By- Forty-nine (49) people were injured when an Inter-Africa bus was involved in an accident along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near National Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, said the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and overturned at 5.30 PM.
Said Nyathi:
The ZRP confirms a serious RTA which occurred on [the 9th of April 2022] at 1730 hours along Harare-Bulawayo Road near National Sports Stadium, involving a Mukumba Bus (Inter Africa).
The driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and overturned.
49 people were injured during the accident. The bus driver ran away soon after the accident.
The accident occurred barely five days after one person was killed while 22 others were injured when another Inter-Africa bus overturned at Karina in Norton.
The bus was travelling from Murombedzi to Harare with 58 passengers on board.

Barely a year later, an Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) helicopter crashed yesterday near the place where another chopper carrying President Emmerson Mnangagwa was forced to crash land.

Indentities of the passengers were not disclosed at the time of writing.

The accident happened at Chibhero College in Mhondoro, but police and army officials were coy on details about its passengers and possible casualties.
Impeccable sources told NewsDay that the crash occurred yesterday afternoon near Chibhero College in Mhondoro.

Airforce says the camouflaged military chopper which crashed in Mhondoro isn't theirs | SO WHOSE I IT?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 10, 2022

Police sources also confirmed the crash, which saw top officials attending the crash site.

Military and police details also cordoned off the site, making it inaccessible.

The sources said the crash took place in the area where a helicopter carrying President Emmerson Mnangagwa was forced to crash land after developing a technical fault while he was returning to the capital from his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

“The crash was in the same area where Mnangagwa’s helicopter almost crashed,” the source said.

“The road leading to the accident scene was cordoned off, and no one was allowed there. We are not yet aware who was involved in the accident, and if there were any casualties.”

Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson Colonel Alphios Makotore said he could not comment on the matter.

“I am not in the air force, I am in the army,” he curtly said yesterday.

AFZ public relations officer, Simon Matingwina yesterday acknowledged the crash but said it was not an air force helicopter.

“I know about the crash, but it’s not our helicopter. I think Mhondoro police attended the scene,” he said last night.

Efforts to get a comment from police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were fruitless as he was not picking up calls.

This is not the first time that an air force chopper has crashed in the country.

Last April, an AFZ helicopter — Agusta Bell AB 412 — crashed in a farming area in Arcturus, 30km east of the capital killing three crew members and a child as it came down on a house.

Two months later, another chopper, an Mi-35 helicopter gunship, with five aircraft technicians on board crash-landed near oil expresser Surface Wilmar in Chitungwiza. Newsday

By A Correspondent- Mr Vusilizwe Vuma, chief executive officer of the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC), has resigned.

“The board of directors of the Deposit Protection Corporation announces the resignation of Mr Vusilizwe Vuma as chief executive officer of the corporation effective 1 April 2022,” said Mr Agmos Moyo, chairperson of the board of directors, in a public notice.

The board would like to further advise that Mr Gift Chirozva has been appointed as the acting CEO of DPC. The details of the CEO’s substantive replacement will be announced at a later date, bearing in mind that the recruitment process has already been initiated (in terms of the provisions of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) to determine Mr Vuma’s succession.

“DPC would like to thank Mr Vuma for his service to the corporation and wishes him every success in his future endeavours,” he said.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Esibomvu villagers in uMzingwane District, Matabeleland South province have banished one of their community members after allegations that he was involved in the raiding of illegal miners by the armed robbers last month.

One of the villagers, Bhekimpilo Mhlanga confirmed the developments.

“There was a group of about five armed robbers which was going around raiding illegal miners. This trait started from December last year until last month the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) started hunting for the group,” he said.

“The group fled the borders to South Africa to sort refugees before selling out one of their colleagues who remained in Zimbabwe in the Sibomvu area. After hearing the allegations that one of the community members was involved in these raiding, the villagers then took the matters in their hands.”

Mhlanga said the villagers beat up the resident before banishing him from the village.

“The villagers had always suspected him of social ills in the community. He came from nowhere and no one in the village knew his history,” he said.

This battle had risked lives of many people in the community as people were living in terror.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said they have not recorded any case concerning the matter.

By A Correspondent- Lupane men have called for a ban on the use of traditional sex enhancement supplements, saying they are fuelling new HIV infections.

Zimbabwe is in a drive to end new HIV infections by 2030, and the National Aids Council (NAC) is trying to tackle and curb challenges that bring about new infections.

After the realisation that men are lagging behind when it comes to participation in health-related issues, including HIV, NAC has implemented a brother-to-brother programme meant to engage men on HIV related issues.

When asked about the key drivers of HIV during a brother-to-brother session at Ndamuleni village in Lupane, some cited imbiza/isgubhu (traditional sex enhancement supplements) as the key driver.

Ndamuleni headman Mr Philani Ncube said isgubhu boosts a man’s energy, making them hyperactive, but the men of today do not understand the reason why it was used long back.

“Isgubhu makes a man visible in the bedroom, it actually gives them existence all the time. Men of today do not understand that isgubhu was used by our forefathers because they had many wives whom they had to satisfy. They just drink it while they have one wife, resulting in them sleeping around because women cannot stand the roughness that comes with it. Therefore, the spread of HIV is more likely,” said Mr Ncube.

Mr Mdibhisi Dube said isgubhu changes one’s bedroom game, and pressure from friends leads to men drinking it all the time.

“Men are easily swayed, so once one hears that their friend is using isgubhu and it’s working for them, they also want to try it. When one does not trust themselves and hears of this, they will always use it regardless of the disadvantages it bears,” he said.

Mr Dube said the other reason men use isgubhu is to cover up for cheating so that their partners don’t become suspicious.

“When I go out with my side women and I do not want my wife to find out, I will drink isgubhu. Once I drink it, I will still have the usual or more energy even if I’ve used some on someone. With isgubhu, a condom will surely break, it comes with too much energy and roughness, thus leading to the spread in HIV,” he said.

Mr Ignitious Sibanda said isgubhu tends to take over one’s thinking capacity.

“These things tend to make hormones overcome someone’s thinking capacity and chances of one thinking about protection are very slim. Isgubhu pushes them to do whatever satisfies the body at that moment. The assumption is that the supplements actually boost a man’s confidence and help them earn respect. It has killed the nation because a man who uses imbiza is not safe from HIV,” he said.

Village head Mr Siqalekiso Sibanda said the supplements should be banned if the country wants to achieve its target.

“Isgubhu should just be banned or at least there should be efforts to teach people about it. There are no dosages and men drink it until they feel like it’s working, yet they will have overdosed.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have expressed concern over the rise in car thefts across the country.

Police made the remarks in their Twitter account. They said several vehicles were reported to have been stolen across the country in the past few weeks.

On the first of this month, Police in Hwange recorded a case of theft of a white Toyota Hilux Revo vehicle registration number AFF 8145 at Sino Hydro, Hwange.

Police said the vehicle was stolen by someone who allegedly impersonated a company employee.

“The culprit has not been identified yet” said the police

In a related matter on a Saturday this month at 11pm a male motorist (35) lost his Toyota Runx Vehicle ACN 6920 to an unknown suspect after he parked the vehicle along the road to relieve himself while the engine was running near Pamuzinda, Harare.

In most cases male motorists have been stolen while parked while owners are relieving themselves and this puts many at risk of being carjacked or robbed.

In another similar incident, police stated that recently a Harare man (37) lost a white Nissan Tiida vehicle AFB 1746 after parking along the road for recess along Tynwald Drive.

An unidentified passenger whom the owner of the vehicle had picked along Harare-Bulawayo Road jumped onto the driver’s side and drove away.

They also said recently a Harare man (39) lost a silver Corolla Crystallite vehicle AEP 9435 after leaving it parked at a barbershop in Mbare with the keys on the ignition.

Police said they later recovered the vehicle at George Stark High School with some missing car accessories which include a car radio, speakers, battery and a Samsung cellphone.

Last month, the police in their Twitter page confirmed the car theft which occurred on March 15 at around 1PM in Bulawayo CBD.

Police said they are investigating a case of theft of a motor vehicle which occurred in Bulawayo on 15 March at about 1PM.

“The complainant parked and locked the doors of her grey Toyota Wish vehicle (AEW 6351) along Jason Moyo, between 10th and 11th Avenue while proceeding to a bank. She came back after about an hour and discovered that the vehicle had been stolen,” said the police.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa held a massive consultation meeting with Bulawayo residents and party supporters on Saturday.

Dr Thokozani Khupe attended the meeting as an ordinary CCC member.

President Chamisa described the party’s grassroots support as “
inspiring and energizing.”

“BULAWAYO CITIZENS GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT MEETING INSPIRING & ENERGIZING- Focusing on the 2022 Citizens Action Agenda,economy & the desired electoral reforms.Great conversation on Citizens at the centre strategy, structure,culture and the Transformational agenda.

