition of the biannual showpiece in Cameroon back in January, despite not taking part in the qualifiers.
Even though Zimbabwe failed to make it to the knockout stages of the continental showpiece at the 5th time of asking, Takwara had a good tournament in Cameroon and barely put a foot wrong in the Warriors backline.
He was even named man of the match in Zimbabwe’s last game —a 2-1 triumph over Guinea.
Ideally, Takwara would have wanted to carry from where he left in Cameroon and excel for Zimbabwe in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers a few months later.
Unfortunately for 27-year old, international football is now wishful thinking.
Zimbabwe is currently banned by FIFA because of what the world governing body termed ‘third party interference’ after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), suspended the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board.
Subsequently, Zimbabwe cannot take part in international tournaments and Takwara feels the pain of not representing his country.
“After having a good tournament, all I wanted to do is to keep on having more international games and grow as a player,” Takwara told Soccer24 from his base in Saudi Arabia, where he now turns out for the Middle East county’s second tier side Ohodo FC.
“It’s so painful after the tournament I couldn’t and still can’t play anymore, but it is what it is,” added Takwara.
Despite the disappointment of not playing international football, the former FC Platinum star is enjoying his football in the oil-rich gulf country.
He has settled well and even scored twice this season. He is also the penalty taker for the Emmanuel Ugbo-coached side.
“My start to life in Saudi Arabia has been okay. Of course different cultures and different language but with time I will just,” said Takwara.
“Scoring makes me feel close to being a complete playef. If I can defend and score that would help the team a lot,” he added.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
New global WHO guidelines on mental health at work are reinforced by practical strategies outlined in a joint WHO/ILO policy brief.
WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have called for concrete actions to address mental health concerns in the working population.
An estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety costing the global economy nearly US$ 1 trillion. Two new publications which aim to address this issue are published today – WHO Guidelines on mental health at work and a derivative WHO/ILO policy brief.
WHO’s global guidelines on mental health at work recommend actions to tackle risks to mental health such as heavy workloads, negative behaviours, and other factors that create distress at work. For the first time WHO recommends manager training, to build their capacity to prevent stressful work environments and respond to workers in distress.
WHO’s World Mental Health Report, published in June 2022, showed that of one billion people living with a mental disorder in 2019, 15% of working-age adults experienced a mental disorder. Work amplifies wider societal issues that negatively affect mental health, including discrimination and inequality. Bullying and psychological violence (also known as “mobbing”) is a key complaint of workplace harassment that has a negative impact on mental health. Yet discussing or disclosing mental health remains a taboo in work settings globally.
The guidelines also recommend better ways to accommodate the needs of workers with mental health conditions, propose interventions that support their return to work and, for those with severe mental health conditions, provide interventions that facilitate entry into paid employment. Importantly, the guidelines call for interventions aimed at the protection of health, humanitarian, and emergency workers.
“It’s time to focus on the detrimental effect work can have on our mental health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The well-being of the individual is reason enough to act, but poor mental health can also have a debilitating impact on a person’s performance and productivity. These new guidelines can help prevent negative work situations and cultures and offer much-needed mental health protection and support for working people.”
A separate WHO/ILO policy brief explains the WHO guidelines in terms of practical strategies for governments, employers and workers, and their organizations, in the public and private sectors. The aim is to support the prevention of mental health risks, protect and promote mental health at work, and support those with mental health conditions, so they can participate and thrive in the world of work. Investment and leadership will be critical to the implementation of the strategies.
“As people spend a large proportion of their lives in work – a safe and healthy working environment is critical. We need to invest to build a culture of prevention around mental health at work, reshape the work environment to stop stigma and social exclusion, and ensure employees with mental health conditions feel protected and supported,” said, Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General.
The ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155) and Recommendation (No. 164) provides legal frameworks to protect the health and safety of workers. However, the WHO Mental Health Atlas found that only 35% of countries reported having national programmes for work-related mental health promotion and prevention.
COVID-19 triggered a 25% increase in general anxiety and depression worldwide, exposing how unprepared governments were for its impact on mental health, and revealing a chronic global shortage of mental health resources. In 2020, governments worldwide spent an average of just 2% of health budgets on mental health, with lower-middle income countries investing less than 1%.
There is possibility that Kadoma Magistrate Court clerks are into corruption of some sort.
The Kadoma Magistrate Court located along the Harare Road opposite Ranch Hotel outside the Kadoma CBD, while the Magistrate Court Criminal Division is within the Kadoma CBD.
Firstly, when filing a civil court application, there are forms like Letters of Demand and Summons. Usually the Small Claims Courts Bulawayo and Harare issues these forms for free to applicants, but at Kadoma courts applicants have to photocopy the forms for themselves and one wonders how the same Small Claims Court operates differently depending on geographic location; or someone is misusing money meant for stationery at Kadoma courts.
Secondly, it is usually the custom of Small Claims Courts in Bulawayo and Harare that applicants can serve defendants alone, and then file a certificate of service with the court on the day of the hearing instead of using the Messenger of Court to serve the Summons. I noticed that at the Kadoma Courts the clerks encourage the use of the Messenger of Court to serve Small Claims Summons which is sometimes unreasonable because in the Small Claims Court the money claimed there are very small such that the asking of the applicants to use the Messanger of Court to serve the summons will be like preventing plaintiffs to make Small Claims.
Thirdly, all payments like Court fees are made at the Criminal Court in town and the Criminal Court there in town opens around 10am or 11am, which is a big inconvenience to people who would have travelled from as far as Sanyati and some villages outside town to make trips from Ranch Hotel into town just to go and pay a 300 bond court fee and there in town you are asked to wait until 11am to make a payment.I wonder if the Civil Division court can’t have its own revenue clerk rather than subjecting people to such an inconvenience.
Fourthly, judges are very quick to write judgements but clerks are not typing court judgements.When clients come asking for their judgements or orders they are told the orders are not yet typed.The author is reliably informed that the typist is at the Criminal Court in town and if a party needs a quick service he has to provide transport to clerks so that they take your file to town for typing and if you fail to provide transport to clerks then you won’t get your judgement for ever.I wonder if clerks working at the Civil Division can’t use computers because the building has electricity and why the insistence in having judgements typed in town.Why are public asked to provide transport to government workers? Isnt it possible that these clerks are cashing in using the truck of asking for transport for them to take your file in town for printing? How much is a computer and a printer?
Please share this story until it reaches Chief Justice Luke Malaba
CHIPINGE – Chipinge Village head, Aleck Ziyadhinga of Manyezu Village under Chief Musikavanhu and eight accomplices have been arrested for assaulting a suspected thief to death.
Ziyadhinga and his accomplices are accused of killing Norman Sithole (41) of Manyezu Village after the latter allegedly attempted to steal chickens from Norman Sigauke’s fowl run. Manicaland Police spokesperson Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident to Chipinge Times. Sithole was caught at around 2am on Thursday last week.
Chipinge Times is told that Sigauke was awakened by Sithole’s footsteps and he went out to investigate. He came across Sithole whom he overpowered and tied his hands and legs. He then called neighbours Onai Tafa and Hilary Tafa and took Sithole to Ziyadhinga who called Lucky Mlambo, Tatenda Chinaa, Advance Maposa and Hatemore Manyezu.
The eight allegedly assaulted Sithole with sticks and open hands. They tied him to a tree and only untied him at 7am before they took him to Tobias Sithole’s homestead whom they accused of being the now deceased’s accomplice. Tobias denied the allegations.
They then dumped the now deceased by the roadside near a tuckshop which belongs to Betserai Chikumba. Chikumba discovered Sithole’s lifeless body at around 2pm. Chikumba made a Police report at Chisumbanje Police station resulting in the arrest of the eight.
Muzondo urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands.- Chipinge Times
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ Coalition for Change ( CCC) , has described the late councillor for ward 6, Dangamvura, Crispen Dube, as a brave cadre.
Councillor Dube passed away on Thursday in Mutare.
“CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: The CCC family is mourning them sad loss of Dangamvura Chikanga Ward 6, Cllr Crispen Dube who has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
We send our deep condolences to his family & loved ones.
Rest in power change champion,” CCC said in a statement
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC MP Hon Jasmine Toffa underwent an emergency surgery on Wednesday after being attacked by Zanu PF hooligans in Insiza.
CCC has challenged the Zanu PF regime to end acts of political barbarism.
The former revolutionary party has resorted to violence in a bid to dilute CCC’s rapidly growing support base.
“An honourable Member of Parliament, a prolific community organizer & a pillar of the Citizens’ Movement @CCCZimbabwe, Jasmine Toffa today had to undergo emergency surgery after she was badly beaten by Zanu PF thugs in Insiza.
Zanu PF is in panic mode. We want elections not war,” CCC said in a statement.
The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged party supporters to punish teachers perceived to be against his administration.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the launch of Teachers for Economic Development programme.
Analysts say Mr Mnangagwa is using the controversial scheme to hoodwink teachers.
Responding to Mr Mnangagwa’s remarks, CCC said :
“We condemn the partisan abuse of teachers by ZANU PF.
Teachers like any citizen have the freedom to make political choices. Frog marching them to Zanu PF rallies won’t improve their working conditions or the broken education sector. #SaveOurEducationZW
Violence is Zanu PF’s DNA. Here @edmnangagwa says,“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us.Nurture & guide them.Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them,don’t beat them too much.Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.”
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ Coalition for Change ( CCC) , has described the late councillor for ward 6, Dangamvura, Crispen Dube, as a brave cadre.
Councillor Dube passed away on Thursday in Mutare.
“CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: The CCC family is mourning them sad loss of Dangamvura Chikanga Ward 6, Cllr Crispen Dube who has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
We send our deep condolences to his family & loved ones.
Rest in power change champion,” CCC said in a statement
1/ I believe that @trussliz is a victim of misoginistic tendencies in the UK political economy just like @theresa_may . Liz could have been a success but they conspired to bring her down. The misoginistic tendencies could not have another female leader. #TrussOut Image
2/ The circus in British politics continues, the inadvertent folly of trying to punish Russia & now Europe is in free fall, at the abyss of a biting, excruciating winter & energy crisis imbroglio. It was inevitable she had to resign. The Tory party had become too fractious, …
3/…toxic & it’s factions too toxic. From inception or ascending as leader of the Tory party it was evident the party needed unity, but alas, the infighting continued. The other exogenous global & intra European shocks like the NATO inspired & fueled war in Ukraine and …
4/…NATO’s support of a corrupt & war mongering regime in kyiv exercised the problems for Liz. Moreso, the boomerang effect of NATO/ EU & USA & the broader Anglo-Saxon hegemonic tendencies have meant Europe is in the throats of self inflicted damage & intractable economic …
5/…challenges. All these factors & global economic meltdown meant Truss had too much in her intra. Truss was not given enough time to unravel & implement her governance & economic blueprints. The vapid British Press also catalyzed Truss taking the ultimate decision to bolt out.
