Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has appealed to citizens to donate money towards Wellington Mahohoma’s kidney transplant.

Mahohoma is a development activist and board member of the Citizens Initiative.

He was diagnosed with end- stage renal failure.

There is an ongoing fundraising programme for Mahohoma’s kidney transplant.

“Fellow citizens, Let’s support Welly Mahohoma our beloved brother and fellow Cde. He has helped others in their times of need. It’s our turn! Let’s do our best,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

“Hear hear hear good people, out of your big love. Wellington Mahohoma ‘s fundraising campaign has reached USD 17 000.00. Now USD 8000.00 to go.

You can donate on this link below https://gofund.me/ac7299be or get in touch on +263777078387 for other modes of payment or simply share.

A friend in need is a friend indeed,” organisers of the initiative wrote on Facebook.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF Director

By A Correspondent- The government has released names of 157 candidates running for parliament 28 parliament seats which will be contested in next month’s by-elections.

The forthcoming elections will also see other candidates battling it out for local authority seats, where nearly 120 seats were declared vacant.

The candidates’ names were published through a Government Gazette extraordinary General Notice 229A OF 2022 issued yesterday in line with the Electoral Act.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, said the candidates were successfully nominated last month at the Nomination Court.
The by-elections will be held on March 26.

“It is hereby notified, in terms of section 48 of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) that at the close of the sitting of the Nomination Courts, which sat on Wednesday, 26th January, 2022 and Friday 28th January, 2022, the candidates listed in the schedule were duly nominated for the elections as members of the National Assembly in their respective constituencies,” said Mr Silaigwana.
“Accordingly, polling shall take place on Saturday, 26th March, 2022, from 7am to 7pm for the purposes of electing members of the National Assembly in the said constituencies.”

The contesting parties include Citizens Coalition for Change, New Patriotic Front, Free Zimbabwe Congress and the Republican Party of Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF, MDC-Alliance, Zimbabwe Labour Party.

By A Correspondent-The 2023 elections are beckoning, and politicians are going to any extent to win the hearts of voters, including buying coffins for every funeral in the constituency.

A deceased prominent Chiredzi sex worker, Paida Manika found herself with two coffins at her burial two weeks ago when Zanu PF Chiredzi West MP Farai Musikavanhu and prominent businessman Charles Njopera also a party sympathizer, each bought a coffin.
The Mirror was at the funeral.

Musikavanhu who is believed to be looking at retaining his seat in 2023 confirmed to The Mirror that he bought a coffin for Paida. He said that he looked at Paida as his daughter and at one time assisted her with medical bills when she fell ill.

Musikavanhu said he was no aware that Njopera had bought another coffin.
Paida was stabbed by her boyfriend Obvious Yaya Toruvanda (22) who is now in remand prison.

Njopera told The Mirror that he lost 20% of the value after he was forced to return the coffin that he bought. He bought a US$300 coffin and Paida’s family settled for the one bought by Musikavanhu.

“When I heard of Paida’s death, I went there and notified her uncle’s that I would provide a coffin and they agreed. I then went and paid US$300 to the parlour and I was shocked on the burial to hear that MP Musikavanhu had also purchased a coffin.

“I was left with no choice but to return the coffin at 20% less,” said Njopera.

“I treated Paida as my daughter that’s why I sponsored her burial. At one time I helped her when she fell sick in 2021. As for the issue of coffins, I can’t comment,” said Msikavanhu.
Paida’s brother-in-law, Arthur Mbodzera said he heard Paida ‘s uncles discussing about the coffin issue but was not sure how the issue was resolved.

Some sex workers who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity blamed Musikavanhu for only showing up at last minute.

“Njopera was the one who stood by us from the start, he provided the tents, food and almost everything and I don’t know why the preferred the coffin which only came at the last minute,” said a sex worker.

Njopera however said he has no political intentions but was only ploughing back to the society as a businessman.

“I have no interest in politics, I only did this because I am a businessman so I am ploughing back to the community,” he said.
-Masvingo Mirror

By- Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando has been dragged to the court for allegedly grabbing eight gold mining claims belonging to an investor.

Businessman Yakub Ibrahim Mahomed, said Chitando re-issued the mining claims under a special grant to Golden Reef Mining (Pvt) Ltd, where he is a director.

Mohamed, who owns Anesu Gold (Pvt) Ltd, filed a High Court application seeking to interdict Chitando, Mines secretary Onesimo Moyo, Golden Reef Mining, and Midlands provincial mining director Tariro Ndhlovu from grabbing the mining claims.

Mohamed claims that Anesu Gold is the registered owner of the gold claims in Mberengwa district, Midlands province, which are also referred to as Mangoro claims (Ipanema).
The matter was set for hearing yesterday, but High Court judge Justice Rogers

anyangadze postponed it to February 24 at the request of Chitando’s lawyer, Takudzwa Mutomba who indicated that the minister, together with Moyo and Ndhlovu had secured the services of a new lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku who was tied up elsewhere.

Welshman Ncube is representing Golden Reef Mining while Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara is representing Anesu Gold.
In his application, Mohamed said the mining claims were previously owned by, and registered in the name of Start Mining Services (Private) Limited, where he initially had a 70% stake with the other 30% owned by Rugare Gumbo.

Mohamed said he later bought out Gumbo and now owns 100% shareholding of the claims.
It is alleged that in 2018, Chitando sent invoices for Start Mining Services to pay mining fees for the claims.

Fidelity Printers approved that US$6,4 million must be paid to finance the applicant’s operations, including the payment of the inspection fees for the mining claims.

“This arrangement had the approval of the governor of the Reserve Bank and the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Fidelity gave the facility on the strength of clean and unencumbered mining claims following a due diligence process,” Mohamed’s court affidavit read.

He said the certificates of registration of the mining claims were handed over to Fidelity in February 2019 followed by a due diligence exercise.

However, he said he was shocked to learn that a special grant had been issued, and his claims forfeited.

Mohamed also alleged that in 2012, Gumbo approached Chitando, before he became Mines minister, asking him to invest in the mining claims but Chitando refused.

Around 2014, Mohamed then invited prominent businessman Shingi Mutasa to invest and he showed interest, but insisted that due diligence checks be done.

Mutasa and Chitando chartered a small plane and flew to inspect the mining claims in loco. After the checks, Mutasa allegedly did not take up the offer.

“Although Mutasa did not come on board, Chitando’s team and himself, had all the data and information of the juicy areas of the mining claims,” Mohamed submitted.

He said Anesu Gold secured an investor from Australia who agreed to form a joint venture, after the investor was assured by Chitando and Ndhlovu that the mining claims were clean and unencumbered.

“It would be the investment’s saddest day if this country is to send an investor back to Australia under these circumstances. This should not be allowed if transparency is to be the order of the day.”

Mohamed said Chitando was a director of Golden Reef and shareholder through his company Windev Investments (Pvt) Limited, adding that the decision to forfeit the mining claims was “wrongful, unlawful, malicious, illegal” and motivated by greed.