Thank you Bulawayo. A New Great Zimbabwe loading..Behold the new,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

In a statement CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

” Fellow Citizens we are in the beautiful city of kings to meet community leaders.

President Nelson Chamisa has just finished addressing compatriots with the agenda of introducing the new, preparing the path to power and our program of action.

Our next stop will be rural programs through out.

We urge Citizens to work together in building this great movement.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF man Sybeth Musengezi says he is determined to fight for democracy within the former revolutionary party.

Musengezi is challenging Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa’s questionable legitimacy.

Musengezi has been summoned by police for questioning.

“I shall cooperate with the Police and hand myself in for the (police) interview,” said Musengezi.

He added :
“Last Saturday in Harare with my lawyer Nqobani Sithole
@nqoebs20
mapping way foward on the Musengezi vs ZANU PF matter.

Mnangagwa’s henchman (Nguni) finally responded so we’re ready to submit our Heads of Arguments now. We’re going foward with the matter.”

“Either Cde Mnangagwa’s apologists are foolish or they want to embarass him. Firstly it was about my membership to ZANU PF, then some residential address jiberish and now they’re saying am out of the country after skipping the border & shud be arrested upon return Nhema dzacho,” declared Musengezi.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa held a massive consultation meeting with Bulawayo residents and party supporters on Saturday.

Dr Thokozani Khupe attended the meeting as an ordinary CCC member.

President Chamisa described the party’s grassroots support as “
inspiring and energizing.”

“BULAWAYO CITIZENS GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT MEETING INSPIRING & ENERGIZING- Focusing on the 2022 Citizens Action Agenda,economy & the desired electoral reforms.Great conversation on Citizens at the centre strategy, structure,culture and the Transformational agenda.

Thank you Bulawayo. A New Great Zimbabwe loading..Behold the new,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

In a statement CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

” Fellow Citizens we are in the beautiful city of kings to meet community leaders.

President Nelson Chamisa has just finished addressing compatriots with the agenda of introducing the new, preparing the path to power and our program of action.

Our next stop will be rural programs through out.

We urge Citizens to work together in building this great movement.”

Self-styled Ndebele King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo has implored Zimbabweans living in South Africa to return home amid ongoing violence against foreigners in the neighbouring country.

Bulelani, himself living in South Africa, said Zimbabweans have been living in South Africa for too long and this has worn out the patience of their hosts. He said:

These people have given us asylum and accommodation so that we fix our own things, but we continue involving ourselves in illegal activities yet it is up to us to follow the laws of this land.

This is the time to go back home to fix our things. The situation back home is not getting better because we are not doing anything about it.

Our neighbour is tired of taking care of us, he is saying enough is enough and is reaching a boiling point.

These people have given us asylum and accommodation so that we fix our own things, but we continue involving ourselves in illegal activities yet it is up to us to follow the laws of this land.

This is the time to go back home to fix our things. The situation back home is not getting better because we are not doing anything about it.

Our neighbour is tired of taking care of us, he is saying enough is enough and is reaching a boiling point.

Bulelani said it is disappointing that some South Africans view their African brothers as foreigners.

Elvis Nyathi (43), a Zimbabwean national, was assaulted and set alight by vigilantes in Diepsloot, Johannesburg last week for not having a passport

Bulelani said Gukurahundi made some Zimbabweans fail to obtain documents and this has left them at the mercy of xenophobes in South Africa.

He called on the South African government to help solve the Zimbabwean crisis.

By A Correspondent- A top Chinese business representative has blamed the rampant violation of Zimbabwean investment laws by some of his compatriots on language barriers.

Speaking at a panel discussion in Harare on Friday, African Empire Group chairperson Steve Ke Zhao said local media was unnecessarily stereotyping Chinese investors while failing to separate “the bad apples” from the lot.

The candid discussion forum, themed “The state of Chinese business investments in Zimbabwe and future of Sino-Zim relations”, was organised by China-Africa Economic and Culture Exchange and Research Centre.

Earlier, media expert Tawanda Majoni had acknowledged the positive role played by the Chinese in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining, and advancing loans to Zimbabwe.

Majoni said China’s investment portfolio in Zimbabwe could not be matched by any country since 2000 but was quick to add, “the positives are now overshadowed by the bad boy tag that the Chinese have been associated with”.

“When people see what they see as impunity, there is a tendency for people to start to be emotional about it,” Majoni said.

“People don’t think the problem is with the Chinese only, of course they also blame the government for overprotecting these people. People tend to think government officials are getting bribes from the Chinese.”

Majoni also said the Chinese have not done themselves any favour by abandoning their public relations portfolio, which has left their operations open to all manner of speculation by both the public and the media.

“There is a vacuum in terms of connecting with the media and therefore there is lack of information, sometimes journalists find it difficult to go and get accurate information from the Chinese…” he said.

In his response, Zhao pointed out that, “In each and every community, there are always bad apples, there are good and bad people… So I cannot say in the Asian community everyone or every company is perfect, but look at the majority (of investors).”

Zhao said a lot of media reports focusing on Chinese investment were never informed by what is happening on the ground.

“Some of the issues and I have to say that again, language is the problem.

“So, some of the people that came in as Chinese investors, they cannot really understand Zimbabwean laws.

So, that’s why from the Chinese companies, we work with government officials, we have more workshops to make people understand the policies in the country.

“So, follow the law in Zimbabwe, follow the policies; that’s one of the things in the Chinese community.

“So, recently in the Chinese companies, we have already started saying if you don’t want to follow the laws in Zimbabwe, please go back to China, we also don’t want you to be here.

“We want clean projects, we want benefiting projects coming to Zimbabwe.”

A radiographer at one of the country’s major hospitals Adriana Rutendo Mafukidze Zanga said that linear accelerators (devices most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer) at government hospitals are not working.

Posting on Twitter on Saturday, Zanga said the last functioning linear accelerator (linac) broke down in January when there was already a huge backlog due to previous long machine downtimes. She wrote:

Thank you. My fellow radiation therapists and I are hoping for the repair of ALL the linear accelerators (linac) at both govt institutions.

Before the last functioning linac broke down in January we already had a huge backlog due to previous long machine downtimes.

There have been conflicting claims on social media platforms about the state of cancer treatment in Zimbabwe.

Award-winning journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, last week claimed that the country’s public hospitals don’t have a single working radiotherapy cancer machine. Chin’ono tweeted:

Farai Hativagoni died today from cancer because Zimbabwe’s public hospitals don’t have a single working radiotherapy cancer machine.

There are real people with names who are dying daily because Mnangagwa’s regime has refused to care about cancer patients due to LOOTING.

However, pro-Government activists on Twitter have accused Chin’ono of lying and making unfounded statements meant to tarnish the image of the country.

In a post on Facebook on 27 January this year, Zanga said asked a rhetorical question. She said:

Is a DOG in Alabama more likely to receive Radiotherapy than our children with cancer in Harare?!!!!!

In another post the following day, Zanga said the country needs lasting solutions to the frequent breakdowns of cancer machines.

She also implored churches, universities, healthcare funders, civil society, everyone across the political divide, banks, and philanthropists, among other stakeholders to work together to find a solution to the crisis. She said:

In my post yesterday when I posed the question, “Is a dog in Alabama more likely to receive Radiotherapy than our children in Harare”, something in me snapped.

As a mother myself, I did not want to imagine what it feels like to be stuck with a child with cancer at home due to a machine breakdown.

I hence decided that as a citizen and a cancer caregiver I cannot keep on venting without offering solutions.

As a cancer caregiver, I am also tired of being heartbroken by these episodes that I have experienced for the 12 years I have served my community.

This must be everyone’s concern – churches, universities, healthcare funders, civil society, everyone across the political divide, banks, philanthropists etc.

The cancer burden is growing and access to care must urgently be everyone’s baby

Here are my 3 points :

1. As individuals and corporates we have been doing well to raise cancer awareness through walks etc. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is “Close the care gap”.

It is therefore my humble request for corporates and individuals to organise around this theme. Let’s talk about access to Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Counseling, Nutrition etc for cancer patients this year.

Try to actively seek out where the gaps in cancer care are and seek ways to close these.

Public Relations Officers in public sector hospitals are able to assist with information as well as guidance in initiatives you may want to engage in.

A tour of the Radiotherapy and Oncology facilities can be requested.

2. The proposed cancer levy motioned in parliament by Dr Khupe did not sail through due to reasons I do not have the full knowledge and expertise to fully explain BUT according to Dr Ngwaru in the Herald article titled “Parly mulls cancer levy” he says, “As it stands about 50 per cent of cancer diseases are an overlap from HIV. What it means is that the burden of cancer must be the burden of HIV.”

