By- The ever travelling Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned from Mozambique.

Mnangagwa was in the eastern neighbouring country for a three-day State visit.

The state media reports that Mnangagwa’s visit witnessed Zimbabwe and Mozambique enhancing their long-standing relationship through the signing of MoUs.

By -Notorious Zanu PF Central Committee member, who was terrorising opposition party members in Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central province, John Nhamburo has died.

He was 41.
Nhamburo died at Parirenyatwa hospital in Harare this Tuesday morning after a short illness.

Zanu PF Mazowe District Coordinating Committee Secretary for Information, Kushinga Dutiro confirmed the development describing Nhamburo’s death as a huge loss to the ruling party.
He told the state media that the party has lost a cadre who still had a lot to offer in politics after becoming a member of the ZanuPF central committee at a young age.
Nhamburo was a former Zanu PF national youth executive member.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Last month, Nhamburo was accused of deliberately running over and killing a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member.
His actions resulted in massive uproar as police hesitated to bring him to book.
Opposition CCC claims that Nhamburo was in the habit of terrorising villagers in Ward 2 in Chaona.

Chaona is in Chiweshe in Mashonaland Central Province.

By- MDC-T Harare provincial spokesperson Fungai Chiposi said that he rejected calls from the party’s suspended Harare provincial chairman Zivai Mhetu to remove Douglas Mwonzora .

Chiposi said there were calls to remove Mwonzora following the party’s poor performance in the 26 March National Assembly and local authority by-elections.

Chiposi was the MDC Alliance candidate for Kambuzuma while Mhetu contested in Epworth. The duo lost dismally.

The MDC-T, despite contesting as the MDC Alliance in a move interpreted by political observers as a desperate attempt to ride on Nelson Chamisa’s popularity in 2018, failed to win a single National Assembly seat or ward.

This resulted in some party members especially losing candidates suggesting that Mwonzora must step down, with Mhetu instrumental in lobbying members toward the move.

Mhetu has since been suspended from the party while Chiposi was removed from the party’s WhatsApp groups and barred from entering Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, the MDC-T’s headquarters, for a National Council meeting last Friday.

Speaking to OpenParly, Chiposi said it is unfair to blame Mwonzora for the party’s poor showing without first doing a survey. He said:

The rumour had circulated; I was aware of some of the lobbying that was happening behind scenes. For some reason, I was the person that was not lobbied.

I think it’s because of my close connection to the president that I hold the president in high esteem.

My reason for not voting for the president to step down was the view I have of the man.

My second reason was that I thought it was too early to the election for us to be making decisions like that, especially if we don’t have what I would call empirical evidence that the people are not voting for us because we have Douglas Mwonzora as the president.

I think these are some of the things that we need to have a proper market survey so that we then know that this is what is affecting us. It may not be the president, it may be the message that we came with.

It may be certain things that were amiss in terms of addressing during the period that we came from 30 March just after the supreme court judgment up to now maybe some of those things.

More: OpenParly

By- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has introduced yet another useless $100 note.

RBZ said the useless $100 banknotes would ease cash shortages and enhance transacting convenience.
Currently, the $50 note, injected last July is the highest in circulation and continues to depreciate. Other notes include $20, $10, $5 and $2.

Statutory Instrument 68A of 2022 642A, which announced the useless development was gazetted on Tuesday and it reads:

“The Minister of Finance and Economic Development has hereby, in terms of section 40(3) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act [Chapter 22:15], made the following notice specifying the matters determined by the President in terms of subsection (2) of that section:—
“This notice may be cited as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (Issue of One Hundred Dollar Banknote) Notice, 2022. Issue of one-hundred-dollar banknote” reads part of the statement.

By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a tribunal to investigate High Court judge Justice Edith Mushore’s suitability for office for allegedly failing to report for duty for months.

Justice Mushore is said to have reported for work in June last year. 

According to law judges cannot be absent from work for more than three days without official leave.

Coincidentally, Justice Mushore was one of the judges who ruled last year that Luke Malaba ceased to be Chief Justice upon reaching mandatory retirement age.

In Proclamation 3 of 2022 published on Tuesday, Mnangagwa appointed retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda chairperson of the tribunal, and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs secretary Virginia Mabhiza its secretary. 

Below is the proclamation in full:

WHEREAS section 187(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, provides that, a judge may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity, gross incompetence, or gross misconduct;

AND WHEREAS section 187(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that, if the Judicial Service Commission advises the President that the question of removing a judge, from office ought to be investigated, the President must appoint a tribunal to inquire into the matter;

AND WHEREAS the Judicial Service Commission, by letter dated 25th February 2022, formally advised the President that the question of removal from office of the Honourable Justice Edith Mushore, ought to be investigated;

AND WHEREAS section 187(4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, provides that, the President may, when he considers it advisable, appoint a tribunal consisting of three (3) or more members;

AND WHEREAS section 187(9) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, provides that, a tribunal appointed under section 187 has the same rights and powers as commissioners under the Commissions of Inquiry Act [Chapter 10:07], or any law that replaces that Act;

AND WHEREAS the President may authorise the tribunal or Members or any quorum of them specified in the proclamation into any matter in which any inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be of public welfare:

NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, by this proclamation

(a) establish a Tribunal to inquire into the question of removal from office of the Honourable Justice Edith Mushore;

(b) appoint Retired Justice Maphios Cheda; as Chairperson of the Tribunal;

(c) appoint the Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to be the Secretary to the Tribunal:

(d) direct that the Tribunal shall be held for a period of five (5) months from the date of swearing-in of Members, at such appropriate venue as shall be determined by the Tribunal;

(e) direct that the report shall be availed at the conclusion of the inquiry;

(f) direct that the Terms of Reference shall be as follows

(i) to investigate the matter of the removal from office of Honourable Justice Edith Mushore;

(ii) to investigate whether or not there is a reasonable explanation for Honourable Justice Edith Mushore’s failure to report for work without authorisation;

(iii) to investigate into the matter of Honourable Justice Edith Mushore’s conduct, whether it can be deemed to have been tantamount to gross misconduct;

(iv) to consider all information submitted by the Judicial Service Commission in order to arrive at an appropriate recommendation to the President;

(v) to investigate any other matter which the Tribunal may deem appropriate and relevant to the question of removal from office of a Judge in terms of the law;

(vi) to recommend whether the Honourable Judge, is fit to hold office in the light of the foregoing;

(vii) to report to the President, in writing. the result of the inquiry within a period of five (5) months from the date of swearing-in of the Members;

(g) direct that the inquiry shall be held both in public or privately. as the exigencies of the Tribunal may determine; and

(h) appoint the Members listed in the Schedule.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE TRIBUNAL

1. Retired Justice Maphios Cheri, Chairperson

2. Mr Charles Warara, Member

3. Mrs Yvonne Masvora, Member

Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Zimbabwe at Harare this 25th day of March. in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-two.

By Command of the President.

E. D. MNANGAGWA, President.

By- Nelson Chamisa led Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere is said to be eyeing Harare’s Mt Pleasant constituency in the 2023 national polls.

Mahere contested the seat in 2018 as an independent candidate but lost to MDC Alliance’s Samuel Banda.

There are also reports that several Chamusa senior members were fighting for urban seats.

 CCC won 19 of the 28 seats in the 26 March by-elections, while ZANU PF won 9. The opposition party also got 75 of the 122 contested Council seats while ZANU PF won the remainder.

The majority of seats won by CCC are within cities and towns, making them safe for opposition politicians who are afraid of contesting in rural areas.

CCC interim foreign affairs secretary Gladys Hlatywayo is reportedly eyeing the Harare Central seat, which has been held by Murisi Zwizwai since 2003.

Political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said the opposition vote in Harare Central has been declining over the years. He tweeted:

Enter Hlatywayo of CCC. She promises to rock Harare Central, whose opposition vote has been in sharp decline to pitch it at more than 30 000 for Nelson Chamisa if the CCC chooses her as their MP for 2023.

The late Morgan Tsvangirai’s son Richard is planning to contest the Norton seat, which is currently occupied by independent MP Temba Mliswa.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was formed early this year and the party doesn’t have structures and a constitution.

More: NewsDay

By- Senior Nelson Chamisa led Citizens Coalition for Change senior members are said to be fighting for urban constituencies ahead of the 2023 national polls.

 CCC won 19 of the 28 seats in the 26 March by-elections, while ZANU PF won 9. The opposition party also got 75 of the 122 contested Council seats while ZANU PF won the remainder.

The majority of seats won by CCC are within cities and towns, making them safe for opposition politicians who are afraid of contesting in rural areas.

CCC interim foreign affairs secretary Gladys Hlatywayo is reportedly eyeing the Harare Central seat, which has been held by Murisi Zwizwai since 2003.

Political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said the opposition vote in Harare Central has been declining over the years. He tweeted:

Enter Hlatywayo of CCC. She promises to rock Harare Central, whose opposition vote has been in sharp decline to pitch it at more than 30 000 for Nelson Chamisa if the CCC chooses her as their MP for 2023.

