A 17-year-old Chipinge boy died on Saturday after he was struck with a log on his head for allegedly fondling a 14-year-old girl’s breasts without her consent.

Kudakwashe Nyamunda of Chidzvururwi Village was attacked by Bornface Madhumbu (39) of the same village under Chief Musikavanhu in Chipinge.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident and said police have since arrested the suspect.

Allegations are that on Saturday, 4 June 2022 at around 4 PM, Madhumbu’s niece who cannot be named because of her age (14) told him that Nyamunda had fondled her breasts on her way from the borehole.

Madhumbu allegedly went to search for Nyamunda and found him at his uncle Munoonei Muyambo’s place in the same village.

It is further alleged that Madhumbu struck Nyamunda once with a log on the head.

Nyamunda escaped and ran away while Madhumbu returned to his homestead.

At 11 AM the following morning, Muyambo stumbled upon Nyamunda’s body lying lifeless in a bush about 100 metres from his homestead.

Muyambo notified the village head Partson Muyambo who reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of Madhumbu.

The deceased’s body was taken to St Peter’s Mission Hospital for a postmortem.- Chipinge Times

State Media-Major-General (Retired) Sikhulile Simpson Nyathi has been declared a national hero.

Zanu PF National Political Commissar Mike Bimha confirmed the development last night.

“The Politburo this afternoon (yesterday) applauded the decision made by President Mnangagwa to confer national hero status on Major-General (Rtd) Simpson Nyathi.

“The public will be advised on the burial arrangements in due course,” said Bimha.

Maj-Gen Nyathi died on Sunday morning at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks Referral Hospital in Harare.

He was 61.

Relatives and colleagues yesterday described him as an intelligent and quiet man who stood firm for justice and defended Zimbabwe’s legacy.

They were speaking during a funeral parade held at the Charles Gumbo Barracks (formerly 1 Commando) in Harare.

Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Phillip Valerio Sibanda led the proceedings.

As per the army’s custom, the fine soldier was given a dignified parade which included parading of the coffin, a sermon from the chaplain and laying of wreaths.

General Sibanda laid the first wreath followed by Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General David Sigauke while Air Vice Marshal Jacob Nzvede, who was representing Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Elson Moyo, laid the last one.

Speaking at the funeral parade Gen Sibanda said Maj-Gen (Rtd) Nyathi will be remembered for his immense contribution to the liberation struggle.

“We will always remember you as a humble, warm, likeable, patriotic, and selfless team player and a true revolutionary cadre,” he said.

Gen Sibanda said the sacrifices made by Maj-Gen Nyathi together with other heroes and heroines that freed the country should always be remembered.

“It remains a challenge to us all to defend the values that they stood and fought for. We must always remember that to be who we are today it is because somebody shed their sweat or blood as the late Nyathi and many others did.

“Let us never lose sight of this important fact, no matter kuti tinenge tadziyigwa sei,” he said.

A colleague, Major-General Emmanuel Matatu said Maj-Gen Nyathi was a friend, somebody with whom he shared a lot of memories.

“I knew him as a hard worker, a man who would stick to his word. A man who would articulate especially logistics policies quite clearly for everybody to be able to understand where we were going and supposed to be doing,” he said.

Beitbridge East legislator, Cde Albert Ngulube said Maj-Gen Nyathi was a class ahead of him in secondary school and they crossed to Zambia via Botswana together for military training.

He said they separated briefly before reuniting in 1980 and came back home together.

“From there he is a person I knew very well. I treated him like a brother. We were very close as friends until up to the last days when he left us.

“He was a very quiet guy, but very intelligent. He rarely talked even when we used to go to his farm or home he didn’t raise his voice. He was so cool and calculative. He would give you advice, he was a mature guy,” he said.

The elder brother, Colonel Samuel Mpabanda, said Major-Gen Nyathi was a frank person.

“He was quiet and did not bring any problems to the parents. He was a hardworking man and very intelligent,” he said.

His sister, Ms Gildah Maphosa, said Major-Gen Nyathi was an intelligent person whom the family thought would become a medical doctor but was hurt when he dropped out of school to pursue the liberation struggle.

She said the family elders tried to convince him to pursue academics, but he stuck to his decision to serve in the army.

“He was a helping brother. Losing him is hard but we have accepted it because it is the way we leave this world. We are grateful to the army for the decent funeral,” said the sister. -Herald

State Media – Sheriff of the High Court, McDuff Madega, has been by arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Madega is expected to appear in court today.

In a statement last night, ZACC said Madega is alleged to have been instructed to auction a stand by a judgment creditor in fulfilment of a judgment debt.

He attached and auctioned the property to the highest bidder.

However, it is alleged that before confirming the sale of the property, Madega received an objection which he presided over, resulting in him not confirming the sale. But after allowing the objection to stand, Madega is alleged to have put the same property for sale by private treaty and did not disclose to the buyer about the previous objection.

Investigations are continuing into several other allegations against Madega.– Herald

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

Man arrested for using a mobile phone at a police station
A Harare man was arrested at a police station on Tuesday after police officers accused him of filming them while he was using his mobile phone to try to call a friend.

