Tinashe Sambiri|The Gukurahundi issue has to be resolved effectively to enable national reconciliation to yield results, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa made the remarks in Tsholotsho on Monday.

According to President Chamisa, nothing at all has changed under Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation.

“You think Zanu PF can transform the lives of citizens? It’s impossible. The party has been in power for 42 years and failed to uphold the fundamental values of the liberation struggle.

The Gukurahundi issue has to be resolved effectively. We cannot just sweep Gukurahundi under the carpet,” said President Chamisa.

By- Namibia has dropped the mandatory wearing of masks in public places as the number of COVID-19 positive cases is declining.

Speaking during the 41st COVID-19 briefing on the national response measures on Tuesday, Namibia President, Hage Geingob, also increased the size of public gatherings from 500 to 1 000. He said:

Wearing masks in public places is no longer mandatory. However, people who are in close settings, such as public transport, indoor public meetings are encouraged to wear masks.

A physical distance of no less than 1 meter must be maintained between persons at all times.

The size of public gatherings will be adjusted from 500 to 1 000 people. This will be applicable to all social gatherings as defined in the Regulations, including weddings, funerals, church services and sporting events.

Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to produce a negative PCR test result upon arrival at Namibian Points of Entry.

They are instead required to present an authentic, valid vaccination card at Points of Entry.

Namibia’s coronavirus recovery rate stands at 97 per cent, with a case fatality rate of 2.5 per cent. Active cases stood at 222 on Monday.

The new regulations come into force from midnight for a period of 30 days until April 15.

More: Xinhua

By-Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), says the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s habit of blocking the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from conducting campaign rallies poses a danger to the ruling Zanu PF.

Mliswa argues that citizens will view the banning of CCC rallies as unjust and the opposition party will gain sympathy and pity which may eventually translate into votes. Tweeted Mliswa:

What [ZRP] has been doing in blocking opposition rallies creates a danger for the ruling party.
While they may see it as a strategy to strangle [Nelson Chamisa], they have created an impression of the opposition as a victim to be pitied and supported.
The opposition has become, not another equal player to be judged on merit and ability but a victim of state power to be judged differently.

CCC has actually gained mileage through the abuse they have suffered and resultantly as we are going towards elections there are three issues to be wary of. The sympathy vote, protest vote and generational vote.
The abuse they have suffered has created sympathy for them within the political body as the electorate begins to empathise with what they have and are going through. That can translate into sympathy votes for them.
The protest vote is simply about the electorate expressing their discontent over the prevailing socio-economic situation through the ballot.

It’s about people seeking to try something new, disconsolate over a status quo that they feel is no longer responding to their needs.
The protest vote could also be from within the ruling party itself and those who feel they have not benefitted after the entrance of the 2nd dispensation.
The generational gap relates to the demographics of the country’s huge young population both within and outside political parties.
The party that is able to accommodate and provide for the young people has an advantage. Already, ZANU PF has a problem in that area.
ZRP has so far blocked CCC from holding rallies in Gokwe, Marondera, and Binga, while a CCC supporter was stabbed to death at a rally in Mbizo Kwekwe.
On Monday ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police banned the CCC’s Marondera rally because the opposition party had not complied with relevant provisions of MOPA.
Nyathi accused CCC of not observing the law and are acting as a law unto themselves.

Meanwhile, ZRP has not banned any ZANU PF or MDC Alliance rally. MDC Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora met President Emmerson Mnangagwa twice at State House in the past few months.

By-Norton Member of parliament, Temba Mliswa, said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s habit of blocking the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from conducting campaign rallies posed a danger to the ruling Zanu PF.

Mliswa argues that citizens will view the banning of CCC rallies as unjust and the opposition party will gain sympathy and pity which may eventually translate into votes.

Mliswa said this through his tweeter handle:

What [ZRP] has been doing in blocking opposition rallies creates a danger for the ruling party.
While they may see it as a strategy to strangle [Nelson Chamisa], they have created an impression of the opposition as a victim to be pitied and supported.
The opposition has become, not another equal player to be judged on merit and ability but a victim of state power to be judged differently.

CCC has actually gained mileage through the abuse they have suffered and resultantly as we are going towards elections there are three issues to be wary of. The sympathy vote, protest vote and generational vote.
The abuse they have suffered has created sympathy for them within the political body as the electorate begins to empathise with what they have and are going through. That can translate into sympathy votes for them.
The protest vote is simply about the electorate expressing their discontent over the prevailing socio-economic situation through the ballot.

It’s about people seeking to try something new, disconsolate over a status quo that they feel is no longer responding to their needs.
The protest vote could also be from within the ruling party itself and those who feel they have not benefitted after the entrance of the 2nd dispensation.
The generational gap relates to the demographics of the country’s huge young population both within and outside political parties.
The party that is able to accommodate and provide for the young people has an advantage. Already, ZANU PF has a problem in that area.
ZRP has so far blocked CCC from holding rallies in Gokwe, Marondera, and Binga, while a CCC supporter was stabbed to death at a rally in Mbizo Kwekwe.
On Monday ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police banned the CCC’s Marondera rally because the opposition party had not complied with relevant provisions of MOPA.
Nyathi accused CCC of not observing the law and are acting as a law unto themselves.

Meanwhile, ZRP has not banned any ZANU PF or MDC Alliance rally. MDC Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora met President Emmerson Mnangagwa twice at State House in the past few months.

By- Botswana police have arrested four Batswana and two Zimbabweans for allegedly robbing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) of property worth R625 000 in January this year.

According to the Botswana Police Service (BPS), the six were arrested in Gaborone on Friday in connection with a robbery in which 18 laptops, six cellphones and a camera were stolen from SADC offices.

BPS public relations officer Dipheko Motube identified the suspects as Mpho Rasetena, 28, Lesego Masilo, 33, Maitapiso Thuso Kgakgamatso, 34, and Otsile Semandi, 40, from Botswana, and Innocent Bushri Shaggy, 31, and Tongai Tsikirayi, 38, from Zimbabwe. Said Motube:

Four Batswana nationals and two Zimbabwean male citizens appeared before Village Magistrate’s Court in Gaborone today (Monday).

… At the time of arrest, the suspects were found in possession of a firearm suspected to have been used in the commission of the offence, and foreign currencies.

The men will appear in court again on 28 March.

There has been an upsurge in armed robbery cases in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, with nationals from the three countries implicated in transnational armed robberies.