I agree with the above statement by Dr Ngwaru of the National Cancer Alliance of Zimbabwe (NCAZ).

What can be done for our Radiotherapy Centres to benefit from the AIDS levy? Can a cancer council be set up which is directly funded by the National AIDS Council?  If this is not feasible/practical please offer suggestions.

3. There is a growing sentiment that Radiotherapy and Oncology Centres must stand alone and be funded directly by Treasury because of the high cost of purchase and maintenance of linear accelerators which may exceed hospital and Ministry budgets.

HRDs Alert
31 March 2022

A 48 year old Zimbabwean authorities are intensifying their onslaught against dissent with several people across the country appearing in court answering to charges of undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In Shurugwi, 48 year-old Maria Mapfumo was recently arrested by some Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, who charged her with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa in contravention of Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and
Reform) Act.

In court, prosecutors accused Mapfumo of using derogatory language to insult President Mnangagwa during an altercation with Bernard Dangi, a ZANU PF Councillor under Tongogara Rural District Council in Shurugwi, wherein the 48 year-old woman allegedly stated that Dangi and President Mnangagwa were murderers who can connive to kill her
husband. Mapfumo’s husband, who is employed as a teacher had been accused by Dangi of abdicating his teaching duties and engaging in political activities.

Mapfumo, who was represented by Hillary Garikayi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), was also charged with criminal insult as defined in Section 95 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly impairing the dignity of Dangi.

In Hwange, Mehlo Mpala, a 42 year-old man recently appeared at Dete Magistrates Court answering to the same charge of contravening Section 33(2)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly undermining or insulting the authority of President Mnangagwa.

Mpala, who is employed as a train engineer, was accused of acting unlawfully after he criticised Nyambe Mathe, a war veteran and the ZANU PF party Chairperson for Ward 16 while at Cross Dete Business Centre for wearing ZANU PF party regalia comprising of a T-shirt and a cap emblazoned with a picture of President Mnangagwa, whom the train engineer accused of causing a lot of suffering for Zimbabweans.

Prosecutors alleged that Mpala told Mathe that he was wearing a good pair of shoes and trousers except for the cap and T-shirt which he said was “rubbish” stuff and that President Mnangagwa’s picture on his party regalia was not good.

ZLHR lawyer Jabulani Mhlanga, who represented Mpala challenged the prosecution of the train engineer without obtaining authority to prosecute from the Prosecutor-General and he was removed from remand and the State was ordered to summon him should it still want to proceed with prosecuting him.

In Bindura, Tinotenda Majuru, a 24 year-old man is scheduled to stand trial on 12 April on the same charges of undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa after he allegedly snatched beer and a ZANU PF party branded cap from another resident at Chiwaridzo Business Centre.

Majuru, who is self employed as a car washer at Chiwaridzo Business Centre, was accused of using some derogatory words in criticising President Mnangagwa during an altercation with Samson Waraza.

Majuru, who was granted free bail by Magistrate Samantha Dhlamini, is represented by Ernest Jena of ZLHR.

On 4 April 2022, Clapaton Redi, a 42 year-old man will be on trial at Mbare Magistrates Court on charges of undermining or insulting the authority of President Mnangagwa.

Redi, who was arrested in December 2021 and is represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe of ZLHR, is accused of insulting President Mnangagwa on 14 December 2021 in Mbare high-density suburb by uttering some disparaging comments about the ruling ZANU PF leader.

In Seke, 27 year-old Leonard Mutsa Mukuya will appear at Chitungwiza Magistrates Court on 8 April 2022 answering to charges of undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after he allegedly made some utterances which some law enforcement agents claimed would engender feelings of hostility towards the ZANU PF party leader.

Prosecutors claim that Mukuya on 12 February 2022 and at Damview Recreational Centre in Chitungwiza unlawfully and with intent to cause hatred, contempt and ridicule towards President Mnangagwa used offensive language in criticising the country’s leader during a
conversation with Takudzwa Chitiga.

Mukuya, who is represented by Gift Mtisi of ZLHR, allegedly approached Chitiga, who was wearing a ZANU PF party T-shirt which had President Mnangagwa’s picture on it, and questioned him for supporting the ruling party.

Brazzaville, 7 April 2022 – Climate-related health emergencies are on the rise in Africa, accounting for more than half of public health events recorded in the region over the past two decades, a new analysis by World Health Organization (WHO) shows.

The analysis found that of the 2121 public health events recorded in the African region between 2001 and 2021, 56% were climate-related. The region is witnessing an increase in climate-linked emergencies, with 25% more climate-related events recorded between 2011 and 2021 compared with the previous decade.

World Health Day is being marked on 7 April under the theme “Our Planet. Our Health.” WHO is calling on governments to, among other recommendations, prioritize human well-being in all key decisions, stop new fossil fuel explorations and subsidies, tax polluters and implement WHO air quality guidelines.

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats to humanity. The entire foundation of good health is in jeopardy with increasingly severe climatic events. In Africa, frequent floods, water- and vector-borne diseases are deepening health crises. Although the continent contributes the least to global warming, it bears the full consequences,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The WHO analysis found that water-borne diseases accounted for 40% of the climate-related health emergencies over the past two decades. In Africa, diarrhoeal diseases are the third leading cause of disease and death in under 5 children. A significant proportion of these deaths is preventable through safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene.

The analysis also showed that vector-borne diseases, notably yellow fever, accounted for 28% of the climate-related health emergencies, while zoonotic diseases, specifically Congo-Crimean haemorrhagic fever, were the third most prevalent. Congo-Crimean haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted to people from ticks and livestock and has an outbreak fatality rate of up to 40%.

Natural disasters have also spiked dramatically since 2010, with 70% of all-natural disasters occurring between 2017 and 2021. Floods were the most frequent event, accounting for 33% of all the reported natural disasters.

Africa is also grappling with other significant health impacts linked to climatic shocks including malnutrition and hunger due to adverse weather on agricultural production, long-term health and development challenges in children, as well as other infectious diseases such as malaria.

In Africa, climate change is likely to expand the range of malaria high-risk zones, according to a report by the Netherlands-based Global Centre on Adaptation. Even though malaria mortality has decreased from 840 000 deaths in 2000 to 602 000 deaths in 2020, the disease remains a major health challenge on the continent.

Climate change impact is also likely to slow the progress against hunger, with an additional 78 million people in Africa facing chronic hunger by 2050, according to the report.

WHO is supporting countries to reinforce their health systems to adapt, be more resilient and better cope with climate-linked emergencies. The measures include assessing health system weaknesses, developing and implementing measures to cushion people’s lives and health from the adverse consequences of climate-related health crises.

The Organization is also assisting governments to ensure that their ministries of health can effectively coordinate, improve understanding and monitor climate change risks and impacts on health. Progress is being made. For instance, in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, WHO has worked with the health authorities to set up an early warning and response system to predict the risk of vector- and water-borne disease and respond effectively.

WHO takes a “One Health and All Hazards” approach to climate-related public health events. The approach is based on the premise that human, animal and ecosystem health is interconnected and requires a coordinated approach to tackle and resolve the challenges. As such WHO works closely with experts and partner organizations in public, animal, plant and environmental health to reduce public health risks attributable to climate change.

HARARE – As the momentum for the electoral cycle nears 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government General Elections, workers and their dependants have been urged to register to vote as Union puts hope for economic relief of all mine workers in Zimbabwe in the wise casting of their vote.
by Maxwell Teedzai

“This Government does not see us as human because as miners and our dependants, we’re apathetic as far as involvement in general elections is concerned and that makes it hardly possible for us to effectively push for better working conditions for ourselves and my position as President of NMWUZ is for all mine workers to vote for President Nelson Chamisa and his ruling opposition CCC –

Citizen Coalition for Change as last resort in our quest to deliver a living wage adjustment for all mine workers, a plea which the present Government has repeatedly refused to honor,” said Kurebwa Javangwe Nomboka, the President of the NMWUZ – Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe.

Government has since availed US$98 million to the Zimstat – Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency for the 2022 population and housing census slated for April 21 this year.

However, NMWUZ has emphasised the need not to politicise the census results and called on nuetrality in the delimitation of constituencies so that demacations do not disadvantage one side while making the other a frog-leap ahead.

Nomboka added, “We’re worried that the 2022 census might be hi-jacked by manipulative elements, as media reports have been circulating that Zimstat is under siege from Zanu PF officials who are politicising the recruitment of youth enumerators for the upcoming census”.

Following a recent cabinet resolution to reserve a youth quota in the employment of census enumerators, Zanu PF youth league officials have annointed themselves recruiting officers, thereby overriding government employment protocols.