CCC interim spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere is thought to be eyeing the Mt Pleasant constituency.

Mahere contested the seat in 2018 as an independent candidate but lost to MDC Alliance’s Samuel Banda.

The late Morgan Tsvangirai’s son Richard is planning to contest the Norton seat, which is currently occupied by independent MP Temba Mliswa.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was formed early this year and the party doesn’t have structures and a constitution.

More: NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) and the Zimbabwe Public debt Indaba (ZPDI)  have said there are rising concerns over the deepening debt crisis in Zimbabwe.

In its latest report Zimcodd said the International Monetary Fund ( IMF) debt statistics confirm the reversal of micro economic gains with the consolidated  debt now projected at US$19.03 billion at the conclusion of Article IV consultation with Zimbabwe on March 21, 2022 which acknowledged fiscal signs.

The Organization said the heavy in-debtedness is at the core of Africa’s socio economic development challenges and Zimbabwe is not an exception.

“Dept servicing diverts the money meant to finance public expenditure resulting to poor access to public services such as water, health, education and sanitation,” reads the report.

The ballooning, US$19,03 billion consolidated public sector debt  represent 61,8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) a threshold above acceptable ratio with Public and publicly guaranteed external debt standing at US$17,59 billion of which arrears are at US$13,1 billion.” 

Zimcodd said all the huge amounts of debts  are a major driving force to poverty and inequality in Zimbabwe as it has been noted that some women in Binga struggle to access material health care. 

It noted ballooning debt amid the spiralling illicit financial  flows and failure to widen government revenue from the country’s vast mineral wealth.

“Government has a US$12 billion mineral export earnings target by 2023, yet the mining tax revenue targets to finance basic service provision are barely mentioned,” it said.

“From US$50 billion lost annually as revealed by the African Union or Economic Commission from Africa’s High Level Panel Report on illicit Financial flows, Africa loses more than US $88,6 billion annually according to United Nations Trade and development’s Economic Development in Africa Report 2020.”

By A Correspondent- A Harare man is demanding at least USD 1 663.00 from the City Fathers following the death of his son who was ran over by a municipal police vehicle in Central Business District (CBD) on March 22.

Following the death Tatenda Vambe (21), City Council failed to make a follow up with the family of the deceased who incurred the burden of meeting the funeral expenses. 

A letter submitted to the City of Harare on Tuesday by Lovemore Vambe, father of the deceased indicate that the City Fathers neglected the funeral and has never made any formal communication with the family of the deceased. 

“On the 22nd of March 2022 a City Council vehicle driven by Benard Kunaka (City Council Traffic) during a routine operational service, ran over Tatenda Vambe (21) my second born son leading to his death. Following the death of a promising student we haven’t received any form of intervention and communication from the City Fathers. As a family we had to incur the burden of meeting all the funeral expenses on our own.” 

Vambe  blames the Council for the death of his son and is demanding USD 1 663.00 for the funeral expenses that he incurred. 

“It is clear that the City Council is solemnly responsible for the death of my son, therefore I am demanding that the City Council reimburse all the funeral expenses that we incurred during the funeral . We are demanding at least USD 1 663.00 as soon as possible. “

The expenses include payments made at the funeral parlour, fuel,  transport, food and groceries.

By A Correspondent- Former ZANU PF youth political commissar  has sent his condolence message on micro blogging Twitter following  the death of ZANU PF central committe member John Nhamburo who died on Tuesday morning after a long illness.

Tsenengamu rose to fame in Mashonaland Central province where he worked closely with Nhamburo under ZANU PF. 

“He was a colleague in the ZANU PF Youth League and in the Central Committee.MHDSRIEP Waenda yahwe (Cde John) Jonathan Nhamburo,” said Tsenengamu.

However there is joy in Citizen Coaliation for Change (CCC) camp following the death of Nhamburo after ,falsely accusing him of running over their supporter Shelton Zangaro.

Zangaro was allegedly ran over by a ZANU PF official Vote Chidanhamabwe on March 26 who was driving a black Mercedes-Benz registration number AET 4195  in a road traffic accident.

Chidanhamabwe told  a local publication that he regretted the accident and contributed towards the funeral of Zangaro.

“It was me who fatally knocked down Zangaro the incident was very unfortunate but l managed to contribute towards the funeral,” explained Chinanhamabwe.

ZANU PF  Mazowe District Coordinating Committee DCC secretary for administration  blasted Sikhala for fabricating a story against Nhamburo.

“It is so disturbing  to note that Sikhala is fabricating stories against our hero Nhamburo, it is well- known that our comrade was sick for sometime the difference here is that Sikhala is a celebrity while Nhamburo was a politician we urge CCC celebrities to verify facts before going, public,” Chawana said.

By A Correspondent- The United African National Council women’s league last week, Thursday held their first meeting in Harare

The meeting was attended by representatives drawn from the country’s 10 provinces. Top on the agenda of the meeting was mapping the way forward ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In a speech read on his behalf, the party’s leader and president Rev Dr Gwinyai Muzorewa said:

“It is my joy today to gather the party’s women’s leadership from all the provinces, We have gathered here for the birth  of United African National Council women’s league.  As from today the UANC will now be visible to form Zimbabwe’s alternative government in 2023.”

UANC is the first Zimbabwean political party to take the office in 1979 and was led by the now late Bishop Abel Muzorewa.

Muzorewa led the country while talks for the holding of the country’s first elections were underway in 1980.

Bishop Abel Muzorewa passed away in 2010 and in 2017 the party held it’s congress where his son Dr Rev Gwinyai Muzorewa was elected as the new party President.  

Ms Essof who is the national chairperson for the UANC urged women to work hard and contribute towards national development.

“Women are key in the nation building, Every woman should participate in building Zimbabwe. You are the family leaders who should also  stand and tell the nation about the Zimbabwe you like not like what we see today. Family morale has deteriorated in our lovely nation due to the economic decline that is perpetrated by poor leadership so as women let’s stand up against such,” said Ms Essof 

” Today’s opposition is misleading the nation ,it goes around claiming and telling the poor suffering citizens to vote for them whilst they go to the western countries seeking for the sanctions that causes more sufferings to the ordinary citizens” said UANC  Secretary General.

” UANC is known for being a peaceful party , party that unites the nation ,party that embraces ethnic , regional and religious diversity . We are known for delivering our promises , affordable houses , paying good salaries to teachers , nurses , doctors and all other civil servants and we don’t abuse our security forces. So in 2023, we are taking over our Zimbabwe as we shall rebuild ,revamp ,repair and restore all the nation’s institutions  that need a serious overhaul .”

United African National Council has various aligned projects that will uplift communities and these includes borehole drilling, roads rehabilitation, soap manufacturing to mention a few. In 2018 general elections UANC had 89 candidates for national assembly by due to some insignificance only 29 qualified but they did not manage to win but this time they are confident of wining as they use “musangano wadzoka” mantra

By A Correspondent- Police in Matabeleland South province have launched a manhunt for 22 villagers alleged to have kidnapped and assaulted fellow villagers whom they accused of stocktheft.

This was revealed in a Gwanda Tuli police internal memorandum dated April 3 which was leaked to the Southern Eye yesterday.

The memo identifies the complainants as Godwill Ndlovu (36), Justice Ncube (late), Mirriam Ndlovu (28), Letwin Maphosa (38), Shanisani Dube (29), Patricia Dube (36) and Darlington Dube (32) all of John West, Gwanda area under Chief Marupi in Matabeleland South.

Police identified the suspects as Tiiso Nkala (45), Mujaji Sebata (46), Noble Mahlangu (36), Muzi Ncube (36), Mthandazo Mahlangu (50), Mphilo Ndlovu (46),  Jacob Dube, Philani Moyo (38) and Freeman Mlauzi, Phathisani Manyike, Obert Moyo, Degree Ndlovu, Foresure Ndlovu, Lovemore Nyathi, Polite Kukubell, Tsibo Noko, Owen Nyathi, Prince Nyathi, Carlison Mahlangu, Trinity Masiyane, Obert Moyo and Tisetso Nkala whose ages were not given, and are all from the Guyu area in Gwanda South.

The police memo states that on March 31, 11 Motswana nationals arrived at Chief Wardeener’s homestead and told Prince Nyathi that they were looking for nine stolen donkeys suspected to be in the area.

“Nyathi invited Mathias Ncube, the chairperson of Gwanda Anti Stock Theft Association. He informed him of the presence of Tswanas and the purpose of their visit,”  the police memo read.

“Ncube mobilised Obert Moyo and Celani Ncube among 21 villagers who then teamed up with the Tswanas to track and recover the donkeys and they went to John West village using Obert and Celani’s vehicles and arrived at 2am on April 1.

“They located Godwin and Justice at Prince Dube’s homestead (a well-known stock thief) and they recovered 11 donkeys penned at the homestead. Three of the recovered donkeys were identified to be of Alphios Mahlangu’s, while Motswana nationals identified two donkeys,” the memo said.