6/ The British press seems to be hankering for a certain preferred candidate &was/is still on overdrive crucifying & pacifying #LizTrussPM The British press is a vampire devouring political players & is now a tool of mass destruction for those politicians they are not in good …
7/…books with, and this they did against Truss. The British press is a massive propaganda machine with an acclonastic penchant for bringing down those the press handlers do not like. This again they did against Truss (the pull her down PHD effect). #LiztrussResign
8/ Labour is also marvelling at the infighting in the Tory party & is goading & fuelling more intra Tory chaos, whilst they Labour see themselves as a party waiting to govern. With time and unity in the Tory Party, @trussliz could have been very successful. • • •
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’ candidate, Augustine Gumede, in Ward 4 Insiza Rural District Council (RDC) by-election slated for Saturday has gone into hiding following Monday’s political violence in which opposition party members were brutally attacked and injured by suspected ZANU-PF members.
The assailants who were kicking and using sticks, logs, fists, and stones during the attack are believed to be the same group that attacked other CCC supporters in Matobo on Sunday.
In both districts, there will be by-elections to fill in vacant seats following the death of two ZANU-PF councillors.
Four vehicles that were being used by CCC campaign teams in Insiza were deflated and had their window panes and screens smashed and filled engines with sand, while some valuables including money and cell phones were confiscated by the attackers.
Gumede, who is set to lock horns with ZANU-PF’s Daniel Dube, managed to escape before the attackers could get hold of him.
When they got to his homestead they smashed window panes of houses and broke into pieces his household property.
“Our candidate, when they came to his homestead, he was at his homestead and fortunately he was one of the people who managed to escape and they did not exactly get to him physically,” said CCC Matabeleland South provincial spokesperson, Ntando Ndlela.
“For now, I cannot really confirm that our candidate is safe but he has moved from his homestead. He is somewhere. We have moved him to another place that we are hoping he could be safe before elections.”
Man caught in the act "trying to bed an 18 year old girl," drives back to apologise, only to receive more curses | WHO IS THIS MAN? IF THE GIRL IS UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP/MENTORSHIP, IT'S BOUND TO BE CRIMINAL | WHO IS THIS MAN? pic.twitter.com/BFJJRH5sQm
By Dorrothy Moyo | The investigation into controversial preacher Walter Magaya’s alleged abuses against women, has been relaunched.
The probe had been paused 2 years ago after Magaya had taken the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to court to stop them from investigating him.
In a statement, the commission, announces saying it: wishes to advise members of the Public that the Zimbabwe Gender Commission in its Commission meeting number 38 on the 4th of August 2022 resolved to recommence investigation of the allegations of Sexual Exploitation and abuse of Women levelled against Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries. The investigation which was gazetted on the 23rd of August 2019(General Notice No.1444/2019) was halted by the Legal Challenge launched by the key respondent Mr Walter Magaya (Prophet Magaya). We are happy that the courts have given legal judgements (SC592/19, HC 7347/19 and HH688/19) which have paved way for the continuance of our processes .
As such, we are calling on all citizens who might have complaints of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) involving the conduct of Walter Magaya to present particulars of their complaints to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. The invitation is also being extended to all the complainants and witnesses to such acts which consist SEA of Women within the denomination. Please refer your complaints to the CEO of Zimbabwe Gender Commission 1st Floor Pax House 89 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare +263(0242) 250 296; +263(0242) 701101, or email complaintsPzgc.co.zw
Man caught in the act “trying to bed an 18 year old girl,” drives back to apologise, only to receive more curses.
What crime did this man commit, that we should display his number plates and identity details in public? Report him to the police, or to the community church groups?
The 18 year old’s mother us heard in the footage saying her daughter is 18.
The age of consent in England and Wales is 16, lawyers say. This is the age when young people of any sex, gender or sexual orientation can legally consent to taking part in sexual activity.
This means that sexual activity between two or more people is lawful if at least one of the people is 16 years and above.
So, what crime did this man commit? But if the teen was under his care or leadership, it is a different story.
WHO IS THIS MAN? IF THE GIRL IS UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP/MENTORSHIP, IT’S BOUND TO BE CRIMINAL | WHO IS THIS MAN?
Man caught in the act "trying to bed an 18 year old girl," drives back to apologise, only to receive more curses | WHO IS THIS MAN? IF THE GIRL IS UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP/MENTORSHIP, IT'S BOUND TO BE CRIMINAL | WHO IS THIS MAN? pic.twitter.com/BFJJRH5sQm
?CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: The CCC family is mourning the sad loss of Dangamvura Chikanga Ward 6, Cllr Crispen Dube who has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
We send our deep condolences to his family & loved ones.
By- The courts have authorised Tinashe Mugabe, known as The DNA Man, to continue with his work.
Mugabe has won a case in which he had taken the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) to court for attempting to ban his TV show, The Closure DNA.
NewZimbabwe reports that Mugabe will now do his shows without any obstacles after High court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire cleared him.
Mugabe had sued HPAZ together with the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council Zimbabwe (MCAZ) after the two organisations complained he was unqualified to issue DNA test results.
He filed a High Court application through Global Parentage Services (Private) Limited t/a Global DNA Zimbabwe.
Mugabe argued the two had no right to suspend his operations because Global DNA his company is not a medical entity and is not governed by their rules and regulations.
Mafusire upheld his arguments ruling the presenter was on track.
The judge nullified the regulatory boards’ move stating they should not have forced Mugabe to register as a health institution in the first place. Ruled Mafusire:
The conclusion reached in this judgment, that the applicant (Global DNA ) is not a health institution within the meaning of that term in the Act, puts paid to any other point of contention in this matter. It becomes unnecessary to render a determination on them. The respondents (authority boards) simply exercised powers that the Act does not give them.
It may well be that the applicant’s activities require proper regulation. But if there should exist some other law providing for such regulation, it has not been pointed out to the court. The Act is certainly no law.
However, it would be manifestly contradictory to grant the first leg of the second prayer, namely that the cancellation of the applicant’s registration certificates was void.
If it is not a health institution, then none of the requirements of health institutions as prescribed by the Health Professions Act including registering with the authority boards applies to it.
Mugabe had argued that his company was a mere sample collection site.
He also said the company did not run the DNA tests itself but rather engaged laboratories who tested the samples.
He had also argued that the initial registration last year was a result of undue pressure from the board.
The respondents had argued that the DNA company was a health institution within the meaning of the Act and was supposed to register with HPAZ.
Angry scenes inside the council meeting on Thursday
By A Correspondent | There was commotion inside a council meeting yesterday as Harare Councillors clashed over how Harare City Mayor, Clr Jacob Mafume was chairing the meeting.
Mayor Mafume ended up ejecting Deputy Mayor, Mukunguma of the Mwonzora MDC Alliance from the meeting after the latter called him an idiot.
The Combined Harare Residents Association narrates the development as follows: In a full Council meeting held on Thursday at Town House, Harare City Council through the Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged receiving a petition from Glen View residents and a letter from CHRA over a Glen View woman who gave birth in a toilet at Glen View Poly Clinic.
The petition had called for placing of maternal health provision on the agenda of the full council meeting or the Mayor and Councilors call for a Special Council Meeting to discuss the status of maternal health care provision in the City.
On the other hand, the CHRA letter had requested for urgent financial and medical support for Ms Swaba’s child who incurred some injuries while being born in the toilet at Glen View Poly Clinic.
However, the demands from the petitioners did not find space during the deliberations of the full Council meeting.
The meeting was marred with arguments and use of abusive language by Deputy Mayor, Councilor Mukunguma that resulted him in being directed to leave the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Harare City Council resolved to set up a Special Council Meeting on Thursday, to discuss waste management in a bid to increase refuse collection compactors and skip trucks to improve on refuse collection in the City.
Harare City Councilors lamented on the non-collection of refuse even though some residents are religiously paying their bills.
“In Ward 16 residents are paying their rates which is collectively USD70 000 per month, but no refuse is being collected” fumed Councilor Ngadziore in the meeting.
CHRA is expecting and calling for a strong resolution at the proposed Special Committee from the Councilors on the recovery of non-delivered of 15 refuse trucks that were purchased in 2017 by the City of Harare through a local supplier.
By- The opposition CCC has lost one of its longest-serving councillors in Mutare, councillor for Ward 9, Crispen Dube.
He passed away on Wednesday night.
Dube was re-elected councillor for Ward 9 several months ago after the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora had recalled him.
CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Dube passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare. She said:
We’ve received the sad news that Councillor Crispen Dube of Ward 9 Dangamvura Chikanga has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
He was recalled for his unwavering support of the CCC and won back the ward in the by-election. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Acting Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka confirmed Councillor Dube’s death to The Manica Post. He said:
I can confirm the sad news of the passing on of Councillor Dube. It is a big blow to the city and we will be meeting later to discuss the issue. More details will be availed after our meeting.
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has announced the suspension of by-elections beginning November 1, 2022 in line with the Electoral Act, which stipulates that elections cannot be held nine months before general elections.
Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said the suspension of by-elections was in line with section 158(3) of the Constitution which prohibits by-elections nine months before a general election.
“Section 158(3) of the Constitution provides that polling in by-elections shall take place within 90 days of the vacancies occurring unless the vacancies occur within nine months before a general election is due to be held.
“The last general election held in 2018 was held on the 31st July 2018. It is, therefore, anticipated from a reading of section 158(3) of the Constitution that general elections will be held on a date to be set during the month of either July or August 2023. Members of the public are thus notified that the filling of vacancies that occur on or after the 1st of November 2022 will be suspended pending conduct of 2023 general elections,” Justice Chigumba said in a statement.
The Matobo and Insiza by-elections slated for this week will probably be the last by-elections before the general elections in 2023.
The run-up to the by-elections has been characterised by violence.
Chief Mvuthu, who died’s daughter Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa could be one foot closer to succeeding her father after the Chiefs Council endorsed her.
Chief Mvuthu, born Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa of Mvuthu area outside Victoria Falls, died in March 2014 aged 61.
Replacement…Chief Mvutu’s daughter
Headman Mr Bishop Matata Sibanda has been acting Chief to date.
The late Chief left behind three daughters, including Ms Mlotshwa, now 26 years and married with one child.
There has been a succession wrangle within the family which vowed not to allow Silibaziso to succeed her father claiming her ascendancy would be contrary to the Nguni culture in which its chieftaincy is rooted.
The family said the eldest son takes over.
In that regard, the family nominated the late chief’s brother Mr Sanders Mlotshwa as the successor in December 2014 but Ms Mlotshwa challenged that in court arguing that she is the one who should take over from her father.
The family was divided with one faction in support of Mr Mlotshwa while others backed Silibaziso saying she is being victimised just because she is a woman.
At some point, the High Court nullified the nomination of Mr Mlotshwa as a potential successor and ordered the Hwange District Development Coordinator (DDC)’s office to restart the selection process concerning human rights.
Mr Mlotshwa is the son of the late chief’s brother Simon who is also late.
