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.

No foul play is suspected.

— Herald

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.

-Newsday

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

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

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says Zanu PF has resorted to violence in a desperate attempt to cow rural voters into submission.

Zanu PF’s support base is dwindling with each passing day as a result of incessant economic problems, harassment and torture of citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Chamisa condemned Zanu PF barbarism.

“VIOLENCE IN MATOBO, INSIZA & CHIRUMANZU …

Zpf panicking, desperate & violent because they are not supported in villages, in rural areas.

Thuggery is not politics. Violence is not civilized campaigning. Their violence will increase.

Fellow Citizens,be strong. Change is in the air! #CitizensFirst #RegisterToVoteZW.”

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says Zanu PF has resorted to violence in a desperate attempt to cow rural voters into submission.

Zanu PF’s support base is dwindling with each passing day as a result of incessant economic problems, harassment and torture of citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Chamisa condemned Zanu PF barbarism.

“VIOLENCE IN MATOBO, INSIZA & CHIRUMANZU …

Zpf panicking, desperate & violent because they are not supported in villages, in rural areas.

Thuggery is not politics. Violence is not civilized campaigning. Their violence will increase.

Fellow Citizens,be strong. Change is in the air! #CitizensFirst #RegisterToVoteZW.”

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

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Namibia has challenged the Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, to release jailed party activists with immediate effect.

According to CCC Namibia, the prolonged detention of Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole and the Nyatsime activists is a violation of the African Charter on human rights.

Read statement below:

Comply with Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s rights! CCC Namibia demands justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala & others.

14 October 2022

Citizens in Namibia comprehend that Zimbabwe is a party to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights hence she must comply with Article 7(1) which affords an accused the fundamental right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The continued incarceration of Honourable Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole, and the Nyatsime 14 is an attempt to deter social democrats from demanding justice, equality, and freedom. This is not only abusing the supreme law of the country but regional, continental and international laws as well.

Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali does not warrant this arbitrary arrest, subsequent denial of bail, and prolonged pre-trial detention. This is undoubtedly a ploy to intensify the weaponization of the law to punish dissenters. Courts in the motherland are being manipulated and used as fortified tools of state repression ahead of the harmonized elections in 2023. Zanu-PF’s abuse of the criminal law not only punishes the legitimate assertion of freedom of expression but is often done in violation of the basic fair trial rights protected under Zimbabwe, regional, continental, and international law and the fundamental fair administration of justice.

It is quite pathetic that the politically-inept ZANU-PF is leveraging its position to strike fear by exploiting the very laws that were enshrined to protect the individual and society as a whole. Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia is cognizant of the provisions in Section 50(1)(d) of the Zimbabwean Constitution which prescribes that any person who is arrested “must be released unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, pending charge or trial unless compelling reasons are justifying their continued detention”.

Moreover, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights(ICCPR) to which Zimbabwe is a party, reflects the universal nature of this standard. Article 9(3) furnishes “Anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge shall be brought promptly before the judge to exercise judicial power and shall be entitled to trial within a reasonable time”. Change champions in Namibia are greatly disappointed in the continued lawfare which has seen Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala and others languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison from 14 June to date for demanding justice for the deceased change seeker, Moreblessing Ali who was butchered in cold blood by known ZANU-PF thugs.

We reiterate that the right to pre-trial release or bail is essential to upholding the presumption of innocence, a significant tenet of the rule of law and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe. The Nyatsime 16 are being tormented for belonging to the change that delivers. Spending more than three months in the maximum prison for defending the constitution is unacceptable and must be resisted with equal measure. We demand the immediate release of our lawmakers and change champions. It is not a crime to subscribe to the organic leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia Rundu Branch champion Simbarashe Ndoda urged all social democrats across the globe to amplify their revolutionary voices demanding justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Karakadzayi Sithole and the Nyatsime 14. Solidarity is a core value of social democracy, champion Ndoda further elaborated. He emphasized the dire need for unity with the incarcerated change champions. Our members of parliament, councillors, and the entire membership should act for change.

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, has urged Parliament to protect citizens from escalating violence in the country.

Hon Matambo raised the point on the question of national interest in Parliament.

He appealed to the to august house to protect citizens from deepening violence.

“Violence has reached boiling point in the country.

The issue of violence has become a matter of national concern.

Guns are being brandished by Zanu PF hooligans. Known political activists are tormenting citizens before polls and this is a a worrisome trend,” Hon Matambo said in a recorded audio.

CCC interim treasurer David Coltart has described the violent assault against Hon Jasmine Tofa as a disgrace.

Hon Tofa was assaulted by ZANU PF assailants in Insiza yesterday, incidents which were captured on video.

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, has urged Parliament to protect citizens from escalating violence in the country.

Hon Matambo raised the point on the question of national interest in Parliament.

He appealed to the to august house to protect citizens from deepening violence.

“Violence has reached boiling point in the country.

The issue of violence has become a matter of national concern.

Guns are being brandished by Zanu PF hooligans. Known political activists are tormenting citizens before polls and this is a a worrisome trend,” Hon Matambo said in a recorded audio.

CCC interim treasurer David Coltart has described the violent assault against Hon Jasmine Tofa as a disgrace.

Hon Tofa was assaulted by ZANU PF assailants in Insiza yesterday, incidents which were captured on video.

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says Zanu PF has resorted to violence in a desperate attempt to cow rural voters into submission.

Zanu PF’s support base is dwindling with each passing day as a result of incessant economic problems, harassment and torture of citizens.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Chamisa condemned Zanu PF barbarism.

“VIOLENCE IN MATOBO, INSIZA & CHIRUMANZU …

Zpf panicking, desperate & violent because they are not supported in villages, in rural areas.