But Gold Reef argued that Mohamed and Anesu Gold had no legal right to bring the case before the courts.

“The invoices for payment of inspection fees were issued to Start Mining Services and not applicant. Forfeiture made reference to Start Mining Services as the holder of the mining claims being forfeited,” Gold Reef director, Thomas Gono said.

“Accordingly, hence it is submitted that if any of the mining claims belong to applicant, no lawful and accurate procedure, as prescribed by law, was followed to change names on certificates of registration after transfer. Equally the fact that Minister Winston Chitando’s company Windev Investments is a shareholder in first respondent has no material bearing on how applicant lost mining rights over mining claims in question.”

Gono said there was nothing illegal about Chitando being a director or shareholder in a certain company, adding that the mining claims in question were forfeited two months before inspection fees were paid, meaning that the applicant had defaulted.

In his opposing affidavit, Ndhlovu said Anesu Gold was invoiced for payment of already overdue inspection fees, adding that the mining claims were forfeited in terms of section 260 of the Mines Act. Newsday

By- A total of 16 political parties have forwarded names of their candidates for the 28 vacant National Assembly seats to be contested in next month’s by-elections.

The forthcoming elections will also see other candidates battling it out for local authority seats, where nearly 120 seats were declared vacant.

The contesting parties include Citizens Coalition for Change, New Patriotic Front, Free Zimbabwe Congress and the Republican Party of Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF, MDC-Alliance, Zimbabwe Labour Party.

The candidates’ names were published through a Government Gazette extraordinary General Notice 229A OF 2022 issued yesterday in line with the Electoral Act.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, said the candidates were successfully nominated last month at the Nomination Court.
The by-elections will be held on March 26.

By A Correspondent- Five Zimbabwean border jumpers have been sentenced to a one-year jail term each for irregular entry.

They were also being accused of illegally panning for gold in Francistown, Botswana but the court acquitted them of the charge due to lack of evidence.

Msix Moyo (42), Phumulani Moyo (27), Peter Moyo (23), Attiwel Ndlovu (23) and a 17-year-old juvenile denied the illegal mining charge when they appeared before Francistown chief magistrate Mareledi Dipate.

They, however, admitted to the charge of irregular entry into the neighbouring country.

In mitigation of the irregular entry charge, Phumulani and Peter pleaded with the court not to hand them a custodial sentence.

Notwithstanding, the magistrate sentenced them to one year in prison backdated to the time they were incarcerated following their arrest on November 15,
2021.

The court heard that the Botswana Defence Forces arrested the five on November 15 last year while they were allegedly panning for gold at Old Matsiloje Mine.

They were handed over to the police and were found with two bags full of stones suspected to be gold ore.

After probing, the police discovered that they were illegal immigrants who entered the country through the Ramokgwebana Border Post without documents.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Thousands of cancer patients have been left stranded after Parirenyatwa Hospital’s three radiotherapy machines broke down.

Radiation is used to treat at least 50% of all cancer cases. It can be either corrective or relaxing, depending on the stage and prognosis of the disease.

The radiotherapy machines at Parirenyatwa are said to have been down for the past 18 days, with authorities trying to bring in foreign engineers and the required spares to repair them.

Stranded patients who require the services are now vulnerable to further spread of the cancerous cells, as well as suffering immense pain.

Lovemore Makurirofa from the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe said interruption of cancer treatment was a major drawback in the recovery of patients. Makurirofa said:

It is critical that when radiotherapy is commenced, it should not be interrupted. The breaking down of the machines means that there may be certain cancer patients who were on treatment, but of which treatment will be now interrupted. The results are that it will give an opportunity for the cancer to spread. 

Radiotherapy relieves pain by shrinking the cancer cells, and so without the machines, it means many patients are experiencing a lot of pain, especially those on palliative care.

Parirenyatwa Hospital spokesperson Lenos Dhire said the interruption in the provision of radiotherapy services started on January 17, 2022, due to the breakdown of equipment.

This is not the first time that the machines have broken down. Over the years, this critical service has been interrupted despite the fact that Parirenyatwa is one of the country’s two major referral centres for cancer patients.

Mpilo Hospital is the other centre, but its machines also face similar challenges and patients often travel to Harare for radiotherapy.-newsday

By A Correspondent- The body of a 26 year old man from Shake village in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, who was allegedly kidnapped and killed, was recovered last Friday by police in West Nicholson.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena yesterday identified the deceased as Thembani Moyo.

Mangena said three suspects had been arrested in connection with the murder. Mangena said:

His family had reported him as a missing person following the alleged kidnapping. Moyo was found dead in West Nicholson and we later arrested three culprits for the alleged kidnap and murder.

The three suspects made their first court appearance on Saturday and were remanded in custody.-newsday

By- The skull suspected to be that of Juliet Chapfuruka (65), who was allegedly murdered in cold blood in Mudzi was recovered near a shallow grave she was buried by the suspect on Monday.

Chapfuruka from Maruza Village, Chief Nyamukoho in Mudzi ,was allegedly killed by her son Jephat Nyakutira, (28) who is reportedly mentally challenged.

Reports say after beheading his mother, Jephat allegedly tried to burn her remains but failed and went on to dig a shallow grave where he buried the body without the head.

Reports say the skull was later found by the deceased’s daughter-in-law, Muchaneta Kanyepa (27), in a bushy area in the same village near the shallow grave and she informed her husband who then alerted the police.
Police spokesperson for Mashonaland East Province, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi, confirmed the latest development adding that the deceased’s son, Jephat, had since been arrested in connection with the issue.
“On February 7, 2022 around 5am, the deceased’s son Shadreck Nyakutira (31) and his wife, Muchaneta Kanyepa, conducted a search for the missing head of the deceased. Kanyepa discovered the skull believed to be of the deceased in a bushy area and she informed her husband who then covered the skull with a metal dish and later informed the police.
“Around 10 am, ZRP Nyamapanda attended the scene where they discovered that the skull was found about 85 metres from where the deceased was previously buried and also that the skull had no jaws. It was conveyed to Kotwa Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem,” Inspector Chazovachiyi said.

Reports say that on February 2, 2022, the deceased’s neighbour Serinah Chitonho (43), went to check for Chapfuruka at her homestead but could not find her.
Allegations are that she questioned the deceased’s son, Jephat, who was present at the homestead but he professed ignorance on his mother’s whereabouts.
Chitonho informed the deceased’s relative Persuade Mvundura about her missing relative and the duo teamed up and conducted a search.
It is said that while conducting the search, the duo came across a fresh grave in the field of the deceased, about 52 metres from her homestead. The duo became suspicious and dug the grave resulting in the discovery of the remains of Chapfuruka.
Mvundura allegedly went on to make a police report over the case and police officers from Nyamapanda attended to the scene and noted the body of the deceased lying facing upwards with no head and in an advanced state of decomposition.
The body had signs of it having been burnt and as police made a closer scrutiny of the surroundings. Officers discovered a fireplace where the suspect is believed to have attempted to burn the deceased’s body.