Last month, in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was involved in a shootout with 25 suspected armed robbers believed to have been involved in a spate of cash-in-transit heists.

Eight of the suspects were shot dead and 11 arrested while others escaped.

A fortnight ago, Botswana police killed nine people, including a South African man, in a shootout following a cash-in-transit robbery in the capital Gaborone.

Meanwhile, Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), has urged the SADC organ on security, to deal with armed robberies, which have become a danger in the region. He said:

We cannot continue to keep quiet about the crime rate in South Africa, where Zimbabweans are being implicated.

The rate has gone up and it doesn’t do us any good with those governments. Regionally, the crime rate involving armed robbers has also increased and now requires a holistic approach.

The SADC organ on security should deal with these armed robbers. Expert teams should be organised to deal with these robbers across borders.

More: News24

By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s has shocked the country by saying that they were banning the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from conducting campaign rallies because of the lawlessness showed by the opposition party.

ZRP has so far blocked CCC from holding rallies in Gokwe, Marondera, and Binga, while a CCC supporter was stabbed to death at a rally in Mbizo Kwekwe.

On Monday ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police banned the CCC’s Marondera rally because the opposition party had not complied with relevant provisions of MOPA.
Nyathi accused CCC of not observing the law and are acting as a law unto themselves.

ZRP has not banned any ZANU PF or MDC Alliance rally.

By- MDC Alliance treasurer-general Tapiwa Mashakada says he is worried over the division within opposition ranks as this will split their vote and allow the ruling Zanu PF party to win elections easily.

The MDC Alliance staged a rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfields, Harare on Sunday and attracted a sizeable crowd though some critics claimed that the opposition party paid people from across the country and then bussed them to attend the rally.
Posting on his Facebook account on Sunday Mashakada implicitly implored opposition political parties to unite in order to unseat ZANU PF. He said:
The bumper crowd at the MDC Alliance Star Rally at Zimbabwe grounds is a testimony of hard work and dexterity. Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy lives on. What lesson should this huge crowd teach us?
For me, it’s a statement that a divided opposition pulling large numbers at their rallies yet divided will split their votes and hand over victory to [ZANU PF]. This really worries me.
The country’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa, which was formed early this year, has been attracting huge crowds at its rallies even though it has been frustrated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on several occasions.
The ZRP has banned CCC rallies in Gokwe, Marondera and Binga in recent weeks while the MDC Alliance has conducted all its rallies unmolested, with some commentators saying it shows that the Douglas Mwonzora-led party’s a ZANU PF “puppet”.

The MDC Alliance has denied allegations that it is serving ZANU PF interests at the expense of citizens who have supported the original MDC since its formation in 1999.

By-Three people have died in a car crash along Chivhu-Roy Road.

The accident happened on Sunday.

The vehicle burst a tyre and veered off the road and overturned several times before landing on its side.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Masvingo Province Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the accident occurred at the 68-kilometre peg. He said:
At around 6 pm on Sunday, a Toyota Hiace that was being driven by Innocent Damba (37) of Waterfalls burst the left rear tyre at the 68-kilometre peg along the Chivhu-Roy Road. The car had 13 passengers on board.
Damba lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road and overturned several times landing on its right side.

Three people died upon admission at Gutu Hospital while 11 others were injured. Of the 11 four were seriously injured.
The deceased have been identified as Florence Ndlovu, (38), Charles Nyamuba, (26) and Giliston Baloyi. All deceased sustained head and neck injuries.
Inspector Dhewa said that the vehicle sustained extensive body damage and will be examined by the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID).
The driver of the vehicle faces charges of culpable homicide.

By A Correspondent- Aspiring legislator for Epworth Zarera Makare, and a group of Zanu PF youths allegedly “abducted” a teenage boy aged 17 in Overspill, Epworth.

According to a source, the group visited the home where the minor and his family reside today, Tuesday afternoon accusing them of supporting the opposition party led by President Nelson Chamisa.

Said the source to ZimEye:

“The group is moving around conducting their door to door campaigns in Epworth and they are intimidating and threatening anyone suspected to support the CCC.

They went to the victim’s home and started chanting party songs and slogans but unfortunately for them, no-one was home.

This boy was not aware that there are Zanu PF thugs at his home and when he got there, one dreadlocked Zanu Pf stalwart only identified as Ottoman started dragging the boy and they went away with him and no-one knows where they have taken him.”

The group was also allegedly moving around destroyed campaign posters belonding to CCC candidates.

Efforts to get a comment from Makare was work in progress by the time of writing.

This is a developing story.

Refresh this page for more.

By A Correspondent- A Dubai-based Zimbabwean businesswoman, Hanna Mutsenhu, has asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to make it mandatory for all Zimbabwean citizens living abroad to pay a US$50 fee when they visit Zimbabwe.

Mutsenhu said that she has been in the United Arab Emirates for six years and runs a nursery in Dubai.

She said the US$50 contribution by every diasporan whenever they visit Zimbabwe will be used to develop the country.

Mutsenhu made the remarks during an interface with Mnangagwa on the sidelines of the World Expo being held in Dubai. She said:

Why can we not engage all diasporans when they are coming back home to contribute a certain amount on entry, for example, US$50.

Some countries are doing that; that will mean when I come back home I should leave US$50. It needs accountability towards the development of Zimbabwe.

You can take into consideration countries like the Philippines. When one goes back home they have to contribute something.

Mutsenhu’s comments sparked debate on social media with critics arguing that she was offside as the Government has refused to recognise diasporans’ right to vote in national elections even though they contribute to the country’s economy through remittances.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said in 2021, diaspora remittances were more than US$1 billion.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Gukurahundi issue has to be resolved effectively to enable national reconciliation to yield results, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa made the remarks in Tsholotsho on Monday.

According to President Chamisa, nothing at all has changed under Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation.

“You think Zanu PF can transform the lives of citizens? It’s impossible. The party has been in power for 42 years and failed to uphold the fundamental values of the liberation struggle.

The Gukurahundi issue has to be resolved effectively. We cannot just sweep Gukurahundi under the carpet,” said President Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- A manager of a local company, Delatfin Engineering was arraigned before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda yesterday on allegations of defrauding his employer of US$3 million.

Jacob Muyambo (47) was remanded in custody to tomorrow for continuation of bail application.

Muyambo was employed as the finance and administration manager and part of his duties included allocation of stands and preparing agreements of sale.

It is alleged that from August 2015 to March 2018, Muyambo defrauded Delatfin Engineering in connivance with five accomplices who are still at large.

