The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa-Zimbabwe) has blasted the internet slowdown on Sunday at a time when the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa was holding its campaign rally, impacting media coverage of the event.

In a statement yesterday, Misa said slowing down internet bandwidth impacted the media negatively, preventing it from livestreaming the event.

A statement by international internet watchdog Netblocks confirmed a significant slowing of internet services for many users in Zimbabwe on Sunday as the CCC rally was taking place at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare.

“The incident impacted multiple operators and has prevented livestreaming from the Yellow Sunday demonstration by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, which seeks to unseat the ruling Zanu-PF,” read the Netblocks statement.

Misa-Zimbabwe legal and information communication technology policy officer Nompilo Simanje told NewsDay that internet shutdown prevented citizens from exercising their right to communication.

“It is our position as Misa Zimbabwe that we are against any throttling of the internet, or any form of restrictions on the use of internet, especially during this period of electoral campaigns, with the by-elections coming on March 26, and the general elections in 2023,” she said.

“At this point, we want to reach out to all the players in the telecommunications industry, the regulator Potraz [Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe] as well as the Ministry of Information Communication Technology to ensure that during this season, people will have access to information and exercise their political rights.”

Simanje said internet connectivity should not be restricted so that people access information, which is their constitutional rights.

-Newsday

By-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several senior party members on Sunday failed to attend a Zanu PF rally which his deputy Constantino Chiwenga addressed in Marondera.

Bussed supporters attended the Marondera rally.

Mnangagwa failed to attend the rally at Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium despite being advertised as the star of the rally.

More than 100 buses were used to transport supporters to Marondera, despite the police barring the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party from doing the same at its Highfield rally, which took place on the same day as well.

Only politburo members from the province attended the rally.
The few party bigwigs, who attended Chiwenga’s rally, were political commissar Mike Bimha, Patrick Chinamasa (secretary for finance) and Sydney Sekeramayi.
In his address, Chiwenga said the government was trying to fix the black market which he said had destabilised the economy.
“The black market has led to price hikes. We can’t afford our daily needs. It has also led to our local currency losing value. So the government is in the process of fixing this mess. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Chiwenga said.
“We have warned you and we are going to make sure that you won’t come out of jail if arrested. We are going to introduce hefty measures. So people, please help us catch those wrongdoers who are dragging us behind.”
Recently, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe blamed the widening exchange rate premiums on the alternative market which it said was stoking inflation and price increases since July last year.
Chiwenga said the country would not adopt the use foreign currency in the future.
“Using other currencies brings nothing, but poverty. The use of United States dollars is devaluing our local currency.
“The use of US dollars came after the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the likes of (Tendai) Biti (former Finance minister) wanted to use foreign currency. We do not want foreign currency, we want our Zimbabwean dollar,” he said.
Chiwenga, a former army general, reiterated that Zanu PF would continue to rule and that the nation will be developed without reliance on foreign aid.
Marondera town had a massive facelift ahead of the rally, with roads rehabilitated, among other infrastructure in anticipation of Mnangagwa’s visit.
Three constituencies and 10 wards are vacant due to deaths or recalls of MPs and councillors.

• Newsday

By-The EU has decided to renew its restrictive measures while lifting the already suspended restrictive measures against three individuals. The arms embargo and the targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, remain in place. 

Below is the EU statement:

Zimbabwe: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

The European Union (EU) reiterates its ambition for a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe at all levels.

The EU has reviewed its restrictive measures in respect of Zimbabwe and in this context recalls the Council Conclusions of 17 February 2020 as %/tell as the Declaration by the Ugh Representative on behalf of the EU of 19 February 2021.

Since then, the situation in term of respect for human rights has not improved in Zimbabwe. Intimidation of the political opposition and other government critics has continued to restrict the democratic and civic space. which is under threat of shrinking further through the Data Protection Act and ongoing legislative processes such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged so-called Patriotic Act”.

The EU is concerned about these developments Perpetrators of human rights violations should be swiftly brought to justice to end impunity. The recommendations of the Motlanthe Corrrnission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and need to be implemented as a matter of priority and urgency. It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected.

In this light, the EU recalls the purpose of its restrictive measures. which is to encourage a demonstrable, genuine, and long-term commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to respect and uphold human rights and the rule of law. The EU has decided to renew its restrictive measures, while lifting the already suspended restrictive measures against three individuals. The arms embargo and the targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, remain in place taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, as well as the continuing need to investigate the role of security forces in human rights abuses The EU wil continue to closely follow developments. with a particular attention to the human rights situation. and recalls its readiness to review and adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.

The measures in place are targeted and very limited, therefore they do not affect the people of Zimbabwe. its economy. foreign direct investments. or trade. Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty free and quota free access of its exports to the EU. while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement. There is significant potential in terms of investments and jobs opportunities, if structural bottlenecks vere to be addressed. and political and economic reforms including enhancing trust in the rule of law, tackling corruption and respect for human rights, are implemented. 

The EU reiterates its readiness to support credible and sustainable economic and political reforms. based on tangible commitments made by the Government of Zimbabwe. The EU will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe focusing on three priority areas as aligned with the Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy: (i) good governance and citizens’ rights: (ii) green economic growth and (iii) social recovery and human development. The EU commits itself to enhancing common efforts on addressing climate change on the basis of the Zimbabwean and EU commitments at COP26. The EU will continue to support the Zimbabwean people with humanitarian assistance, in case of need.

The EU follows closely the electoral agenda in Zimbabwe and stands ready to continue its support to electoral reforms – an important pillar to strengthen democracy – based on the recommendations of the 2018 EU Ejection Observation Mission. The EU is preparing for a follow-up mission. Moreover. the EU welcomes the reassurances given by the authorities of Zimbabwe that they will be inviting international electoral observers for the 2023 elections including an EU Election Observation Mission.

As an integral element of its engagement truth Gmbahwe, the EU looks forward to have a political dialogue in Harare as a matter of priority and notes the readiness of both sides to organize this dialogue in the near future. The political dialogue wall provide an opportunity for regular and open discussions. on many sublects, including on economy and human rights. The political dialogue is key in fostering mutual understanding and constructive cooperation. paving the vuay for progress in the relations.

By-President Mnangagwa has responded to Nelson Chamisa’s Sunday highly attended star rally.

 In his response, Mnangagwa showed that he was inspired by Chamisa’s suggestion that investors would flock to Zimbabwe with money within a week of him getting into office. 

Addressing supporters of the newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) said:

If you give me one week in office, you will see white people coming in with money, you will see the Chinese coming in with money.

But, President Mnangagwa, addressing youths and delegates during the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day celebrations held at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare said Chamisa is embarrassing the whole nation. He said:

Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. Zimbabwe can only be built by Zimbabweans, Zambia can only be built by Zambians, and Mozambique can only be built by Mozambicans and Botswana the same. Britain can also only be built by the British, as America by Americans, China by the Chinese and Russia by the Russians, but Chamisa wants Zimbabwe to be built by white people, he should be ashamed of himself.

The independence that we have was brought about by the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters who fought to remove the whites who are now being invited back by Chamisa. That is really shameful.

Mnangagwa also threatened Chamisa, saying that the government was prepared to deal with him Chamisa if he refused the results of the 2023 elections.

Chamisa on Sunday said he would let a defeat in the 2023 election go without a fight.

Chamisa said he knows he will win and was also aware of plans to manipulate the election process.

More: New Ziana

By- An Irizar bus travelling from South Africa to Zambia was burnt to ashes along Harare-Chirundu road on Monday.

The police all the people aboard were safe.

Below is the police statement on the case:
The ZRP reports a fire incident that occurred on 21/02/22 at around 0500 hrs, where a Zambia bound Irizar bus towing a trailer, travelling from SA caught fire at the 314 km peg along Harare-Chirundu Rd. All the occupants escaped with no injuries while efforts to extinguish the bus were in vain. The bus, its trailer, all the goods and language were burnt to ashes.

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora continues to attract little figures after an estimated 300 people turned up for his Bulawayo rally Saturday.

The rally was held at Phelendaba Hall in Bulawayo.

It was rally was the first one in the city since his ascendency to the MDC-T leadership in December 2020.

Mwonzora was in the second largest city to drum up support for his candidates ahead of the March 26 by-elections.

Addressing his supporters, the former MDC-T Secretary General reiterated his desire to dialogue with Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move which he said is the only solution to suffering Zimbabweans.

“Very soon we will be starting the issue of dialogue. We are going for dialogue, not to become ministers, but to fix the country’s problems. Our discussion points are that in Zimbabwe there should be everlasting peace,” Mwonzora said.

“The blood that was shed of our people is enough and we say enough is enough. We don’t want again here in Zimbabwe, to have one beating another or kill another over politics. This is exactly what is on our agenda for dialogue,” he said.

He described himself as one of the bravest person and country for approaching Mnangagwa for the dialogue.