A search for the head was carried out around the area of the scene and the search team recovered a human jaw, teeth and grey hair near the shallow grave.

-Herald

By- George Silundika Avenue has been closed for the past two days to allow controversial preacher and Zanu PF sympathiser Passion Java to record a music video.

Business came to a standstill at the corner of First Street and George Silundika Monday as people jostled for a piece of the action.
The video is for Uncle Epatan’s song titled ‘Kopo,’ a word which the prophet usually uses in his conversations.

But, it was Prophet Passion, who stole the show, as he had to be escorted by bouncers as many people asked him for handouts saying “siya something” – the phrase popularised by Zim dancehall chanter Enzol Ishall.

A few were complaining about the legality of having to close part of a street for two days for a video shoot.
But, the City of Harare said everything was done above board.
Council spokesperson, Michael Chideme, Monday said Passion Java followed all the regulations pertaining to the closure of part of George Silundika Avenue, to shoot the music video.
The street was packed and people and motorists were forced to use alternative routes.
Chideme said barricading streets for video shoot purposes was not only allowed but encouraged.
“Anyone can apply to Council if they want to close a road for a video shoot,” he said.
“Passion Java actually did things by the book. He applied with us and was given permission to do the video.
“We actually love the shooting of videos in the streets of Harare because it actually promotes Brand Harare.”
In an interview with H-Metro, Passion said they were shooting visuals of the song ‘‘Kopo’’ by Uncle Epatan featuring X-Faya.
He said the song provokes feelings of nostalgia.
“The song we are shooting here is called Kopo. We are just trying to bring back the old days because our kids have lost the taste of what we were when we were kids.
“That’s why in this song we are singing ‘simoreya amhinakadeya’ because these are the songs we grew up singing and we want those songs to remain alive in this generation and next generations.
“We basically want to bring back the old feeling so that today’s children know the old languages like ‘kopo’ and other things too.”
The prophet said they decided to shoot the video near First Street because they want to promote Harare.
“We decided to do the video in First Street because we want people to feel the Harare vibe or atmosphere.
“Mostly, when people visit Harare or enter this capital city, they pass through First Street.
“It is the heart of this capital. It is the main reason we decided to do the shoot here.
“So, we applied and got the approval and here we are shooting. It is also for raising our brand as Passion Java Records.”
Passion has revealed he is also helping Karoi-based chanter X-Faya, who is featuring on Epatan’s song.
“This song has Uncle Epatan and X-Faya. X-Faya was actually in Karoi. We had to drive there and pick him up and get a place to rent for him and a car.
“The reason is to uplift the youths and the future generation,” he said. H Metro

By Agencies- Malawi Justice Redson Kapindu on Tuesday ordered the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court to proceed with extradition proceedings involving Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary.

The fugitive pair is wanted in South Africa for money laundering and fraud.
The self-proclaimed prophet and his wife are accused of fraud, theft, and money laundering in an investment scam that allegedly defrauded investors to the tune of R102 million.
In addition, Bushiri faces eight counts of rape.
The Bushiris and their co-accused were released on bail in June last year before the couple made their escape to their home country Malawi.
Speaking to supporters on social media soon after his arrival in Malawi, Bushiri said his decision to skip bail was “a tactical withdrawal meant to preserve lives”.
The state had also presented the court with a conundrum over the requirement for a South African official to travel all the way to Malawi to present the extradition request.
Dealing with this issue, which had also stalled the matter, Judge Kapindu made alternative suggestions.
He suggested that the matter could be resolved by having virtual testimony from the South African official as had become the norm during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alternatively, a competent South African court could hear the testimony and forward it to the Malawi high court. 
Known for his lavish lifestyle and preference for slick suits, 38-year-old Bushiri is often described as one of the wealthiest religious leaders in Africa with a fortune estimated at R2.3 billion.
His possessions reportedly include private jets, a fleet of luxury cars, and various properties – some of which have since been seized by South African authorities. –

-The Bulrushes

By- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that they had arrested over 25 600 motorists.

The motorists, the police said, were either caught driving unregistered cars or plate-less and unlicensed vehicles.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said all their operations targeting illegal activities in the country were continuing until there is sanity.

“The ZRP reports that a total of 179 motorists were arrested throughout the country under the ongoing operation against unlicensed, uninsured, unregistered motor vehicles and non-complying public service vehicles. The cumulative arrests now stand at 25 686,” he said.
The operation comes after early this month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police warned motorists driving unregistered vehicles that they had embarked on an operation targeting such cars.
The operation also comes after an increase in crime perpetrated by some motorists with unregistered cars.

According to police, there is no special exemption for anyone, including Government vehicles to move around without any registration number plates.
Police were also deeply concerned by the deliberate disregard of road traffic regulations by drivers of unregistered vehicles and those without number plates.
Unregistered and plate-less vehicles are also being used to commit crimes such as robberies, murder, kidnapping, rape and other heinous crimes.

By-The 2023 elections are beckoning, and politicians are going to any extent to win the hearts of voters, including buying coffins for every funeral in the constituency.

A deceased prominent Chiredzi sex worker, Paida Manika found herself with two coffins at her burial two weeks ago when Zanu PF Chiredzi West MP Farai Musikavanhu and prominent businessman Charles Njopera also a party sympathizer, each bought a coffin.
The Mirror was at the funeral.
Musikavanhu who is believed to be looking at retaining his seat in 2023 confirmed to The Mirror that he bought a coffin for Paida. He said that he looked at Paida as his daughter and at one time assisted her with medical bills when she fell ill.
Musikavanhu said he was no aware that Njopera had bought another coffin.
Paida was stabbed by her boyfriend Obvious Yaya Toruvanda (22) who is now in remand prison.
Njopera told The Mirror that he lost 20% of the value after he was forced to return the coffin that he bought. He bought a US$300 coffin and Paida’s family settled for the one bought by Musikavanhu.
“When I heard of Paida’s death, I went there and notified her uncle’s that I would provide a coffin and they agreed. I then went and paid US$300 to the parlour and I was shocked on the burial to hear that MP Musikavanhu had also purchased a coffin.
“I was left with no choice but to return the coffin at 20% less,” said Njopera.
“I treated Paida as my daughter that’s why I sponsored her burial. At one time I helped her when she fell sick in 2021. As for the issue of coffins, I can’t comment,” said Msikavanhu.
Paida’s brother-in-law, Arthur Mbodzera said he heard Paida ‘s uncles discussing about the coffin issue but was not sure how the issue was resolved.
Some sex workers who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity blamed Musikavanhu for only showing up at last minute.
“Njopera was the one who stood by us from the start, he provided the tents, food and almost everything and I don’t know why the preferred the coffin which only came at the last minute,” said a sex worker.
Njopera however said he has no political intentions but was only ploughing back to the society as a businessman.
“I have no interest in politics, I only did this because I am a businessman so I am ploughing back to the community,” he said.
-Masvingo Mirror

Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has said Senegal’s AFCON triumph is great inspiration to him.