In 2020 the Chiefs Council sent a delegation comprising Chief Sikhobokhobo of Nkayi, Chief Nekatambe of Hwange and Chief Tategulu of Tsholotsho on behalf of the Matabeleland North Provincial Chief’s Assembly to attend a family meeting and have an appreciation of the wrangle.
The Matabeleland North Chiefs Assembly recommended to the Chiefs Council after the meeting that Ms Mlotshwa was fit to succeed her father.
That recommendation has also been communicated to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission which has been following the case.
Gender Commission chief executive Mrs Virginia Muwanigwa confirmed the development.
“Yes, we received the information that the Chiefs Council has endorsed her but the process is not yet finished. The next process will be for her to be recommended to the President who will decide and we look forward to him acceding,” said Mrs Muwanigwa.
She said the Gender Commission did not influence the process but merely monitored it.
She implored all parties to be guided by the Constitution.
“We are happy and as Gender Commission, we were coming in because it’s constitutional that we have equal opportunities in accessing political, economic and social development across gender.”
Ms Mlotshwa referred questions to her lawyer Mr Thulani Ndlovu of Sansole and Senda Legal Practitioners who confirmed the endorsement but said it was not yet time to celebrate.
He said the endorsement is a milestone constitutional achievement.
“This acknowledgement that she is the rightful heir by the Chiefs Council is not a victory for her but an important constitutional development for Zimbabwe and even beyond,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said Ms Mlotshwa is prepared to make peace with the whole of her family for peace to prevail as infighting stifles development and tranquillity within the community.
“She believes that it is time now to concentrate on development and peacebuilding in line with government policies to leave no one behind. She is calling upon the family to unite and for everyone to work towards community development.
“The matter has now moved to the realm of local government,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said Ms Mlotshwa is happy about the development and responsibility that lies ahead to spearhead the development of her local community in line with the Government development agenda.
Mr said if she succeeds her father, she will add to the few female chiefs in the country, and this is an achievement in terms of gender as women have demonstrated that they can lead.
President of the Chiefs Council Chief Charumbira could not be reached for comment as he was said to be out of the country.
His deputy Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi could not be drawn into commenting saying only Chief Charumbira is allowed to speak about issues resolved by the Chiefs Council. -State Media
The United States (US) has warned that it might add more names on its sanctions list on Zimbabwe if human rights violations persist ahead of the 2023 polls.
Addressing an Africa Media Hub digital Press briefing on Wednesday, US Department of State Sanctions co-ordinator James O’Brien said sanctions against Zimbabwean leaders and entities linked to the State would not be removed if human rights abuses are not stopped.
“People who commit human rights abuses should be identified. We are going to review our sanctions on Zimbabwe to make sure that they are current. If these individuals continue to be violent, [perpetrating] human rights abuses and corruption — there would be additional interest in extending the list as well,” O’Brien said.
US Sanctions Policy and Implementation director Jill Millinax said the measures were targeted at human rights abusers.
“We use these sanctions programmes to disrupt the activities of human rights abusers, terrorists and other bad actors’ ability to undermine democracy, to stoke instability and to provoke violence. The ultimate goal of our sanctions, I have to say, is not to punish these individuals but to bring about a positive change in behaviour,” Millinax said.
Recently, the US Department of State issued a statement saying they were removing 11 individuals on their sanctions list.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu declined to comment on the matter.
“I am not privy to the report,” Mpofu curtly said.
Addressing journalists in the capital yesterday, party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said: “We have two unprepared US diplomats coming to talk about sanctions. They have not even read their stuff; they have not even read ZDERA [Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act] on which they administer sanctions. You have to understand who America is in the United Nations — they are a supreme power and the biggest contributor to the UN budget. If you put your money into the UN — read their documents when they come out.”–Newsday
With reportedly several leaks of Zimsec public examination papers this year, although only the Mathematics 1 O’Level paper has been confirmed, many in the education sector see the main fault with the systems used by the Zimbabwe School Examination Council and the solution being a tightening of Zimsec administration.
Zimsec itself says it is investigating all the reports of suspected leaks, although only confirming the single paper so far, and will nullify all results of candidates who had prior access to any paper and will deal “decisively” with any school or examination centre which abetted any leak, including if necessary de-registration of the centre.
Heads, who regard the administrative systems now used at schools as sufficiently foolproof, pointed at Zimsec as the main source of the problem, rather than schools.
It was also suggested that the last minute exam preparation at some private schools the night before a paper was written could be a contributing factor, or at least open the door to abuse.
The Zimsec system is supposed to ensure any breach of security is automatically discovered instantly.
Papers are packed in sealed envelopes and collected fairly shortly before the exam is written.
The envelope is supposed to remain sealed and be only opened just before the exam in front of all the candidates, with an official witness, so that everyone is sure no one had prior entry into the packet.
This is taken to the level that where the number of candidates needs more than one classroom for writing the exam then the school order of papers is split into several sealed packets, so each group can see their papers being opened.
However, critics of Zimsec say that there is potential, especially with modern digital technology, for the leak to be an electronic leak of the digital file of a paper.
That would tend to move the leak back into Zimsec’s orbit.
National Association of Secondary Heads chair Mr Arthur Maphosa said it was disheartening to hear of the leaked exams after the hard work schools, teachers and candidates put into these examinations.
“It is sad that after all the time we take preparing learners and you just hear of these leakages. You just feel sorry for the learners, teachers and parents. It is bad and it needs to end.
“Nonetheless, the problem is not at schools. I think it is emanating from Zimsec and they need to tighten their security to avoid the leakages.
“Also some private schools might be partly to blame. The way some run the examination processes is suspicious like the things we hear that some teachers prepare for examinations with learners up-to the last night of the exam in what they call an examination gala,” said Mr Maphosa.
National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) chair Mrs Cynthia Khumalo said primary schools were not affected by the leaks, but nevertheless recognised that these were worrisome.
“From our end we did not encounter any challenges, but that it is happening is a huge cause for concern. We need to protect the credibility of our education system. Zimsec needs to tighten their security system for the integrity of our examinations.
“For public schools I do not think there is any challenge in administering exams. The challenge is with some private schools and there is need to further scrutinise private schools before they are allowed to stage examinations,” said Mrs Khumalo.
“We are gathering information and Zimsec will issue a statement. We want this issue to be dealt with expeditiously. Now it is a criminal case and we expect the law to take its course.
“As Government schools we do not condone such behaviour. The integrity of our exams is sacrosanct and needs to be protected.”
“We also urge parents, teachers, learners and all stakeholders to reject, resist and report corrupt elements near our education system,” said Mr Ndoro.
Some parents who spoke to The Herald in the streets of Harare were not happy because of the suspected exam leaks.
“This is bad and it demoralises the children who put in hard work preparing for the exams. We hope Zimsec can quickly address this rot,” said Ms Martha Dube.
“This is sad. Zimsec must put adequate systems in place to protect these exams. The best way is to order a rewrite of the leaked exams,” said Mrs Tinaye Mutizwa.
In response Zimsec said they will punish all those found on the wrong side.
“The Council has zeroed in on schools/centres and localities that are considered hot spots and has intensified the monitoring of these centres. It is emphasised that the council has the mandate to de-register schools and centres that are caught engaging in examination malpractice.
“Candidates who are found to have had pre-access to examination materials will have all the results nullified. School authorities who aid or abet such practices will also be dealt with decisively,” said Zimsec in a statement.
“The council is working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and security operatives to reign in on infringements of the rules and regulations governing the ongoing examinations.-state media
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri| The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged party supporters to punish teachers perceived to be against his administration.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the launch of Teachers for Economic Development programme.
Analysts say Mr Mnangagwa is using the controversial scheme to hoodwink teachers.
Responding to Mr Mnangagwa’s remarks, CCC said :
“We condemn the partisan abuse of teachers by ZANU PF.
Teachers like any citizen have the freedom to make political choices. Frog marching them to Zanu PF rallies won’t improve their working conditions or the broken education sector. #SaveOurEducationZW
Violence is Zanu PF’s DNA. Here @edmnangagwa says,“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us.Nurture & guide them.Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them,don’t beat them too much.Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.”
Today WHO launches the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030, adopted by Member States at the 75th Session of the World Health Assembly – Resolution WHA75(22).
The launch marks a milestone in WHO work to promote health, keep the world safe and protect the vulnerable.
Every year, one in ten people globally fall ill due to foodborne diseases. Contaminated food can cause over 200 diseases, and the magnitude of public health burden is comparable to malaria or HIV AIDS. Children under five are at higher risk, as one in six deaths from diarrhoea are caused by unsafe food.
The updated WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety is a step towards a safer and healthier world, but also towards strengthening multisectoral collaboration and innovative public health approaches.
The Global Food Safety Strategy has been developed to guide and support Member States in their efforts to prioritize, plan, implement, monitor and regularly evaluate actions towards the reduction of the burden of foodborne diseases (FBD) by continuously strengthening food safety systems and promoting global cooperation.
The Strategy’s vision is that all people, everywhere, consume safe and healthy food so as to reduce the burden of FBDs. This strategy gives stakeholders the tools they need to strengthen their national food safety systems and collaborate with partners around the world.
This new WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030 addresses current and emerging challenges, incorporates new technologies and includes innovative approaches for strengthening food safety systems.
It also reflects feedback received through a comprehensive consultation process with Member States and governmental institutions, United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, and individuals working in public health and food safety.
The strategy also sets concrete targets and aims to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases by reducing 40% the number of cases of foodborne diarrheal diseases incidence that affects most the children under 5 and other vulnerable populations. It also has a target of 100% of functional coordination mechanisms to manage foodborne events and enhanced laboratory capacity for foodborne disease surveillance.
The strategy has identified five interlinked and mutually reinforcing strategic priorities with respective strategic objectives. Using the identified five strategic priorities and respective strategic objectives, the strategy aims to build proactive, forward-looking, evidence-based, people-centred, and cost-effective food safety systems with coordinated governance and adequate infrastructures.
Strategic priorities:
Strengthening national food control systems. Identifying and responding to food safety challenges resulting from global changes and food systems transformation.
Improving the use of food chain information, scientific evidence and risk assessment in making risk management decisions. Strengthening stakeholder engagement and risk communication. Promoting food safety as an essential component in domestic, regional and international food trade. WHO and the members of the Technical Advisory Group on Food Safety are working on tools to complement the existing sources from WHO, FAO and other organizations to support Member States in the implementation of the strategy over 2022-2030. The collaboration among different sectors and stakeholders is key for the implementation of the strategy, and the implementation plan of the strategy is aligned with the FAO food safety strategic priorities through a joint coordination framework.
The 2022 World Cup will begin on 20 November in Qatar but several big-name stars are set to miss the tournament due to injuries.
Here is the confirmed list of players who have been ruled out of the competition.
Diogo Jota (Portugal) Diogo Jota will miss Portugal’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign after sustaining a calf muscle injury.
