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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The trial is set to resume on October 18.

-The Standard

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, has pointed out that the presence of “the third force” in the country is a threat to national security.

Hon Matambo raised the matter in Parliament on Wednesday.

Said Hon Matambo:
In the continued absence of the Minister of State Security, I will pose my question to the Leader of the House.What is the Government’s policy regarding threats or claims to State Security? On three occasions, Government mentioned the presence of a third force in the country and up to this very day, nothing has been done to apprehend the third force.

I have seen that the victims, when the Government mentioned the presence of the third force, are the ones who have been arrested…”

The MP directed the question on national security to the Leader of the House in the absence of State Security Minister.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament then advised Hon Matambo to put the question in writing as it was sensitive.

Government is reluctant to act on cases of rising political violence in the country.

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

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

Read statement below:

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

14 October 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

Pictures of Baba Harare at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally have triggered mixed sentiments…

Has the lanky musician betrayed the people’s struggle?

Pictures of Baba Harare at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally have triggered mixed sentiments…

Has the lanky musician betrayed the people’s struggle?

POLICE have released the names of six children who perished in the Nyanga accident when a Tynwald school bus veered off the road and crashed near Pine Tree Hotel.

The six are Anesuishe Hove (14), Beyonce Guyo (15), Anita Manyuka (16), Destiny Dziva (14), Kimberly Tarisai Mutusva (15) and Craig Madanhire (age not given).

Guyo, Manyuka, Dziva, Mutusva and Madanhire died on the spot, while Hove died upon admission at Nyanga District Hospital.

The bus belonging to Tynwald High School in Harare, had 45 passengers on board, comprising 41 learners and four staff members.

It was being driven by Machimbidzofa Chamunorwa (43) and police attributed the cause of the accident to speeding.

— Manica Post

POLICE have released the names of six children who perished in the Nyanga accident when a Tynwald school bus veered off the road and crashed near Pine Tree Hotel.

The six are Anesuishe Hove (14), Beyonce Guyo (15), Anita Manyuka (16), Destiny Dziva (14), Kimberly Tarisai Mutusva (15) and Craig Madanhire (age not given).

Guyo, Manyuka, Dziva, Mutusva and Madanhire died on the spot, while Hove died upon admission at Nyanga District Hospital.

The bus belonging to Tynwald High School in Harare, had 45 passengers on board, comprising 41 learners and four staff members.

It was being driven by Machimbidzofa Chamunorwa (43) and police attributed the cause of the accident to speeding.

— Manica Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, he did not divulge what was happening.

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

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

In court, Maenzanise admitted to sleeping with the teenager.

— Manica Post

Violence unleashed against opposition CCC members in Matobo today. https://t.co/roVAhuDqp0

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 16, 2022

Pictures of Baba Harare at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally have triggered mixed sentiments…

Has the lanky musician betrayed the people’s struggle?

Pictures of Baba Harare at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally have triggered mixed sentiments…

Has the lanky musician betrayed the people’s struggle?

A million reasons at President Mwonzora's disposal to visit Wiwa & #Nyatsime16
1. President Mwonzora is the SENIOR PARTNER at Mwonzora &Associates where both @JobSikhala1 & @freddyMM93 are employed
2. Solidarity
3. Tolerance pic.twitter.com/htjgIPZ2LB

— Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) (@mdc263) October 15, 2022

https://twitter.com/freddyMM93/status/1581297944392740865?t=bCJZA83LTGHFTt1ZByHgFA&s=19

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) presiden, Nelson Chamisa has been barred by prison authorities from visiting incarcerated legislators Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole but his nemesis Douglas Mwonzora has been granted access.
But Sikhala’s lawyers yesterday said the opposition legislator was not interested in seeing Mwonzora.

Mwonzora yesterday visited Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison where 14 other Nyatsime residents charged alongside Sikhala and Sithole have been detained since June 14. His spokesperson, Witness Dube claimed the MDC T leader had met with Sikhala but Sikhala’s spokesperson Freddy Masarirevu told The Standard that was not true.

Mwonzora visited the Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison with fellow party members.

“I don’t want to comment on Mwonzora’s visit,” Masarirevu said. Just like any other person, he is allowed to visit Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison but I was with comrade Sikhala (yesterday) from 9 am to 12pm and he told me clearly that he was not going to see Mwonzora. He does not want to see him. If they say he (Mwonzora) saw him, they are lying”.

