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
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.
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.
FOUR suspects were fatally wounded during a shoot-out with police in Inanda, KZN, on Monday night, 17 October.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police were acting on intelligence information when they entered a house at Ngoqokazi in Inanda.
“Upon entering the house, police found five suspects and during the process of arrest, two suspects allegedly drew firearms and shot at the police.
“It is further alleged that a shoot-out ensued in which four suspects were fatally wounded,” Netshiunda said in a statement.
He said one suspect fled the scene and the police were searching for him.
“No police member was injured during the shoot-out. The deceased suspects, who are believed to be in their 30s, were alleged to be behind a spate of murders and other violent crimes in the eThekwini district,” said Netshiunda.
He said the incident was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), who will investigate the four counts of inquest.
FOUR suspects were fatally wounded during a shoot-out with police in Inanda, KZN, on Monday night, 17 October.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police were acting on intelligence information when they entered a house at Ngoqokazi in Inanda.
“Upon entering the house, police found five suspects and during the process of arrest, two suspects allegedly drew firearms and shot at the police.
“It is further alleged that a shoot-out ensued in which four suspects were fatally wounded,” Netshiunda said in a statement.
He said one suspect fled the scene and the police were searching for him.
“No police member was injured during the shoot-out. The deceased suspects, who are believed to be in their 30s, were alleged to be behind a spate of murders and other violent crimes in the eThekwini district,” said Netshiunda.
He said the incident was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), who will investigate the four counts of inquest.
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.
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.
By James Gwati- Zimbabwe has run out of police clearance printing paper, leaving thousands of people intending to go out of the country for employment or studies risking losing their precious opportunities.
The document commonly known as the blue copy is obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Harare.
The security document is a requirement for visa applications from anyone intending to work or study from out of the country. The same could also be asked for by companies or government departments which would have offered a person a job.
The document is acquired upon payment of ZW$20.
Zimeye.com was at the CID headquarters this week 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 for her to apply for her visa.
“I have done all the tests including health check-ups and what is 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, 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 not aware of the shortage of the blue copy.
“I am not aware of that shortage and it is maybe 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 reached for comment.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe has announced that it had run out of such type of paper. Recently the registrar’s office ran out of passport printing paper.
The Transport ministry also stopped issuing learners’ drivers’ licenses because of the non-availability of printing paper.
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.
Sevilla coach George Sampaoli believes Karim Benzema might have had a good campaign last season but the Real Madrid striker is not the best player in the world.
The player won the 2022 Ballon d’Or following his goal-scoring exploits that propelled Los Blancos to La Liga and Champions League success last season.
The Frenchman scored an incredible 44 goals in 46 matches for the Spanish giants, including two hat tricks in the knockout stages of the Champions League, as Real were crowned European champions for a record 14th time.
Despite Benzema’s glittering success in the past term, Sampaoli believes the Les Bleus international is not better than Argentina captain and PSG star Lionel Messi.
“If they always gave Messi the Ballon d’Or, it would be good for me because he has made a difference with the rest for a long time,” the Sevilla gaffer was quoted as saying TyC Sports.
“Karim is a player who has deserved that place because he has been decisive in the success of Real Madrid. But they are two things that should not stand in the way. Leo is the best player in the world and Karim had an amazing season.”
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for a record seven times, and his latest triumph came last year.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The former Dynamos coach has a four-midable record in the blue half of the capital.
He guided the Harare giants to four consecutive league titles between 2010 and 2014 —in an era DJ Khaled’s ‘All I Do Is Win’ was probably the most requuested song by DeMbare fans.
Since he left, not even the best cleaning company in Zimbabwe can get rid of the dirt in the Dynamos trophy cabinet.
Pasuwa is about to achieve the same feat in Malawi.
The 52-year old is on the brink of his fourth league title with Nyasa Big Bullets.
Pasuwa’s troops are at the summit of the TNM Super League, eight points clear of second-placed Blue Swallows with with six games left to play.
The fourth league title on the bounce is not the only milestone Pasuwa can achieve this season.
Bullets have not tasted defeat in the league throughout the campaign and the possibility of ending it as the “Invincibles’ is high.
Logically though, the Zimbabwean mentor is not thinking about that —he only wants his charges to defend their title.
“When we are training these boys at times, they are told to see the other side of it, whether the good or the bad part of it. If you are a player who is always winning each and every match, the day you will be beaten it will be very difficult for you to adjust so we need also to prepare them to accept each and every result that will come on that particular game,” Pasuwa told the club’s media department, ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Sable Farming.
“Having said this, we are not targeting an invincible season, we can be beaten any time because that’s part of the game.
“Facing a side which is struggling to move out of the relegation zone with few matches remaining can be very tricky for Bullets and Pasuwa anticipates a highly charged opponent tomorrow.
“[It will be] a game which will not be easy for us. We are playing them at a time when they are striving for points to survive relegation and they will definitely come hard on us.
“I don’t know how, but they will make our life very difficult and we need to concentrate throughout the game to avoid what has been happening [in our recent games] whereby we are able to take a lead but we can’t hold on to our lead or we are scored and then we try to come back.
“We have been trying to psyche them [players] up because mentally they are loaded due to more games played within a short period of time,” added the former Warriors coach.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Marvelous Nakamba’s struggle for game time at Aston Villa is well-chronicled.
The Zimbabwean midfielder has not featured for the claret and blue this season and the general consensus is that he has fallen down the pecking order in the Villa engine room.
In the early stages of Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Villa Park, Nakamba was one of the standout players at the Midlands side.
The Hwange-bred midfielder was superb in Gerrard’s first month in the Villa dugout and deservedly voted the club’s player of the month for November.
A knee injury against Liverpool in December, which ruled him out for nearly four months, stopped Nakamba in his tracks.
Gerrard’s description of Nakamba’s injury situation mirrored a huge setback.
“The best way to put it is that we’ve had confirmation that he has got a knee injury,” the former Liverpool captain said after Villa’s 2-0 win over Norwich City and Carrow Road on December 14.
“We’re really going have a serious chat tomorrow in terms of whether we want him to have surgery or whether we’ll manage the injury conservatively.
“We’ll make that decision in the next 24 hours but he’s certainly going to be missing for some time because it’s a serious injury.
“We need to now make the best decision which is really frustrating and disappointing because he has been outstanding but we’ll give him every bit of support and care to get him back as safe as possible.
“We’ve got a rough idea but I don’t want to get wrong and I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the medical staff but he’ll certainly be missing for a number of months,” added Gerrard.
Incredibly, 10 months on, things have drastically changed for the former Club Brugge man and the consensus is that he is not doing enough to earn a place in the Villa team.
