By A Correspondent- A 24 year old domestic worker from Chitungwiza has been arrested on allegations of sexually abusing her employer’s 13-year-old son.

It is alleged that the accused offered the minor two United States dollars to persuade him to be intimate with her. The minor turned down the offer and the accused allegedly forced herself on him.

The minor revealed the matter to his mother who made a police report leading to the suspect’s arrest. Harare provincial police spokesperson,

Chief Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident. ‘

’We are investigating a case of aggravated indecent assault that happened in Chitungwiza and the suspect is now in police custody,” said Chief Inspector Mwanza.

According to police, the suspect was sleeping in the same room with the victim and offered to pay the suspect a US$2 bribe so they could become intimate but the boy turned down the offer.

“She offered him US$2-00 in cash for him to have sexual intercourse with her but he turned down the offer. T

he accused then forcibly removed the victim pant, and sexually abused the minor,” Chief Inspector Mwanza said. Chief Inspector Mwanza said guardians should always keep an eye on their children and not expose them to situations where they can be abused.

Continue reading at https://ztn.co.zw/maid-rapes-employers-son-offers-us2-bribe/ | ZTN

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman has been hauled to court facing attempted murder charges.

The court heard that on March 3 Melody Changa stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife.

She argued that her husband had impolitely told her to get their daughter ready for school. Changa is alleged to have picked up a kitchen knife and cut her husband once on the left side of his head and ear.

Harare Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda remanded Changa in custody and advised her to approach the High Court for bail.

By A Correspondent- Two men from Harare appeared in court today (Friday) facing charges of hacking into the converged billing system of one of the country’s mobile network providers.

The duo, Owen Maleta and Kuzivakwashe Nyamuchengwa aged 23 and 24 respectively reportedly moved data bundles and airtime worth nearly 2 million Zimbabwe dollars into their cellphones.

This happened between January and February this year. They were arrested on Tuesday and were found in possession of iPhones which were tracked to be the primary receivers of the proceeds of crime.

Maleta was denied bail as he once committed a similar offence and was sentenced to restitution and community service. He already has another pending case against the same complainant.

Harare Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda remanded the duo in custody to the 7th of March for bail application.

By-One person died while 40 others experienced severe stomach pains following suspected food poisoning at a funeral in Nyazura last week.

The deceased, William Mubvumbi, was among 50 villagers who were digging a grave for the late Emas Chiwanza.

They were served sadza and beef stew which had been stored in some plastic containers.

The food had been prepared in Odzi about 42km away from where Chiwanza was initially supposed to be buried.

It is believed that keeping the food in plastic containers for a long time may have resulted in the poisoning.

Acting Makoni District Medical Officer, Dr Hospea Maringe also confirmed the poisoning incident and Mubvumbi’s death. Said Maringe:

We attended to the body of William Mubvumbi who died on his way to Rusape General Hospital.

We collected samples which we will forward to pathologists who will determine the type of poison that claimed his life.

Food poison is broad and the specialists will determine whether it was chemical, bacterial or something else.

The other 12 affected people who came on Saturday were treated and discharged on Sunday. They were all stable.

Mubvumbi’s uncle, Bonus Chadereka, narrated to The Manica Post the events leading to his nephew’s death. He said:

Last Saturday morning, Mr Mubvumbi left for the Chiwanza funeral. He was among the grave diggers which comprised fellow community members and some Chiwanza relatives. They were served some food and he later started complaining of a stomach ache.

He came back home and did not sleep well due to stomach pains. His condition deteriorated last Sunday morning as he was no longer speaking.

We hired a vehicle to ferry him to Rusape General Hospital, but unfortunately, he died on the way.

We inquired what had really transpired and we learnt that more members of the community were complaining of stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The villagers told us that they started experiencing this after eating food at the gravesite.

About 40 people needed urgent attention, 12 were rushed to Rusape General Hospital and the rest were treated at Nyazura Clinic.

Post mortem was done on Mr Mubvumbi and the doctor confirmed the cause of death as food poisoning. He was buried in Manica Bridge, Muchinguri Village.

The Chiwanza family spokesperson, Collin Chiwanza, suspect that the plastic containers may have contaminated the food. He said:

Food was prepared for the gravediggers, unfortunately, the beef stew was put in a plastic bucket and sealed to avoid spilling it on its way to Nyazura.

From what we have learnt, the food was not supposed to be in a plastic container, and delays in serving it rendered it poisonous. More than 50 people, including Emas’ son, consumed the food.

In fact, the person who was serving the food is among those affected. We mourn with the Mubvumbi family over the loss of their relative.

More: The Manica Post

By- Kenya’s Ministry of Health has lifted the mandatory wearing of masks that was imposed on 3 April 2020 at the height of COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations in the country.

Announcing the development on Friday, Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, said Kenyans should, however, maintain social distancing to ensure the risk of spreading the coronavirus is limited. 

Said Kagwe:

All Kenyans to continue to adhere to social measures, ensure frequent hand washing, sanitising and exercise personal responsibility.

There has been a lot of debate on facemasks. Wearing of facemasks in open places is now lifted.

Kagwe called on his compatriots to continue observing other ministry of health protocols when in public spaces. He said:

If you are going to eat in a meat joint, the standards must be high. The sanitation, washing of hands must be top-notch.

You must also respect the people eating in your joint. You must respect your customers and make sure the restaurant is clean. There will be penalties if that does not happen.

Kenya has recorded 323 140 cases of COVID-19 and 5 644 deaths but vaccination rates remain low.

Only 28.5 per cent of the adult population was fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2022.

More: The Star

By-Journalist-cum-social rights activist Itai Dzamara was allegedly kidnapped by suspected state security agents on the 9th of March in 2015, his whereabouts are not known since then.

There have been calls from human rights defenders and the international community on the government to make sure that Dzamara is safely brought back since it is its sole responsibility to protect every Zimbabwean citizen.
In a message to mark the 7th anniversary since Dzamara disappeared, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the government must ensure that assailants who kidnapped the journalist are brought to justice. They said:
Today marks the 7th anniversary of the disappearance of Itai Dzamara. We call on government to mobilise the full extent of its resources to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dzamara’s abduction and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Dzamara’s family and the generality of Zimbabweans deserve answers on where he is, what happened on 9 March 2015 and who is responsible for his disappearance. We remind government of its constitutional obligations to safeguard the right to life and personal liberty, the right to participate in peaceful political activities, the right to demonstrate and petition peacefully and the citizens’ right to express themselves freely and without repercussion.
Dzamara was a staunch government critic.

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora, on Wednesday aborted his Chinhoyi planned rally over poor attendance.

Mwonzora then accused Zanu PF and CCC of planning to unleash violence against his supporters at the aborted rally Chinhoyi.

Mwonzora was speaking to journalists after MDC-T supporters, numbering less than 30, turned out for his rally ahead of the 26 March by-elections.

The supporters were told to go home around 3 pm by aspiring Chegutu West legislator, Gift Konjana following a brief address in an almost empty Chinhoyi Hall in Gadzema township.

