By A Correspondent- Chiefs Council president Fortune Charumbira has demanded more action on child marriages, while urging government and stakeholders to educate the nation about the Marriages Act which outlaws child marriages, among other provisions.
Speaking during a workshop to unpack the Marriages Act (Chapter 5:15) organised by the Women’s Affairs ministry in the capital yesterday, Chirumbira said: “We need an action plan programme that will run for two years, designed in all languages so that we can reach all the communities in the country.”
“Education systems should also ensure the young people themselves are involved. This will be after we hold brainstorming sessions to find out the root causes of these child marriages.”
He added: “We should not run away from the real issues causing these child marriages, but unpack them and come up with solutions that will be shared across all platforms and sections of the society.”
The Act, passed into law last month, introduces a civil partnership and a qualified civil marriage and recognises an unregistered customary law union as a marriage.
Under the Act, facilitating marriages of children below 18 years is now a criminal offence.
Women’s Affairs minister Sithembiso Nyoni said: “We should continue to disapprove and campaign against child marriages. There is need to have indabas and look at the key issues causing child marriages and how we are going to end these marriages now that the law supports us.”
Musasa Project programmes officer Tinashe Chitunhu said young girls forced into child marriages were victims of gender-based violence.
“With the new law, it is a new dawn for us. However, we appeal to the government to expedite issues of operationalising the Marriages Bill and its various amendments so that we can start the business of protecting our young girls,” Chitunhu said.
THE family of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Moreblessing Ali, says the arrest of its lawyer Job Sikhala, is a State ploy to force them to bury their relative before her killers are arrested.
“We condemn the arrest of our representative and spokesperson, Sikhala and one of the local leaders, who was instrumental in the CCC search mission, Honourable Godfrey Sithole. To be clear, it was our position as a family that we would not bury Moreblessing until her murderers are arrested,” family spokesperson Washington Ali said.
“Sikhala was the appointed watching brief over any potential investigation, arrest and prosecution. It is a matter of regret that Sikhala has been arrested in the course and scope of his legal duties. This is an extension of the political persecution of Moreblessing.”
Sikhala was arrested for inciting violence following an orgy of violence that erupted on Tuesday after CCC and Zanu-PF youths went on rampage in Nyatsime fighting to control Ali’s funeral wake.
The Zengeza West legislator had announced that the family would not bury the deceased before the perpetrators of the heinous crime are apprehended.
Zanu-PF Seke legislator Munyaradzi Kashambe has also been accused of stoking the violence after he said the ruling party had taken over the funeral proceedings, a move that irked CCC activists.
Kashambe, whose constituency covers Nyatsime area, made the statements when he attended the funeral in the company of other Zanu-PF officials, including the area councillor, Masimbi Masimbi on Monday.
Yesterday, Kashambe said he had been receiving death threats since then.
“I am receiving death threats over the phone with some of the people threatening to kill my children. Some are using foreign numbers and sending all sorts of threats. I am going to file a report, but currently I am engaging my (Zanu-PF) superiors on the way forward,” Kashambe said.
“In some of the texts, they are asking if I have children and whether I want them to live. Yesterday (Tuesday), some people drove to my farm in Nyabira, but could not make it after their vehicle ran out of fuel along the way.”
On Tuesday, Zanu-PF and CCC supporters fought running battles at Ali’s funeral. Both Zanu-PF and CCC allege that Ali was their member.
In a related case, Zanu-PF shadow councillor for Zengeza West Charamba Mlambo has courted controversy after pictures of him branding a pistol in the wake of the violence over Ali’s death went viral.
Mlambo, who lost the seat to the CCC in the March by-elections, is alleged to have posted the picture at a party meeting held at a Unit G house on Tuesday.
“I took the picture some time ago at my home. People posted it because of what has been happening in Nyatsime,” Mlambo said.
“I posted the photo on my Instagram with a caption ‘never mind of the dogs, but beware of the owner’. It was not this week. I think this picture is being politicised for the violence happening in Nyatsime.”
Ali went missing on May 24 before her mutilated body was recovered from a well in Nyatsime on Saturday. A suspect, Pius Jamba, is currently on the run over her murder.
As Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Youth Change Champions, today we join the rest of the African continent in celebrating the Day of African Child. This year the day is celebtrated under the theme “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children”.
The day brings sad memories of how a paranoid apartheid regime in South Africa butchered defenseless Soweto children for demanding for a right to be taught in their own languages.
Back at home the day comes at a time when a murderous and bloody regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa is running amok committing worse atrocities than colonial regimes.
This year’s June 16 is a sad mirror of events of 16 June 1976 in South Africa. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s blood thirsty regime mirrors everything bad of the South African apartheid regime.
The African Child is undersiege in a post independence Zimbabwe!
The day comes at a time when alternative voices are being persecuted for choosing yellow over green. Citizens are being slaughtered like chickens ready for sale for choosing an index fix over a fist! Some are being abducted for choosing suit over scarf!
From Mboneni Ncube to Moreblessing Ali, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hands drips with blood of change champions!
Just like in 1976, today the opposition and labour are in courts on trumped up charges. Where we had Nelson Mandela at Robben Island Maximum Prison in South Africa, today in independent Zimbabwe we have Hon Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole, Hon Job Sikhala and renowned human rights defender Obert Masaraure in prison for demanding rights of the African child.
Our clarion call to all young people is that lets draw inspiration from the Soweto children of 1976 and fight this monster regime. Those of 1976 taught us that every dictatorship falls when we choose to stand up.
Our message to Emmerson Mnangagwa on this day is that we demand for the immediate release of our CCC officials Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and human rights defender, Obert Masaraure.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma CCC Youth Change Champions interim Spokesperson
We are receiving disturbing reports that Champion Edison Chinembiri of Zengeza Main Branch was murdered by thugs on Tuesday night.
We extend our sincere condolences to the Chinembiri family & call on the Police to investigate the matter thoroughly. Peace must prevail.- Fadzayi Mahere
Human Rights lawyer Obey Shava says some youths stoned destroyed the house of the late Rtd. Lieutenant colonel Elliot Piki who disappered and was found dead in 2018.
Said Shava, “Just received news that some youths are destroying properties at Rtd. Lieutenant colonel Piki’s house in Waterfalls.Police waterfalls not reacting 3 hrs after the report.The same lieutenant was once abducted and stopped from testifying at the Motlante Commission.”
Just received news that some youths are destroying properties at Rtd. Lieutenant colonel Piki's house in Waterfalls.Police waterfalls not reacting 3 hrs after the report.The same lieutenant was once abducted and stopped from testifying at the Motlante Commission.@PoliceZimbabwe
In 2018 Piki mysteriously went missing after reportedly being abducted hours before giving evidence to the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 killings.
Piki was reportedly abducted by unknown assailants,forcing his wife Sibongile Sarukato to approach the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) to petition the High Court with a to force government to investigate his whereabouts.
By A Correspondent- Two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, for armed robbery and illegal possession of ammunition.
The Zimbabweans and their two alleged accomplices, both South African, are expected to appear in court soon.
In a statement on Thursday, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s communications unit said on 14 June, police officers in the city received a complaint from two students who alleged they had been robbed of their cellphones.
The students alleged that they were mugged by five males at Delvers and Albert Street. Johannesburg Metropolitan Police said:
Officers proceeded to the area where the robbery occurred and followed up on information of the suspects who committed the robbery.
The information led officers to a building at End and Albert Street where they found three male suspects identified by the complainants.
The rooms were searched and three toy firearms, two okapi knives and five live 9mm ammunition were recovered.
Whilst searching for a fourth suspect, information led officers to where the suspect resides.
Upon arrival, a 17-year-old female was found in the room. When searching the room, another toy firearm and live ammunition was recovered.
By A Correspondent- Factional fights rocking Zanu-PF’s Mashonaland West province have escalated, with chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka being accused of illegally dissolving district structures to disempower rival Kindness Paradza.
Her actions, which have been noted in a letter sent to her office and copied to national political commissar Mike Bimha by Chegutu district’s executive, highlight heightened infighting for positions in the lower rungs of the party.
Zanu-PF district executives constitute the electoral college in voting for provincial executive committees (PEC).
Mliswa-Chikoka, who doubles as provincial affairs minister, and deputy information minister Paradza, squared off in the race for provincial chairperson, in polls that were marred by allegations of rigging.
“We, the undersigned Zanu-PF party leadership from Chegutu District, do hereby write to seek clarification on why Mashonaland West PEC has made a decision to dissolve properly elected and properly constituted party districts in Chegutu Urban,” reads the letter, dated June 13, 2022.
“The four districts affected are; Dzikamidzi, Umvovo, Kaguvi 1 and Kaguvi 2. Party leadership in Chegutu was surprised by the announcement you made to dissolve the districts at an inter-district meeting held in Chegutu.”
The said meeting was held on June 12.
The letter adds: “That decision was made without consultation with the local Chegutu leadership. Chairman, you will recall that the party districts you want to dissolve were elected during the national restructuring exercise supervised by the national Commissariat Department in 2021.”
Zanu-PF Chegutu urban members feel Mliswa-Chikoka is propping Chegutu West legislator, Dexter Nduna, who is eyeing a party central committee position.
They claimed party meetings have turned violent, as senior members are unleashing “mobsters” on their detractors.
“People who organise these mobsters are known, but the province takes no action to protect ordinary party members,” it noted.
Mliswa-Chikoka and her allies stand accused of having misplaced priorities and “fomenting chaos and disharmony among party structures” in the wake of a Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) scheduled rally this weekend.
“If we are not careful, the way the province is managing party affairs generally will affect the party’s performance in next year’s general elections,” said the disgruntled Zanu-PF officials.
Last week, Zanu-PF Youth League provincial chairman, Tapiwa Masenda, allegedly loyal to Paradza, had his executive reshuffled, with Mliswa-Chikoka loyalists imposed to take up influential posts in order to dilute his authority.
Timothy Masviba was imposed as vice chairman, replacing Kudzai Mudekunye, while Mutsa Ziyambi, son to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, was nominated for secretary post, taking over from Rudo Munyonga.
Thomas Chidzomba and one Karonga replaced Irvine Matanga and Ertybty Mubaiwa as treasurer and commissar, respectively.-NewZim
Tinashe Sambiri|In what clearly shows that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is not independent at all, Zanu PF Information director, has subtly threatened to instruct the police to arrest CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.
Mugwadi stunned all and sundry after issuing threats to arrest the People’s President.
Analysts say Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising popularity.
“Our stability, peace & harmony can never be subordinated to these needless acts of organised violence. I urge ZANU PF supporters to maintain cool heads in the face of this needless @CCCZimbabwe sponsored violence.