“When I left the State House many accused me of being a sellout, but I said no I didn’t. But the problem is that you are scared of Mnangagwa, you only resort to insulting him on twitter, Facebook and Whats App where he can’t see you. But myself, I went to see him face to face. I am never afraid, so I should be praised for that,” boasted Mwonzora.

Commenting the break -away of her Deputy Thokozani Khupe who formed her own splinter party Mwonzora said he had tried everything to unite the leadership after the party’s  extra ordinary congress.

“When I won the elections, I tried to unity the party by embracing all my contestants. I said Dr Khupe you should remain as vice president. I appointed Ellias Mudzuri as the second vice president and said to baba Morgan Komichi you should continue with your chairmanship,” he said.

“I was surprised on January 21 when a press conference was held saying they have split the party because the president has said he has joined the alliance. We then sat as national council and we said as MDC, our constitution does not have a split. And also there is no one who can become a president without going through congress, so if someone calls herself a president, they have left the party,” he added.

“It’s never something that we wanted, we wanted a united party, but as the president what could I have done. So, I am sorry that this had to happen. But what consoled me is that Bulawayo province wrote a letter saying they were not in agreement with what had happened, they said they didn’t want a split, as did all other provinces.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not own the country .

Mr Mnangagwa has claimed the opposition will never rule.

However, President Chamisa has pointed out that the Zanu PF leader is not God and he will not remain in office forever.

Addressing thousands of Citizens’ Coalition For Change supporters at Zimbabwe Grounds on Sunday, President Chamisa said :

I am going to lead the nation whether you like it or not, you cannot stop the power of the people.

You say what happened in Zambia cannot happen here in Zimbabwe why then did you travel to Zambia?

You will not rule forever, you are not a super human being.”

President Chamisa added:
“In the new Zimbabwe there is no room for police brutality. We will not allow police officers to brutalize citizens . We will do away with unnecessary roadblocks- We will introduce digital policing…”

By-The EU has decided to renew its restrictive measures while lifting the already suspended restrictive measures against three individuals. The arms embargo and the targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, remain in place. 

Below is the EU statement:

Zimbabwe: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

The European Union (EU) reiterates its ambition for a more constructive relationship with Zimbabwe at all levels.

The EU has reviewed its restrictive measures in respect of Zimbabwe and in this context recalls the Council Conclusions of 17 February 2020 as %/tell as the Declaration by the Ugh Representative on behalf of the EU of 19 February 2021.

Since then, the situation in term of respect for human rights has not improved in Zimbabwe. Intimidation of the political opposition and other government critics has continued to restrict the democratic and civic space. which is under threat of shrinking further. through the Data Protection Act and ongoing legislative processes such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the envisaged so-called Patriotic Act”. The EU is concerned about these developments Perpetrators of human rights violations should be swiftly brought to justice to end impunity. The recommendations of the Motlanthe Corrrnission of Inquiry have not been followed substantially and need to be implemented as a matter of priority and urgency. It is important that international human rights obligations are adhered to and the constitutional rights of the people of Zimbabwe respected.

In this light, the EU recalls the purpose of its restrictive measures. which is to encourage a demonstrable, genuine, and long-term commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to respect and uphold human rights and the rule of law. The EU has decided to renew its restrictive measures, while lifting the already suspended restrictive measures against three individuals. The arms embargo and the targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, remain in place taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, as well as the continuing need to investigate the role of security forces in human rights abuses The EU wil continue to closely follow developments. with a particular attention to the human rights situation. and recalls its readiness to review and adapt the whole range of its policies accordingly.

The measures in place are targeted and very limited, therefore they do not affect the people of Zimbabwe. its economy. foreign direct investments. or trade. Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty free and quota free access of its exports to the EU. while negotiations are ongoing to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement. There is significant potential in terms of investments and jobs opportunities, if structural bottlenecks vere to be addressed. and political and economic reforms including enhancing trust in the rule of law, tackling corruption and respect for human rights, are implemented. 

The EU reiterates its readiness to support credible and sustainable economic and political reforms. based on tangible commitments made by the Government of Zimbabwe. The EU will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe focusing on three priority areas as aligned with the Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy: (i) good governance and citizens’ rights: (ii) green economic growth and (iii) social recovery and human development. The EU commits itself to enhancing common efforts on addressing climate change on the basis of the Zimbabwean and EU commitments at COP26. The EU will continue to support the Zimbabwean people with humanitarian assistance, in case of need.

The EU follows closely the electoral agenda in Zimbabwe and stands ready to continue its support to electoral reforms – an important pillar to strengthen democracy – based on the recommendations of the 2018 EU Ejection Observation Mission. The EU is preparing for a follow-up mission. Moreover. the EU welcomes the reassurances given by the authorities of Zimbabwe that they will be inviting international electoral observers for the 2023 elections including an EU Election Observation Mission.

As an integral element of its engagement truth Gmbahwe, the EU looks forward to have a political dialogue in Harare as a matter of priority and notes the readiness of both sides to organize this dialogue in the near future. The political dialogue wall provide an opportunity for regular and open discussions. on many sublects, including on economy and human rights. The political dialogue is key in fostering mutual understanding and constructive cooperation. paving the vuay for progress in the relations.

By-Douglas Mwonzora’s Mutare councillor Farai Bhiza who collapsed last week after losing the mayoral elections has spoken out.

Bhiza lost the mayoral seat to Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change Simon Chabuka.

He said people were now mocking him for the loss as if he had lost presidential elections.
Bhiza was acting Mutare mayor when he lost the elections after Chabuka won six votes to five. He reportedly collapsed after the results were announced.

The mayoral elections were held to replace former Mutare mayor Blessing Tandi, recalled recently by the MDC Alliance led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Bhiza told NewsDay on Sunday that people are spreading lies that he fainted.
I did not faint; it is just politics at play. People are mocking me as if I lost a presidential election. We should focus on service delivery, not the gossiping. You hear about me fainting, but the mayoral elections are over and we need to work as councillors to produce the best service delivery in Mutare. Currently, I am in my ward serving my people.

Medical personnel was reportedly called in to assist him after the loss.
Mutare has 11 remaining councillors after seven were recalled and the vacant seats will be filled on March 26 when the by-elections will be held.
More: News Day

By SABC/Correspondent- South African Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed the gunning down of eight armed robbers by the police in a foiled money heist this afternoon in Rosettenvill, Johannesburg.

Two of the police officials are in critical condition and have been airlifted to the Milpark Hospital. The shootout near the South Rand Hospital happened after the police intercepted the gang of about 25 before they could attack a cash-in-transit van.

Cele said eight suspects have been arrested and police have launched a manhunt for the nine who fled. He said the police decided to open fire after the robbers shot at a police helicopter and wounded the pilot. He added that they were dealing with hardcore criminals, based on the high-speed cars as well as firearms that were recovered at the scene.
“These guys were about 25 of them, eight of them are dead and eight are arrested. We still want some more that have moved there. Except for one who comes from Botswana, they all come from Zimbabwe and KZN. They’re well-armed, they all have mostly AKs about 6 or 7 AKs here, with double magazines, which means they’re here for the business. The surprising one is the one that shot the helicopter and injured the pilot.”

-SABC

By SABC/News24/Correspondent- South African Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed the gunning down of eigh armed robbers by the police in a foiled money heist this afternoon in Rosettenvill, Johannesburg.

Two of the police officials are in critical condition and have been airlifted to the Milpark Hospital. The shootout near the South Rand Hospital happened after the police intercepted the gang of about 25 before they could attack a cash-in-transit van.

Cele briefs the media from the scene of the shootout:

Cele said eight suspects have been arrested and police have launched a manhunt for the nine who fled. He said the police decided to open fire after the robbers shot at a police helicopter and wounded the pilot. He added that they were dealing with hardcore criminals, based on the high-speed cars as well as firearms that were recovered at the scene.

“These guys were about 25 of them, eight of them are dead and eight are arrested. We still want some more that have moved there. Except for one who comes from Botswana, they all come from Zimbabwe and KZN. They’re well-armed, they all have mostly AKs about 6 or 7 AKs here, with double magazines, which means they’re here for the business. The surprising one is the one that shot the helicopter and injured the pilot.”

-SABC

By-At least eight suspects have been shot dead during an attempted cash-in-transit heist in Johannesburg.
The shootout took place in Rosettenville, this afternoon.
Four police officers were wounded and two were airlifted to hospital.
Police Minister Bheki Cele says about 25 suspects were involved in the robbery.

-eNCA

By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday failed to attend a Zanu PF rally which his deputy Constantino Chiwenga addressed in Marondera.

Bussed supporters attended the Marondera rally.

Mnangagwa failed to attend the rally at Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium despite being advertised as the star of the rally.

More than 100 buses were used to transport supporters to Marondera, despite the police barring the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party from doing the same at its Highfield rally, which took place on the same day as well.