But Mwonzora’s spokesperson Witness insisted that Mwonzora met with Sikhala.

Addressing journalists outside Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, Mwonzora said he did not need permission from anyone to see Sikhala, Sithole and the 14 others while calling for their unconditional release.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing Chamisa said the CCC leader has been denied access to Sikhala, Sithole and the 14 others since their arrest in June. They have threatened to take legal action against this embargo.

In a letter dated October 13, 2022 addressed to Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) commissioner general Moses Chihobvu, Shava Law Chambers representing Chamisa said such a restriction was unlawful.

“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,” the lawyers said.

“We advise that in terms of section 50(5)( c) any person who is detained, including a sentenced 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.

“Further, a careful perusal of your prison policies would reveal that there is only a single category of visitors that are not allowed visits, these are those in need of conjugal rights.”

Sikhala faces a separate charge of obstruction of justice. He has been denied bail countless times with the courts pointing out that the legislator is a repeat offender not fit for bail.

“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,” Chamisa’s lawyers said.

They said denying Chamisa access to Sikhala, Sithole and 14 others was a violation of section 56 of the constitution which guarantees ‘our client the right to equal protection of the law.’

“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,” they said.

“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.”

While addressing the media at Chikurubi yesterday Mwonzora said: “Our view as the MDC is the continual pre-trial incarceration of Job Sikhala and his colleagues is totally unjustified, we are appealing to the government to release them so that they can be tried while they are coming from home,” said Mwonzora.

“This is an issue about humanity, it’s an issue about the families that were left behind and it is an issue about constitutional right to liberty. I do not require permission in terms of the law from any quarter to see accused people. This is a political issue that must be resolved politically. We believe that the opposition must show solidarity with one another.”

Sikhala says he is a political prisoner.

Recently, hundreds of citizens and other foreign nationals petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa pleading with him to intervene to secure the release of the CCC legislators and other members.

But government spokespersons have said Mnangagwa would not intervene out of respect of separation of powers between the Judiciary and the Executive.

Constitutional law expert and politician Lovemore Madhuku has said the arrest and detention of Sikhala and others needed a political solution.

The detainees face charges of incitement to public violence following violent skirmishes at the funeral of slain opposition activist Moreblessing Ali.-Standard

…In 2021, 64 inmates escaped from our prisons, and 52 inmates in 2022 up to date, making a total of 116…

One hundred and sixteen inmates escaped from correctional facilities between January 2021 and October this year, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has confirmed.

Most of the fugitives were B class inmates, who were allowed to be outside for work duties while serving their terms at medium-security prisons.

In an interview, ZPCS national public relations officer, Chief Superintendent Meya Khanyezi, said Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons had high incidences of prison escapes.

“In 2021, 64 inmates escaped from our prisons, and 52 inmates in 2022 up to date, making a total of 116,” she said.

“Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons have a high incidence of escapes since these stations have more B class inmates, who go out of prison to work.”

Police, however, recaptured 40 escapees during the same period. After escaping, 40 inmates were recaptured — 18 in 2021 and 22 in 2022,” added Chief Supt Khanyezi.

Most fugitives, she said, sneak away after asking for permission to answer the call of nature.

“Some A class inmates also abscond since they will no longer be under escort of a prison officer, given that they are of less risk and would have exhibited good behaviour.”

ZPCS is installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems at maximum prisons, arming its officers and reinforcing the canine section to avert future prison breaks.

In March, a convicted armed robber was recaptured by police after escaping from Harare Central Prison. He spent four months on the run. Richard Sasumba (40) was subsequently charged with attempting to escape from lawful custody.

It was alleged that on October 7 last year, Sasumba, who was serving his sentence at Harare Central Prison after having been convicted at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court of armed robbery, escaped from custody.

On March 9, 2022, police received a tip-off that Sasumba was seen loitering at a shopping centre in Epworth. Police proceeded to the shopping centre and arrested him.-state media

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

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

Read statement below:

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

14 October 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri| CCC vice president Hon Tendai Biti has slammed the Zanu PF regime for attempting to rob miners.

The Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa says a new policy that compels miners to pay half of their royalties in commodities and half in cash will be effected from this month as the country attempts to build precious metal and mineral stockpiles for the first time.

However, Biti has described the regime as clueless and desperate.