Thuggery is not politics. Violence is not civilized campaigning. Their violence will increase.

Fellow Citizens,be strong. Change is in the air! #CitizensFirst #RegisterToVoteZW.”

Owen Mudha Ncube warns of dire political consequences to come

Owen Mudha Ncube warns of dire political consequences to come

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Namibia has challenged the Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, to release jailed party activists with immediate effect.

According to CCC Namibia, the prolonged detention of Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole and the Nyatsime activists is a violation of the African Charter on human rights.

Read statement below:

Comply with Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s rights! CCC Namibia demands justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala & others.

14 October 2022

Citizens in Namibia comprehend that Zimbabwe is a party to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights hence she must comply with Article 7(1) which affords an accused the fundamental right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The continued incarceration of Honourable Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole, and the Nyatsime 14 is an attempt to deter social democrats from demanding justice, equality, and freedom. This is not only abusing the supreme law of the country but regional, continental and international laws as well.

Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali does not warrant this arbitrary arrest, subsequent denial of bail, and prolonged pre-trial detention. This is undoubtedly a ploy to intensify the weaponization of the law to punish dissenters. Courts in the motherland are being manipulated and used as fortified tools of state repression ahead of the harmonized elections in 2023. Zanu-PF’s abuse of the criminal law not only punishes the legitimate assertion of freedom of expression but is often done in violation of the basic fair trial rights protected under Zimbabwe, regional, continental, and international law and the fundamental fair administration of justice.

It is quite pathetic that the politically-inept ZANU-PF is leveraging its position to strike fear by exploiting the very laws that were enshrined to protect the individual and society as a whole. Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia is cognizant of the provisions in Section 50(1)(d) of the Zimbabwean Constitution which prescribes that any person who is arrested “must be released unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, pending charge or trial unless compelling reasons are justifying their continued detention”.

Moreover, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights(ICCPR) to which Zimbabwe is a party, reflects the universal nature of this standard. Article 9(3) furnishes “Anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge shall be brought promptly before the judge to exercise judicial power and shall be entitled to trial within a reasonable time”. Change champions in Namibia are greatly disappointed in the continued lawfare which has seen Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala and others languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison from 14 June to date for demanding justice for the deceased change seeker, Moreblessing Ali who was butchered in cold blood by known ZANU-PF thugs.

We reiterate that the right to pre-trial release or bail is essential to upholding the presumption of innocence, a significant tenet of the rule of law and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe. The Nyatsime 16 are being tormented for belonging to the change that delivers. Spending more than three months in the maximum prison for defending the constitution is unacceptable and must be resisted with equal measure. We demand the immediate release of our lawmakers and change champions. It is not a crime to subscribe to the organic leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia Rundu Branch champion Simbarashe Ndoda urged all social democrats across the globe to amplify their revolutionary voices demanding justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Karakadzayi Sithole and the Nyatsime 14. Solidarity is a core value of social democracy, champion Ndoda further elaborated. He emphasized the dire need for unity with the incarcerated change champions. Our members of parliament, councillors, and the entire membership should act for change.

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, has urged Parliament to protect citizens from escalating violence in the country.

Hon Matambo raised the point on the question of national interest in Parliament.

He appealed to the to august house to protect citizens from deepening violence.

“Violence has reached boiling point in the country.

The issue of violence has become a matter of national concern.

Guns are being brandished by Zanu PF hooligans. Known political activists are tormenting citizens before polls and this is a a worrisome trend,” Hon Matambo said in a recorded audio.

CCC interim treasurer David Coltart has described the violent assault against Hon Jasmine Tofa as a disgrace.
7
Hon Tofa was assaulted by ZANU PF assailants in Insiza yesterday, incidents which were captured on video.

ZANU-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson for Matobo in Matabeleland South, 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, 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, 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.

The Second Republic has been lauded for its anti-corruption stance, which has seen several high profile Government figures being arrested for corruption.–Chronicle

All sectors should set the minimum wage at US$150 a month, payable in local currency at the prevailing official rate or in foreign currency, Cabinet agreed when it approved the report from Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) meeting.
This minimum wage was recommended as a guide. Normally the minimum is paid to a recently hired unskilled worker and every addition to skill and every addition to experience normally pushes staff up a ladder in most national employment councils and their equivalent.

TNF is a platform where employers, Government and trade unions come together to discuss issues pertaining to salaries, wages and other working conditions in the national interest.

Government itself now pays significantly better than the guide, and the TNF is now looking for private sector buy-in as a way of improving people’s lives as espoused by President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one behind.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima updated Cabinet on the outcome of the TNF meeting and the recommendations made.

Besides the setting of a guide for the lowest run minimum wage the TNF wanted to see ratified the 2019 convention on violence and harassment at the workplace, to combat these ills in the work world, and the promotional framework for occupational safety and health convention, to upgrade these aspects.

She said Cabinet noted the updates on the labour law reform, operationalisation of the TNF and the report of the TNF Technical Committee.

Minister Mutsvangwa said along with the minimum wage guide the TNF wanted Government to consider tax cuts on wages and salaries to increase disposable incomes, and fair distribution of incomes should become a policy and planning imperative.

Cabinet discussed and noted areas of currency stabilisation which included:

“That the RBZ will continue to perform its statutory functions such as a central bank which inter alia include banker to government, lender of last resort, protection of depositors’ deposits, regulation of banks, formulation of monetary policy including administration of frameworks for fixing exchange rates and interest rates;

“That the foreign currency available will continue to be auctioned, and all winning bids should be settled within two days from the date of the auction in line with internationally accepted practices;

“Government will continue to institute and strengthen measures aimed at bringing confidence and stability in the economy and eliminating arbitrage opportunities through manipulation of the exchange rate.