Luke Takuruvinga was a passenger on a Mbare – bound bus from Epworth, which was forced to drive to Hatfield Police Station by police officers over an undisclosed offence.

While at the police station, Taruvinga took out his phone to communicate with a friend, but the police officers immediately pounced, accusing him of filming them.

The victim claims that he was slapped several times by the police officers before he was detained.

Taruvinga was charged with criminal nuisance after the police officers also claimed he insulted them by saying they were thieves who were after bribes.

However, he was eventually released following the intervention of lawyer Noble Chinhanu from the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

He opted to pay an admission of guilty fine after he was threatened with overnight detention in order for him to appear in court on Wednesday.

END

State Media -A cellphone dealer accused of engaging in rituals of  toe selling has been arrested.

David Kasekewho is based at a place commonly known as Ximex Mall in Harare’s city centre is expected to appear in court on allegations of lying that he was an agent for toe buyers in the capital.

Kaseke who was allegedly captured on camera telling a journalist that he was charging US$200 for his ‘brokering’ services is expected to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with criminal nuisance.

The video where Kaseke was captured is circulating on various social media platforms. Herald

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than Adolf Hitler, CCC Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

Chuma has pointed out that awful conditions in the country’s prisons reflect Mr Mnangagwa’s brutality.

“These are dehumanizing conditions reminiscent of slave trade era that we face inside
@edmnangagwa
‘s concentration camps disguised as prisons. In March/April 2020, i spent 45 days sleeping like this at Hre Remand dark cells. ED is worse than Hitler,” Chuma argued.

Mr Mnangagwa is a “candidate” for Chikurubi Maximum Prison, according to Sarkozy.

“Joji Charamba threatens Hre Mayor
@JMafume
by jail at Chikurubi for blocking corrupt Pomona deal. Roving bandits and murderers like Mnangagwa, July Moyo, Obadiah Moyo etc are proper candidates for Chikurubi Prison. One day they will have their place in there!”

By A Correspondent

Residents of Chiredzi’s ward 30 have urged elected officials to end political party tension and collectively focus on serving the community in a transparent and nonpartisan way when elected into office.

Speaking during a community engagement meeting facilitated by the Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in collaboration with the Chiredzi Residents and Rate Payers Association (UCHIRRA), the residents expressed concerns over the ongoing clashes between ward 30 Councilor Mr. Simbanegavi and the Chiredzi West legislature Mr. Farai Musikavanhu.

The residents say Mr. Musikavanhu deliberately circumvents the elected opposition councillor in Constituency Development Committee (CDC) programs and other government development programmes in the ward.

The residents revealed that currently the two officials are clashing over the construction of Muleme School blocks.

Muleme School is the only government school in Hippo Valley Estate and it has a few learning blocks, therefore some pupils are learning outdoors. The legislature is accused of trying to stop the opposition councillor from supporting the school with building material purchased by the Ward Development Committee (WADCO) through the Chiredzi Council disbursed plough back funds. It is reported that the legislature promises to provide the necessary construction assistance to the school himself through the ruling party and government support.

However, the residents urged the public officials to work together in improving and promoting development in the ward and the constituency at large.

“We believe in working together as a community and or between public officials in order to achieve development and sustainable peace in our society. The public officials should be exemplary in championing peace and community development. Political tensions and clashes widens polarization and affect social service delivery. When public officials are elected into office they should serve communities and everyone equally and fairly despite political considerations”, said one resident.

The residents added that they accept any form of assistance from whosever wish to assist towards the construction of the school and other projects. However, the residents urged public officials to always inform people whether the assistance they provide is from their donations or from the government, parliament and or council. This helps the community members in monitoring and tracking transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

In 2019, Mr. Musikavanhu was captured in a video denying the Chiredzi ward 18 councilor Mr. Gilbert Mutubuki and opposition members from benefiting government food aid scheme, urging them to get aid from their party leaders.

The residents implored COTRAD and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate meetings that bring together the elected officials.

Tinashe Sambiri|Controversial politician, Killer Zivhu has slammed the so called new dispensation.

Zivhu launched a thinly veiled attack on Mr Mnangagwa’s administration arguing the previous regime took better care of civil servants’ welfare.

Mr Mnangagwa removed his long time boss Robert Mugabe from office via a military coup.

Zivhu argued:

“Open truth to politicians, ukanzwa muporofita wemu Zimbabwe achiti you are going to win elections, Uri kufadzwa nhemha nemagumaguma , hatina vaporofita mu Nyika yedu yose, kunze kwezvima tsotsi zviri kungwavha ne Bhaibheri.

When thieves were surrounding the President civil servants were earning more than 400 USD , now thieves are gone, Minister Mtuli zvirikufamba seyi, civil servants are complaining about money, apa mbabva dzakadzingwa dzose.

News reaching Chivi just now, in a certain African Country social media platforms to be switched off 4 months before elections and two months after elections.

Guys nharo ndedzeyi kana zvichiramba bvumayi vanhu vanonzwisisa kwete kuita shungu dzisina basa, on this one you are going to blame Ukraine, pama Hospital you blame sanctions, pamunoti makonewa ndepapi chaizvo, pasi rose chero America they admit their mistakes, Zimbabwe haibvumi.