Meanwhile Minister of Finance Mr Mthuli Ncube has since introduced the new one hundred dollar note. The move has left many citizens bamboozled as to what value the raising of inflation will give to our already crippled economy.

“We do not understand what value the raising of our local economy will do with the coming of the new one hundred dollar note”.

Apparently, Government of Zimbabwe through the Finance ministry has recently hiked interest rate on all rtgs$ bank loans.”The move by Government to increase interest rate of rtgs$ is severe blow to mine workers who are servicing their bank loans while their income has remained stagnant with insignificantly low salary adjustments”.

Ironically, the new hundred dollar note cannot buy a cob of roasted mealies. On a space of sixty days prices of basic commodities and public transport, including fuel have been increased by approximately three hundred percent.The extractives sector is the biggest foreign currency earner in Zimbabwe yet mind workers are the poorest.

It is progressive that for serious economic recovery to take place in Zimbabwe, Government must take seriously the welfare of mine workers. 

The 2016 USAID Strategic Economic Research and Analysis – Zimbabwe (SERA) Program on Wage Structure and Labour Costs in Zimbabwe: Analysis of Flexibility, Competitiveness and Equity noted that the recovery of the economy of Zimbabwe will been underpinned by the primary and resource sectors (agriculture and mining) and that the contribution of the mining sector to GDP rose from 8.1 per cent in 2009 to 10.4 per cent in 2013 and 15.2 percent in 2014 while the contribution of the agriculture sector declined from 15.1 per cent in 009 to 12.8 per cent in 2013 before improving to 14.8 per cent in 2014. 

“The cost of living for mine workers is way down below the PDL – Poverty Datum Line and no wage package consistent with a dignified and decent lifestyle has been brought forth”.

The NMWUZ President has since called for immediate dialogue with Government (Finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor) to find the best way forward in recapacitating mine workers who are living in squalid conditions and starving in the midst of plenty.

The areas to be dialogued include the need to scrap off import duty on vehicles and equipment, reducing interest rates on mortgages and special rtgs$ bank loans.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president, Nelson Chamisa, has shifted his focus to rural areas, where the opposition leader is looking for an increased vote share in next year’s general elections.

CCC Midlands Spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said Chamisa, who visited the Midlands structures Friday, was told the local leadership to vigorously campaign in the rural areas.

“The president came to thank the citizens for firing yellow warning shots in a warmup or dress rehearsal for 2023. Gokwe received the greatest commendation in light of our increased votes and rigging that ensued,” Zhou said in an interview.

Five constituencies were contested for in the Midlands province during last month’s by-elections and CCC scooped three: Kwekwe Central, Mbizo and Mkoba.

Out of 5 contested constituencies, CCC emerged victorious in 3 constituencies. President Chamisa reiterated the need to put citizens at the centre of CCC struggle for egalitarianism. Candidates selection for CCC for 2023 would be determined by citizens before the end of 2022, and the days of double candidates would be a thing of the past as the President would directly sign for all candidates,” said Zhou.

He added that Chamisa was now focusing on improving the party’s rural vote share.

“The President also highlighted the need to amplify CCC rural strategy and stressed that CCC’s major thrust would be on growing rural votes, with an immediate inundation strategy of rural areas to mobilise youths to register to vote,” he said.

“He also stressed the need to reform Zec so that it can conduct free, fair and credible results. But most importantly, CCC would ensure that people vote enmasse for it and protect the votes in 2023. His message was more on CCC accountability, transparency and equity; and servant leadership that would ensure better things for all Zimbabweans in order to fulfil the legacy of the liberation struggle,” Zhou said.-NewZim

By A Correspondent- Scores of people hoping to acquire national identity cards during the current national mobile registration blitz are being frustrated by the snail’s pace at which the exercise is going.

The Civil Registry Department is conducting a countrywide mobile registration, which started on April 1 and ends on September 30. During the exercise, the department is issuing birth certificates, death certificates and national identity documents.

In Bulawayo, the exercise is getting huge a response, but the issuance officers are reportedly serving a limited number of people per day, much to the disappointment of scores of national document seekers who were hoping to take advantage of the blitz.

I came here around 8 am hoping to get a national ID during this blitz, but I was told that people have already been given queuing cards. The local civil registry offices have been using this cards system, which has been brewing corruption. Since it is nationwide blitz, everyone should be served otherwise the exercise is meaningless,” said Malvern Mhlanga.

Another youth, Hilton Moyo, said he also failed to get the ID at Large City Hall.

“I came to Bulawayo hall twice hoping to apply for an ID so that I can be able to register to vote. For the past two days there were long queues, and the officers were clearly overwhelmed by the queues. I hope the Ministry of Home Affairs will consider availing more mobile registration centres so that everyone who needs these documents gets them,” said Moyo.

A lot of people could not obtain national documents during the COVID-19 lockdowns as the registry department was offering limited services.-newzim

By A Correspondent- Forty-nine (49) people were injured when an Inter-Africa bus was involved in an accident along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near National Sports Stadium on Saturday (yesterday) afternoon.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and overturned at 5.30 PM. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:

The ZRP confirms a serious RTA which occurred on [the 9th of April 2022] at 1730 hours along Harare-Bulawayo Road near National Sports Stadium, involving a Mukumba Bus (Inter Africa).

The driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and overturned.

49 people were injured during the accident. The bus driver ran away soon after the accident.

The accident occurred barely five days after one person was killed while 22 others were injured when another Inter-Africa bus overturned at Karina in Norton.

The bus was travelling from Murombedzi to Harare with 58 passengers on board.

VETERAN journalist and former ZBC correspondent Tapfuma Machakaire has  shed light on challenges faced by state media journalists when covering Gukurahundi, saying they were only shown dead bodies accompanied by government press statements.

There have been questions on the role played by state media journalists at the time when late former president Robert Mugabe unleashed the North Korean trained Fifth Brigade to Matabeleland and Midlands to crackdown on dissent to his rule.

Government, through the state media, was in denial while the West downplayed the killings when news of the atrocities leaked. According to records, an estimated 20 000 people died in the atrocities, and many more suffered physical and psychological harm.

Machakaire bemoaned the challenges in covering Gukurahundi during a panel discussion on “journalism ethics in conflict situations” on the microblogging site, Twitter, hosted by the United States embassy last Wednesday.

“But how ethical could one be? We did not have access to information.

“The only information that one could get was the information from the government about operations that they were conducting, not necessarily operations about the atrocities that they were alleging,” noted Machakaire.

“None of the perpetrators have been held accountable for the atrocities of the 1980s.

“Those implicated include many who are now the ruling elites, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“The little that Mugabe has said since the 1980s has been a mixture of obfuscation and denial, saying the massacres were a ‘moment of madness’.”

Machakaire said journalists were taken to sites to be shown dead bodies with no questions asked.

“And you can’t balance your story. You are just sitting there. You are shown bodies and they give you a statement and that’s it,” he added.

United States embassy charge d’ affaires Thomas Hastings said press freedom and respect for human rights are critical in preventing conflicts and ensuring peace.

“The United States seeks to prevent conflicts in part by promoting the democratic values that underpin a stable international system because we believe that system is critical to freedom and prosperity and peace,” Hastings said.

“A free media, especially plays an important role in conflict situations, in getting the word out to the rest of the world about what’s on the ground, in shaping public opinion and ultimately in helping to hold those responsible for violence to account.”

Former Washington Post Africa bureau chief and now journalism professor at Duke University Stephen Buckley said: “The fact of the matter is that covering conflict these days is more complicated than ever, in part because, first of all, wars are now fought both on the battlefield and via social media.

“And so that means that every conflict potentially is a conflict that we all get to participate in.”

Mnangagwa has opened public discussion on Gukurahundi, but there has been little movement on the ground on truth telling, exhumations and reburials and restorative justice as demanded by victims.-standard

By A Correspondent- Workers at the loss-making state broadcaster, ZBC, are up in arms against Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adelaide Chikunguru over many grievances, which include salary increment and Covid-19 allowance delays.

Sources at ZBC allege they have been trying to meet with Chikunguru since her debated appointment as substantive CEO in June last year, but she has been avoiding them.

The sources said things deteriorated sharply after she ordered the closure of all ZBC related Whatsapp groups on Friday last week, alleging they were being used to leak the company’s confidential information.

“She ordered the disbandment of all ZBC Whatsapp groups as she alleges that employees were leaking in-house communication to the press and social media influencers,” an employee who preferred anonymity for fear of reprisals said.

“ZBC had three groups in which employees engaged to discuss work related issues as well as their social issues. They were also useful in communication between employees and the workers committee. We also used them to mobilise funds to assist each other in times of need, say someone loses a family member,” the source said.