He made double allocation of stands and would conceal information pertaining to the illicit transactions.

His accomplices allegedly assisted him to process sale agreements without the company getting paid for them.

Muyambo would take the fake agreements of sale and authenticate them for verification.

In 2021, an internal investigation and verification was done by the company which unearthed fraudulent agreements of sale, which bore Muyambo’s signature. The accused prejudiced the company of US$3 350 865,41 and nothing was recovered. Caroline Mutimusakwa represented the State.

By A Correspondent- Botswana police have arrested four Batswana and two Zimbabweans for allegedly robbing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) of property worth R625 000 in January this year.

According to the Botswana Police Service (BPS), the six were arrested in Gaborone on Friday in connection with a robbery in which 18 laptops, six cellphones and a camera were stolen from SADC offices.

BPS public relations officer Dipheko Motube identified the suspects as Mpho Rasetena, 28, Lesego Masilo, 33, Maitapiso Thuso Kgakgamatso, 34, and Otsile Semandi, 40, from Botswana, and Innocent Bushri Shaggy, 31, and Tongai Tsikirayi, 38, from Zimbabwe. Said Motube:

Four Batswana nationals and two Zimbabwean male citizens appeared before Village Magistrate’s Court in Gaborone today (Monday).

… At the time of arrest, the suspects were found in possession of a firearm suspected to have been used in the commission of the offence, and foreign currencies.

The men will appear in court again on 28 March.

There has been an upsurge in armed robbery cases in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, with nationals from the three countries implicated in transnational armed robberies.

Last month, in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was involved in a shootout with 25 suspected armed robbers believed to have been involved in a spate of cash-in-transit heists.

Eight of the suspects were shot dead and 11 arrested while others escaped.

A fortnight ago, Botswana police killed nine people, including a South African man, in a shootout following a cash-in-transit robbery in the capital Gaborone.

Meanwhile, Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), has urged the SADC organ on security, to deal with armed robberies, which have become a danger in the region. He said:

We cannot continue to keep quiet about the crime rate in South Africa, where Zimbabweans are being implicated.

The rate has gone up and it doesn’t do us any good with those governments. Regionally, the crime rate involving armed robbers has also increased and now requires a holistic approach.

The SADC organ on security should deal with these armed robbers. Expert teams should be organised to deal with these robbers across borders.

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance treasurer-general Tapiwa Mashakada says he is worried over the division within opposition ranks as this will split their vote and allow the ruling ZANU PF party to win elections easily.

The MDC Alliance staged a rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfields, Harare on Sunday and attracted a sizeable crowd though some critics claimed that the opposition party paid people from across the country and then bussed them to attend the rally.

Posting on Facebook on Sunday, Mashakada implicitly implored opposition political parties to unite in order to unseat ZANU PF.

He said:

The bumper crowd at the MDC Alliance Star Rally at Zimbabwe grounds is a testimony of hard work and dexterity. Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy lives on. What lesson should this huge crowd teach us?

For me, it’s a statement that a divided opposition pulling large numbers at their rallies yet divided will split their votes and hand over victory to [ZANU PF]. This really worries me.

The country’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa, which was formed early this year, has been attracting huge crowds at its rallies even though it has been frustrated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on several occasions.

The ZRP has banned CCC rallies in Gokwe, Marondera and Binga in recent weeks while the MDC Alliance has conducted all its rallies unmolested, with some commentators saying it shows that the Douglas Mwonzora-led party’s a ZANU PF “puppet”.

The MDC Alliance has denied allegations that it is serving ZANU PF interests at the expense of citizens who have supported the original MDC since its formation in 1999. 

By A Correspondent- A Murewa man who strangled his daughter to death before throwing the body into a pond has been sentenced to death.

Charles Kavhumbura was convicted by High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi after a full trial. He had denied the charge.

Kavhumbura was charged with unlawfully, and with an intent to kill, strangling the deceased, Lydia Kavhumbura.

Prosecutors alleged that on 14 October 2017, Lydia and her brother visited their father at his grinding mill at Susman Farm, Juru, Murewa.

The duo had been sent by their mother (Charles’ ex-wife) Pedzisai Kachepa, to get money for their upkeep.

Charles strangled Lydia until she became unconscious and later dumped the about 750 metres away from the grinding mill.

The deceased’s body was later discovered by a student, Joseph Mutisi, who wanted to draw water from the pond.

In his ruling, Justice Chitapi said Charles had murdered his own child for no just cause and did not show any remorse. The judge ruled:

He knew right from wrong. In fact, his motive to kill the deceased was to save himself from the obligation to outlay more money as maintenance.

He decimated part of his family by selfishly murdering the deceased for no just cause.

He remained unrepentant and thus remorseless by not even owning up to his misdeed, electing to deny his culpability, in the light of overwhelming evidence.

… To devour one’s own child, in order to avert a lawful obligation to pay maintenance as ordered by the courts, cannot be countenanced in an informed society governed through the rule of law.

The accused is sentenced to death.

He shall be returned to custody and the sentence of death shall be executed according to law.

By A Correspondent- A woman was arrested on Sunday after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend to death following the discovery of messages on his cellphone between him and another woman.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane confirmed the murder incident, saying officers received a domestic violence complaint at Lusaka Square in Batho, Bloemfontein, Free State on Sunday.

Covane revealed that the man’s body was found with a stab wound to the neck. He said:

A patrol vehicle was dispatched to [the scene], and on arrival at the address, they met an African female, who led them to the back where the incident occurred.

Inside the backroom, the police found the lifeless body of an African male lying on the floor beside the bed with a stab wound on the left side of his neck.

Covane said a witness who later discovered the 25-year-old man’s lifeless body, said the now-deceased had had an argument with his girlfriend over WhatsApp messages between him and another woman. Said Covane:

The suspect became violent, and the victim [removed her from] the room and locked the door.

The suspect is alleged to have gotten hold of a knife and gained entrance into the room through the back window and attacked the victim.

The witness forced the door open and discovered that the victim was lying motionless on the floor with a stab wound.

The woman was arrested and was expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on a murder charge.

Former Harare Mayor Hebert Gomba has reported that he was tortured and forced to drink his urine following his abduction by suspected state security agents on Saturday afternoon.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Gomba said he was severely tortured and survived death through ‘divine intervention.’

He said he was only located at 2 Brigade by an internet based advocacy group Team Pachedu and another former Zanu PF linked organisation called Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association (COZWVA).