The Liverpool forward was stretchered off in stoppage time of the 1-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Jota will not have surgery to treat the muscle injury.
Reece James (England) Reece James will be out for two months with a knee injury, ruling him out of the World Cup.
The 22-year-old Chelsea man was set to be England’s preferred option in the right back position at the tournament.
N’golo Kante (France) N’Golo Kante is out of the World Cup after suffering a reaction to an existing hamstring injury.
The 31-year-old France international has not played since mid-August due to the hamstring issue.
The Chelsea midfielder was vital to France’s success in Russia four years ago and would be a big miss for Didier Deschamps’s side.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands) Georginio Wijnaldum sustained a serious fractured tibia in his right leg just days after his debut with the Serie A side in August. There hasn’t been any confirmation that the midfielder will miss the tournament but several European publications claim tje Dutch midfielder is expected to return to the pitch sometime in 2023.
Pedro Neto (Portugal) Another Portugal star set to miss the World Cup is Wolves winger Pedro Neto. The 22-year-old sustained an ankle injury this month and will undergo surgery to treat it.
Ricardo Pereira The Leicester City fullback will miss Portugal’s World Cup campaign due a Tendon Achilles rupture.
Ronald Araujo (Uruguay) Ronald Araujo will miss the World Cup after undergoing surgery on a thigh problem last month. The Barcelona man is expected to be on the sidelines for three months.
He will not be able to reach full fitness in time to be included in Uruguay’s World Cup roster.
Alexander Isak (Sweden) Alexander Isak will be out until after the World Cup because of a thigh injury. Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe confirmed the player will spend two months on the sidelines and return to action after the tournament.
Boubacar Kamara (France) Boubacar Kamara was tipped to make the French squad but the Aston Villa midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury in September that will keep him out until after the World Cup.
Arthur Melo (Brazil) Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo picked up a muscle injury in the build-up to a Champions League clash with Rangers in October and is expected to return to action next year.
Alexis Saelemaekers (Belgium) The AC Milan winger suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him out of action for the remainder of the year.
Players doubtful or racing against time to recover in time before the World Cup: Kalvin Phillips – England (dislocated shoulder) Paul Pogba – France (knee) Kyle Walker – England (groin injury) Angel Di Maria – Argentina (thigh injury) Paulo Dybala – Argentina (quadriceps injury) Nuno Mendes – Portugal (thigh injury) Matthijs de Ligt – Netherlands (groin injury) Florian Wirtz – Germany (ACL) Lucas Digne – France (ankle injury) Lucas Hernandez – France (muscle tear) Presnel Kimpembe – France (hamstring injury) Andreas Christensen – Denmark (ankle injury) Marcelo Brozovic – Croatia (hamstring injury)- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag says he will deal with Cristiano Ronaldo after the player left the pitch area minutes before the conclusion of Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
Ronaldo, who was an unused substitute in the match, left in the 89th minute, shortly after the coach brought on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga as his final changes despite still having two more slots.
“I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory,” said Ten Hag.
“I have seen him, but I haven’t spoken with him.”
The incident came three days after Ronaldo showed his displeasure at being substituted against Newcastle.
The forward has been limited to Europa League appearances and played his last full ninety minutes for the Red Devils in the EPL in the 4-0 hammering by Brentford.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A 35-year-old artisanal miner in Mazowe fell to his death in a 20-metre-deep mine shaft after pulling away from a group to relieve himself.
Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha urged miners to fence any disused mines to avoid creating death traps.
The incident occurred on October 16 at around 10pm and the deceased, Gamuchirai Nyowani was in the company of his colleagues Shingirirai Mavhimira (29), Miccah Chidhonza (39) and other unidentified miners.
The group was going to Managers Hill mining claim from a country club where they were drinking beer.
Sgt Major Chikasha said Nyomani pulled away from the group to relieve himself and never caught up with the others.
The following day at around 8am his colleagues noticed that Nyowani was missing and they started to search for him.
They traced back his footprints and Vitalis Mavaidze found Nyowani’s body in a mine shaft about 20 metres deep.
A report was filed at Mazowe Police Station and the body was retrieved with help from other artisanal miners.
He had bruises and his body was sent to Concession Hospital for a post mortem.
ZANU-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson for Matobo in Matabeleland South, Cde Mfakazi Maphosa has been arrested for allegedly blowing US$1 600 belonging to the ruling party, which was meant for campaigning.
Maphosa (54) of Mbembeswana Village in Matobo District, pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared before Kezi Magistrate, Mr Howard Sande.
He was remanded in custody to October 19 pending the outcome of his application for bail.
Prosecuting, Mr Thomas Nzima said Maphosa received money from the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Nqobizitha Ndlovu which was meant for campaigns. It is alleged that instead of channelling the funds towards the party programmes, Maphosa converted the money to his own use.
The court heard that on October 7, 2022, Cde Ndlovu received US$2 000, 200 litres of diesel coupons and campaign material from the party headquarters, which were meant for use during the campaigns by the party’s Ward 2 candidate, Cde Fadreck Siwela in local council by elections.
“On the same day at Davies Hall in Bulawayo, Cde Ndlovu who is the complainant in the matter, then handed over the money and coupons to the accused person with clear instructions that he should pass them to Siwela. This happened in full view of other Matabeleland South provincial party leaders,” said Mr Nzima.
He said on the following day, Cde Siwela met the accused person at the Zanu-PF district party offices in Maphisa.
Maphosa only gave Cde Siwela US$400 and fuel coupons and told him that they were going to use US$1 600 together during the campaign.
“On October 12, Cde Thokoza Hlongwane delivered 200 litres of diesel at the ward command centre at Tudi Village and told Siwela that the fuel was supposed to be used during the campaigns,” said Mr Nzima.
The court heard that Maphosa failed to give Siwela the full amount and a report was made to the police leading to his arrest.
President Mnangagwa has on many occasion strongly spoke against corruption. He has warned senior party members against engaging in corrupt activities, saying the fight against corruption both in the party and in the country at large continues unabated.
He said gone are the days when members hide behind their status and abuse the name of the party to engage in corruption.
The President said his administration is also re-orienting all sectors of the economy including public-private and non-governmental institutions towards the culture of honesty, accountability and transparency. – Chronicle
By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared war against teachers.
Mnangagwa said his Zanu PF would punish teachers who refuse to support the ruling party.
Addressing over 5 000 teachers at the launch of the Teachers for Economic Development (Teachers4ED) at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on Wednesday, 19 October 2022, Mnangagwa urged Zanu PF officials who were present at the event to punish “errant” teachers. He said:
Our party and government are ready to support you. We have the Zanu PF chairperson here (Oppah Muchinguri). You (Muchunguri) heard me telling them that the Zanu PF party supports them (teachers).
Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us. Nurture and guide them. For those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them, don’t beat them too much. Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.
Meanwhile, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa has condemned the alleged partisan abuse of teachers by Zanu PF.
In a statement, CCC said the Zanu PF-led government should improve teachers’ conditions of service instead of forcing them to attend its political rallies. CCC said:
We condemn the partisan abuse of teachers by Zanu PF. Teachers like any citizen have the freedom to make political choices.
Frog marching them to Zanu PF rallies won’t improve their working conditions or the broken education sector.
More than 5 000 teachers left their stations yesterday to attend the official launch of the Teachers for Economic Development.
Zanu PF officials promised to pamper teachers affiliated with the ruling party with various perks, including farmland, and agricultural inputs in return for their loyalty. | NewsDay
This is MP, Hon Toffa in hospital.She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza. They broke both her hands.The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial. Zanupf @edmnangagwa STOP THIS VIOLENCE! pic.twitter.com/AJaMIQ0vU4
Violence is Zanu PF’s DNA. Here @edmnangagwa says,“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us.Nurture & guide them.Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them,don’t beat them too much.Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.” pic.twitter.com/ABsp8cGnpc
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) October 20, 2022
#Watch Zimbabwean tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who is also a Seventh-Day Adventist Church elder and preacher, says he is facing a huge problem of being inundated with requests for money from women or people's wives. "Seek from your husband;don't seek from other people's husbands!" pic.twitter.com/3Zu8F2LlB2
By James Gwati- Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has launched an investigation into the shortages of copies used to print criminal record clearance certificates.
The shortage of printing copies has left thousands of people intending to leave the country for employment or studies, risking their precious opportunities.
The Police clearance, commonly known as the blue copy, is obtained from Harare’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.
Anyone intending to work or study abroad is required to produce the document.
The same could also be asked for by companies or government departments, which would offer a person a job.
It costs ZW$20 to get the police clearance.
Zimeye.com was at the CID headquarters and found hundreds of people looking for this security document being turned away.
Most of these people who got job offer letters in the United Kingdom have not been able to acquire the police clearance certificate since the beginning of this month.
“I have been coming here since the 2nd of this month and they have been telling us they do not have the police clearance printing paper,” said a young lady who got a job in the UK two months ago.
“What is frustrating is that they are not giving us any dates to expect that blue copy. They are keeping on saying that we should check every day and its annoying,” said another young lady who also got a care work in Britain.
Another lady who got a nursing job in Australia said she was only left with that police clearance to apply for her Visa.
“I have done all the tests including health check-ups and what left for me to get my Visa is the criminal record clearance and these delays are putting my chances of grabbing this job at risk. I got this job in July and my potential employer is sending me emails every day asking about my seriousness, “she said.
Also stranded are thousands of students on presidential scholarships, due to leave for their studies in China, Zambia, and South Africa.
A senior official at the CID headquarters who declined to be named said the government has “more serious priorities” than providing the police clearance printing paper.
“The issue is that the same paper is used for other security documents which are more important than the police clearance and it is this other alternative that the paper is being used for, for now,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said he was investigating the causes of this shortage.
“I am not aware of that shortage, and it may be because I was out of the country, but I will check with the relevant office and find out what the problem could be,” said Kazembe when they reached for comment.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe has announced that it has run out of such paper. Recently the registrar’s office ran out of passport printing paper.
The Transport ministry also stopped issuing learners’ driver’s licences because of the non-availability of printing paper.
This is MP, Hon Toffa in hospital.She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza. They broke both her hands.The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial. Zanupf @edmnangagwa STOP THIS VIOLENCE! pic.twitter.com/AJaMIQ0vU4
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri| The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged party supporters to punish teachers perceived to be against his administration.
Mnangagwa made the remarks at the launch of Teachers for Economic Development programme.
Analysts say Mr Mnangagwa is using the controversial scheme to hoodwink teachers.
Responding to Mr Mnangagwa’s remarks, CCC said :
“We condemn the partisan abuse of teachers by ZANU PF.
Teachers like any citizen have the freedom to make political choices. Frog marching them to Zanu PF rallies won’t improve their working conditions or the broken education sector. #SaveOurEducationZW
Violence is Zanu PF’s DNA. Here @edmnangagwa says,“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us.Nurture & guide them.Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them,don’t beat them too much.Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.”