Mwonzora and MDC Alliance candidates in the 26 March by-elections later held a meeting at former Chinhoyi deputy mayor and aspiring Ward 3 councillor, Willie Nyambe’s house.

The MDC-T leader downplayed the low attendance at the rally and told reporters that the meeting at the Chinhoyi Hall was in preparation for a star rally scheduled for Sunday at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. Said Mwonzora:

We couldn’t hold our public meeting due to security issues as ZANU PF and CCC members were milling around the venue.

We don’t want to be drawn into violence, blood, name-calling and hate politics, so we have had to cancel the meeting. We didn’t want our members victimised.

I want to publicly appeal to our political opponents to desist from provoking MDC. We are urging people to campaign peacefully.

Our strategy in these by-elections is to know the real voters, and we are not interested in crowds.

More: New Zimbabwe

By-Zanu PF supporters brought business to a standstill in Marondera as they moved in a car rally, with the ZRP seemingly unbothered.

This happened after ZRP Friday barred CCC from hosting a rally in the same city.

The police informed CCC representative in Marondera, Caston Matewu, that the rally cannot go ahead, saying the opposition part’s notification to hold the rally “does not fully comply with the requirements of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.”

CCC had planned to stage its rally today at Rudhaka Open Grounds.

By- A spirit medium died after he was stung by a swarm of bees at a shrine in Tsholotsho last week.

Milton Tshuma (80) of Mpucuko Village, Tshayile Line under Chief Matupula, and rain-makers, known as ihosana, gathered at the shrine to perform rainmaking rituals (umtolo) when they were stung by the bees.

Tshuma was rushed to hospital after being stung by the bees and died at Tsholotsho district hospital the following day. He was buried on Monday.

His young brother, Morgan Masaka Tshuma, who is headman for Tshayile Line confirmed the incident. He said:

This is something new and shocking. Spirit mediums are set to meet on Sunday to deliberate on the issue and select people who will visit the main Njelele Shrine to consult because this could be a sign that something bad has happened.

They were supposed to have an umtolo (ceremony) at the shrine when he was stung by inyosi zelinda. The shrine is a sacred place and only ihosana are allowed to enter.

When he entered the shrine intending to appease the spirits, he was also attacked by the bees and the other elders ran away instead of rescuing him.

Tsholotsho Rural District ward 6 Councillor Mthetho Sikhosana Tshuma said the now deceased was later rescued by his family members who rushed to the shrine after being told of the incident.

The shrine, located a short distance from Chief Matupula’s homestead, is referred to as little Njelele because it is believed to have a link with the main Njelele Shrine in Matopo, Matabeleland South province.

The significance of “Little Njelele”

The shrine has a small hut located at the centre and is surrounded by big trees.

Swarms of bees called inyosi zelinda, have stayed for many years within cavities of two trees at the shrine.

No unauthorised people are allowed in as the shrine is used for traditional ceremonies and rituals.

More: Chronicle

By- The Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T has spoken out on its position on the oncoming by-elections where the party failed to field candidates in several constituencies.

In a statement, the party’s Secretary-General, Paurina Mpariwa, admitted failing to field candidates in a number of constituencies.

Below is the statement:

As all of you are aware, Zimbabwe will be having by-elections on March 26, 2022. I am very pleased that we have managed to field candidates in almost all vacant positions. Where we failed to, it was due to matters beyond our control and we took notes as we prepare for the 2023 General Elections. I am also delighted that we have managed to field more women candidates than our rivals for these elections. This is a fitting tribute to our female candidates during this Women’s Month, whose theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

We deliberately chose a grassroots centred campaign strategy for these by-elections. Our leaders led by President Douglas Mwonzora have been traversing across the country engaging directly with our party faithful. We are a labour backed and people-centred party and it is very important that each and every member, and those wishing to join us, are free to engage with our leaders in an intimate manner. This strategy has also given our leaders an opportunity to dispel rumours and innuendos peddled by our rivals on social media and other fora.

The feedback from the grassroot engagement is unanimously clear. Our people want change they can trust. Our people want a Zimbabwe where their savings and pensions are secure. Our people want quality and accessible education and health care. Our people yearn for dignified jobs and those working want incomes that can sustain them and their families. Our people want a fair justice system in Zimbabwe. Our people want unconditional justice and compensation for all victims of atrocities committed from Gukurahundi, 2008 election violence, Operation Murambatsvina, victims’ of 2018 election violence and many other tragedies brought upon our people because of their beliefs and yearning for a fully free Zimbabwe. Our people want full and unconditional implementation of the Mothlante Commission. Our people yearn for a day when they can vole and fully trust the outcome of the vote because the institutions will be fully independent. We are the only party that can deliver what our people yearn for.

Our message of hope, dialogue and unity of purpose has been positively received. I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to our MDC Alliance Star Rally on 13 March 2022 at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. President Mwonzora will be the keynote speaker and will be accompanied by other Alliance principals. This is going to be a festive event and I urge you all to restrain yourselves when provoked by misguided elements. We are a peaceful party and our history speaks for itself.

Aluta Continua

 By A Correspondent- A 71 year old man has been arrested in Chivi on allegations of strangling to death a boy for stealing sweet reeds in his field as murder cases continue to rise countrywide.

The six-year-old boy together with his siblings aged 10 and 12 are alleged to have gone to the man’s field last Friday where they allegedly committed the offence.

They were however seen by the man who then chased after them before he strangled to death the boy while the other two managed to escape.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Aphios Gwatirenda.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Aphios Gwatirenda aged 71 in connection with the murder of a minor aged six at Runoza Village, Chivi on March 4, 2022. The victim together with three other siblings aged 10 and 12 allegedly went to the suspect’s field where they stole sweet reeds before the suspect chased the victim and strangled him to death,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police in Inyathi have arrested Mbekezeli Sibanda (20) in connection with the murder of Phumulani Sibanda (20).

The suspect fatally struck the victim with a stone once on head following an argument.

Phumulani Sibanda was taken to Mpilo Hospital where died upon admission.

During the past few months’ police have been expressing concern over an increase in murder cases countrywide.

Recently, a decomposing body of a 13-year-old girl who recently went missing in Shamva was found in a mountain while another half-naked body of an unknown woman was recovered in Mazowe.

The suspected murder case occurred at Bester Mountains, Shamva after the 13-year-old victim went missing from Maxton for almost two weeks.

He body was found in an advanced state of decomposition in the mountain.

In another suspected case of murder which occurred in Mazowe, a body of an unknown female adult was found lying in a trench, half naked with a deformed face.

Police were also investigating a murder case which occurred in Madhlambuzi, where a man aged 28 was attacked by two suspects over an undisclosed matter.

One of the suspects stabbed the victim on the stomach and left him unconscious. The victim was later referred to Plumtree hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

A suspected mentally-challenged man aged 24 fatally also struck his 49-year-old mother with stones, over an unknown issue.

In a related case, a suspected 43-year-old mentally challenged man attacked imbibers at a traditional beer drinking ceremony in Chiredzi and struck a man aged 53 thrice on the head with a hoe. The victim died on the spot.-statemedia

Tinashe Sambiri|2022 is a year of Citizens’ action for change, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

On Thursday night President Chamisa unveiled # Agenda 2022.

The Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader believes every citizen has a role to play in the struggle for freedom.

Watch video below President Chamisa’s Agenda 2022 address:

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora was on Wednesday humiliated by people of Chinhoyi who did not turn up for his planned rally.

Mwonzora then accused Zanu PF and CCC of planning to unleash violence against his supporters at the aborted rally Chinhoyi.

Mwonzora was speaking to journalists after MDC-T supporters, numbering less than 30, turned out for his rally ahead of the 26 March by-elections.

The supporters were told to go home around 3 pm by aspiring Chegutu West legislator, Gift Konjana following a brief address in an almost empty Chinhoyi Hall in Gadzema township.

Mwonzora and MDC Alliance candidates in the 26 March by-elections later held a meeting at former Chinhoyi deputy mayor and aspiring Ward 3 councillor, Willie Nyambe’s house.

The MDC-T leader downplayed the low attendance at the rally and told reporters that the meeting at the Chinhoyi Hall was in preparation for a star rally scheduled for Sunday at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. Said Mwonzora:

We couldn’t hold our public meeting due to security issues as ZANU PF and CCC members were milling around the venue.

We don’t want to be drawn into violence, blood, name-calling and hate politics, so we have had to cancel the meeting. We didn’t want our members victimised.

I want to publicly appeal to our political opponents to desist from provoking MDC. We are urging people to campaign peacefully.

Our strategy in these by-elections is to know the real voters, and we are not interested in crowds.

More: New Zimbabwe

By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has barred CCC from hosting its planned Marondera rally.

The police informed CCC representative in Marondera, Caston Matewu, that the rally cannot go ahead, saying the opposition part’s notification to hold the rally “does not fully comply with the requirements of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.”
CCC had planned to stage its rally on Saturday at Rudhaka Open Grounds.

By-Zanu PF supporters on Friday brought business to a standstill in Marondera as they moved in a car rally, with the ZRP seemingly unbothered.

This happened after ZRP Friday barred CCC from hosting a rally in the same city.

The police informed CCC representative in Marondera, Caston Matewu, that the rally cannot go ahead, saying the opposition part’s notification to hold the rally “does not fully comply with the requirements of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.”

CCC had planned to stage its rally tomorrow at Rudhaka Open Grounds.

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora, on Wednesday aborted his Chinhoyi planned rally after realising that there were no people in attendance.

Mwonzora then accused Zanu PF and CCC of planning to unleash violence against his supporters at the aborted rally Chinhoyi.

Mwonzora was speaking to journalists after MDC-T supporters, numbering less than 30, turned out for his rally ahead of the 26 March by-elections.

The supporters were told to go home around 3 pm by aspiring Chegutu West legislator, Gift Konjana following a brief address in an almost empty Chinhoyi Hall in Gadzema township.

Mwonzora and MDC Alliance candidates in the 26 March by-elections later held a meeting at former Chinhoyi deputy mayor and aspiring Ward 3 councillor, Willie Nyambe’s house.

The MDC-T leader downplayed the low attendance at the rally and told reporters that the meeting at the Chinhoyi Hall was in preparation for a star rally scheduled for Sunday at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. Said Mwonzora:

We couldn’t hold our public meeting due to security issues as ZANU PF and CCC members were milling around the venue.

We don’t want to be drawn into violence, blood, name-calling and hate politics, so we have had to cancel the meeting. We didn’t want our members victimised.

I want to publicly appeal to our political opponents to desist from provoking MDC. We are urging people to campaign peacefully.

Our strategy in these by-elections is to know the real voters, and we are not interested in crowds.

More: New Zimbabwe

By- Residents in Maphisa were treated to free and unrehearsed reality street theatre on Tuesday last week when a jilted man busted his wife in the act in her car with her boyfriend at 3am outside a supermarket.

The angry man, Tendai Phiri (47) tried to open the car doors but failed as his wife, Perseverance Ndlovu (31) and her secret lover had locked the doors. He then picked up stones and smashed the car windows.

The wife tried to drive away but failed as a crowd that had been attracted by the fracas inadvertently blocked her escape route.

Phiri stopped himself from assaulting the cheating couple as he was embarrassed.

Maphisa residents says Perseverance is a serial cheater and is well known in Maphisa for straying from her marital bed. Phiri is said to be a long-suffering husband who always forgives his adulterous wife whenever he catches her cheating.
But this time he is reeling from the latest betrayal because the last time he caught her cheating, she had promised him that she would mend her ways.
“The husband got wind that his wife was cheating on him because we have been hearing a lot of stories about multiple occasions when the husband has been catching his wife cheating but keeps on forgiving her because after the incidents you would see them back to normal again leading a happy couple life.
This time it seems he was angry that’s why he got violent because we know him from Zion Church, he is not known for violence,” said a source close to the goings on.
In an interview, Phiri said he was very furious the night he caught his wife of eight years cheating but was now willing to forgive her as he loves her a lot.
“It’s very painful to find someone you love cheating on you, it makes you wonder where you go wrong and what you lack, but when you love someone you always feel like forgiving her.
I have forgiven her from the bottom of my heart. I wish things could go back to normal because I really love my wife despite her flops but I think we really need counselling after what has happened to us,” he said.
Phiri has repaired the damage he inflicted on his wife’s car as a sign that he was ready to work things out. But Perseverance is still to return home and seems unwilling to work on her marriage. Whenever Phiri calls her, she tells him that she is not ready to talk.
Perseverance said she had no comment on what happened. “I have nothing to say on whatever happened. What has happened has happened, it can’t be reversed,” she said. B Metro

By- A spirit medium died after he was stung by a swarm of bees at a shrine in Tsholotsho last week.

Milton Tshuma (80) of Mpucuko Village, Tshayile Line under Chief Matupula, and rain-makers, known as ihosana, gathered at the shrine to perform rainmaking rituals (umtolo) when they were stung by the bees.

Tshuma was rushed to hospital after being stung by the bees and died at Tsholotsho district hospital the following day. He was buried on Monday.

His young brother, Morgan Masaka Tshuma, who is headman for Tshayile Line confirmed the incident. He said:

This is something new and shocking. Spirit mediums are set to meet on Sunday to deliberate on the issue and select people who will visit the main Njelele Shrine to consult because this could be a sign that something bad has happened.

They were supposed to have an umtolo (ceremony) at the shrine when he was stung by inyosi zelinda. The shrine is a sacred place and only ihosana are allowed to enter.

When he entered the shrine intending to appease the spirits, he was also attacked by the bees and the other elders ran away instead of rescuing him.

Tsholotsho Rural District ward 6 Councillor Mthetho Sikhosana Tshuma said the now deceased was later rescued by his family members who rushed to the shrine after being told of the incident.

The shrine, located a short distance from Chief Matupula’s homestead, is referred to as little Njelele because it is believed to have a link with the main Njelele Shrine in Matopo, Matabeleland South province.

The significance of “Little Njelele”

The shrine has a small hut located at the centre and is surrounded by big trees.

Swarms of bees called inyosi zelinda, have stayed for many years within cavities of two trees at the shrine.