“Pertaining to price stabilisation, Cabinet agreed that the tripartite partners should work towards conclusion of a social contract or pact to help promote the stabilisation of the economy.

“Social contract should be the tool for moderating increases in prices of goods and services as well as restraining increases in salaries and wages to counter inflationary measures,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.- State Media

Tinashe Sambiri| There is no doubt that those who celebrated Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegal ascendancy are now punching the air in anguish.

Mr Mnangagwa’s crocodile character is now manifesting as evidenced by the escalation of political violence in the country.

Mr Mnangagwa, who claims he is as soft as wool, is mum on the rising political tension.

In Matobo, Zanu PF hoooligans terrorised CCC supporters at the weekend.

“ZANU PF’s orgy of violence is continuing in Matobo Ward 2.
Champion Mahlambikazi and Hon Phulu have been badly beaten. All our vehicles have been deflated by Zanu PF thugs. Our members are unable to leave.

Hon Ilos Nyoni’s truck has been ransacked. The thugs have blockaded roads,” CCC said in a statement.

“Scared of losing: Zanupf has turned Matobo ward 2 into a war zone. Stealing money, assaulting our member, smashing cars and abducting people. Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa and Hon Phulu have been badly injured.

It’s election without democracy,” CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said on Sunday.

Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition for Change MP Hon Johnson Matambo held a fact finding meeting with authorities at Kuwadzana High School following the widespread circulation of a video including pupils at the school.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows young girls from the school stripping each other and openly reflecting their desire to have sex.

The schoolgirls are also heard shouting obscenities in the video clip.Hon Matambo is the MP for Kuwadzana.

According to Hon Matambo, the mischievous behaviour is a direct result of lack of proper parenting.

Said Hon Matambo:

“I had a meeting with the head of Kuwadzana High School and authorities at the school.

The authorities cited lack of proper parenting, drug abuse and failure to censure mobile phones.

In addition the authorities argue the abolishment of corporal punishment has given learners too much independence.

We shall present the issue of corporal punishment in Parliament.

I will facilitate the implementation of projects at the school so that the learners will be preoccupied with productive programmmes.”

A man choked and breathed with difficulty as a small pack of dagga he had swallowed got stuck in his throat as detectives pounced on him for allegedly peddling dagga.

A court heard that detectives received a tip-off that Shadreck Marumure (37) was peddling dagga at his home in Entumbane suburb and they swooped on his home last week on Friday at around 4am.

Upon seeing them Marumure reached for a pack of dagga that he had placed on the chair in his bedroom and tried to swallow it but it got stuck in his throat and choked him, forcing him to cough persistently, the court heard.

It is said detectives got suspicious and tried to force him to spit it but he could not as it was firmly stuck in his throat causing him to breathe with difficulty.

They then thoroughly searched for dagga in his house and found two small packs wrapped in his underwear while hidden under his mattress and they arrested him.

They rushed him to Mpilo Central Hospital where the medical practitioners helped in drawing it out.

It is estimated that the recovered dagga has a street value of $247 500.

Marumure appeared for trial before Western Commonage Courts magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a charge of peddling dagga.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to next week on Monday for continuation of trial.

— BMetro

Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition for Change MP Hon Johnson Matambo held a fact finding meeting with authorities at Kuwadzana High School following the widespread circulation of a video including pupils at the school.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows young girls from the school stripping each other and openly reflecting their desire to have sex.

The schoolgirls are also heard shouting obscenities in the video clip.Hon Matambo is the MP for Kuwadzana.

According to Hon Matambo, the mischievous behaviour is a direct result of lack of proper parenting.

Said Hon Matambo:

“I had a meeting with the head of Kuwadzana High School and authorities at the school.

The authorities cited lack of proper parenting, drug abuse and failure to censure mobile phones.

In addition the authorities argue the abolishment of corporal punishment has given learners too much independence.

We shall present the issue of corporal punishment in Parliament.

I will facilitate the implementation of projects at the school so that the learners will be preoccupied with productive programmmes.”

A MARRIED Zimunya woman (27) dazzled a 15-year-old boy with her bedroom antics, resulting in him absconding school.

However, this terribly backfired on Ruth Maenzanise who will be a guest of the State for the next 24 months after being convicted of being int!mate with a minor.

She will, however, spend 18 months behind bars after six months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit a similar offence.

Maenzanise appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Perseverance Makala, while Ms Loice Mazvita Kadenha prosecuted.

Ms Kadenha said the two started dating last month in Chitakatira Village.

“The boy visited his friend on September 23 and his friend told him that his landlady had a crush on him.

“The boy told his friend that he was too young to date the woman.

“The following day, the boy visited his friend again and Maenzanise also arrived at the homestead. She opened up about her feelings for the young boy.

“She told him how much she loved and felt about him. The boy could not resist her advances and the two fell in love,” said Ms Kadenha.

On September 25, the two agreed to meet in the evening to consummate their relationship.

The boy’s friend provided the room and the lovebirds were intimate that night.

The boy did not return home and started cohabiting with Maenzanise.

This happened for some days and his concerned mother went to his school to check if he was attending classes.

Since he was not showing up at home, she assumed that he was doing studies with his friend.

The mother found out that her son was no longer coming to school and questioned him about his moves.

However, he did not divulge what was happening.

The boy later explained to the school head what was happening and a police report was made.

Maenzanise was arrested, while the boy was sent for medical examinations.

In court, Maenzanise admitted to sleeping with the teenager.

— Manica Post

Violence destroys nations and disfigures generations. Very tragic! We must end this toxic and sterile stone-age politics. https://t.co/ud3JaACKQc

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) October 15, 2022

Violence destroys nations and disfigures generations. Very tragic! We must end this toxic and sterile stone-age politics. https://t.co/ud3JaACKQc

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) October 15, 2022

Tinashe Sambiri| There is no doubt that those who celebrated Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegal ascendancy are now punching the air in anguish.