The gang allegedly handcuffed Godwin and Justice and led them to Mirriam’s homestead whom they suspected to be one of the thieves.

“On arrival, they damaged a window pane and broke the main door to gain entry into the house. They stole R3 000 and damaged property worth R500,” the police said.

The group was then allegedly led to Letwin’s home where they damaged window panes and forced open the door before they damaged the refrigerator, wardrobe, sofa and cupboards and stole R6 500. The damaged property was valued at R17 500.

Police said the accused later went to Partricia’s home where they damaged property worth R500.  At Darlington’s home, they damaged 30 window panes, two beds, four speakers and a kitchen unit all valued at R6 900.

“On their way back, John West villagers followed and attacked them. During the attack, John West villagers assaulted two Motswana nationals and accused one and four (Tiiso) and (Muzi) and recovered the donkeys, but the accused took with them Godwin and Justice to Mashaba area,” the memo added.

“The matter was reported at Nhwali Police Base and police picked Tiiso who had a wound on the back. He was taken to Nhwali Clinic for treatment and released… On April 3, Tuli police went to Guyu Police where they got a list of the accused persons involved in this case.”

The memo says Godwin was assaulted and injured by the gang and had to be taken to Gwanda Hospital for treatment, while Justice was allegedly assaulted with sjambocks, sticks, and he succumbed to the beatings. Police say his body was taken to Gwanda mortuary for postmortem.

The accused persons are still at large, hence the manhunt.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena referred Southern Eye to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who confirmed the matter.

By A Correspondent- A move to replace recalled Harare mayor Jacob Mafume by Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC Alliance failed yesterday after a scheduled full council meeting was aborted at the eleventh hour.

Some councillors boycotted the meeting amid claims that there was a push to elevate acting mayor Stewart Mutizwa to fill the vacant post ahead of this week’s swearing-in of the recently elected councillors.

The Citizens Coalition for Change has 28 councillors that are set to return to Town House after they won the March 26 by-elections.

Chamber secretary Warren Chiwawa told NewsDay that the meeting could not go ahead as only 12 councillors attended.

“According to the law, a meeting can go ahead when there are at least 17 councillors in attendance. However, only 12 turned up, forcing the meeting to adjourn,” he said.

Local Government minister July Moyo last week said Mafume’s seat was now vacant following his recall from the council by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mafume and other recalled PDP councillors Simon Chabuka (Mutare) and Arnold Batirai Dube (Bulawayo) have approached the High Court challenging their dismissal.

They want their recalls to be declared null and void, saying their constitutional rights had been being violated.

They cited Moyo, the town clerks of Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission as respondents.

The matter is yet to be heard.- Newsday

By A Correspondent- Five Hwange Chiefs have approached Hwange Local Board (HLB) appealing for exemption from paying for housing stands allocated to them.

Hwange District has five Chiefs: Whange, Shana, Dingane-Nelukoba, Nekatambe and Mvuthu.

The local authority has a resolution to allocate the five traditional leaders housing stand each in a residential area of their choice.

The matter has however divided the council.

According to the latest council minutes, the local authority finally resolved that the council will apply to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on behalf of Chiefs on the issue of exemption.

The issue was raised as a recommendation from the Health and Housing Committee meeting held in February 2020 when the council last held physical meetings because of the Covid-19 induced lockdowns.

“That resolution B24/11be set aside and be substituted with “Chiefs in Hwange District be allocated a stand each at any residential density at no intrinsic value”. Discussing on the above recommendation, the house was divided on the matter,” read part of the minutes.

The house noted that granting of exemption is done by the Ministry of Local Government and therefore Chiefs should apply through the Ministry.

HLB Town Secretary Mr Ndumiso Mdlalose told the councilors that the Chiefs had initially verbally made the application and added that it was up to the councillors to decide on the issue. Mr Mdlalose said the council could seek guidance from the Ministry, adding that previously council was guided by Urban Councils Act and Urban Stateland Manual and nothing was wrong.

Councillors said there should be clarity if the exemption, if granted, would apply only to incumbent Chiefs of even to future traditional leaders.

They said local authorities have no mandate to allocate land free of charge and anyone who requires a stand must apply.

But, the HLB has allocated land free of charge to St Patrick’s Hospital, Don Bosco and Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.

The councillors resolved that council should follow procedure and advise the Chiefs to apply to the Ministry or for the council to apply on their behalf for the exemption.- Chronicle

By A Correspondent- A 23 year old woman and her nine-year-old daughter were found dead at their home in a suspected suicide case.

Posting on twitter, the police said the woman and the girl are suspected to have consumed insecticide.

“The ZRP is investigating a suspected suicide case which occurred on 30 March in Kensington area, Bulawayo, where bodies of a woman (23) and her daughter (9) were found lying on a bed in a locked room with froth coming from their mouths.

“The room was locked from inside and a 100ml bottle of Diazon 30EC insecticide was recovered beside the bodies,” the police said.

By A Correspondent- Police have launched a manhunt for one of the country’s most wanted suspects Cornwell Junior Kasambarare, who is believed to be masterminding a spate of armed robbery and housebreaking cases in and around Harare.

Kasambarare, allegedly to have been part of Musa Taj Abdul’s criminal gang was released last year on bail and is believed to be part of the gang targeting households and business premises.

Alleged accomplice Spicer Takawira was recently arrested on charges of house breaking and theft.

Sources close to the investigations yesterday said police were still looking for Kasambarare, not just as a suspect, but also because he has an outstanding warrant of arrest for skipping bail and defaulting court.

Kasambarare, Takawira together with Leo Mandaza, Godwin Kusikwenyu (34) and another one only identified as Chamu, are accused of seven cases of house breaking and theft in Harare.

Takawira, Musafare Mupanhanga and Kasambarare are also alleged to be part of the gang that raided Mashwede Holdings in 2020 and got away with over US$100 000, R42 000, $14 000 worth of fuel coupons, firearms and 20 live rounds of ammunition.

With Mandaza and Takawira in custody, police still appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Kasambarare.

In March 2020, Mashwede Holdings lost the cash to five workers and nine suspected robbers. The five workers, Mupanhanga and Kasambarare, were then arrested and appeared in court.

Among the five workers were two brothers related to the business owner, while two were security guards. The two suspected robbers were remanded in custody and told only the High Court could grant bail.

Meanwhile, police said they are also hunting down the four robbers who were recently involved in the second Mashwede attack, raiding a Mashwede Holdings food court and two other premises in Southlea Park, Harare, and got away with a Mitsubishi double cab and more than US$5 000.

The vehicle, which was parked at the premises for safekeeping was later found dumped in Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza. Nearby was the safe containing the cash which had been robbed at Mashwede Holdings.

Police said the robbers, who were armed with a pistol and a rifle, attacked two security guards whose hands they tied with shoelaces.

The gang then went to Virtue Service Station where they used a hammer to break a metal screen to gain entry into the premises.

They then ransacked a butchery and took away US$290 which was in one of the drawers inside an office before proceeding to a mini market at the premises where they stole electrical appliances.

The gang went to Chicken Mash owned by Mashwede Holdings and forcibly broke the aluminium doors with a hammer before attempting to break a safe which was containing cash, but failed.

They loaded the safe onto the Mitsubishi truck which they later dumped.

This was not the first time that Mashwede Holdings was hit by armed robbers.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the recovery of a vehicle that had been stolen on the 3rd of this month in Mbare.

Police say the victim parked his silver Corolla Crystallite vehicle AEP 9435 while going into a barbershop in Mbare and left the keys in the ignition. The incident happened at about 1540 hours.

The police in a statement said:

Police 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.

ZRP Hwange recorded a case of theft of a white Toyota Hilux Revo vehicle (AFF 8145) at Sino Hydro, Hwange the 1st of April 2022. The vehicle was allegedly stolen by an unidentified suspect who impersonated a company employee.

In another case, on the 2nd of this month, at about 2300 hours, a 35-year-old motorist lost his Toyota Runx Vehicle ACN 6920 to an unknown suspect near Pamuzinda, Harare, after he parked the vehicle along the road to relieve himself while the engine was running.

Similarly, on the same day at about 2300 hrs, a Harare man (37) lost a white Nissan Tiida vehicle AFB 1746 after parking along the road for recess along Tynwald Drive. The unidentified passenger whom he had picked along Harare-Bulawayo Road jumped onto the steering and drove away.

By A Correspondent- The Premier Services Medical Investment (PSMI) on Friday last week adopted a co-payment system where every member of PSMAS is required to pay US$5 or ZWL$1 050 before receiving treatment or services.

PSMI is the largest private health care services provider in the country and it operates hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and labs.

The company serves at least 90 per cent of Zimbabwe’s civil servants, who are members of the Premier Services Medical Aid Society (PSMAS).

Workers are unhappy with the adoption of the co-payment system by PSMI as they believe the move is aimed at increasing management perks.

Part of a letter addressed to the PSMAS board chair Jeremiah Bvirindi by the medical professional and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe on Monday, read:

This is very unfair to members, particularly Government employees who had always been paying their monthly contributions without anything in return.