No unauthorised people are allowed in as the shrine is used for traditional ceremonies and rituals.

More: Chronicle

By- A driver transporting a corpse for burial in Checheche, Chipinge was on Sunday involved in a horror crash that killed the driver on the spot

.Mr Stephan Gwatidzo, who was on his way from Shamva, was driving the hearse when he was involved in an accident along Ngundu-Tanganda Road in the wee hours of Sunday.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the accident.
“The driver of the hearse, Mr Stephan Gwatidzo of Harare, was driving a Toyota Hilux truck along the Ngundu-Tanganda Road carrying a corpse. He was heading to Checheche for the burial of the deceased.
“Upon reaching the 245km peg, he lost control of the vehicle and it swerved to the right before overturning. Mr Gwatidzo was thrown out of the vehicle, sustained head injuries and died on the spot. The body that was being transported did not sustain any injuries and was later taken to Chanda Village for burial,” said Asst Insp Chinyoka.
“We continue to urge motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads by adhering to road traffic rules,” he added.
Witnesses who arrived at the scene a few minutes after the accident told The Manica Post that the funeral services company reacted swiftly after the incident which occurred near Nyautsa River in Middle Sabi.
Said Mr Reketayi Mahachi: “I was in a ZUPCO bus which was coming from Checheche and when we approached Nyautsa River in Middle Sabi around 3am only to realise that the hearse had overturned.
The driver of the hearse was already dead. Other passengers informed the police at Middle Sabi Police Station.
It did not take long for the police and another hearse to arrive and pick up the coffin from the accident scene. The coffin was partially damaged,” said Mr Mahachi.
The incident comes hardly three weeks after another hearse carrying a Honde Valley man, Mr Caleb Mapaya, was involved in a freaky accident that left his corpse defaced.
Mr Mapaya’s coffin was broken into pieces, leaving the corpse laying on the ground.
His widow, Mrs Cecilia Chingaya-Mapaya who was seated next to the driver of the hearse, was thrown out of the vehicle and trapped underneath.
She was rushed to Hauna District Hospital but later succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
The driver of the Harare-based funeral services vehicle, Mr Chatadza, is said to have lost control of the Mitsubishi Colt double cab, resulting in the vehicle veering off the road. Manica Post

By- The Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T has spoken out on its position on the oncoming by-elections where the party failed to field candidates in several constituencies.

In a statement, the party’s Secretary-General, Paurina Mpariwa, admitted failing to field candidates in a number of constituencies.

Below is the statement:

As all of you are aware, Zimbabwe will be having by-elections on March 26, 2022. I am very pleased that we have managed to field candidates in almost all vacant positions. Where we failed to, it was due to matters beyond our control and we took notes as we prepare for the 2023 General Elections. I am also delighted that we have managed to field more women candidates than our rivals for these elections. This is a fitting tribute to our female candidates during this Women’s Month, whose theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

We deliberately chose a grassroots centred campaign strategy for these by-elections. Our leaders led by President Douglas Mwonzora have been traversing across the country engaging directly with our party faithful. We are a labour backed and people-centred party and it is very important that each and every member, and those wishing to join us, are free to engage with our leaders in an intimate manner. This strategy has also given our leaders an opportunity to dispel rumours and innuendos peddled by our rivals on social media and other fora.

The feedback from the grassroot engagement is unanimously clear. Our people want change they can trust. Our people want a Zimbabwe where their savings and pensions are secure. Our people want quality and accessible education and health care. Our people yearn for dignified jobs and those working want incomes that can sustain them and their families. Our people want a fair justice system in Zimbabwe. Our people want unconditional justice and compensation for all victims of atrocities committed from Gukurahundi, 2008 election violence, Operation Murambatsvina, victims’ of 2018 election violence and many other tragedies brought upon our people because of their beliefs and yearning for a fully free Zimbabwe. Our people want full and unconditional implementation of the Mothlante Commission. Our people yearn for a day when they can vole and fully trust the outcome of the vote because the institutions will be fully independent. We are the only party that can deliver what our people yearn for.

Our message of hope, dialogue and unity of purpose has been positively received. I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to our MDC Alliance Star Rally on 13 March 2022 at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. President Mwonzora will be the keynote speaker and will be accompanied by other Alliance principals. This is going to be a festive event and I urge you all to restrain yourselves when provoked by misguided elements. We are a peaceful party and our history speaks for itself.

Aluta Continua

Tinashe Sambiri|2022 is a year of Citizens’ action for change, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

On Thursday night President Chamisa unveiled # Agenda 2022.

The Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader believes every citizen has a role to play in the struggle for freedom.

Watch video below President Chamisa’s Agenda 2022 address:

By A Correspondent- The ZRP reports a fire incident which occurred at ZESA sub-station along Khami Road, Bulawayo on 08/03/22 at about 0100 hours, where a man (40) was electrocuted while tampering with ZESA equipment.

An explosion was herd at the substation before the suspect cried for help while flames were engulfing the site. The Fire Brigade later extinguished the fire and the suspect was taken to Mpilo Hospital where he later died. – ZRP

By- There was drama in Harare’s central business district (CBD) on Tuesday when mourners sought to take the body of a regular patron into the bar for an emotional send off.

The body of Norman Murengwe was paraded outside City Sports Bar along Kaguvi Street which he frequented.

Murengwe, popularly known as Nomara, died on Saturday after being hit by a car in Ruwa.

When the hearse arrived in a convoy, some of the deceased’s friends paraded the coffin along Kaguvi Street. They later took it to the entrance of the bar.

Their intention was to take the coffin into the bar but one of the joint’s managers, Harpers Mapimhidze, intervened and blocked them.

“No guys, you can’t take the coffin inside the club,” he pleaded. “Please, I think this is enough.”

The men, who were carrying the coffin, pleaded with Harpers, who repeatedly turned down their request.

They continued with their parade, which blocked traffic, after the coffin was briefly put on the road.

According to one of the people who were part of the team which paraded the coffin, Murengwe was a mechanic, operating along Kaguvi Street.

He would, however, spend most of his spare time, drinking with his friends, in that pub.
“We know Nomara and he was one of our regular clients,” said Harpers.

He was one of the guys who worked along Kaguvi Street, but would spend most of his time with us here.

“We couldn’t allow the coffin into the bar. I turned down the request. He used to spend a lot of his time in the City Sports Bar. So, his friends requested to parade the coffin here, and we accepted.

“We also participated in the parade and we are sorry to family, and friends, for the loss.”

Nomara was laid to rest in Goromonzi yesterday. H Metro

By- Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, has set up a team of investigators to investigate the entire Petrotrade Board of Directors.

Soda on Thursday suspended the Board and accused it of not following corporate governance.

Among the suspended board members is former MDC official Lilian Timveos, who joined Zanu PF last year.

The Board was appointed in 2021 after Petrotrae had operated for five years without the governing Board. Board members were:

1)Tinomudaiishe Chinyoka a lawyer, board chairperson 

2). Zanele Dube, deputy chair

3). Gladys Mumhure, 

4). Simbabrashe Eric Mhuriro, 

5). Ferida Matambo, 

6). Getrude Marabada, 

7). Godfrey Ncube, 

8). Dakarai Mukuku,

9). Lilian Timveous MDC Alliance defector.