The Teranga Lions beat the Mighty Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 via the dreaded penalty shootout on Sunday.

According to President Chamisa, the Yellow Revolution will inspire the Zimbabwe national soccer team to victory in future.

“I CONGRATULATE SENEGAL on being the NEW CHAMPIONS in the Africa Cup of Nations.

You have fired the desire in us to ensure that we too create an enabling environment for Zimbabwe to compete at such high levels & winning.Soon, Zim will be #1.The Yellow revolution will deliver that,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

“MAKING ZIMBABWE NEW & GREAT…We will make Zim New & great for us all. Building a great nation is our generational task, national duty and collective mandate.We’re ONE people, ONE Nation with ONE Vision. We’re #1.We’re Gold.Citizens at the centre! #RegisterToVoteZW.BEHOLD THE NEW,” he added.

By- Harare Regional Magistrate Gloria Takundwa has postponed the ruling on rape-accused pastor Tapiwa Freddy’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case.

Takundwa said that she is still compiling the ruling, which she will hand down on Friday.

The Harare-based clergyman, the founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, faces two counts of rape and one count of assault.

The complainant is a 33-year-old ZBC DJ who has physical disabilities.

During cross-examination in January, the complainant revealed that her life was now in danger after she reported the alleged rape and assault against T Freddy as he is a famous preacher with a huge following.

More: ZBC News

By- Human rights lawyers have pressed the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to provide information pertaining to the number of people issued with national identity documents to justify its rollout of the current voter registration exercise.

In a letter addressed to Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba yesterday, the ZLHR requested that she must provides it with the number of people that have been issued with identity documents after the commission cancelled an earlier exercise on the pretext that the targeted population had no identity documents.
“The question is what has changed from November 24, 2021 to January 13, 2022 on the issuance of identity document to call for a voter registration blitz?” the ZLHR letter to Chigumba read.
“It is on this premise, and in line with the electoral commission’s mandate to be accountable and transparent, that you furnish us with the number of people who were issued with identity documents to necessitate voter registration. We remind you that the Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act and the Electoral Act have provisions allowing us to access this information from you,” the letter read.
Zec is yet to respond.
Initially, Zec had announced that the mobile voter registration process would take place from December 6, 2021, but postponed it to February 2022 to allow eligible persons to acquire national identity documents that are requisite for voter registration.
Many aspiring voter registrants are being turned away over lack of identity documents.

• Newsday

By-The State has indicated that it wants to call the investigating officer handling the matter in which Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere is charged with publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the State to explain the delay in engaging Twitter in its investigations.

Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, appearing for the State, told the court that they want one detective Constable Moyo to appear in court on February 15 to outline progress made in their investigations regarding issues with Twitter.

Mahere, through her lawyer Mr David Drury and Chris Mhike, opposed the State’s application for postponement saying there has been an inordinate delay in completion of the investigations.
Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje ruled in State’s favour and allowed the matter to be postponed to February 15 when detective Constable Moyo is expected to appear in court.

-State media

By- Police in Gweru has arrested 12 members of the Citizens Coalition for Change for partaking in a party roadshow.

According to NewZimbabwe.com, the police also disrupted the roadshow after arresting the 12.

This happened on the weekend.

CCC candidate for Mkoba in the 26 March by-elections, Amos Chibaya, who was part of the roadshow, confirmed the development to NewZimbabwe. 

“We were doing a roadshow in Mkoba on Sunday with our vehicles peacefully without any noise.

Police disrupted the programme, and they took keys from some vehicles and arrested drivers and some of our supporters.

I spoke to the Dispol (district police officer), and she was talking of unlawful gathering.

I then asked how she could talk of unlawful gathering when we are were not gathered, and we were in our vehicles.

What is disturbing is that Zanu PF is allowed to move around with vehicles doing exactly what we were doing”, said Chibaya.

By- George Silundika Avenue has been closed for the past two days, to allow controversial preacher and Zanu PF sympathiser Passion Java to record a music video.

Business came to a standstill at the corner of First Street and George Silundika Monday as people jostled for a piece of the action.
The video is for Uncle Epatan’s song titled ‘Kopo,’ a word which the prophet usually uses in his conversations.

But, it was Prophet Passion, who stole the show, as he had to be escorted by bouncers as many people asked him for handouts saying “siya something” – the phrase popularised by Zim dancehall chanter Enzol Ishall.

A few were complaining about the legality of having to close part of a street for two days for a video shoot.
But, the City of Harare said everything was done above board.
Council spokesperson, Michael Chideme, Monday said Passion Java followed all the regulations pertaining to the closure of part of George Silundika Avenue, to shoot the music video.
The street was packed and people and motorists were forced to use alternative routes.
Chideme said barricading streets for video shoot purposes was not only allowed but encouraged.
“Anyone can apply to Council if they want to close a road for a video shoot,” he said.
“Passion Java actually did things by the book. He applied with us and was given permission to do the video.
“We actually love the shooting of videos in the streets of Harare because it actually promotes Brand Harare.”
In an interview with H-Metro, Passion said they were shooting visuals of the song ‘‘Kopo’’ by Uncle Epatan featuring X-Faya.
He said the song provokes feelings of nostalgia.
“The song we are shooting here is called Kopo. We are just trying to bring back the old days because our kids have lost the taste of what we were when we were kids.
“That’s why in this song we are singing ‘simoreya amhinakadeya’ because these are the songs we grew up singing and we want those songs to remain alive in this generation and next generations.
“We basically want to bring back the old feeling so that today’s children know the old languages like ‘kopo’ and other things too.”
The prophet said they decided to shoot the video near First Street because they want to promote Harare.
“We decided to do the video in First Street because we want people to feel the Harare vibe or atmosphere.
“Mostly, when people visit Harare or enter this capital city, they pass through First Street.
“It is the heart of this capital. It is the main reason we decided to do the shoot here.
“So, we applied and got the approval and here we are shooting. It is also for raising our brand as Passion Java Records.”
Passion has revealed he is also helping Karoi-based chanter X-Faya, who is featuring on Epatan’s song.
“This song has Uncle Epatan and X-Faya. X-Faya was actually in Karoi. We had to drive there and pick him up and get a place to rent for him and a car.
“The reason is to uplift the youths and the future generation,” he said. H Metro

By- Police in Gweru at the weekend seized CCC car keys and arrested several drivers and supporters who were partaking in a party roadshow.

According to NewZimbabwe.com, the police also disrupted the roadshow.

CCC candidate for Mkoba in the 26 March by-elections, Amos Chibaya, who was part of the roadshow, confirmed the development to NewZimbabwe. 