Mr Mnangagwa’s crocodile character is now manifesting as evidenced by the escalation of political violence in the country.

Mr Mnangagwa, who claims he is as soft as wool, is mum on the rising political tension.

In Matobo, Zanu PF hoooligans terrorised CCC supporters at the weekend.

“ZANU PF’s orgy of violence is continuing in Matobo Ward 2.
Champion Mahlambikazi and Hon Phulu have been badly beaten. All our vehicles have been deflated by Zanu PF thugs. Our members are unable to leave.

Hon Ilos Nyoni’s truck has been ransacked. The thugs have blockaded roads,” CCC said in a statement.

“Scared of losing: Zanupf has turned Matobo ward 2 into a war zone. Stealing money, assaulting our member, smashing cars and abducting people. Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa and Hon Phulu have been badly injured.

It’s election without democracy,” CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said on Sunday.

Heavily armed riot police details bashed protesting students at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Social Sciences Campus in Masvingo.

ZINASU Students were handing over a petition denouncing the unjustified fee increase when police arrived.

Several students were beaten and arrested at the campus and they are yet to be accounted to where they were taken.

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION PLATFORM
INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

Tinashe Sambiri| There is no doubt that those who celebrated Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegal ascendancy are now punching the air in anguish.

Mr Mnangagwa’s crocodile character is now manifesting as evidenced by the escalation of political violence in the country.

Mr Mnangagwa, who claims he is as soft as wool, is mum on the rising political tension.

In Matobo, Zanu PF hoooligans terrorised CCC supporters at the weekend.

“ZANU PF’s orgy of violence is continuing in Matobo Ward 2.
Champion Mahlambikazi and Hon Phulu have been badly beaten. All our vehicles have been deflated by Zanu PF thugs. Our members are unable to leave.

Hon Ilos Nyoni’s truck has been ransacked. The thugs have blockaded roads,” CCC said in a statement.

“Scared of losing: Zanupf has turned Matobo ward 2 into a war zone. Stealing money, assaulting our member, smashing cars and abducting people. Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa and Hon Phulu have been badly injured.

It’s election without democracy,” CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said on Sunday.

Workers at the Premier Service Medical Investments (PSMI) say they have gone for months without being paid with some departments at PSMI’s West End and Claybank clinics being closed.
Although PSMI spokesperson Obey Nhakura said the health centres were fully operational, workers at West End Hospital in Chitungwiza and Claybank Clinic in Gweru told NewsDay that the casualty departments had been closed.

On salary arrears for workers, Nhakura referred NewsDay to a statement by PSMI, which acknowledged that the company has been experiencing cashflow problems.

“The PSMI board acknowledges the fact that employees have gone for three months without salaries and how the unfortunate circumstances continue to affect the employees’ well-being and their capacity to report for work and effectively discharge their duties,” the statement read in part.

“The challenges at PSMI have been in the public domain for the better part of the year, and they mainly emanate from cashflow ceilings currently affecting the major client Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS).”

It said the PSMI board, PSMAS and government were working to solve the problems.

On medical aid services, it said members could conveniently access healthcare services at PSMI without the burden of paying shortfalls.

PSMI said government had intervened to capacitate it with stocks.

“Through government efforts, PSMI is also currently working with NatPharm in ensuring consistent availability of affordable medicines to the convenience of the PSMAS members and the nation at large,” the PSMI statement read. – Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Namibia has challenged the Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, to release jailed party activists with immediate effect.

According to CCC Namibia, the prolonged detention of Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole and the Nyatsime activists is a violation of the African Charter on human rights.

Read statement below:

Comply with Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s rights! CCC Namibia demands justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala & others.

14 October 2022

Citizens in Namibia comprehend that Zimbabwe is a party to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights hence she must comply with Article 7(1) which affords an accused the fundamental right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The continued incarceration of Honourable Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole, and the Nyatsime 14 is an attempt to deter social democrats from demanding justice, equality, and freedom. This is not only abusing the supreme law of the country but regional, continental and international laws as well.

Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali does not warrant this arbitrary arrest, subsequent denial of bail, and prolonged pre-trial detention. This is undoubtedly a ploy to intensify the weaponization of the law to punish dissenters. Courts in the motherland are being manipulated and used as fortified tools of state repression ahead of the harmonized elections in 2023. Zanu-PF’s abuse of the criminal law not only punishes the legitimate assertion of freedom of expression but is often done in violation of the basic fair trial rights protected under Zimbabwe, regional, continental, and international law and the fundamental fair administration of justice.

It is quite pathetic that the politically-inept ZANU-PF is leveraging its position to strike fear by exploiting the very laws that were enshrined to protect the individual and society as a whole. Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia is cognizant of the provisions in Section 50(1)(d) of the Zimbabwean Constitution which prescribes that any person who is arrested “must be released unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, pending charge or trial unless compelling reasons are justifying their continued detention”.

Moreover, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights(ICCPR) to which Zimbabwe is a party, reflects the universal nature of this standard. Article 9(3) furnishes “Anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge shall be brought promptly before the judge to exercise judicial power and shall be entitled to trial within a reasonable time”. Change champions in Namibia are greatly disappointed in the continued lawfare which has seen Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala and others languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison from 14 June to date for demanding justice for the deceased change seeker, Moreblessing Ali who was butchered in cold blood by known ZANU-PF thugs.