Workers are of the view that the money being charged as co-payments is meant for nothing other than boosting management pockets.

But responding to emailed questions from The Herald, Premier Service Holding Company (PSHC) public relations, communications and brand manager Arthur Choga defended the recent introduction of a co-payment. He said:

Subscriptions on the medical aid side continue to track the official rate while costs are being incurred based on parallel market rates, making it difficult for PSMI to meet obligations as they fall due.

Given these pressures and the target market’s inability to afford market-related subscriptions, PSMI, therefore, introduced co-payments to assist in meeting operating expenses.

Premier Services Medical Investment (Pvt) Ltd is a division of Premier Services Holding Company.

By A Correspondent- Five suspects linked to the violence that rocked a Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) Kwekwe rally leading to the death of one person have been released on bail.

Mbongeni Ncube died from the skirmishes that rocked the rally held in Mbizo suburb which was being addressed by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa after violence broke out during his address.

Initially, 16 people were arrested but the rest were released without charge after thorough investigations leading to the remaining five appearing in court facing murder and public violence charges.

The five Edmore Shoshera, Albert Maketo, Talent Imbayago, Panashe Mukavaza and Percy Mukwaturi were initially denied bail when they appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Mrs Florence Nago.

However, Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice Martin Makonese granted the five $10 000 bail each.

“After reading documents filed of record, it is ordered that the applicants be and are hereby admitted to bail pending trial under the conditions that the applicants deposit the sum of RTGS$10 000 each with the Clerk of Court Kwekwe Magistrates Court,” reads part of the judgement.

As part of their conditions, the applicants were ordered to continue residing at their given respective addresses and not to interfere with state witnesses until the matter is finalised.

They were also ordered to report once every fortnight on Fridays at ZRP Kwekwe Central Police Station pending the finalisation of the case.

It is alleged that on the day in question the five acting in connivance, stabbed Mbongeni Ncube with a sharp object leading to his death upon admission to Kwekwe General Hospital.

The gang also allegedly threw stones and attacked people who were attending the rally with spears, knives and sjamboks as well as catapults leaving many people injured.

The group also allegedly damaged motor vehicles and deflated tyres. Lawyer Charles Chigomere of Mutatu and Partners is representing the accused.-newsday

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a tribunal to probe High Court judge Justice Edith Mushore’s suitability for office after she allegedly went AWOL.

Mushore has reportedly not been reporting for duty since last year, resulting in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recommending that a tribunal be set up to investigate the matter.

In Proclamation 3 of 2022 published yesterday, Mnangagwa appointed retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda chairperson of the tribunal, and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs secretary Virginia Mabhiza its secretary.

The tribunal shall be held for a period of five months from the date of swearing in of members, at such appropriate venue as shall be determined by the tribunal,” read the proclamation.

The terms of reference of the tribunal include investigating her suitability to remain in office and reasons for her failure to report for work without authorisation.

The investigation is in line with section 187 of the Constitution, which among others, provides that a judge may be removed from office only for inability to perform the function of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity, gross incompetence, or gross misconduct.-newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has been accused of issuing a voters’ roll with colour pictures to Zanu-PF candidates while denying the same to the opposition in what critics say amounts to vote fraud.

This is the second time in weeks that the electoral management body has been taken to task over the voters roll after it denied ownership of a voters roll which was exposed by data experts as being littered with irregularities.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Binga North legislator Prince Dubeko-Sibanda yesterday claimed that Zanu-PF’s Victoria Falls local authority candidates in the March 26 by-elections, Musa Ncube and Kudakwashe Mavula Munsaka, were given copies of the voters roll with colour images of the voters.

“While Zec always denies the opposition access to the voters roll with pictures, it clandestinely released it to Zanu-PF in the just-ended by-elections. Zec should be disbanded,” Dubeko-Sibanda claimed.

He repeated the claims when contacted for comment yesterday.

But Zec spokesperson Jasper Mangwana yesterday denied that the electoral management body had issued a voters roll with colour images to Zanu-PF, and stopped short of saying it was leaked by its officials.

He said an internal investigation had been launched.

“We have asked the operational guys to look into the matter since we do not give political parties the voters roll with pictures. We want to understand what really transpired,” he said.

In February, Zec said a defective copy was leaked by its employees who were allegedly later suspended and later summarily dismissed from work.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North chairperson Richard Moyo said he was not aware of the allegations.

“I am not aware of these claims,” he said.

The CCC complained ahead of the polls that Zec had blurred the party symbol and candidates’ images on some ballot papers used in the polls.

The voters roll was a contested document ahead of the polls, with the CCC saying the document was not credible after discrepancies were uncovered.

Zec, however, argued that there were attempts to discredit the electoral management body.

CCC interim deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga yesterday accused Zec of unfair practices.

“We have countless times requested Zec to provide us with a voters roll with images, but it has always denied (us the opportunity to have sight of it). It always cites security reasons and the need to protect private information,” Shiriyedenga told NewsDay.

“Recently, we have had issues of people with the same name and surname, but the only difference being the last two digits on the voters roll. This is one of the reasons a voters roll with images is important.”

Independent election watchdogs said claims that only Zanu-PF was given a voters roll with colour images of voters were disturbing, with Election Resource Centre programmes manager Solomon Bobosibunu saying this amounted to vote-rigging

“If the allegations are true that one political party got the voters rolls with pictures and the other one did not, then it is an unfair practice. It creates a tilted playing field. When we look at the electoral principles and practices everywhere else, political parties must be given materials that are equal and uniform,” Bobosibunu said.

Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Andrew Makoni added: “The playing field must be even and such discrimination does not go well with the conduct of democratic elections. Zec must treat all political parties participating in an election equally.

“It is important to have pictures in the voters roll so that election officials can see if the person appearing before them intending to vote is the same person. This reduces chances of cheating or people voting on behalf of others.

“The voters roll, which is being inspected by citizens and members of the public before voting, must be the same voters roll to be used on the day of voting. This will allow errors to be attended to.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A 59 year old Bindura  man was jailed for growing over 2000 plants of cannibis .

Taurai Kanyemba  of Musana Bindura was sentenced to two years in jail by Bindura magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura.

Prosecutor  Victoria Choga told the court  that on January 2 the police received  a tip off to the effect that Kanyemba was cultivating dagga.

They stormed at his house while he was away and upon his arrival he saw the police waiting  for him.

The police introduced themselves and he led them to his field where uprooted 2372 plants of dagga.

He told the magistrate that he committed the offense because he was trying to raise income to feed his family.

“Your worship l am unemployed and the only option l found to feed my family was through cultivating  dagga may you be linient with me, ” he pleaded.

By A Correspondent- All people who will attend the main 20 celebrations to be held at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo will be tested for the coronavirus.

Bulawayo City Council director of health services Edwin Sibanda said they will test everyone entering the stadium while all the other COVID-19 protocols will be observed at the event. Said, Dr Sibanda:

All attendees will be tested, and all COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Vaccination is available at all clinics and central hospitals for free and QR codes on vaccination cards are being activated at the Tower Block.

Day is on 18 April and this year the country celebrates 42 years of freedom and black majority rule.

Barbourfields Stadium will become the first venue outside Harare to host the main Independence Day celebrations since 1980.

Meanwhile, the celebrations will include a football match between perennial rivals Highlanders and Dynamos, and later, members of the public will be treated to a music gala.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Botswana and Zimbabwe are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see prisoner exchanges between the countries.

Zimbabweans serving jail time in Botswana will be able to complete their sentences back in their home country, in exchange for Batswana nationals who will be deported back to Botswana to complete their sentences there. .

According to Zimbabwe prisons and correctional services commissioner, Gen Moses Chihobvu, there were an estimated 400 Zimbabweans in Botswana jails.

“I think we have less than 10 Batswana who are in prison in Zimbabwe,” said Chihobvu

Dinah Marathe, commissioner of the Botswana prison service, visited Zimbabwe with a delegation to meet its correctional services authorities.

Addressing journalists during the tour on Saturday, Marathe said signing of the MOU will allow the two countries to work together on various issues.

“We are going to complete the signing of the MOU by June. It allows our two republics to work together. It will also allow our own citizens who are incarcerated in Zimbabwe prisons to serve their sentences back home and Zimbabweans who are serving in Botswana to finish their sentences here in Zimbabwe, so that they are closer to their relatives who can help them when they reintegrate into society.”

In 2020, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi pardoned 15 Zimbabwean prisoners amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zimbabwe’s prisons are severely overcrowded. Last year, the country declared an amnesty for prisoners who had served at least a third of their sentences as a way to ease overcrowding.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe has been without a second Vice-President for over a year following the resignation of Kembo Mohadi in March last year.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba on Tuesday told NewsDay that he could not comment on when President Emmerson Mnangagwa would appoint a second VP.

Mohadi resigned on 1 March 2021 in the wake of damning immoral allegations which dogged him until the end of February 2021.

Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku said there was no law that compels the President to appoint a second VP. Said Madhuku:

The President has not breached any part of the Constitution by not appointing a second VP.

The 1987 Unity Accord is irrelevant in the appointment of the VPs because it is a private contract between Zanu PF and PF Zapu. That cannot be enforced using the laws of Zimbabwe.

The post of the second VP was created following the 1987 Unity Accord between ZANU PF and PF ZAPU and was reserved for former ZAPU members.

However, political analyst Methuseli Moyo said former ZAPU members are anxiously waiting for Mnangagwa’s choice. Said Moyo:

The way Mohadi was induced to resign was very suspicious, and the amount of time it has taken to replace him or reappoint him makes the issue more suspicious.

No doubt Mohadi is bitter, and his fellow ex-ZAPU colleagues are anxious about what befell him, and who will succeed him.

The way ED came into power makes him indebted to a lot of people who made it happen.

He wants those harbouring ambitions to come out. It plays to his advantage to keep everybody anxious and hoping.

This is not the first time that Zimbabwe has had a single VP. Joice Mujuru once served alone from 2009 to 2014 following the death of Joseph Msika.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro is reportedly pushing for the removal of provincial youth chairperson Stanley Sakupwanya claiming that he was becoming “big headed”.

Madiro and Sakupwanya formed a formidable campaign team that saw them both win provincial elections last year.

Sources in Manicaland told NewsDay yesterday that the relationship between Madiro and Sakupwanya had collapsed, with the provincial chairperson pushing for a vote of no-confidence against his former ally.

“Madiro is inciting other youths in the province to pass the vote of no confidence. We are very sure a vote of no-confidence is coming against him,” a source said,

Madiro always wanted to have control of the province and felt overshadowed after Sakupwanya recently met President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Kwekwe, where youths were given cows. Sakupwanya also met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House with other youth chairpersons from other provinces, where they had photo shoots.”

Sakupwanya and Madiro yesterday denied that there was bad blood between them.

“This is a mischievous allegation,” Madiro said.

Sakupwanya said: “I am not big headed, I work well with my boss (Madiro). I was even with him on Sunday. This is just a conspiracy.”

Madiro is a close Mnangagwa ally.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A polling station was allegedly dismantled on the eve of the by-election in Mutasa South National Constituency election, leading to the disenfranchisement of hundreds of voters which may have held sway in the result, it has emerged.

The development has triggered fears the polling station ruined Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate, Regai Tsunga’s chance of winning the election.

Tsunga was narrowly beaten by Zanu-PF candidate Misheck Mugadza after garnering 5 269 votes against his nemesis’ 5 818.

Mugadza holds a senior position in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Well-placed official sources who presided over the elections said the removal of a polling station deprived a number of people from voting within an urban ward, which was one of Tsunga’s strongholds.

“A polling station in Florida middle density suburb was removed from the system in the last minute. The officials responsible for that polling station were given a directive to remove it from the system under unclear circumstances,” an official source said.

“They later realised that it was a trick aimed at influencing election outcome only after results started trickling in. That polling station had a remarkable number of voters from the leafy suburbs of Mutare, and Mugadza had lessor chances of winning there. This is real. The move influenced the outcome, a team of government officials who presided over the elections even testified,” the source added.

ZEC Manicaland elections officer, Thompson Chivereveshe, declined to comment on the matter saying: “We are no longer talking about elections. Anyone with allegations can go to the electoral court. I do not know anything regarding this issue. The elections are over, hence I do not know what you are talking about.”

Tsunga confirmed that a polling station in Florida was dismantled.

He said another one in Chikanga phase one (ward 14), was moved to a different.

.”Yes it’s true. The explanation can only come from ZEC why they did that. It resulted in many people not getting the chance to vote. I talked to the district elections officer regarding the Florida polling station and he simply said it was because they had to merge the two polling stations into one,” Tsunga said.

“Whether that was done in good faith or there was a sinister motive, as we suspect, it is a question for ZEC to answer. We hope that in the future, if any changes have to be made regarding configuration of polling stations, it will be communicated to all political parties and interested stakeholders in advance,” he said.

“Once they continue to do things in a clandestine manner, they give us every reason to be suspicious. We always clamour for electoral reforms so that the outcome is not thereof ever disputed. If everything is done in a transparent manner, with no issues arising, the winner and the loser will feel content after elections are conducted.”

Mutasa South constituency consists of some parts of Mutare urban, including Penhalonga peri-urban.

According to statistics availed by the Election Resource Centre (ERC), the voter turnout in Mutasa South during by-elections was 34,47% compared to 85% during the 2018 polls.

By -Zanu PF Central Committee member, and Chiweshe terror campaign leader John Nhamburo has died.

He was 41.
Nhamburo died at Parirenyatwa hospital in Harare this Tuesday morning after a short illness.

Zanu PF Mazowe District Coordinating Committee Secretary for Information, Kushinga Dutiro confirmed the development describing Nhamburo’s death as a huge loss to the ruling party.
He told the state media that the party has lost a cadre who still had a lot to offer in politics after becoming a member of the ZanuPF central committee at a young age.
Nhamburo was a former Zanu PF national youth executive member.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Last month, Nhamburo was accused of deliberately running over and killing a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member.
His actions resulted in massive uproar as police hesitated to bring him to book.
Opposition CCC claims that Nhamburo was in the habit of terrorising villagers in Ward 2 in Chaona.

By A Correspondent- National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday ordered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs not to wear yellow in Parliament.

The order came after Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) protested that some CCC MPs were wearing party symbols.

The CCC MPs dressed formally, but some were wearing yellow neck-ties, shirts, tops and blazers. Said Mudenda:

From tomorrow, can Honourable Members adhere to the dress code and not be seen in colours that are aligned to party affiliation. Please be advised accordingly.

According to ZimLive, Harare East MP Tendai Biti, wore a striped yellow and navy-blue tie while Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Prosper Mutseyami (Chikanga-Dangamvura), Chalton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) and Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) all wore yellow ties.

Judith Tobaiwa (Kwekwe Central) and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula) wore yellow blazers.

Mudenda’s directive riled CCC MPs, who vowed to wear colours of their choice as long as it was not party regalia.

Speaking outside parliament, Biti, who is also CCC deputy president, said:I can understand if the Speaker rules against putting on yellow T-Shirts but if I put on a yellow shirt, a formal business shirt or a yellow tie, I’m not breaching any law.

I hope he doesn’t put us in a position where there’s an unnecessary collision, and that there is litigation and civil war in that House.

A necktie or shirt is not party regalia. If we come wearing Zambias, it’s a different thing but I don’t think anyone has an intention to do that.

There’s no law in the world anywhere that proscribes anyone from putting on a necktie of his or her own choice.

Mutseyami said what Mudenda suggested is impractical since green, yellow, black and red are among the colours that are used by different political parties.

He said:

Is what the Speaker is saying lawful, or he’s just telling us what’s in his head? This is not Mudenda’s House, it’s a national House.

We were not voted for by Mudenda but by the people. We’re not here out of his compassion.

In any case, no one is quite sure which colour he says belongs to a political party.

In this country, there are political parties that use green, yellow, black and red.

I don’t know which of those colours is a party colour, and which one is not.

By-National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda has ordered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs not to wear yellow in Parliament.

The order came after Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) protested that some CCC MPs were wearing party symbols.

The CCC MPs dressed formally, but some were wearing yellow neck-ties, shirts, tops and blazers. Said Mudenda:

From tomorrow, can Honourable Members adhere to the dress code and not be seen in colours that are aligned to party affiliation. Please be advised accordingly.

According to ZimLive, Harare East MP Tendai Biti, wore a striped yellow and navy-blue tie while Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Prosper Mutseyami (Chikanga-Dangamvura), Chalton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) and Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) all wore yellow ties.

Judith Tobaiwa (Kwekwe Central) and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula) wore yellow blazers.

Mudenda’s directive riled CCC MPs, who vowed to wear colours of their choice as long as it was not party regalia. Speaking outside parliament, Biti, who is also CCC deputy president, said:

I can understand if the Speaker rules against putting on yellow T-Shirts but if I put on a yellow shirt, a formal business shirt or a yellow tie, I’m not breaching any law.

I hope he doesn’t put us in a position where there’s an unnecessary collision, and that there is litigation and civil war in that House.

A necktie or shirt is not party regalia. If we come wearing Zambias, it’s a different thing but I don’t think anyone has an intention to do that.

There’s no law in the world anywhere that proscribes anyone from putting on a necktie of his or her own choice.

Mutseyami said what Mudenda suggested is impractical since green, yellow, black and red are among the colours that are used by different political parties. He said:

Is what the Speaker is saying lawful, or he’s just telling us what’s in his head? This is not Mudenda’s House, it’s a national House.

We were not voted for by Mudenda but by the people. We’re not here out of his compassion.

In any case, no one is quite sure which colour he says belongs to a political party.

In this country, there are political parties that use green, yellow, black and red.

I don’t know which of those colours is a party colour, and which one is not.