Only politburo members from the province attended the rally.
The few party bigwigs, who attended Chiwenga’s rally, were political commissar Mike Bimha, Patrick Chinamasa (secretary for finance) and Sydney Sekeramayi.
In his address, Chiwenga said the government was trying to fix the black market which he said had destabilised the economy.
“The black market has led to price hikes. We can’t afford our daily needs. It has also led to our local currency losing value. So the government is in the process of fixing this mess. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Chiwenga said.
“We have warned you and we are going to make sure that you won’t come out of jail if arrested. We are going to introduce hefty measures. So people, please help us catch those wrongdoers who are dragging us behind.”
Recently, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe blamed the widening exchange rate premiums on the alternative market which it said was stoking inflation and price increases since July last year.
Chiwenga said the country would not adopt the use foreign currency in the future.
“Using other currencies brings nothing, but poverty. The use of United States dollars is devaluing our local currency.
“The use of US dollars came after the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the likes of (Tendai) Biti (former Finance minister) wanted to use foreign currency. We do not want foreign currency, we want our Zimbabwean dollar,” he said.
Chiwenga, a former army general, reiterated that Zanu PF would continue to rule and that the nation will be developed without reliance on foreign aid.
Marondera town had a massive facelift ahead of the rally, with roads rehabilitated, among other infrastructure in anticipation of Mnangagwa’s visit.
Three constituencies and 10 wards are vacant due to deaths or recalls of MPs and councillors.

• Newsday

By-Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga Sunday rubbished civil servants’ United Dollar salary request before threatening black market money traders with lengthy jail terms.

Chiwenga rubbished civil servants foreign currency salaries request and declared that the country would not dollarize.

He said this despite a sharp weakening of the Zimdollar.

Addressing a Zanu PF rally in Marondera where most attendees were bussed to the venue, Chiwenga said black market trade was fuelling spikes in prices of essential goods and services.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed to attend the rally at Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium despite being advertised as the star of the rally.
More than 100 buses were used to transport supporters to Marondera, despite the police barring the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party from doing the same at its Highfield rally which took place yesterday as well.
Only politburo members from the province attended the rally.
The few party bigwigs, who attended Chiwenga’s rally, were political commissar Mike Bimha, Patrick Chinamasa (secretary for finance) and Sydney Sekeramayi.
In his address, Chiwenga said the government was trying to fix the black market which he said had destabilised the economy.
“The black market has led to price hikes. We can’t afford our daily needs. It has also led to our local currency losing value. So the government is in the process of fixing this mess. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Chiwenga said.
“We have warned you and we are going to make sure that you won’t come out of jail if arrested. We are going to introduce hefty measures. So people, please help us catch those wrongdoers who are dragging us behind.”
Recently, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe blamed the widening exchange rate premiums on the alternative market which it said was stoking inflation and price increases since July last year.
Chiwenga said the country would not adopt the use foreign currency in the future.
“Using other currencies brings nothing, but poverty. The use of United States dollars is devaluing our local currency.
“The use of US dollars came after the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the likes of (Tendai) Biti (former Finance minister) wanted to use foreign currency. We do not want foreign currency, we want our Zimbabwean dollar,” he said.
Chiwenga, a former army general, reiterated that Zanu PF would continue to rule and that the nation will be developed without reliance on foreign aid.
Marondera town had a massive facelift ahead of the rally, with roads rehabilitated, among other infrastructure in anticipation of Mnangagwa’s visit.
Three constituencies and 10 wards are vacant due to deaths or recalls of MPs and councillors.

• Newsday

By- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa Sunday addressed thousands of his party supporters at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare, who defied police restrictions and marched to the venue after the law enforcement agents barred them from using buses.

Police mounted several roadblocks leading to Highfield with some car queues stretching for more than 5km, especially on roads from Chitungwiza.
Police were not allowing vehicles with more than three passengers to pass through the checkpoints.
This forced CCC supporters to walk long distances to the rally. Some of the supporters claimed that they walked from Ruwa, Glen View and other suburbs in Harare.
In his address, Chamisa said CCC had tasked some “experts” to analyse the voters roll, which exposed anomalies.
He said some of the anomalies included creation of additional polling stations and moving people from polling stations without their consent.
Chamisa said the party would engage in protests until the electoral body adhered to its mandate as stipulated in the Constitution.
Nelson Chamisa, his wife and Lynette Kore
“We commissioned experts to analyse the voters roll. I had been tipped off by some senior government officials that the document was being tampered with. We have infiltrators in government departments — we have infiltrated all government departments,” Chamisa said.
“We will not let Zec get away with its manipulation. Starting with this by-election, if Zec does not address these anomalies, it will not be well. There will be instability in the country. On the issue of voter manipulation, do not panic. We have strategies.
The first strategy is to ensure that Zec policies are compatible with the Constitution. If they don’t heed our demands, then we will take legal remedies. But we know that the courts may not be able to deliver justice fairly. We have our own solution. We will go to the streets. We will protest against Zec.”
Last Thursday, Zec disowned the voters roll that is being analysed by civic society organisations and suspended some of its employees for allegedly leaking a copy of the national voters roll and sharing the “tampered” document with an unnamed stakeholder.
Chamisa also encouraged teachers to continue fighting for their rights, demanding better salaries. He promised that his “government-in-waiting” would improve their conditions of service when it assumes power.
Teachers have been on strike since schools reopened two weeks ago, demanding better salaries.
In response, the government said it would fire teachers who would not have reported for work by tomorrow and replace them with college graduates.
“Teachers are wallowing in poverty. Civil servants have become poor. Teachers have made their demands clear. They want their Mugabe (the late former President Robert) era dignity to be restored. What is happening now? Teachers are being victimised, they are being abused, and they are being fired and accused of being aligned to Chamisa,” the CCC leader said.
CCC by-election campaign launch at Highfields Zimbabwe Grounds, Harare
“I am not the poverty. They want better salaries. Teachers — don’t be intimidated. Fight for your rights, for the meantime, but when we are in power, we will restore the dignity you had during Mugabe’s era. A teacher is the foundation of the development of the country. A teacher is the guardian of the destiny of any nation. A teacher is the compass of civilisation. All civil servants, the army, police and the central intelligence know that if this government has failed you, then you have to replace it with a capable government.”
The youthful leader told his supporters that CCC was a new political outfit, which had not yet elected its executive as consultations with the “people” were underway.
Speaking at the same event, former Zanu PF youth leader Godfrey Tsenengamu said he was rallying behind Chamisa’s promise to turn around the economy.
Tsenenagmu, now leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe, said: “I was there (in Zanu PF). I rose through the ranks up to the central committee. I am one person who supported the removal of Mugabe, hoping that he (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) would turn things around. Some people thought that he (Mnangagwa) meant change and we supported him, but we realised that there is no change. We thought looting (which took place) under Mugabe would end, but it has become worse. I am here because I support gatherings where issues of development are being discussed. We may have different ideologies, but something for sure is that you (Chamisa) are a force to reckon with.”
During the rally, journalists failed to livestream the proceedings amid claims that there was deliberate slowing down of internet services to stop the CCC rally from being publicised on social media.
An international watchdog that monitors cyber-security and the governance of the internet, Netblocks reported that there was a significant slowing of internet services for many users in Zimbabwe as CCC held its rally, which impacted multiple operators and prevented livestreaming from the rally.
Netblocks said metrics were consistent with the “slowing, or throttling of services”, but could not conclusively identify the cause of network disruption.
“Confirmed metrics indicate that internet service is degraded for many users in Zimbabwe; the incident is likely to limit livestreaming and access to online content as #YellowSunday opposition rallies are held at Highfield, Harare,” the watchdog said on Twitter. Newsday

By-Zanu PF recently sent a delegation to Lusaka, Zambia, led by Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu in an attempt to improve diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).

This comes after main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, who is reported to be close to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s ruling UPND, launched a new party, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC).

The NewsHawks reported sources on both sides of the Zambezi River as saying the Zanu PF delegation visited Lusaka this week.

The delegation included the party’s secretary for foreign affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa.

Part of the agenda of the meeting included formal party-to-party introductions; developing a fraternal relationship between the two parties which never existed and opening new lines of communication for engagement, among items. 

A source told The NewsHawks:

There were many issues that arose during the meeting that Zanu PF sought. However, for Zanu PF the bottom line was sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs – a Mugabeist philosophy and mindset that still lingers on, while also isolating the CCC in. the process.

For the UPND, it was the issues that Hichilema campaigned on that mattered the most: Democracy, good governance, anti-corruption and economic reform, as well human right and change.

That is why in the end, there was no meeting of minds. Both parties hold mutual contempt for each other, hence worlds apart.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF are reportedly worried Hichilema would snub them and support Nelson Chamisa’s CCC.

Zanu is worried Hichilema will become part of a network in the region that may support change in the region and fund the opposition, including the CCC.

Hichilema campaigned on the ticket of democracy, good governance, anti-corruption and reform – values and issues the Zanu PF-led government detests.