2/ I have seen a statement by Matutu and some other posts by Gutu. It’s deplorable and shameful what these guys have resorted to. I wonder if they have families. How do you look your wife and kids in the face when as a grown man you behave like a prostitute?
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop the escalating violence against opposition members.
The CCC leader has described as barbaric the attack on party MP Hon Toffa.
Hon Toffa was attacked by Zanu PF goons in Insiza.
“This is a Member Parliament, Hon Toffa in hospital.
She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza where there is a by election this coming Saturday. The thugs broke both of the MP’s hands.
The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
By- The opposition CCC has lost one of its longest-serving councillors in Mutare, councillor for Ward 9, Crispen Dube.
He passed away on Wednesday night.
Dube was re-elected councillor for Ward 9 several months ago after the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora had recalled him.
CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Dube passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare. She said:
We’ve received the sad news that Councillor Crispen Dube of Ward 9 Dangamvura Chikanga has passed away at Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
He was recalled for his unwavering support of the CCC and won back the ward in the by-election. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Acting Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka confirmed Councillor Dube’s death to The Manica Post. He said:
I can confirm the sad news of the passing on of Councillor Dube. It is a big blow to the city and we will be meeting later to discuss the issue. More details will be availed after our meeting.
By James Gwati- There is an outcry in Zimbabwe as the Home Affairs ministry runs out of police clearance printing paper.
The shortage of printing copies has left thousands of people intending to leave the country for employment or studies, risking their precious opportunities.
The Police clearance, commonly known as the blue copy, is obtained from Harare’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.
Anyone intending to work or study abroad is required to produce the document.
The same could also be asked for by companies or government departments, which would offer a person a job.
It costs ZW$20 to get the police clearance.
Zimeye.com was at the CID headquarters and found hundreds of people looking for this security document being turned away.
Most of these people who got job offer letters in the United Kingdom have not been able to acquire the police clearance certificate since the beginning of this month.
“I have been coming here since the 2nd of this month and they have been telling us they do not have the police clearance printing paper,” said a young lady who got a job in the UK two months ago.
“What is frustrating is that they are not giving us any dates to expect that blue copy. They are keeping on saying that we should check every day and its annoying,” said another young lady who also got a care work in Britain.
Another lady who got a nursing job in Australia said she was only left with that police clearance to apply for her Visa.
“I have done all the tests including health check-ups and what left for me to get my Visa is the criminal record clearance and these delays are putting my chances of grabbing this job at risk. I got this job in July and my potential employer is sending me emails every day asking about my seriousness, “she said.
Also stranded are thousands of students on presidential scholarships, due to leave for their studies in China, Zambia, and South Africa.
A senior official at the CID headquarters who declined to be named said the government has “more serious priorities” than providing the police clearance printing paper.
“The issue is that the same paper is used for other security documents which are more important than the police clearance and it is this other alternative that the paper is being used for, for now,” he said.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said he was unaware of the blue copy shortage.
“I am not aware of that shortage, and it may be because I was out of the country, but I will check with the relevant office and find out what the problem could be,” said Kazembe when they reached for comment.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe has announced that it has run out of such paper. Recently the registrar’s office ran out of passport printing paper.
The Transport ministry also stopped issuing learners’ driver’s licences because of the non-availability of printing paper.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean government has urged residents with exemption permits to comply with South African laws after it emerged only a handful had applied for the available mainstream visas.
The South African government announced that it would terminate the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) on 30 June 2023, a decision that will affect about 180 000 Zimbabweans residing in South Africa.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday evening, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said the South African government expressed concern that less than 10% of ZEP holders had applied for the available mainstream visas.
Mutsvangwa said engagements on the issue of ZEP holders are being held at the government-to-government level, with the latest one being held at the mid-term review meeting of the Zimbabwe-South Africa bi-national commission in Pretoria on 10 August 2022.
The South African government expressed concern that less than 10% of ZEP holders had applied for the available mainstream visas,” Mutsvangwa said.
“The government of Zimbabwe is encouraging the ZEP holders to comply with the South African laws.”
Zimbabwe’s Cabinet on Tuesday deliberated on the issue of the anticipated return of ZEP holders from South Africa following a report tabled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Fredrick Shava.
Minister Mutsvangwa expressed the Zimbabwe government’s readiness to receive returning nationals.
She said the government “is working on mechanisms to facilitate the smooth flow of the returnees at the Beitbridge border post.
By A Correspondent- The trial of a truck driver, accused of trafficking two minor girls, continued with the truck being brought to court for inspection in loco.
James Mahachi appeared before trial magistrate Ngoni Nduna. The truck was brought to court after Mahachi denied trafficking the girls, saying the vehicle had cameras.
A security expert from Sabot, Allan Mufandaedza, said the truck doesn’t have cameras.
Mufandaedza is the fleet manager responsible for tracking.
He told the court that the truck had a tracking system only.
Quizzed by Mahachi’s lawyer why he was so sure that the truck didn’t have a camera, Mufandaedza said:
“The camera project is new and the very first fleet to be installed with cameras were the Zambian registered trucks followed by the South African registered trucks.
“The Zimbabwean trucks don’t have cameras yet. I work with these trucks everyday so the information is at my fingertips,” he said.
Allegations are that Mahachi kidnapped the girls, promising to pay their school fees when, in fact, he wanted to sexually exploit them.
The court heard that between September 2021 and March this year, Mahachi used an agent, Brighton Nyamandi, who is currently on the run, to recruit the two girls, aged 13 and 17 years, from Hurungwe.
He allegedly lied to the victims’ parents that he was going to send them to school and pay their fees.
But, he subjected them to sexual exploitation and also used them as free labour.
Mahachi allegedly took them to South Africa and would sleep with them in his truck.
He would allegedly threaten to dump them in the neighbouring country if they refused to sleep with him. One of the girls escaped and sought refuge at a nearby house where she narrated her ordeal to one Charity Munemo. Munemo assisted her in filing a police report.
By Dorrothy Moyo | A Zimbabwean man narrates his ordeal at the hands of a pastor he says gave him special powers for riches.
(Full Transcript by ZimEye) After returning from diaspora life in SA and now launching a successful mining project in Zimbabwe, my wife started spending a lot of time on TV watching GodChannels.
AUDIO LOADING BELOW
https://youtu.be/kclz5prVCiU
She was so glued to the TV church programs that her long sessions stretching to around 1pm from morning time, had made me end up extending my DSTV to the bedroom, and we both got glued to a certain Ghanaian Bishop.
We would later visit the Bishop in Ghana for prayers. The Ghanaian Pastor gave me and my wife anointing oil, saying I should put it on, whenever I go to mine gold.
I was later told by my employees that they have picked up 2kg of gold at the mine.
I then concluded that my prosperity is as a result of the Ghanaian Bishop’s intervention. The Church later told us to appear on their TV program for testimonies. We grouped some of our family and friends to watch our confession. After that, the Bishop made a personal invitation and called for offerings. I was now paying tithes to them. I was keeping chunks of money in Tshangani bags.
I later visited Ghana again.
The Bishop invited me to his house over there. I witnessed the Bishop drinking something that looked like beer. I asked the Bishop: were you drinking beer, and he replied me saying he was truly drinking beer. He was now very open to me. The Bishop said to me: I have the keys to the wealth of this world, do you want to join me?
We then drove to a small village, and we got to a certain house and met a man there. The Bishop told that guy that he has brought me there to find wealth. The man told me to undergo a ritual. I went back to my wife to let her know this is what had happened. It was sad that my wife was busy happily praying without knowing that the Bishop touches a lot of witchcraft things.
Back home there was now a certain war veteran who was now targeting my mine after the gushing out of gold. The war veteran wanted to take the mine accusing me of not having the papers for it. My wife asked me what we should do, and I told her the Bishop told me, he is able to give me special wealth. My wife refused.
I then told her that if I refuse, I will degenerate to the low level I had been before, of a poor teacher.
We decided to go there, and I was ashamed to see my wife being washed naked by another man; her private parts being opened by another man.
I was given a green ring, at the bottom of which was a type of a bird with red eyes, with an inscription in Latin. One day when I had travelled to China, and a Chinese Museum staff member was shocked after reading it and said to me, this is an ancient Chinese language and no-one can translate it. I told him I was given this ring somewhere.
The Ghanaian guy had given me a box of matches wherein were 6 matches. The man had told me, this is what is going to give you money when you get to Zimbabwe. The man had told me when you get to Zimbabwe don’t fight anyone, I will deal with whoever fights you.
I found the war veteran mining at my property. The war veteran pulled out a gun. He told me there is no court that would entertain me because, I own the courts.
Later, I was told the mine no longer has anything. I discovered the war veteran had robbed me.
At home there was a tshangani bag that had money. I knew I would be getting something from the money at home. Later I started ti notice that at home the money I am taking out is literally returning into the Tsangani bag.
I took the money from the bag and went to Messina and bought our car. The duty money I paid was close to USD4,000. What shocked me is that when I got back home, the money inside the bag was still intact, like there had no money been taken out. Later while asleep, I found myself trapped in my sleep, and I saw 6 small men, one of whom had tattoos.
I asked them what do you want here? Are you thieves? One of them started laughing and said we have been working for you all these years and not even a single day you’ve not been paying us a salary, so we have come to you to ask you to pay us. I asked them when they started working for me.
It was like a vision from the time I got the anointing oil and went with it to put on the mine. One of the men had gone to touch a band inside the mine [that brought riches]. When my wife was being bathed, it was like while she was being washed, and the men were coming out of her private parts as if she is giving birth.
Every time I was giving someone money, after some time, the money was being taken out.
They told me the salary we want from you is a wife. I asked them which wife? They said we want your daughter to become your wife otherwise we are bringing her back into Zimbabwe to drink her blood.
My wife also woke up saying, I was dreaming while breastfeeding to certain men. After that I told her what had happened in the room. My wife then called my daughter to come back home to Zim. Our daughter initially refused, but after being promised an iPhone, she came to Zimbabwe.
The day I had been told by those men to do the ritual, ‘arrived.’
On that day, they told me to take money from the tshangani bag, and put the money on the bed; When your daughter has come, you place her in the room. When my daughter had come back, we bought some sleeping tablets, and put them inside fruit juice.
As I took her, I was being pained inside me.
We placed our daughter on top of the money. When we shut the door, loud noises started. We sat the the door and we were listening while our daughter was crying from the time we had sat at the room door.
The following day, we took her to the hospital, and she was prescribed pills to calm her down. Since that day, our daughter is now so violent, like as if she is possessed by demons. Recently our kids in China I went there to see them. My 2 sons approached me and said we are having a relationship. They say they have been sleeping together.
Now these things are eating me up. For me to tell relatives, it’s paining me. My sons are now sleeping with each other, my daughter is now mad, and then, my wife is breast feeding these men, and is now losing weight. It’s as if she is HIV positive.
Most of the time, we are now staying indoors, and we have had to send our maid out. Our daughter on one of the days she managed to free herself up.