“The regime’s directives that half of mining royalties must be paid as processed ore with effect from October is one of those ill thought zany ideas that reflect vacuousness & cluelessness

For starters no changes in royalties regime can be made without changes in the law & parliament s involvement & approval. Secondly whilst a case can be made for building gold reserves , it is absolute insanity to keep reserves of chrome ,lithium or platinum . Why and what for ?

Minerals are not liquid & have fluid values determined by international commodity markets . Determining value for royalty purposes will always be a challenge . Particularly for platinum which has at least 6 derivative metals including rhodium. nickel , gold & silver,” Hon Biti argued.

CONDOLENCES MESSAGE:

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the 6 pupils who died at Juliasdale in Nyanga on Friday.

Five pupils died on the spot while another one died on admission at Nyanga District Hospital. May their souls Rest In Peace.

Govt has announced that ex convicts the type of ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa cannot run for office.

Individuals convicted of offences related to public violence, breach of trust and dishonesty at least a year before sitting of the nomination court would be ineligible to contest for public office under proposed amendments to the Electoral Act set to be tabled in Parliament soon, it has been learnt.
The planned amendments will also make a driver’s licence inadmissible as proof of identity for voting.

Mnangagwa was convicted of sabotating a train in 1965 and the offence was serious to the point that he nearly got the death penalty.

In addition, duly nominated candidates for National Assembly and local authority elections can now only withdraw their candidature 21 days before a poll.

Presently, time limits to the withdrawal of candidacy are only limited to presidential candidates.

This provision is designed to afford the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) sufficient time to make changes to ballots and advise the electorate.

Overall, there are four broad changes to the country’s electoral code that were approved by Cabinet a fortnight ago.

The new Bill essentially seeks to complete the alignment of the Electoral Act with the Constitution as amended last year, including making provisions for the introduction of the 30 percent female quota in all local authorities and the youth quota in the National Assembly.

Crucially, it also seeks to operationalise Section 129 (1)(i) of the Constitution, which bars politicians convicted of physical violence, breach of trust and dishonesty from running for public office.

The Bill’s memorandum seen by The Sunday Mail reads: “An offence of this nature is one for which a Member of Parliament is presently under Section 129 of the Constitution required to vacate his or her seat.

“For the sake of consistency, it is proposed that persons who would be disqualified from continuing as MPs for committing such an offence should not also be allowed to stand as candidates for election.

“Guided by the principle that offenders who would be disqualified from continuing to sit in Parliament should not be admitted into Parliament, this clause will require every candidate to make a solemn declaration in a nomination form or by means of an attached affidavit that he or she is not convicted of a disqualifying offence or has received a pardon for such offence.”

With less than a year before the next general elections, some politicians currently appearing before the courts on charges of public violence could face disqualification if convicted.

In its present form, the Electoral Act requires a prospective voter to present either a national ID card, valid passport or driver’s licence to a polling officer to cast their ballot.

However, the envisaged changes will exclude the driver’s licence.

“Some driver’s licences do not reflect citizenship on the face of them,” the memorandum reads.

“In terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, one has to be a citizen in order to qualify as a voter.

“Accordingly, only a valid passport or national identity will be accepted as proof of identity.”

According to Section 107 (1) of the Electoral Act, a presidential candidate can withdraw his or her candidature 21 days before polling.

The Act, however, is silent on time frames for the withdrawal of National Assembly and council election candidates.

“To afford sufficient time for ZEC to make changes to the design of the ballot and to advise the electorate of any changes to the candidature of that election, these clauses seek to amend Sections 49 and 126 of the Electoral Act so that they are aligned to Section 107 (1) of the principal Act for withdrawal of candidature to be done 21 days before polling.”

Amendments to the Constitution, passed into law last year, provide for the setting aside of 30 percent of seats in local authorities for women and the creation of 10 new proportional representation seats for youths in the National Assembly.

The Electoral Act is now being amended to include provisions to operationalise these changes as set out in the supreme law.

Reads the Bill: “For every electoral province, there shall be elected by indirect proportional representation one youth member; that is, a person aged from twenty-one to thirty-five years of age.

“For every local authority (whether that local authority is a rural district council, city, municipal council, town council or local board) there shall be elected by indirect proportional representation the number of women party list councillors equal to the integer or nearest integer ….”

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said changes to the Act were informed by the need to operationalise new electoral provisions introduced when Constitutional Amendment Number 2 was signed into law.