“I was severely tortured, brutalized and only escaped being killed through divine intervention.

“Thanks to TEAM PACHEDU and COZWA for locating me at 2 brigade where l was taken being blind folded.

“All my phones, tablets wallet were collected and I was forced me to drink my urine . Family and friends, my life today is a living testimony of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness to mankind,” said Gomba.

The former Harare Mayor was reported missing on Saturday after unknown men bundled him into an unmarked car in full sight of his father at his Glen Norah C home.

Hours later Gomba was then said to have been taken by the police on charges of arson but his party spokesperson Fadzai Mahere said their lawyers could not find him at any police station in the city.

The CCC party Monday morning posted on Twitter that Gomba had been found and was in the custody of his family.

“We are advised that Herbert Gomba has been found and is in the custody of his family. We are advised he is safe,” his party the Citizen Coalition for Change said earlier on Monday.

Gomba said he is currently being attended to by doctors after sustaining serious injuries during his period of abduction.

“I was dumped to die this morning but Jehovah saved me. Thanks to the the doctors who are currently treating my fatal injuries,” the former Harare Mayor said.

Cases of abduction targeted at opposition activists have soared recently with three CCC members Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova reporting being taken from Harare Central Police Station, tortured for days before they were dumped near Bindura.

They were later arrested and charged with faking abduction.

Many other government critics including Comedienne Samantha Kureya better known as Gonyeti recounting how she was forced to drink her urine when she was abducted a few years ago.

By A Correspondent- Remains of a 50 year old man believed to be a copper cable thief were recovered in Chegutu after he was electrocuted about three weeks ago while vandalising Zesa Holdings equipment with his accomplices.

Norman Ngarande’s remains were found at Exwick Farm Plot 43 in Chegutu with some of the body parts which include a skull and some bones missing.

The body parts are suspected to have been eaten by dogs.

Two of his accomplices, Prince Amidu of house number P71 Pfupajena in Chegutu and Sunny Mupande (32) of Exwick Farm Plot 7 in Chegutu who were last seen with him have since been arrested.

When he went missing, Ngarande’s relatives are reported to have not searched for him since he was also involved in illegal gold mining activities.

Police said they thought he had gone to search for gold ore at some mine shafts at Gadzema Mine.

Investigations revealed that on March 12, officials from Zesa Loss Control Unit received a report that there were some human bones scattered at the plot and they informed the police.

The following day, police went to the scene with the officials and discovered that a 50Kva Zesa cable had once been vandalized on October 6, 2019 and a report was made Chegutu Police (CR 96/10/19).

It was discovered that some cable thieves had dug around the poles and cut 12 metres of 25mm of copper earth wire.

They went on to cut a wooden pole and a stay wire slacked and got into contact with live a conductor and Ngarande was electrocuted.-statemedia

 By A Correspondent- Bid by Chitungwiza councillors to hold mayoral elections to replace recalled mayor Lovemore Maiko hit a brickwall last Wednesday after Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Tafadzwa Muguti blocked the move.

On Tuesday, 10 councillors wrote to acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka advising him to call for elections to fill the vacant post following the recall of Maiko by the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Muguti wrote to the Chitungwiza Municipality blocking the polls.

“We are also aware that a group of councillors challenged the Local Government minister (July Moyo) following the appointment of Mutimbanyoka as deputy mayor. Until there is a judgment on the matter, he will continue to discharge his duties as acting mayor,” Muguti said in his letter.

“However, section 103(4) of the Urban Council Act mandates that councillors present at a meeting of the councillors held not later than 30 days after such a vacancy elect a successor who shall serve for the unexpired term of office of his or her predecessor.

“Given the foregoing by-elections, it is advisable that elections of the mayor be held after by-elections, but within 30 days to also accommodate the democratic rights of the in-coming councillors who would have been elected. Any councillor who undermines the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) by acts of omission or commission will be charged with abuse of office.”

Muguti told NewsDay that he was not opposed to the elections, adding that he wrote to the municipality advising the city fathers “what needs to be done” before polls are held.

“We have not blocked the elections, but actually asked them (councillors) to go ahead. The election needs to be done within 30 days, but it is advisable that they incorporate incoming councillors. So it is within 30 days, but the discretion is to the acting mayor. Unfortunately, the councillors are not recognising Mutimbanyoka,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Three police officers based in Harare were recently arrested, and charged with extortion and trying to block the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) from arresting their colleague.

Lameck Matsa (37), from Warren Park yesterday appeared before magistrate Yeukai Dzuda to answer to an extortion charge. Bail ruling is expected today.

His two workmates, Tendai Blessing Joniso (34) and John Mapurisa (31) also appeared before the same magistrate charged with defeating the course of justice after they tried to stop Zacc officials from arresting Matsa.

Zaac officials were injured during the melee.

Allegations are that on March 8 this year, the complainant Rodney Makwena had his Toyota Hiace vehicle impounded for pirating by two Warren Park police officers who were in civilian clothes and in a civilian white Mercedes Benz vehicle along Lyton Road.

The accused persons then demanded US$220 from the complainant so that they could release his vehicle.

The impounded vehicle was not recorded in the station exhibit book as per requirement and the battery of the vehicle was removed and placed in the Mercedes Benz vehicle belonging to the accused.

On March 9 at around 9am, the complainant called Matsa and negotiated to pay US$60 from US$220, but he refused. They later agreed on US$100.

The complainant then reported the matter to Zacc.

Matsa invited the complainant to his office at Warren Park Police Station to make the payment.

On March 10, the complainant went to the police station with a team of Zacc officials who executed a trap.

The accused came out to get the US$100 which had been marked to trap him.

The complainant was ordered to pay $1 000 at the police station so that he can be allowed to get his vehicle.When the accused placed the money inside his pocket, the Zacc officials pounced on him and identified themselves.

They searched him, recovered the money and arrested him.

While they were handcuffing him, Joniso and Mapurisa tried to stop the Zacc officials from arresting him.The pair was also arrested.

On March 11, Matsa visited the Zacc offices with his lawyer and he was detained.

By A Correspondent- Acting Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED), Shylatte Mhike, has been asked to expel two teachers in Bikita district who are also Zanu-PF officials.

The law does not permit civil servants to simultaneously hold political office.

Chipo Munyoro and Benjamin Masakadze are teachers at Madzivire and Zindove Primary Schools respectively while at the same time they are Zanu-PF councillors.