While that may be true, Nakamba’s situation needs to be looked at through different lenses.
Is Gerrard getting the best out of Aston Villa players?
There was a time when Ollie Watkins was a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
But now, the former Brentford man is no where near the Three Lions squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Tyrone Mings has also been a regular for England since making his international debut in 2019, but has of late been omitted by Southgate.
Danny Ings is another player with a lot of potential but Gerrard has failed to bring the best out of him.
Skipper John McGinn has struggled for form in the Premier League this season.
The Scottish international took over the armband from Mings before the start of the 2022/23 campaign but has been a pale shadow of his former self.
Surprisingly, McGinn has been at his best while on international duty for Scotland.
So in the case of Nakamba, what has changed in the last 10 months?
Suggestions of ‘lack of focus’ on the part of the soft-spoken midfielder have come out, with some even going to the extent of blaming his manager Munya Taderera.
But Nakamba was with Taderera when the midifielder was at the peak of his powers last year, so what has changed?
Him purchasing top of the range vehicles at a lightning-fast pace has also been misunderstood for ‘lack of focus’ yet few are aware that he now has a car rental business in the United Kingdom.
It’s easy to blame everyone and everything, except Gerrard.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
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.
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.
By Simba Chikanza | The man speaking in a leaked audio is said to be Spencer Chuma the newly elected Gokwe MP, as he announces in a ZANU PF WhatsApp group that Justice Wadyajena stole Cottco money, allegations which are likely true. The man hints saying he is exposing Wadyajena because the latter insulted his father leading to his death, recently.
The challenge with this is that people create the corruption and later only come out to scream when it hurts them personally. These two, the Speaker, his accused Wadyajena, and Emmerson Mnangagwa all stole the country on 1 Aug 2018; they’ve been quiet all this while, and now are trying to chop the branches of corruption, keeping the root intact. How do you support Mnangagwa’s coup against Chamisa, and expect the corrupted govt institutions to operate free of Mnangagwa after that? You now want the same institutions to investigate Wadyajena, simply because he insulted your father? What of the 6 1August families who lost their dads, moms, where were you when they began crying 4 years ago?
Wadyajena is Mnangagwa’s son in law relative, so clearly someone who beds the coup leader’s neice. Do you think the courts will prosecute him? In a country where people are killed on accusations of merely protesting against Mnangagwa, does screaming corruption against his family bring any results? All this noise against Wadyajena seems to serve to strengthen than remove corruption; only feeding worthless anger than working to remove the rot.
There is no genuine outcry against corruption that does not include the call for Mnangagwa’s removal before Dec 2022, because he is the greatest criminal whose very presence is illegal.
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 says it does not depend on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to win elections following accusations that the electoral body has been helping the ruling party to win polls.
Zimbabwe has had a history of contested elections since 2000. In 2018, the then MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa refused to concede defeat to Zanu-PF’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa claiming that the presidential election results had been tampered with.
Contributing to an Election Resource Centre and ProjectVote263 Twitter space discussion last Friday, Zanu-PF information director Tafadzwa Mugwadi said: “Our electoral fortunes as the ruling party depend on what we do as an organisation. For Zanu-PF, it doesn’t matter who is at the vehicle or who is not there, or what Zec has done or not done. Our focus as a major player in these elections is to engage the people of Zimbabwe with the aim of taking this country forward in developmental terms.
“Here and there, we hear about electoral reforms. Reforms are a continuous process. We believe our electoral process must continue to adapt and condition itself to the changing environment. In doing so, we expect that what happens will be partially a contribution towards opening up our society.”
Last month, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change led by Chamisa launched a seven-pillar electoral blueprint, which, among several demands, wants the voters roll to be audited ahead of the 2023 elections.
The opposition said it would not accept election results if its demands are not met.
Mugwadi said despite complaints by other political parties in the past and present, Zec had conducted itself independently and delivered credible elections.
“We have enabling legislation that established the electoral commission and that legislation is very clear and unequivocal and categorical that Zec must conduct itself independently, impartially and has the mandate to conduct elections that should be free, fair and credible. Zec has done that to the extent that we are satisfied. Zec has been able to stay true to its mandate,” Mugwadi said.
He said electoral victory was not delivered from Zec offices.
“We believe as the ruling party that our electoral fortunes are at the polling station depending on how much we would have fared in engaging people at the grassroots.”
Seven Zimbabweans facing rhino poaching charges in South Africa escaped from the Grahamstown Correctional Facility in Eastern Cape yesterday.
South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed the escape in a statement, saying a manhunt has since been launched.
The seven were identified as Nhamo Muyambo, Francis Chitho, Trymore Chauke, Lubuyo September, Abraham Moyane, Simba Masinge and Bennet Kwarrile.
“The DCS, working with the South African Police Services has launched a manhunt following the escape of seven remand detainees at Grahamstown Correctional Facility in Makhanda in the early hours of October 18. Investigations have been instituted and the circumstances relating to the escape will be confirmed in due course,” the statement read.
“They are considered dangerous and should not be confronted if spotted. Information should be shared with the nearest police station. Their images will be shared during the course of the day.”
Zanu-PF Director of Information, Tafadzwa Mugwadi has fired salvo at Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) for blaming the ruling party over recent violence that rocked Matobo, describing the opposition political outfit as “shameless charlatans”.
In a Twitter rant, the acerbic ruling party official, who is notorious for scathing attacks against CCC, alleged opposition activists stoked pandemonium by chasing after Zanu-PF elements and stripped naked to attract attention.
“So they were recording this video while dodging bullets? We have always said CCC shameless charlatans have nothing to offer the electorate besides provoking violence.
“It is clear they were chasing Zanu-PF vehicles and agitating for confrontation. The drama ended with stripping adult women.
“See, they are legendary strippers. They have done that before. They also faint at Parliament. They can fake everything. If they were forced to remove CCC T-shirt as stupidly alleged so, the 3rd woman at the back with her CCC T-shirt is a martial artist right? #Dramaqueens,” said Mugwadi in reference to a picture of two scantily-dressed female supporters purportedly after being forced to strip.
CCC party spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere Monday maintained their supporters were waylaid and attacked by Zanu-PF thugs.
She claimed a number were left hospitalised, some nursing injuries while property was destroyed and food, including a pot of meat meant to feed those at one of their meetings, stolen.
“Developments in Matobo confirm our call for a conducive environment for elections in Zimbabwe and a pre-election pact on reforms especially security of the voter and freedoms for citizens What we are seeing under (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa is not just the continued shrinking of the democratic space, but a complete collapse into lawlessness,” said Mahere.