In a statement, Soda said he will be appointing a team to initiate investigations. We present the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE PETROTRADE BOARD

While the Board of Directors for Petrotrade was appointed in terms of Section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, with the concurrence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I have today, 9 March 2022 suspended the entire Board, pending investigations into matters of corporate governance.

I will be appointing a team to look into the matter, whose findings will inform the way forward.

Petrol tradeis a private company, wholly owned by the government.

 It is a successor Company to the former National Oil Company of Zimbabwe (Noczim). 

By A Correspondent- The Marriages Bill was passed by the National Assembly this Wednesday following amendments to a clause on payment of lobola.

The legislation initially passed the National Assembly in 2020 but Senate objected to the clause on lobola.

Traditional leaders in Senate, led by the Chiefs Council president, Chief Fortune Charumbira, objected to a clause that said payment of lobola could not be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law.

The traditional leaders said lobola was a fundamental pillar in customary unions. 

They shot down the bill and was sent back to the National Assembly for amendments. 

There was a debate on social media when the Bill passed the National Assembly in 2020 with some saying lobola should be scrapped totally. 

Proponents of this reasoning argued that men were using lobola to abuse women in Marriages. 

Conservatives objected saying lobola was a necessity for uniting families. 

Others said while lobola was not a bad thing, families are now abusing it, taking their daughters as business commodities thereby defeating the essence of the process.

The new amendments allow marriage officers, who include traditional leaders solemnising customary unions in their own areas to ask parties to marriage whether or not lobola has been paid.

The amendments also provide that a marriage officer in a customary union cannot solemnise unions where couples had stayed together for less than five years.

Meanwhile, there is no law that compels Zimbabwean men to pay lobola (bride price) to their in-laws and the arrangement can only be done with the consent of both parties.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Teachers unions yesterday pleaded with the government not to bar some of their members from conducting census because they failed to report for duty on school opening day last month citing incapacitation.

Early this week, the Primary and Secondary Education ministry ordered the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) not to consider “striking” teachers for the 2022 census exercise scheduled for April 7 to 30.

Teachers will be drafted in for the exercise when schools close on April 7. The assignment comes with allowances, which for the poorly-paid teachers are a shot in the arm.

According to government, 54,6% of the country’s 150 000 teachers were at work by February 16 after schools opened on February 7, meaning around 82 000 educators are ineligible for census duties.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said the decision on who to employ should be made by ZimStats.

“As far as I am concerned, it is up to ZimStats to choose who it wants to employ because this responsibility should not be based on any precedence,” he said.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure said the move exposed “government’s disregard for teachers’ welfare”.

“The retribution will demoralise teachers and further cripple the education sector.  You cannot punish teachers who declared incapacitation by denying them other sources of income.

“Government is encouraged to sober up and act responsibly. If it escalates repression, we will be forced to escalate the fight for a living wage,” he said.

Around 50 school heads and 32 teachers were suspended after failing to report for duty, citing incapacitation.

The Artuz boss added: “We have gathered intelligence that the system has vowed to punish Artuz members. Given this context, it is clear that we have a responsibility to make the employer choose between concession and escalated repression. To date, we have made a concession that our teachers report for duty twice a week, we expect the employer to make one concession, just allowing our members to work for those two days without facing harassment,” he said.

Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro denied the harassment allegations.

“We have not harassed anyone, we have not victimised anyone. Let them implement a comprehensive response strategy in enhancing the provision of accessible, affordable, quality, relevant, inclusive and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans,” Ndoro said.

On the ZimStats issue, Ndoro said:  “Teachers can make their recommendations, but the ministry makes policies. Government maintains that teachers who were not reporting for duty will not take part in the census.”

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) on Wednesday filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking and interdict to render suspension of teachers null and void.

It cited Primary and Secondary Education minister Evelyn Ndlovu and the Public Service Commission as first and second respondents.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairpersonan Richard Moyo has blamed the opposition for derailing the development of Binga during the 20 years the area was under MDC MPs.

Addressing a rally in Sikalenge ward 6, Binga North on Thursday, Ndlovu said: “It is Zanu-PF which is the ruling party that can only bring development in Binga.

“Vote for the Zanu-PF candidate, Kudakwashe Munsaka, a person who talks action to bring development here.”

Moyo said Zanu-PF was “fully  aware of the problems in Binga and Munsaka clearly briefed us”.

“We are now rectifying this. Binga is 20 years behind  in terms of development because of the opposition. We have been voting for an opposition which does not govern. We have a chance to correct that due to the recall of Dubeko Sibanda (Citizens Coalition for Change candidate). Who has ever failed a correction? We should get this right on March 26,” Moyo added.

By-elections will be held on March 26 and candidates from different political parties are all promising to develop one of the country’s poorest districts.

The  Binga North seat fell vacant after the recall of Sibanda from Parliament in October 2020 by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T.

In the past years, Binga has been one of the leading districts in receiving donor support in Matabeleland.

Most households in Binga survive on hand-outs from the donor community.

Speaking at the same meeting, Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also appealed for a change in voting trends.

Mpofu said the government was eager to work with the people of Binga.

“No opposition will ever rule Zimbabwe. Personally, I cannot be removed by an opposition party and what of a ruling party,” Mpofu said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader, Douglas Mwonzora was Wednesday forced to cancel his rally in Chinhoyi after it turned out to be a monumental flop with just a handful of people turned in attendance.

The Chinhoyi fiasco becomes another embarrassment for the opposition leader who has attracted small numbers at his rallies since campaigns for the March 26 by-elections started.

The few people who turned up for the Chinhoyi rally spent the better part of Wednesday afternoon milling at Chinhoyi Hall in Gadzema township, where they waited in vain for Mwonzora who was in no-show.

Some distributed campaign flyers to vendors and pedestrians at Gadzema bus terminus to kill time.

The supporters, numbering less than 30, were dismissed around 3pm by aspiring Chegutu West legislator, Gift Konjana following a brief address in the empty hall.

Later, a low-key meeting between Mwonzora and MDC Alliance candidates in the March 26 by-elections was held at former Chinhoyi deputy mayor and aspiring Ward 3 councillor, Willie Nyambe’s house.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mwonzora downplayed the aborted rally, saying the Chinhoyi Hall event was “only a logistics meeting in preparation of Sunday’s star rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare,”

The meeting, he added, had to be moved to Nyambe’s house as provincial and district executives, who were supposed to attend failed to pitch up because of communication glitches.

He accused Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Zanu-PF activists of threatening to disrupt the scheduled public meeting.

“We couldn’t hold our public meeting due to security issues as Zanu-PF and CCC members were milling around the venue. We don’t want to be drawn into violence, bloody, name-calling and hate politics, so we have had to cancel the meeting. We didn’t want our members victimised,” he claimed.

“I want to publicly appeal to our political opponents to desist from provoking MDC. We are urging people to campaign peacefully. Our strategy in these by-elections is to know the real voters, and we are not interested in crowds.”