“We were doing a roadshow in Mkoba on Sunday with our vehicles peacefully without any noise.

Police disrupted the programme, and they took keys from some vehicles and arrested drivers and some of our supporters.

I spoke to the Dispol (district police officer), and she was talking of unlawful gathering.

I then asked how she could talk of unlawful gathering when we are were not gathered, and we were in our vehicles.

What is disturbing is that Zanu PF is allowed to move around with vehicles doing exactly what we were doing”, said Chibaya.

By- Police in Gweru disrupted a roadshow by the Citizens Coalition for Change at the weekend.

NewZimbabwe.com reports that the police also arrested 12 Nelson Chamisa led CCC members at the roadshow.

CCC candidate for Mkoba in the 26 March by-elections, Amos Chibaya, who was part of the roadshow, confirmed the development to NewZimbabwe. 

“We were doing a roadshow in Mkoba on Sunday with our vehicles peacefully without any noise.

Police disrupted the programme, and they took keys from some vehicles and arrested drivers and some of our supporters.

I spoke to the Dispol (district police officer) and she was talking of unlawful gathering.

I then asked how she could talk of unlawful gathering when we are were not gathered, and we were in our vehicles.

What is disturbing is that Zanu PF is allowed to move around with vehicles doing exactly what we were doing”, said Chibaya.

PICTURES LOADING BELOW… 

OLD PASSPORT

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picture credits: Kuliliashika Egnes

picture credits: Kulilishika Egnes

Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has said Senegal’s AFCON triumph is great inspiration to him.

The Teranga Lions beat the Mighty Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 via the dreaded penalty shootout on Sunday.

According to President Chamisa, the Yellow Revolution will inspire the Zimbabwe national soccer team to victory in future.

“I CONGRATULATE SENEGAL on being the NEW CHAMPIONS in the Africa Cup of Nations.

You have fired the desire in us to ensure that we too create an enabling environment for Zimbabwe to compete at such high levels & winning.Soon, Zim will be #1.The Yellow revolution will deliver that,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

“MAKING ZIMBABWE NEW & GREAT…We will make Zim New & great for us all. Building a great nation is our generational task, national duty and collective mandate.We’re ONE people, ONE Nation with ONE Vision. We’re #1.We’re Gold.Citizens at the centre! #RegisterToVoteZW.BEHOLD THE NEW,” he added.

By Patrick Guramatunhu- It is not that Zimbabweans do not know that Zanu PF is rigging the 2023 elections; they know it. Their biggest problem is knowing what to do about it!

“Moreover, as we gear up towards the historic elections in 2023, the citizens should be ready to demand comprehensive political and electoral reforms to jealously guard against perennial rigging by the stomach politicians in Zanu PF led by Mr Mnangagwa,” reads a statement from Citizen Coalition For Change (CCC) Namibia.

“We must stand ready to defend the people’s vote against any shenanigans from the desperate regime. Zimbabweans should demand the independence of state media, ZBC must stop operating as an extension of Zanu PF, we need to have real time announcement of results, Citizens Coalition For Change demands the independence of chiefs and headmen, they should not be used to intimidate citizens, frog marching them to Zanu PF rallies on empty stomachs.”

This is a statement from someone with no clue what they are talking about!

One, with just over a year to go to the 2023 elections, there is no time to implement any of the myriad of reforms required to stop Zanu PF rigging these elections. So take it as read; there will be no reforms implemented before the elections and therefore all this talk of “demanding comprehensive political and electoral reforms” is just hot air!

Two, with no reforms, Zanu PF will have carte blanche dictatorial powers to rig these elections. The party will frog marching citizens to attend party rallies and, come voting day, to vote for the party, for example. All the talk “defending the people’s vote against any shenanigans” is, once again, just hot air!

Three, by participating in these flawed and illegal elections against the common-sense position of demanding reforms before elections CCC, the party supporters and all the ordinary Zimbabweans who continue to do so freely are giving flawed process credibility and thus give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. After 42 years of rigged elections, one would think the penny has dropped, no one will still fall for the oxymoronic nonsense of “winning in rigged elections”. Sadly, there are clearly many who still do!

Four, there is nothing to justify CCC supporters’ confidence 2023 elections will deliver a government representing the democratic wishes of the people of Zimbabwe. This is just blind faith in the CCC leaders who have already proven beyond all doubt that they are corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent, notably during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Zimbabweans had the same blind faith in Zanu PF soon after independence. We have learned nothing from the past!

There are many Zimbabweans who are hell bent on participating in these elections knowing fully well that Zanu PF is rigging these elections. They appreciate the importance of voting but, alas, they have never appreciated the importance of observing the rules governing elections. Zanu PF’s carte blanche dictatorial powers to rig elections have rendered Zimbabwean elections a meaningless farce.

Those insisting on holding elections without reforms have no clue of what constitutes free, fair and credible elections and that by participating they are giving vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. They have learned about elections but have never learned what it takes to ensure free, fair and credible elections. A little learning is, indeed, a dangerous thing!

Indeed, it is common sense, no need to have drunk deep from Pierian spring, to know the sheer futility of holding elections without something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, for example!

Case Alert

7 February 2022

THE Supreme Court will on Tuesday 8 February 2022 hear an appeal filed by Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri seeking to overturn a High Court decision upholding a lower court’s order regarding a lawsuit filed by a Harare resident seeking compensation for assault during anti-government protests held three years ago.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to preside over the matter at 9:30 AM at Mashonganyika building in Harare.

Muchunguri who is represented by Advocate Lewis Uriri wants the Supreme Court to overturn a High Court ruling dismissing her appeal against the decision of the Magistrates Court on an exception which she filed on Harare resident Kudzai Makunde’s summons.

Makunde, who is represented by Advocate Taona Nyamakura instructed by Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, filed summons at Harare Magistrates (Civil) Court in 2019 suing Muchinguri, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Hon. Kazembe Kazembe and Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga for violating his fundamental rights.

Makunde was assaulted by a group of armed soldiers and police officers numbering about 50 while on his way home from visiting his brother in Tafara high-density in Harare on 14 January 2019 during anti-government protests over fuel price hike.

Shoko and Nyamakura stated that Makunde was ordered to lie on the ground and assaulted with wooden logs on his back and thighs and was also kicked all over his body.

Makunde, Shoko and Nyamakura said, was ordered to remove some burning tyres, rocks and a broken down vehicle that was on the road resulting in him sustaining some injuries of which he was hospitalised.

In her appeal, the Defence, Security and War Veterans Minister is arguing that Makunde’s summons in which he sought compensation for violation of his fundamental rights did not identify the alleged perpetrators  by their names and did not disclose a cause of action
based on vicarious liability against her.

Muchinguri argued that Makunde’s alleged failure to disclose the identities of the perpetrators was fatal to his cause of action.

Makunde had argued that the soldiers who assaulted him were employed by Ministry of Defence, Security and War Veterans and they were acting within the course and scope of their employment.