“The ban was communicated verbally during a works council meeting held on Friday. She ordered that these groups should be disbanded and those responsible for them have since complied,” the source added.

“The order was against the background of a letter that went viral on the social media regarding the delay of the March salaries and the controversy surrounding the purchase of 33 Nissan Navara vehicles which was leaked to the press,” the source further said.

Chikunguru denied the claims when contacted by NewZimbabwe.com Saturday.

“I do not think that is correct. Are you sure that you are talking to ZBC employees? I doubt your sources madam and I also doubt your intentions,” Chikunguru said.

But unbeknown to her, screenshots of messages confirming the ban had already been shared with NewZimbabwe.com.

“Good evening, everyone. Take note that we have been given an instruction to disband all ZBC app groups with immediate effect, so we are only implementing it as it is,” an administrator in one of the groups informed participants.

“We are writing to the authorities that we will physically address you on Monday giving you feedback on today’s works council. Further instructions clarifying the app groups position shall come thank you. This indiscriminately applies to all app groups, be it sectional or regional groups as long as they concern employees of the referenced company. Please stand guided accordingly,” the admin further posted.

ZBC employees also said they have been seeking an audience with Chikunguru over their US$75 monthly Covid-19 allowances which have not been paid for the past two months.

By A Correspondent- ZANU PF Shamva District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson is being accused of stealing donations and fuel meant for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s clean up campaign cum rally in Shamva, Mashonaland Central province.

DCC chairperson Obert Muchemwa is accused of stealing fuel and money adding up to US$800. party officials have said.

Officials who spoke to Bulawayo24.com said Muchemwa tried to cover his tracks by donating a cow worth US$200 to Mnangagwa.

“We are worried with the massive level of corruption by DCC Muchemwa who swindled donations worth US$800 and only gave the President a cow worth US$200 when he came for a clean up campaign a fortnight ago in Shamva,” said the source.

“It is against the tradition of the party to file a police report against party leaders but supporters are dismayed with his graft tendencies.”

Contacted for comment Muchemwa refused to comment and switched off his mobile phone.

However, a lot of underhand dealings and corruption is reportedly happening in Mashonaland Central with some officials name dropping President Mnangagwa in their shenanigans.

In Mazowe a village head stole 10 bags of fertiliser meant for the Presidential input scheme beneficiaries but where recovered after the culprit was ordered to return the loot.

By- Citizens Coalition for Change leader, Nelson Chamisa has shifted his focus to the rural areas.

Chamisa is targeting to increase the opposition’s rural vote, with a focus on mobilising the youth to register as voters.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, CCC Midlands spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said Chamisa, who visited the Midlands structures on Friday, instructed leadership to campaign in rural areas. Said Zhou:

The President… highlighted the need to amplify CCC’s rural strategy and stressed that CCC’s major thrust would be on growing rural votes, with an immediate inundation strategy of rural areas to mobilise youths to register to vote.

He also stressed the need to reform Zec so that it can conduct free, fair and credible results.

But most importantly, CCC would ensure that people vote en masse for it and protect the votes in 2023.

His message was more on CCC accountability, transparency and equity; and servant leadership that would ensure better things for all Zimbabweans in order to fulfil the legacy of the liberation struggle.

Zhous said Chamisa was in Midlands Province to thank voters following the CCC’s victory in three constituencies in the province in the 26 March by-elections. Zhou said:

The president came to thank the citizens for firing yellow warning shots in a warmup or dress rehearsal for 2023.

Gokwe received the greatest commendation in light of the increased votes and rigging that ensued.

Out of 5 contested constituencies, CCC emerged victorious in 3 constituencies. President Chamisa reiterated the need to put citizens at the centre of CCC’s struggle for egalitarianism.

Candidate selection for CCC for 2023 would be determined by citizens before the end of 2022, and the days of double candidates would be a thing of the past as the President would directly sign for all candidates.

CCC candidates won Kwekwe Central, Mbizo and Mkoba but lost in Gokwe Central and Mberengwa South.

-NewZimbabwe

By-Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has saved the former MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe from being attacked by his party youths.

CCC youths attempted to block Khupe from attending a CCC Bulawayo provincial assembly meeting on Saturday, accusing her of being a sellout. One of the youths said:
Khupe, you are not welcome here. All along you were dining and wining with (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa, busy plotting the destruction our party.
You even recalled from parliament some of our leaders whom you want to meet today. Are you not ashamed of what you did?
Chamisa rebuked the youths for their intolerance, saying he did not invite Khupe to the meeting but as a citizen, she had a right to attend the meeting. Said Chamisa:
I am not a leader of a violent people; I am not a leader of a violent community and I will never accept violence.
This is why I left MDC to form a peaceful organisation with God-fearing supporters.
I do not want this coalition to resemble a Mnangagwa organisation or even that of Mugabe.
I am not happy with those youths who are blocking Khupe. I did not invite her, but she has the right, as a citizen, to be in this meeting.
Khupe later tweeted that she had attended her “first meeting as a CCC member addressed by President Chamisa in Bulawayo Macdonald Hall”.
Last month Khupe endorsed Chamisa and CCC candidates ahead of the 26 March by- elections.

CCC leadership is divided on whether to accept Khupe as a member due to her former close association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa when she was a member of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).
-NewZimbabwe

By-Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) youths attempted to block former MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe from attending a CCC Bulawayo provincial assembly meeting on Saturday.

The CCC youths barred Khupe from attending the meeting which was addressed by the opposition party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa, at McDonald Hall in Bulawayo, accusing her of being a sellout. One of the youths said:
Khupe, you are not welcome here. All along you were dining and wining with (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa, busy plotting the destruction our party.
You even recalled from parliament some of our leaders whom you want to meet today. Are you not ashamed of what you did?
Chamisa rebuked the youths for their intolerance, saying he did not invite Khupe to the meeting but as a citizen, she had a right to attend the meeting. Said Chamisa:
I am not a leader of a violent people; I am not a leader of a violent community and I will never accept violence.
This is why I left MDC to form a peaceful organisation with God-fearing supporters.
I do not want this coalition to resemble a Mnangagwa organisation or even that of Mugabe.
I am not happy with those youths who are blocking Khupe. I did not invite her, but she has the right, as a citizen, to be in this meeting.
Khupe later tweeted that she had attended her “first meeting as a CCC member addressed by President Chamisa in Bulawayo Macdonald Hall”.
Last month Khupe endorsed Chamisa and CCC candidates ahead of the 26 March by- elections.

CCC leadership is divided on whether to accept Khupe as a member due to her former close association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa when she was a member of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).
-NewZimbabwe

By-MDC Alliance councillors in Bulawayo are said to be planning to dump their party President Douglas Mwonzora.

This came out of a caucus meeting of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) two weeks ago.

The CCC caucus was chaired by former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Tinashe Kambarami and former Bulawayo Senator, Matson Hlalo.

The caucus reportedly discussed a possible move for the councillors to pass a vote of no confidence against the city’s Town Clerk, Christopher Dube and the Mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni.

In leaked audio to the Councillors’ WhatsApp group, Clr Ndlovu accused MDC Alliance Councillors of being sell-outs, claiming that the majority are planning to ditch Mwonzora just before the 2023 general elections. Ndlovu said:

I have a question Bulawayo councillors, I will exclude two people or just maybe one from this group, and the person I will remove is the chief whip, Clr Silas Chigora.

I will exclude you chief whip because you stand for what you say. People have been accusing you of causing the recall of councillors until we realised that you are innocent and you have clearly stated that you are a member of the MDC-T.

What I would like to know is who exposed me that I attended the CCC caucus, who leaked, I am asking, who exposed me.

I would like to say the truth right now and right here that even the MDC-T president Mwonzora is dull, if he was clever he would recall all the sell-outs from Bulawayo.

In this group there is not even one councillor going with Mwonzora, the majority of you are saying they will leave him during the last days of your terms.

Ndlovu further claimed that there were some MDC Alliance Councillors who attended a meeting with CCC leader Nelson Chamisa in Harare, recently.

When contacted for a comment by The Sunday News, Ndlovu confirmed that she was indeed the one speaking in the audio and stood by what she said.

Reports suggest that the majority of MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors across the country now support Chamisa after Mwonzora’s party failed to win a single parliamentary seat or ward in the 26 March by-elections.

More: The Sunday News

By- The Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) party has welcomed the leader of the splinter MDC-T party leader, Thokozani Khupe

Khupe on Saturday announced that she was now a CCC member after she attended a meeting that was addressed by the party’s leader Nelson Chamisa at Macdonald Hall in Bulawayo. Tweeted Khupe:

Today I attended my first meeting as a CCC member addressed by President Chamisa in Bulawayo Macdonald Hall.
Khupe pledged her support to Chamisa’s CCC just before the 26 March by-elections.
However, some CCC members were reportedly reluctant to accept Khupe, warning that she might be a ZANU PF plant due to her previous association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa when she was a member of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo recently said she will not allow Khupe to join the party unless she apologises for her role in destroying the MDC Alliance.
Khumalo told the media that will never forgive Khupe for initiating her recall from parliament when the latter was interim MDC-T president.