“Broadly, we are introducing four major changes to the Electoral Act that encompass disqualification of candidates, proof of identity, withdrawal of candidates and the introduction of the women and youth quotas in councils and the National Assembly, respectively,” he said.

“The first one has to do with removing the driver’s licence as an acceptable proof of identity for the purposes of voting. This is because these documents do not show status in terms of citizenship.

“In terms of the law, voting is only for Zimbabwean citizens, so we cannot have a non-citizen with a Zimbabwean driver’s licence voting in our elections.”

Minister Ziyambi said candidates will be disqualified from contesting in elections particularly for offences similar to those that force an MP to vacate his seat once convicted.

“It aligns the Act to Section 129 of the Constitution.”

Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Mr Andrew Makoni said the proposal to codify the women and youth quotas is in keeping with recent amendments to the Constitution.

“Providing for a period within which one can withdraw her or his candidacy before an election is also positive as this will allow ZEC enough time to print ballots for the elections.

“We can only comment on the other provisions of the proposed Bill once it has been published,” he said. Sunday Mail

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana, Hon Johnson Matambo, has pointed out that the presence of “the third force” in the country is a threat to national security.

Hon Matambo raised the matter in Parliament on Wednesday.

Said Hon Matambo:
In the continued absence of the Minister of State Security, I will pose my question to the Leader of the House.What is the Government’s policy regarding threats or claims to State Security? On three occasions, Government mentioned the presence of a third force in the country and up to this very day, nothing has been done to apprehend the third force.

I have seen that the victims, when the Government mentioned the presence of the third force, are the ones who have been arrested…”

The MP directed the question on national security to the Leader of the House in the absence of State Security Minister.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament then advised Hon Matambo to put the question in writing as it was sensitive.

Government is reluctant to act on cases of rising political violence in the country.

A 31-YEAR-OLD woman from Lobengula suburb in Bulawayo who allegedly stabbed her 47-year-old live-in boyfriend to death following a dispute over late supper has appeared in court charged with murder.

Agrenna Chimala allegedly cold bloodedly murdered her boyfriend Mxolisi Sibanda who was self-employed as a builder. This was after she allegedly stabbed him with a kitchen knife once in the neck.

Agrenna was not formally charged with murder as defined in Section 47 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 when she briefly appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Busani Sibanda who remanded her in custody to October 14.

The magistrate advised her to apply for bail at the High Court.

The court heard that on 27 September at around 12pm the now deceased and accused visited their friend McLean Dube at his place where they later had lunch together.

After having lunch they all went to Esiqongweni Tavern in Lobengula West to drink beer.
While drinking beer, the court heard that the now deceased received a phone call from his daughter who invited him to come to her house in Pumula South to collect a bag of mealie-meal.

The now deceased reportedly left the accused in the company of Dube. Before he left he reportedly advised them that he was going to phone Dube on his way back so that they could meet him at the intersection of Intemba and Luveve road and assist him carry the mealie-meal.

Soon after her boyfriend had left, Agrenna reportedly requested Dube to escort her to Masunda Shopping Centre in New Lobengula to buy mealie-meal.

After buying it, the two then went together to the now deceased and accused’s place. Upon arrival, the accused further asked Dube to go to one of the houses in the suburb to collect her sister’s child and bring him home.

Dube went and when he came back with the child, the court heard, he found the now deceased shouting at Agrenna while quizzing her why she didn’t come to meet him at the intersection of Intemba and Luveve road.

The now deceased also shouted at Dube also questioning him why he didn’t come to assist him carry the mealie-meal.

In response Dube defended himself saying it was because the now deceased had not phoned him as they had previously agreed before he left.

The court further heard that after that brief quarrel Dube and the now deceased left home and went back to Esiqongweni Tavern to continue with their booze.

It is alleged that on the same day and at around 8pm the now deceased and Dube arrived home from Esiqongweni and found the accused who had not cooked anything seated on the sofa.

That, however, didn’t go down well with the now deceased who asked her why she had not cooked but the accused reportedly didn’t answer him.

In a fit of anger, the now deceased reportedly shouted at her with vul_gar words and sensing danger Dube quickly went out of the house and proceeded to his place leaving behind the two parties arguing.

It is reported that the now deceased and accused continued shouting at each other until the verbal war degenerated into a fist fight.

At the height of the fight the now deceased reportedly took a hammer and at the same time the accused also took a kitchen knife.

It is yet to be proven that when the now deceased tried to hit his lover with it, she blocked it with one of her hands and in the process she allegedly stabbed him once in the neck.