Kana uchida kuona kuti Zimbabwe inorwadza, rwarigwa nehama yako kana iwe wacho, kwete zvinotaurwa nana musoro bhangu vanopiwa ma 100 USD to defend nonsense on social media , Ivo vakatiza Zimbabwe yacho.”

The Ministry of Health and Child Care would like to warn the public and its stakeholders of an ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in 19 endemic and non-endemic countries within and outside Africa.

As of the 26th of May 2022, a total of 257 laboratory-confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases had been reported and zero deaths have been reported in non-endemic areas.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. The disease is not endemic in Zimbabwe. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus. Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, headache, muscle ache, swelling and back pain. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.

Currently, there is no proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection, but the disease is self-limiting (it resolves on its own within a few weeks). Despite the above the disease can be fatal with a case fatality rate of up to 6%.

Prevention and control measures.
• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead from unknown causes.

• Avoiding contact with any materials, such as bedding and clothing that has been in contact with a sick animal or person suspected to have monkeypox infection.

• Isolating suspected infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.

• Practising good hand hygiene such as washing of hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for suspected patients.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe, but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries with keen interest. The ministry has also placed its structures on high alert. Anyone who suspects that they have similar symptoms as that of monkeypox should report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or call our toll-free line 2019 for assistance.

Ministry of Health and Child Care, Public Relations Department pr@mohcc.gov.zw

By A Correspondent

Residents of Chiredzi’s ward 30 have urged elected officials to end political party tension and collectively focus on serving the community in a transparent and nonpartisan way when elected into office.

Speaking during a community engagement meeting facilitated by the Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in collaboration with the Chiredzi Residents and Rate Payers Association (UCHIRRA), the residents expressed concerns over the ongoing clashes between ward 30 Councilor Mr. Simbanegavi and the Chiredzi West legislature Mr. Farai Musikavanhu.

The residents say Mr. Musikavanhu deliberately circumvents the elected opposition councillor in Constituency Development Committee (CDC) programs and other government development programmes in the ward.

The residents revealed that currently the two officials are clashing over the construction of Muleme School blocks.

Muleme School is the only government school in Hippo Valley Estate and it has a few learning blocks, therefore some pupils are learning outdoors. The legislature is accused of trying to stop the opposition councillor from supporting the school with building material purchased by the Ward Development Committee (WADCO) through the Chiredzi Council disbursed plough back funds. It is reported that the legislature promises to provide the necessary construction assistance to the school himself through the ruling party and government support.

However, the residents urged the public officials to work together in improving and promoting development in the ward and the constituency at large.

“We believe in working together as a community and or between public officials in order to achieve development and sustainable peace in our society. The public officials should be exemplary in championing peace and community development. Political tensions and clashes widens polarization and affect social service delivery. When public officials are elected into office they should serve communities and everyone equally and fairly despite political considerations”, said one resident.

The residents added that they accept any form of assistance from whosever wish to assist towards the construction of the school and other projects. However, the residents urged public officials to always inform people whether the assistance they provide is from their donations or from the government, parliament and or council. This helps the community members in monitoring and tracking transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

In 2019, Mr. Musikavanhu was captured in a video denying the Chiredzi ward 18 councilor Mr. Gilbert Mutubuki and opposition members from benefiting government food aid scheme, urging them to get aid from their party leaders.

The residents implored COTRAD and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate meetings that bring together the elected officials.

By A Correspondent

Residents of Chiredzi’s ward 30 have urged elected officials to end political party tension and collectively focus on serving the community in a transparent and nonpartisan way when elected into office.

Speaking during a community engagement meeting facilitated by the Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in collaboration with the Chiredzi Residents and Rate Payers Association (UCHIRRA), the residents expressed concerns over the ongoing clashes between ward 30 Councilor Mr. Simbanegavi and the Chiredzi West legislature Mr. Farai Musikavanhu.

The residents say Mr. Musikavanhu deliberately circumvents the elected opposition councillor in Constituency Development Committee (CDC) programs and other government development programmes in the ward.

The residents revealed that currently the two officials are clashing over the construction of Muleme School blocks.

Muleme School is the only government school in Hippo Valley Estate and it has a few learning blocks, therefore some pupils are learning outdoors. The legislature is accused of trying to stop the opposition councillor from supporting the school with building material purchased by the Ward Development Committee (WADCO) through the Chiredzi Council disbursed plough back funds. It is reported that the legislature promises to provide the necessary construction assistance to the school himself through the ruling party and government support.

However, the residents urged the public officials to work together in improving and promoting development in the ward and the constituency at large.

“We believe in working together as a community and or between public officials in order to achieve development and sustainable peace in our society. The public officials should be exemplary in championing peace and community development. Political tensions and clashes widens polarization and affect social service delivery. When public officials are elected into office they should serve communities and everyone equally and fairly despite political considerations”, said one resident.

The residents added that they accept any form of assistance from whosever wish to assist towards the construction of the school and other projects. However, the residents urged public officials to always inform people whether the assistance they provide is from their donations or from the government, parliament and or council. This helps the community members in monitoring and tracking transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

In 2019, Mr. Musikavanhu was captured in a video denying the Chiredzi ward 18 councilor Mr. Gilbert Mutubuki and opposition members from benefiting government food aid scheme, urging them to get aid from their party leaders.