Our garden boy has given up, though he tried: He was beaten all over the face. He got frustrated. Right now, it’s only me my wife and daughter staying alone together. My sons are sleeping together. This is my confession. – ZimEye
This is MP, Hon Toffa in hospital.She was assaulted by Zpf in Insiza. They broke both her hands.The perpetrators haven’t been arrested and yet innocent citizens #Nyatsime17 have been behind bars for the past 128 days without bail or trial. Zanupf @edmnangagwa STOP THIS VIOLENCE! pic.twitter.com/AJaMIQ0vU4
By A Correspondent- A woman seeking a protection order against Mai TT has found favour with the courts.
Panashe Nzenza approached the Harare Civil Court accusing Mai TT, born Felistas Murata, of threatening to bash her for having an affair with her estranged husband, Tinashe Maposa.
She also claimed Mai TT had been sending depressing texts messages to her. Presenting her case, Nzenza’s lawyers claimed Mai TT was attacking his client based on assumptions.
Harare Magistrate, Tamara Chibindi, granted the protection order against Mai TT.
Mai TT was in wilful default since she did not respond to the allegations in toto.
Nzenza also claimed that Mai TT had threatened to hunt her down and beat her up.
She claimed the socialite also threatened to harm her.
In her founding affidavit, Nzenza claimed that she was labelled a whore and a b***h.
“My client is living in fear after the unfounded threats. She has no alternative, but to seek protection from this court.
“We fear she may be harmed since the respondent has vowed to take the law into her own hands,” submitted Nzenza’s lawyer. H Metro
By A Correspondent- The alleged mastermind behind the robbery of US$2,7 million and $43 000 in January last year from a ZB Bank vehicle carrying cash has been arrested in Harare after being on the run for almost two years.
Shadreck Njowa was arrested at a house in Highfield where he was hiding after CID Homicide, who deal with serious violent crime, launched a raid.
This leaves just two of the 14 involved still being hunted, the other 12 are now in custody as the police continue keeping the case active and ensuring that no one benefits from the crime.
Sources close to the investigations said Njowa is still in custody and assisting with investigations.
Recently, ZB Bank offered a US$5 000 reward for leads which might result in the arrest of Njowa and his two other accomplices, Patson Matengambiri and Nyasha Chitera, who were then still at large.
No information is yet available to see if the person who turned in Njowa will be receiving the reward, or at least part of it.
The last three wanted were in the company of 11 other gang members who have since been arrested and are on remand pending their trial.
The robbery of the US$2,775 million and $43 000 from a cash-in-transit ZB Bank vehicle was believed to have been an inside job where the three security personnel in the vehicle allegedly connived with robbers to steal the cash.
The three security staff, Nomatter Jonga (43), Mathew Simango (66) and Fanuel Musakwa (34), were arrested and have since appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The three were tasked to carry seven boxes containing US$2 775 000 on January 6 last year to ZB branches and deliver to Chinhoyi US$75 000, Kadoma US$25 000, Kwekwe and Gweru US$150 000 each, Bulawayo US$200 000, Gwanda US$50 000 and Zvishavane US$100 000.
They were travelling in a Toyota Hilux single cab with a canopy, secured with a tracker and emergency panic button when what is now considered to be a fake robbery took place at 11,30am at the Gwebi River Bridge along the Harare-Chirundu highway.
The initial allegations given in court were that Jonga, Simango and Musakwa picked up three unknown suspects at the Westgate roundabout in Harare and drove to Inkomo tollgate where they collected a box containing another $43 090 collected in tolls, which was supposed to be deposited at the bank, and then picked up three more men at Inkomo Barracks turn-off as they drove towards Chinhoyi.
Upon reaching the 60km peg, Jonga stopped the vehicle and a fake robbery was staged. The State alleges that an Isuzu twin-cab immediately arrived at the scene with people who were armed with pistols.
Jonga, Simango and Musakwa surrendered their pistol and rifle before driving their Toyota Hilux for about 900 metres where the gang offloaded the cash boxes into the Isuzu which then drove off. Herald
To. :OFFICER COMMANDING MASVINGO EAST INFO: PDIO MASVINGO EAST FROM: OFFICER IN-CHARGE BIKITA. MEMO:OM /22. DATED 19/10/22
SUBJECT :- Examination Leakage at Bikita Fashu High School. Bikita.
This memo serves to put on record and state that :-
On the 19th of October 2022 at around 1000hrs, information was received from Bikita Fashu High School headmaster Hapias Madziro n.r 22-084508 Z-12 aged 64 years of Bikita Fashu High School Bikita to the effect that Tafadzwa Chikomo n.r not held, of Chimbodzikai village Chief Marozva Bikita , a full time candidate at the school , candidate number 06001/3098 had been seen with an English Paper 2 question paper with answers where he was copying during the English paper two examination which was running between 0900hrs and 1100hrs on the 19th of October 2022. 2.Circumstances are that on the 19th of October 2022 at around 0940hrs and at Bikita Fashu High School, Tafadzwa Chikomo was found copying prepared answers from a paper which was handwritten but containing all answers for the English Paper two which was being written at the time. 3.The invigilator Mugadza Eustina n.r 27-069486D-27;aged 53 years of Bikita Fashu High School then took the paper with answers that was being used by Tafadzwa Chikomo and took it to the headmaster Mr Hapias Madziro who then made a report to Police after contacting ZIMSEC Regional Manager Masvingo Mr Dandira on cell number 0712 623 467. 4.ZRP Bikita attended the scene and investigations made revealed that Tafadzwa Chikomo recieved a soft copy of the English paper 2 and it’s answers on the 19th day of October 2022 at around 0538hrs from a Pamushana day student Tadiwa Chapwanya of Chimbodzikai village cheif Marozva Bikita using cell number 0717 303 348 . Further investigations also revealed that Tafadzwa Chikomo also received a soft copy of suspected Mathematics Paper 2 which is supposed to be written on the 20th of October 2022 between 0900hrs and 1130hrs. 5.Tafadzwa Chikomo received the Mathematics paper 2 from one Pride Tapera of Domboshava Visitation Makumbi Harare and one Valerio Muchemwa n.r 75 – 205064 Z-47 of Chimbodzikai village Chief Marozva Bikita using cell number 0778 996 152 and sent at 0538hrs. 6.Further investigations also revealed that Valerio Muchemwa had also sent the Mathematics paper 2 to Patience Tambararai n.r not held of Manjonjo business and Privilege Mavhengere of Manjonjo village Chief Marozva Bikita on the cell numbers 0771604296 and 0785635529 respectively. The duo were not seen since they were having Agriculture paper one examination at that time. 7.lnvestigations are still in progress and the cellphones with leaked exam papers are also held as exhibit.
Your office will be updated on any further developments
Comment It appears this year’s ZIMSEC examinations are seriously leaked and it appears the source is in Harare and chances are high that the leakages are from ZIMSEC offices in Harare. Action should be taken on ZIMSEC head offices where the soft copies originate. Pamushana High School has a long history of leaking examinations and the source, Chimbodzikai village Chief Marozva Bikita is near Pamushana High School.
Good day to you our Sir.
We have noted your brave fight against corruption and for the disadvantaged members of our community. I therefore thought that our final hope rests in your hands. I would like to report a rather worrisome practice that is happening in Norton: I am looking for placement for my soon to be Form 1 child and I have been informed by the school authorities at both Vimbai High School and Chiedza High School that I have to pay an additional amount of about USD130 for school uniforms. I have been told that if I don’t buy these uniforms at the school, my child will not be given a school place. I have informed the ministry hotline number (shalom) and the District Officer but the practice is continuing as we have been give a cut off date of this Friday to purchase these uniforms.
The same uniforms are fairly priced at other outlets and I cannot afford the exorbitant prices been charged by these school authorities. Please may you advise me on any remedy as I fear my child and other kids of parents in similar circumstances will be unable to secure a place for their children.
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo maid found out the hard way that wearing her boss lady’s shoes is not the wisest thing to do at work when she was bashed by her employer.
Moreen Ngwenya of Northend suburb was so enraged when she found her 16-year-old maid wearing her shoes that she beat the teenager with a wooden spoon on her back.
Ngwenya was hauled before Bulawayo magistrate Busani Sibanda facing a charge of physical abuse and pleaded guilty to the charge. She was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.
Five months of her sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour.
The remaining five months were suspended on the condition that she performs 175 hours of community service at Baines Junior School for five weeks.
The court heard that on 4 October 2022 at around 7pm, Ngwenya asked the teenager why she was putting on her shoes.
Angered by this,she assaulted the minor leaving her injured.
By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has given prisons boss Moses Chihobvu a 24-hour ultimatum to provide an explanation for denial of permission to visit detained party activists and legislators Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole.
In a letter directed to the Commissioner General, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, Chamisa queried the basis on which he was being denied the constitutional right to visit his party members who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence in June.
Our client advises that on divers occasions, he attempted to visit these individuals at both Harare remand and Chikurubi Maximum prisons, respectively, but upon arrival he was denied access,” read the letter from Chamisa’s lawyers, Shava Law Chambers.
“He (Chamisa) was advised by the prison guards that he was specifically barred from visiting anyone in prison detention without your written permission.
“The basis for this requirement could not be easily ascertained from these guards.”
Chamisa has been barred from visiting his party members but opposition MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was given access although Sikhala and Sithole, according to a spokesperson, refused to meet him.
In terms of Zimbabwean laws, any person who is detained, including a convicted prisoner, has a right to communicate with, and be visited by a relative or anyone else of their choice, subject to reasonable restrictions which may be imposed for the proper administration of prisons or places of detention,” said the attorneys.
We are of the firm view that the guards, in trying to implement a patently unlawful policy, which seems to be targeted at one individual, our client, might have acted without your blessings.”
In reference to a similar incident of being denied access to prisoners, the letter made a citation to the case of Roselyn Hanzi vs The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary affairs, the Commissioner of General of Prisons and Anor HC 4404/22 in which it later turned out that the refusal of admittance had been done without the knowledge of administrators.
“It is within the above context that we are of the firm view that this is a matter capable of resolution without resorting to costly litigation process which, in any event, would put your office under unnecessary spotlight.
We found no reason to approach the courts for recourse before having inquired from you on whether or not it is now a requirement that our client must first get permission
from yourself before visiting the aforementioned individuals, and if so kindly furnish us with a copy of the said policy document,” the letter said.
Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala was denied bail a sixth time on Wednesday after a Harare magistrate ruled there were no changed circumstances from the last time he was denied his freedom.
Sikhala, who is accused of obstructing justice for recording a video threatening the murderers of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali, told Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere that the public mood was that he should be released, citing an online petition signed by over 40,000 people.
Sikhala is represented by Jeremiah Bamu and Beatrice Mtetwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Manuwere said public feelings had no bearing on bail. The magistrate said the defence had offered nothing to prove that Sikhala would not re-offend or abscond, which are the reasons bail was denied.