In an interview, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told NewsDay that the party was open to all citizens willing to join regardless of their political background. Mahere was quoted as saying:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.
The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.
The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu said she intended to join the CCC as an individual, not as a party leader. Said Ndlovu:
The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.
As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to Zanu PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.
Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

By- Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T top officials are said to be deserting the party and joining the Nelson Chamisa led CCC.

Reports say that this has left the CCC political grouping in a quandary as to whether to admit or reject defectors 

Chamisa has extended the olive branch to former colleagues within MDC-T since the launch of CCC in January this year.

Reports suggest that more MDC-T members are keen on joining CCC after the Mwonzora-led party failed to win a single parliamentary seat or ward in the 26 March by-elections.

Mwonzora’s former close ally, Fungai Chiposi, recently defected to CCC, with other former MDC-T high-ranking officials willing to join CCC.

MDC-T former vice-president Thokozani Khupe has endorsed Chamisa and Abednico Bhebhe (ex-organising secretary) has already joined CCC.

However, CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo has declared that she would not allow Khupe’s admission to the CCC, calling her a snake in the house.

In an interview with NewsDay, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the opposition did not discriminate against anyone and every citizen is free to join. Said Mahere:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.

The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.

The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu, on Friday told NewsDay that she wants to join CCC as an ordinary member. Said Ndlovu:

The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.

As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to ZANU PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.

Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

More: NewsDay

By- Splinter MDC-T party leader, Thokozani Khupe, has opened up on joining the Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) party.

Khupe on Saturday announced that she was now a CCC member after she attended a meeting that was addressed by the party’s leader Nelson Chamisa at Macdonald Hall in Bulawayo. Tweeted Khupe:

Today I attended my first meeting as a CCC member addressed by President Chamisa in Bulawayo Macdonald Hall.
Khupe pledged her support to Chamisa’s CCC just before the 26 March by-elections.
However, some CCC members were reportedly reluctant to accept Khupe, warning that she might be a ZANU PF plant due to her previous association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa when she was a member of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo recently said she will not allow Khupe to join the party unless she apologises for her role in destroying the MDC Alliance.
Khumalo told the media that will never forgive Khupe for initiating her recall from parliament when the latter was interim MDC-T president.

Meanwhile, in an interview, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told NewsDay that the party was open to all citizens willing to join regardless of their political background. Mahere was quoted as saying:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.
The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.
The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu said she intended to join the CCC as an individual, not as a party leader. Said Ndlovu:
The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.
As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to Zanu PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.
Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

By- Splinter MDC-T party leader, Thokozani Khupe, has finally joined is the newly-formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) party.

Khupe announced that she is now a CCC member after she attended a meeting that was addressed by the party’s leader Nelson Chamisa at Macdonald Hall in Bulawayo on Saturday. Tweeted Khupe:

Today I attended my first meeting as a CCC member addressed by President Chamisa in Bulawayo Macdonald Hall.
Khupe pledged her support to Chamisa’s CCC just before the 26 March by-elections.
However, some CCC members were reportedly reluctant to accept Khupe, warning that she might be a ZANU PF plant due to her previous association with President Emmerson Mnangagwa when she was a member of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo recently said she will not allow Khupe to join the party unless she apologises for her role in destroying the MDC Alliance.
Khumalo told the media that will never forgive Khupe for initiating her recall from parliament when the latter was interim MDC-T president.

Meanwhile, in an interview, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told NewsDay that the party was open to all citizens willing to join regardless of their political background. Mahere was quoted as saying:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.
The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.
The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu said she intended to join the CCC as an individual, not as a party leader. Said Ndlovu:
The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.
As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to Zanu PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.
Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens’ Coalition For Change on Friday embarked on a resounding consultation programme in Gweru.

According to President Chamisa, the Citizens’ movement is everyone’s home.

See statement below:

We are in Midlands where the Champion in Chief President Nelson Chamisa has just finished his engagement with Citizens.

Our objective is to build a mass movement driven by Citizens with the intention to win Zimbabwe for change.

In Gweru, Midlands Province, the people are jovial, we converse about the strategic direction that the Citizens movement will take. This is the peoples’ party and we will build it from below.

Join us in the exciting journey for change.- CCC

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens’ Coalition For Change on Friday embarked on a resounding consultation programme in Gweru.

According to President Chamisa, the Citizens’ movement is everyone’s home.

See statement below:

We are in Midlands where the Champion in Chief President Nelson Chamisa has just finished his engagement with Citizens.

Our objective is to build a mass movement driven by Citizens with the intention to win Zimbabwe for change.

In Gweru, Midlands Province, the people are jovial, we converse about the strategic direction that the Citizens movement will take. This is the peoples’ party and we will build it from below.

Join us in the exciting journey for change.- CCC

By A Correspondent | Police have arrested the man accused of killing Mercy Munosumana.

Mercy Munosumana’s death was revealed by the police earlier in the week.

Mr Emmanuel Machokoto (24) who allegedly killed his wife, has been arrested, police announced on Saturday.

Further details were not available at the time of writing.

By A Correspondent- Angry South Africans say they want all Zimbabweans, documented or otherwise, to leave the country as soon as possible or face more xenophobic violence.

This follows the callous murder of Zimbabwean father of four, Elvis Nyathi, Wednesday night.

A mob stormed his dwelling and pulled him from his hideout in Diepsloot, a massive slum settlement north of commercial capital Johannesburg, before stoning and setting him aflame to his gory death.

Speaking during an all stakeholders meeting co-chaired by police minister Bheki Cele and his home affairs counterpart Aaron Motsoaledi Friday, South Africans took turned to blame Zimbabweans as being responsible for all the crimes taking place in the shantytown.

Words were not minced as they demanded that the police’s Special Tactics Response Teams (TRTs) should urgently search, arrest, detention and deport any Zimbabwean.

South Africa Police Services (SAPS) and immigration officers launched an operation targeted at illegal immigrants Friday morning, arresting some and detaining them at the Diepsloot police station for processing.

“South Africans must start walking around with identity cards, our police are failing us we demand the TRT to start a stop, search and arrest operation. They should be allowed to ask who you are, where you are from and for your documentation,” one visibly angry resident said.

“It is not bringing back apartheid, South Africa for South Africans, that is how we want it as residents of Diepsloot. The police should search everyone. A solution will come from South Africans, we do not want Zimbabweans to intervene or assist us in coming up with a solution. We are the solution and we are saying they must leave, they must fokof, that is all. We do not want them to be part of the stakeholders meeting,” the man, sporting an unkempt moustache, said.

He said other people from other countries are not committing crimes.

“We want all Zimbabweans to leave because the ones that are documented are the ones that are bringing the undocumented here. Zimbabweans are killing us, they are entering our houses, our shacks. I reside here and know what I am talking about,” he said.

Nyathi, a gardener, was killed as a result of the ongoing Nhlanhla Dlamini-led Operation Dudula which is calling on residents to remove foreigners from their homes.

His gory end was captured on video and shared on social media

By A Correspondent- An outbreak of theileriosis, popularly known as January Disease, threatens to wipe off cattle in Chipinge District, with cases having been recorded in Wards 16, 20 and 22.

Chipinge District Livestock Promotion Officer, John Mwandifura confirmed the development, saying a team from the Veterinary Services Department is on the ground to assess the situation.

Chipinge Rural District Council’s Ward 20 Councillor Charles Mugidho told The Manica Post that a number of cattle have already succumbed to the disease but few farmers are reporting cases to the Vet Department. Said Mugidho:

We have received a number of cases where cattle are succumbing to January Disease.

The situation needs urgent intervention as villagers are losing their cattle to the disease every day.

We were told by a local Veterinary Services Department officer that the disease is caused by not dipping our cattle.

We have discovered that only a few farmers are reporting the outbreak of the disease to officials.

Some of them are selling their sick animals to local butcheries for a song.

Others are slaughtering the beasts and selling the meat to fellow villagers, thereby risking so many people’s lives.-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF activist Sybeth Musengezi, who challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy at the High Court in 2021, has been summoned by the police.

Musengezi last year filed papers at the High Court seeking nullification of the November 19, 2017 Zanu-PF central committee resolution that confirmed Mnangagwa as the acting party president.

In court papers, Musengezi said Mnangagwa’s ascendancy was fraught with irregularities.