The residents implored COTRAD and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate meetings that bring together the elected officials.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than Adolf Hitler, CCC Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

Chuma has pointed out that awful conditions in the country’s prisons reflect Mr Mnangagwa’s brutality.

“These are dehumanizing conditions reminiscent of slave trade era that we face inside
@edmnangagwa
‘s concentration camps disguised as prisons. In March/April 2020, i spent 45 days sleeping like this at Hre Remand dark cells. ED is worse than Hitler,” Chuma argued.

Mr Mnangagwa is a “candidate” for Chikurubi Maximum Prison, according to Sarkozy.

“Joji Charamba threatens Hre Mayor
@JMafume
by jail at Chikurubi for blocking corrupt Pomona deal. Roving bandits and murderers like Mnangagwa, July Moyo, Obadiah Moyo etc are proper candidates for Chikurubi Prison. One day they will have their place in there!”

Tinashe Sambiri|Controversial politician, Killer Zivhu has slammed the so called new dispensation.

Zivhu launched a thinly veiled attack on Mr Mnangagwa’s administration arguing the previous regime took better care of civil servants’ welfare.

Mr Mnangagwa removed his long time boss Robert Mugabe from office via a military coup.

Zivhu argued:

“Open truth to politicians, ukanzwa muporofita wemu Zimbabwe achiti you are going to win elections, Uri kufadzwa nhemha nemagumaguma , hatina vaporofita mu Nyika yedu yose, kunze kwezvima tsotsi zviri kungwavha ne Bhaibheri.

When thieves were surrounding the President civil servants were earning more than 400 USD , now thieves are gone, Minister Mtuli zvirikufamba seyi, civil servants are complaining about money, apa mbabva dzakadzingwa dzose.

News reaching Chivi just now, in a certain African Country social media platforms to be switched off 4 months before elections and two months after elections.

Guys nharo ndedzeyi kana zvichiramba bvumayi vanhu vanonzwisisa kwete kuita shungu dzisina basa, on this one you are going to blame Ukraine, pama Hospital you blame sanctions, pamunoti makonewa ndepapi chaizvo, pasi rose chero America they admit their mistakes, Zimbabwe haibvumi.

Kana uchida kuona kuti Zimbabwe inorwadza, rwarigwa nehama yako kana iwe wacho, kwete zvinotaurwa nana musoro bhangu vanopiwa ma 100 USD to defend nonsense on social media , Ivo vakatiza Zimbabwe yacho.”

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than Adolf Hitler, CCC Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

Chuma has pointed out that awful conditions in the country’s prisons reflect Mr Mnangagwa’s brutality.

“These are dehumanizing conditions reminiscent of slave trade era that we face inside
@edmnangagwa
‘s concentration camps disguised as prisons. In March/April 2020, i spent 45 days sleeping like this at Hre Remand dark cells. ED is worse than Hitler,” Chuma argued.

Mr Mnangagwa is a “candidate” for Chikurubi Maximum Prison, according to Sarkozy.

“Joji Charamba threatens Hre Mayor
@JMafume
by jail at Chikurubi for blocking corrupt Pomona deal. Roving bandits and murderers like Mnangagwa, July Moyo, Obadiah Moyo etc are proper candidates for Chikurubi Prison. One day they will have their place in there!”

Cash strapped Harare City Council is currently (today)conducting arbitrary water disconnections in Kuwadzana six (6) for properties that ‘owe’ the local authority on rates.

The action by the local authority has been viewed by residents as a fundraising effort to service the “dubious” Pomona Waste to Energy debt.

CHRA Coordinator Ward 38 , Charmaine Sigudu has confirmed that 30 houses have been disconnected in her area and the rampant exercise continue unabated.

Even those who are paying rates but in “arrears” with the local authority have not been spared by the water disconnections.

The arbitrary water disconnections happens at a time when the local authority has a non functional billing system.

Water disconnections have been used as a strategy by the City of Harare to arm twist residents to pay for services rendered or not provided.

Section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the right to water.

Arbitrary water disconnections have been fuelling corruption between city officials and residents in most high density suburbs.

More to follow…………

Freelance journalist Simbarashe Sithole on 7 June 2022 filed a report with the police following threats he reportedly received over a story he wrote on alleged corruption in Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Kazembe Kazembe’s Mazowe West constituency.

In a call recording, a caller, who identified himself as Saunyama, threatened to assault the journalist and to also ‘deal with him on social media’.

The caller expressed his displeasure with the stories that Sithole has been writing pertaining to Minister Kazembe and even asked Sithole to disclose his location threatening to assault him.

In the police report filed at Mvurwi Police Station, Sithole said he is fearing for his life following the threats and harassment by Saunyama who is allegedly a political activist. 

MISA Zimbabwe position 

MISA Zimbabwe condemns any form of violence, threats, intimidation and harassment of journalists and media workers, more so, during the course of their professional duties. 

Journalists have a constitutional mandate and right to seek, receive and impart information without hindrance and such violations (threats) are an unjustifiable infringement in the exercise of their right to media freedom.