The accused reportedly tried to render first aid to the now deceased who was now lying on the ground unconscious but with no success.

She then tried to open the door and she failed to do so after she didn’t locate the keys which had been taken by the now deceased who was not able to talk.

In a state of panic, she used the hammer to break the bedroom window and escaped through it before she rushed to Dube’s place.

Upon arrival she narrated to Dube what had happened, and without wasting time they rushed back to the house where they found the now deceased still alive but not able to talk.

They both left the house and went to ZRP Magwegwe to report the matter.

The police reportedly phoned an ambulance which upon arrival found Sibanda dead and that subsequently led to Agrenna’ arrest.

— BMetro

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

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

Read statement below:

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

14 October 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

FreeJobSariWiwaSikhala

ZanupfMustGo

freegodfreykarakadzayisithole

freethenyatsime14

JusticeForMoreblessingAli

justiceforcouncillorbenardchimwango

justiceforchampionlangtonguvava

Citizens Coalition for Change Namibia
Rundu Branch Change Champion
Robson Ruhanya

CONDOLENCES MESSAGE:

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the 6 pupils who died at Juliasdale in Nyanga on Friday.

Five pupils died on the spot while another one died on admission at Nyanga District Hospital. May their souls Rest In Peace.

Tinashe Sambiri|Families of the jailed Nyatsime activists on Friday presented the challenges they are facing to CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.

The CCC leader visited the families on Friday to show solidarity with them.

Below is CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba’s statement on President Chamisa’s visit to Nyatsime…

Today(Friday), the President Advocate Nelson Chamisa visited the families of the Nyatsime 17 in Chitungwiza to show solidarity.

The President took time to hear the families’ current challenges and how they are coping up in the midst of Zanu PF sponsored violence and abuse of state institutions to deny their loved ones freedom.

They freely shared the challenges they are currently facing and said were excited to have a physical interaction with the President and also thanked him for the support they are receiving from the party.

The President’s visit followed another visit by a team of our Members of Parliament led by our Chief Whip Hon Prosper Mutseyami.

Our Welfare department, diaspora community individuals and civic societies are playing a crucial role in making sure these families are physically and psychologically taken care of.

Solidarity is central to this struggle. We are all victims of the regime’s brutal and callous behavior.

As progressive Citizens, fighting for a new Great Zimbabwe, we are responsible for our colleagues who are being victimized by the regime in Harare.

We stick together as one, a new Great Zimbabwe is loading.

FakaPressure

CONDOLENCES MESSAGE:

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the 6 pupils who died at Juliasdale in Nyanga on Friday.

Five pupils died on the spot while another one died on admission at Nyanga District Hospital. May their souls Rest In Peace.- CCC

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa has hinted at the existence of structures within his new party, telling NewZimbabwe.com that those who do not know about them were not part of the opposition family.

Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com after burial of journalist Abigail Gamanya in Harare, Thursday, Chamisa said those within his party knew of the existence of structures.

He was responding to questions regards criticism his movement has been receiving from various quarters, earlier this year.

“Who said the party does not have structures? There is a difference in saying the party has no structures and saying that we do not know the party structures,” said Chamisa.

“If you do not know then you are not part of the family, but those who are part of the family know that you cannot exist in form and and shape without a structure,” Chamisa said

Exiled former Cabinet minister Mzembi questions Zanu PF’s interests in CCC Structures: Says ruling party engulfed by demons
Chamisa urges Prof Moyo to tone down CCC lack of structures criticism; exiled former minister defiant
“Parties with no structures, constitution should be barred from contesting elections,” says Professor Moyo in latest attack on CCC.

Exiled former cabinet minister, Jonathan Moyo has led the barrage against CCC, despite it earlier having excited his interest and enticed him at inception in February.

Chamisa’s leadership style has also been put under scrutiny by academic Alfred Mavedzenge, whose weekly columns have been highlighting gaps within the democratic movement.

At formation, Chamisa made it public the party would operate without the usual structures, which had been in use in the MDC Alliance or were evident in Zanu PF.

He has maintained presidency under the tag ‘Change Champion-In-Chief.’

Chamisa told supporters at various rallies, effecting structures across the country would open it up to infiltration ahead of elections in 2023.

Meanwhile, Gamanya was buried at Warren Hills Cemetery in the presence of workmates, family, friends who included Information Deputy Minister, Kindness Paradza, Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF) coordinator Njabulo Ncube, young journalists and her former mentees.