More: The NewsHawks

Tinashe Sambiri|Rising contemporary musician Ricky Fire has received threats from suspected State security agents following his open allegiance to Citizens’ Coalition For Change.

Ricky Fire thrilled thousands of CCC supporters at President Nelson Chamisa’s rally in Harare on Sunday.

“Ricky Fire, the Zimbabwean artist who has come out in full support of people’s suffering and performed at today’s #CCC star rally receives threats from what appears to be state security agents,” CCC said in a statement.

CCC vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala also challenged State agents to stop tormenting Ricky Fire.

“Stop threatening Ricky Fire.
It won’t end well !!!”

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not own the country .

Mr Mnangagwa has claimed the opposition will never rule.

However, President Chamisa has pointed out that the Zanu PF leader is not God and he will not remain in office forever.

Addressing thousands of Citizens’ Coalition For Change supporters at Zimbabwe Grounds on Sunday, President Chamisa said :

I am going to lead the nation whether you like it or not, you cannot stop the power of the people.

You say what happened in Zambia cannot happen here in Zimbabwe why then did you travel to Zambia?

You will not rule forever, you are not a super human being.”

President Chamisa added:
“In the new Zimbabwe there is no room for police brutality. We will not allow police officers to brutalize citizens . We will do away with unnecessary roadblocks- We will introduce digital policing…”

By A Correspondent- The government is on a collision course with human rights groups and its workers after saying its unvaccinated workers would not receive salaries.

Last week, Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe in communiqué said:  “In line with section 3(a)(i) and (ii) of Statutory Instrument 234 of 2021, members not vaccinated should be barred from the workplace and should not be paid while they are barred. Any member that is not fully vaccinated without a reasonable excuse shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings.”

However, civil servants’ unions yesterday said Zimbabwe had no laws that compel people to undergo compulsory vaccinations.

“Government has an obligation to respect the rights of its workers,” Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) president Enock Dongo told NewsDay.

“We actually encourage members to get vaccinated because of the many advantages which include reducing new infections, hospitalisations and deaths. But we are also saying some have genuine reasons why they don’t want to be vaccinated and they must not be forced.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said: “As much as we encourage our members to be vaccinated, we are against any mandatory vaccination. The government must invest in incentives for vaccination.”

PTUZ secretary for health Nyaradzo Munjodzi added: “While we encourage people to be vaccinated, we have always said compelling people to do so is violation of individual rights.”

The World Health Organisation has said mandatory vaccination should only be considered after all measures to encourage voluntary inoculation had failed.

By A Correspondent- Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday threatened black market money traders with long jail terms and declared that the country will not redollarise despite a sharp weakening of the Zimdollar.

Addressing a Zanu-PF rally in Marondera yesterday where most attendees were bussed to the venue, Chiwenga said black market trade was fuelling spikes in prices of basic goods and services.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa failed to attend the rally at Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium despite being advertised as the star of the rally.

More than 100 buses were used to transport supporters to Marondera, despite the police barring the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party from doing the same at its Highfield rally which took place yesterday as well.

Only politburo members from the province attended the rally.

The few party bigwigs, who attended Chiwenga’s rally, were political commissar Mike Bimha, Patrick Chinamasa (secretary for finance) and Sydney Sekeramayi.

In his address, Chiwenga said the government was trying to fix the black market which he said had destabilised the economy.

“The black market has led to price hikes. We can’t afford our daily needs. It has also led to our local currency losing value. So the government is in the process of fixing this mess. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” Chiwenga said.

We have warned you and we are going to make sure that you won’t come out of jail if arrested. We are going to introduce hefty measures. So people, please help us catch those wrongdoers who are dragging us behind.”

Recently, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe blamed the widening exchange rate premiums on the alternative market which it said was stoking inflation and price increases since July last year.

Chiwenga said the country would not adopt the use foreign currency in the future.

“Using other currencies brings nothing, but poverty. The use of United States dollars is devaluing our local currency.

“The use of US dollars came after the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and the likes of (Tendai) Biti (former Finance minister) wanted to use foreign currency. We do not want foreign currency, we want our Zimbabwean dollar,” he said.

Chiwenga, a former army general, reiterated that Zanu-PF would continue to rule and that the nation will be developed without reliance on foreign aid.

Marondera town had a massive facelift ahead of the rally, with roads rehabilitated, among other infrastructure in anticipation of Mnangagwa’s visit.

Three constituencies and 10 wards are vacant due to deaths or recalls of MPs and councillors.-newsday

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance president Douglas Mwonzora has revealed that talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party to form a government of national unity (GNU) were at an advanced stage.

Mwonzora made the remarks at his weekend rally at Pelandaba Hall in Bulawayo, adding that he would not seek to be prime minister (PM) in the proposed GNU.

“I presented Mnangagwa with a letter with 21 points spelling out the kind of Zimbabwe that we want as a party.  Very soon, there shall be talks of dialogue. I went back to meet him in January, as MDC-T.  I am not involved in these talks so that I become PM, or that some of our MPs can become ministers, but we want to bring peace and prosperity to the country,” Mwonzora said.

“All conflicts that have bedevilled the country in the past have been resolved through dialogue like the talks that culminated in a GNU.”

Mwonzora told his supporters that he regretted the split between him and his former deputy, Thokozani Khupe, who has now declared herself the MDC-T leader.

MDC Alliance national chairperson Morgen Komichi said the last battle for the party after winning several court cases against the then MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa would be to win the 2023 elections.

Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni and Nketa Emganwini MP Phelela Masuku, who is now the provincial chairperson of the party, as well as other MPs belonging to Mwonzora’s party attended the event.

The party fielded eight candidates for council seats who will contest in the March 26 by-elections.

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— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) February 21, 2022

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The DOT will become an emblem of defiance going forward. Thank you @drjaytee87 for this genius idea!

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By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has urged its members to return to work tomorrow ahead of a government deadline for them to stop their job action or risk being fired, but other unions resolved to soldier on until their salary demands were met.

Government said it planned to replace teachers who fail to report for duty with college graduates.

Zimta president Richard Gundani said his union, the largest with about 42 000 members, had resolved to return to work to protect the education sector.

“Incapacitation is not an imagined situation, incapacitation is not a strike, and it is a real situation which comes about with a cause, which is the salary. As a result, absenteeism becomes the order of the day. We have lessons to take away from the situation which is to say education is the loser and the learners are the losers. As we agree to go back to work from February 22, we are protecting professionalism.

We are committed educators and we respect this noble profession, and that is why we are educators. We have committed ourselves that the best foot forward is to engage in constructive engagement and social dialogue with the government so that any industrial conflict is ultimately resolved,” Gundani said.

But other unions have vowed that their members will not report for work despite the threat of dismissal.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou criticised Zimta, saying it has weakened the teachers’ struggle to fight for better pay.

“That agreement has ultimately affected the teachers. It is better to make decisions based on teachers that are in schools that are suffering and not necessarily on the feelings of leaders. The decision has put teachers in a quandary because we need to be united. It would be difficult to continue the war as a divided device. There is always need for unity in order to achieve maximum benefits from the employer rather than from a divided position,” Zhou said.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure said: “The union aristocrats at Zimta have always been keen to frog-march teachers back to the classroom. The rank and file teachers are consistent that only US$540 will take them to the classroom. Teachers have to decide whether to follow the instruction from leaders who are divorced from the lived realities of teachers, or they continue with the fight for a living wage.”

Last week, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister Lovemore Matuke told Parliament that the government had addressed their grievances after awarding public workers a 20% salary adjustment and US$100 cash which will be deducted from their local currency salary component.

“I think we should thank the government for providing such a good reward. I do not think going forward we will get teachers complaining, but as our economy improves, I think we will still revert to our Zimbabwe dollar 100%,” Matuke said.

By A Correspondent- The Supreme Court has blocked the government from seizing self-exiled former Cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo’s Patterson Farm in Mazowe, in a ruling that stated that the State should not interfere with operations at the property.

The late Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Settlement minister Perrance Shiri in 2019 withdrew Moyo’s offer letter, claiming that the farm was under-utilised. Barclos Mujuru had taken occupation of the farm since October 2020.

Moyo, through his lawyer Chris Mhike, said they were expecting the order to be effected by the sheriff soon.

“We expect service of the document to be effected by the sheriff in the coming days. It is our expectation that the Supreme Court directive will be duly fully complied with by the respondents.” Mhike told NewsDay yesterday.

Moyo, who co-owns the farm with his wife Beatrice, challenged the seizure and accused the Zanu-PF government of systematically grabbing his property and others owned by the G40 cabal.

He also alleged that the government grabbed his 623-hectare farm to “fix” him after he recently published the “hard-hitting” book Excelgate chronicling how President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF rigged the July 30, 2018 general elections.

The Supreme Court last Monday, however, granted an interim order in favour of Moyo stating that: “Until a final decision relating to the rights of the parties can be made by this court under case number HC290/20, or the return date of this application, whichever happens sooner, the state of occupation by applicants in respect of the remainder of Patterson Farm in Mazowe shall not be interfered with by the respondents, its employees or assignees.”