Munyoro is a councillor for Ward 24 in Bikita East while Masakadze is a councillor for Ward 2, Bikita South.

One Simon Ziki from Bikita District, through his lawyer, Martin Mureri wrote to the PED on March 8, demanding that she removes the two teachers from the profession since civil servants are not allowed to occupy political positions by law.

The two work under your supervision and you know the position of the law with regards to civil servants being office bearers of any political party. In terms of Section 200 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe they are not allowed to occupy these positions while they are still civil servants,” reads the letter.

He further demanded that the teachers be relieved of their duties within seven days, failing which the PED would be dragged to court.

“Our client has instructed us to demand as we hereby do that you relieve your subordinates of their duties as teachers within seven days of this letter if they choose to continue as councillors.

“You are aware of the provisions and if you fail to comply within the stipulated time we will be left with no option but to take legal action against you without further notice and your employees will pay cost of legal costs.”

Contacted by NewZimbabwe.com, Mhike declined to comment on the matter referring all questions to Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro.

Ndoro had not answered calls on his mobile phone by the time of publishing.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership has reinstated party stalwart Cleopas Kundiona less than a week after he was purged.

Kundiona, who is the provincial deputy secretary for legal affairs, was on March 4 suspended from carrying out party activities after being accused of a litany of allegations, one of them being failure to attend party events organised by his rival and Zanu-PF Marondera Central candidate for the March 26 by-elections Ignatius Mateveke.

He was also ordered to appear before a disciplinary committee on March 25.

The move to suspend him caused a backlash after some Zanu-PF supporters threatened a protest vote.

Kundiona yesterday confirmed that he had been reinstated.

I am back at the party. We are focusing on winning the Marondera Central seat, hence we are mobilising support for the party candidate,” he said.

Kundiona has been appearing at Zanu-PF events for the past week where he was being introduced as a provincial member.

A letter dated March 4 signed by Zanu-PF provincial vice-chairperson Kudzai Majuru suspended the educationist from the party.

Both Majuru and the provincial party spokesperson were not answering their mobile phones yesterday.

Kundiona, who is the owner of UMAA Group of Colleges, lost the Zanu-PF primaries to Mateveke for the Marondera Central constituency by-election.

The Marondera Central seat fell vacant following the recall of  Caston Matewu (MDC Alliance) by the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

By A Correspondent- Eighteen border control security officers, who were part of a joint operation code-named No to Cross-border Crime, on Monday appeared at the Beitbridge Magistrates Court facing abuse of office charges after they allegedly accepted a R2 000 bribe from a bus crew driving through the border town.

They were represented by Muchihwande Sithole of Sithole, Chauke and Associates.

Allegations are that on March 12, the 18 drawn from various government departments across the country were deployed to Chicago roadblock near the border town.

They allegedly accepted the bribe not knowing that a trap had been
set.

The Police Anti-Corruption Unit agents aboard a Sable Bus arrested the officers after they received the alleged bribe.

In court, their lawyer argued that the arresting police officers failed to film the alleged acceptance of the bribe.

But prosecutor Tinayeishe Matenga said the suspects had knowledge of the law yet they acted in common purpose to commit the offence.

Gwazemba will make a ruling on the matter today.

By A Correspondent- A MT Darwin man (40), who executed a prison break at Harare Central Prison last year with the help of a prison officer has been re-arrested and arraigned before the court facing a charge of escaping from lawful custody.

Richard Sasumba pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda yesterday.

The State opposed bail, saying there was overwhelming evidence against the accused. He was remanded in custody to March 28 for trial date.

Allegations are that Sasumba was convicted for armed robbery at the Bindura Magistrate Court and was committed to Harare Central Prison to serve his sentence.

However, while serving his sentence, Sasumba escaped with the assistance of a prison guard on October 7, 2021.

Court papers state that a manhunt was conducted, but Sasumba could not  be found.

On March 9, prison officials got wind that Sasumba was in Epworth.

Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services officials managed to locate him at a house in Epworth and re-arrested him.

Zvikomborero Mupasa represented the State.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A public hearing on the Health Services Amendment Bill flopped in Chinhoyi after only four residents attended the meeting.

Of the four attendees, only two of them made contributions before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health chaired by Ruth Labode.

Responding to questions from the media on why the meeting flopped, Labode said there was no problem with the venue as it was central.

That was after people suggested that Parliament could have chosen a more central venue.

“Even if we find one person at a venue we will talk to that one person and the person’s views will carry the day,” Labode said.

One of the attendees, Godknows Rupara, said it was unfortunate that MPs were behaving like members of the Executive.

“You can see the big problem that we have in the country; that MPs are now joining members of the Executive in disregarding the views of the people,” Rupapa said.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association Mashonaland West chairperson Kudakwashe Kokanai said his organisation rejected the provisions of the Bill as they sought to curtail health workers’ rights to strike.

“The proposals to arrest and prosecute health workers, who would have gone on strike for more than 72 hours, are madness.  Unfortunately, the Bill has more negatives than positives,” Kokanai said.

He said the Bill was oppressive as it criminalised being an executive member of a trade union.

The Health Services Amendment Bill is viewed as oppressive by health workers as it contains provisions that bar them from engaging in industrial action.

It also has provisions that will slap a three-year jail sentence for health workers in public health institutions for engaging in a strike for more than three consecutive days.

By A Correspondent- Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe allegedly instructed Zanu-PF youths to block an investigation into allegations of child labour at white-owned farms in Mazowe district, Mashonaland Central province, it has emerged.

Kazembe is the Zanu-PF provincial chairman for Mashonaland West.

Documents indicate that Zanu-PF provincial youth chairman John Nhamburo and Kazembe’s personal assistant Shadreck Muwandi tried to block the investigators at Kazembe’s behest.

The pair recently caused drama at Blackforby and Tavydale farms owned by Nick and Peep Mattison, where they allegedly threatened to harm a delegation that had visited the farms on a fact-finding mission to establish reports on child labour.

The delegation included provincial labour officer, Andrew Nyekete, National Employment Council (NEC) and unionists from Progressive Agriculture and Allied Industries Workers Union of Zimbabwe (PAAWUZ).

The union, in a letter seen by NewZimbabwe.com addressed to Kazembe, said the two Zanu-PF officials’ conduct was tarnishing his name, and violating workers’ rights to representation by labour unions of their choice.