@nelsonchamisa remember you are not immune before the law,” said Mugwadi.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has failed to release the 2018 provisional voters’ roll to an independent think-tank, the Election Resource Centre (ERC), thereby flouting a High Court order, while betraying its insincerity in availing the voter register for audit.
The ERC has been continually writing to Zec, requesting the voters’ roll, but in vain.
The 2018 High Court order read by The NewsHawks shows that Zec was directed to furnish the ERC with the provisional voters’ roll that it used for the inspection exercise in the period of 19-29 May 2018.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the reasonable period within which the respondent should furnish the applicant with the copy of the Provisional Voters’ Roll as per this order is hereby determined to be no more than five working days following payment of the prescribed fees,” read part of the ruling on the High Court order dated 14 June 2018.
While chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana said in a statement dated 28 May 2022 that the commission “will always make available copies of the voters’ roll upon request in accordance with the Electoral Act”, the ERC says efforts to get a copy have continually hit a brick wall.
“The voters’ roll is also a public document which, in any case, should also be available,” says Solomon Bobosibunu, the ERC programmes manager.
The commission should provide … any person who requests it, and who pays the prescribed fee, with a copy of any voters’ roll, including a consolidated roll, according to section 21 (3) of the Electoral Act.
Bobosibunu says the ERC is currently requesting Zec for a copy of the voters’ roll ahead of the delimitation exercise, a process that is proving to be an uphill task for the organisation.
“Its availability (voters’ roll) confirms transparency. It is important that we obtain the voters’ roll for the purposes of providing oversight on the entire process, which includes its compilation and upkeep,” Bobosibunu said.
He said Zec has been insincere in providing copies of the voters’ roll despite, in clear contravention of the Electoral Act.
“We have requested for it, and even if they say they give those requesting for it, we have not gotten the voters’ roll,” Bobosibunu said.
Bobosibunu said if Zec fails to furnish the ERC with the voters’ roll for inspection ahead of the delimitation exercise, the credibility of the process will be compromised.
“The electoral process will be shrouded in secrecy,” he said.
“The voters’ roll can never be a secret. It is a document that is meant for Zimbabweans.
“And the voters’ roll contains details that we need either to contest or support. So you don’t want people to be questioning the document because you are simply keeping it to yourself. The document must be provided as per procedure; we write for it, we pay the prescribed fee as provided for in the Electoral Act.”
The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) says it us important for Zec to provide independent think-tanks with the voters’ roll as this enhances the credibility of the electoral process.
“The voters’ roll is a critical measure of any electoral integrity, hence denying anyone that legal entitlement is not only illegal but a violation of the citizens’ right to audit the country’s electoral systems and processes,” said Ellen Shiriyedenga, CCC deputy secretary for elections.
“Zec as a state institution has a specific public obligation to act in a transparent manner and respect the citizens’ political right to access information. If at all the voters’ roll is in a good state, then there is no reason why citizens should be denied a copy, unless otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Zec says verification of the voters’ roll can only be done by registered voters who are interested in checking on whether their details are correctly captured.
“Please note that the law does not provide for the independent audit of the voters’ roll hence the commission will not yield to any pressure exerted on it to act ultra vires its governing act,” said Silaigwana in a statement on 28 May.
By Dr Masimba Mavaza-After the death of Moreblessing Ali, CCC saw a chance to incite orgies of violence. In their endeavour to do so, they have committed crimes. Inciting violence against people was already illegal; what is now also unlawful is to incite others to hate people on the basis of their political beliefs or their lack of religious beliefs. CCC has taken the mere criminal case and made it a political issue. Despite the Police taking charge of the investigations, CCC at their highest level became masters of inciting and Job Sikhala literally led scores of the CCC youths to destroy property, maim and injure thousands of people. It is not in doubt that the CCC has taken the government’s silence as a sign of weakness. Job and his thugs tried the whole week to stir up usually harmful or violent action or feeling. They incited panic and pandemonium followed. What constitutes “incitement” under the law When is speech so violent and dangerous that it can be prohibited by the government? What Job Sikhala and his CCC did was criminal and what the encouraged was seen through the violence which followed. We all know the Constitution of Zimbabwe protects almost all speech. But CCC’s speeches crossed the line into something that’s unprotected, like incitement to violence which Job and HOPEWELL MBUDZI CHIN’ONO were doing throughout the week. The Zimbabwean Constitution by default, protects almost every bit of speech that we can engage in, but there are a few areas where speech crosses the line into something that’s considered violent or criminal. One of those areas is incitement. “Incitement to violence” is a term that refers to speech that creates an immediate risk of harm to another person. It’s kind of like a threat, except it’s done through another person. Which is to say, rather than threaten you directly with harm, I suggest to another person, “Why don’t you hurt her?” Job Sikhala, who cried revenge, did not burn the property of the ZANU PF chairman, but his words did. Under the Constitution, it’s an extremely high bar before speech can be criminalized as incitement. But unless and until there is an immediate and severe risk to a specifically identifiable person, that speech can’t be made criminal, consistent with our Constitution. In this case, we have an Orvieto of violence which followed and Job had told the CCC to see that there is revenge and that the families of the perpetrators be wiped out of the face of the earth. We must recognizes, rightfully, that political speech often involves really passionate, sometimes violent rhetoric. And unless and until it creates a specific and immediate roadmap to violence against others, it cannot be criminalized consistent with our free speech. But in this case, Job’s comments were followed by the Orvieto of violence and threat to life. While we understand that people commonly express disdain or disagreement by threatening or calling for violence in non-serious ways, we must be able to see the language that incites or facilitates serious violence. The Police believed that there was a genuine risk of physical harm or direct threats to public safety, and rightly so. The Police also considered the language and context in order to distinguish casual statements from content that constitutes a credible threat to public or personal safety. This week the ZRP issued a statement pertaining to their investigation of the murder of MB and in their statement outlined their initial findings. They stressed that the police investigations were still in progress. That statement reassured the majority of our law-abiding citizens and, indeed bona fide politicians with a serious and constructive political agenda. The police statement did nothing and would have done nothing to those who are decidedly impervious and incorrigible of violent persuasion in the rank and file of the ccc and at the helm of that grouping. The continued outlandish criticism of the Police combined with the nakedly baseless imputation of the murder of BLessmore Ali on Zanu PF is a nasty ploy that is now threatening law and order. No serious party in the world would, as CCC is doing, use concoctions, innuendos, smears, defamation and outright lies as its arsenal for political campaign. The path to power cannot be hewn by the crime, so destroying your political rival and our constitutional force in the process. Job Sikhala is a trained lawyer, but in this case, CCC need to be trained lawyers to understand their civic duty to respect the national police force, law and order. Therefore the arrest of Job Sikhala shows that the Police mean business. Frankly, Job and CCC have deliberately lit a flame of violence that is calculated to take them to the national elections next year. This deplorable and despicable tact is at the behest of their international handlers. It is manipulative, purposeful and planned to provoke police reaction. The ferocious smear of Zanu PF with fictitious allegations presents that party as a monster whose government needs regime-changing. That is the sum of the whole ploy. Therefore the events unfolding at Chitungwiza and the orgy of violence have nothing to do with Blessmore’s death nor to do with ZRP. They are all to do with the shaping up of the goal, and the goal is to ultimately increase the noise for regime change. The CCC is making a case to discredit the elections before they even start. Job has been itching to be arrested; he literally dared the Police to arrest him, but the moment he crossed the line the law acted swiftly.
In this broader concept, we can see that CCC has adopted scandal as a policy. Job Sikhala is a man who appears to have been born with a smelly scandal on his back. CCC enjoys the stench of that scandal. Because of Job’s nature, CCC finds a ready asset to use in their twisted policy. The seemingly loose canon in Job is actually the unofficial spokesperson of that party. CCC are more than complicity in the violence; they are the architects of the violence. They exploit the dangerous insanity of Job and the vulnerability of young people in their party. In those two, CCC finds a volatile blend which they are now exploding into full-scale criminality.
We are supposed to believe that CCC are a government in waiting. They neither have the governance credentials nor the moral capacity to govern this country when they disrespect its institutions and the cause to undermine law and order. From time to time, we all get concerned about the individual behaviour of some police officers. ZRP will be the first ones to agree with us when we genuinely complain on individual circumstances. In fact, ZRP have arrested their on members who have been prosecuted and punished. What we cannot and must not do is to spuriously attack the very organ that delivers on law and order. That becomes an attack on the Constitution. This is what CCC is engaged in with their funders spurring them on. In the Western world (and this is the world that supports the attack of our institutions) it is a tradition that when the opposition party feels strongly about perceived police actions or inactions, the opposition leader seeks an audience with or and writes to the police chief to seek clarification. That is a laudable practice. In their own countries, it is a shame and unheard of and deeply unpatriotic to attack national institutions, law enforcement organs and civil servants. Yet it is the same countries that beckon CCC to do so while CCC feels a sense of greatness through that.
Clearly, CCC is one hundred percent sure that it will lose the election if it compaigns fairly and squarely. It must now create a situation of violence and chaos in readiness to cry foul. Then they will run to the courts. When the courts decide against their arguments, they declare them to be captured.
We agree fully with the concept of “caputure”. The only thing that we differ with CCC on is the identity of the captive. The real and true captive is the CCC, who were captured at inception by the Western powers. The true name of this party is Captured Citizens Coalition(ccc) Whilst the right to protest is legal in Zimbabwe, there are restrictions and processes you should be aware of if you are planning to organise or take part in a protest. The right to protest is protected under the Constitution and it is a Human Right. However, this only applies to peaceful protest and does not extend to any violence inflicted or damage caused during a protest. It must be noted that this right is not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances. An example of this is when a protest or assembly would result in a threat to public health public peace and law and order. This means that every individual, regardless of cause, has the right to protest, march or demonstrate in a public space. Not only does every individual have this right, but the Police have a duty to refrain from restricting this right unnecessarily and they must take measures to protect peaceful protests. Even if they do not agree, or if there is some disturbance or offence caused to the general public, the Police must demonstrate a certain degree of tolerance towards protesters. An individual also has the right under the Zimbabwean Constitution to freedom of expression. This includes a right to hold your own opinion as well as to receive and impart information without interference from public authorities. While these rights are not absolute, they can only be limited if it is necessary and proportionate for the authorities to do so. These rights also only apply to public spaces. Therefore, anyone protesting on private property without the permission of the occupier are likely to be viewed as a trespasser. Any limitation to the right to protest must be outlined in legislation. It must also be necessary, proportionate, and for one of the following aims: in the interest of national security or public safety,to prevent disorder or crime to protect health or morals to protect others’ rights and freedoms. As we approach the last days before elections, we must unite. We have a country to save.
By A Correspondent- A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member was allegedly murdered by unknown assailants in Chitungwiza on Tuesday night.
CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Edison Chinembiri of Zengeza Main Branch was murdered by “thugs” on Tuesday.
Mahere urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice. She tweeted:
We are receiving disturbing reports that Champion Edison Chinembiri of Zengeza Main Branch was murdered by thugs on Tuesday night.
We extend our sincere condolences to the Chinembiri family and [ZRP] call on to investigate the matter thoroughly. Peace must prevail.
Chinembiri’s murder comes barely three weeks after another CCC activist, Moreblessing Ali, was abducted, murdered and mutilated in Nyatsime.
Ali was “dragged into the darkness” by Pius Jamba at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre in Nyatsime, Beatrice, on 24 May, according to police.
Her remains were found on 11 June in a disused well in Nyatsime, at the home of an alleged ZANU PF terror gang leader, who is said to be Jamba’s half-brother.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has raised concern over the political violence witnessed in Nyatsime, Beatrice early this week following the murder and mutilation of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
Below is the full statement by ZPP:
The situation in Nyatsime, is a reflection, of what is happening across the country, where ZPP has, in the past two months, detected and reported a resurgence of violence targeting CCC supporters.
In the two months alone, ZANU PF has contributed to +50% (+300) rights violations, the majority of them related to how the party is closing down space for the CCC in rural areas, particularly in Mashonaland East, West and Central, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
ZPP is also concerned about the manner in which ZANU PF through its members claims the bodies of victims of political murder. Earlier this year there was an attempt to claim the body of the slain Mboneni Ncube in KweKwe.
It is clear that the brutality with which Ali was murdered and mutilated stokes emotions. The police, who we believe should be proactively providing a platform for peaceful resolution of the inter-party tension, is also expected to ensure the family is protected.
Weaponising the law to target opposition leaders is ill-timed and can only get in the way of peacebuilding at this crucial moment when the focus should be on investigating the circumstances of this callous murder.
Police should conduct themselves in a fair manner. There is a public record of a ZANU PF councillor publicly inciting party supporters to bar the funeral of Ali, and he walks scot-free even when there is considerable evidence of ZANU PF supporters torching houses and destroying the property of those who support CCC.
While the CCC leadership has publicly denounced violence, which is a welcome move, we believe they should do more to ensure that their supporters are not drawn into retaliating. This is because such a scenario can only breed more violence.
We urge CCC to pursue legal avenues to ensure the realization of justice for their supporters. In the same vein, we continue to implore ZRP to be impartial.
Concerned that this violence is likely to be part of the electoral environment ahead of the 2023 elections, ZPP believes it’s time for political leaders to dialogue about political violence and put in place preventive measures that will ensure life and property are protected.
By Dr Phillan Zamchiya| The Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI) released the Afro-barometer round nine survey on Zimbabwe on 15 June 2022.
The survey shows the incipient decline of the ruling Zanu PF’s leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the rise of Nelson Chamisa the leader of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
If presidential elections were to be held at this juncture, the Zanu PF leader would lose to the CCC leader. The survey signals that 33 percent of respondents would vote for Chamisa against 30 percent for Mnangagwa.
This is only the second time that Afro-barometer survey has shown an opposition candidate leading in Zimbabwe. The first time was in 2009 when former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC T) leader Morgan Tsvangirai led over the late Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe. That was two weeks after the consummation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and euphoria was high.
There is a systematic pattern in the decline of Mnangagwa’s vote. In 2017, when he took over as president in a military coup, at least 38 percent of surveyed citizens expressed intentions to vote for him and five years later this has dramatically gone down to 30 percent.
On the other end, Chamisa’s vote has been growing exponentially. In 2017, only 16 percent freely expressed intentions to vote for him but this has gone up to 33 percent in 2022.
Chamisa has also taken over the lead in the late Mugabe’s home province of Mashonaland West and in the late Tsvangirai’s home province of Manicaland. Chamisa is leading by 38 percent to Mnangagwa’s 33 percent in Mashonaland West. In Manicaland, it is blood on the floor for Mnangagwa as he is trailing Chamisa by 58 percent to a mere 18 percent. Both provinces are dominated by rural constituencies considered to be the ruling party strongholds.
However, a significant number of respondents, 27 percent, refused to reveal their preference. This is not surprising in a repressive environment. A corpus of qualitative studies shows that in such authoritarian contexts, opposition supporters are more likely to fear expressing their political affiliation compared to ruling party members.
Nevertheless, part of the 27 percent can still swing the vote for Mnangagwa through programmatic delivery dividends in the next 12 months, the margin of terror (intimidation and violence) and or margin of error (through manipulating votes). The voters can also choose to vote for Chamisa through the margin of influence and the margin of affect. There can also be the role of unforeseen events that can tilt the vote for example, death, accident, scandals et cetera.
Even the social contract between Mnangagwa and the citizens is also weakening. The trust for the president has gone down from 64 percent in 2017 to a mere 51 percent in 2022. On the other end, only 41 percent of respondents approved the president’s current performance in office. Even the trust for the ruling Zanu PF was at 44 percent compared to 48 percent for the opposition.
Changing fortunes … The CCC has overtaken Zanu PF among voters, according to Afrobarometer
The people are not happy about economic mismanagement, looting of natural resources like land and minerals, soaring prices of basic goods, the rise of domestic and gender-based violence, corruption and deteriorating infrastructure. Within Zanu PF, there are 32percent who do not believe that citizens have a voice in natural resource extraction. This is a portent for Zanu PF supporters voting for another party as a way to express disgruntlement.
However, Zimbabwe seems incapable of running a democratic and legitimate election. More than a third of respondents (36 percent) do not believe that an election will be able to change the leaders who are not performing well. Only 50 percent feel completely free to choose whom to vote for. In these circumstances, without the needed political and democratising reforms, elections can be a mere ritual and fail to express the people’s will.
The survey is not all rosy for CCC. The electoral hype about generation consensus is still to yield the much-needed vote for the opposition. Younger respondents (54 percent) are far less likely to be registered as voters compared to their elders. Geographically, the voter registration is also low in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South. One hopes a special voter registration drive can happen alongside the ongoing government mobile blitz for civil registration.
Chamisa is also still fairing less than Mnangagwa in most rural dominated provinces like Mashonaland East, Masvingo, Midlands and Mashonaland Central which remains an Achilles heel. In Masvingo, voter registration among respondents was as low as 42 percent. Yet turning the tide in Masvingo, as in Manicaland, will make it easier for Chamisa to consolidate the lead.
Now a brief synopsis on how the political parties might react to Chamisa’s current lead.
For Zanu PF, this will possibly worsen intra-party contradictions within the party. New questions will be raised on whether Mnangagwa is the right man to lead Zanu PF in the 2023 election. This will worsen divisions and suspicions between vice president Constantino Chiwenga leader-follower groups and Mnangagwa’s leader-follower groups. Second, Zanu PF elites and their military allies might regroup to defend the ‘revolution’. This will mean a rise in authoritarianism to eliminate either ephemerally or collectively organised dissent ahead of 2023. A wounded Zanu PF is likely to increase the securitisation of party and state institutions, intensify efforts to infiltrate and decimate the CCC from the political map, target civil society activists and ensure their lives are ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’
This possibility calls for continuous societal mobilisation against the chicanery. Given that citizens risk being at the mercy of the bullet, this will require regional, continental and international support.
For CCC, we are most likely going to see Chamisa consolidating his authority, vision and ideas on the party. Those who doubted his strategies will be forced to retreat by the power of science, at least for now. Second, Chamisa’s political stature will continue to grow nationally and he will remain the centre of any convergence politics.
Third, the survey gives Chamisa a psychological edge over the voter and those on the line. In this regard, it gives Chamisa more ammunition to persuade a doubting Thomas or a Benjamin the donkey. Nevertheless, Chamisa will still confront questions from his former MDC-T structures [ from the branch to the top] and from other critical stakeholders on whether it is about him or about them too.
Fourth, it places an onerous political reality at the doorstep of CCC that should take them back to the political drawing board. As the survey signals, Chamisa might win the presidential vote but he also must stop Zanu PF getting the two thirds majority in parliament it currently enjoys because in such a circumstance, it will be a herculean task for Chamisa to govern and deliver to the people not happy with the status quo.
For other opposition political parties, whether well-meaning or not, the survey shows that Zimbabwe remains a two-horse race. However, other opposition political party leaders might continue to hold on to political straws. Their first reaction is most likely to make reference to the 27 percent of respondents who refused to divulge their voting intentions. To them, this can signify the possibility of a third way. In my view, this is a self-soothing political position. Zimbabwe for now, will remain a two-horse race between CCC and Zanu PF. A third way can only emerge once Zanu PF is dislodged from power. This is because Zanu PF will not survive a day without state power given the conflation of the state and the party from the centre to the periphery.
So, the smaller opposition parties are likely to suffer defections to either CCC or Zanu PF ahead of the 2023 general election.
By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of Pias Jamba.
Jamba is accused of the gruesome murder of Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime.
ZRP posted on Twitter Thursday:
Breaking News- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested accused Pius Jamba this morning in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali. A detailed statement will be released during the course of the day.
Breaking News- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested accused Pius Jamba this morning in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali. A detailed statement will be released during the course of the day.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) June 16, 2022
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested accused Pius Jamba this morning in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali.
The police said they will issue a detailed statement during the course of the day.
Jamba who was on the run was the Ali’s ex-boyfriend.
On the day, the late CCC activist was abducted, she had an altercation with Jamba at Chibhanguza beerhall.
Ms Mayironi who is one of the witnesses said Ali and Jamba had an altercation at the bar with the now accused person dragging her away from the beer drinking spot.
Mayironi said while she did not positively identify the culprit because of darkness and drunkness, she later heard from people present that it was Pious Jamba.
Breaking News- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested accused Pius Jamba this morning in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali. A detailed statement will be released during the course of the day.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) June 16, 2022
By-Known Zanu PF officials in Chitungwiza are hunting for CCC supporters with guns.
CCC posted on Twitter pictures of these Zanu PF members displaying guns and live ammunition.
Posted CCC:
ALERT – Zanu PF thugs in Chitungwiza are sending pictures of themselves carrying live ammunition. These are pictures of a man known as Chitembwe from Unit N & Mlambo from Ward 7, who lost to Cllr Maiko. This Zanu PF reign of terror must stop. We demand peace & justice
By-The police have announced the death of a Kadoma-based police officer who was run over by a car in Mshikashika skirmishes.
According to ZRP, sergeant Oscar Kanjute died of injuries sustained when he was knocked down by a Mshikashika car.