“The campaign team met a convoy of Zanu-PF trucks (branded) numbering seven, that group barricaded the road and attacked Hon Nyoni’s truck damaging windows. He, however, managed to speed and evaded the illegal blockade.
“Our team then drove to the Campaign Command Centre and the Zanu-PF supporters followed and barricaded the whole place, Kucaca Phulu and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa went to try and engage them so as to understand what they wanted but before they could reach them, they started to throw stones at them.
“Our team then retreated as gunshots were fired. A total of about five shots were fired by the Zanu-PF supporters. The team and agents abandoned the homestead and the Zanu-PF supporters proceeded to attack the homestead, breaking doors and all window panes.
“They further attacked and damaged nine bicycles and four vehicles, breaking all windows and deflated tyres, they got into the house and looted groceries including meat that was being cooked.
“They also took about 50 x 10kg bags of mealie meal, and also stole an undisclosed amount of money from the house.”
The CCC is calling for a pre-election pact that would put an end to politically motivated violence and ensure electoral reforms which will include equitable access to public media as was the case in 2008.
By A Correspondent- The High Court Tuesday dismissed former Cabinet minister Petronella Kagonye’s appeal against conviction and sentence for criminal abuse of office.
Kagonye was jailed for three years by Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro for theft after she converted laptops donated to rural schools by the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to personal use.
Twelve months (12) of her sentence were suspended on the condition of good behaviour. A further eight (8) months were suspended on condition that she restitutes POTRAZ US$10 000.
By A Correspondent| Five Star Car Rental Chief Executive Officer Tawanda Marwizi has claimed a top gong after he was named one of the most young innovative C.E.Os in the country.
The awards dinner hosted by Zimbabwe CEO’s Network was held at Meikels Hotel in the capital on Friday night.
Marwizi was named together with other several young C.E.Os including rapper and award winning businessman Mudiwa Hood.
Marwizi said the award was simply a confirmation that they were going towards the right direction.
“Recognition is the best thing ever and we want to thank the Zimbabwe CEO’s network for recognising Five Star Car Rental,” he said.
He said the rental company will not stop in offering the best rental services in the country.
“We are striving to give our clients value for their money. Our services are just good and we will improve,” he said.
Marwizi said Five Star Car Rental would soon be a home for everyone who wish to rent vehicles in the country.
Zimbabwe C.E.O s network Dr Tafadzwa Matsika urged young enterprenuers to be persuasive.
“In these trying times you need to push and give your clients value of their money. I encourage you to be strong as you may face challenges that can threaten you to shut down,” he said.
HARARE land developer Georgious Katsimberis wants to approach the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) to challenge his prosecution in parallel but related cases, saying the development is a violation of his fundamental rights and a threat to the integrity of the courts.
Katsimberis made the assertion in his application seeking leave to appeal at the ConCourt against a ruling by High Court judge Justice Siyabonga Paul Musithu last month dismissing the businessman’s application for permanent stay of prosecution arguing that the parallel court processes violated his rights.
Since June 2020, Katsimberis has been appearing as a State witness in a matter in which businessman Ken Sharpe’s aide, Van Blerk, Pokugara Properties, former Harare City Council town clerk Hosea Chisango and the City of Harare are charged with perjury for claiming in court that the land developer built houses on behalf of Pokugara without approved plans.
On the other hand, Katsimberis has been appearing in court as an accused person since July 2020 in a matter where he is facing a charge of fraud.
The accused persons in the perjury and malicious damage to property cases are the witnesses in the fraud charge that he is being tried for. Pokugara, which is linked to Sharpe, is the complainant in the fraud case.
The two separate cases where the businessman is a witness and the other where he appears as the accused person are based on the same facts.
Katsimberis reported his case to the police first and despite documents proving that, deputy prosecutor general Michael Reza and magistrates who presided over the land developer’s fraud case claim he reported after Pokugara had made a report against him.
Last month, Justice Musithu dismissed Katsimberis’ application for a permanent stay of prosecution where he claimed the parallel prosecution was violating his rights.
The judge ruled that Katsimeris was not supposed to seek a permanent stay of prosecution if his complaint was about the perceived prejudices emanating from his parallel prosecution.
He said there was nothing wrong with the parallel prosecutions because they were done by different organs, namely the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
However, in his ConCourt appeal, Katsimberis said the ruling was wrong because the judge failed to recognise SACU’s authority to conduct criminal prosecutions.
He said to treat SACU and the NPA as separate prosecuting authorities was unattainable in light of section 258 of the constitution.
Should the courts make a different ruling on the same facts; this would throw the integrity of the court into disrepute, he argued in the ConCourt appeal.
He added: “The consequence for the applicant is that he may be incarcerated pursuant to a conviction for fraud in circumstances where another court of parallel jurisdiction, upon the same facts, has found that the circumstances of that alleged fraud could not have transpired because there were approved building plans.
“In both instances, we have decisions in favour of the State, but giving starkly and shockingly different outcomes for the applicant to the point where he would be justified in asserting that he has been denied equal protection of the law because if a court of competent jurisdiction has found that there were approved building plans then surely no court of parallel jurisdiction ought to be allowed to reach a contrary decision lest it indirectly reviews the decision of another court.”
In his application at the High Court, Katsimberis said he believed that the parallel prosecution created a situation where the State was using his statements in one court to the other, taking away his right to remain silent.
“The right against self-incriminating is one of the pillars of a fair criminal trial. It is intertwined with the right to remain silent,” Mutumbwa Mugabe & Partners, representing Katsimberis, said.
“The privilege against self-incrimination…..applies to all individual.”
He said his situation had the potential of making other people hesitant to report criminal activities because they would end up being the ones charged for the offence.
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.
Monica Mutsvangwa
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
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | The other reason why America and the West justify piling of sanctions on Zimbabwe is that they claim to want to be protecting human rights in Zimbabwe. For some strange reason Zimbabwean life now matters. The logic is illogical. We are told that I order for us to be protected and be able to exercise our human rights we must be systematically subjected to untold suffering through sanctions. We are encouraged to suffer in the name of democracy and Human rights.
Now America and the West with the unending support from the CCC have started to blame the upcoming Zimbabwean Patriot Act as a vehicle of oppression and abuse of power. All what they want is Zimbabwe to exercise no power lest it will be called abuse. The sovereignty of Zimbabwe is packaged in a smoke screen and the real power they are trying to take it away.
How can any person say I love you to death so let me create a way for you to die defending your life against your self.
So we must never be fooled and be told that our own government is the one killing us. Sanctions are evil and have no moral justification.