“It has become imperative that we write to you with concern over the riotous activities of two ruling party-political members, namely John Nhamburo who was recently elected provincial youth chair for Mashonaland Central province, and Shadreck Muwandi who claims to be Personal Assistant (PA) to Hon Minister Kazembe Kazembe (MP),” the letter, signed by PAAWUZ secretary-general, Phillip Mafundu and dated March 8, 2022, reads.

“The two have been disturbing and/or interfering in purely labour matters, trade union, National Employment Council for the Agriculture Sector, Ministry of Labour and workers committee as enshrined in the supreme law, the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which advocate for freedom of association as the workers have taken upon themselves to join a trade union of their choice and furthermore their fundamental labour employment rights as enshrined in the Labour Act Chapter 28:01,” the letter reads.

Documents further show that Nhamburo and Muwandi, accompanied by marauding youths wearing Zanu-PF regalia, stormed a meeting held on February 9, 2022 at Blackforby farm involving workers committee, management, NEC Agriculture and Labour ministry officials trying to find common ground between employer and employees.

They were chanting political slogans denouncing and castigating the legitimacy of the union and other visitors.

“They disrupted the meeting in a riotous behaviour, victimised, harassed and threatened everyone, except the farm management. They name-dropped senior government officials and senior politicians’ names (for example your name Kazembe Kazembe). John Nhamburo bragged that he was a boss to everyone since he is a Zanu-PF Central Committee member, he was above everyone and the process that was happening should stop immediately and the white farmer to continue with what he was doing,” the letter to Kazembe reads.

“Shadreck Muwandi said he was the one who travels everywhere with you and had a right to stop the negotiations between the employer and employees since all the employer was doing was above board and had your blessings. Our union officials were threatened with death, and they even tried to stop them from talking to the farm workers who are our members of which the workers stood their ground that they wanted our representation,” it further reads.

Again on March 4, 2022, the two Zanu-PF members went to Tavydale farm where they unleashed violence and disrupted a scheduled meeting between management and workers’ committee.

They allegedly harassed, intimidated and threatened the workers committee.

The union accuses the Mattison family of imperialism and hiring Zanu-PF activists in order to intimidate unionists from unearthing gross labour violations, including child labour and slave wages, at the farms.

It was not immediately clear if the letter was responded to as Kazembe was not answering calls on his mobile phone.

Efforts to get comment from the Mattisons proved fruitless by the time of publishing.

By A Correspondent- The construction of Kunzvi Dam is going according to the plan, Mashonaland East Provincial Secretary for Devolution Tavabarira Kutamahufa has said.

The water reservoir is being constructed by China’s Nancheng Engineering which was awarded the tender in 2021.

The US$109 million project will supply water to Harare and Chitungwiza and surrounding areas when completed.

In an interview with The Herald after the Mashonaland East provincial executive visited the dam site on Monday, Kutamahufa said the construction is on course. He said:

The purpose of the tour was for monitoring and evaluation, inspecting the progress. The contractor is on site and the equipment is also on site.

Progress has also been made in terms of construction. There is also evidence of stakeholder engagement and acceptance.

So the contractor is on course and we are happy with the timelines. They are on target. So as a province we are happy with the progress so far.

The contractor, Nancheng Engineering, has completed the pipeline linking Mtshabezi and Umzingwane dams and also constructed Muchekeranwa Dam in Marondera which was commissioned last year.

Nancheng Engineering is currently working on Sengwa Dam in Mount Darwin and the Silverstroom Dam in Centenary.

By A Correspondent- The City of Harare says it will allocate 5 000 residential stands in 2022 and residents on the waiting list will be invited for interviews.

In a notice, the local authority said when the allocations begin, residents will be notified. Reads the notice:

No allocations took place last year. When the allocations begin residents will be notified. Residents on the housing waiting list will be invited for interviews.

Council (HCC) suspended the allocation of residential stands in 2020 after most of its top housing officials, including a housing director and two acting housing directors, were arrested and charged over alleged corruption.

HCC said it decided to suspend allocation in 2020 after it discovered irregularities in the management of housing land.

Housing director Addmore Nhekairo and former acting housing director Matthew Marara and principal housing allocation officer Edgar Dzehonye were some of the top council officials arrested on allegations of corruption over the allocation of land.

Fani Machipisa who took over as housing director was also suspended on the same allegations.-statemedia

By A Correspondent| Ideas Party of Democracy (IPD) is set to launch its maiden rally in Gweru on April 16.

Speaking from his base in South Africa, charismatic opposition leader Herbert Chamuka who is the leader of the fast growing party said it was all systems go for the rally.

“We are urging every peace loving Zimbabwe from all walks of life to attend our inaugural rally.

“We are going to launch our 2023 election roadmap because we are the government in waiting.

“We are sure that we are going to form the next government. Everyone is invited,” said Chamuka.

Chamuka who was recently on a whirlwind tour of different provinces setting structures said that the response he was given was humbling.

“Zimbabwe has been in jaws of dictatorship for long. People are hungry for change and IDP is ready to usher in Zimbabwe into a new political dawn where every citizen is protected by the constitution

“The population want a country where prosperity is guaranteed. Right now; people are struggling to get basic documents such as passport and national identification cards.

“It’s a pity and we want to make Zimbabwe great again,” he said.

Zimbabwe has been struggling for years under the leadership of Zanu PF and IDP promises to be an alternative.

The Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership has reinstated party stalwart Cleopas Kundiona less than a week after he was purged.

Kundiona, who is the provincial deputy secretary for legal affairs, was on March 4 suspended from carrying out party activities after being accused of a litany of allegations, one of them being failure to attend party events organised by his rival and Zanu PF Marondera Central candidate for the March 26 by-elections Ignatius Mateveke.

He was also ordered to appear before a disciplinary committee on March 25.

The move to suspend him caused a backlash after some Zanu PF supporters threatened a protest vote.

Kundiona yesterday confirmed that he had been reinstated.

“I am back at the party. We are focusing on winning the Marondera Central seat, hence we are mobilising support for the party candidate,” he said.

Kundiona has been appearing at Zanu PF events for the past week where he was being introduced as a provincial member.

A letter dated March 4 signed by Zanu PF provincial vice-chairperson Kudzai Majuru suspended the educationist from the party.

Both Majuru and the provincial party spokesperson were not answering their mobile phones yesterday.

Kundiona, who is the owner of UMAA Group of Colleges, lost the Zanu PF primaries to Mateveke for the Marondera Central constituency by-election.