Muchinguri defended soldiers from committing the offence and instead indicated that some ZRP officers could have assaulted Makunde and also claimed that he could have been beaten by some criminals masquerading as soldiers.

But the Harare resident insists that Muchinguri, Hon. Kazembe and Matanga are in charge of deploying their subordinates and hence they know the identities of their members who operated at specific points on 14 January 2019.

Makunde argued that once he made an allegation against soldiers Muchinguri had a duty to investigate the issue and to identify her members who perpetrated the unlawful acts as well as to discipline them.

By -ZBC radio presenter Thabani Gambiza, is among the people who were duped by conmen who claimed they could get funding for various NGOs, a Harare court heard over the weekend.

The suspected conmen, Gilbert Noel Kanokanga and Vernon Eugene Mitchell, appeared before Harare magistrate, Yeukai Dzuda, who remanded them in custody.

The complainants are Gambiza, Joice Jacob, Lorraine Mugayi, Thandiwe Chikwape, Felix Zhakata and Lovemore Chidziva.

The complainants are founders of various non governmental organisations.

The court heard that Gambiza was introduced to Kanokanga by her workmate, Lionel Mkandla, and she was advised he could facilitate funding for her NGO.

She was introduced to Mitchell by Kanokanga and the duo would interview the complainants, from time to time.

Gambiza allegedly paid US$750 for visa processing for her team, for a trip to France, which never materialised.

She also held several meetings with the duo, with regards to the clearance and registration of her organisation, and she was asked to pay more money.

The duo allegedly started misleading other NGOs that Gambiza had already received her funding.

The duo collected about US$69 241 from the complainants. H Metro

By A Correspondent- The ruling ZANU PF party is targeting making inroads into urban constituencies and consolidating its hold in rural areas in the 26 March by-elections.

In a statement on Monday, ZANU PF political commissar Mike Bimha said the party’s leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to launch the party’s by-election campaign this week. Said Bimha:

We note with interest the heightened enthusiasm in the by-elections and the resolve and determination of our members to reassert the power of the ruling party in both urban and rural areas and to consolidate the position of the party in our strongholds.

The by-elections are and should be about the achievements of the Second Republic, not just in launching and driving an agenda for sustainable development, but equally, responding to very specific needs of the people.

ZANU PF is putting faith in the people, the citizens of Zimbabwe to build their own country guided by the policies of the party and government.

We want to win all the constituencies and the entire wards. You don’t go to a battle to lose. We are going into this battle to win.

Our target is to win all the seats in the National Assembly and the local authorities, respectively.

ZANU PF has traditionally been dominant in rural areas while the opposition MDC has been controlling urban seats since the year 2000.

However, by-elections are normally characterised by low voter turnout especially in urban areas and this could work against the country’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which contested the 2018 elections as the MDC Alliance.

By A Correspondent- The Government has warned teachers who are not reporting for duty citing “incapacitation” that the “no work, no pay” principle will be invoked against them.

Schools opened for the first term on 7 February 2022 amid reports that the majority of school heads and teachers in urban areas did not report for work.

Director of communications in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said it is the normal procedure “the world over” that sanctions are imposed on employees who fail to report for work.

Said Ndoro:

The normal procedure is that if there is someone who does not report for duty, the normal procedure the world over is that there are remedial actions that are taken by an organisation and one of the measures is not to pay the absent teachers as they might not be part of the ministry anymore.

Ndoro said 60 per cent of teachers nationwide reported for duty on Monday while some educators were still on their way to their workplaces.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) president Richard Gundane teachers may not have travelled to their workstations because they don’t have money for bus fare.

He said:

Those who do not have boarding transport, or who live far away from their workstation might not have reported for duty because they have genuine concerns that they do not have money to do that.

But what we have observed is that there are educators who genuinely reside in the schools such as boarding schools and rural schools and a few who reside in houses that are near urban schools.

Those ones you will find that they are there.

Teachers’ unions declared incapacitation just before schools opened. They are demanding that the Government restore their pre-2018 salaries of roughly US$540 per month.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday officially launched the virtual court system to speed up the completion of cases.

This was after some prisoners failed to turn up in court due to transport and fuel challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).

Speaking at the event in Harare, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said: “Carrying out virtual hearings has many advantages – both to the courts and the litigating public. Matters are finalised expeditiously and there is the added advantage of participating in the court proceedings in the comfort of your home or office.”

Chief justice Luke Malaba (left) and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi (seated)

“Inmates are expected to appear before the courts regularly for routine remands and trials. The pandemic has at times caused inmates not to appear before the courts as required because of the restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Through the virtual court hearing platform, it is no longer necessary for inmates to appear physically in court as they can interact with the court virtually while they are in prison,” he said.

Malaba said the virtual platform would allow for bail applications to be made online in line with international best practices.

“Video conferencing, the alluring absence of the physical presence of litigants, and the e-courthouses which are inherent in a virtual court system represents the new character of judicial proceedings. In keeping with its novelty, the idea of remote participation in court proceedings is not only transformative of the usual modes of conducting judicial business, but is also cost effective,” he added.

Other countries that have digitalised their court systems include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Gambia, India and England.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said virtual court systems would achieve efficiency and speed up the justice delivery system.

He said the required equipment had already been installed, connecting the Harare Magistrates Court and the High Court, ading that provinces like Chinhoyi, Bindura and Mutare had already been equipped to kick-start the process.

“Access to justice must not be discriminatory. The principle must apply equally, irrespective of whether one resides in the provincial centre or district, or one is a prisoner, woman or child,” Ziyambi said.

Speaking at the same event, United Nations Development Programme representative Mia Seppo hailed the adoption of the virtual court system.

By A Correspondent| Twitter based advocacy group Pachedu has exposed a the ongoing rigging that is taking place ahead of the Kwekwe amid reports that 1416 people have been moved from other constituencies into Kwekwe central where there is pending by-elections.

A further 600 people moved from Mbizo to Kwekwe central.

Posting on Twitter, Pachedu said the fishy happenings point to undergoing rigging.

Something fishy is happening in Kwekwe Central. 1 416 voters moved from other constituencies into Kwekwe. Only 14 left. Of these, 600 people moved from Mbizo to Kwekwe Central. Why are pple moving to Kwekwe yet so few have moved into Mbizo & Redcliff?,” said Pachedu.

Commenting on the Pachedu post, CCC Treasurer General David Coltart said rigging of by-elections is easier compared to a general election.

“This is precisely what I predicted weeks ago. By elections are easier to rig than a general election: manipulate the voters roll by moving People’s names in from neighboring constituencies and then on the day physically move them in to vote,” said Coltart.

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said that 60 per cent of teachers nationwide reported for duty on Monday when schools opened for the first term.

The ministry’s spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told NewsDay that teachers at peri-urban and rural schools reported for duty while some educators were still on their way to their workplaces.