So attacking the Patriot Act is wrong. That’s not exactly right. The Patriot Act is a big, broad law, and a lot of it has nothing to do with surveillance or limiting rights. And the government’s current surveillance and control powers are drawn from some parts of the common law and the Patriot Act is not a source of oppression. It is a source of security.
The current fight in Parliament and demonic lies being spread by CC and it’s handlers over human rights programs has led to a lot of confusion about whether “the Patriot Act be is a weapon or a protecting tool. This Act must be passed as a matter of urgency.
There are so many controversial programs in the Western world and remain in effect. And ultimately, the attack on Zimbabwean laws which are meant to protect their own country will have only modest effects on the government’s spying powers they will have a great impact in protection of individuals against the unpatriotic
What is the Patriot Act?
“A patriot cannot be created by legislation but he can only be reminded how to be patriotic by legislation. True patriotism ought to be an intrinsic feeling of appreciation of the good socio-economic welfare of the country, it must flow from one’s blood. Zimbabwe is the only country we can call ours in the whole world. Regardless of where we could be we must always seek to build and show case Zimbabwe. Loving your own country and defending it must never be a mandatory and repressive responsibility it must always flow from the blood. We must be proud of being Zimbabweans and we must defend our country with our last drop of blood.
In August 2020, a motion on the need for a Patriot Bill was tabled in the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The fundamental reason behind the bill’s proposal was to promote and guard the country’s national interests through criminalising acts that campaign against Zimbabwe, including—but not limited to—private correspondence with foreign governments or any officer or agent thereof, false statements influencing foreign governments, or any other such conduct aimed at undermining the country.
The sad thing is that the Act has not been made into law yet. This has taken too long and it must be enacted into law now. Zimbabwe is limping from the inflicted wounds caused by its own children. This must stop.
IMPLICATION OF THE LAW
This law will allow the National Prosecuting Authority to institute criminal proceedings against anyone who, in its discretion, is undermining the country or using false statements to paint a bad picture of Zimbabwe to foreign governments. The detractors of this law say they fear politicisation of the law.
There is a fair possibility that personal and political vendettas will be settled under the pretext of protecting the nation’s interests as per the bill. The fear is that the opposition, civil society groups collaborating with international governments, campaigners, and ordinary people who are peacefully exercising their Constitutional rights, not peddling false statements, or undermining the country will face politically motivated prosecution while they seek equal justice. The point to be clearly looked at is where do they forward their complaints. If they are genuine what will stop them from engaging their own government. Why going to a neighbour to talk about an end to police brutality, human rights abuses, and corruption. Why not engage your government. Zimbabwe has a listening President.
Many Zimbabweans find pleasure in attacking their country and the delay in enacting the law to protect the only country we can call ours in the whole world is doing more harm to the wellbeing of the nation.
If the Patriot Act had been in effect there would be a positive narrative on Zimbabwe.
It should be noted that Zimbabwe is still a developing nation with few opportunities for people to openly express their socio-political issues and work with the Patriotic government in order to achieve a greater tomorrow. Thus, people must express their grievances on various platforms including social media with a constructive eye and not a criticising destructive eye. it is very clear that the CCC and the unpatriotic lot intend to campaign against the country; rather, they abuse the most accessible medium to challenge and soil those who are accountable for making Zimbabwe work again. If this law which has no potential to restrict freedom, becomes law, it would portray the correct state of Zimbabwe. For the sake of our country we must responsibly control the inflammatory outlets available, as well enhance most, if not all conduct by citizens seeking transparency and accountability. Zimbabwe is for all of us.
We should not allow people to destroy our country in the name of free speech. Should this law which empowers free speech
Sees the light of the day, it will ignite a narrative open a positive narrative that paints the country in good standing.
THE LOGAN ACT
Despite the bill’s inconsistencies with the Constitution, politicians are still advocating for its promulgation. The United States of America’s Logan Act of 1799, once described as an “archaic superfluous law that has clearly shown its only utility is in leveraging political opponents via selective prosecutions,” this is law more tough than any oppressive law on the universe. This can never stand in comparison with the Zimbabwean law. The Logan law shows us the the urgent need to justify Zimbabwe’s need for a Patriot Act.
Something like this would seem over the top today and sprays of critiscism will be fired from all the corners. Why are people afraid of the Laws which protect their own country.
The Patriot Act covered a lot of ground.
But what “Patriot Act” tends to mean to most Zimbabweans— and the reason it has faced increasing opposition over the past is that Zimbabwe is under attack and we are being relentlessly attacked. The reason why we need the patriotic Act is the reason why it is under attack.
Back when the Patriot Act was first being debated, some Zimbabweans were worried about some of the powers the Patriot Act was thought to be giving the government.
The provisions were more thoughtfully debated at a less panicked time.”
Waiting for a less panicked time is proving to be futile.
We are now going towards elections. Zimbabweans must put Zimbabwe first. Each time during elections many unpatriotic people will be tripping each other towards scandalising their own country.
It is our duty to protect our own country from ourselves.
It is never a campaigning skill to drag your country in the mud so that you can get votes.
Love your country first then the country will you.
Undated Audio of Owen (Mudha) Ncube and Mckenzie Ncube announcing at a ZANU PF rally, let me promise you, 2023 is going to be worse than 2018[on violence] "Because ED comes from Midlands, why are you failing to defend Midlands/Your Son?…The Ark Of The Covenant belongs to ED…" pic.twitter.com/eB7Jimtgnn
By-The Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T has recalled six Binga Rural District Council councillors after they were allegedly found to be agents of Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party .
The six are Wilson Siampolomba, Kariangwe Ward; Mathias Mudenda, Simatelele Ward; Kingson Mpofu; Kalungwizi Ward; Joseph Mweembe, Sikalenge Ward; Chrispen Munkuli, Lubimbi Ward and John Sikabotu representing Siachilaba ward. They are said to have been consistently working and ever pushing the agenda of the CCC. They are said to have even campaigned for a CCC candidate. “The councillors were found to have been all along working with and for CCC. They heavily campaigned for the same party’s candidates ahead and during the 2018 elections. At council chambers they were also pushing an agenda foreign to MDC-T hence their recall,” said MDC-T national spokesperson Mr Witness Dube. Binga has 21 wards largely controlled by the opposition. Sources within the party yesterday said more recalls will be coming in the next couple of days as Senator Mwonzora pushes for total control of the party ahead of the yet to be announced congress dates where he is certain to square off against his chairman, Senator Morgan Komichi. There have been rumblings within the party on the delays by Sen Mwonzora to announce the congress dates with the pro-Komichi camp arguing that the delays are deliberate and meant to give the incumbent more time to sell his agenda to the membership under the cover of “rebuilding MDC-T.” Meanwhile, Sen Mwonzora visited incarcerated Job Sikhala in prison on Saturday amid indications that CCC leadership are still pushing for the MDC-T to recall him. Mr Dube reaffirmed that calls for Sikhala’s recall are louder at the top of the CCC leadership. “@MDC263 President @DMwonzora visited #Sikhala & the Nyatsime inmates at 13:00hrs yesterday, PERIOD! We acted in solidarity with him at his time of need, & are no longer interested in the childish, misplaced & totally nonsensical social media debate raging around our visit! The biggest push to recall @JobSikhala1 has come from some top leadership of @CCCZimbabwe. We view this exaggerated social media debate on our visit to him as an attempt to bait us to recall him. We will not allow political influence from without to dictate to @mdc263,” wrote Dube on his personal Twitter account yesterday. Chronicle
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.”