Posted ZRP:
1/2 The ZRP reports a sad incident that occurred on 14/06/22 at around 1245 hours, where a police officer, Sergeant Kanjute Oscar, was run over by a motorist while on traffic enforcement duties at a roadblock along the Kadoma-Patchway Road, Kadoma. He sustained severe injuries
2/2 and died upon admission at Kadoma General Hospital.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) June 15, 2022
By- Research by a respected political think tank has predicted that Zanu PF would lose the 2023 elections to CCC.
The research has shown that CCC would win elections if elections were to be conducted today.
The Afro-Barometer survey asked the public whom they would vote for, supposing elections are held today.
Celebrating the survey results, CCC said this was a true reflection of the state of affairs.
Posted CCC:
#AfroBarometerReport When asked which party’s candidate they would vote for should imaginary elections be held tomorrow, 33% said they would vote for CCC presidential candidate
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the death of Sergeant Kanjute Oscar who succumbed to injuries sustained when he was run over by a motorist while manning a roadblock in Kadoma.
A police statement says the officer died upon admission at Kadoma General Hospital. Reads the police report:
The ZRP reports a sad incident that occurred on 14/06/22 at around 1245 hours, where a police officer, Sergeant Kanjute Oscar, was run over by a motorist while on traffic enforcement duties at a roadblock along the Kadoma-Patchway Road, Kadoma. He sustained severe injuries and died upon admission at Kadoma General Hospital.
The report does not tell what happened to the motorist after the incident.
In previous related cases, motorists would hit and run.- Pindula News
By- Research by a respected political think tank has predicted that Zanu PF would lose the 2023 elections to CCC.
The research has shown that CCC would win elections if elections were to be conducted today.
The Afro-Barometer survey asked the public whom they would vote for, supposing elections are held today.
Celebrating the survey results, CCC said this was a true reflection of the state of affairs.
Posted CCC:
#AfroBarometerReport When asked which party’s candidate they would vote for should imaginary elections be held tomorrow, 33% said they would vote for CCC presidential candidate
Tinashe Sambiri|In what clearly shows that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is not independent at all, Zanu PF Information director, has subtly threatened to instruct the police to arrest CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.
Mugwadi stunned all and sundry after issuing threats to arrest the People’s President.
Analysts say Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising popularity.
“Our stability, peace & harmony can never be subordinated to these needless acts of organised violence. I urge ZANU PF supporters to maintain cool heads in the face of this needless @CCCZimbabwe sponsored violence.
@nelsonchamisa remember you are not immune before the law,” said Mugwadi.
By- A just-released survey has shown that CCC would win elections if elections were to be conducted today.
The Afro-Barometer survey asked the public whom they would vote for, supposing elections are held today.
Celebrating the survey results, CCC said this was a true reflection of the state of affairs.
Posted CCC:
#AfroBarometerReport When asked which party’s candidate they would vote for should imaginary elections be held tomorrow, 33% said they would vote for CCC presidential candidate
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes the South African Premier Soccer League doesn’t have quality players to compete at the highest level.
Broos made the brutal assessment during a press conference at SAFA House, where he reflected on their 2-1 loss to Morocco in the Afcon Qualifiers.
The gaffer said: “Now is the time to face the real problem, and the real problem of SA is that we don’t have high-quality players, like our last three opponents, Ghana, France and Morocco.
“When you see the players of Ghana, 90% of the players are European-based. France, I don’t have to explain all the players are playing in big European teams.
“For Morocco, only one player from Wydad Casablanca featured, and he is the goalkeeper in the squad that played against us.
“The rest of the team is playing for big clubs like Fiorentina, Sevilla and PSG, and we don’t have such quality players in Europe.”
Bross added: “We can look at the fantastic race that Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates did on the continent, but Sundowns lost in the quarterfinal stage of the Champions League, and Pirates lost in the final of the Confederation Cup.
“Two Moroccan teams in Wydad and RS Berkane won those competitions, and in the Moroccan team, there was no player from those teams in the national team except the goalkeeper. Let’s face it, the problem of SA is that the level of the PSL is not high enough.”- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Alex’s body was today released by the hospital to our undertakers, Nyaradzo.
We expect Nyaradzo to give us their repatriation timelines tomorrow. It is only after that that we can give you tentative dates for Alex’s body’s arrival in Zimbabwe.
Tinashe Sambiri|A Zanu PF official says he is not afraid of the international community.
The official also boasted of not respecting the law.
Zanu PF hooligans seized Moreblessing Ali’s funeral on Monday morning.
“A gang of Zanu PF thugs led by Councillor for Seke Rural, Mr Maoeresa, has descended on the funeral of Moreblessing Ali. They are chasing mourners away from the funeral & beating those who’ve gathered up. Our security team & local leaders are on site to protect mourners,” CCC said in a statement.
ZimEye on Monday morning grilled a Zanu PF councillor over the disruption of Moreblessing Ali funeral.
“I don’t fear international community – go and report to God.
What is international community to me? You think I am afraid of your international community?
Go and tell God that we have made our decision and we are not reversing it.
Which law are you talking about? I don’t respect the law so don’t speak to me in your fine English Language,” the Zanu PF councillor fumed.
We condemn the arrest of our representative and Spokeperson, Hon Job Sikhala and one of the local leaders who was instrumental in the CCC search mission, Hon Godfrey Sithole.
To be clear, it was our position as a family that we would not bury Moreblessing until her murderers are arrested. Hon Sikhala was the appointed watching brief over any potential investigation, arrest and prosecution.
It is a matter of regret that Hon Sikhala has been arrested in the course and scope of his legal duties. This is an extension of the political persecution of Moreblessing. They murdered her violently. Even in death, they won’t let her find peace.
We will not be silenced. We continue to demand justice.
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s silence on the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali is shocking.
According to President Chamisa, Mr Mnangagwa is resorting to violence as a desperate attempt to disrupt the wave of change.
Addressing mourners at Moreblessing’s funeral on Tuesday, President Chamisa said:
“Do not be provoked into using violence. We are a movement of peace. These are the last kicks of a dying horse. The liberation struggle was about Ubuntu, citizen dignity and respecting human life.
We will engage SADC to ensure that there is peace in Zimbabwe as we approach the 2023 election. Political violence must mot be allowed to escalate. No life must be lost on account of politics.
Government has a duty to protect ALL citizens. The lives of all Zimbabweans must be protected and secured. No to impunity. We are almost there. Let’s defend each other as citizens against violence. We all have a duty to fight for change. The nation must unite.
What has happened to our moral values? A councillor should not use terror but should be a community leader.”
Tinashe Sambiri|In what clearly shows that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is not independent at all, Zanu PF Information director, has subtly threatened to instruct the police to arrest CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa.
Mugwadi stunned all and sundry after issuing threats to arrest the People’s President.
Analysts say Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising popularity.
“Our stability, peace & harmony can never be subordinated to these needless acts of organised violence. I urge ZANU PF supporters to maintain cool heads in the face of this needless @CCCZimbabwe sponsored violence.
@nelsonchamisa remember you are not immune before the law,” said Mugwadi.
We condemn the arrest of our representative and Spokeperson, Hon Job Sikhala and one of the local leaders who was instrumental in the CCC search mission, Hon Godfrey Sithole.
To be clear, it was our position as a family that we would not bury Moreblessing until her murderers are arrested. Hon Sikhala was the appointed watching brief over any potential investigation, arrest and prosecution.
It is a matter of regret that Hon Sikhala has been arrested in the course and scope of his legal duties. This is an extension of the political persecution of Moreblessing. They murdered her violently. Even in death, they won’t let her find peace.
We will not be silenced. We continue to demand justice.
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s silence on the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali is shocking.
According to President Chamisa, Mr Mnangagwa is resorting to violence as a desperate attempt to disrupt the wave of change.
Addressing mourners at Moreblessing’s funeral on Tuesday, President Chamisa said:
“Do not be provoked into using violence. We are a movement of peace. These are the last kicks of a dying horse. The liberation struggle was about Ubuntu, citizen dignity and respecting human life.
We will engage SADC to ensure that there is peace in Zimbabwe as we approach the 2023 election. Political violence must mot be allowed to escalate. No life must be lost on account of politics.
Government has a duty to protect ALL citizens. The lives of all Zimbabweans must be protected and secured. No to impunity. We are almost there. Let’s defend each other as citizens against violence. We all have a duty to fight for change. The nation must unite.
What has happened to our moral values? A councillor should not use terror but should be a community leader.”
National Breweries (Natbrew), a unit of Delta Corporation, recorded a 16 per cent decline in its volumes in the year to March 2022, leading to an 18 per cent revenue contraction.
Natbrew produces, packages and markets traditional sorghum beer products in Zambia. Popular variants of its opaque beer are Chibuku Shake-Shake and Chibuku Super. The company said in a statement accompanying the results:
Volume performance in the current year was affected by the decline of informal exports of Chibuku Super, the increase in excise and general product prices and Covid-19 restrictions which affected product availability in the market.
Natbrew said it will continue to intensify efforts to drive volume growth by offering quality and competitively priced products to its consumers.
In the period under review, the company’s revenue declined from US$16.76 million in 2020 to US$13.55 million in 2021.
The decline was attributed to the increased raw material prices in the second half of the year, limited access to the market as a result of COVID-19-induced lockdowns and the resurgence of competition from other bulk beer offerings that do not comply with excise/VAT.
The company ended the year with an operational loss of US$5 million, compared to US$9.8 million the previous year. Similarly, the company reported a loss after tax of US$7 million and a loss per share of US$0.11, compared to US$11.29 million and US$0.11 the previous year.- State media
By- The police have not acted on information provided on Pias Jamba, who allegedly killed CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
On Monday, a whistleblower told the police that Jamba was hiding in Karoi.
The whistle blower Madzivanash posted on Twitter tagging the police: Pias Jamba spotted in Rengwe, Hurungwe. I know him and I’ve spoken to one of the people in Rengwe. He said he saw him 2 days ago at his home in Rengwe area, Karoi. tomuziva ndewekumusha kwedu. Anotori nenyaya dzakawanda,
From my DM Pias Jamba spotted in Rengwe, Hurungwe.
By- Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu has fired his junior official Richard Mahomva for misconduct in managing provincial women’s league elections.
Mahobva was in January appointed director for administration at Zanu PF head offices.
NewZimbabwe.com reports that Mahomva had also fallen out of favour with Mpofu under whom he was a director in the office. Said the source: The young man was fired after the last politburo meeting, that is all I can tell you currently and it involves allegations of misconduct during the provincial women’s league elections. Mahomva had been appointed director for administration in January this year, having been a researcher at the party since 2019. Richard Mahomva is a researcher and a literature expert interested in the architecture of governance in Africa and political theory.
Citizens Coalition For Change Namibia demands the immediate release of the organic Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala.