MISA Zimbabwe urges any persons with complaints over stories written by journalists to approach the Zimbabwe Media Commission or the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe for redress.

These cases that are sprouting about corruption involving Local Government Minister are very serious. For some reasons Government is not showing determination in dealing with these cases.

Why should the Commissioner General of the Police wait for someone to make a formal report of these cases. These are cases where the National Prosecuting Authority must spring into action as soon as they sniff them.

If these organisations cannot protect the public from corrupt officials, particularly Ministers, then we are doomed.

Circumventing the tender processes must understandably be done in emergency procurement situations. Minister Moyo’s modus operandi seems to be of misleading Cabinet in awarding of contracts to his cronies.

Alternatively, he abuses his position in forcing councils and giving orders to his proxies. In his world there are no limits as to what he must do. The most worrying thing is that he is openly conflicted and he is not bothered at all.

Besides, the institutions that are supposed to rein in on Moyo, one wonders why he has the temerity to do such acts in the full glare of his appointing authorities. The question becomes, is Moyo doing it with the blessings and authority from his superiors??

If not why are they not acting? One can only imagine how difficult it is to investigate a serving Minister. This compromises the investigations and one cannot rule out intimidation, interference etc.

Our Government architecture is such that Ministers get seconded from the party and in this case Zanu PF. Under normal circumstances one would expect Zanu PF to be making the most noise regarding Minister Moyo’s corrupt tendencies but they’re mum.

Is it because the party has embraced corruption as a way of life? How do they expect to stand in front of the masses with such a dirty image. Not even a petty thief would like to marry a corrupt lady.

Our National mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business does not make any sense in light of these rampant issues of corruption. No investor will be comfortable with Government Ministers who disregard their own governance rules.

This is painful because it’s being done by one of our own. The international community will paint us all with the same dirty brush. The excesses of one individual must not supersede the rights of all well meaning Zimbabweans.

Govt must instill confidence in the people especially as we are approaching elections. Where is the Uchena report? Have we done what the Motlanthe report stated? All these are confidence busters. Gvt needs to reinvent it’s image.

The Pomona Waste to Energy Projectis grossly overrated and over-priced as a power generation project but Gvt is acting like it’s all normal.

For your information, the peak load for Harare is about 500MW, and that plant (15MW) cannot supply the suburb of Eastlea at peak loading. The purported cost of $240M for 15MW is scandalous beyond belief.

Below are comparative projects that could be constructed and commissioned with $240M USD:

1) 100MW coal fired power plant,

2) 250MW solar plant

3) 120MW hydro power plant (mini Kariba).

You can see how such a plant shouldn’t cost more than $30M!

The Ministry of Health and Child Care would like to warn the public and its stakeholders of an ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in 19 endemic and non-endemic countries within and outside Africa.

As of the 26th of May 2022, a total of 257 laboratory-confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases had been reported and zero deaths have been reported in non-endemic areas.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. The disease is not endemic in Zimbabwe. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus. Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, headache, muscle ache, swelling and back pain. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.

Currently, there is no proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection, but the disease is self-limiting (it resolves on its own within a few weeks). Despite the above the disease can be fatal with a case fatality rate of up to 6%.

Prevention and control measures.
• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead from unknown causes.

• Avoiding contact with any materials, such as bedding and clothing that has been in contact with a sick animal or person suspected to have monkeypox infection.

• Isolating suspected infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.

• Practising good hand hygiene such as washing of hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for suspected patients.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe, but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries with keen interest. The ministry has also placed its structures on high alert. Anyone who suspects that they have similar symptoms as that of monkeypox should report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or call our toll-free line 2019 for assistance.

Ministry of Health and Child Care, Public Relations Department pr@mohcc.gov.zw

The Ministry of Health and Child Care would like to warn the public and its stakeholders of an ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in 19 endemic and non-endemic countries within and outside Africa.

As of the 26th of May 2022, a total of 257 laboratory-confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases had been reported and zero deaths have been reported in non-endemic areas.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. The disease is not endemic in Zimbabwe. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus. Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, headache, muscle ache, swelling and back pain. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox.

Currently, there is no proven treatment for monkeypox virus infection, but the disease is self-limiting (it resolves on its own within a few weeks). Despite the above the disease can be fatal with a case fatality rate of up to 6%.

Prevention and control measures.
• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead from unknown causes.

• Avoiding contact with any materials, such as bedding and clothing that has been in contact with a sick animal or person suspected to have monkeypox infection.

• Isolating suspected infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.

• Practising good hand hygiene such as washing of hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for suspected patients.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe, but it is monitoring the evolving situation of the outbreak in other countries with keen interest. The ministry has also placed its structures on high alert. Anyone who suspects that they have similar symptoms as that of monkeypox should report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or call our toll-free line 2019 for assistance.

Ministry of Health and Child Care, Public Relations Department pr@mohcc.gov.zw

The Vice President Constantino Chiwenga led Health Ministry has hiked user fees at public hospitals by 1 748%, prompting analysts to warn of an upsurge in home deaths.

New adult and children consultation fees have been pegged at US$12 and US$6, respectively, which are an equivalent of $3 696 and $1 848 in the local currency using the official exchange of US$1:$308.