He added: “The MDC is focused that’s why you will be shocked by the resounding victory in the coming by-elections. Other parties are like bullfrogs in the middle of the road that bulge to seem big when they see approaching objects.

“Zanu-PF and CCC are merely showing off. They are behaving like peacocks; we don’t do that. These are just by-elections and it’s naive to bus people from across Zimbabwe to a specific ward where there is a by-election. This is self-delusion.”

MDC, Mwonzora reiterated, had vast experience in electoral processes and would shock opponents with its people-centric strategies.

By A Correspondent- The five guns recovered following the arrest of one of the country’s notorious armed robbers, Clever Mununudzi Nengomasha, who was shot and seriously injured in a skirmish with police in Harare, have been taken to the CID Forensics and Ballistics Unit for testing.

Following his arrest, police recovered the five guns and ammunition hidden at a Waterfalls house belonging to journalist, Xolisani Ncube.

Investigations revealed that Nengomasha, alias Paul Simon Chitakura, is related to Ncube (35) who is a Zimbabwe correspondent for South African media organisation, NewzRoom Afrika.

The two, who have since appeared in court, are still in custody as investigations continue.

Nengomasha has various armed robbery cases dating back to early 2000. He is presently under police guard at a local hospital after he was shot and seriously injured on the thigh during the shootout in Waterfalls.

Following his arrest, police who were acting on a tip-off on Nengomasha’s whereabouts, then recovered two .22 Bruno rifles, a .357 Magnum revolver, a .38 Special Taurus Revolver, a 7.65mm Vzor pistol and 10 x 3,57mm rounds of ammunition, five x 9x19mm rounds of ammunition and 6×7,65mm rounds of ammunition hidden at Ncube’s house.

Sources close to the investigations said the guns were taken to the Forensics and Ballistics Unit for testing, to ascertain whether they had been used to commit other crimes or not.

The Forensics and Ballistics Unit is a highly specialised technical unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police whose function is to aid police investigations through analysing exhibits and giving expert conclusive evidence on crime scenes.

Ncube was arrested  last Thursday after he failed to produce firearm certificates of the recovered firearms. Some of the guns had erased serial numbers. Police said some of the guns were stolen during an armed robbery in the city, in which a man lost various firearms and cash to criminals who had raided his house last year.

Two of the suspects were later arrested and then implicated Nengomasha.

Police then raided Ncube’s house and recovered the firearms.

Nengomasha has been on the police wanted list on several occasions and had been known mostly for hiding in South Africa.

In 2013, Nengomasha and his accomplices Peace Mutema alias Batista who is now late, and another one only identified as Mudzingwa, were once wanted for a spate of armed robberies in Harare and Bulawayo.

Ncube has been implicated in one of the armed robbery cases which occurred on February 2 this year at around 0730 hours in Sunridge, Harare where him, and his two accomplices who are already in remand and two others who are still at large, are alleged to have hatched a plan to rob a family.

They are reported to have armed themselves with an unidentified pistol and went to confront the complainant who had opened the kitchen door. Before force-marching him into his bedroom.

Police said they tied the complainant’s hands from behind using shoelaces and ordered him to lie on the floor before demanding cash.

The complainant surrendered US$3 050, a .22 Bruno rifle, another .22 Bruno rifle, a .357 Ubreti-Cadrone rifle, a smart watch before attempting to drive off the man’s car, a white Nissan Hardbody 2.7 they failed to start.

They then opened the vehicle’s bonnet and stole its battery before leaving the scene.

Police said following his arrest, Ncube led to the recovery of the stolen guns and all the suspects were captured on the closed circuit television (CCTV) during the commission of the crime.

Total value stolen is US$4 130 and value recovered is US$150.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported the death of a motorist who fell on the tarmac after being assaulted by passengers aboard a lorry after he had a misunderstanding with the driver of that lorry.

Police say the incident happened on the 7th of March 2022 around 1930 hours.

The deceased was driving a white Mercedes Benz, AFM 7476, along Bulawayo Road near National Sports Stadium, Harare.

PZRP said following the misunderstanding, some passengers in the lorry assaulted the victim with open hands and fists. The victim fell on the tarmac and was rushed to Sally Mugabe Hospital where he died upon admission.

By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader, Douglas Mwonzora was Wednesday forced to cancel his rally in Chinhoyi after it turned out to be a monumental flop with just a handful of people turned in attendance.

The Chinhoyi fiasco becomes another embarrassment for the opposition leader who has attracted small numbers at his rallies since campaigns for the March 26 by-elections started.

The few people who turned up for the Chinhoyi rally spent the better part of Wednesday afternoon milling at Chinhoyi Hall in Gadzema township, where they waited in vain for Mwonzora who was in no-show.

Some distributed campaign flyers to vendors and pedestrians at Gadzema bus terminus to kill time.

The supporters, numbering less than 30, were dismissed around 3pm by aspiring Chegutu West legislator, Gift Konjana following a brief address in the empty hall.

Later, a low-key meeting between Mwonzora and MDC Alliance candidates in the March 26 by-elections was held at former Chinhoyi deputy mayor and aspiring Ward 3 councillor, Willie Nyambe’s house.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mwonzora downplayed the aborted rally, saying the Chinhoyi Hall event was “only a logistics meeting in preparation of Sunday’s star rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare,”

The meeting, he added, had to be moved to Nyambe’s house as provincial and district executives, who were supposed to attend failed to pitch up because of communication glitches.

He accused Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Zanu-PF activists of threatening to disrupt the scheduled public meeting.

“We couldn’t hold our public meeting due to security issues as Zanu-PF and CCC members were milling around the venue. We don’t want to be drawn into violence, bloody, name-calling and hate politics, so we have had to cancel the meeting. We didn’t want our members victimised,” he claimed.

“I want to publicly appeal to our political opponents to desist from provoking MDC. We are urging people to campaign peacefully. Our strategy in these by-elections is to know the real voters, and we are not interested in crowds.”

He added: “The MDC is focused that’s why you will be shocked by the resounding victory in the coming by-elections. Other parties are like bullfrogs in the middle of the road that bulge to seem big when they see approaching objects.

“Zanu-PF and CCC are merely showing off. They are behaving like peacocks; we don’t do that. These are just by-elections and it’s naive to bus people from across Zimbabwe to a specific ward where there is a by-election. This is self-delusion.”

MDC, Mwonzora reiterated, had vast experience in electoral processes and would shock opponents with its people-centric strategies.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a suspected murder and rape case in which a 17-year-old girl was found dead in a maize field in Pomona with a packet of salt beside her body.

In a statement, police said her skirt was dropped to the toes when she was discovered.

Read the statement:

Police in Harare are investigating a murder case where a female juvenile (17) was found dead in a maize field at Kaseplan Farm, Pomona, Borrowdale on 09/03/22. The body was bleeding from the mouth and nose facing upwards with the skirt dropped to the toes.

A pair of shoes, handbag and a packet of salt were placed beside the body.

By- Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, has set up a team of investigators to investigate the entire Petrotrade Board of Directors.

Soda on Thursday suspended the Board and accused it of not following corporate governance.

Among the suspended board members is former MDC official Lilian Timveos, who joined Zanu PF last year.