Ncube said the gap she left in media advocacy will be difficult to fill.

Newzimbabwe

…We are distraught as a family after the two tragedies that have befallen us…

When Kesari Sibanda’s coffin was unloaded from a hearse at Red Rose Farm’s football ground yesterday, his family broke down in tears.

Sibanda’s family was one of the 10 families who were gathered under the tent that housed relatives and friends of the denary men who were burnt to death, some beyond recognition while trying to fight a veld fire that broke out at Red Rose Farm Lot 43 on Monday.

The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Nqobizitha Ndlovu, Umzingwane MP Brigadier General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome, Environmental Management Agency Board Chairperson Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi, Zanu-F Politburo Member Cde Richard Ndlovu, Umzingwane District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mrs Siphathisiwe Mlotshwa and Insiza DDC Mr Zacharia Jusa attended the service.

The owner of Lot 43, Abel Moyo and his business partner, Mike Stone, who runs Red Rose Farm and their families were also among the mourners.

Cries of pain and heartbreak from women pierced the air as they wept at the sight of coffin after coffin carried to the centre of the gathering by Doves Funeral Services pallbearers.

It was sad to see 10 coffins lined up. Some of the deceased were too young to die — Luzibo Tshuma was just 18 when he met his death.

His uncle, Tobias Simusonde Kamambo said it was a double tragedy for their family as on the same day when Luzibo met his demise in Esigodini, his aunt’s huts was going down in flames in Binga.

“We had a very painful problem. When Luzibo encountered his death due to a veld fire in Esigodini, in Binga on the same day, my sister, Luzibo’s aunt, had her hut burnt down by a veld fire. We are distraught as a family after the two tragedies that have befallen us,” said Kamambo.

He said Luzibo will be buried at their rural home of Chisiizya under Chief Sinamagonde in Binga.

It was a double blow for Cryton Mudimba as he lost his brother Ian Mudimba (38) and his nephew, Oliver Mudenda (27).

Mourners break down during a mass funeral service in Esigodini yesterday

Ian leaves behind a wife and three children, while Oliver’s death has orphaned his two minor children and widowed his wife.

Thabani Sibanda, the uncle of Kesari Sibanda (53) said his death was heart-wrenching.

“We called him baba saMdawini. We have lost a father, grandfather and uncle. I would like to thank President Mnangagwa who sat down with the arms of Government and saw it fit to help us. Alone we wouldn’t have been able to. We are in mourning with the families who also lost their loved ones,” said Sibanda.

He said the father of six will be buried today at their rural home of Figtree in Matabeleland South province.

Petros Mdlongwa lost his brother Simon in the inferno, and said the family was left speechless.

“He was very respectful and had a good heart. I don’t remember even one instance that he was disrespectful to his elders or to anyone else. He touched a lot of lives and people testify that he was a good man,” said Mdlongwa. -Chronicle

Government is yet to consult with the late Ndabaningi Sithole’s family over the nationalist’s hero status and a special gala being organised in his honour in Chipinge, a family spokesperson has told NewsDay Weekender.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently posthumously conferred national hero status on Sithole nearly 22 years after he was buried at a low-key event at his family farm in Mt Selinda, Chipinge, following his fallout with the Zanu PF leadership during the liberation struggle.

On Tuesday, Information ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana announced that the government was planning a music gala to honour Sithole.

“The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) is working on a musical gala to celebrate the life of the late former Zanu leader and national hero, Rev Ndabaningi Sithole.

The gala will be in Chipinge where he hailed from. We will soon provide the actual date and other specifics,” Mangwana tweeted.

However, Sithole’s daughter Sifiso Sithole-Barrow said government had not yet made formal contact with the family.

“Government has not made any formal communication with the family. Once the government contacts the family formally and discussions are held, we will be happy to share with you and others.”she said.

-Newsday

By CHRA| Parliament will soon be summoning the Minister of Local Government over the conduct and manner in which devolutions funds are being allocated, disbursed and spent, following CHRA’s petition to Parliament over the issue.