More: ZimLive

By-The ruling Zanu PF party has vowed that it will never surrender power to opposition parties, saying it will “rule for a very long time”.

This was disclosed yesterday by Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu in Harare while officiating at a send-off ceremony of 36 party members set for a training stint at the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in Tanzania.

The centre, which was built by the Chinese Communist Party on a US$40 million budget, specialises in policy and leadership studies.
Mpofu described Zanu PF as one of the most formidable political parties in southern Africa.

“We are going to be in power for a very long time. We are not going to surrender power. We will always be the governing party,” Mpofu said.
Mpofu revealed that in January 2019 during fuel protests, panicky President Emmerson Mnangagwa had to hastily dispatch the late Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri to Tanzania to lobby for support to quash the protests as he felt that his grip on power was under threat.
“President Mnangagwa had to dispatch the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri to lobby for support in Tanzania after the stay-away. The late Tanzanian President John Magufuli promised unwavering support and said all regime change machinations would be thwarted,” Mpofu said.
During the three-day protests, security forces used lethal force to crush nationwide demonstrations after government had announced a fuel price increase of 150%. Security forces fired live ammunition on unarmed civilians, killing 17 people.
Mpofu flaunted his liberation war credentials, claiming that he was trained in Tanzania during the liberation struggle.
“Tanzania was one of the first countries to train liberation fighters. I trained in Tanzania in 1968 where I was with the likes of Ambrose Mutinhiri who was an instructor then.”
Mpofu said the 36 trainees were drawn from the ruling party, the public service and other institutions.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre prides itself in contextualising problems and their solutions. It draws from a wide variety of approaches, that include, innovative policy leading research, quality dialogues, youth training and mentoring, providing an important platform for distinguished African intellectuals and scholars.
-Newsday

By A 23-year-old woman and her nine-year-old daughter were found dead at their home in a suspected suicide case.

In their Twitter page, the police said the woman and the girl are suspected to have consumed insecticide.

“The ZRP is investigating a suspected suicide case which occurred on 30 March in Kensington area, Bulawayo, where bodies of a woman (23) and her daughter (9) were found lying on a bed in a locked room with froth coming from their mouths.

“The room was locked from inside and a 100ml bottle of Diazon 30EC insecticide was recovered beside the bodies,” the police said.

By- Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda has sworn in 28 parliamentarians that won seats in the National Assembly elections held in by-elections held on March 26.

Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change won 19 seats, beating Zanu Pf which got nine.

By-A 35-year-old Maphisa man is on the run after he allegedly killed his neighbour by stabbing him with a knife in the chest in a dispute over an undisclosed issue.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred at Mathale Business Centre in Maphisa.

She said the suspect who was still at large, Pride Ndlovu had a fight with Brighton Mlambo and a fellow villager intervened. She said the pair had another confrontation the following day where Ndlovu stabbed Mlambo and he died on the spot.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case in Maphisa where a man fatally stabbed another. Pride Ndlovu and Brighton Mlambo were drinking at Mathale Business Centre when they had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue. They exchanged blows but a villager managed to restrain them.
“On the following day Ndlovu and Mlambo met at the business centre and they had an altercation which emanated from the previous grudge. Ndlovu retrieved a knife from his trousers pocket and stabbed Mlambo in the chest before fleeing the scene. Mlambo bled profusely and he staggered for a distance of about 10 metres before he collapsed and died. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and the now deceased’s body was taken to Maphisa District Hospital Mortuary,” she said.
Insp Mangena said police had launched a manhunt for Ndlovu and she appealed with members of the public with information on his whereabouts to visit any police station near them.
She appealed with members of the public to desist from resorting to violence in a bid to resolve disputes.

“As police we continue to emphasise restraint among people. People shouldn’t resort to violence to resolve disputes or keep grudges. These two men had a misunderstanding and two days later they still had a grudge which resulted in the death of one of them. Most of these murder cases are caused by issues that can be resolved amicably,” she said.

By- The 28 parliamentarians that won seats in the National Assembly elections held in the by-elections held on March 26 have been sworn in.
The MPs took their oaths before Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda.
Citizens Coalition for Change won 19 seats, with Zanu PF grabbing nine.

By-The ruling Zanu PF party has vowed that it will never surrender power to opposition parties, saying it will “rule for a very long time”.

This was disclosed yesterday by Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu in Harare while officiating at a send-off ceremony of 36 party members set for a training stint at the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in Tanzania.

The centre, which was built by the Chinese Communist Party on a US$40 million budget, specialises in policy and leadership studies.
Mpofu described Zanu PF as one of the most formidable political parties in southern Africa.

“We are going to be in power for a very long time. We are not going to surrender power. We will always be the governing party,” Mpofu said.
Mpofu revealed that in January 2019 during fuel protests, panicky President Emmerson Mnangagwa had to hastily dispatch the late Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri to Tanzania to lobby for support to quash the protests as he felt that his grip on power was under threat.
“President Mnangagwa had to dispatch the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri to lobby for support in Tanzania after the stay-away. The late Tanzanian President John Magufuli promised unwavering support and said all regime change machinations would be thwarted,” Mpofu said.
During the three-day protests, security forces used lethal force to crush nationwide demonstrations after government had announced a fuel price increase of 150%. Security forces fired live ammunition on unarmed civilians, killing 17 people.
Mpofu flaunted his liberation war credentials, claiming that he was trained in Tanzania during the liberation struggle.
“Tanzania was one of the first countries to train liberation fighters. I trained in Tanzania in 1968 where I was with the likes of Ambrose Mutinhiri who was an instructor then.”
Mpofu said the 36 trainees were drawn from the ruling party, the public service and other institutions.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre prides itself in contextualising problems and their solutions. It draws from a wide variety of approaches, that include, innovative policy leading research, quality dialogues, youth training and mentoring, providing an important platform for distinguished African intellectuals and scholars. Newsday

By-The ZIMSEC has released Advanced Level (A’ Level) results.

ZIMSEC board chairperson, Professor Eddie Mwenje made the announcement Tuesday. 

In a statement, seen by Pindula News, Prof Mwenje said the results are accessible online on the ZIMSEC portal with effect from 6 pm on Tuesday. The collection of results will start Wednesday while the Portal will be open for 5 days only. We present the statement below:

RE: RELEASE OF NOVEMBER 2021 ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS

Introduction The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Board and Management would like to advise the nation of the release of the 2021 November Advanced Level examination results which were written between 1 December 2021 and 31 January 2022. Heads of Examination Centres will be able to collect the results for their respective schools/centres from our Regional Offices on Wednesday, 6 April 2022. The Advanced Level Examination results, will be accessible online to all Candidates and authorised personnel with effect from today the 5th April, 2022 beginning at 18:00 hrs. The results can be accessed online through the ZIMSEC portal. As usual, our Website address is www.zimsec.co.zw. Candidates are advised to click on their respective region where they will be redirected to the portal on which they can access their results. Please take note that this portal will be open for 5 days only.

Allow me from the onset to express on behalf of the Board our profound appreciation to all major stakeholders of the examination process for a timely delivery. The examination process ended on 3151 January and after 2 months, the results are here. Zimsec wishes to acknowledge the commitment of our examiners, the support given by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and our parent Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and indeed our ZIMSEC Staff. We are therefore excited that we are releasing the results earlier than was the case for the 2020 results by at least 3 weeks. We are also grateful to God that as we continue to see an improvement in the covid-19 pandemic situation, it may point to the fact that we may soon return to normalcy.

Entry and Pass Rate There was a decrease of 2.03% in the candidate entries where the total number of candidates who sat for the November 2021 examinations was 49 128, as compared to 50 287 in November 2020.

Of these, 48 234 wrote 2 or more subjects compared to 49 153 last year. For those who wrote two or more subjects, 40 842 obtained Grade E or better. This translates to 84.67% pass rate. 

In November 2020 however, 49 153 wrote two or more subjects and 39 802 obtained Grade E or better in two or more subjects translating to a percentage pass rate of 80.98. The national pass rate for2021. therefore, increased by 3.68%.

School Candidates

The total number of school candidates in November 2021 was 40 806. Of these, 40 599 wrote 2 or more subjects and 35 276 obtained Grade E or better yielding a percentage pass rate of 86.89. In comparison, 42 231 school candidates sat in November 2020, with 41 691 writing two or more subjects and 34 597 obtaining Grade E or better, yielding a percentage pass rate of 82.98. This translates to a percentage increase of 3.99 in 2021.

Gender

The total number of female school candidates who sat for 2 or more subjects in November 2021 Advanced level examinations was 20 262. Of this number, 18 043 passed two or more subjects yielding 89.04% pass rate; an increase of 3.24 percentage points from 85.8% for 2020. The total number of male school candidates who sat for two or more subjects were 20 337 and 17 233 passed two or more subjects, which translates to 84.72%, an increase of 4.61 percentage points from 80.31% for 2020

Private Candidates 

In November 2021, the total number of private candidates was 8 322. Of these, 7 725, wrote two or more subjects and 5 566 obtained a Grade E or better, which translated to a percentage pass rate of 72.05%, while in November 2020, the total number of private candidates was 8 056. Out of this number, 7 462 wrote two or more subjects and 5 205 obtained a Grade E or better, which also translated into a percentage pass rate of 69.75%.