We reiterate that the right to pre-trial release or bail is essential to upholding the presumption of innocence, a significant tenet of the rule of law and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe. The Nyatsime 16 are being tormented for belonging to the change that delivers. Spending more than three months in the maximum prison for defending the constitution is unacceptable and must be resisted with equal measure. We demand the immediate release of our lawmakers and change champions. It is not a crime to subscribe to the organic leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia Rundu Branch champion Simbarashe Ndoda urged all social democrats across the globe to amplify their revolutionary voices demanding justice for Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Godfrey Karakadzayi Sithole and the Nyatsime 14. Solidarity is a core value of social democracy, champion Ndoda further elaborated. He emphasized the dire need for unity with the incarcerated change champions. Our members of parliament, councillors, and the entire membership should act for change.

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

The headmistress of Rugare Primary School in Harare was yesterday arraigned before the courts on allegations of stealing timber and asbestos sheets from the school.
Calister Tarisai Matsitsiro (58) was remanded in custody.

It is the State’s case that on August 19, Matsitsiro went to a grade 7 class and ordered students to load 22×3,6 metres of asbestos sheets, and five six-metre- long pine timber into the school bus.

During loading, deputy headmaster Themba Mangwiro demanded to know where the asbestos and timber was being taken to. He was told it was being taken to the headmistress’ house in Rugare where she is constructing a fowl run.

It was later established that the timber and asbestos were taken without the approval of the school development association.

A police report was made, leading to the arrest of the accused person.- Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri|Popular Zimbabwean musician Braveman Chizvino has responded to public anger over his presence at the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally.

Passion Java, who has been attacking Baba Harare from all angles, praised the tall singer for attending the Zanu PF rally.

“Pamberi na President ED chagona chi BABA HARARE,” Java wrote on Facebook.

However, Baba Harare responded :

“Whilst I might understand my fans disappointment at me shaking the president’s hand, what I will not allow is a clown like you to use me as a campaign strategy. Tambai yamuri kutamba but me shaking mukuru wenyika’s hand doesn’t mean anything. Ndakabva kuvanhu if I am asked to greet ED wanga uchida kuti ndirambe? Siyana neni hatitambe tese. Musatukana nesasacum iri #RegisterToVoteZW.”

The controversial preacher then retorted:

“Baba Harare Saka hauna kubva kumba uchiti I’m going ku Zanu Pf rally and wangausingade ku mhoresa President, ndiwe watokumbirwa na President manje ?”

Below are comments on Baba Harare’s presence at Mr Mnangagwa’s rally…

Brenda Zvikaramba :

Inzara inoita kuti vayimbi vemuZim vadai. Go to Nigeria u will see celebrities standing with the people and they don’t even hide it.

Michael Museredza :

Ndozva ndambotaura zviya kuti vanhu vanodya mundiro imwe mukaona vachiita sevanotukana vanenge vane secret yavo vanhu ava hezvo izvoka zvabuda nhasi

Blessing Mawadze :

Putseki wako nababa harare wako munotivhara mese imi asi muchidya mundiro imwe chete.

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa was at the weekend in Bulawayo to launch a Gukurahundi dialogue.

In the dialogue, Mnangagwa said he would meet the traditional leaders and engage in Gukurahundi issues.

The traditional leaders have already produced a working manual which will guide them as they conduct public hearings on Gukurahundi.
The Second Republic has committed to working towards national healing.
After today’s launch, traditional leaders are expected to lead public hearings and also come up with resolutions on what needs to be done to heal society. During a press briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans will learn more of the Gukurahundi public hearings road map after today’s meeting.
“His Excellency, the President arrived today for the launch of the community engagement and consultation meeting regarding the Gukurahundi conflict. He is in town and the function will be at State House tomorrow,” said Mr Mangwana during the press conference that was also attended by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabiza.
He said today’s engagement is a confirmation that the Second Republic is walking the talk in terms of addressing concerns of Zimbabweans.
Gukurahundi remains an unfortunate chapter in the country’s history and members of the public in Matabeleland provinces have blamed it for contributing to under development in the region.
Some families of victims of Gukurahundi were reportedly failing to obtain national documents.
President Mnangagwa had to intervene, instructing the Civil Registry Department to relax stringent conditions that were contributing to members of the public failing to obtain the national identity documents.
“Tomorrow His Excellency, the President will be launching the beginning of the consultation and engagement process in the communities regarding the past conflict cases of Gukurahundi and the issues that came from that. He will be engaging the chiefs and setting them off to go and meet their communities,” said Mr Mangwana.
He said traditional leaders were selected to lead the process as they are at the heart of where Gukurahundi occurred and understand community challenges better.
“Chiefs are the leaders of the people. Therefore, the leaders of the people will be meeting their communities,” he said.
Mr Mangwana said traditional leaders are the custodians of cultural practices and they are best suited to understand what needs to be done to conduct cultural rituals.
He said chiefs have been independently operating in preparing for the coming public hearings.
Mr Mangwana said Government is not even aware of the contents of the working manual that traditional leaders produced.
He said officials will also learn of its contents tomorrow as they make their presentation to President Mnangagwa before they start engaging communities. “We have no idea on what is in the manual, it shows that chiefs take full ownership of that document. They are the leaders; they own it so there is no interference from Government regarding their manual. They probably came up with that after consulting the communities. So, we can say it is owned by the chiefs and also owned by the communities,” said Mr Mangwana.
President Mnangagwa in his Unity Day message last year in December said he had made it his personal mission to resolve the Gukurahundi issue and created a united nation.
-Chronicle

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson, John Makamure had a weekend to forget after he was chased away from President Emmerson Mnangagwa ‘s Precabe farm where he had gone to plead for clemence over his imminent dismissal from the anti-graft body.

Security details who spoke to a local online publication confirmed that Makamure arrived at the farm in the company of recently elected Gokwe Kubuyani legislator Spencer Tshuma, who was apparently acting as his emmissary.

Mnangagwa has since appointed Retired Justice Maphios Cheda to lead a commission that will investigate Makamure and determine his suitability to continue in office.