Hospital fees were last increased in January 2020, with adults and children respectively paying $200 and $100 in Zimbabwe dollars at the time.

“Reference is made to the hospital user fees circular dated April 19, and the Exchange Control Exclusive Use of Zimbabwe dollar for Domestic Transactions Amendment Regulations, 2020 no 3 (Statutory Instrument 185 of 2020).

“Following the release convergence of the Exchange Control Directive No 3 of 2022, in line with the convergence of the auction exchange rates and the interbank willing-buyer willing-seller exchange rate, you are being advised to implement user fees in line with the current interbank exchange rates,” Health and Child Care ministry secretary Jasper Chimedza wrote in a memo dated June 1, 2022.

Chimedza was not reachable for comment last night.

The memo was addressed to provincial medical directors, medical superintendents and public hospital chief executive officers.

Following the directive, consultation fees for adults are now at US$12 and children US$6. Ward fees for adults are set at US$12, and US$8 for children.

“Ambulance fees per kilometre US$1,60. Intensive/coronary care unit per day — adults now at $US16. Intensive/coronary care unit per day — children now at $US10. Consultation fee is valid for seven days and chronic consultation fees are valid for one month,” a notice to the public hospitals read.

The notice says patients may pay the new fees at the interbank rate, which currently stands at $325 to US$1.

Patients were paying almost half in user fees before the latest increase.

The new user fee hike will hit most Zimbabweans, who have been forced to turn to public hospitals as the pricing at private health facilities is beyond the reach of many.

However, public hospitals have been failing to provide quality services owing to years of underfunding.

Analysts said the increase in user fees would worsen the plight of patients battling to access health care due to prohibitive costs.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enock Dongo said many people would die at home because they could not afford the fees.

“This is too expensive for civil servants and other ordinary citizens. This will lead to many people dying at home. People will die unnoticed, and people will die with conditions that can be saved if they manage to go to the hospital. It’s an unfortunate scenario,” he said.

Plagued by a scarcity of drugs, dilapidated medical equipment and persistent strikes over poor remuneration by health sector professionals, the public healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.

Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director Itai Rusike said the new hospital fees barred access to equitable health care services for the majority of ordinary citizens.

“The CWGH is concerned that the new hospital fees will increase the barriers to use of services and inevitably bar access to equitable healthcare services by the majority of poor people that depend on the public healthcare system. These user fees are not affordable to many, defeating the point of having the right to health in the Constitution,” Rusike said.

“We understand that the hospitals are facing severe cash constraints. However we are concerned that the situation at present is one in which the public is not being adequately informed on what exactly to expect at hospitals and thus cannot adequately budget and plan for their visits to these services,” he added.

The public health sector faces funding shortfalls as Zimbabwe has over the years failed to meet the Abuja Declaration on health spending, which calls for 15% budget allocation to the sector.

Government once mooted plans to introduce a raft of new taxes targeting every Zimbabweans, even the self-employed, to fund a compulsory health insurance scheme for public hospitals.-Newsday

An electrician has been charged with culpable homicide after he allegedly caused the death of a student on internship.

Brian Kunaka (48) was remanded in custody to July 11 when he appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda. He was advised to approach the High Court for bail application.

The court heard that on April 22 this year, Kunaka was at the Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company power plant in Harare’s Msasa industrial area.

On the fateful day, he was in charge of the switch board and at around 3pm, he allegedly switched on the screen rotary machine without checking.

The now-deceased Godfrey Chipoyera, who was still inside, working on the machine was then crushed to death.

In an unrelated case, Tendai Mawanza (28) also appeared before Dzuda charged with theft of property worth US$44 064 belonging to Sterile Hygiene (Pvt) Limited.

Mawanza, who was employed as a sales agent and cashier at the company, was granted $20 000

bail.

The court heard that on May 16, 2022, an internal audit revealed that US$44 064 was missing and Mawanza failed to account for the money, leading to her arrest.

George Manokore represented the State in both cases. –Newsday

As bread prices continue to soar, public sector employees are now comparing and contrasting their low wages to how many loaves they can actually purchase.

A loaf of bread in the country now costs between $600 and $945, way beyond the reach of many workers, a majority of whom take home $35 000 per month.

A teacher’s payslip seen by NewsDay yesterday revealed that they take home $19 818, excluding the US$75 COVID-19 allowance.

Following the latest bread increases, teachers in the country said a teacher’s salary was equivalent to 20 loaves of bread.

“This is an example of a rare payslip for a teacher. It’s clean. No loans. Most teachers have three loan deductions and net around $9 000. The only money left of significance is the US$175 (US$100 from the salary) that comes in cash. Remember, this is a teacher who once earned US$540 before October 2018,” said Tafadzwa Munodawafa, the Educators Union of Zimbabwe president, adding that the low salaries were a mockery to the profession.

“Our members and the fraternity at large have made it clear that it’s no longer feasible to continue to work under the prevailing economic hardships. Currently, a teacher at the entry point is earning just about two dozen loaves of bread. It’s preposterous to say the least,” Munodawafa said.