Special Needs Candidates

The total number of special needs candidates who sat for the November 2021, Advanced level examinations was 56 and 54 passed 2 or more subjects yielding a percentage pass rate of 96.42%. The candidates were in 4 different categories namely; Enlarged Print, Braille, Hearing Impairment and Physical Impairment. 

By-Fired Affirmative Action Group leadership led by Mr Mike Chimombe has challenged their ouster and said that it wanted to form a rival empowerment lobby.

They said they would accept the decision taken by founding president, Philip Chiyangwa, who remains the signatory to the AAG accounts.

Last week, Chiyangwa dissolved the AAG presidium with Mr Scott Sakupwanya taking over the reins from Mr Chimombe.
Mr Chimombe and his executive claimed they did not receive any formal communication from Chiyangwa about their expulsion saying they only knew of the development through the media.
“We are here to respond to the dissolution of AAG executive led by Mr Chimombe. We only say the dissolution was made through the media. We have never received any formal communication to date.”
Speaking at a media conference in Harare recently outgoing vice president responsible for operations, Mr Munyaradzi Kashambe, said they respected the decision made by Chiyangwa.
Chiyangwa said the decision was meant to strengthen and augment the zeal to empower the organisation.
“However, it is a bit of a surprise that an executive that has gone worldwide can be dissolved without any meeting or formal communication. It left us with no option, but to accept what Chiyangwa has done to us.
“We have realised that we cannot fight back or force ourselves to be part of AAG. This is a decision made by Chiyangwa,” said Mr Kashambe.
He confirmed that they were going to form a rival outfit saying consultations with relevant stakeholders were underway.
“We are leaving AAG to come up with a new baby after consultations with the relevant stakeholders and our national executive.
“We are coming up with a new name that is people centred, coming from the people, by the people, for the people.
“We want to come up with an empowerment lobby group that will cater for the people in the rural areas of Zimbabwe and abandon this elitist organisation,” said Mr Kashambe.
The new lobby, he said, was going to be broad-based with a national outlook. Herald

By- High Court judge Justice Gladys Mhuri Monday dismissed an application by activist Namatai Kwekweza, who sought to challenge the legality of the extension of Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s term of office by five years.

On May 16 last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended Malaba’s term of office saying he was medically fit to continue as the country’s top judge despite being 70, the retirement age for judges.

Several human rights organisations, including Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika, contested the decision without success.

On May 20 last year, Kwekweza wrote to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) through her lawyers Scanlen and Holderness requesting information relating to how the JSC had arrived at the decision to recommend the extension of Malaba’s term of office beyond retirement age. Kwekweza submitted in her letter:

How did the JSC come to a decision on the appropriate recommendation to make to the President under section 186(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe relating to … Malaba’s bid to continue as CJ for another five years? In particular, was a meeting held by the commissioners for this purpose? Was a resolution passed to make the appropriate recommendation? If so, may we have a copy of the resolution? If a resolution was passed … which commissioners of JSC voted in favour of recommending that … Malaba’s tenure be extended for another five years and which commissioners voted against?

The JSC responded through its legal practitioners Kantor and Immerman dismissing Kwekwedza’s request saying that it infringed on the individual’s rights. The JSC lawyers wrote back:

Kindly note that our client avers that the information request you have made is not in accordance with the applicable law. Any such request is subject to the rights of the individuals and institutions concerned. There’s no automatic right to the information.

Kwekweza was, however, not satisfied with the response and she filed a High Court application.

Justice Mhuri said the case confirmed the CJ’s position to remain in office for the next five years as accepted by the President. Mhuri added that the case sealed and brought to finality any challenge to the CJ’s extension of tenure and all the processes that led to it.

More: NewsDay Zimbabwe

By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) chairman, Tafataona Mahoso.

Mahoso was instrumental in clamping down on media outlets critical to the government during the era of the late long time ruler, Robert Mugabe.

He has appointed Mr Academy Bvumayi Chinamhora as the ZMC acting secretary.

In a statement, ZMC board chairperson Prof Ruby Magosvongwe said Mr Bvumayi’s appointment is from April 1. Said Mr Magosvongwe:

Following the December 2021 Board of Commissioners resolution to retire Dr Tafataona Mahoso in early 2022 because he would have reached pensionable age, we hereby congratulate Mr Academy Bvumayi Chinamhora for being appointed the ZMC acting secretary with effect from 1st April 2022.

We look forward to working well with Mr Chinamhora in his role.

The ZMC secretary reports to the board in addition to being in charge of the ZMC operations, including actively engaging in pertinent issues affecting the ZMC’s Constitutional mandate and helping find solutions.

Mr Chinamhora is the current ZMC manager responsible for research, training and development, a position he has held since 2012.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Politics and Administration from the University of Zimbabwe obtained in 1987.

Mr Chinamhora also holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations.

He worked in Information, Posts and Telecommunications from 1992 to 2002 after which he joined the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe before joining the MIC in 2006, which transformed into ZMC in 2009 as a Constitutional body upholding Constitutionalism and democracy through the media. 

More: Chronicle

By A Correspondent- One person died earlier today while 22 others were injured when an Inter Africa Bus Services veered off the road and overturned at the 39km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo road.

The injured were taken to Norton Hospital for treatment.

The bus which had 58 passengers was heading towards the city when the accident occurred at around 6.20 am.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed and said they were still gathering more facts about the accident.

Tinashe Sambiri|The outcome of the March 26 by-elections is a sign of great hope for the nation, Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

According to President Chamisa, citizens are the “compass of politics, not politicians.”

“CITIZENS’ MPs SWORN IN TODAY…

The recent by-elections taught all that ultimately CITIZENS have the power to change things & define the direction of a nation.

CITIZENS are the compass of all politics,not political parties or politicians.

Thank you God Almighty. Thank you Citizens,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

In a statement CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

The people’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa would like to thank all Citizens for coming out in large numbers and in the process sending an emphatic message about the possibilities of CitizensPower.

Today our inaugural 19 CCC Members of Parliament will be sworn in as the 1st batch of our team to form the next government. We are excited and we assure Citizens that all our 19 Parliamentarians will execute our citizen centered Parliamentary agenda by holding the Executive to account and sponsoring and supporting legislation that entrenches democracy, the rule of law, transparency & accountability.

We will also have later this week the swearing in of Citizens’ Councillors across the country.

This is all born out of the collective efforts of Citizens with the intention to win our country for total transformation.

2023 beckons and we urge every young person to REGISTER TO VOTE.

With love and solidarity always.

Your Champion in Chief

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF’s Central Comittee member John Nhamburo, who allegedly ran over and killed a CCC member on by-elections day in a hit and run accident has died.

The cause of death is not known.

This was revealed by Job Sikhala, the Citizens Coalition for Change(CCC) Vice National Chairman, Human Rights Lawyer and legislator for Zengeza West constituency who said:.

“John nhamburo central committee member yezanupf uyo akatsika nhengo yeccc kuchaona on byelections day pachiitiko che hit and run pamwe nekushungurudza vagari munguva yemabyelections kuward 2 chaona ikoko afuma akashaya.chakonzera rufu hapana aziva sezvo afa asina kurwara.”

This means: “John Nhamburo, a Zanu PF Central Committee member who ran over a CCC member on by- elections day in Chaona in a hit and run accident has died. Nhamburo was also behind the victimisation of Ward 2 residents. He died in his sleep and his body was discovered this morning but the cause of death is not known since he had no known ailment neither was he sick. He just died.”

Below is the tweet from Sikhala:

This is a developing story.

Refresh this page for latest details.

By A Correspondent- An InterAfrica bus overturned along Bulawayo road this morning, ZimEye reveals.

The bus which was coming from Murombedzi, reportedly overturned at Karina along Bulawayo road.

The number of casualties was not yet established by the time of writing, with others alleging that the bus had on board standing passengers.

The cause of the accident was also yet to be confirmed by the time of writing but social media users alleged that the accident may have been caused by overspeeding.

This is a developing story.

Refresh this page for latest details

By A Correspondent- The ruling Zanu-PF party has vowed that it will never surrender power to opposition parties, saying it will “rule for a very long time”.

This was disclosed yesterday by Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu in Harare while officiating at a send-off ceremony of 36 party members set for a training stint at the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in Tanzania.

The centre, which was built by the Chinese Communist Party on a US$40 million budget, specialises in policy and leadership studies.

Mpofu described Zanu-PF as one of the most formidable political parties in southern Africa.

“We are going to be in power for a very long time. We are not going to surrender power. We will always be the governing party,” Mpofu said.

Mpofu revealed that in January 2019 during fuel protests, panicky President Emmerson Mnangagwa had to hastily dispatch the late Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri to Tanzania to lobby for support to quash the protests as he felt that his grip on power was under threat.