But Musengezi has accused police of intimidating him ahead of the High Court ruling after they summoned him for questioning over an undisclosed issue.

His lawyers, Ncube Attorneys, on January 7, 2021 wrote to the police requesting them to disclose why they were looking for him.

In response, one detective Mirimbo in a letter dated April 6, 2022 did not specify why they wanted to question Musengezi.

“Reference is made to your letter dated January 7 2021 in connection to the above subject. We are kindly inviting you and your client Sybeth Musengezi to come to Law and Order Harare for interviews. May you please treat this issue as a matter of urgency,” Mirimbo wrote.

Musengezi yesterday said he would go for the interview.

“I shall co-operate with the plice and hand myself in for the ‘interview’,” he posted on Twitter.

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In his founding affidavit, Musengezi also argues that Mnangagwa’s leadership of the country was illegitimate because he rose to the post through an “unconstitutional” November 19 central committee session.

Follow Miriam on Twitter @FloMangwaya

By A Correspondent- A vehicle scam has hit the government, with several ministries, including Information and Justice, spending millions of dollars in purchasing vehicles that were not delivered, in a development that exposes gross corruption within the regime.

Millions of dollars were used since 2015 to 2019 to buy vehicles for government ministries, but it emerged the most of the cars were not delivered, while others were not registered and open to abuse by senior officials.

Those delivered were often bought at inflated prices, with the government paying way beyond the quoted prices.

In her Appropriation Accounts, Finance and Revenue Statements and Fund Accounts, for the year ended 2020, Auditor-General Mildred Chiri revealed that the ministry of Information bought 29 vehicles, but only received five.

By the time of the audit, the rest of the vehicles were yet to be delivered.

“According to the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) 19.1 of the Contract of Sale entered into between the Ministry and Vehicle suppliers during 2020, the date for completion of the delivery of vehicles or the period within which the delivery was expected to be done was four weeks from the date of issue of the purchase order,” reads the audit report in part.

“Audit noted that on June 3, 2021, the Ministry had not yet taken delivery of a total of 24 out of 29 vehicles paid for to Solution Motors (7) and Motor City (17) despite that the dates for completion of delivery of vehicles agreed in the contract of sale with both suppliers lapsed on October 23, 2020.”

The Auditor-General raised fears that the purchased vehicles may be concealed if delivery takes too long.

The issue of vehicles is also haunting the ministry of National Housing which bought nine new vehicles but received only six by the time of the audit, raising fears that some government officials may be colluding with suppliers to siphon money from state coffers.

Chiri also found that there was a price variation between what was paid by the government and the contract value, which was in contravention of the General Conditions of Contract 29.1 of the Contact of Sale signed between the ministry of Information and four vehicle suppliers in 2020.

The contract states that any variation of the contract that may be as a result of changes in statutory requirements, macro-economic environment or a shift in government policies should be agreed to by both parties through an addendum to the contract. This was not done.

In case the addendum is added, the agreement states that the price adjustment would only be allowed after 60 days “and the increase shall not exceed 20%.”

“I noted that the Ministry paid an amount of ZW28 334 774 (149%) above the contract value of ZW$19 044 519 for the supply of 12 vehicles. The Ministry paid a further amount of ZW$26 047 176 (82%) above the contract value of ZW$31 573 531 for the supply of other 17 vehicles,” observed Chiri.

“Both payments were made on September 25, 2020 after the lapse of 60 days. There was no evidence availed to audit in the form of an addendum to the contract with details justifying the increase in excess of the 20% allowed in the contract.”

Chiri said there was a risk of wasteful expenditure or fraud being committed.

She recommended that the excess payment be recovered and said the ministry should pay as per the contractual agreements to ensure effective use of public funds.

It also emerged that the ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture also bought 14 vehicles valued at $617 863 in 2017 from Canon Motors but two Nissan NP 300 single cab motor vehicles are yet to be delivered. No explanation was given.

In 2020, the ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs also bought 14 vehicles for $17 140 759, but three of those were yet to be delivered.

“I was not furnished with explanations as to why the vehicles remained undelivered and there was no evidence of follow-up with the supplier on the outstanding vehicles,” Chiri said.

The Auditor-General also noted that the Chiefs Council has failed to address the contentious issue raised in the previous audit in which vehicles were paid at a hugely inflated price.

“The issue of four vehicles bought at a cost of US$499 999 instead of US$202 000 had not been addressed,” the audit reads.

Vehicles bought for the Industrial Training and Trade Testing Fund 2018 under the ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education remain unaccounted for, with one, a Toyota Landcruiser, bought in 2015 for $100 449, vanishing.

A Toyota Hilux 310 D4D acquired in 2016 was allocated to a senior official who took it to the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund and it is yet to be returned.

The vehicle saga has confirmed suspicions of gross corruption, theft and lack of transparency in government departments as it also emerged that besides vehicles, many public assets have not been accounted for.-Newshawks

By- MDC-T defectors are said to have divided the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) top leadership which feels uncomfortable with party leader Nelson Chamisa extending an olive branch to his rivals in opposition circles.

Chamisa’s CCC announced its intentions to win big in the 2023 elections after grabbing 19 of the 28 contested seats in the just-ended by-elections.

MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora, who claimed all the MDC symbols resulting in Chamisa rebranding to the CCC two months ago, did not win a single seat in the March 26 by-elections.
Insiders told NewsDay Weekender that the question of whether defectors from Mwonzora’ camp could be accepted or rejected had divided opinion in the top echelons of the party.
Mwonzora has been facing rebellion after the electoral defeat, with other party members, including his former close ally Fungai Chiposi, defecting to the CCC.
However, a move by Chiposi and other former MDC-T members, including former vice-president Thokozani Khupe and Abednico Bhebhe (ex-organising secretary), has unsettled some high-ranking CCC executives ahead of the party’s inaugural congress.
Bhebhe has already joined CCC.
CCC interim vice-president Welshmam Ncube is reportedly pushing for unconditional admission of Khupe into the party.
But CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo has declared that she would not allow for Khupe’s admission to the CCC, describing her as divisive.
Other high-ranking members from Mwonzora’s MDC Alliance are reportedly set to defect to CCC after suffering heavy defeats in the March 26 by-elections.
In reaction to Chiposi’s announcement, CCC youth leader Cecilia Chimbiri also expressed disapproval and tweeted: “One who said we faked an abduction, one who rewrote my ordeal together with @JoanaMamombe @MarovaNetsai. One who added salt to injury? It’s personal for me because I still have wounds on top of that, being persecuted. I’m supposed to smile and just welcome because …”
In an interview, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told NewsDay Weekender that the opposition did not discriminate against anyone regardless of their political background.
“We focus on values, action and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change,” she said.
“The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making. The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.”
Mahere added: “The movement is currently focused on important next steps after we managed to successfully trounce Zanu PF and MDC in the by-elections. This was despite the odds and the process revealed that Zec [Zimbabwe Electoral Commission] is not fit for purpose.
“We are working on holding them to account through litigation and political pressure. We are focused on building the machine to ensure we win six million votes in the presidential election, a two-thirds majority in Parliament and clean sweeps in local authorities.”
Party supporters expressed mixed feelings over the defectors, with some warning the party leaders to guard against possible infiltration.
Khupe pledged her support to Chamisa’s CCC just before the by-elections, which triggered outrage among CCC supporters.
Yesterday, Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu said she intended to join the CCC as an individual not as party leader.
“The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like Zanu PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against Zanu PF,” Ndlovu said.
“As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to Zanu PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa. Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.” Newsday

By- Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T top officials are said to be deserting the party and joining the Nelson Chamisa led CCC.

Reports say that this has left the CCC political grouping in a quandary as to whether to admit or reject defectors 

Chamisa has extended the olive branch to former colleagues within MDC-T since the launch of CCC in January this year.

Reports suggest that more MDC-T members are keen on joining CCC after the Mwonzora-led party failed to win a single parliamentary seat or ward in the 26 March by-elections.

Mwonzora’s former close ally, Fungai Chiposi, recently defected to CCC, with other former MDC-T high-ranking officials willing to join CCC.

MDC-T former vice-president Thokozani Khupe has endorsed Chamisa and Abednico Bhebhe (ex-organising secretary) has already joined CCC.

However, CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo has declared that she would not allow Khupe’s admission to the CCC, calling her a snake in the house.

In an interview with NewsDay, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the opposition did not discriminate against anyone and every citizen is free to join. Said Mahere:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.

The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.

The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu, on Friday told NewsDay that she wants to join CCC as an ordinary member. Said Ndlovu:

The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.

As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to ZANU PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.

Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

More: NewsDay

By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is more likely to relinquish power compared to former President Mugabe if defeated in an election, NCA leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku has said.