He is being accused of not disclosing his association with the Southern Africa Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) and his involvement in political activities.

“To investigate whether or not Commissioner John Makamure directed one Lee Sung to fund his political campaigns in Gokwe in return for his protection,” reads part of the terms of reference of the Justice Cheda’s assignment.

In terms of the 2013 constitution, members of independent commissions are not permitted to participate in politics.

“It apparently came to Makamure’s attention that a commission was to be established to investigate him for possible removal from office on Friday last wek. He then teamed up with Tshuma and attempted to meet with the president,” a source said.

“So on Sunday, the two of them visited the president at the farm and tried to meet him. However, they were chased away at the gate after he (Mnangagwa) instructed security to turn them away as he did not want to see them. So their mission flopped,” the source said.

Efforts to get a comment from Makamure were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.

When contacted for comment, Gokwe Kubuyani MP Spencer Tshuma went ballistic.

“I do not know anyone by the name Makamure, I never went to president’s farm,” he said.

Heavily armed riot police details bashed protesting students at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Social Sciences Campus in Masvingo.

ZINASU Students were handing over a petition denouncing the unjustified fee increase when police arrived.

Several students were beaten and arrested at the campus and they are yet to be accounted to where they were taken.

COMMUNITIES IN ACTION PLATFORM
INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens Coalition for Change led by President Nelson Chamisa says the escalation of violence in the country is worrisome.

Known Zanu PF activists attacked CCC supporters in Matobo at the weekend.

Vehicles were stoned and women were forcibly undressed during the ensuing melee.

Zanu PF hoooligans vowed to thwart CCC activities in the area.

See CCC Namibia statement below:

Escalation of ZANU-PF-Sponsored political violence in Matobo worries CCC Namibia ahead of 2023!

17 October 2022

Citizens resident in Namibia would like to genuinely express their disgruntlement in the incessant torture, politically motivated violence, state-sponsored human butchery, and abductions of change champions on account of politics.

Social Democrats who subscribe to the yellow train were quite troubled last night regarding the safety of the diligent Honourable Molokele, abducted women, and other change champions, after an orgy of ZANU-PF-sponsored and orchestrated violence in Matobo.

It is quite perturbing that while Citizens Coalition for Change was mobilizing its structures from even beyond the ward to drum up support, the clueless and desperate ZANU-PF party was busy mobilizing the whole province, to brutalise peaceful change champions.

They unleashed a strong wave of violence to disrupt the recruitment and moblisation drive in Matobo where change champions will be represented by u-Sindiso Ngwenya, thanks to our organic legislator Hon Molokele for raising the alarm.

After CCC mobilizers had spent the whole day mobilizing and radicalizing voters ahead of the impending by-election, ZANU-PF thugs violently descended on the enthusiastic change champions resulting in severe bodily harm, destruction of property and vehicles, as well as scars on the ecstatic community.

State-sponsored violence, especially targeting helpless women has no room whatsoever in the purported Second Republic under the so-called new dispensation.

This should be exposed and challenged. Our innocent women were stripped naked after the abduction yesternight, this is unacceptable and must be resisted with equal measure.Namibia district has the conviction that politics should only be a contestation of ideas, not vice-versa.

What transpired in Matobo and Nyatsime is a clear pointer to the impossibility of violence-free elections in 2023. As a movement, we should gear up to vote and defend the vote from these marauding ZANU-PF thugocrats.

It is now imperative to gather the valour, mettle, and nerve to confront the beast in the eye before we are eliminated one by one. Last year, we lost Nyasha Zhambe in Gutu, in March 2022, Mboneni Ncube was killed in Kwekwe, in Bulawayo, Langelihle Dube was also butchered and Chinembiri lost his life in Chitungwiza, all in the name of politics.

Moreover, Moreblessing Ali was murdered in Chitungwiza, Nyatsime on account of politics, right now Hon Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala and 16 others are languishing in prison for demanding justice for the deceased change champion.

Citizens in Namibia seriously condemn violence as a tool for resolving political differences. We demand a level playing field ahead of the 2023 elections, violence is a sign of political ineptitude and ZANU-PF must be called to order. Hands off to our change champions!

NoToViolence

freejobsarowiwasikhala

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freeTheNyatsime17

CCC Namibia Rundu Branch
Champion Robson Ruhanya

A man choked and breathed with difficulty as a small pack of dagga he had swallowed got stuck in his throat as detectives pounced on him for allegedly peddling dagga.

A court heard that detectives received a tip-off that Shadreck Marumure (37) was peddling dagga at his home in Entumbane suburb and they swooped on his home last week on Friday at around 4am.

Upon seeing them Marumure reached for a pack of dagga that he had placed on the chair in his bedroom and tried to swallow it but it got stuck in his throat and choked him, forcing him to cough persistently, the court heard.

It is said detectives got suspicious and tried to force him to spit it but he could not as it was firmly stuck in his throat causing him to breathe with difficulty.

They then thoroughly searched for dagga in his house and found two small packs wrapped in his underwear while hidden under his mattress and they arrested him.

They rushed him to Mpilo Central Hospital where the medical practitioners helped in drawing it out.

It is estimated that the recovered dagga has a street value of $247 500.

Marumure appeared for trial before Western Commonage Courts magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a charge of peddling dagga.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to next week on Monday for continuation of trial.

— BMetro

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FROM HON. J MATAMBO (MP)

On behalf of Kuwadzana Constituency, my family and, indeed, myself, I join the bereaved families of the pupils of Tynwald Primary School whose innocent lives were untimely lost in a road traffic accident in Nyanga on Friday 14th October 2022. We grieve over and, mourn all the six who, needless to explain, the nation was looking up to as nation builders in various capacities. Indeed, without them, Zimbabwe is poorer. May their pure souls rest in perfect peace. May their families be consoled and find solace in Christ. And, may the injured pupils and members of staff be healed fast.