“President Mnangagwa had to dispatch the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri to lobby for support in Tanzania after the stay-away. The late Tanzanian President John Magufuli promised unwavering support and said all regime change machinations would be thwarted,” Mpofu said.

During the three-day protests, security forces used lethal force to crush nationwide demonstrations after government had announced a fuel price increase of 150%. Security forces fired live ammunition on unarmed civilians, killing 17 people.

Mpofu flaunted his liberation war credentials, claiming that he was trained in Tanzania during the liberation struggle.

“Tanzania was one of the first countries to train liberation fighters. I trained in Tanzania in 1968 where I was with the likes of Ambrose Mutinhiri who was an instructor then.”

Mpofu said the 36 trainees were drawn from the ruling party, the public service and other institutions.

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre prides itself in contextualising problems and their solutions. It draws from a wide variety of approaches, that include, innovative policy leading research, quality dialogues, youth training and mentoring, providing an important platform for distinguished African intellectuals and scholars.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A standoff between markers and the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) has resulted in the examination board failing to release the 2021 Ordinary and Advanced Level results in time.

In previous years, Zimsec would release results in February, giving prospective “A” Level pupils time to enrol and learn for at least a month.

However, the first term ends on Thursday, with both “O” and “A” Level results for 2021 yet

to be released, affecting for high schools and universities plans.

Scores of markers boycotted marking of examinations midway after Zimsec failed to pay agreed allowances.

The delay in releasing the results has resulted in “O” Level pupils failing to enrol for Form 5 classes for the first term.

It has also seen some pupils awaiting “A” Level results failing to enrol with tertiary institutions such as the Zimbabwe Open University during the March intake window, while others like the Midlands State University have been forced to defer their intakes.

Zimsec spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini yesterday blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for causing a shift in the normal calendar of the marking and release of the examination results.

She said the board would release the results “soon”, but failed to provide the exact date.

“The year 2019 was the last year we had the normal school year. This is 2022 that we are now having a normal school year. If you look at 2021, the first term started in March and last year, the results came on April 23 and we haven’t reached the date,” Dlamini said.

By A Correspondent- A magistrate has been suspended over a litany of charges, including claims she made staff clean her mess in the toilet.

Oratile Nare, a former assistant to a High Court judge, was appointed a magistrate last year after escaping with a warning in another matter in which she was accused of sending a judge’s nudes to a WhatsApp group.

Nare has now been suspended pending investigations into alleged professional misconduct as a magistrate in Nkayi.

Judicial Service Commission secretary Walter Chikwana said: “The magistrate has been suspended to allow investigations into several complaints we have received over her conduct. There is an investigation in progress and we will advise of its findings at the appropriate time.”

ZimLive understands Nare threatened to get prosecutors sacked and verbally abused suspects.

A source said: “The complaints are many and varied. She allegedly made staff flush her mess in a toilet reserved for the magistrate; she allegedly ordered suspects not to look at her and deliberately left her handbag at work before ordering staff to bring it to her.

“Relations with prosecutors were particularly frayed. She would tell them that she’s powerful because she caused a judge to be suspended.”

Justice Thompson Mabhikwa is currently being probed by a tribunal for “gross misconduct” after images said to be of his penis, and intimate chats with a woman, were sent to various WhatsApp groups from his phone.

Mabhikwa has accused Nare of sending the images to spite him, allegedly after she discovered that he was seeing other women.

Nare, who was working as an assistant to Justice Maxwell Takuva of the Bulawayo High Court, escaped with just a warning over the incident, and was later appointed a magistrate.

“She’s aggressive and rude,” a legal source said.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance chairperson, Morgen Komichi has rebuked some members for causing chaos in the opposition party in remarks seen as aimed at its leader, Douglas Mwonzora.

After the party failed to win a single National Assembly or local government seat in the March 26 by-elections, some party members are unhappy with Mwonzora’s continued leadership and want him out.

Mwonzora has reportedly suspended losing parliamentary candidate for Epworth constituency in the recent by-elections, Zivai Mhetu, accusing him of bringing the name of the party into disrepute.

On Friday, Mwonzora is alleged to have called in anti-riot police and bouncers to block Mhetu from entering the party’s Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House headquarters.

THE MDC Alliance chairperson, Morgen Komichi has rebuked some members for causing chaos in the opposition party in remarks seen as aimed at its leader, Douglas Mwonzora.

After the party failed to win a single National Assembly or local government seat in the March 26 by-elections, some party members are unhappy with Mwonzora’s continued leadership and want him out.

Mwonzora has reportedly suspended losing parliamentary candidate for Epworth constituency in the recent by-elections, Zivai Mhetu, accusing him of bringing the name of the party into disrepute.

On Friday, Mwonzora is alleged to have called in anti-riot police and bouncers to block Mhetu from entering the party’s Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House headquarters.-Newsday

By- That parliament said it was not going to issue cars to newly-elected CCC Members of Parliament.

  The Parliament said these MPs got cars as MDC Alliance MPs before they were recalled by MDC-T .

Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda said this in an interview with The Sunday Mail.

Chokuda said the winners of the by-elections held on March 26 will be sworn in this week after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gives Parliament the full list of successful candidates. He said:

The swearing-in of members will be done at the earliest possible date, most probably the first week of April, once ZEC has officially written to Parliament giving us the full list of all the successful candidates.

We note that on 31st March 2022 ZEC gazetted the list of successful candidates and hence we expect that communication any time from now.

Chokuda said all new Members of Parliament (MPs) will receive the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for this year and next year. Said Chokuda:

In respect of vehicles, this will be treated on a case by case basis depending on the status of the member. The new members will get a vehicle as expected.

Those returning to Parliament and who had received a vehicle during the life of this Parliament have already been covered and hence will not get a new vehicle.

The law says a Member is only eligible for one vehicle every five years.

However, if a Member was recalled before they received a vehicle they will still be eligible to receive a vehicle.

There are 28 new MPs, 19 from CCC, the majority are returning to Parliament, and 9 from ZANU PF.

More: The Sunday Mail

By A Correspondent- Mashaba area in Matabeleland South province was the scene of bloody clashes at the weekend after Botswana cattle farmers teamed up with Gwanda villagers to attack suspected cattle rustlers.

The cattle rustlers were reportedly caught red-handed driving away donkeys and cattle, leading to the bloody clashes.

This came a few days after authorities from the two countries pledged to co-operate in fighting stocktheft.

A villager said cattle farmers from Botswana came to Gwanda last week to track their stolen cattle.

We then went to the Nhwali area using three cars. At the John dip tank, we found 11 stolen donkeys in a kraal. We apprehended two suspects and drove away the donkeys. The suspects had divided themselves into groups and others were driving stolen cattle. They then attacked and injured four of our members,” said a villager, who refused to be named.

He said those injured were taken to Manama Hospital, where they were transferred to Gwanda Hospital.

“Two of the suspects were apprehended and taken to Guyu Police Station, while one succumbed to injuries,” he said.

Matabeleland South Anti-Stock Theft Association chairperson Victor Sibanda appealed to security forces to intensify patrols along the border area.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said she could not comment on the issue as she was not at work, while national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was  not aware of the incident.-Newsday

By- There was violence at Zimdancehall musician Killer T’s aborted Botswana sho after the artiste failed to show up.

 Killer T had done an endorsement video and notified his fans he would be in Botswana on 2 April to perform at Big Five lodge.

H-Metro reported sources as saying the musician told his Botswana contacts that he was on his way to the show and fans filled up the venue.

Violence reportedly broke up at the venue when Killer T did not show up and some bouncers were stabbed while the venue was damaged during the melee.

One of the show coordinators, Boss Lazzy, accused Killer T of unprofessionalism and soiling their name. He said fans had paid cash P150 and P300 VIP. Said Boss Lazzy:

We engaged Killer T for the show, he was supposed to arrive here on Friday.

He didn’t make it and promised to come on Saturday, after saying he missed his flight.

We gave him US$2 000 after he had said haadi zvemahalf (he doesn’t want to be paid in instalments). 

Fans then heard that he had not come and violence erupted resulting in bouncers being stabbed.

DJ Prosper Taks, who was performing at the show, also confirmed the incident. He said:

Killer T akatikuvadzisa, (he got us into trouble) things were damaged and fans were injured, bottles were thrown.

Bouncers escaped from the venue with stab wounds.

I ran away from the scene after removing my instruments, some speakers were taken, and lights were destroyed.

I don’t think Zimbos will do a show again here because the venue owners are not happy.

Fans were waiting for him but he did not come and we played other songs until 2 AM.

People then realised he was not coming, we tried playing his songs but Killer T haana kubatika.

People are admitted in the hospital right now, venue yakaita marara.

Anga azadza but he disappointed. I had to play his songs kuti vanhu vadzikame until 2 AM tatoona kuti amahwani ayo, ndopandakazotiza vakukwira pastage.

H-Metro could not get in touch with Killer T camp as his mobile phones were not reachable.

More: H-Metro