-Newsday

Johannes Chiwaya, brother to the late MDC Alliance chairperson for Hurungwe Central district, Lavender Chiwaya has joined Zanu PF, declaring that he had not “sold out”.

The late Lavender passed on under mysterious circumstances on August 22, 2020 amid allegations that he was murdered.

He was a popular ward 4 councillor under the opposition who had been in office for 13 consecutive years.

At the weekend, his brother Johannes joined the ruling party, claiming it was his constitutional right to do so.

Johannes was among eight opposition members paraded at a rally addressed by the Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri at Chikangwe Stadium in Karoi at the weekend under operation Tadzoka Kumusha.

Attendees at the rally were given bags of maize meal.

Chiwaya said he endured public scorn over abandoning the opposition for the ruling party.

“Everyone has his or her constitutional right. In our Constitution, there is a Bill of Rights that says everyone has a right to freedom of association that must be respected. I am not a sellout. This is my personal consideration and conviction to be part of Zanu PF. I am warning those that have labelled me a sellout that I will not accept it any longer. I will take legal action,” he said.

Ironically, Johannes was among the top youth leaders under the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

-Newsday

Tinashe Sambiri|Police on Saturday arrested 13 Citizens’ Coalition For Change members- including a diabetic 68-year- old woman.

The CCC supporters were arrested for conducting a door- to door -campaign programme in Masvingo Urban Constituency.

In a statement, CCC condemned the persecution of its members by the Zanu PF regime.

“#ALERT Ward 3 candidate, Rocky Kamuzonda & 13 CCC members were unlawfully arrested .

No charge has been preferred against them. Among the detained are a 68 year old diabetic patient, Shingairai Chapura, whom the police won’t release. She hasn’t taken her meds since 2pm,” CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said in a statement on Saturday.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF regime has blocked President Nelson Chamisa’s rally scheduled for Binga on Tuesday.

Despite attempts to disrupt President Chamisa’s campaign programmes, the Yellow Revolution is spreading rapidly across the country.

President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:
“They cancelled our Tuesday BINGA RALLY. So they are quaking and shaking.We mean peace and love.

We’re peacemakers.2023 is fast approaching and we will WIN BIG,with a landslide.

We will build Our ZIMBABWE New and Great.Let’s together win ZIMBABWE for change! It’s a Citizen fight!”

By A Correspondent- Former Harare mayor Herbert Gomba has been found after reports that unknown men allegedly stormed into his house before seizing and driving off with him Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere  tweeted that: #ALERT former Harare Mayor Herbert Gomba has gone missing. Unknown men stormed his home in Glen Norah C at around 14.30 hrs. They used three unregistered white Isuzu vehicles. His whereabouts are unknown.

However, on Monday CCC said:

“We are advised that Herbert Gomba has been found and is in the custody of his family. We are advised he is safe.”

Gomba is contesting for a municipal ward in Glen Norah.after he was recalled by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MC-T for siding with Chamisa in 2020

By A Correspondent- Former Harare mayor Herbert Gomba has been found after reports that unknown men allegedly stormed into his house before seizing and driving off with him Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere  tweeted that: #ALERT former Harare Mayor Herbert Gomba has gone missing. Unknown men stormed his home in Glen Norah C at around 14.30 hrs. They used three unregistered white Isuzu vehicles. His whereabouts are unknown.

However, on Monday CCC said:

“We are advised that Herbert Gomba has been found and is in the custody of his family. We are advised he is safe.”

Gomba is contesting for a municipal ward in Glen Norah.after he was recalled by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MC-T for siding with Chamisa in 2020

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) February report says police and ZANU PF top the list of human rights violators, mainly targeted at opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters and ordinary citizens.

The report comes as Zimbabwe’s electoral environment is increasingly turning violent, with CCC supporters being attacked by suspected State security agents and Zanu PF members. Reads the report in part:

Zanu PF takes a lead in human rights violations recorded this month at 41%, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police contributes 37% of human rights violations recorded in February 2022,” the report read in part.

This month (February), ZPP recorded a significant increase in the profile and scope of the human rights violations recorded. In January, ZPP recorded a total of 55 cases of human rights violations, the majority of them were of discrimination during food aid processes.

In the February report, ZPP recorded a total of 70 cases, with the majority of them being of political violence that left people injured or dead.

The majority of the victims, about 89%, are ordinary Zimbabweans, with nine per cent being CCC supporters.

Some cases:

1). Police last month used dogs, water cannons and tear gas to disperse a CCC rally in Gokwe despite a High Court ruling for the event to go ahead.

2). On February 27 in Kwekwe, one CCC supporter Mbongeni Ncube was assaulted to death by suspected ZANU PF supporters who stormed the CCC rally armed with spears, machetes and other sharp weapons. 

3). Police also arrested 13 CCC members, accusing them of holding a car rally and failing to obey police officers directing traffic. The supporters were allegedly severely assaulted by suspected state security agents during detention.

4). Another 80 CCC supporters were arrested in Masvingo while campaigning door to door.

5). In January, five CCC activists were assaulted by police following their arrest on charges of public nuisance in Harare’s central business district (CBD). But one of the victims, Erasmus Nyandoro told NewsDay that they were arrested for wearing CCC’s yellow regalia.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he could not comment on claims by the ZPP that police topped the list of human rights violators saying he has not received the report.

By A Correspondent- Villagers at Magalani in Matopo have complained of several incidents of poisoned cattle, while some of them are reportedly being axed by illegal settlers occupying grazing land.

The illegal settlers are allegedly buying the land from “corrupt local leaders.”

Disgruntled villagers told Southern Eye that this started after the death of Chief Lenard Mathe seven years ago. One of the victims, Sibonokuhle Sibanda said her family lost several cattle after they were axed by the illegal settlers.

“Last year seven cows were poisoned. Others were axed a few months later by the invaders.

“This year again I found five cows bleeding in the bush after they were axed, and I suspect that they were attacked by the land invaders in the area.”

Sibanda said she reported the matter to the police last year who advised her to sit down with community members and leaders to resolve the issue.  She was told that people that committed the crime were minors who could not be charged.

“I applied for a peace order between me and the attackers but the court dismissed the application and insisted on a community peace meeting even though we told them that we do not have a chief in the area to facilitate and resolve such issues.

“The case then ended without resolution,” she said.

Ward 9 councillor Bekezela Moyo confirmed the matter.  Moyo blamed the criminal activities on corrupt traditional leaders.