Meanwhile, the MP also wishes to express grave concern, disdain and utter disgust at a video that has since gone viral in which pupils, both boys & girls from Kuwadzana High 1 School are seen, seemingly intoxicated, stripping each other semi-naked and shouting obscene language in which girl pupils are soliciting for sexual intercourse fom their male peers in front of a camera. What makes the whole episode more painful is that girls are seen forcibly stripping each other and forcing each other to have sexual intercourse with their boy counterparts when they should be protecting each other.

The MP shall be meeting with the school head on Monday 17th October as a forerunner meeting with the School Development Committee and other stakeholders to discuss that and several other worrisome events involving pupils from the school. Barely, three weeks ago, two girls from the school allegedly committed suicide separately, over alleged illicit love affairs. Something must be done urgently to halt this worrying trend which could be attributed to drug and substance abuse, poor if not bad parenting, the unconducive soci-economic and political environment in which all forms of moral & social vice seem to be thriving without restraint and requisite interventions to curtail the problem from all responsible authorities.

It’s time we took collective responsibility of our communities to restore ubuntu and to inculcate good values in our children for the future of our nation lies in their hands. Responsible parenting is an urgent need of the hour.

Thank you.

Hon. J Matambo (MP).

Tinashe Sambiri| There is no doubt that those who celebrated Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegal ascendancy are now punching the air in anguish.

Mr Mnangagwa’s crocodile character is now manifesting as evidenced by the escalation of political violence in the country.

Mr Mnangagwa, who claims he is as soft as wool, is mum on the rising political tension.

In Matobo, Zanu PF hoooligans terrorised CCC supporters at the weekend.

“ZANU PF’s orgy of violence is continuing in Matobo Ward 2.
Champion Mahlambikazi and Hon Phulu have been badly beaten. All our vehicles have been deflated by Zanu PF thugs. Our members are unable to leave.

Hon Ilos Nyoni’s truck has been ransacked. The thugs have blockaded roads,” CCC said in a statement.

“Scared of losing: Zanupf has turned Matobo ward 2 into a war zone. Stealing money, assaulting our member, smashing cars and abducting people. Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa and Hon Phulu have been badly injured.

It’s election without democracy,” CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said on Sunday.

A man choked and breathed with difficulty as a small pack of dagga he had swallowed got stuck in his throat as detectives pounced on him for allegedly peddling dagga.

A court heard that detectives received a tip-off that Shadreck Marumure (37) was peddling dagga at his home in Entumbane suburb and they swooped on his home last week on Friday at around 4am.

Upon seeing them Marumure reached for a pack of dagga that he had placed on the chair in his bedroom and tried to swallow it but it got stuck in his throat and choked him, forcing him to cough persistently, the court heard.

It is said detectives got suspicious and tried to force him to spit it but he could not as it was firmly stuck in his throat causing him to breathe with difficulty.

They then thoroughly searched for dagga in his house and found two small packs wrapped in his underwear while hidden under his mattress and they arrested him.

They rushed him to Mpilo Central Hospital where the medical practitioners helped in drawing it out.

It is estimated that the recovered dagga has a street value of $247 500.

Marumure appeared for trial before Western Commonage Courts magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a charge of peddling dagga.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to next week on Monday for continuation of trial.

— BMetro

Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens Coalition for Change led by President Nelson Chamisa says the escalation of violence in the country is worrisome.

Known Zanu PF activists attacked CCC supporters in Matobo at the weekend.

Vehicles were stoned and women were forcibly undressed during the ensuing melee.

Zanu PF hoooligans vowed to thwart CCC activities in the area.

See CCC Namibia statement below:

Escalation of ZANU-PF-Sponsored political violence in Matobo worries CCC Namibia ahead of 2023!

17 October 2022

Citizens resident in Namibia would like to genuinely express their disgruntlement in the incessant torture, politically motivated violence, state-sponsored human butchery, and abductions of change champions on account of politics.

Social Democrats who subscribe to the yellow train were quite troubled last night regarding the safety of the diligent Honourable Molokele, abducted women, and other change champions, after an orgy of ZANU-PF-sponsored and orchestrated violence in Matobo.

It is quite perturbing that while Citizens Coalition for Change was mobilizing its structures from even beyond the ward to drum up support, the clueless and desperate ZANU-PF party was busy mobilizing the whole province, to brutalise peaceful change champions.

They unleashed a strong wave of violence to disrupt the recruitment and moblisation drive in Matobo where change champions will be represented by u-Sindiso Ngwenya, thanks to our organic legislator Hon Molokele for raising the alarm.

After CCC mobilizers had spent the whole day mobilizing and radicalizing voters ahead of the impending by-election, ZANU-PF thugs violently descended on the enthusiastic change champions resulting in severe bodily harm, destruction of property and vehicles, as well as scars on the ecstatic community.

State-sponsored violence, especially targeting helpless women has no room whatsoever in the purported Second Republic under the so-called new dispensation.

This should be exposed and challenged. Our innocent women were stripped naked after the abduction yesternight, this is unacceptable and must be resisted with equal measure.Namibia district has the conviction that politics should only be a contestation of ideas, not vice-versa.

What transpired in Matobo and Nyatsime is a clear pointer to the impossibility of violence-free elections in 2023. As a movement, we should gear up to vote and defend the vote from these marauding ZANU-PF thugocrats.

It is now imperative to gather the valour, mettle, and nerve to confront the beast in the eye before we are eliminated one by one. Last year, we lost Nyasha Zhambe in Gutu, in March 2022, Mboneni Ncube was killed in Kwekwe, in Bulawayo, Langelihle Dube was also butchered and Chinembiri lost his life in Chitungwiza, all in the name of politics.