The Board was appointed in 2021 after Petrotrae had operated for five years without the governing Board. Board members were:

1)Tinomudaiishe Chinyoka a lawyer, board chairperson 

2). Zanele Dube, deputy chair

3). Gladys Mumhure, 

4). Simbabrashe Eric Mhuriro, 

5). Ferida Matambo, 

6). Getrude Marabada, 

7). Godfrey Ncube, 

8). Dakarai Mukuku,

9). Lilian Timveous MDC Alliance defector.

In a statement, Soda said he will be appointing a team to initiate investigations. We present the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE PETROTRADE BOARD

While the Board of Directors for Petrotrade was appointed in terms of Section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, with the concurrence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I have today, 9 March 2022 suspended the entire Board, pending investigations into matters of corporate governance.

I will be appointing a team to look into the matter, whose findings will inform the way forward.

Petrol tradeis a private company, wholly owned by the government.

 It is a successor Company to the former National Oil Company of Zimbabwe (Noczim). 

By a Correspondent- A Zanu PF faction that opposes Emmerson Mnangagwa, G40, says it would support the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change President Nelson Chamisa to take over power in 2023.

One of the G40 bosses, Walter Mzembi posted on his Twitter handle this week:

Zanu PF hates G40 to the extent it wouldn’t care less about handing over power to 

@CCC

 but on that we shall converge as G40 was never about partisanship but generational transfer of power , so sisonke!

By A Correspondent- Police in Bindura have been accused of refusing to take a criminal complaint by a Citizens Coalition for Change election candidate whose house was burnt down last Saturday, allegedly by a Zanu PF-linked vigilante group.

Oswell Shambare of Guwa Village returned to Rutope Police Base on Monday, now in the company of the party’s secretary general Charlton Hwende and other officials, but officers allegedly abandoned the station.

The CCC says Shambare lost three bicycles, food meant for his mother’s memorial, clothes and blankets in the arson attack on Saturday night. He was sleeping inside the bedroom hut at the time of the attack.

Shambare is the party’s Ward 18 candidate in a by-election scheduled for March 26.

Maureen Kademaunga, the CCC social welfare secretary, said: “The house was burnt after Zanu PF elements sent threats of unspecified punishment to Shambare for holding a CCC meeting at his homestead.

“The candidate who was sleeping in the house escaped death by a whisker after he woke up to flames with the roof on fire and voices outside threatening to burn him to death.

“Attempts to report a case of arson were unsuccessful after police at Rutope Police Base refused to take the case. Today again, the leadership led by secretary general Hwende, myself, our secretary for rural strategy Happymore Chidziva, Murwisi Zwizwai and Gilbert Kagodora attempted to make a report at the station but the police officers led by Constable Kamonere deserted the police station after refusing to entertain us.”

The CCC said it was concerned by the “inaction of institutions mandated to promote peace.”

“The CCC condemns the rise of election related violence propagated by groups linked to Zanu PF. We appeal to the police to uphold the violated person’s right to an effective remedy, and to investigate all cases of violence with impartiality and without undue political influence,” Kademaunga said.

Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the Zanu PF regime is responsible for the death of journalist and human rights activist Itai Dzamara.

Dzamara was abducted in broad daylight by State security agents on March 9, 2015.

According to President Chamisa, citizens have the right to express themselves freely in a democratic society.

“9 MARCH 2015 is when Itai Dzamara was abducted. It’s now 7 years since he was abducted and has never been seen or accounted for.

We hold the state accountable and demand answers.Itai was killed for demanding freedom.

Our thoughts are with the Dzamara family.We the Citizens,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By- Former police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri is expected to explain how he sold five properties that were part of the family’s large property portfolio.

The case is set to be heard on March 16.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) chief public prosecutor in charge of the asset forfeiture unit, Mr Chris Mutangadura, confirmed that the matter would be heard next week.

“The judge directed that it be postponed to the 16th because his schedule could not allow him to hear three consolidated matters today(yesterday) at once,” he said. “Remember it is a very bulky record of three matters and concerns very complex legal dispute.”
Chihuri is believed to be living in Malawi and unwilling to return home. He is accused of side-tracking up to US$32 million of public funds into family companies and buying properties during the 25 years he was at the helm of the police force.
He is alleged to have sold five properties in 2017 and 2018, following his unceremonious departure from the top police post.
Chihuri is contesting court orders allowing the State to forfeit his properties, a move which last month prompted Justice Kwenda to propose that all these matters be consolidated into a single case for the court hearing.
The State seeks to freeze Chihuri’s companies and the properties, which his family acquired during his 25 years at the helm of the police force, pending the final outcome of possible criminal investigations and civil suits that could lead to their forfeiture.
And in its fresh application that State wants Chihuri to explain how the five properties were sold.
In the application counteracting Chihuri’s bid to set aside two orders issued against him, the NPA argues that a check with the Deeds Office showed the rushed disposal of assets by the Chihuri family.
The order, which the NPA obtained at the High Court two years ago, put the properties of Chihuri and his family under the management of the Asset Management Unit, meaning that the properties cannot be sold without permission of the courts.
This followed an upgrade in anti-corruption law by amending the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act to allow courts to demand how people acquired wealth that is otherwise not explained.
The new Chapter III A in the Act now empowers the High Court to make orders to elicit explanations from persons who exhibit possession of great wealth without having apparent lawful means of obtaining such wealth, such as through their legal earnings or through their private business dealings. Herald

By- Three people have died on the spot after the driver of a small truck they were travelling in from Gokwe into Kwekwe City failed to give way upon approaching the Kwekwe-Harare Highway.

The driver hit the trailer of a haulage truck travelling along the highway.
Confirming the incident which occurred yesterday night, Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said Amon Bisket had five passengers in his truck when he failed to realise that the Gokwe Highway was giving into the Kwekwe-Harare Highway.

• Herald

By- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Zec, said about 3 600 voters in Matabeleland South Province were registered to vote during the just-ended Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) blitz.