In court papers, Moyo said he was served with a withdrawal of his offer letter as he prepared for the 2019/20 farming season.

Moyo, who went into exile following the then President Robert Mugabe’s ouster in November 2017, said the withdrawal of the offer letter by Shiri was politically motivated.

Moyo said he acquired the farm from the State through a transparent process and government had not paid him back the money he paid in terms of the agreement entered into by the parties.

He also said he was not given an opportunity to respond to Shiri after the Lands minister informed him that his offer letter ha been withdrawn.

In his application, Moyo indicated that he was willing to downsize the farm for other beneficiaries.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has boldly claimed he will be Zimbabwe’s next president, saying Zanu-PF leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has no chance of winning next year’s presidential election.

He said this in his address to multitudes of CCC supporters at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare, who defied police restrictions and marched to the venue after the law enforcement agents barred them from using buses and mounted roadblocks on all major roads.

Chamisa also took a swipe at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) saying his party will wage a sustained war against the electoral body until it addresses allegations of manipulating the voters roll and alleged mismanagement of elections.

“I am going to govern this country whether you like it or not, you saw change happening in Zambia and it is going to happen here,” Chamisa declared.

Chamisa said CCC had tasked some “experts” to analyse the voters roll, which exposed anomalies.

He said some of the anomalies included creation of additional polling stations and moving people from polling stations without their consent.

Chamisa said the party would engage in protests until the electoral body adhered to its mandate as stipulated in the Constitution.

“We commissioned experts to analyse the voters roll. I had been tipped off by some senior government officials that the document was being tampered with.  We have infiltrators in government departments — we have infiltrated all government departments,” Chamisa said.

“We will not let Zec get away with its manipulation. Starting with this by-election, if Zec does not address these anomalies, it will not be well.  There will be instability in the country. On the issue of voter manipulation, do not panic. We have strategies.

“The first strategy is to ensure that Zec policies are compatible with the Constitution. If they don’t heed our demands, then we will take legal remedies. But we know that the courts may not be able to deliver justice fairly. We have our own solution. We will go to the streets. We will protest against Zec.”

Last Thursday, Zec disowned the voters roll that is being analysed by civic society organisations and suspended some of its employees for allegedly leaking a copy of the national voters roll and sharing the “tampered” document with an unnamed stakeholder.

Chamisa also encouraged teachers to continue fighting for their rights, demanding better salaries. He promised that his “government-in-waiting” would improve their conditions of service when it assumes power.

Teachers have been on strike since schools reopened two weeks ago, demanding better salaries.

In response, the government said it would fire teachers who would not have reported for work by tomorrow and replace them with college graduates.

“Teachers are wallowing in poverty. Civil servants have become poor. Teachers have made their demands clear. They want their Mugabe (the late former President Robert) era dignity to be restored. What is happening now? Teachers are being victimised, they are being abused, and they are being fired and accused of being aligned to Chamisa,” the CCC leader said.

CCC by-election campaign launch at Highfields Zimbabwe Grounds, Harare

“I am not the poverty.  They want better salaries. Teachers — don’t be intimidated. Fight for your rights, for the meantime, but when we are in power, we will restore the dignity you had during Mugabe’s era. A teacher is the foundation of the development of the country. A teacher is the guardian of the destiny of any nation.

A teacher is the compass of civilisation. All civil servants, the army, police and the central intelligence know that if this government has failed you, then you have to replace it with a capable government.”

The youthful leader told his supporters that CCC was a new political outfit, which had not yet elected its executive as consultations with the “people” were underway.

Speaking at the same event, former Zanu-PF youth leader Godfrey Tsenengamu said he was rallying behind Chamisa’s promise to turn around the economy.

Tsenenagmu, now leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe, said: “I was there (in Zanu-PF). I rose through the ranks up to the central committee. I am one person who supported the removal of Mugabe, hoping that he (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) would turn things around.

Some people thought that he (Mnangagwa) meant change and we supported him, but we realised that there is no change. We thought looting (which took place) under Mugabe would end, but it has become worse. I am here because I support gatherings where issues of development are being discussed. We may have different ideologies, but something for sure is that you (Chamisa) are a force to reckon with.”

By A Correspondent- Police have raised concern over an increase of rape cases countrywide where women and girls are being sexually abused by known relatives, friends and landlords.

Police also urged members of the public to desist leaving the girl child in the custody with strangers.

In their Twitter page, police said a number of rape cases from different parts of the country were trickling in where brothers, uncles, grandfathers, landlords and cousin brothers are cited as suspects.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police encourages parents and guardians not to leave their children with strangers, especially girls” read the statement.

“On February 10 an infant aged five was raped by her grandfather along the way to the garden at Janke Village, Lupane, and Matabeleland North. In another case, a 16-year-old girl was raped in her bedroom by her grandfather (45) on February 12 at Mashaba Village, Guyu in Gwanda, Matabeleland South,” said police.

“On Valentine’s Day, a 14 year old juvenile was raped by her landlord (42) in Pumula Old in Bulawayo. In another case, a mentally challenged juvenile aged 13 was raped by her brother on an unknown date in 2021 at Cheumba Village in Hwange.”

Police said members   of the public must quickly report cases of rape and not try to sweep such matter under the carpet.

Last week, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said serial rapists are on the prowl in Bulawayo, targeting teenage girls who have relatives in the diaspora.

The rapists allegedly ask the girls to accompany them to collect groceries and, on the way, they rape their victims

He said there are rapists who are on the loose, luring teenagers under the pretext that they should accompany them to collect parcels sent by their relatives from South Africa.

“Police in Bulawayo are investigating two cases of rape which occurred in Gwabalanda and Luveve on the 12th of February 2022. The complainants are a female adult aged 18 years of Njube suburb, Bulawayo and a female juvenile aged 15 years of Old Pumula, Bulawayo,” said Insp Ncube.

“We appeal to members of the public to assist with information which may lead to the arrest of the accused persons.”

Statistics from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission show that 22 women are raped daily, one in every 75 minutes.

On average, 646 women are sexually abused monthly, with one in three girls raped or sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18 in Zimbabwe.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has introduced new Zimbabwe General Certificates of Education (ZGCE) certificates at Ordinary and Advanced levels that have advanced security features to reduce fraudulent qualifications.

Zimsec said the new certificates will be rolled out before the end of this month, with the issuance of the November 2020 public examinations results certificates. The council said certificates issued before 2020 remain valid both locally and internationally.

“Zimsec would like to inform its valued stakeholders of the introduction of ZGCE certificates at Ordinary and Advanced levels. The first batch of the new certificates has been rolled out this month with the issuance of the November 2020 certificates,” reads the statement.

“The introduction of the new ZGCE certificates is an important and progressive move in line with global assessment trends. This will improve the security and safeguard the integrity of the certificates and qualifications through the new advanced security features which have been included. Notwithstanding, all Zimsec certificates issued prior to 2020 remain valid for use both local and internationally.”

Zimsec also said it offers a facility where certificates can be verified for authenticity to curb the use of fraudulent qualifications.

The service is offered to private and public institutions/ corporations, educational institutions, embassies and regional and international qualifications authorities.

According to Zimsec, certificates are issued for subjects in which candidates achieve grade E or better and it cannot combine grades obtained from various sittings into a single certificate.

“Candidates are advised to laminate certificates for protection against natural elements such as weather and against fraud. When a certificate is lost, Zimsec does not issue a duplicate certificate but can provide a certifying statement of results for a fee,” Zimsec said in a separate statement on its website.

“A prospective employer or tertiary institution can request for a confirmation of results for a specific person from Zimsec. Certifying statements and confirmation letters do not accommodate any subsequent name changes by individuals. Certificates tampered with, such as those altered by pen or computer, are nullified by Zimsec without replacement.”-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged parents and guardians not to leave their children with strangers, especially girls.

This comes after a 12 year old juvenile was allegedly raped by a herdboy at Gohole Village, Chief Nyangazonke, Maphisa on Thursday.

The victim had been left home with the suspect as the aunt went to the fields.

Police have since arrested the suspect and he is expected to appear in court soon.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has urged teachers not to be intimidated by the Government for asking for a living wage.

Last week, the Zimbabwe Public Service Commission (PSC) gave all teachers, deputy heads and heads of schools who are on strike to report for duty by Tuesday 22 February 2022 or be deemed to have resigned from the service.

Thousands of teachers have not reported for duty since schools reopened on 7 February, demanding the restoration of the pre-October 2018 salaries.

Addressing thousands of CCC supporters who braved the high daytime temperatures to throng the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare this Sunday, Chamisa said he will restore teachers’ salaries if voted into office. He said:

I know that teachers are suffering, workers are suffering. Teachers are not asking for much, they are just asking government to pay it the same amount they got under (late President Robert) Mugabe, under then finance minister Tendi Biti but they are now being beaten, threatened, they are now being fired and accused of being sent by Chamisa.