Moreover, Moreblessing Ali was murdered in Chitungwiza, Nyatsime on account of politics, right now Hon Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala and 16 others are languishing in prison for demanding justice for the deceased change champion.

Citizens in Namibia seriously condemn violence as a tool for resolving political differences. We demand a level playing field ahead of the 2023 elections, violence is a sign of political ineptitude and ZANU-PF must be called to order. Hands off to our change champions!

NoToViolence

freejobsarowiwasikhala

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freeTheNyatsime17

CCC Namibia Rundu Branch
Champion Robson Ruhanya

The scandal surrounding the incomplete Harare Airport Road has taken centre stage in the trial of former Finance minister Tendai Biti, who is facing charges of assaulting a businesswoman with the opposition stalwart using the trial to show how his accuser has allegedly captured state institutions in Zimbabwe.

Biti, who is a senior Citizens Coalition for Change leader and Harare East legislator, wants the Harare magistrates’ courts to refer his case to the Constitutional Court as he fears that he will get an unfair trial.  He is accused of verbally assaulting Tatiana Aleshina two years ago.

Aleshina is a business partner to businessman Ken Sharpe who owns Augur Investments that was controversially awarded the Harare Airport Road construction contract on May 30, 2008 without going to tender.

Augur was supposed to construct the Airport Road with an understanding that 90% of the costs would be paid in the form of land and 10% in cash.

Augur went on to subcontract Fairclot, who withdrew all their equipment and stopped work on the road after doing 2.7km of the 10km due to non-payment. The road was supposed to connect the Robert Mugabe International Airport to Harare’s central business district.

Government later cancelled the contract, but Harare City Council had already transferred a total of 273 299 hectares of land in Borrowdale’s Pomona area to Augur.

The original title deeds for the land known as stand number 654 Pomona measuring 273 299 hectares is still held in escrow by Fairclot’s lawyers Coghlan, Welsh and Guest.

Testifying in court last week, Biti said he was a victim of state capture by Aleshina whom he said had unusual influence over state institutions to an extent that she would violate the law without any consequences.

After spirited attempts by prosecutor Michael Reza to block him from making reference to the Harare Airport Road, the politician-cum lawyer went on to detail  how the  businesswoman of Ukrainian origin allegedly used their links with “in high”  offices to grab vast tracts of land.

According to Biti, the expose` was relevant to the assault case to show how the complaint was an alleged “mastermind of malicious prosecution against him” and had abused other institutions in what he said was state capture.

“I will demonstrate your worship how a company called Augur Investments extracted thousands and thousands of hectares of land from the city of Harare and from the government of Zimbabwe by this company that the complaint is at the centre of,” he submitted.

He cited the May 2008 agreement between the city of Harare and Augur Investments for the Airport road project.

“The second agreement relates to an agreement executed in 2007 between Augur Investments and the City of Harare to create a company called Sunshine Development Private Limited, a joint venture company but once again Augur Investments received thousands and thousands of hectares of land with Augur Investments and the complaint putting absolutely nothing into the capital account of Sunshine Development,” Biti said.

“Sunshine Development was used to extract thousands of hectares of land in respect of which Augur Investments did not put a single cent in the capital account as they were obliged to do in terms of the agreement.

“Augur Investments was obliged to put US$30 million into the capital account of Sunshine Development with the city of Harare putting in land.

“The shareholder agreement was very clear that Augur was supposed to put money, and that it was not going to securitise the land transferred to it.

“But in fact, Augur did so and they went to the market to borrow substantial amounts of money from a commercial bank.

“The City of Harare then reported Augur Investments. The complaint then wrote letters to the state saying why ‘are you prosecuting when we have indemnity arising from the deed of settlement’ and the prosecution stopped as a result of those letters.

“Those letters amount to interfering with justice. If someone is so powerful to stop prosecution over a very serious matter, what more influence can she have over a misdemeanour of assault?”

Government cancelled the agreement between Augur Investments and City of Harare for the Airport Road project in May 2014 after construction had stopped, but Augur went on to demand more land, Biti added.

“Despite the fact that they did not perform, the complaint then demanded additional land as a penalty against the City of Harare, which land did not even belong to the city of Harare.

“It belonged to the state and was owned by the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Litigation commenced.”

Augur Investments then proceeded to transfer stand 654 Pomona into one of its satellite companies, according to Biti.

“Using her influence, a few days before the matter was heard on appeal at the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe, she went to the highest offices in the land and extracted a deed of settlement in respect of which  not only did she get stand 654 Pomona township but also immunity against prosecution from herself and from her colleagues,” he argued.

“Pursuant to that, notwithstanding the fact that the title deed of stand 654 Pomona was being held in escrow as security for amounts owed to Fairclot, and notwithstanding that the president of Zimbabwe did not sign a power of attorney authorising transfer of stand 654 Pomona, stand 654 Pomona was in fact transferred not to Augur Investments but to a satellite company of Augur Investments, Doorex Private Limited.”

Reza then vehemently protested against Biti’s submissions saying they were offside, and not related to the case on trial.

Reza said the Airport Road contract and payments were done above board. He argued that this was evidenced by the City of Harare’s acceptance to settle debt owed to Augur Investments.

“The airport road highway contract was above board and the payments to Augur were in good faith and due to the work done,” he said.

“This has been confirmed by the City of Harare as evidenced by its acceptance to settle the debt owed to Augur.

“It is a complete fallacy to try and link the airport highway and an assault case which Mr Biti is standing trial for.

“(The) 2008 events, which were above board have no bearing on the assault charge being faced by Biti.”

The trial is set to resume on October 18.

-The Standard