According to statistics released by Zec, Bulawayo has the lowest number of registered voters with 254 630 followed by Matabeleland South with 259 689 registered voters and Matabeleland North standing at 335 851.
The region, which is least represented in Parliament, has 38 parliamentary seats out of 210 constituencies. Bulawayo has 12, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North each have 13.
The remainder of the seats are spread across the seven other provinces outside the Matabeleland region. Matabeleland South provincial elections officer Mr Rabson Nyoni said the low numbers presented a challenge for the province.
“About 3 600 voters were registered in Matabeleland South Province and that’s about what we registered last time. The numbers are really low and they don’t assist in addressing the kind of challenges we’re seeking to address at the moment in terms of the requirements of delimitation.
We would have expected to have more numbers from our people but unfortunately, we didn’t get the numbers,” said Mr Nyoni.
Turning to the next voter registration blitz in April, Mr Nyoni said efforts will be made to engage stakeholders so that more people are deployed on the ground to assist with voter registration.
“We need to motivate our people because the youths in particular don’t seem to understand how voter registration works to address some of their needs.
At times you get to a community and find a youth making a comment like ‘ngiyabakhawulisa’. They think there is someone they are fixing, but we’re trying to educate them so that they realise they’re also being disadvantaged by not registering to vote.
They think they’re disadvantageous to some other people yet they’re also disadvantageous to themselves. We’re getting into the second phase of the voter registration exercise aware of this and we’ll try to capacitate our voter educators to convince the constituents of the youth to come forward and register to vote,” said Mr Nyoni.
He said organisations that deal with the youths would also be roped in to help increase the numbers. “It’s mostly the youth who are not coming forward to register to vote and we need to change this,” said Mr Nyoni.
Commenting on voter apathy, political analyst Mr Tedious Ncube said the trend was reflective of a much bigger problem.
“Voter registration is not a regional project, it is a national project. However, voter registration in Matabeleland becomes key in that it will actively mobilise people to take part in decision making.
Of late we have witnessed apathy in terms of voter registration, which is reflective of a much bigger problem. The much bigger problem in this case is participation in politics, the economy and every facet of our political, social and economic system,” said Mr Ncube.
He said if people can be mobilised to register to vote, there’s a likelihood that they may be interested in participating in the economy and political processes.
“If we can succeed in getting people to register to vote, it may be the starting point of getting everyone to participate because once people are interested in voting, there’s a likelihood that they may be interested in participating in the economy and political processes.
Of late, we’ve seen that in terms of Zec figures, Matabeleland is lagging behind. That apathy may be true even in other instances,” said Mr Ncube. The mobile voter registration is being rolled out in two phases — February 1 to 28 and April 11 to 30.
The exercise is also expected to give members of the public an opportunity to inspect the voters’ roll. Chronicle

By- Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, has set up a team of investigators to investigate the entire Petrotrade Board of Directors.

Soda on Thursday suspended the Board and accused it of not following corporate governance.

Among the suspended board members is former MDC official Lilian Timveos, who joined Zanu PF last year.

The Board was appointed in 2021 after Petrotrae had operated for five years without the governing Board. Board members were:

1)Tinomudaiishe Chinyoka a lawyer, board chairperson 

2). Zanele Dube, deputy chair

3). Gladys Mumhure, 

4). Simbabrashe Eric Mhuriro, 

5). Ferida Matambo, 

6). Getrude Marabada, 

7). Godfrey Ncube, 

8). Dakarai Mukuku,

9). Lilian Timveous MDC Alliance defector.

In a statement, Soda said he will be appointing a team to initiate investigations. We present the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE PETROTRADE BOARD

While the Board of Directors for Petrotrade was appointed in terms of Section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, with the concurrence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I have today, 9 March 2022 suspended the entire Board, pending investigations into matters of corporate governance.

I will be appointing a team to look into the matter, whose findings will inform the way forward.

Petrol tradeis a private company, wholly owned by the government.

 It is a successor Company to the former National Oil Company of Zimbabwe (Noczim). 

By- Former police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri is expected to explain how he sold five properties that were part of the family’s large property portfolio.

The case is set to be heard on March 16.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) chief public prosecutor in charge of the asset forfeiture unit, Mr Chris Mutangadura, confirmed that the matter would be heard next week.

“The judge directed that it be postponed to the 16th because his schedule could not allow him to hear three consolidated matters today(yesterday) at once,” he said. “Remember it is a very bulky record of three matters and concerns very complex legal dispute.”
Chihuri is believed to be living in Malawi and unwilling to return home. He is accused of side-tracking up to US$32 million of public funds into family companies and buying properties during the 25 years he was at the helm of the police force.
He is alleged to have sold five properties in 2017 and 2018, following his unceremonious departure from the top police post.
Chihuri is contesting court orders allowing the State to forfeit his properties, a move which last month prompted Justice Kwenda to propose that all these matters be consolidated into a single case for the court hearing.
The State seeks to freeze Chihuri’s companies and the properties, which his family acquired during his 25 years at the helm of the police force, pending the final outcome of possible criminal investigations and civil suits that could lead to their forfeiture.
And in its fresh application that State wants Chihuri to explain how the five properties were sold.
In the application counteracting Chihuri’s bid to set aside two orders issued against him, the NPA argues that a check with the Deeds Office showed the rushed disposal of assets by the Chihuri family.
The order, which the NPA obtained at the High Court two years ago, put the properties of Chihuri and his family under the management of the Asset Management Unit, meaning that the properties cannot be sold without permission of the courts.
This followed an upgrade in anti-corruption law by amending the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act to allow courts to demand how people acquired wealth that is otherwise not explained.
The new Chapter III A in the Act now empowers the High Court to make orders to elicit explanations from persons who exhibit possession of great wealth without having apparent lawful means of obtaining such wealth, such as through their legal earnings or through their private business dealings. Herald

By-The Zimbabwe National Army has sentenced three of its members to each 15 years imprisonment after they were convicted of armed robbery, theft and unlawful entry.

The trio, Lance Corporal Ndlovu Fortune and Privates Manyanga Ratiel and Masase Kainos who were all serving with 4 Infantry Brigade in Masvingo, committed armed robbery, unlawful entry and theft cases in and around Masvingo between January and July 2021.

The three pleaded guilty to the charges at the General Court Marshal sitting in Bulawayo last week.

In a statement yesterday, ZNA director Public Relations Colonel Alphios Makotore said the organisation will not be deter from bringing rogue elements to book.

“As the military justice and deterrent sentences against rogue elements of the force continue to be dispensed, Lance Corporal Ndlovu Fortune and privates Manyanga Ratiel and Masase Kainos were on 5 March 2022, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Court Martial,” reads part of the statement.
“The Zimbabwe National Army has warned that any of its members caught on the wrong side of the law will face the full wrath of the law.”

He said Ndlovu was reduced in rank to private before all three were discharged from the ZNA with ignomity.
Early this year, the ZNA again sentenced Corporal Dzimbanhete Tatenda and Trooper Munesi Wilfred to 40 years after they pleaded guilty to the charges of armed robbery which they committed on November 15, 2021 at Surrey Farm near Marondera.

-Herald

By- Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, has suspended the entire Petrotrade Board of Directors pending investigations into matters of corporate governance.

Among the board members was former MDC official Lilian Timveos, who joined Zanu PF last year.

The board was appointed in 2021 after Petrotrae had operated for five years without the governing board. Board members were:

1)Tinomudaiishe Chinyoka a lawyer, board chairperson 

2). Zanele Dube, deputy chair

3). Gladys Mumhure, 

4). Simbabrashe Eric Mhuriro, 

5). Ferida Matambo, 

6). Getrude Marabada, 

7). Godfrey Ncube, 

8). Dakarai Mukuku,

9). Lilian Timveous MDC Alliance defector.

In a statement, Soda said he will be appointing a team to initiate investigations. We present the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE PETROTRADE BOARD

While the Board of Directors for Petrotrade was appointed in terms of Section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, with the concurrence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I have today, 9 March 2022 suspended the entire Board, pending investigations into matters of corporate governance.

I will be appointing a team to look into the matter, whose findings will inform the way forward.

Petrol tradeis a private company, wholly owned by the government.

 It is a successor Company to the former National Oil Company of Zimbabwe (Noczim).