If people get hungry they have every right to ask for food. Teachers go ahead and get angry, do not be intimidated.

The moment we get into governance we will pay you what you were being paid by Mugabe or more because teachers are the backbone of a nation.

Chamisa, a 44-year-old lawyer and pastor, formed CCC in January, making a break from the country’s longtime opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

His maiden rally as CCC leader attracted thousands of people despite police mounting roadblocks on major roads leading to the venue.

By A Correspondent- A suspected fraudster hacked an Econet Wireless mobile number and used it to gain access to several WhatsApp groups where he purported to be exchanging Zimbabwe dollars for US dollars at a favourable rate.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said several relatives of the victim of the hacker responded positively to the message and in no time they had deposited $2 580 000 into three ZB Bank accounts.

In a post on their Twitter page, ZRP said when one of the victims tried to call the number, it was not being answered, prompting him to alert the bank to freeze the account.

The police did not indicate if the money was withdrawn from the accounts or identify the individual in whose name the accounts were opened.

Police said:

The ZRP is investigating a case of fraud where an unknown suspect hacked mobile number 0772967506 on 16/02/22 and accessed some WhatsApp groups where he advertised for an exchange of RTGS transfer for USD currencies.

Several family members responded positively and $2 580 000 was deposited into ZB Bank account numbers 4506676529200, 4506301678200 and 4528281444200.

After depositing the money, one of the victims tried to call the number and it was not being answered prompting him to alert the bank and freeze the mentioned account numbers.

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora continues to attract little figures after an estimated 300 people turned up for his Bulawayo rally Saturday.

The rally was held at Phelendaba Hall in Bulawayo.

It was rally was the first one in the city since his ascendency to the MDC-T leadership in December 2020.

Mwonzora was in the second largest city to drum up support for his candidates ahead of the March 26 by-elections.

Addressing his supporters, the former MDC-T Secretary General reiterated his desire to dialogue with Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move which he said is the only solution to suffering Zimbabweans.

“Very soon we will be starting the issue of dialogue. We are going for dialogue, not to become ministers, but to fix the country’s problems. Our discussion points are that in Zimbabwe there should be everlasting peace,” Mwonzora said.

“The blood that was shed of our people is enough and we say enough is enough. We don’t want again here in Zimbabwe, to have one beating another or kill another over politics. This is exactly what is on our agenda for dialogue,” he said.

He described himself as one of the bravest person and country for approaching Mnangagwa for the dialogue.

“When I left the State House many accused me of being a sellout, but I said no I didn’t. But the problem is that you are scared of Mnangagwa, you only resort to insulting him on twitter, Facebook and Whats App where he can’t see you. But myself, I went to see him face to face. I am never afraid, so I should be praised for that,” boasted Mwonzora.

Commenting the break -away of her Deputy Thokozani Khupe who formed her own splinter party Mwonzora said he had tried everything to unite the leadership after the party’s  extra ordinary congress.

“When I won the elections, I tried to unity the party by embracing all my contestants. I said Dr Khupe you should remain as vice president. I appointed Ellias Mudzuri as the second vice president and said to baba Morgan Komichi you should continue with your chairmanship,” he said.

“I was surprised on January 21 when a press conference was held saying they have split the party because the president has said he has joined the alliance. We then sat as national council and we said as MDC, our constitution does not have a split. And also there is no one who can become a president without going through congress, so if someone calls herself a president, they have left the party,” he added.

“It’s never something that we wanted, we wanted a united party, but as the president what could I have done. So, I am sorry that this had to happen. But what consoled me is that Bulawayo province wrote a letter saying they were not in agreement with what had happened, they said they didn’t want a split, as did all other provinces.”

By- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa Sunday addressed thousands of his party supporters at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare, who defied police restrictions and marched to the venue after the law enforcement agents barred them from using buses.

Police mounted several roadblocks leading to Highfield with some car queues stretching for more than 5km, especially on roads from Chitungwiza.
Police were not allowing vehicles with more than three passengers to pass through the checkpoints.
This forced CCC supporters to walk long distances to the rally. Some of the supporters claimed that they walked from Ruwa, Glen View and other suburbs in Harare.
In his address, Chamisa said CCC had tasked some “experts” to analyse the voters roll, which exposed anomalies.
He said some of the anomalies included creation of additional polling stations and moving people from polling stations without their consent.
Chamisa said the party would engage in protests until the electoral body adhered to its mandate as stipulated in the Constitution.
Nelson Chamisa, his wife and Lynette Kore
“We commissioned experts to analyse the voters roll. I had been tipped off by some senior government officials that the document was being tampered with. We have infiltrators in government departments — we have infiltrated all government departments,” Chamisa said.
“We will not let Zec get away with its manipulation. Starting with this by-election, if Zec does not address these anomalies, it will not be well. There will be instability in the country. On the issue of voter manipulation, do not panic. We have strategies.
The first strategy is to ensure that Zec policies are compatible with the Constitution. If they don’t heed our demands, then we will take legal remedies. But we know that the courts may not be able to deliver justice fairly. We have our own solution. We will go to the streets. We will protest against Zec.”
Last Thursday, Zec disowned the voters roll that is being analysed by civic society organisations and suspended some of its employees for allegedly leaking a copy of the national voters roll and sharing the “tampered” document with an unnamed stakeholder.
Chamisa also encouraged teachers to continue fighting for their rights, demanding better salaries. He promised that his “government-in-waiting” would improve their conditions of service when it assumes power.
Teachers have been on strike since schools reopened two weeks ago, demanding better salaries.
In response, the government said it would fire teachers who would not have reported for work by tomorrow and replace them with college graduates.
“Teachers are wallowing in poverty. Civil servants have become poor. Teachers have made their demands clear. They want their Mugabe (the late former President Robert) era dignity to be restored. What is happening now? Teachers are being victimised, they are being abused, and they are being fired and accused of being aligned to Chamisa,” the CCC leader said.
CCC by-election campaign launch at Highfields Zimbabwe Grounds, Harare
“I am not the poverty. They want better salaries. Teachers — don’t be intimidated. Fight for your rights, for the meantime, but when we are in power, we will restore the dignity you had during Mugabe’s era. A teacher is the foundation of the development of the country. A teacher is the guardian of the destiny of any nation. A teacher is the compass of civilisation. All civil servants, the army, police and the central intelligence know that if this government has failed you, then you have to replace it with a capable government.”
The youthful leader told his supporters that CCC was a new political outfit, which had not yet elected its executive as consultations with the “people” were underway.
Speaking at the same event, former Zanu PF youth leader Godfrey Tsenengamu said he was rallying behind Chamisa’s promise to turn around the economy.
Tsenenagmu, now leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe, said: “I was there (in Zanu PF). I rose through the ranks up to the central committee. I am one person who supported the removal of Mugabe, hoping that he (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) would turn things around. Some people thought that he (Mnangagwa) meant change and we supported him, but we realised that there is no change. We thought looting (which took place) under Mugabe would end, but it has become worse. I am here because I support gatherings where issues of development are being discussed. We may have different ideologies, but something for sure is that you (Chamisa) are a force to reckon with.”
During the rally, journalists failed to livestream the proceedings amid claims that there was deliberate slowing down of internet services to stop the CCC rally from being publicised on social media.
An international watchdog that monitors cyber-security and the governance of the internet, Netblocks reported that there was a significant slowing of internet services for many users in Zimbabwe as CCC held its rally, which impacted multiple operators and prevented livestreaming from the rally.
Netblocks said metrics were consistent with the “slowing, or throttling of services”, but could not conclusively identify the cause of network disruption.
“Confirmed metrics indicate that internet service is degraded for many users in Zimbabwe; the incident is likely to limit livestreaming and access to online content as #YellowSunday opposition rallies are held at Highfield, Harare,” the watchdog said on Twitter. Newsday

By-MDC, president Douglas Mwonzora has said that talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party to form a government of national unity (GNU) were at an advanced stage.

Mwonzora made the remarks at his weekend rally at Pelandaba Hall in Bulawayo, adding that he would not seek to be prime minister (PM) in the proposed GNU.

“I presented Mnangagwa with a letter with 21 points spelling out the kind of Zimbabwe that we want as a party. Very soon, there shall be talks of dialogue. I went back to meet him in January, as MDC-T. I am not involved in these talks so that I become PM, or that some of our MPs can become ministers, but we want to bring peace and prosperity to the country,” Mwonzora said.
“All conflicts that have bedevilled the country in the past have been resolved through dialogue like the talks that culminated in a GNU.”
Mwonzora told his supporters that he regretted the split between him and his former deputy, Thokozani Khupe, who has now declared herself the MDC-T leader.
MDC Alliance national chairperson Morgen Komichi said the last battle for the party after winning several court cases against the then MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa would be to win the 2023 elections.
Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni and Nketa Emganwini MP Phelela Masuku, who is now the provincial chairperson of the party, as well as other MPs belonging to Mwonzora’s party attended the event.
The party fielded eight candidates for council seats who will contest in the March 26 by-elections.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Former Zanu PF youth league national political commissar and leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ) leader Godfrey Tsenengamu on Sunday addressed the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rally at Zimbabwe Grounds, Highfields, Harare.