Ndoro said:

We had a 60% turnout of teachers nationwide. Those that did not report for duty are from metropolitan areas, while teachers from peri-urban and rural areas reported for duty. Other teachers are still en route to their stations.

In Harare and Bulawayo and several other cities, teachers and school heads failed to report for duty citing “incapacitation”.

Educators are pushing the Government to pay their salaries in US dollars to cushion them from the rising cost of living.

In a statement on Monday evening, Primary and Secondary Education secretary Tumisang Thabela, however, claimed that the majority of teachers reported for duty. She said:

Government is pleased to note that schools have opened, that the majority of teachers reported for duty and that the majority of schoolchildren were able to attend classes.

In instances where students and pupils were unable to attend, government awaits definitive information on the reasons, so as to respond appropriately.

However, a parent from Highfields told NewsDay that she sent her children to Tsungayi Primary School, but they returned home as there were no teachers. She said:

There were no teachers at the school. We saw officials from the Primary and Secondary Education ministry entering the school.

They must know that teachers are very important and must be paid well so that they report for duty.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) called on employers, including the Government, to pay their employees in US dollars. ZCTU said in a statement:

Schools opened today with no word from the employer on the US dollar salaries for the dedicated suffering teacher.

The market is refusing Zimdollars and we demand that all workers be paid in US dollars as dictated by the market.

By- Zanu PF said it wants to win all the House of Assembly seats and wards left vacant due to recalls of MDC Alliance MPs and councillors by Douglas Mwonzora of MDC-T.

The by-elections are on the 26 March.

In a statement on Monday, Zanu PF political commissar Mike Bimha said the party’s leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is expected to launch the party’s by-election campaign this week.

 Said Bimha:

We note with interest the heightened enthusiasm in the by-elections and the resolve and determination of our members to reassert the power of the ruling party in both urban and rural areas and to consolidate the position of the party in our strongholds.

The by-elections are and should be about the achievements of the Second Republic, not just in launching and driving an agenda for sustainable development, but equally, responding to very specific needs of the people.

Zanu PF is putting faith in the people, the citizens of Zimbabwe to build their own country guided by the policies of the party and government.

We want to win all the constituencies and the entire wards. You don’t go to a battle to lose. We are going into this battle to win.

Our target is to win all the seats in the National Assembly and the local authorities, respectively.

Zanu PF has traditionally been dominant in rural areas while the opposition MDC has been controlling urban seats since the year 2000.

However, by-elections are normally characterised by low voter turnout especially in urban areas and this could work against the country’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which contested the 2018 elections as the MDC Alliance.

More: NewsDay

By -ZBC radio presenter Thabani Gambiza, is among the people who were duped by conmen who claimed they could get funding for various NGOs, a Harare court heard over the weekend.

The suspected conmen, Gilbert Noel Kanokanga and Vernon Eugene Mitchell, appeared before Harare magistrate, Yeukai Dzuda, who remanded them in custody.
The complainants are Gambiza, Joice Jacob, Lorraine Mugayi, Thandiwe Chikwape, Felix Zhakata and Lovemore Chidziva.
The complainants are founders of various non governmental organisations.
The court heard that Gambiza was introduced to Kanokanga by her workmate, Lionel Mkandla, and she was advised he could facilitate funding for her NGO.
She was introduced to Mitchell by Kanokanga and the duo would interview the complainants, from time to time.
Gambiza allegedly paid US$750 for visa processing for her team, for a trip to France, which never materialised.
She also held several meetings with the duo, with regards to the clearance and registration of her organisation, and she was asked to pay more money.
The duo allegedly started misleading other NGOs that Gambiza had already received her funding.
The duo collected about US$69 241 from the complainants. H Metro

BY-The search for the missing body parts of a 23-year-old Silobela man who was mauled by a crocodile while attempting to cross a flooded Gweru River continues almost a week after the incident happened.
To date, only the bottom parts of the man’s body were discovered.
According to Silobela Legislator, Mthokozisi Manoki-Mpofu, the community is searching for the remains in order to give the man a decent burial.

“It is true there was a man who was attacked by a crocodile along the Gweru River sometime last week. I am not sure yet what he was doing but I am told he was trying to cross the river.
“So far I hear they have only found the bottom part of the body which has since been taken to the mortuary. The search continues as the people try to find the crocodile with the hope of finding more body parts,” said Hon Manoki-Mpofu.

Acting Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson, Mr Clemence Muduma said a taskforce had been put in place to try and find the remains.
“We have come up with a taskforce including the Zibagwe Rural District Council, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority, (ZimParks) and the police and we continue hunting for the crocodile so that we can retrieve the remaining body parts so that the person can get a decent burial.

“We continue urging the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers or to play near flooded rivers and dams given the heavy rains that we are receiving as a country. There are so many dangers associated with these heavy rains and we should avoid unnecessary loss of life,” said Mr Muduma.

By- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in the Midlands Province on Sunday dispatched voter educators to churches to encourage potential voters to go and register as the nation gears up for next year’s general elections.
The elections body has embarked on phased voter registration, with the first one ending at the end of the month.
ZEC had initially intended to start the voter registration blitz on December 6 last year but postponed it following consultations with stakeholders to allow prospective voters to acquire national identity documents.
In December last year, ZEC revealed that it had only registered close to 3 000 new voters.

ZEC voter educators were moving around churches in Kwekwe on Sunday where they were allocated time to encourage new voters to go and register at designated schools and churches being used as voter registration centres in Kwekwe.
“Those who are not registered to vote, you have been given an opportunity to go and register at your nearest registration centre
especially those who are 18 and above.
“You can go to the registration centre with your National Identity document, passport and proof of residence. If your proof of residence does not bear your name, you can write an affidavit to be signed and stamped by a commissioner of oaths and then come back and register,” a ZEC voter educator told a church gathering in Kwekwe.
She said registered voters who want to transfer from other districts or provinces could also bring with them a signed and stamped affidavit.
The registration centres operate from 7am to 5pm. Over 2 700 centres have been established throughout the country for the first phase of the exercise in addition to the 73 permanent district and provincial centres. – -New Ziana

By- Helicopters, boat cruises, expensive champagne, and endless parties have been the theme of their bash in Cape Town.

The cost of the mega party, which has been rocking the Mother City, is still being worked out but, not many will be surprised if more than US$200 000 was invested in the huge bash.