15 June 2022
Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) Namibia is absolutely raged by the arbitrary arrests to the vibrant Vice Chairperson of the Yellow Revolution Hon Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Champion Sithole and the radical Amalgamated Rural Teachers’Union of Zimbabwe President Obert Masaraure. Hon Job Sikhala was arrested on Tuesday for demanding the return of our deceased change champion Moreblessing Ali who went missing for 18 days before she was found murdered by known ZANUPF thugs.
Namibia district condemns the victimisation of Hon Job Sikhala and all political prisoners. We urge all progressive citizens to pent up their outrage demanding justice to the murdered Moreblessing Ali and her lawyer who is being persecuted for speaking truth to power. Instead of arresting the authentic murderers of our beloved young change champion, Pius Jamba and Simba Chisango, ZANUPF controlled police decided to arrest Wiwa who is fighting for justice. Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala is not a criminal, criminals are walking scot free when the innocent are being incarcerated on trumped up charges because they subscribe to the alternative led by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Furthermore, citizens in Namibia demand an end to impunity. ZANUPF thugs must face the law, it is now imperative to embrace solidarity and demonstrate unity among citizens especially during political persecution by prosecution. It is not a crime to demand the return of Moreblessing! Is it a crime to be the Spokesperson of the Ali family? Does it warrant an arrest and detention to be the lawyer representing the Ali family? ZANUPF needs a united citizenry that does not allow the habit of violence. We should vanguish politically motivated violence through unity advocacy. Citizens must unite against violence, abductions and arbitrary arrests.
It is quite infuriating to witness another arbitrary arrest of the vibrant Amalgamated Rural Teachers’Union of Zimbabwe President Obert Masaraure yesterday. Masaraure Obert is being charged with murder, a crime that he will never commit. Citizens Coalition For Change Namibia demands justice to the innocent detained Artuz President since we are aware that the arrest is connection with the recent Award for Frontline Human Rights Defenders. He is being tortured to deter him and break his revolutionary spirit to win the battle for a living wage of pre-October 2018 salary of 540US$. We demand his immediate release so that teachers and the entire civil service can earn better wages with the capacity to feed their families.
Moreover, change champions in Namibia continue to condemn selective application of the law by the unprofessional and partisan police. The councillor for Nyatsime area incited violence on change champions who were mourning Moreblessing Ali at her home and abducted 22 CCC women before beating them for putting on yellow regalia but he was never arrested. We demand equality before the law, no one should be above the law. ZANUPF abductors and thugs must be arrested since they perpetrate violence day and night.
ZANUPF satanists must allow Hon Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala to represent his client who was killed for believing in the change that delivers. Citizens must unite and demand an abrupt end to state sponsored abductions and arbitrary arrests of change champions and human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. SADC, African Union and United Nations must intervene to assist us against this bloody-minded regime. Release Hon Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala, Champion Sithole, Obert Masaraure and all prisoners of conscience. Thank you change champions for the exhibited solidarity with the bereaved Ali, Magaisa and Dube families. May our champions’ dear soul souls rest in power.
By-The police have announced the death of a Kadoma-based police officer who was run over by a car in Mshikashika skirmishes.
According to ZRP, sergeant Oscar Kanjute died of injuries sustained when he was knocked down by a Mshikashika car.
Posted ZRP:
1/2 The ZRP reports a sad incident that occurred on 14/06/22 at around 1245 hours, where a police officer, Sergeant Kanjute Oscar, was run over by a motorist while on traffic enforcement duties at a roadblock along the Kadoma-Patchway Road, Kadoma. He sustained severe injuries
2/2 and died upon admission at Kadoma General Hospital.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) June 15, 2022
By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga’s new marriage.
Mnangagwa’s announcement comes a few weeks after Chiwenga had told ZIMSTAT census enumerators that Chiwenga was staying with someone.
Below is Mnangagwa’s announcement.
His Excellency the President, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, wishes to inform the Nation that Honourable Vice President, General (REID) Dr CDGN Chiwenga, has tied the knot with his partner, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi. Col. Baloyi is a serving officer in the Zimbabwe National Army, ZNA. The President, the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa (Dr), and the First Family wish the couple a lifelong partnership full of love and affection.
By- The body of an unknown man has been found dumped in Chitungwiza.
According to a police statement, the body with a deep cut on the back of the head was found in Chitungwiza. This comes as police are still investigating the kidnapping and murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali. She was abducted on the 24th of May, and her mutilated body was found in a well on the 11th of June in the Nyatsime area, Chitungwiza.
Reads the police statement: Meanwhile, Police in Chitungwiza are investigating a suspected case of murder in which a body of an unknown male adult was found lying on the ground with deep cuts on the back of the head near Bamhudzo Old People’s home in Chitungwiza on 14/06/22. Similarly, an unknown male adult was found lying on the ground, unconscious with a deep cut on the forehead, near Musasa bus stop, Waterfalls, Harare, on 14/06/22. He was taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital where he died on admission.
Tinashe Sambiri| CCC councillor for ward 4, Masvingo Urban, Aleck Tabe says he is trying his level best to serve residents’ interests.
According to Tabe, CCC has nothing to do with the donations made to Masvingo State Minister Ezra Chadzamira and Auxillia Mnangagwa by the city council as the councillors had not been sworn in.
Tinashe Sambiri| CCC councillor for ward 4, Masvingo Urban, Aleck Tabe says he is trying his level best to serve residents’ interests.
According to Tabe, CCC has nothing to do with the donations made to Masvingo State Minister Ezra Chadzamira and Auxillia Mnangagwa by the city council as the councillors had not been sworn in.
Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande is nursing injuries sustained in car jacking incident that happened at Southgate Mall Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Katsande, who had just returned from a visit to Zimbabwe, confirmed the news to KickOff.com, revealing that he also lost business and personal property worth thousands of rands including his cellphone plus cash which was in the car at the time of the incident.
“I’m traumatized right now because of my previous road rage experience,” said the Sekhukhune United midfielder as he recalled a road rage incident that happened on the West Rand last year.
“I have been left with bruises because the three coloured guys who hijacked me in the parking lot at Southgate Mall dragged me on the ground.”
The car has since been recovered in Eldorado Park by the tracking company though with extensive damages.
The 36-year-old added: “The car has been recovered in Eldorado Park but is badly damaged inside and ransacked of what was inside.
“This is a huge inconvenience considering that there was business property inside the car which will now affect the business.”
Katsande has been hard at work building his business profile which includes construction and his popular clothing line Boss Ya Mboka Kitoko Makasi.
Meanwhile, a case has been opened with the police.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been appointed the manager of English Championship side Burnley.
The Belgian, 36, is replacing Sean Dyche, who was sacked in April.
“I’m excited by the challenge ahead,” Kompany said following his appointment.
“Burnley Football Club is a truly historic English side, and it is an honour to be appointed first-team manager.
“I’ve been impressed by the board’s vision for the club, which aligns with my own, and I look forward to playing my part as we enter an important season.”
Kompany had been in charge at Anderlecht for two years before leaving by mutual consent in May. He spent 11 years at City, where he won 10 major trophies – including four Premier League titles.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri| CCC councillor for ward 4, Masvingo Urban, Aleck Tabe says he is trying his level best to serve residents’ interests.
According to Tabe, CCC has nothing to do with the donations made to Masvingo State Minister Ezra Chadzamira and Auxillia Mnangagwa by the city council as the councillors had not been sworn in.
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s silence on the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali is shocking.
According to President Chamisa, Mr Mnangagwa is resorting to violence as a desperate attempt to disrupt the wave of change.
Addressing mourners at Moreblessing’s funeral on Tuesday, President Chamisa said:
“Do not be provoked into using violence. We are a movement of peace. These are the last kicks of a dying horse. The liberation struggle was about Ubuntu, citizen dignity and respecting human life.
We will engage SADC to ensure that there is peace in Zimbabwe as we approach the 2023 election. Political violence must mot be allowed to escalate. No life must be lost on account of politics.
Government has a duty to protect ALL citizens. The lives of all Zimbabweans must be protected and secured. No to impunity. We are almost there. Let’s defend each other as citizens against violence. We all have a duty to fight for change. The nation must unite.
What has happened to our moral values? A councillor should not use terror but should be a community leader.”
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has tied the knot with Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi.
This announcement comes barely weeks after Chiwenga had told ZIMSTAT census enumerators that he was staying with his spouse.
In a statement, president Mnangagwa said Baloyi is a serving officer of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
Reads the statement issued by Dr Misheck Sibanda, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet:
PRESS STATEMENT
His Excellency the President, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa, wishes to inform the Nation that Honourable Vice President, General (REID) Dr CDGN Chiwenga, has tied the knot with his partner, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi. Col. Baloyi is a serving Officer in the Zimbabwe National Army, ZNA. The President, the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa (Dr), and the First Family wish the couple a lifelong partnership full of love and affection.
Sibanda Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet 15/06/22
By A Correspondent- The son of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali Tuesday said he feared his mother’s body had been changed.
Silence, narrated how alleged ZANU PF thugs had forced them out of their home and into the bushes.
His mother’s dismembered body was discovered on the 11th of June after he had been missing since the 24th of May having been last seen being dragged into the darkness of the night by Julius Jamba, cousin to ZANU PF Nyatsime district chairperson Simbarashe Chisango.
Silence pleaded with those in the diaspora and to CCC president Nelson Chamisa to help the family.
We were openly told by the ZANU PF leadership in this area, that we are no longer welcome in this neighbourhood.
My sister and I are living in fear. We were told by leaders in this area that we will never have peace at our mother’s house, so we are kindly seeking assistance in that regard.
We do not know where to go or find alternative accommodation. We are living in fear.
Silence said his mother’s body might have been tampered with. He added:
I do not know where they have taken my mother’s body. When we left the mortuary yesterday (Monday), we were told to come back today and collect the body for postmortem but to my surprise, today they told us to come in the morning but when I arrived, I was not shown her body.
I don’t know if we will be able to see the same body because I was supposed to be there when the postmortem was done.
They just told me that they have done the postmortem. I want to know if it’s still my mother’s body or if it has been changed.
Silence said the hospital authorities took DNA samples from him for them to confirm Ali’s identity, but it is not clear if they used the samples or not.
The police are yet to apprehend the suspect although it is believed that Jamba’s mother was fully aware of the scandal.
By A Correspondent- One of the world’s leading remittances firms, WorldRemit, has announced that it is terminating bank transfers to Zimbabwe bank accounts.
The Global money transfer service provider said the removal of bank transfers from Zimbabwe is with effect from 29 June 2022.
According to WorldRemit, the money transfer company made the decision because it does not believe that it can provide the best quality service in Zimbabwe.
However, other money transfer services from WorldRemit are still available, including cash pickup, mobile money and airtime.