“As a union, we have come to appreciate that the government doesn’t respect the process of dialogue. The employer has continued to give us a raw deal. Our genuine demands for a sustainable salary that should contribute to our pension package continue to be ignored. We are left with no choice, but to organise ourselves to resist the slave wages. I call upon all teachers union leaders and other government workers’ unions to come together to map a collective way forward as is expected of us by the members we represent.”

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said: “Teachers are earning as little as $20 000 per month (outside COVID-19 and cushion allowance), a salary which can only afford to pay for 20 loaves of bread. The teachers are starving, and cannot afford to access basic services such as education, healthcare and accommodation among others.”— Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF man Sybeth Musengezi has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa will lose the 2023 Presidential election because he lacks direction and vision.

Musengezi took a swipe at Mr Mnangagwa for failing to arrest corruption.

“Our current leaders have failed to run the country, they have failed the economy. Corruption is rife and generally people are suffering. On top of that, there is a lot of disgruntlement and factionalism in ZANU PF, so bhora musango is inevitable.

If Chamisa plays his cards well, I foresee him winning the hearts of many in 2023, even among those currently in ZANU PF may vote for him,” declared Musengezi.

Mr Mnangagwa, quoted by a daily paper, conceded Zanu PF has been torn apart by factionalism.

Speaking to Glenview 7 residents last week, he said:

“Here in Harare, there is a lot of factionalism. Masimirembwa is struggling to contain factionalism in the province, and we don’t want that in the party. ZANU PF does not belong to individuals.”

A Harare court is expected to decide today on a case of deliberate HIV transmission, two months after the country decriminalised transmission of the virus.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is representing Lindiwe Ndhlovu, who was accused of deliberately infecting her boyfriend, the complainant in the matter.

Ndhlovu, through her lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe, filed an application for removal from further remand following the decriminalisation of wilful HIV transmission.

In his application before magistrate Yeukai Dzuda, Saurombe argued that section 70(1)(1) of the Constitution provides that no person may be convicted of an act or omission that is no longer an offence.

“Following the repeal of section 79 of the Criminal Code which former section the accused person was charged under, the provisions of section 70(1)(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe protect the accused person from any further remand,” Saurombe submitted.

It is further submitted that there is no possibility of a conviction arising out of an act that is no longer an offence. By operation of law, on May 27, 2022, the State as dominus litis (the person who is actually behind legal proceedings, even if they are brought in the name of someone else) ceased to have any basis to further remand the accused person as there was no longer a charge recognisable in law.

“It is thus submitted that the accused person must not be placed on any further remand as the basis of being placed on remand has ceased by operation of law. In the result, the accused person prays that she is removed from remand.”

According to court papers, the accused person was arrested on March 31 this year and appeared in court where she was placed on remand and the matter was postponed to April 4 for bail consideration.

She was then granted bail on April 4, and the matter was remanded to April 29.

However, the State said it was still perusing the docket and conducting further investigations.

In April, Zimbabwe became the second country in Africa to fully repeal its HIV-specific criminal law after the Marriages Amendment Bill was signed into law.

Prior to the legislation’s passage, an act of HIV transmission could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison under section 79 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Code.

The statute was, however, seldom enforced. -Newsday

Two Zimbabweans suspected to have been part of a six-man armed robbery gang were shot dead during a shootout with Botswana police.

Botswana Police Service public relations officer, Senior Superintendent Near Bagali confirmed the incident which occurred in the neighbouring country on Monday.

In a statement, he said three other suspects, two of them Zimbabweans have been arrested. Another suspect who is a Motswana is in hospital after he was injured during the shootout.

Senior Supt Bagali said the gang, which was armed with pistols stole cellphones from a house.

“Two Zimbabwean men died in an exchange of fire with members of the Botswana Police Service this morning (06/06/2022) near Botswana College of Engineering and Technology.

Another suspect a Motswana man got injured in the process and is hospitalised.

Three others being two Zimbabweans and a Motswana have since been arrested,” he said.

“This follows an incident in which the six armed men aged between 33 and 45 allegedly attacked and robbed a 34-year-old man of cellphones at his residence.

The robbers fled the scene and were later involved in an exchange of fire with the police.”

He said the police have since recovered three pistols suspected to have been used in the commission of the offence.

The stolen cellphones have also been recovered from the suspects.

Senior Supt Bagali said a vehicle with false registration number suspected to have been used in committing the crime has been impounded.

He said preliminary investigations indicate that some of the suspects have been on police wanted list for various cases of robbery committed in Gaborone and surrounding areas.

Senior Supt Bagali said further investigations were underway.

Botswana is home to a number of Zimbabweans who have moved to the neighbouring country.— Chronicle

Tinashe Sambiri|
Zanu PF Vice President – Constantino Chiwenga has been lambasted on social for taking in another woman after abandoning Marry Mubaiwa.

Chiwenga has found new love in the name of army Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi.

Zimbabweans have castigated the former army general for viewing woman as s*x objects.

This comes after Chiwenga’s acrimonious divorce with Marry.

Below are some comments on Chiwenga’s latest marriage.

Pelo Irvin:
“Miniyothabo Baloyi don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Linx Alvin:
“Ladies luv money yooo
Even if satan was here wainzwa akutonzi Satie bbe nekuda Mari chete.”