“The courts are independent. The constitution declares that in making a decision, a member of the judiciary may not be swayed by fear of criticism and must not be swayed by fear and partisan perceptions,” Manuwere ruled.
“I refuse to be swayed by public perception, opinion and the application is dismissed.”
Appearing for the prosecution, Lancelot Mutsokoti had said there was no reason for Sikhala to complain that his prosecution was taking long because investigations were almost complete.
Mutsokoti told court that much ground had been covered, which had seen Sikhala being given a trial date of November 21.
“It’s not the mere passage of time that warrants granting bail to an accused person,” the prosecutor argued. “Investigations are complete and applicant has been furnished with trial date and state papers. Clearly, there has been progress and nothing was placed on record that risk of absconding has been averted so the accused must remain in custody.”
Sikhala is accused of disturbing police investigations in the murder of Ali after he allegedly posted a video demanding justice for her murder.
He is also charged with inciting public violence under the same facts.
In the incitement case, he is jointly charged with Godfrey Sithole, the MP for Chitungwiza North, who is also being held without bail at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Sikhala and Sithole’s trial on the incitement charge is set to commence on November 15.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a chilling warning to teachers saying they face beatings for failing to support the ruling Zanu PF party.
Addressing over 5 000 teachers at the launch of the Teachers for Economic Development (ED) at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) yesterday, Mnangagwa said the party needed “co-operation” of all teachers for it not to “lose the game” in next year’s polls.
“Our party and government are ready to support you,” Mnangagwa said.
We have the Zanu PF chairperson here (Oppah Muchinguri). You (Muchunguri) heard me telling them that the Zanu PF party supports them (teachers).
“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us. Nurture and guide them. Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them, don’t beat them too much Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.”
Party officials promised to pamper teachers affiliated to the ruling party with various perks, including farmland, agricultural inputs in return for their loyalty.
Earlier, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga had said Teachers for ED was a Zanu affiliate with the mandate to mobilise support for Mnangagwa’s re-election bid in 2023
Firebrand Norton legislator Themba Mliswa has claimed that Members of Parliament are being forced to stay in brothels and hotels without stars when they come for parliamentary business putting threatening their dignity and decency.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Mliswa said legislators were fast losing their dignity and decency as they are being seen in dilapidated and questionable hotels when they come for parliamentary business.
“I think it is also important for you to know that the conditions which the Members of Parliament are facing are rather sad. Not only that, just the decency and dignity, we are fast losing it because of the accommodation crisis, we have Members of Parliament staying at places like the Harare Club, which is a no star and a brothel,” said Mliswa.
He urged parliamentary administration not to invite legislators to events such as the pre-budget serminar set for today at Rainbow Towers in Harare.
“Our human dignity is at stake. I think if at all there are no means of accommodation, it is good to advice Members of Parliament not to come, rather than exposing them to such places. Others are married and being seen in such places does not augur well. It causes a lot of pain and disharmony in a family,” added Mliswa.
A local Non-governmental organisation, African Business Women Association (ABWA) was defrauded thousands of dollars by its IT officer, Kundai Charles Mahachi.
The IT officer was picked up by CID Commercial Crimes Unit detectives from Harare Central.Mahachi is facing fraud, copyright violation and cyber crime charges as he awaits trial.
It is the complainant’s case that Mahachi diverted the company’s servers to his personal access and began laundering corporate resources for personal gain while depriving management access to information and servers.
In the second charge of copyright infringement, Mahachi allegedly used some of the loot to open a car sale business which he named ABWA, while using the company’s medical business address thereby infringing the copyright’s of his employer.
It is the complainant’s case that upon interrogated of the missing 300 physical contracts in September, the accused argued that they had been eaten by dogs sometime in January when K9 trained dogs were kept at the company’s premise enroute to a farm.
Mahachi is believed to have been working in cahoots with other employees.
An audit is currently underway to ascertain the exact prejudiced amount as investigations are still ongoing.
A 35-year-old artisanal miner in Mazowe fell to his death in a 20-metre-deep mine shaft after pulling away from a group to relieve himself.
Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha urged miners to fence any disused mines to avoid creating death traps.
The incident occurred on October 16 at around 10pm and the deceased, Gamuchirai Nyowani was in the company of his colleagues Shingirirai Mavhimira (29), Miccah Chidhonza (39) and other unidentified miners.
The group was going to Managers Hill mining claim from a country club where they were drinking beer.
Sgt Major Chikasha said Nyomani pulled away from the group to relieve himself and never caught up with the others.
The following day at around 8am his colleagues noticed that Nyowani was missing and they started to search for him.
They traced back his footprints and Vitalis Mavaidze found Nyowani’s body in a mine shaft about 20 metres deep.
A report was filed at Mazowe Police Station and the body was retrieved with help from other artisanal miners.
He had bruises and his body was sent to Concession Hospital for a post mortem.
ZANU-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson for Matobo in Matabeleland South, Cde Mfakazi Maphosa has been arrested for allegedly blowing US$1 600 belonging to the ruling party, which was meant for campaigning.
Maphosa (54) of Mbembeswana Village in Matobo District, pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared before Kezi Magistrate, Mr Howard Sande.
He was remanded in custody to October 19 pending the outcome of his application for bail.
Prosecuting, Mr Thomas Nzima said Maphosa received money from the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Nqobizitha Ndlovu which was meant for campaigns. It is alleged that instead of channelling the funds towards the party programmes, Maphosa converted the money to his own use.
The court heard that on October 7, 2022, Cde Ndlovu received US$2 000, 200 litres of diesel coupons and campaign material from the party headquarters, which were meant for use during the campaigns by the party’s Ward 2 candidate, Cde Fadreck Siwela in local council by elections.
“On the same day at Davies Hall in Bulawayo, Cde Ndlovu who is the complainant in the matter, then handed over the money and coupons to the accused person with clear instructions that he should pass them to Siwela. This happened in full view of other Matabeleland South provincial party leaders,” said Mr Nzima.
He said on the following day, Cde Siwela met the accused person at the Zanu-PF district party offices in Maphisa.
Maphosa only gave Cde Siwela US$400 and fuel coupons and told him that they were going to use US$1 600 together during the campaign.
“On October 12, Cde Thokoza Hlongwane delivered 200 litres of diesel at the ward command centre at Tudi Village and told Siwela that the fuel was supposed to be used during the campaigns,” said Mr Nzima.
The court heard that Maphosa failed to give Siwela the full amount and a report was made to the police leading to his arrest.
President Mnangagwa has on many occasion strongly spoke against corruption. He has warned senior party members against engaging in corrupt activities, saying the fight against corruption both in the party and in the country at large continues unabated.
He said gone are the days when members hide behind their status and abuse the name of the party to engage in corruption.
The President said his administration is also re-orienting all sectors of the economy including public-private and non-governmental institutions towards the culture of honesty, accountability and transparency. – Chronicle
A 35-year-old artisanal miner in Mazowe fell to his death in a 20-metre-deep mine shaft after pulling away from a group to relieve himself.
Acting Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha urged miners to fence any disused mines to avoid creating death traps.
The incident occurred on October 16 at around 10pm and the deceased, Gamuchirai Nyowani was in the company of his colleagues Shingirirai Mavhimira (29), Miccah Chidhonza (39) and other unidentified miners.
The group was going to Managers Hill mining claim from a country club where they were drinking beer.
Sgt Major Chikasha said Nyomani pulled away from the group to relieve himself and never caught up with the others.
The following day at around 8am his colleagues noticed that Nyowani was missing and they started to search for him.
They traced back his footprints and Vitalis Mavaidze found Nyowani’s body in a mine shaft about 20 metres deep.
A report was filed at Mazowe Police Station and the body was retrieved with help from other artisanal miners.
He had bruises and his body was sent to Concession Hospital for a post mortem.
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) preliminary education survey results have revealed that nearly a million Zimbabweans aged four years and above are illiterate.
The education survey, part of the 2022 population and housing census, indicates that 6% of the country’s population aged from four years and above have never been to school.. With Zimbabwe’s population now pegged at about 15 million, it means roughly 900 000 people fall in this category.
The survey also revealed that the country recorded a 2,3% decline in literacy rate from 96% in 2012 to 93,7% in 2022.
ZimStat said some of the benchmarks used to measure the literacy rate included the population aged at least 15 years, which has completed at least Grade 3 being classified as literate.
The literacy rate in the country is said to be higher among men at 95,2% compared to 92,4% for women.
In both rural and urban areas, the main reasons for not attending school were financial constraints, affecting 42,6% of the children in urban areas, compared to 35% rural children.
Some of the reasons were failure to value education, and viewing oneself as still too young to attend school.
In both urban and rural areas, females constituted a greater proportion of persons who never attended school.
ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a chilling warning to teachers saying they face beatings for failing to support the ruling Zanu PF party.
Addressing over 5 000 teachers at the launch of the Teachers for Economic Development (ED) at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) yesterday, Mnangagwa said the party needed “co-operation” of all teachers for it not to “lose the game” in next year’s polls.
“Our party and government are ready to support you,” Mnangagwa said. “We have the Zanu PF chairperson here (Oppah Muchinguri). You (Muchunguri) heard me telling them that the Zanu PF party supports them (teachers).
“Your children here (the teachers) have chosen to stand with us. Nurture and guide them. Those who would have shown errant behaviour, you should pinch them, don’t beat them too much Anenge aita musikanzwa munoshunya hamunyanyi kurova.”
Party officials promised to pamper teachers affiliated to the ruling party with various perks, including farmland, agricultural inputs in return for their loyalty.
Earlier, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga had said Teachers for ED was a Zanu affiliate with the mandate to mobilise support for Mnangagwa’s re-election bid in 2023.
Mnangagwa said the teachers were crucial for Zanu PF’s re-election bid, adding that: “If the party loses the co-operation of the teachers, we lose the game.”
“The patriotism, loyalty, honesty and integrity which you have demonstrated within the education sector is a paradigm shift and will be treasured,” Mnangagwa said.
“I really did not think that after all that has been said and the noise that comes from this sector that a teacher would really support Zanu PF.”
Muchinguri, who is also the Defence minister, said “anti-Zanu PF teachers” were “sell-outs”.
“I want to appreciate the Teachers for ED for putting their hands on the deck for the tasks of building our economy and defending the legacy of the second republic,” Muchinguri said.
“This resonates very well with the values of our liberation struggle as inculcated to the teachers by the Chitepo School of Ideology. We don’t want to hear any more of the reproach against our teachers that they are sell-outs. Let’s stop it now.”
Teachers have been at loggerheads with the Zanu PF-led government over their working conditions, and have been demanding US$540 as salary to make ends meet as the cost of living keeps rising.
On several occasions, government has maintained that it has no capacity to meet their demands, forcing the educators to embark on protests.
Addressing the same gathering, some Zanu PF officials said teachers stood to benefit if they support Mnangagwa and the ruling party.