Below is part of the notice from WorldRemit on the move to cancel bank transfers to Zimbabwe.
At WorldRemit, we pride ourselves on offering the best possible service to our customers. Sometimes that means removing services where we don’t believe we can provide the best-quality service or the widest range of options for you.
We’ve decided to remove bank transfers from our service in Zimbabwe. From 29/06/2022, you won’t be able to send money to bank accounts in Zimbabwe.
We do apologise for any inconvenience this causes to you or your loved ones. The good news is that our other money transfers, including cash pickup, mobile money and airtime, will still be available. Have a look at our website and app for more information.
By A Correspondent- A scandal is hounding First Capital Bank after it was revealed that bank insiders are allegedly working with conmen to create fraudulent bank accounts.
The red flags against First Capital were raised after complainant (name supplied) sent a transfer to an account which was listed as a GMB silo account when in fact it belongs to an individual. The bank was alerted of this anomaly and a reversal of the transfer was initiated from the sending bank (name supplied).
Sources that spoke to this reporter said First Capital Bank however refused to reverse the funds and began a process of stalling indicating that some people from within the bank are in cohorts with the fraudsters who are abusing GMB’s brand and name.
“The reversal has been stalled and remains stalled which might allow the conmen to withdraw the funds and flee while First Capital Bank is dragging its feet.
“The transfer sender has suffered prejudice and the bank refuses to take any action even though they have been alerted that this is a fraudulent account.” The source said.
Job Sikhala’s wife is now stranded at the Harare Central Police after her car has been impounded by the police. She’s been instructed to remove all important documents from the car. The car is now at the Harare Central Police backyard.
By Staff Reporter| South Africa-based politician Herbert Chamuka has formed a new party after breaking ranks with his colleagues in the Ideas Party of Democracy (IPD) over ideological issues.
The new party is known as the People’s Unity Party (PUP).
The party has since notified the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of its existence and willingness to participate in next year’s general elections.
“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission acknowledges receipt of your party profile documents, the contents of which have been noted. Your organisation as been included on ZEC’s stakeholder data base and mailing list for notification when appropriate meetings that require your input arise,” ZEC said in response to the party’ correspondence dated June 8, 2022.
Speaking from his South Africa base, Chamuka confirmed the development saying IPD was disbanded following disagreements over leadership and positional issues.
“Our new party is known as the People’s Unity First. What happened is that we had disagreements as leaders over ideological issues, especially I found that people who were leading the party in Zimbabwe were not doing any work. They only wanted to work and hold meetings when I am in Zimbabwe. I realised this was not going to work,” Chamuka said. “We realised that if we continue on this path, we would never achieve our goal as a party, which is to remove Zanu PF from power next year. I think with our new party, we will be able to proceed,” he said.
“I formed this party on May 5 after realising we need to work together as a party. What we denied is to be used by Zanu PF in a fake unity. We saw how Zanu PF swallowed the ZAPU in 1987 and the MDC in 2008,” he added.
“We are also calling on all opposition parties to unite and force Zanu PF into a coalition government which will govern for three years in preparation for elections. We have since despatched out letters of request in this respect.”
By A Correspondent- Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has hit out at the ruling Zanu-PF party after several attacks against his supporters at slain Moreblessing Ali’s homestead on Monday.
Following the weekend discovery in a disused Nyatsime well of Ali’s dismembered body, a local Zanu-PF councillor banned CCC supporters from mourning at her homestead.
The mourners had to relocate the funeral gathering to Ali’s parents’ place in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.
On Monday, suspected Zanu-PF thugs went to the homestead again and reportedly beat up more 20 mourners and chased away Ali’s family.
CCC supporters then thronged the area on Tuesday and burnt down a house belonging to one Zanu-PF leader who is said to have been chasing them away from mourning Ali.
However, addressing supporters during a memorial prayer Tuesday, Chamisa condemned these acts of violence.
“Zanu-PF’s behaviour shows that its days in power are over,” he said.
“Here in Nyatsime people are getting terrorised everyday but the liberation struggle was never about anarchy and making sure that you sacrifice other people’s children.
“A well know Zanu-PF councillor came and terrorised people here yet he is supposed to be a yardstick and standard of moral leadership in society.”
Chamisa continued; “Do not be provoked into violence; they are trying hard to provoke us into violence. No violence, we are a peace team.
“Do not be threatened; we will overcome. We know that violence does not build a nation, it cannot save a generation.
“We have a duty to promote peace as they promote darkness and violence; we have a duty to resist the temptation to drive this country into anarchy because that is what they want.
“We are not far from victory, and we know these are last kicks of a dying horse.”
By A Correspondent| The family of the late CCC activist Moreblessing Ali has condemned the arrest of their lawyer Job Sikhala saying it is an extension of the political persecution of their slain daughter.
Sikhala was arrested last night in connection with the violence that occured in Nyatsime on Tuesday.
In a statement, Ali family representative Washington said the ruling regime has murdered Moreblessing and continue to torture her in death.
“We condemn the arrest of our representative and Spokeperson, Hon Job Sikhala and one of the local leaders who was instrumental in the CCC search mission, Hon Godfrey Sithole. To be clear, it was our position as a family that we would not bury Moreblessing until her murderers are arrested.
“Hon Sikhala was the appointed watching brief over any potential investigation, arrest and prosecution. It is a matter of regret that Hon Sikhala has been arrested in the course and scope of his legal duties. This is an extension of the political persecution of Moreblessing. They murdered her violently. Even in death, they won’t let her find peace,” said Ali family.
By Obert Masaraure| Fellow Citizens, thank you for the massive solidarity after the Mnangagwa regime decided to abuse office and instruct the police to arrest me for a trumped up murder charge. That the charge doesn’t hold water is common cause. That a concluded case if inquest is resurrected after the teacher union I lead wins the Human Rights Defenders Award shows the extent this regime is fearful of workers.
They fear that we have continued the struggle against all odds. The state coercive machinery is desperate to stop the people’s struggle. They gave chosen a path to open wounds of a tragic event when a young life was lost. The life in question, Cde Roy Issa, ( May His Dear Soul Rest in Internal Peace), was lost under tragic circumstances whose specifics are on judicial record. Everyone is well aware that I was nowhere near the incident that claimed Roy’s life.
If anything, I was expelled from the FES cohort of 2016 because I allowed Cdes to use my room on the fateful night. The reason being that they were scheduled to visit incarcerated Occupy Africa Unity Square Cdes who were in detention at Harare Remand Prison. The arrested Cdes were protesting against Mugabe’s authoritarian regime and the return of Itai Dzamara. I had a room, as a Cde could not have failed to share it to advance the struggle.
For the record, I was never invited for the inquest into the death of Cde Roy because I was never a witness. My Cdes who were using the room submitted evidence and my name was never mentioned, because I was at home with my wife and family.
The Security at Jameson Hotel made submissions and my name was never mentioned because I was not at the scene. I feel sorry for the Issa family who are being forced to revisit this painful part of their history.
The State wanted to scare me away from my beloved country. I was warned at the airport when I was about to fly to Dublin that they would arrest me on my return. I received follow up phone calls when I was planning to return home from Dublin, advising me that there was a plot to arrest me. An otherwise silly plot had it been emotionally tragic.
I came back to Zimbabwe fully aware of the evil plot to arrest me and press the wild charge of murder. I am innocent and the State knows that. I am not a coward, I am ready to face anything. Our demand for labour justice is legitimate. The Liberation struggle was fought for a just society and we will press on until we complete the liberation project.
I resolutely declare my innocence in the face of clearly contrived charges. Frivolous and vexatious claims which are meant to set the stage for persecution and not prosecution. These charges are designed to serve an ulterior agenda, I have already faced similar bogus charges of treason. It is self evident that there is an agenda to frighten and intimidate us from the ongoing struggle for justice for the working class. But we will neither be intimidated nor be deterred. The job action of 20 June 2022 will proceed. Civil servants from all sectors should join the week long job action demanding a living wage.
This persecution is the price we pay for choosing to be active citizens under an authoritarian regime, a regime which is preoccupied with only one thing, power retention. The criminals in charge are bastardising our state institutions in pursuit of power retention. We wait to see how the judiciary will handle this case. Whether the courts will stand for justice or otherwise.
Whatever the outcome we declare our innocence. We will soldier on! We are ready to fight for what we believe to the grave. Compatriots let us complete the liberation project and deliver a just Zimbabwe to the next generation.
As Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela said “history will absolve me.”
By A Correspondent- The spokesperson of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, Fadzayi Mahere, has reported that there is a party member whose home, car and shop were burnt on Tuesday in the Nyatsime area in Chitungwiza.
Mahere said the incident happened following a memorial service for the slain Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist who was kidnapped on the 24th of May and was found dead in a well on the 11th of June. Her body was found chopped into pieces.
Her death has sparked clashes between CCC supporters and ruling ZANU PF activists.
The CCC party accuses some ZANU PF members of kidnapping and killing Ali. Mahere said:
We are receiving reports that the home, car and shop of CCC member, Audius Makomatsi have been burnt in Nyatsime following the memorial service of Moreblessing Ali who disappeared & was murdered. Nobody has been arrested for the murder.
Meanwhile, The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday deployed officers following the eruption of violence.
They are yet to issue a detailed statement on what transpired.
Meanwhile, witnesses say ZANU PF supporters stormed the memorial service for Moreblessing Ali ordering mourners to find somewhere to mourn their colleague.
They reportedly blocked some supporters from coming to the event. Those who were blocked reportedly set ablaze the homes of some ZANU PF officials in the area in retaliation.
CCC, however, dismissed the reports that its members burnt properties belonging to ZANU PF activists saying the ruling party’s members burnt houses of their own colleagues so that it would appear as if CCC was doing it.
This, according to CCC, is meant to give ZANU PF an excuse for violence against members of the opposition party
By A Correspondent- A 94 year old woman from the Mtshazo area in Gwanda died in a house fire on Sunday.
It is reported that she was staying alone.
A loud bang from burning asbestos sheets and a cloud of smoke at Gogo Nanzeni Mlandu’s house in Mtsahazo village drew the attention of women who were on their way to fetch water Sunday morning.
The women could however not save the 94-year-old granny as they arrived at her homestead after she had been burnt beyond recognition. Said a local village worker:
It is so disheartening, she was living here all alone and she was old. We never expected something like this to happen to her. To die in this manner is sad. We don’t know what happened. I am a village health worker, I was the one who was coming to check on gogo now and then and to be called in to be told that she has been burnt beyond recognition is heart-rending.
We don’t know what happened and we are still to come to terms with what happened. We wish we knew what happened. We are looking for answers.
Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident, saying investigations to establish the cause of the fire were still underway.- Pindula News
The trial of AMH journalists Blessed Mhlanga and Chengeto Chidi commenced at the Magistrates Court in Chitungwiza on 13 June 2022.
The matter is being heard by Magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
The State opened its case and led evidence from its first witness police Superintendent Matsika. He was also cross-examined by lawyer Jeremiah Bamu, who is representing Mhlanga and Chidi.
The duo is being charged for allegedly contravening Section 25 (a) as read with Section 30 of Statutory Instrument 21/2005 which prohibits taking of photographs within a polling station.
The alternative charge is that of disorderly conduct in a polling station as defined in Section 89 of the Electoral Act.
The trial continues on Monday, 20 June 2022 at 11:15am.
By- The police have arrested CCC Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole at Moreblessing Ali’s memorial service.
Sithole was arrested last night together with CCC deputy chairman Job Sikhala.
Fadzai Mahere, the CCC spokesperson, made the announcement Tuesday night.
“Godfrey Sithole, CCC MP of Chitungwiza North & one of the local leaders who led the Moreblessing Ali search mission has been arrested & taken to Harare Central Police Station. Moreblessing was abducted & murdered. The perpetrators are yet to be brought to book,” she posted on Twitter.
By- Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu has fired his junior official Richard Mahomva for misconduct in managing provincial women’s league elections.
Mahobva was in January appointed director for administration at Zanu PF head offices.
NewZimbabwe.com reports that Mahomva had also fallen out of favour with Mpofu under whom he was a director in the office. Said the source: The young man was fired after the last politburo meeting, that is all I can tell you currently and it involves allegations of misconduct during the provincial women’s league elections. Mahomva had been appointed director for administration in January this year, having been a researcher at the party since 2019. Richard Mahomva is a researcher and a literature expert interested in the architecture of governance in Africa and political theory.
By- Zanu PF activists on Tuesday night ran amok and torched houses belonging to CCC members in Nyatsime.
CCC said the supporters were attacked for attending the Tuesday memorial service of Moreblessing Ali.
CCC spokesperson Fadzai Mahere posted on Twitter Tuesday evening:
Known CCC supporters’ houses under attack in Nyatsime. Just spoke to Misheck Guzha, who says his house is in flames. Zanu PF thugs are attacking known CCC supporters’ houses.
?Message just received:
“Known CCC supporters’ houses under attack in Nyatsime. Just spoke to Misheck Guzha who says his house is in flames. Zanu PF thugs attacking known CCC supporters' houses.”
The top soldier Major General (Rtd) Sydney Bhebe (61) died Monday evening at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.
The Commander National Army (ZNA), Lieutenant General David Sigauke announced his untimely death in a statement this morning. The late Major General (Rtd) Bhebe was born on 30 December 1960 at Masase Mission Hospital in Mberengwa District, Midlands Province. He grew up in Tinhayi Kraal under Chief Mtevaidze also in Mberengwa. He did his primary education from Grade 1 to 3 at Masase Primary School from 1967 to 1969, Mavorovondo Primary School for Grade 4 in 1970, Chiremba Primary School in Epworth, Harare in 1971 for Grade 5, Mnene Boarding School and Danamombe Primary School in Mberengwa for Grade 6 in 1972 and completed his primary education in 1973 at Msiningira Primary School also in Mberengwa.
His parents were both teachers hence he kept on transferring to a number of primary schools following his parents’ transfers. Major General (Rtd) Bhebe did his secondary education at Masase Secondary School also in Mberengwa from 1974 to 1977. He joined the Liberation Struggle under the Zimbabwe African People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) after crossing the border into Zambia via Botswana in April 1977. The late freedom fighter received military training at Boma Training Camp in Angola in 1977. After completing basic training in March 1978, he was selected to be an instructor and underwent further military training in Semi-Conventional and Conventional Warfare at the same camp. At independence, the late Major General Bhebe was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on April 1, 1981.
He rose through the ranks to Major General in 2021 the rank he retired with from the ZNA that same year. Mourners are gathered at House Number 15 Cranborne West Married Quarters, Hatfield in Harare. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Bhebe and three children.
By-CCC has announced that Zanu PF activists attacked their members throughout the night in Nyatsime.
CCC said the supporters were attacked for attending the Tuesday memorial service of Moreblessing Ali. CCC spokesperson Fadzai Mahere posted on Twitter Tuesday evening:
Known CCC supporters’ houses under attack in Nyatsime. Just spoke to Misheck Guzha, who says his house is in flames. Zanu PF thugs are attacking known CCC supporters’ houses.
?Message just received:
“Known CCC supporters’ houses under attack in Nyatsime. Just spoke to Misheck Guzha who says his house is in flames. Zanu PF thugs attacking known CCC supporters' houses.”
National Breweries (Natbrew), a unit of Delta Corporation, recorded a 16 per cent decline in its volumes in the year to March 2022, leading to an 18 per cent revenue contraction.
Natbrew produces, packages and markets traditional sorghum beer products in Zambia. Popular variants of its opaque beer are Chibuku Shake-Shake and Chibuku Super. The company said in a statement accompanying the results:
Volume performance in the current year was affected by the decline of informal exports of Chibuku Super, the increase in excise and general product prices and Covid-19 restrictions which affected product availability in the market.
Natbrew said it will continue to intensify efforts to drive volume growth by offering quality and competitively priced products to its consumers.
In the period under review, the company’s revenue declined from US$16.76 million in 2020 to US$13.55 million in 2021.
The decline was attributed to the increased raw material prices in the second half of the year, limited access to the market as a result of COVID-19-induced lockdowns and the resurgence of competition from other bulk beer offerings that do not comply with excise/VAT.
The company ended the year with an operational loss of US$5 million, compared to US$9.8 million the previous year. Similarly, the company reported a loss after tax of US$7 million and a loss per share of US$0.11, compared to US$11.29 million and US$0.11 the previous year.- State media
By- Pias Jamba, who allegedly killed CCC activist Moreblessing Ali has been located in Karoi.
A whistle blower identified as Madzivanash said the suspected murders is in Karoi.
She posted on Twitter tagging the police: Pias Jamba spotted in Rengwe, Hurungwe. I know him and I’ve spoken to one of the people in Rengwe. He said he saw him 2 days ago at his home in Rengwe area, Karoi. tomuziva ndewekumusha kwedu. Anotori nenyaya dzakawanda,
From my DM Pias Jamba spotted in Rengwe, Hurungwe.
We condemn the arrest of our representative and Spokeperson, Hon Job Sikhala and one of the local leaders who was instrumental in the CCC search mission, Hon Godfrey Sithole. To be clear, it was our position as a family that we would not bury Moreblessing until her murderers are arrested. Hon Sikhala was the appointed watching brief over any potential investigation, arrest and prosecution. It is a matter of regret that Hon Sikhala has been arrested in the course and scope of his legal duties. This is an extension of the political persecution of Moreblessing. They murdered her violently. Even in death, they won’t let her find peace.
We will not be silenced. We continue to demand justice.
Ali Family Statement
Pisto Mosimane’s management has addressed rumours linking the South African coach with a move to Qatar.
Mosimane is currently without a club after leaving Egyptians giants Al Ahly earlier in the week.
Following his departure from the Cairo-based team, reports quickly suggested the coach signed a contract with an unnamed club in the Qatari Stars League.
Pitso’s handlers, MT Sports Marketing and Management, has rubbished the rumours, but admitted receiving offers for the 57-year-old.
“It has been brought to our attention that there are rumours around coach Pitso Mosimane being in Qatar insinuating that he has signed a deal with a new team,” a statement read.
“Coach Pitso and his technical team have not signed with a new team. The coaches will be heading back to South Africa in due course.
“Since parting ways with the former club, we have received a number of enquires from various teams internationally and locally, including national teams.
“We have not committed the coaches to any teams as yet. Should there be any new developments regarding this matter, MT Sports Marketing and Management will make an official announcement.”- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Egyptian giants Al Ahly have announced the departure of head coach Pitso Mosimane .
The club confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that the coach asked to step down despite the executive still wanting him to lead the team.
A statement by the Red Devils reads: “Al Alhy and Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement to part ways.
“Ahmoud El Khatib, the club’s president, held a meeting with Yasin Mansour, the chairman of Al Ahly FC, Hossam Ghaly, the club’s board member and the planing committee members to discuss Mosimane’s future with the club.
“During the meeting, they all decided t]hat he should continue his mission with Al Ahly as a result of the achievement he managed to accomplished during the previous period.
“However, during the meeting that was previously held, Mosimane requested to leave and that ‘he is satisfied with the achievements he managed to accomplished with the club.
“Later on Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part was with the club and to thank him for the achievements that he accomplished with the club.”
Meanwhile, reports have suggested that the South African gaffer was forced to consider his future after facing massive backlash from the club’s fans and former players for missing the CAF Champions League.
Al Ahly lost 2-0 to Wydad Casablanca in the final that was played early in the month.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A 94-year-old woman from the Mtshazo area in Gwanda died in a house fire on Sunday.
It is reported that she was staying alone.
A loud bang from burning asbestos sheets and a cloud of smoke at Gogo Nanzeni Mlandu’s house in Mtsahazo village drew the attention of women who were on their way to fetch water Sunday morning.
The women could however not save the 94-year-old granny as they arrived at her homestead after she had been burnt beyond recognition. Said a local village worker:
It is so disheartening, she was living here all alone and she was old. We never expected something like this to happen to her. To die in this manner is sad. We don’t know what happened. I am a village health worker, I was the one who was coming to check on gogo now and then and to be called in to be told that she has been burnt beyond recognition is heart-rending.
We don’t know what happened and we are still to come to terms with what happened. We wish we knew what happened. We are looking for answers.
Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident, saying investigations to establish the cause of the fire were still underway.- Pindula News
National Breweries (Natbrew), a unit of Delta Corporation, recorded a 16 per cent decline in its volumes in the year to March 2022, leading to an 18 per cent revenue contraction.
Natbrew produces, packages and markets traditional sorghum beer products in Zambia. Popular variants of its opaque beer are Chibuku Shake-Shake and Chibuku Super. The company said in a statement accompanying the results:
Volume performance in the current year was affected by the decline of informal exports of Chibuku Super, the increase in excise and general product prices and Covid-19 restrictions which affected product availability in the market.
Natbrew said it will continue to intensify efforts to drive volume growth by offering quality and competitively priced products to its consumers.
In the period under review, the company’s revenue declined from US$16.76 million in 2020 to US$13.55 million in 2021.
The decline was attributed to the increased raw material prices in the second half of the year, limited access to the market as a result of COVID-19-induced lockdowns and the resurgence of competition from other bulk beer offerings that do not comply with excise/VAT.