Madhuku said this when he launched his 2023 election campaign at Matambudze Business Centre, in his home district in Chipinge on Saturday.

Madhuku argued that because Mnangagwa knew life both in and outside the presidency, it made him more likely to accept defeat in an election than Mugabe who only knew life as a President since returning from Mozambique in 1980.

“The late President was never for a minute led by another person since his return from Mozambique. For him, it was inconceivable that he could be ruled. However, the current president has had a president rule him for 37 years. He knows life as a president and life under somebody else.
“Therefore, we don’t expect him to refuse to be defeated,” argued Prof Madhuku.

He told scores of supporters that the NCA was going to contest council, Parliamentary seats and the Presidency in 2023 and said that there was no opposition that has the capacity to run the country alone.

Chipangayi in Middle Sabi is part of the area where Madhuku gave Mukonyowere villagers free legal service when they faced eviction from their land at the hands of greedy Government officials. Madhuku appears to enjoy immense support in the area because if the empathy he showed.
“We are all agreed that ZANU PF has failed to give basics to the majority of the people in Zimbabwe over the past 42 years. Now, as NCA, we present ourselves to you to vote for us in the 2023 elections. We will have men and women up for council, national and presidential elections in each area of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Madhuku told the gathering not to be coerced into attending meetings of political parties.
“We are throwing our hat in the ring for 2023. Our message is clear on our strategy and programmes. We are ready to win the next elections,” he said.
Madhuku took the opportunity to set up local party structures after the meeting.
Fadzai Hama was elected the chairperson of the ward. Madhuku was accompanied Vrande Jambaya who is a national executive member of the NCA.
-Masvingo Mirror

By- The Nelson Chamisa led CCC is considering admitting or rejecting defectors from MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Chamisa has extended the olive branch to former colleagues within MDC-T since the launch of CCC in January this year.

Reports suggest that more MDC-T members are keen on joining CCC after the Mwonzora-led party failed to win a single parliamentary seat or ward in the 26 March by-elections.

Mwonzora’s former close ally, Fungai Chiposi, recently defected to CCC, with other former MDC-T high-ranking officials willing to join CCC.

MDC-T former vice-president Thokozani Khupe has endorsed Chamisa and Abednico Bhebhe (ex-organising secretary) has already joined CCC.

However, CCC interim national chairperson Thabitha Khumalo has declared that she would not allow Khupe’s admission to the CCC, calling her a snake in the house.

In an interview with NewsDay, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the opposition did not discriminate against anyone and every citizen is free to join. Said Mahere:

We focus on values, actions and policies, not personalities. Chamisa said in his 2022 Agenda address that this is a year of action for change.

The guiding value is that we put the citizens first and they are at the centre of all decision-making.

The only qualification to join is that one is a citizen. The citizens will choose their leaders at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Khupe through her spokesperson Ntando Ndlovu, on Friday told NewsDay that she wants to join CCC as an ordinary member. Said Ndlovu:

The former Deputy Prime Minister is of the view that to defeat an authoritarian government like ZANU PF, the opposition political parties must unite and form a formidable force against ZANU PF.

As it currently stands, the only capable alternative to ZANU PF is the CCC party and, therefore, she believes that opposition political players must coalesce under CCC and rally behind Chamisa.

Alliances have caused problems before. People must join as opposed to forming alliances.

More: NewsDay

By-Rusape magistrate, Ms Annie Ndiraya has convicted the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leaders, Nelson Chamisa’s security aide, Mhaka Chishanga.

According to the state media, Chishanga was recently convicted and fined for driving a Toyota Fortuner that was displaying a Mercedes Benz registration plate as well as a third number plate for another vehicle.

Chishanga was part of Chamisa’s crew when he visited Makoni District late last year.

He pleaded not guilty to the offenses but was fined $20 000 for forgery and $2 000 for not displaying number plates after a full trial.
He was represented by Mr Taurai Khupe of Khupe Chijara Law Chambers and was out on $25 000 bail.
Prosecutor Mr Marlon Makamba told the court that Chishanga affixed a third number plate which belongs to Bestbake Foods to his vehicle’s windscreen.
“On October 21 Chishanga was driving a Toyota Fortuner and was arrested by the police who were manning a roadblock for failing to affix a rear number plate. The motor vehicle was impounded and referred to ZRP Rusape Central Station.
“While at that station, an inspection was made on the vehicle by the police and it was observed that the third plate AEC8562 was different from the affixed front number plate ACO3818.
“Further checks were made with Central Vehicle Registry which revealed that the affixed front number plate ACO3018 belongs to a Mercedes Benz which was allocated to Mr Nelson Chamisa of Kuwadzana, Harare.
“The third number plate which was on the front windscreen belongs to Bestbake Foods of Ardburn, Harare, The accused person acted unlawfully,” said Mr Makamba.
The impounded vehicle is still being held by the police.

• Manica Post

By- South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Police Minister Bheki Cele have accused Zimbabweans of killing South Africans.

The two ministers said this Friday while answering questions from journalists on the sidelines of a public address by the two in Diepsloot, Johannesburg.

This followed the death of Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean national who was brutally murdered by a vigilante group in that area on Wednesday.

Motsoaledi and a visibly angry Cele were in Diepsloot where they held an hours-long meeting with community leaders before addressing residents over the high crime rate in the area.

The two ministers said that South Africa is not targetting foreign nationals but all criminals regardless of their nationalities.

By- Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini, says he doesn’t regret the brutal murder of a Zimbabwean national by vigilantes in Diepsloot on Wednesday.

Posting on Twitter this Friday, Lux, whose real name is Ntlantla Mohlauhi blamed South African media and the country’s government for giving more attention to the murder of the Zimbabwean national than seven South Africans allegedly murdered by Zimbabweans. Lux said:

[I] can’t cry for this [one] [Zimbabwean] guy [because] my tears ran out crying for the [seven] South Africans that were killed by Zimbabweans.
It’s disgusting how this [one] death is enjoying more media, political attention [and] sympathy over the [seven] SA deaths.
May they ALL [the South Africaans and Zimbabweans] rest in PEACE!
This comes after a Zimbabwean domestic worker, Elvis Nyathi (43), was assaulted and then set alight by a mob in Diepsloot, a slum area in northern Johannesburg, on Wednesday night.

Lux and his movement accuse foreign nationals of “stealing our jobs”, selling illicit drugs and committing other crimes in the country.
He joined a protest by residents of Diepsloot earlier on Wednesday. Speaking at the demonstrations, he said:
I am not here as Operation Dudula, I am here because I am a South African. We are here to support the community. I have relatives living here and they deserve to be safe in this area.

By- The Kumalo Primary School headmistress who was facing charges of posting pornographic material on WhatsApp has been acquitted.

Stella Mhlanga was charged for contravening Section 26 of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act Chapter 10:04 (Possession of prohibited articles).

Allegations were that she accidentally shared a revealing picture of her private parts on her WhatsApp status.

In her defence outline, Mhlanga through her lawyer Byron Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice argued that she was never in possession of the alleged pornographic content.

She said she received the phone from her sister Sibusisiwe Moyo who is based in South Africa.

Mhlanga further stated that before her sister handed over the phone to her, she cleared the phone memory and when she received the phone there was absolutely nothing in it.

In acquitting her, Bulawayo magistrate Marygold Ndlovu ruled that the State failed to establish essential elements of the charges levelled against Mhlanga. The magistrate ruled:

In the court’s view, the fact that the images were only recovered through forensic software makes the accused person’s defence that everything was cleared at the time she received the cellphone reasonably possibly true.

It is equally possible that these images had been deleted prior and were not visible in the gallery with a naked eye.

Further, the evidence led on behalf of the State did not prove whether these are the same images posted to the accused person’s WhatsApp status.

Had the State led evidence to prove that these were the same images posted on the accused person’s WhatsApp status the court could have been persuaded that the accused had been in possession of the images at that time and had deleted them to conceal evidence.

In case the court finds no reason to dismiss the accused’s defence as not reasonably possibly true.

In the premises, the State has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and the accused person is accordingly found not guilty and acquitted.

Prosecutors had alleged that on 2 August 2021, the Provincial Victim Friendly Unit received a tip-off to the effect that Mhlanga had posted pornographic material on her WhatsApp status.

On realising her error, Mhlanga allegedly immediately removed the picture but some of her contacts including teachers and parents with children at her school had saved it and forwarded it to their friends.

Mhlanga was eventually arrested following investigations by the police.

Investigators also seized her cell phone Samsung N910F Galaxy Note taken to the police station.

The cellphone was then referred to CID National Cyber Forensics Laboratory, Bulawayo for examination.

During the forensic examinations, four pornographic images were allegedly retrieved from Mhlanga’s phone.

More: B-Metro