On 10 August 2022 CHRA petitioned Parliament over the conduct by the Ministry of Local Government and manner in which devolution funds are being allocated, disbursed and spent without supporting legislation and in violation of the principles of devolution provided in Section 264 of the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Key examples of unconstitutional actions that were raised in the petition include;
1) The Local Government Minister’s directive for the City of Harare to use “devolution funds” to purchase water pumps from Petrichor Irrigation at a cost of USD$9.3 million without going to tender.
2) The Local Government Minister’s directive to the City of Harare through a circular dated 14 June 2022 instructing the Local Authority to purchase fire tenders costing USD$464 000 each from a Belarus company using “devolution funds”, without going to tender and without consulting residents and the Local Authority.
To that note CHRA beseached Parliament to:
i. Summon the Minister of Local Government to appear before Parliament and explain the Constitutionality of its actions.
ii. Summon the Minister of Local Government to appear before Parliament and share the revenue allocation formulae used to allocate and disburse “devolution funds” to Local Authorities and an update of “devolution funds” disbursed to the City of Harare.
iii. Summon the Minister of Local Government to bring Bills that will guide devolution implementation as provided by the Constitution so that Parliament behind can enact an enabling legislation (Act of Parliament), which guides the allocation of “devolution funds” and devolution implementation.
iv. Summon the City of Harare to appear before Parliament and share on the performance of “devolution funds” allocated to it for the periods January to December 2021 and January to June 2022 by the Minister of Local Government.

By Gift Ostallos Siziba

We pay our last respects to a veteran media practitioner, heroine, mentor, advisor and gender equality champion Abigail Gamanya.

President Nelson Chamisa salutes the late Gamanya for her contribution to the Alternative since the birth of the pro-democracy movement in this country.

She was a pillar of strength to many, and a key player in the media fraternity and gender equality champion.

May her soul Rest In Peace

Rest Well Champion!

Tinashe Sambiri| CCC vice president Hon Tendai Biti has slammed the Zanu PF regime for attempting to rob miners.

The Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa says a new policy that compels miners to pay half of their royalties in commodities and half in cash will be effected from this month as the country attempts to build precious metal and mineral stockpiles for the first time.

However, Biti has described the regime as clueless and desperate.

“The regime’s directives that half of mining royalties must be paid as processed ore with effect from October is one of those ill thought zany ideas that reflect vacuousness & cluelessness

For starters no changes in royalties regime can be made without changes in the law & parliament s involvement & approval. Secondly whilst a case can be made for building gold reserves , it is absolute insanity to keep reserves of chrome ,lithium or platinum . Why and what for ?

Minerals are not liquid & have fluid values determined by international commodity markets . Determining value for royalty purposes will always be a challenge . Particularly for platinum which has at least 6 derivative metals including rhodium. nickel , gold & silver,” Hon Biti argued.

Tinashe Sambiri| Concerned citizens have implored CCC to be alert and watchful as Zanu PF is planning to steal the 2023 polls.

Commenting on by-elections held at the weekend, worried yf 3 citizens CCC to exert pressure on Zanu PF to implement reforms.

Responding to concerned citizens’ views, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

“I think more work has to be done to close the gap. This was a byelection for a zanupf seat and despite intimidation and patronage networks- some braved out and voted for CCC.

We are going there for a postmortem and a grassroots mobilization program so that we build from there.”

One social media observer said :

“Cde we are concerned with the numbers which are not tallying for example the number of registered voters is 450 then the results are like this Zanu pf 380 & CCC got 220 which is we have got 150 unknown ghost voters .Even if we are going to mobilize million ppl they rig.”

According to official results published by the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) in Nyanga Ward 27, Nyazenga Simon of Zanu PF garnered 376 while Tichiwangani Artwell Taurai of CCC got 123.

In Mberengwa Ward 15 Nkonzo Albenias garnered 765 while Dhongijena Cornias of CCC got 165

THREE armed robbers broke into a house in Kwekwe’s Mbizo 19 suburb and got away with US$20 000 cash among other valuables.

The three robbers also allegedly took turns to rap_e three girls and their mother before they disappeared into the night.

National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were underway.

“We are investigating a case where a family in Mbizo 19 lost US$20 000 to armed robbers. The robbers were armed with a pistol and a spanner which they used to break into the house. Three of the family’s daughters were also raped by the three robbers,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

He appealed to members of the public with information that may lead to the apprehension of the robbers to contact any nearest police station.

— Herald

Police in Mashonaland East are investigating a case where a Mudzi man, Zvikomborero Simende (35) allegedly murdered his wife in cold blood over infidelity issues.

After the gruesome murder of his wife Janet Nyamutsenga (34), Simende allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself on a mango tree, about 20 metres from where he had killed his wife.