THE South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the shooting incident that happened in Atteridgeville, west of Tshwane, on Saturday 15 October.
According to SANDF spokesman Brigadier-General Andries Mokoena Mahapa, the shooting incident which occurred in Atteridgeville resulted in the death of one soldier and the injury of two others.
The injured soldiers were transported to 1 Military Hospital in Thaba Tshwane for treatment.
The circumstances that led to the incident are still unknown, but it was initially reported that the three soldiers went to Atteridgeville for social activities with friends who are not members of the SANDF.
It is alleged that while they were there, a vehicle came and some people came out of it. They went to the victims and there was an exchange of words. What the exchange of words was all about is still under investigation.
It is further alleged that during the argument, one of the car occupants pulled out a gun and shot the three soldiers.
Unfortunately, one of the soldiers died on the scene.
“At the moment, the South African Police Service is investigating the incident and the deceased’s name will be confirmed once their next of kin has been notified,” said Mahapa.
He said the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Secretary for Defence, Sonto Kudjoe, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, and the entire defence family send their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “There were no arrests and the investigation regarding the matter is underway.”
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.
Nelson Chamisa Council opens swimming pool in Mbare. In the video, Mbare residents are enjoying a swim at George Hartley swimming pool which was recently opened by the @JMafume led @cohsunshinecity to members of the public. The pool had been shut due to vandalism of water pipes pic.twitter.com/kD9uqh8F7r
By Farai D Hove | Nelson Chamisa led Council opens swimming pool in Mbare. In the above video, Mbare residents are enjoying a swim at George Hartley swimming pool which was recently opened by the Jacob Mafume led Harare City Council to members of the public. The pool had been shut due to vandalism of water pipes
By- The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has criticised the ejection of journalists from public events.
This follows the ejection of seven reporters from the state house on Monday by CIO operatives,
NewsDay chief reporter Taurai Mangudhla, photographer Shepherd Tozvireva, Heart and Soul head of current affairs and news Blessed Mhlanga and reporters Chengeto Chidi, Zibusiso Ncube and Atrishya Gondo were booted out by one of the security personnel without giving reasons.
Daily News reporter Katty Nyoni was also ejected.
The party’s spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere posted the criticism on social media.
She said:
What kind of “government” chases journalists away from a national event paid for by taxpayers? It’s unconstitutional. You can’t only allow journalists you like and control. Media freedom is impossible under this regime. We need new leaders.
By- Mupedzanhamo Market was closed after last week’s violence that claimed one person’s life.
The skirmishes by Zanu PF space Barrons also left several injured. According to the state media, the area is still closed, and no vendors are on site. “We thought by the weekend we would be allowed to trade,” said a vendor, Christina Saizi. “Authorities should bear with us, this is our source of livelihood.” Saizi said since some culprits, which orchestrated the violence had been arrested, the place should now be opened for business under police watch. “The police should guard the place and allow us to resume trading,” she said. “It is easy to control people in such a place, unlike outside the market. “Also, there are sanitary facilities and access to water at the market.” City of Harare small-to-medium enterprises chairperson Denford Ngadziore, last week assured traders that the market would be opened soon. “We are working with those involved and we are in our final preparatory stage to reopen Mupedzanhamo market by next week,” he said. “There should also be depoliticisation of Mbare. There is too much tension in Mbare and this calls for stakeholders’ engagement. “People fighting in Mbare are all Zimbabweans, and we understand they come from different political parties, so what we are trying to do is to bring them together.” The City of Harare said it aims to accommodate 3 500 traders at Chishawasha grounds before the end of the year. H Metro
By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has denied access to the troubled Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson John Makamure who visited him and tried to stop him from appointing a tribunal to investigate him (Makamure).
Makamure reportedly visited president Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe on Sunday in the company of colleagues to try to stop the tribunal, but he was denied access to the President, according to NewsDay.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday, however, eventually swore in the tribunal.
The appointees are:
1). Retired Justice Maphios Cheda chairperson of the tribunal.
2). Lawyer Charles Warara and
3). Lawyer Regai Hove.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry secretary Virginia Mabiza is the secretary to the tribunal.
The tribunal will investigate whether or not:
i). Makamure failed to disclose his involvement in political activities which is inconsistent with the duties and functions of the commissioner of ZACC
ii). Makamure directed one Lee Sung to fund his political campaign in Gokwe in return for his protection.
Through a letter dated October 12, 2022, the Judicial Service Commission formally advised the President that the question of removal from the office of Makamure ought to be investigated.
It is alleged that Makamure was eyeing Justice Mayor Wadyadyena’s Gokwe-Nembudziya parliamentary seat in next year’s elections.
Following the move to investigate him, Makamure is also said to have tried to mend relations with Wadyadyena using top government officials and Mnangagwa’s allies, but Wadyajena reportedly declined the gesture.
The inquiry shall be held both in public and private, as the tribunal deems fit.
Makamure was appointed ZACC commissioner in 2019 following interviews conducted by Parliament. He was later appointed ZACC spokesperson.
By- Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson John Makamure reportedly visited President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a bid to stop him from appointing a tribunal to investigate him (Makamure).
Makamure reportedly visited president Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe on Sunday in the company of colleagues to try to stop the tribunal, but he was denied access to the President, according to NewsDay.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday, however, eventually swore in the tribunal.
The appointees are:
1). Retired Justice Maphios Cheda chairperson of the tribunal.
2). Lawyer Charles Warara and
3). Lawyer Regai Hove.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry secretary Virginia Mabiza is the secretary to the tribunal.
The tribunal will investigate whether or not:
i). Makamure failed to disclose his involvement in political activities which is inconsistent with the duties and functions of the commissioner of ZACC
ii). Makamure directed one Lee Sung to fund his political campaign in Gokwe in return for his protection.
Through a letter dated October 12, 2022, the Judicial Service Commission formally advised the President that the question of removal from the office of Makamure ought to be investigated.