“We have taken a bold step since the launch of the Teachers for ED chapters in the provinces. In the upcoming Pfumvudza/ Intwasa programme, we have allocated 10 plots of Pfumvudza for every government school in the province.
“This year, the Teachers for ED will get one plot each of inputs at selected sites and they will not have to join the queue,” Harare provincial secretary Tafadzwa Muguti said.
In response, Teachers for ED leaders endorsed Mnangagwa’s candidature for the 2023 elections.
“We are here to be taught how to move from here. You are our light. As teachers for Economic Development we declare today (yesterday) that you are our sole candidate and we are to stand by you,” Teachers for ED national chairperson Amon Chiwocha said. -Newsday
FC Platinum’s quest for a fourth successive league title could suffer a blow following revelations that they fielded a player registered with another club.
According to the Herald, Juan Mutudza, 23, has a running deal with Herentals until the end of this year but disregarded that and joined the Platinum Boys early this year.
The Students wrote to the Mandava club over eight months ago advising them not to field the player. They also approached the Premier Soccer League several times over the issue without any joy.
Herentals have now turned to the ZIFA Player Status Committee.
“We make reference to the above matter in particular to advise your good selves that Herentals FC is making a formal complaint against FC Platinum. The allegations are that FC Platinum have signed and/or registered our player by the name Juan Mutudza without our consent.
“We tried to engage FC Platinum and the Premier Soccer League by way of several correspondences but nothing materialised,” wrote Herentals’ secretary-general, Fainos Madhumbu, to the ZIFA Player Status Committee on October 5, 2022.
“We believe that FC Platinum committed an act of misconduct by signing or registering Juan Mutudza as their player because we still have a valid contract with him and as far as we are concerned he is still our player.
“By copy of this letter, we kindly request that you formally investigate the matter and conduct a disciplinary hearing as mandated by the standing rules and regulations of the Premier Soccer League.”
Mutudza has a handful appearances as the FC Platinum push for the league title.
Should the Platinum Boys be found guilty, they could hve points docked from them like what happened in 2003 when Dynamos fielded ineligible player Edmore Mufema.
A similar incident almost happened in 2017 when FC Platinum tried to register Lawrence Mhlanga, who had a running contract with Chicken Inn.
The defender was then forced to spend the entire season without playing as the Mandava side couldn’t register him.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
VICE-President Constantino Chiwenga was confronted by legislators in Parliament yesterday over the mass exodus of nurses and other health professionals as well underfunding of the health sector.
Chiwenga, who also doubles as Health and Child Care minister, was quizzed over the sad state of affairs in the public health sector as it emerged that people in border towns were being forced to flock to neighbouring countries for treatment.
Mutare Central MP Innocent Gonese (CCC) said the brain drain in the health sector was shocking.
“Our doctors and nurses are leaving the country and one of the reasons is the issue of the poor health sector. A lot of doctors indicated that sometimes they do not have the tools of trade and these are some of the issues which we want an independent commission (to inquire into),” Gonese said.
Gonese was supported by Kambuzuma MP Willias Madzimure (CCC) who said: “The fact that our health workers are leaving the country in their numbers is an indication that something is not right. We cannot pay a blind eye to that. “
Madzimure and Gonese raised concern over the poor state of the health sector as they made their contributions on the Health Services Amendment Bill which is before Parliament.
The Bill seeks to align the Health Service Act to the Constitution.
It contains provisions that bar health workers from speaking out or engaging in job action for a period exceeding 72 hours.
Clause 5 of the Bill seeks to classify the health sector as an essential service. Unions representing health workers have dismissed the Bill as repressive and an assault on labour rights.
Madzimure added: “My plea is that let us use this Bill as a window of opportunity to make sure that we correct all the things that we have failed to do all this while as far as the health sector is concerned so that we retain the best brains.”
Parliamentary Committee on Health chairperson Ruth Rabode said there was need to redraft the Bill.
But Chiwenga said the Bill was necessary to address concerns of healthcare workers as well as to deliver the best health system in the country.
“When we say conditions of service, we are talking of accommodation, transport and salaries come at the tail end. We want to deal with what it is that the doctor or the professionals in the hospital wants,” Chiwenga said before pleading with the MPs to pass the Bill.
While Chiwenga was defending the Bill, it emerged that people in Mashonaland Central had resorted to seeking medical attention in Zambia and Mozambique.
Mbire ward 1 councillor Christmas Kachasu said: “They (people) are crossing over to the Zambian side and this is because of the cost of medicines and consultation fees which are a bit lower compared to those charged in Zimbabwe.
“The closest hospital we have is 140 kilometres away, and at the end of the day, people prefer to go to the other side of the border because it is about 12 kilometres to get to the waterfront and cross into Zambia and access the hospital.”
Chief Muzarabani, born Alfonce Chuzu, said: “The challenge is drugs here in Zimbabwe are expensive and are not easily found. In Mozambique and Zambia they have adequate medicines especially to cure rabies as most of the attacks here are from dogs and hyenas.”
There is no exact number of health professionals that have left the country in the past two years, but estimates from their unions put the figure at just over 3 000.
The country’s health delivery system suffers a myriad of challenges such as shortage of drugs after years of underfunding by Treasury.- Newsday
ZANU-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson for Matobo in Matabeleland South, Cde Mfakazi Maphosa has been arrested for allegedly blowing US$1 600 belonging to the ruling party, which was meant for campaigning.
Maphosa (54) of Mbembeswana Village in Matobo District, pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared before Kezi Magistrate, Mr Howard Sande.
He was remanded in custody to October 19 pending the outcome of his application for bail.
Prosecuting, Mr Thomas Nzima said Maphosa received money from the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Nqobizitha Ndlovu which was meant for campaigns. It is alleged that instead of channelling the funds towards the party programmes, Maphosa converted the money to his own use.
The court heard that on October 7, 2022, Cde Ndlovu received US$2 000, 200 litres of diesel coupons and campaign material from the party headquarters, which were meant for use during the campaigns by the party’s Ward 2 candidate, Cde Fadreck Siwela in local council by elections.
“On the same day at Davies Hall in Bulawayo, Cde Ndlovu who is the complainant in the matter, then handed over the money and coupons to the accused person with clear instructions that he should pass them to Siwela. This happened in full view of other Matabeleland South provincial party leaders,” said Mr Nzima.
He said on the following day, Cde Siwela met the accused person at the Zanu-PF district party offices in Maphisa.
Maphosa only gave Cde Siwela US$400 and fuel coupons and told him that they were going to use US$1 600 together during the campaign.
“On October 12, Cde Thokoza Hlongwane delivered 200 litres of diesel at the ward command centre at Tudi Village and told Siwela that the fuel was supposed to be used during the campaigns,” said Mr Nzima.
The court heard that Maphosa failed to give Siwela the full amount and a report was made to the police leading to his arrest.
President Mnangagwa has on many occasion strongly spoke against corruption. He has warned senior party members against engaging in corrupt activities, saying the fight against corruption both in the party and in the country at large continues unabated.
He said gone are the days when members hide behind their status and abuse the name of the party to engage in corruption.
The President said his administration is also re-orienting all sectors of the economy including public-private and non-governmental institutions towards the culture of honesty, accountability and transparency. – Chronicle
Karim Benzema made history as he was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner for 2022, the first Frenchman to win since Zidane in 1998.
It’s deserved recognition for the 34-year-old after his tremendous form this calendar year. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane first runner up and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne second runner up came agonisingly close but in the end were pipped by the prolific Frenchman.
For the past 17 years or so, without Messi even kicking a ball at the beginning of the year, he already had a 50% chance of winning the Ballon d’or. In case you didn’t know, CR7 owned the remaining 50% and remains the only living footballer who is (and will be) forever compared to Messi. All this was because both of them played in La Liga which appears to be the award’s favourite league.
I repeat the French based award favours Spanish based players especially from Real Madrid and Barcelona. The 2 players were absent from the 2022 award because they left La Liga to play elsewhere.
The Ballon d’Or has become a popularity contest these days. The integrity of the award alongside many other individual accolades has been called into question in recent years. Frankly, the Ballon d’Or really doesn’t matter anymore.
This is the most prestigious individual accolade in world football, awarded to the male player deemed to have performed to the highest standard over the previous year.
It used to be only journalists who had a say, but from 2007, coaches and national-team captains have been able to vote for their friends and teammates, oh, sorry, the players they think have been the most impressive.
Congratulations to Mane and De Bruyne for being runners up and welll done Benzema.
Congratulations, you finally won it and deservedly so.
The alleged mastermind behind the robbery of US$2,7 million and $43 000 in January last year from a ZB Bank vehicle carrying cash has been arrested in Harare after being on the run for almost two years.
Shadreck Njowa was arrested at a house in Highfield where he was hiding after CID Homicide, who deal with serious violent crime, launched a raid.
This leaves just two of the 14 involved still being hunted, the other 12 are now in custody as the police continue keeping the case active and ensuring that no one benefits from the crime.
Sources close to the investigations said Njowa is still in custody and assisting with investigations.
Recently, ZB Bank offered a US$5 000 reward for leads which might result in the arrest of Njowa and his two other accomplices, Patson Matengambiri and Nyasha Chitera, who were then still at large.
No information is yet available to see if the person who turned in Njowa will be receiving the reward, or at least part of it.
The last three wanted were in the company of 11 other gang members who have since been arrested and are on remand pending their trial.
The robbery of the US$2,775 million and $43 000 from a cash-in-transit ZB Bank vehicle was believed to have been an inside job where the three security personnel in the vehicle allegedly connived with robbers to steal the cash.
The three security staff, Nomatter Jonga (43), Mathew Simango (66) and Fanuel Musakwa (34), were arrested and have since appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The three were tasked to carry seven boxes containing US$2 775 000 on January 6 last year to ZB branches and deliver to Chinhoyi US$75 000, Kadoma US$25 000, Kwekwe and Gweru US$150 000 each, Bulawayo US$200 000, Gwanda US$50 000 and Zvishavane US$100 000.
They were travelling in a Toyota Hilux single cab with a canopy, secured with a tracker and emergency panic button when what is now considered to be a fake robbery took place at 11,30am at the Gwebi River Bridge along the Harare-Chirundu highway.
The initial allegations given in court were that Jonga, Simango and Musakwa picked up three unknown suspects at the Westgate roundabout in Harare and drove to Inkomo tollgate where they collected a box containing another $43 090 collected in tolls, which was supposed to be deposited at the bank, and then picked up three more men at Inkomo Barracks turn-off as they drove towards Chinhoyi.
Upon reaching the 60km peg, Jonga stopped the vehicle and a fake robbery was staged. The State alleges that an Isuzu twin-cab immediately arrived at the scene with people who were armed with pistols.
Jonga, Simango and Musakwa surrendered their pistol and rifle before driving their Toyota Hilux for about 900 metres where the gang offloaded the cash boxes into the Isuzu which then drove off. Herald