Tsenengamu at the rally said that his party would work with like-minded opposition political parties in Zimbabwe to attain democratic change.

The former Zanu PF youth league national political commissar castigated President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for alleged corruption.

Tsenengamu said Zanu PF leaders were stealing public resources as if the world was coming to an end.

… I am not involved in these talks so that I become PM, or that some of our MPs can become ministers, but we want to bring peace and prosperity to the country…

Faced with a looming defeat at the upcoming polls, Douglas Mwonzora has announced he is calling for a government of national unity.

The MDC-T leader has revealed that talks between ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party to form a government of national unity (GNU) were at an advanced stage.

Mwonzora made the remarks at his weekend rally at Pelandaba Hall in Bulawayo, adding that he would not seek to be prime minister (PM) in the proposed GNU.

“I presented Mnangagwa with a letter with 21 points spelling out the kind of Zimbabwe that we want as a party. Very soon, there shall be talks of dialogue. I went back to meet him in January, as MDC-T. I am not involved in these talks so that I become PM, or that some of our MPs can become ministers, but we want to bring peace and prosperity to the country,” Mwonzora said.

“All conflicts that have bedevilled the country in the past have been resolved through dialogue like the talks that culminated in a GNU.”

Mwonzora told his supporters that he regretted the split between him and his former deputy, Thokozani Khupe, who has now declared herself the MDC-T leader.

MDC Alliance national chairperson Morgen Komichi said the last battle for the party after winning several court cases against the then MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa would be to win the 2023 elections.

Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni and Nketa Emganwini MP Phelela Masuku, who is now the provincial chairperson of the party, as well as other MPs belonging to Mwonzora’s party attended the event.

The party fielded eight candidates for council seats who will contest in the March 26 by-elections. -Newsday

Watch: Thousands Attend President Chamisa Rally At Zimbabwe Grounds

Watch: Thousands Attend President Chamisa Rally At Zimbabwe Grounds

Tinashe Sambiri|Overzealous police details on Saturday arrested 80 Citizens’ Coalition For Change(CCC) members in the ancient city of Masvingo.

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

“More than 80 members who include ward 4 candidate Aleck Tabe, former Masvingo Central Mp Jeffryson Chitando and ward 7 candidate Richard Musekiwa were arrested for conducting a door -to -door campaign programme.

Aysha Nemadziwa was arrested with her one-year old baby.

The cops were armed with AK 47 assault rifles.

Our members were charged with obstructing flow of traffic,” CCC said in a statement.

The arrested members were fined RTGS $ 2000 each.

The original Crocodile Gang leader William Ndangana’s secretary, Patience Olivier went totally yellow on Sunday in support of CCC President Nelson Chamisa, just as the latter held his star rally back in Harare.

The Crocodile gang is the group that fought in the liberation struggle and helped give birth to Zimbabwe at the end of the 16 year war.

| PICTURE BELOW

Come back home @DMwonzora Julie tells the senator. This project belong to the people, you won't succeed Mwonzora, she adds
IS SHE TELLING THE TRUTH? pic.twitter.com/WupnAWsaHe

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 20, 2022

Watch: Thousands Attend President Chamisa Rally At Zimbabwe Grounds

By A Correspondent- Network data from Netblocks has confirmed slow internet service likely linked to the ongoing Nelson Chamisa’s CCC rally at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfields Harare.

We post below an article from Netblocks:

“Network data from NetBlocks confirm a significant slowing of internet service for many users in Zimbabwe on Sunday 20 February 2022, as a major political opposition rally is held in Harare. The incident impacts multiple operators and has prevented live streaming from the Yellow Sunday demonstration, which seeks to unseat the ZANU–PF ruling party.

⚠️ Confirmed: Metrics indicate that internet service is degraded for many users in #Zimbabwe; the incident is likely to limit live streaming and access to online content as #YellowSunday opposition rallies are held at Highfields, Harare ?

? Report: https://t.co/IQi02uCj5f pic.twitter.com/zcGTxKn8EG

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 20, 2022

A 20 year old Mutare man drowned in a swimming pool on Saturday, over a week ago, during a birthday party held at a rented Weirmouth property.

Ralf Fungai Getsi Murera’s relatives suspect foul play in his death as the people who were with him just before his death are not speaking about what really transpired.

The party was a joint birthday bash for the Munongwa twin brothers that was held at Plot Number 40, Weirmouth.

Murera was among the invited guests at the poolside party where DJs 37 OFF, Zintronix and Stavoe were entertaining the guests.

Ezra Kurewa (17), who saw Murera diving into the swimming pool said he expected that he would resurface safely.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said police have so far gathered that Murera was drunk when he jumped into the pool and drowned. He said:

Takudzwa Munongwa (20) and his twin brother, Tinotenda, held a birthday pool party last Saturday.

They invited several guests, including the now deceased. At the party, Murera and other guests were drinking beer and swimming in the shallow part of the swimming pool.

At around midday, Murera jumped to the deeper part of the swimming pool and drowned. He was retrieved by Metro Hondo (21) who was among the guests.

First aid was rendered on Murera. Wellington Maradza (21) volunteered to ferry Murera to Dangamvura Polyclinic using his motor vehicle.

Upon arrival at the clinic, Murera was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where he received treatment and later died around 6 pm.

The owner of the house, 85-year-old Tracy Makoni told police detectives that the twins asked her to use her home for the party and she consented.

However, Murera’s brother, Reuben, has refused to rule out foul play in the death. He said:

It is painful my brother. We are at a loss for words as a family. He was a fine young man who was peaceful and loving. There are issues that are not clear.

We are not pointing fingers at anyone, but we are not sure why people who were said to have picked him and took him to the hospital are not opening up on what exactly happened just before he breathed his last.

It is suspicious as people who saw him dying are not forthcoming to shed more light on what really transpired.

I learnt that he was rushed to the hospital by three people. At least if these people open up, we will understand what really happened.

It is depressing that none of the people who were present at the pool party is willing to shed more light on what happened.

We are hearing that he was naked when he was taken to the hospital. All we have now is just hearsay.

We suspect foul play. The post mortem is saying the alcohol he consumed may have contributed to his death.

Nothing is being associated with drowning. On Saturday evening, hours after his death, blood was oozing from his mouth. Could that be drowning?- manicapost

PICTURES- #ZanuPF Rally in #Marondera pic.twitter.com/T8lMXp979u

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 20, 2022

Watch – Another video from #CCCrally #Highfields pic.twitter.com/eOjyrnjTk3

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 20, 2022

WATCH- Huge crowds at #CCCrally #Chamisa pic.twitter.com/ST6mD8s2Yp

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 20, 2022

By A Correspondent- A 19 year old Nyanga man recently appeared before Acting Chief Saunyama’s court for dating a married woman, Ruth Manhimanzi, who is aged 21.

The teenager, Peter Mutonhora, of Dumba Village was fined a cow by the chief’s court.

He will, however, perform three months of unpaid work at Mount Melleray Mission Hospital after pleading with the chief for a lesser sentence.

Mutonhora told the traditional court that Manhimanzi had tricked him into believing that she was an unmarried virgin. He said:

I am still young and do not have any cattle. I did not know that she is married. In fact, l thought she was a virgin.

Mutonhora further claimed that he would chat with Mandimanzi from 7 pm to around midnight as he believed that she was single. He said:

She was always available when I wanted to talk to her over the phone. We would talk late at night.

It is rare to find a married woman entertaining other men during those hours.

Because of that, I believed that she was unattached and continued my relationship with her.

Where was this alleged husband when I was talking to her at midnight?

Asked whether he had not noticed that Ruth was heavily pregnant, Mutonhora said he wasn’t aware that she was pregnant. He said:

She looks like a ‘Sweet 16’ to me up to this day.

I was shocked when her husband told me that she is expecting their second child. I wanted to marry her.

However, Manhimanzi told the court that she revealed her marital status to the teenager but he would have none of it. She said:

He wouldn’t let me go and insisted that we would cross the bridge when we get caught.

We have now been caught, so this is the bridge we are crossing.

Manhimanzi’s husband only identified as Raphael (28), said initially he had a dream that revealed his wife’s shenanigans. He told the court:

I told her about my dream and she dismissed it as hogwash. I told her that if indeed it was true, I would catch her in no time.

He said he realised that his wife was always chatting with someone on her phone late into the night. Said, Raphael:

I took her phone and discovered her affair with Mutonhora. I started texting Mutonhora using her phone and he would respond.

I saw a message where they were planning to meet in the bushes. I followed them and caught them in each other’s arms.

Raphael said that during Mutonhora and his wife’s affair, the two had not indulged in sexual intercourse, hence his decision to forgive his wife.