Lawrence Shumba:
“May her soul rest in eternal peace in advance.”

Judith Nyatanga:

“I think Baloyi is not normal something wrong munjere dzake anoda kuongororwa shame.”

“Mandishona Wayne:
Vakadzi ava dzidze umwe ari kuwora iwe woroorwa na Satan ivava kuda mari dze kubiwa idzodzo manje zviri kupera sooon mbwa dzevanhu.”

Goromonzi West MP, Energy Mutodi (ZANU PF), says he has been receiving death threats over the few days.

Mutodi, a former Deputy Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service Minister, said he has increased his personal security as a result of the threats. He tweeted on Sunday:

“I am tightening personal security following direct and indirect threats on my life in recent days.

MPs are public officials who represent the people and speak for the voiceless.

They must never be targeted for what they say or do in or outside Parliament.”

Barely three weeks ago, Mutodi urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reshuffle his Cabinet as a matter of urgency to avoid a humiliating defeat in the 2023 elections.

Mutodi said that some cabinet members do not have what it takes to help Mnangagwa solve the country’s economic challenges.

Mutodi had earlier criticised Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube in the National Assembly, asking why it took him such a long time to realise that buying and selling foreign currency has become the primary business in the country.

He also asked Ncube why Zimbabwe continued to use bond notes when he (Mthuli) has previously stated that “bad money drives out good money” before he became a Cabinet Minister.- Pindula News

Tinashe Sambiri|
Zanu PF Vice President – Constantino Chiwenga has been lambasted on social for taking in another woman after abandoning Marry Mubaiwa.

Chiwenga has found new love in the name of army Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi.

Zimbabweans have castigated the former army general for viewing woman as s*x objects.

This comes after Chiwenga’s acrimonious divorce with Marry.

Below are some comments on Chiwenga’s latest marriage.

Pelo Irvin:
“Miniyothabo Baloyi don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Linx Alvin:
“Ladies luv money yooo
Even if satan was here wainzwa akutonzi Satie bbe nekuda Mari chete.”

Lawrence Shumba:
“May her soul rest in eternal peace in advance.”

Judith Nyatanga:

“I think Baloyi is not normal something wrong munjere dzake anoda kuongororwa shame.”

“Mandishona Wayne:
Vakadzi ava dzidze umwe ari kuwora iwe woroorwa na Satan ivava kuda mari dze kubiwa idzodzo manje zviri kupera sooon mbwa dzevanhu.”

Tinashe Sambiri|
Zanu PF Vice President – Constantino Chiwenga has been lambasted on social for taking in another woman after abandoning Marry Mubaiwa.

Chiwenga has found new love in the name of army Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi.

Zimbabweans have castigated the former army general for viewing woman as s*x objects.

This comes after Chiwenga’s acrimonious divorce with Marry.

Below are some comments on Chiwenga’s latest marriage.

Pelo Irvin:
“Miniyothabo Baloyi don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Linx Alvin:
“Ladies luv money yooo
Even if satan was here wainzwa akutonzi Satie bbe nekuda Mari chete.”

Lawrence Shumba:
“May her soul rest in eternal peace in advance.”

Judith Nyatanga:

“I think Baloyi is not normal something wrong munjere dzake anoda kuongororwa shame.”

“Mandishona Wayne:
Vakadzi ava dzidze umwe ari kuwora iwe woroorwa na Satan ivava kuda mari dze kubiwa idzodzo manje zviri kupera sooon mbwa dzevanhu.”

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF man Sybeth Musengezi has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa will lose the 2023 Presidential election because he lacks direction and vision.

Musengezi took a swipe at Mr Mnangagwa for failing to arrest corruption.

“Our current leaders have failed to run the country, they have failed the economy. Corruption is rife and generally people are suffering. On top of that, there is a lot of disgruntlement and factionalism in ZANU PF, so bhora musango is inevitable.

If Chamisa plays his cards well, I foresee him winning the hearts of many in 2023, even among those currently in ZANU PF may vote for him,” declared Musengezi.

Mr Mnangagwa, quoted by a daily paper, conceded Zanu PF has been torn apart by factionalism.

Speaking to Glenview 7 residents last week, he said:

“Here in Harare, there is a lot of factionalism. Masimirembwa is struggling to contain factionalism in the province, and we don’t want that in the party. ZANU PF does not belong to individuals.”

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF man Sybeth Musengezi has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa will lose the 2023 Presidential election because he lacks direction and vision.

Musengezi took a swipe at Mr Mnangagwa for failing to arrest corruption.

“Our current leaders have failed to run the country, they have failed the economy. Corruption is rife and generally people are suffering. On top of that, there is a lot of disgruntlement and factionalism in ZANU PF, so bhora musango is inevitable.

If Chamisa plays his cards well, I foresee him winning the hearts of many in 2023, even among those currently in ZANU PF may vote for him,” declared Musengezi.

Mr Mnangagwa, quoted by a daily paper, conceded Zanu PF has been torn apart by factionalism.

Speaking to Glenview 7 residents last week, he said:

“Here in Harare, there is a lot of factionalism. Masimirembwa is struggling to contain factionalism in the province, and we don’t want that in the party. ZANU PF does not belong to individuals.”