The company ended the year with an operational loss of US$5 million, compared to US$9.8 million the previous year. Similarly, the company reported a loss after tax of US$7 million and a loss per share of US$0.11, compared to US$11.29 million and US$0.11 the previous year.- State media
By- Politician and human rights activist Jacob Ngarivhume has announced that there will be a national shut down during the week of June 27.
Ngarivhume made the announcement Sunday via his tweeter account.
Posted Ngarivhume:
I’m inviting Zimbabweans to join me the week of June 27, for a week of protests. This is the only fitting response to the abuses we face and the collapse of our economy because of mismanagement and corruption. We have two weeks to plan. To spread the word.
Tinashe Sambiri|A Zanu PF official says he is not afraid of the international community.
The official also boasted of not respecting the law.
Zanu PF hooligans also seized Moreblessing Ali’s funeral on Monday morning.
“A gang of Zanu PF thugs led by Councillor for Seke Rural, Mr Maoeresa, has descended on the funeral of Moreblessing Ali. They are chasing mourners away from the funeral & beating those who’ve gathered up. Our security team & local leaders are on site to protect mourners,” CCC said in a statement.
ZimEye on Monday morning grilled a Zanu PF councillor over the disruption of Moreblessing Ali funeral.
“I don’t fear international community – go and report to God.
What is international community to me? You think I am afraid of your international community?
Go and tell God that we have made our decision and we are not reversing it
Which law are you talking about? I don’t respect the law so don’t speak to me in your fine English Language,” the Zanu PF councillor fumed.
Tinashe Sambiri|A member of the British House of Lords has challenged the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to end the torture of citizens.
Lord Jonathan Oates denounced the gruesome murder of CCC member Moreblessing Ali.
Lord Oates is a British Liberal Democrat, politician and member of the House of Lords.
“Tragic news of the murder of Moreblessing Ali, reported as yet another political killing. My deepest condolences to family & friends. The history of political violence, abductions & murder is sadly a long one in Zimbabwe. If @edmnangagwa wants re engagement he has to end this now.
The news of Moreblessing’s murder is symptomatic of attempts to instil fear in opposition supporters which have been increasingly evident. Today I tabled questions in the UK Parliament on this issue. If @edmnangagwa wants to reengage with the world. He needs to put a stop to this,” Lord Oates said in a statement.
Students at Masvingo Teachers’ College have pleaded with responsible authorities to intervene and stop some lecturers from demanding cash for marks.
The students allege lecturers in the Professional Studies Syllabus (PSA) and Art Professional Syllabus B, are demanding US$ 10 if the students are to pass given assignments in the two departments.
Disgruntled students who spoke to TellZim News claimed that their lecturers deliberately make sure that fail their assignments if they refuse to meet their demands. A student who chose not to be identified said:
Our lectures are giving us lower marks even if you meet the demands of the assignments. Because we want to pass, we are forced to pay for better marks.
Another student who also declined to be identified said they are now caught between a rock and a hard place. Said the student:
We are calling for the responsible authorities to take action against this type of corruption as we have no option but to pay lecturers in order to pass.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, one of the lecturers in question said he cannot comment as he is not allowed to speak to the media.
The college’s principal Benson Mutambudzi declined to comment saying the matter is under investigation. He said:
The matter is under investigation, so I cannot comment on it at the moment.- TellZim
By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police have ignored to arrest Pious Jamba for allegedly killing CCC activist Moreblessing Ali and arrested CCC deputy chairman Job Sikhala.
Sikhala has been vocal over the disappearance of Moreblessing up until the discovery of her dead body.
He is also legally representing the Ali family.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono Tuesday evening announced that the police had arrested Sikhala
Posted Chin’ono without disclosing the reasons for Sikhala’s arrest:
Zimbabwean member of parliament & senior opposition
has been arrested. He is being taken to Harare Central Police station. He is the official lawyer for Moreblessing Ali’s family. Moreblessing was murdered in Nyatsime by suspected ZANUPF thugs.
Zimbabwean member of parliament & senior opposition @CCCZimbabwe leader, @JobSikhala1 has been arrested. He is being taken to Harare Central Police station.
He is the official lawyer for Moreblessing Ali’s family.
has been arrested. He is being taken to Harare Central Police station. He is the official lawyer for Moreblessing Ali’s family. Moreblessing was murdered in Nyatsime by suspected ZANUPF thugs.
Zimbabwean member of parliament & senior opposition @CCCZimbabwe leader, @JobSikhala1 has been arrested. He is being taken to Harare Central Police station.
He is the official lawyer for Moreblessing Ali’s family.
By- Zanu PF has fired its recently appointed director for administration Richard Mahomva for misconduct in managing provincial women’s league elections.
NewZimbabwe.com reports that Mahomva had also fallen out of favour with his former boss secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu under whom he was a director in the office. Said the source: The young man was fired after the last politburo meeting, that is all I can tell you currently and it involves allegations of misconduct during the provincial women’s league elections. Mahomva had been appointed director for administration in January this year, having been a researcher at the party since 2019. Richard Mahomva is a researcher and a literature expert interested in the architecture of governance in Africa and political theory.
By-A house belonging to a local Zanu PF official has been torched in Nyatsime in violent activity initiated by the party activists blocking CCC members from attending the funeral of the murdered Nelson Chamisa led party activist Moreblessing Ali.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi has since confirmed the disturbances. “There is violence that has been reported in the Nyatsime area but police have since been deployed to quell the situation. We will release more details soon,” he said.
Several motorists driving through the area were forced to make u-turns as some of the youths were threatening to destroy cars entering the area.
By-Violence erupted this afternoon at the funeral of the murdered CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
The violence resulted in a house belonging to a known Zanu PF activist being touched.
The violence was also caused by Zanu PF activists blocking CCC members from attending the funeral of their murdered member.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi has since confirmed the disturbances. “There is violence that has been reported in the Nyatsime area but police have since been deployed to quell the situation. We will release more details soon,” he said.
Several motorists driving through the area were forced to make u-turns as some of the youths were threatening to destroy cars entering the area.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Ajax winger Antony this summer. The Times
Tottenham want to sign Everton and Brazil forward Richarlison, with the Toffees wanting £50m for the 25-year-old. Telegraph
Newcastle United are ready to walk away from a deal to sign centre-back Sven Botman from Lille after the French club changed their mind about accepting a £30m bid and raised the asking price to £36m. The Telegraph
Takumi Minamino will leave Liverpool this summer for €17m. Three clubs have opened talks to explore potential permanent move. Fabrizio Romano
Aston Villa have no intention of selling striker Danny Ings, 29, despite the Englishman being linked with Leeds United and Manchester United. Sky Sports
Robert Lewandowski has rejected Paris Saint-Germain and agreed a deal with Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona for Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 25, but will not pay over the odds with the Spanish club wanting 100m euros (£85.7m). Manchester Evening News
Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in a deal worth €20m (£16.7m).
Manchester City will push to sign a midfielder, with Kalvin Phillips the preferred target, after wrapping up a deal for Erling Haaland. The Times
Serie A champions AC Milan are reportedly keen to recruit Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio, who was linked with a potential move to Arsenal on Sunday.
By A Correspondent| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President Obert Masaraure has been arrested by the Police in Harare after he had gone for his routine remand bail hearing conditions for the case of treason and participating in a lawful teachers protest.
According to ARTUZ, the State took advantage of his presence and arrested him preffering charges of murder emanating from an incident where one of the union members now deceased Roy fell from 7th Floor at Jameson Hotel in 2016.
After the Sudden death of Roy, the issue went for Court Inquest during the same year at Harare Magistrate Court and the court ruled out any form of Foul Play .
“We were aware of the the State machinations to come up with murder Charges against the Union Leadership after getting a tip off from insiders informing us that the charges will be brought as way of frustrating , harassment and Victimisation of the Union and its leadership.
“We also want to urge our membership to remain Vigilant in trying times as this is clearly a planned tyranny tactic by the State to cripple the upcoming protests planned from the 20th to 24th of June.
We call upon all Citizens, all teachers all Civil Servants to join the protest as well as Demand the release of Obert Masaraure,” the Union said.
Latest pictures from Nyatsime, Chitungwiza. The house of Zanu PF Chairman Murambatsvina has been torched. There is a standoff in Nyatsime over the funeral of #MoreblessingAli. pic.twitter.com/ltA2eCXSb9
World Blood Donor Day takes place on 14 June each year. The Day was created to:
raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion; highlight the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems; support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other nongovernmental organizations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes by reinforcing national and local campaigns. The day also provides an opportunity to call to action governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors and to manage access to blood and the transfusion of those who require it.
Blood and blood products are essential resources for effective management of women suffering from bleeding associated with pregnancy and childbirth; children suffering from severe anaemia due to malaria and malnutrition; patients with blood and bone marrow disorders, inherited disorders of haemoglobin and immune deficiency conditions; victims of trauma, emergencies, disasters and accidents; as well as patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who need it is not. Blood shortages are particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries.
To ensure that everyone who needs transfusion has access to safe blood, all countries need voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give blood regularly. An effective blood donor programme, characterized by wide and active participation of the population, is crucial in meeting the need of blood transfusion during peace time as well as during emergencies or disasters, when there is a surge in demand for blood or when the normal operation of blood services is affected.
While an enabling social and cultural atmosphere with strong solidarity facilitates development of an effective blood donor programme, it is also widely acknowledged that the act of blood donation contributes to generating social ties and building a united community.
Focus of this year’s campaign For 2022, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives” to draw attention to the roles that voluntary blood donations play in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities.
The specific objectives of this year’s campaign are to:
thank blood donors in the world and create wider public awareness of the need for regular, unpaid blood donation; highlight the need for committed, year-round blood donation, to maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion; recognize and promote the values of voluntary unpaid blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion; raise awareness of the need for increased investment from governments to build a sustainable and resilient national blood system and increase collection from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.
A particular activity that countries in the world are encouraged to implement for this year’s campaign is to disseminate to various media outlets stories of people whose lives have been saved through blood donation as a way of motivating regular blood donors to continue giving blood, and to motivate people in good health who have never given blood to begin doing so.
Other activities that would help promote the slogan of this year’s World Blood Donor Day may include donor appreciation ceremonies, social networking campaigns, special media broadcasts, social media posts featuring individual blood donors with the slogan, meetings and workshops, musical and artistic events to thank blood donors and celebrate solidarity, and colouring iconic monuments red.
Your involvement and support will help to ensure greater impact for World Blood Donor Day 2022, increasing recognition worldwide that giving blood is a life-saving act of solidarity and that services providing safe blood and blood products are an essential element of every health care system. Participation of interested partners is welcome at all levels to make World Blood Donor Day 2022 a global success.