It is alleged that Makamure was eyeing Justice Mayor Wadyadyena’s Gokwe-Nembudziya parliamentary seat in next year’s elections.
Following the move to investigate him, Makamure is also said to have tried to mend relations with Wadyadyena using top government officials and Mnangagwa’s allies, but Wadyajena reportedly declined the gesture.
The inquiry shall be held both in public and private, as the tribunal deems fit.
Makamure was appointed ZACC commissioner in 2019 following interviews conducted by Parliament. He was later appointed ZACC spokesperson.
By- Mupedzanhamo Market was closed after last week’s violence that claimed one person’s life.
The skirmishes by Zanu PF space Barrons also left several injured. According to the state media, the area is still closed, and no vendors are on site. “We thought by the weekend we would be allowed to trade,” said a vendor, Christina Saizi. “Authorities should bear with us, this is our source of livelihood.” Saizi said since some culprits, which orchestrated the violence had been arrested, the place should now be opened for business under police watch. “The police should guard the place and allow us to resume trading,” she said. “It is easy to control people in such a place, unlike outside the market. “Also, there are sanitary facilities and access to water at the market.” City of Harare small-to-medium enterprises chairperson, Denford Ngadziore, last week assured traders that the market would be opened soon. “We are working with those involved and we are in our final preparatory stage to reopen Mupedzanhamo market by next week,” he said. “There should also be depoliticisation of Mbare. There is too much tension in Mbare and this calls for stakeholders’ engagement. “People fighting in Mbare are all Zimbabweans, and we understand they come from different political parties, so what we are trying to do is to bring them together.” The City of Harare said it aims to accommodate 3 500 traders at Chishawasha grounds before the end of the year. H Metro
By- State security officers have chased seven private media journalists from the State House.
The journalists wanted to t President Emmerson Mnangagwa was swearing in of a tribunal to investigate ZACC spokesperson John Makamure.
NewsDay chief reporter Taurai Mangudhla, photographer Shepherd Tozvireva, Heart and Soul head of current affairs and news Blessed Mhlanga and reporters Chengeto Chidi, Zibusiso Ncube and Atrishya Gondo were booted out by one of the security personnel without giving reasons.
Daily News reporter Katty Nyoni was also ejected.
This happened soon after the journalists had gone through the routine security clearance process plus COVID-19 tests at the State House clinic, according to NewsDay.
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.
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.”
High Court judge Justice Jacob Manzunzu has ruled that Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney-General Prince Machaya breached their obligations after they failed to enforce laws compelling government officials to disclose their assets.
This follows a successful court application by Harare North legislator Allan Markham (CCC) who took Ziyambi and Machaya to court demanding action on asset disclosure by public officials.
The lawmaker said corruption was now rampant because there were no laws in place to deal with graft.
Manzunzu concurred and ruled that Ziyambi and Machaya are in contempt of their Constitutional obligations.
“It is clear from the set of facts before the court that the respondents (Ziyambi and Machaya) failed to act within a reasonable time and therefore are in breach of their Constitutional obligation.
“The fact remains that Constitutional obligations, must be performed diligently and without delay. A delay of seven years is by no means classified as reasonable. The respondents gave no indication, in terms of time frame as to when the obligation will be performed apart from the fact that research has started and was meant to be completed by 30 April 2021.
“The facts also justify the granting of a mandamus .It is the period (as suggested by Markham) within which the respondents are to act which I find to be too short. Courts should make orders which are realistic of performance,” Justice Manzunzu ruled.
He ordered Ziyambi to gazette a Bill as envisaged by section 198(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe within three months from the date of the court order.
“Ziyambi and Machaya’s failure to enact an Act of Parliament as stipulated in section 198(a) of the Constitution is a breach of section 324 of the Constitution, and they should be ordered to enact a Bill covering the issues defined in section 198(a) of the Constitution within 45 days from the date of this order,” he said.
Section 198 (a) of the Constitution states that an Act of Parliament must provide measures that require public officers to make regular disclosures of their assets, establishing a code of conducts to be observed by public officers, specifying the standards of good corporate governance to be observed by government controlled entities and other commercial entities owned or wholly controlled by the State, and to provide for the disciplining of persons who contravene the provisions of the chapter, or any code of conduct or standard.
Ziyambi and Machaya had challenged the lawsuit arguing that they were not the only players in the Legislature.
“There is, therefore, no basis to hold us at ransom when there are so many other functionaries involved in the law-making process.”
They also argued that Section 198 did not create or impose any obligation on them.
Zimbabwe’s award winning and renowned novelist, filmmaker and cultural activist Tsitsi Dangarembga and Julie Barnes, a pro-democracy campaigner have asked the High Court to set aside their conviction and sentence for allegedly promoting public violence after they were arrested two years ago for taking part in an anti-government protest.
Dangarembga and Barnes were on 29 September 2022 convicted by Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko and sentenced to pay ZWL70 000 each or three months imprisonment in default of the fine and in addition three months imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that each of them does not commit any offence involving participating in a public gathering with intention to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry.
The duo, represented by Chris Mhike of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, had been on trial after they were arrested on 31 July 2020 and charged with participating in a public gathering with intention to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry as defined in Section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
During trial, prosecutors alleged that they participated in a demonstration in Borrowdale suburb in Harare while holding some placards inscribed “Free Hopewell, free Jacob #Zimbabwe”, “We want better reform our institution” and “Free our journalists”.
On Thursday 13 October 2022, Mhike filed a notice and an appeal against both conviction and sentence of Dangarembga and Barnes at the
High Court arguing that Magistrate Mateko fundamentally misdirected herself in finding the duo guilty in the absence of evidence linking them to participating in a public gathering with intention to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry.
Mhike argued that Magistrate Mateko grossly misdirected herself in abandoning the analysis on whether or not the words written on some placards which they were accused of holding during the 31 July 2020 anti-government protest, were obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting.
The human rights lawyer also argued that placing Barnes and Dangarembga on their defence after dismissing their application for discharge at the close of the prosecution case amounted to a gross misdirection on the part of Magistrate Mateko because all three state witnesses had exonerated them of committing an offence as they had confirmed that the accused persons’ messages were not obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting.
Mhike accused Magistrate Mateko of exhibiting bias against the award winning novelist and pro-democracy campaigner by relying on some baseless speculation and conjecture regarding potential breach of peace through social media.
He also contended that the sentence imposed against Dangarembga and Barnes was disproportionate and induced a sense of shock.
He wants the High Court to allow Dangarembga and Barnes’s appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence of the two and pass a not guilty verdict.