“We have community leaders and members who sell grazing land to strangers. Now there is conflict between community members and the invaders, which has escalated making it hard for me as a councillor to solve it since we do not have a chief,” Moyo said.

“Many cows have been axed and killed. Homes have also been burnt by angry community members. Even though steps were taken to report these issues, no proper charges were laid on the criminals.”

He said several villagers lost cattle due to conflicts between illegally settlers and community members.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said they had not received reports pertaining to livestock poisoning.

Mangena said anyone caught axing or poisoning other people’s livestock would be arrested.

“We urge the community to report such crimes to the police,” Mangena said.

By A Correspondent- In  yet another scandal the top management at Lupane State University is reportedly milking the higher learning institution through paying sick money in rentals for the properties they are using which range from ZWL$50 to ZWL$300 per month.

Indications by internal sources are that staff residing in the staff quarters are paying ZWL$75 per month, while those in the halls of residence are paying ZWL$50.

“The Vice-Chancellor ( Pardon Kuipa) who stays in a three-bedroomed air-conditioned house is paying ZWL$300 per month, including electricity and water. The Vice-Chancellor does the issuance of accommodation, and his close associates get issued ahead of more deserving individuals,” said an insider.

The Insiders concluded that proximity to the Vice-Chancellor or ceding to his demands is a weapon to unlock access to resources. They noted that procedures are applied to perceived enemies and those who deny the Vice-Chancellor, for example, women who refuse to entertain his sexual advances.

“Some staff members reside in University residences and have not paid any cent, nor electricity and water bills and they are protected by the Vice-chancellor. This is sad as the lowest-paid workers have to pay for rented accommodation almost equivalent to their salaries. It has emerged that when there were suggestions to have the rentals reviewed in 2020 through the Finance Committee, the Vice-Chancellor became furious and accused some committee members of insubordination and refused to have the rentals reviewed,” said insider.

“The meeting was adjourned as there was tension in the meeting since the Vice-Chancellor refused an upward review. He wanted to continue paying ZWL$300 in his allocated house, where some of his two lovers fought after a clash. Reliable sources revealed that after the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor wrote to the Chairman of Council and the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, citing that he wanted to set an example with the Finance member, who had tabled a paper on rental review. Disciplinary processes were set on 18 December 2020, which never yielded any results because it was procedural to review rentals.”

Insiders noted that one of the council member who was part of the hearing, was immediately removed from the LSU council unceremoniously as he was viewed as a threat by the Vice-Chancellor.

The insiders said this is after he had challenged the unprofessional behaviour of the Vice-Chancellor and brought the meeting to a halt.

“Some highlighted that this behaviour was not surprising as the Vice-Chancellor refused to have the sale price of his contractual reviewed and paid less than an equivalent of US$200 for an SUV, which the institution bought for over US$85 000. Since 2020 the rentals have not been reviewed in any committee as the issue resulted in the Finance member facing disciplinary for reviewing rentals and the removal of one member for setting the record straight,” said the insider.

“Insiders are concerned that institutional resources are being milked by external people who will leave the institution after the expiry of their contracts and leave the place ruined and desolate. Others noted the construction of sub-standard infrastructure like offices that were constructed from precast material whose costs were astronomical as a ploy to underdeveloped the region.

The insiders said since 2020, the Vice-Chancellor has snubbed recommendations to align rentals with the cost of services for deliberations by the Council. He will then remove all agenda items that expose him. Governance systems have since collapsed, and others lamented that he has no conscience.

“He even refused the audit report that was conducted concerning the nepotism of employing her daughter Florence as the sole candidate to be presented to the Council. Up-to-date, the report was never presented to Council. The University can not follow its own procedures, but corruption and scandals are swept under the carpet, and those who practice it are rewarded. Insiders commented that one staff member who once went into the University’s results system and changed his wife’s marks was promoted and now functions as a pseudo-Pro-Vice-Chancellor,” they said.  

Indications are that it has emerged that the Vice-Chancellor has power over the LSU Council as those that challenge him are removed from Council. Internal sources revealed that another Council member who was an Engineer was also removed from the Council as she demanded that the perpetual sexual harassment at LSU be investigated.

Workers Council has since written to the Chairman of Council requesting to know why senior management was paying rentals in ZWL$ yet staff members are paying rentals in US$ ranging from US$30 to US$50 where there is electricity while those that reside where there is no electricity are paying rentals ranging from US$15 to US$20.

“It’s shocking to note that top management, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Personal Assistant and the Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor who are given a housing allowance, which is a percentage of their basic salary which increases as and when there is a salary review, and they are graded under directly involved and are paying rentals ranging from ZWL$50 bond to ZWL$300,” the insider said.

 Insiders lamented how top management with housing allowances twice or thrice civil servants’ salaries would pay about a dollar per month while the least paid workers pay rentals equivalent to their monthly salaries. Some lamented that rentals that management pays cannot buy a sweet.

They said student accommodation is periodically adjusted while rentals of top management make no economic sense or logic. Others scoffed, saying such amounts cannot buy a loll pop sweet, that is syphoning potential income to the institution.

“This is of great concern to the staff welfare as no one cares about staff welfare. In some meetings with staff, the Vice-Chancellor was quoted saying he did not care where the staff stayed, even on a tree and under the bridge; all he wanted was to see staff at work. This has resulted in low staff morale, and some have questioned his leadership and professionalism,” said the insider.

 “One wonders who will be liable for paying penalties and interest towards rentals when ZIMRA get to know of such happenings at LSU.”

LSU spokesperson Zwelithini Dlamini said he was on the road to Lupane and promised to check with the registrar after the parliamentary portfolio on Higher and Tertiary meeting.

By A Correspondent- Acting President Constantino Chiwenga Sunday accused the police of blocking the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rallies around the country.

Addressing a rally in Dangamvura, Mutare, to drum up support for ZANU PF candidates in the March 26 by-elections, Chiwenga sought to absolve the government from the bans being imposed on opposition rallies. He said:

The opposition should not blame Zanu PF about the ban of its rallies.

It’s not our problem, anyone is allowed to campaign. Please, deal with the police, and don’t blame anything on the government or Zanu PF because Zanu PF is also applying to the Zimbabwe Republic Police to get clearance for its rallies.

On Saturday, police blocked a CCC rally that was supposed to be held at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera despite High Court judge Justice Lucy Mungwari’s ruling that the rally should go ahead.

This was after police also blocked a CCC rally in Gokwe.