The two bodies were discovered by another villager, Simon Simeti.

The matter which occurred recently, was reported to the police, who attended the scene and observed that the wife had a deep cut on her neck, and an axe stained with blood was left nearby the deceased’s body.

“Simon Simeti reported the matter to the police at Suswe police base. It is alleged that Simende and his wife had a misunderstanding over infidelity. During investigations, the police observed that Janet Nyamutsenga was lying in a pool of blood with a deep cut on her neck.

“Zvikomborero Simende had blood stains on his shoulders and had no injuries. This prompted some suspicions that Simende hanged himself after murdering his wife. Investigations are in progress,” deputy police spokesperson for Mashonaland East province Assistant Inspector Misheck Denhere said.

— Herald

THREE armed robbers broke into a house in Kwekwe’s Mbizo 19 suburb and got away with US$20 000 cash among other valuables.

The three robbers also allegedly took turns to rap_e three girls and their mother before they disappeared into the night.

National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were underway.

“We are investigating a case where a family in Mbizo 19 lost US$20 000 to armed robbers. The robbers were armed with a pistol and a spanner which they used to break into the house. Three of the family’s daughters were also raped by the three robbers,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

He appealed to members of the public with information that may lead to the apprehension of the robbers to contact any nearest police station.

— Herald

Tinashe Sambiri| Concerned citizens have implored CCC to be alert and watchful as Zanu PF is planning to steal the 2023 polls.

Commenting on by-elections held at the weekend, worried yf 3 citizens CCC to exert pressure on Zanu PF to implement reforms.

Responding to concerned citizens’ views, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

“I think more work has to be done to close the gap. This was a byelection for a zanupf seat and despite intimidation and patronage networks- some braved out and voted for CCC.

We are going there for a postmortem and a grassroots mobilization program so that we build from there.”

One social media observer said :

“Cde we are concerned with the numbers which are not tallying for example the number of registered voters is 450 then the results are like this Zanu pf 380 & CCC got 220 which is we have got 150 unknown ghost voters .Even if we are going to mobilize million ppl they rig.”

According to official results published by the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) in Nyanga Ward 27, Nyazenga Simon of Zanu PF garnered 376 while Tichiwangani Artwell Taurai of CCC got 123.

In Mberengwa Ward 15 Nkonzo Albenias garnered 765 while Dhongijena Cornias of CCC got 165

Tinashe Sambiri| Concerned citizens have implored CCC to be alert and watchful as Zanu PF is planning to steal the 2023 polls.

Commenting on by-elections held at the weekend, worried yf 3 citizens CCC to exert pressure on Zanu PF to implement reforms.

Responding to concerned citizens’ views, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

“I think more work has to be done to close the gap. This was a byelection for a zanupf seat and despite intimidation and patronage networks- some braved out and voted for CCC.

We are going there for a postmortem and a grassroots mobilization program so that we build from there.”

One social media observer said :

“Cde we are concerned with the numbers which are not tallying for example the number of registered voters is 450 then the results are like this Zanu pf 380 & CCC got 220 which is we have got 150 unknown ghost voters .Even if we are going to mobilize million ppl they rig.”

According to official results published by the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) in Nyanga Ward 27, Nyazenga Simon of Zanu PF garnered 376 while Tichiwangani Artwell Taurai of CCC got 123.

In Mberengwa Ward 15 Nkonzo Albenias garnered 765 while Dhongijena Cornias of CCC got 165

Tinashe Sambiri| CCC vice president Hon Tendai Biti has slammed the Zanu PF regime for attempting to rob miners.

The Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa says a new policy that compels miners to pay half of their royalties in commodities and half in cash will be effected from this month as the country attempts to build precious metal and mineral stockpiles for the first time.

However, Biti has described the regime as clueless and desperate.

“The regime’s directives that half of mining royalties must be paid as processed ore with effect from October is one of those ill thought zany ideas that reflect vacuousness & cluelessness

For starters no changes in royalties regime can be made without changes in the law & parliament s involvement & approval. Secondly whilst a case can be made for building gold reserves , it is absolute insanity to keep reserves of chrome ,lithium or platinum . Why and what for ?

Minerals are not liquid & have fluid values determined by international commodity markets . Determining value for royalty purposes will always be a challenge . Particularly for platinum which has at least 6 derivative metals including rhodium. nickel , gold & silver,” Hon Biti argued.