Alternatively, Mhike said Dangarembga and Barnes should be cautioned and discharged.
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) condemns in the strongest terms, the barbaric conduct of some ruling ZANU PF party supporters, who unleashed violence on opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party supporters in Matobo in Matabeleland South province.
On Sunday 16 October 2022, several CCC party supporters sustained injuries after they were assaulted and roughed up by some ZANU PF party supporters who they encountered while preparing for a local authority by-election for Ward 2 in Matobo in Matabeleland South province scheduled for 22 October 2022.
Some women were indecently abused, as they were forced to undress, by the ZANU PF party supporters. Several vehicles and houses were also damaged while some goods were reported to have been looted at a local shop and at a homestead.
ZLHR condemns this unacceptable, violent, inhuman, dehumanising and degrading treatment of people, which has no place in a civilised society.
The deplorable acts of violence by supporters of ZANU PF party are extremely concerning considering that they are happening ahead of general elections scheduled for 2023.
Violence has no place in an aspiring democracy and is a monumental threat to the peaceful co-existence of all Zimbabwean citizens and such acts by some misguided political party supporters threaten Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory.
Tolerance towards people who hold differing political views and utmost respect for fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone by all members of society is key to achieving a thriving democracy.
Section 52(a) of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to be free from all forms of violence while section 155 of the Constitution also prescribes that electoral processes must be free from violence and other electoral malpractices.
The acts of violence perpetrated by ZANU PF party supporters on CCC party members contravene these constitutional provisions and are a malicious disregard for fundamental rights and freedoms such as the right to life, the right to human dignity, the right to personal security, freedom of assembly and association and political rights.
In recent months and weeks, ZLHR has also noted rising incidents of political violence across the country where opposition political party supporters have been subjected to wanton violence.
This onslaught bears all the hallmarks of a pre-meditated attack, which is aimed at intimidating political contestants and their supporters and block them from accessing potential voters and constituents.
The actions of ZANU PF party supporters fly in the face of contents of a report released during the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 50th session by Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, who raised concerns about the violation and curtailment of freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression and asked government to take measures consistent with his recommendations produced through his country visit to Zimbabwe.
Sadly, the perpetration of violence by some ZANU PF supporters comes some few days after Zimbabwe recently joined the world to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence, which is a global observance that promotes non-violence.
The unprecedented levels of polarisation can only be addressed when there is political will from leaders of offending political parties, who must preach tolerance, diversity of political beliefs and thought and decisively dissuade their supporters from resorting to barbaric and stone-age tactics of settling perceived political differences.
To stem the culture of violence, ZLHR calls upon;
•ZANU PF party supporters to shun political violence and all forms of intolerance towards members of different political parties;
•Leaders and members of ZANU PF party to condemn and desist from all violent activities and to inculcate a culture of tolerance and non-violence in settling disputes;
•Zimbabwe Republic Police to urgently and thoroughly investigate the acts of violence that took place in Matobo and all other incidences of political violence across the country and bring perpetrators of violence to account irrespective of their political party affiliation.
By- MDC-T President Douglas Mwonzora has fired six Binga Rural District Council councillors after they were allegedly found to be agents of Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party .
The six are Wilson Siampolomba, Kariangwe Ward; Mathias Mudenda, Simatelele Ward; Kingson Mpofu; Kalungwizi Ward; Joseph Mweembe, Sikalenge Ward; Chrispen Munkuli, Lubimbi Ward and John Sikabotu representing Siachilaba ward. They are said to have been consistently working and ever pushing the agenda of the CCC. They are said to have even campaigned for a CCC candidate. “The councillors were found to have been all along working with and for CCC. They heavily campaigned for the same party’s candidates ahead and during the 2018 elections. At council chambers they were also pushing an agenda foreign to MDC-T hence their recall,” said MDC-T national spokesperson Mr Witness Dube. Binga has 21 wards largely controlled by the opposition. Sources within the party yesterday said more recalls will be coming in the next couple of days as Senator Mwonzora pushes for total control of the party ahead of the yet to be announced congress dates where he is certain to square off against his chairman, Senator Morgan Komichi. There have been rumblings within the party on the delays by Sen Mwonzora to announce the congress dates with the pro-Komichi camp arguing that the delays are deliberate and meant to give the incumbent more time to sell his agenda to the membership under the cover of “rebuilding MDC-T.” Meanwhile, Sen Mwonzora visited incarcerated Job Sikhala in prison on Saturday amid indications that CCC leadership are still pushing for the MDC-T to recall him. Mr Dube reaffirmed that calls for Sikhala’s recall are louder at the top of the CCC leadership. “@MDC263 President @DMwonzora visited #Sikhala & the Nyatsime inmates at 13:00hrs yesterday, PERIOD! We acted in solidarity with him at his time of need, & are no longer interested in the childish, misplaced & totally nonsensical social media debate raging around our visit! The biggest push to recall @JobSikhala1 has come from some top leadership of @CCCZimbabwe. We view this exaggerated social media debate on our visit to him as an attempt to bait us to recall him. We will not allow political influence from without to dictate to @mdc263,” wrote Dube on his personal Twitter account yesterday. Chronicle
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.
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| 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.
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.
By- Former Zanu PF political commissar and ambassador to Mozambique Victor Matemadanda has reacted angrily after being snubbed for central committee (CC) position in the Midlands province.Sources said Matemadanda was invited to contest for a position in the CC for Gokwe but refused, saying he wanted to give others a chance since he was working outside the country. But the Zanu PF DCC chairperson Tawanda Karikoga reportedly persuaded him to participate and Matemadanda told him that he wanted to “consult.” “After Matemadanda had consulted, he agreed to take part. However, towards the elections, he was told that he failed to make the grade to represent Gokwe in the Central Committee and they had opted for (allies of former Security minister, Owen) Ncube and this irked the ambassador,” the source said. However, in responding to the fiasco, Matemadanda singled Karikoga out to express his displeasure. “I am what l am, not because of an accident but because l have invested in this thing called Zanu PF and l even invested in my own education which no one is going to take away from me. I have worked hard for who and what l am. l am not at that level which you want to put me. Please respect me. “I am disappointed that my name is being put into denigration for no apparent reason. You (Karikoga) approached me asking me to stand in the CC. In fact, your words were that you as Gokwe had decided that you put me in the CC and l refused, telling you that I wanted to go give others a chance. You persuaded me until I consulted,” Matemadanda said in an audio to Karikoga acquired by NewsDay. “After consulting, I came back and I have the communication. You persuaded me and I then said yes but I told you that I don’t want to block anyone and now you are having a rally to insult me for what you invited me for?” Matemadanda asked. On Friday, last week Zanu PF leaders in the province held a rally at Gokwe Centre which was graced by Ncube, Provincial chairperson Larry Mavhima, and Karikoga among other senior party leaders at which they allegedly attacked Matemadanda. According to a reliable source, the Ncube camp also castigated the recently elected legislator for Gokwe Central Davison Masvisvi and councillor for Ward 1 Sesame Davis Taruvinga, for allegedly working with Matemadanda. The diplomat said he was surprised that Karikoga and his team held a rally to denigrate him. Karikoga’s phone went unanswered when contacted for comment. Newsday
HARARE- As online financial transactions are becoming increasingly popular, many Zimbabweans are adopting the use of mobile wallets and online banking services across the country. While the ease that digital payments offer is unparalleled, making transactions and receiving payments online also comes with the risk of cybercrime.