By A Correspondent- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora continues to attract trifling figures after an estimated 300 people turned up for his Bulawayo rally Saturday.

The rally was held at Phelendaba Hall in Bulawayo.

It was rally was the first one in the city since his ascendency to the MDC-T leadership in December 2020.

Mwonzora was in the second largest city to drum up support for his candidates ahead of the March 26 by-elections.

Addressing his supporters, the former MDC-T Secretary General reiterated his desire to dialogue with Zanu-PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move which he said is the only solution to suffering Zimbabweans.

“Very soon we will be starting the issue of dialogue. We are going for dialogue, not to become ministers, but to fix the country’s problems. Our discussion points are that in Zimbabwe there should be everlasting peace,” Mwonzora said.

The blood that was shed of our people is enough and we say enough is enough. We don’t want again here in Zimbabwe, to have one beating another or kill another over politics. This is exactly what is on our agenda for dialogue,” he said.

He described himself as one of the bravest person and country for approaching Mnangagwa for the dialogue.

“When I left the State House many accused me of being a sellout, but I said no I didn’t. But the problem is that you are scared of Mnangagwa, you only resort to insulting him on twitter, Facebook and Whats App where he can’t see you. But myself, I went to see him face to face. I am never afraid, so I should be praised for that,” boasted Mwonzora.

Commenting the break -away of her Deputy Thokozani Khupe who formed her own splinter party Mwonzora said he had tried everything to unite the leadership after the party’s  extra ordinary congress.

“When I won the elections, I tried to unity the party by embracing all my contestants. I said Dr Khupe you should remain as vice president. I appointed Ellias Mudzuri as the second vice president and said to baba Morgan Komichi you should continue with your chairmanship,” he said.

“I was surprised on January 21 when a press conference was held saying they have split the party because the president has said he has joined the alliance. We then sat as national council and we said as MDC, our constitution does not have a split. And also there is no one who can become a president without going through congress, so if someone calls herself a president, they have left the party,” he added.

“It’s never something that we wanted, we wanted a united party, but as the president what could I have done. So, I am sorry that this had to happen. But what consoled me is that Bulawayo province wrote a letter saying they were not in agreement with what had happened, they said they didn’t want a split, as did all other provinces.”

By A Correspondent- Former MDC legislator Blessing Chebundo has launched a scathing attack on the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), saying the opposition political party was a loud-sounding nothing.

Having been part of the opposition, Chebundo says he believes the Mr Nelson Chamisa-led party has nothing to offer to the electorate. Chebundo, who crossed floor to join Zanu-PF last year, said the opposition party had no identity.

“The CCC yellow party has no basis. It is a venture with nothing to offer to the people and no rational person can follow it.

“The yellow party has no constitution and structures and everything is only about Chamisa which reduces it to a one-man project.”

The former Member of Parliament pledged full support to Kwekwe Central Zanu-PF candidate, John Purazi in the 26 March by-elections, adding that Zanu-PF will record a resounding victory in next year’s general elections.

The Kwekwe central constituency seat fell vacant after the death of MP Masango Matambanadzo who was a member of the National Patriotic Front.

“I pledge my full support to the Zanu-PF candidate in the coming by-election in Kwekwe because it’s the only stable party with clear ideology, values and structures. The electorate is not docile.

“People follow ideologies, clear vision and this is what makes me so confident that Zanu-PF is going to win,” he declared.
Chebundo applauded the President Mnangagwa-led government for furthering development in the country and having a people centered approach. “Everyone can see that there is a wave of development across the country.

“The country is taking the right trajectory where roads are being modernised and Zanu-PF has a lot to tell in the positive,” he said.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Several boarding schools across the country are cashing in on the sale of uniforms with some schools charging between US$400 and US$600 for a set.

Parents, especially of Form 1 students who spoke to The Standard accused schools of swindling them of their money by demanding mandatory purchase of “overpriced” uniforms at their institutions.

They said schools like Goromonzi High, Sandringham and Murewa Mission were demanding them to pay an arm and a leg for the uniforms.

“I sent my child for Form 1 at Goromonzi High School and the school demanded that we pay around US$600 for the uniforms only,” said one parent on conditions of anonymity.

“This money is separate from the tuition fees and other levies that we paid for. It’s for the uniforms only.”

Goromonzi High School headmaster Norman Gombera could not be reached for comment yesterday despite having called him on his mobile phone and sending messages on WhatsApp.

This publication established that Murewa High School was charging US$527 for uniforms while at Sandringham High School parents are forking out between US$400 and US$600.

However, teachers and headmasters’ organisations had different opinions with regards to the prices of uniforms in schools.

Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary general Munyaradzi Majoni said the procurement and pricing of school uniforms was solely spearheaded by the School Development Committees (SDCs).

“As far as we are concerned as school heads we do not have control over the issue of uniforms,” Majoni said.

“As a matter of policy, we do not encourage any of our members to be involved in the procurement of uniforms.

“Heads of schools are not involved .The process is spearheaded by the SDCs.”

National Association of Secondary Heads president Arthur Maposa defended the pricing model of school uniforms as necessary to raise money needed for the running of the learning institutions.

“Schools have been hit so much by Covid-19 and schools like Goromonzi High were not spared,” Maphosa said.

“There was so much damage in schools that we are trying to sort out such as desks that promote physical distancing, replacement of torn mattresses and other things, which cannot be mentioned separately and, therefore, fit under uniforms.”

Maphosa said the prices were justified by the set of uniforms that the student gets that include uniforms for the summer and winter seasons as well as blazers, track suits and even sport attires.

“You can compare the price with some uniform retailers and other uniform manufacturing companies and you will see that schools are even cheaper as they have been trying to industrialise,” he said.

Petra Schools Trust chairman and former Education minister David Coltart said it was surprising that uniforms cost so much.

“Sadly, this can only be addressed through achieving the correct economies of scale and through government action in ensuring that the input costs for school uniforms are reduced, which can be done through tariff structures,” Coltart said.

“However, the overriding problem is that the economy is in crisis and most people have limited disposable income, which is a direct result of Zanu-PF’s ruinous economic policies and endemic corruption.

“Until that is tackled most people will continue to battle even to provide school uniforms for their children.”

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said the burden to fund basic education should ordinarily fall on the shoulders of the State.

“Parents are being forced to carry the State’s burden and the ministry’s position is that schools should not fleece parents through selling of uniforms,” Masaraure said.

“SDCs should stamp their authority and ensure that they defend the interests of the parents.

“Unfortunately, SDCs are usually captured and corrupted, so parents should make sure that they elect SDCs that are credible and independent.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou added: “This is true and is unfortunate and ill conceived, more so when schools have a monopoly over selling of such uniforms.

“Uniforms should be affordable and parents should be given an opportunity to source uniforms from any provider,” he said.

Educators Union of Zimbabwe president Tafadzwa Munodawafa said the prevailing situation was being caused by the gross incapacitation of teachers.

“They are trying to cash in in any way that they can and the only person they have much access to is the parent,” Munodawafa said.

“It is indeed unfair. All parents out there are struggling as well as teachers.”

Director of communications and advocacy in the Primary and Secondary Education ministry Taungana Ndoro said it was not mandatory for parents to buy uniforms from schools.

“Parents are free to choose where to buy uniforms as long as the colour codes are the same,” Ndoro said.-standard

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a suspected bomb explosion that injured two minors in Tsholotsho on Friday.

Police said the two minors, aged 3 and 12, were playing in the bush at Magotsha line, Chief Ngqoya, Tsholotsho, when they picked up what they thought to be just metal and started playing with it before it exploded. ZRP said:

One of the victims sustained a laceration on the nose, left knee, thigh and groin area while the other sustained injuries on the stomach, nose, right hand, chin and thigh.

Investigations are underway to determine the nature and type of the explosive device.

In November last year, a Beitbridge man and his son died in a horrific explosion after the father tried to open a motor bomb he had picked up in the bush.

Realise Mpofu (26) of Mandate Village under Chief Matibe’s area and his son (7) were killed when the father used pliers and a hammer to open the bomb whose origins is not known.

An internal police document at the time indicated that Mpofu got his legs and palms blown off in the explosion.

By- MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora said Zimbabweans should praise him for meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.

Mwonzora also claimed that other opposition leaders mock Mnangagwa on social media platforms were afraid of meeting him face to face.

Mwonzora has met Mnangagwa twice at State House since he was controversially elected leader of the MDC-T in December 2020.

He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing MDC-T supporters at Pelendaba Hall in Bulawayo.

Said Mwonzora:
When I left the State House many accused me of being a sell-out, but I said no I didn’t.
But the problem is that you are scared of Mnangagwa, you only resort to insulting him on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp where he can’t see you.
But for myself, I went to see him face to face. I am never afraid, so I should be praised for that.
Mwonzora told his supporters that dialogue with Zanu PF was the only route towards solving the country’s chronic socio-economic crisis.