Susan Sitemere, Worldremit Country Manager Zimbabwe _ South Africa –
With the growing trend of cyber risk threats across the country, cyber resilience is needed, and securing end-to-endpoints in the financial services ecosystem cannot be over-emphasized.1 To keep Zimbabweans’ hard-earned money safe, WorldRemit continues to put its customers’ security at the core of its business, ensuring they can receive money from the diaspora without worry.
“WorldRemit ensures that international remittances are not just convenient and accessible for our customers, but most importantly, safe and secure amidst rising cases of cyber fraud incidents in Zimbabwe,” said Susan Sitemere, Country Manager, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, WorldRemit. “We take cyber security very seriously and understand many of the tricks and techniques behind some of the most popular scams.”
Reducing the risk of financial crime
In Zimbabwe, the upsurge in the use of mobile money, online banking and shopping during the COVID-19 lockdown came with a greater need for cybersecurity. The country experienced an increase in cybercrime and computer-related crime from money-related fraud, card cloning and identity fraud cyber incidents.2
Additionally, according to the National Risk Assessment (NRA) Report of 2020, cyber risks, mainly through digital financial channels, contributed to an estimated US $900 million of illicit proceeds generated from criminal activity annually in Zimbabwe.3
To counter cyber-attacks and provide better data protection, the government of Zimbabwe passed the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill in 2021 which aims to punish the people who misuse and abuse the internet, social media, and communication network. In addition to that, it aims to support the financial digital system of Zimbabwe for better protection and efficiency.4
To make sure its customers’ money is protected, WorldRemit has taken a proactive stance toward prevention. For instance, the company refuses to work with correspondent partners who lack effective controls for combatting fraud and financial crime and have implemented additional risk-based controls for customers who need to send to destinations where there is an elevated money laundering or terrorism financing risk.
Additionally, WorldRemit collaborates with other industries and companies to share best practices and information in order to better watch over the financial transactions it processes.
“The international remittance space is exposed to several key risks, including money laundering, fraud, terrorism financing, and sexual exploitation, so working with other leading bodies to combat this is essential,” said Susan Sitemere.
“Technology helps us understand and detect the known patterns of suspicious behavior signaling the misuse of a customer account when sending money is the priority,” she said.
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
By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa is pushing Parliament to finish the debate on the controversial Private Voluntary Organisations Bill so he can sign it into law.
The Bill amends the PVO Act and the government says it will curb money laundering and PVOs’ participation in politics. It proposes harsh penalties, including jail time of up to one year for perceived offences.
Opposition legislators and human rights activists say the proposed Bill is flawed and that it contains controversial clauses that should be subjected to scrutiny and debate.
Writing in his column in The Sunday Mail, a weekly state-run publication, Mnangagwa said:
The PVO Act will put an end to foreign meddling
I have had to stress this point because we continue to get reports of a few hostile countries that are trying, through their embassies here, to persistently meddle in, and to manipulate our electoral processes.
Today, I call them to order, warning them against challenging our hard-won sovereignty, which is embodied in all our national processes, including elections.
Quite often, these hostile countries use political NGOs they deliberately set up; they fund and run as Trojan Horses here.
It is this kind of mischief, this wanton abuse of our goodwill, which has forced us to introduce the PVO Bill in our Parliament.
I am ready to sign this Bill into law once Parliament has done its part. Those peddling or saddled with foreign interests and agendas have a lot to worry about, we will act on them once we establish they have betrayed their mandate. This includes banning and kicking them out of our country.
The ruling ZANU PF portrays NGOs as hostile entities that are pushing a regime change agenda in Zimbabwe.
If the new Bill is signed into law, critics say hundreds of NGOs in Zimbabwe may be forced to close shop.
By- MDC-T President Douglas Mwonzora has fired six Binga Rural District Council councillors after they were allegedly found to be agents of Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party .
The six are Wilson Siampolomba, Kariangwe Ward; Mathias Mudenda, Simatelele Ward; Kingson Mpofu; Kalungwizi Ward; Joseph Mweembe, Sikalenge Ward; Chrispen Munkuli, Lubimbi Ward and John Sikabotu representing Siachilaba ward. They are said to have been consistently working and ever pushing the agenda of the CCC. They are said to have even campaigned for a CCC candidate. “The councillors were found to have been all along working with and for CCC. They heavily campaigned for the same party’s candidates ahead and during the 2018 elections. At council chambers they were also pushing an agenda foreign to MDC-T hence their recall,” said MDC-T national spokesperson Mr Witness Dube. Binga has 21 wards largely controlled by the opposition. Sources within the party yesterday said more recalls will be coming in the next couple of days as Senator Mwonzora pushes for total control of the party ahead of the yet to be announced congress dates where he is certain to square off against his chairman, Senator Morgan Komichi. There have been rumblings within the party on the delays by Sen Mwonzora to announce the congress dates with the pro-Komichi camp arguing that the delays are deliberate and meant to give the incumbent more time to sell his agenda to the membership under the cover of “rebuilding MDC-T.” Meanwhile, Sen Mwonzora visited incarcerated Job Sikhala in prison on Saturday amid indications that CCC leadership are still pushing for the MDC-T to recall him. Mr Dube reaffirmed that calls for Sikhala’s recall are louder at the top of the CCC leadership. “@MDC263 President @DMwonzora visited #Sikhala & the Nyatsime inmates at 13:00hrs yesterday, PERIOD! We acted in solidarity with him at his time of need, & are no longer interested in the childish, misplaced & totally nonsensical social media debate raging around our visit! The biggest push to recall @JobSikhala1 has come from some top leadership of @CCCZimbabwe. We view this exaggerated social media debate on our visit to him as an attempt to bait us to recall him. We will not allow political influence from without to dictate to @mdc263,” wrote Dube on his personal Twitter account yesterday. Chronicle