Harare businesswoman, and the late Ginus Kadungure’s girlfriend, Zodwa Mkandla, who is part of the capital’s social scene, has been celebrating her Golden Jubilee and chose Cape Town as the setting for the big bash.
They are the second group of Zimbabweans to invade the Mother City, in the past few weeks, for grand celebrations after a group of car dealers turned heads in Cape Town with the birthday party for one of them, known as “Boss Archie.”
This time, it was the ‘‘Rich Cousins’’ who were in town for the extravagant celebrations to mark the 50th birthday of Mkandla, who is also known as “Zozo.”
Zozo is the leader of the ‘‘Rich Cousins,’’ a group of individuals who include Thandie Makuyana, Mitchell Kawome, Belinda Murawo, Gina Duri, Lisa Maropafadzo, Danya Kabwebwe, Marvelous Gumise, Chipo’s Closet, Nobunkosi Ndlovu and Martha Mudzvova. They have pledged to build a school as their contribution to the ‘‘Zodwa’s 50 for 50 Foundation.’’
Mkandla and her friends painted the ‘‘Mother City’’ green with their strict dress code themed 50 shades of green for the ladies and black tuxedo for the gents.
The glamorous event was held at Cavalli Wine Estate and the birthday girl arrived in a chopper showing off the stunning Cape Town scenery with the Table Mountain in the background.
Mkandla launched her ‘‘Zodwa’s 50 for 50 Foundation’’ last Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, a group of Harare car dealers invaded Cape Town for a five-day birthday bash of booze, boat cruises and non-stop music.
The US$100 000 party saw the birthday boy being entertained by South African artist, DJ Tira, at a joint in the Mother City.
The guys who graced the birthday bash included local rapper Stunner. H Metro

By – Former Zanu PF political commissar, Retired army boss Lt. Gen Engelbert Rugeje recently dominated a Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting and gave orders to party leadership.

Rugeje has been passive and hardly given chance to address members of the party during Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings in Masvingo.

However, the recently held PCC at Victoria Junior School saw a rejuvenated Rugeje speaking authoritatively and stamping authority on various issues that were raised during the meeting.

The new provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa also publicly showed unwavering allegiance to Rugeje, addressing him as ‘Sir’ all the time.

Rugeje overshadowed even Lovemore Matuke, the most senior politburo member in the province, during the meeting.

“The politburo said they have endorsed Masvingo results. This means the new leadership is the one recognised now. I hear, see, receive phone calls and messages from other people suggesting there will be changes but that will never happen.
“Let us not waste time thinking the chairperson and his team will be removed and get another one. There is nothing like that,” said Rugeje, authoritatively.
The former army boss however, gave a hint that Mavhenyengwa should consider not seeking re-election after his term as he might also want to be the next chair.
“Chairman, I have congratulated you. You will lead us for the next four years. I am a very honest person so let me tell you: yours are only four years. If you want to continue then that’s another issue because I may also want to contest for the position,” Rugeje said.
“A person is given his time, have to work within the stipulated time and give others a chance. Let me reiterate that, no one is given a position for a lifetime like a Chief,” he emphasised.

Sources within Zanu PF said Rugeje had been a spent force politically but bounced back and is now powerful owing to his ties with Chiwenga.

“Rugeje is now powerful. He has been silent since he was dismissed but now has bounced back. The way Mavhenyengwa continuously addressed him as ‘Sir’ shows that he is now a power to reckon with,” said the source.
Chiwenga has lately been a regular visitor to Masvingo province. Last year he came for the national clean-up, a week before the provincial elections that were held on December 28, 2021 and on February 2, 2022 for the World Wetlands Day commemorations, a development which has been interpreted by many as a way of strengthening his grip on the province which has remained the ‘boiling pot’ of Zimbabwean politics.
Rugeje went on to warn former Provincial Political Commissar Jeppy Jaboon whom the PCC recommended for his welcome in the party against contesting for any post before the stipulated time (five years) lapsed.
“There are others who have been welcomed back into the party, we would want to follow the regulations and they cannot hold any post ahead of those who have been loyal to the party,” said Rugeje.
“The Chiwenga faction wants to consolidate its grip on the province through incorporating militant characters like Jaboon who would make the task easier. They also want to use him to fight Energy Mutodi who is eyeing Bikita South seat, threatening the incumbent Josiah Sithole,” said a party source. TellZimNews

By A Correspondent- The suspended Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board has appealed to FIFA to intervene in its stand-off with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).

The SRC suspended the Felton Kamambo-led board in November last year but in December FIFA ordered that the ZIFA board be reinstated by 3 January 2022.

The SRC ignored the FIFA ultimatum and ZIFA has now written to the world football governing body asking for “guidance”.

Suspended ZIFA secretary-general Joseph Mamutse on Friday wrote to FIFA, informing them that Kamambo was barred from travelling to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Reads the letter:

We wish to inform you that our FA president Mr Felton Kamambo was today barred from travelling for a football event he had been officially invited to attend.

We are informed that this was at the insistence of the SRC and a continuation of their interference in our football.

While the FIFA letter has yet not come, our football continues to suffer at the hands of the SRC and we again continue to ask for FIFA’s intervention.

The situation in Zimbabwe is such that football is now being run by the government and this latest act is again proof that the interference continues even long after the expiry of the deadline given by FIFA to the SRC. We wait for your guidance.

By A Correspondent- A security guard employed by Guard Alert in Bindura yesterday shot and killed himself at a CBZ Bank branch in the farming town.

The guard, Leopard Kamuzondo, was allegedly facing financial problems, according to some of his friends.

“He was always complaining about lack of money, but I never thought he would kill himself in such a manner,” said one of his friends who declined to be named. When NewsDay arrived at the scene, Kamuzondo’s body was lying face down at the bank’s backyard.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe could neither confirm nor deny the incident yesterday.

Tinashe Sambiri|Unruly Zanu PF supporters disrupted the funeral of senior Citizens’ Coalition For Change member, Maria Chogugudza in Chiweshe at the weekend.

The rowdy Zanu PF members barred mourners from wearing yellow regalia.

Citizens’ Coalition For Change vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala strongly condemned Zanu PF hooliganism:

“This is at the funeral of the icon of the democratic struggle Maria Chogugudza. The funeral was highjacked by desperate ZANU PF pple who banned mourners from wearing our Yellow Revolution T-Shirts.

This led 2 the abandonment of going to her final resting place in Chiweshe.”

By A Correspondent-The search for the missing body parts of a 23-year-old Silobela man who was mauled by a crocodile while attempting to cross a flooded Gweru River continues almost a week after the incident happened.

To date, only the bottom parts of the man’s body were discovered.

According to Silobela Legislator, Mthokozisi Manoki-Mpofu, the community is searching for the remains in order to give the man a decent burial.

“It is true there was a man who was attacked by a crocodile along the Gweru River sometime last week. I am not sure yet what he was doing but I am told he was trying to cross the river.

“So far I hear they have only found the bottom part of the body which has since been taken to the mortuary. The search continues as the people try to find the crocodile with the hope of finding more body parts,” said Hon Manoki-Mpofu.

Acting Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson, Mr Clemence Muduma said a taskforce had been put in place to try and find the remains.

“We have come up with a taskforce including the Zibagwe Rural District Council, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority, (ZimParks) and the police and we continue hunting for the crocodile so that we can retrieve the remaining body parts so that the person can get a decent burial.

“We continue urging the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers or to play near flooded rivers and dams given the heavy rains that we are receiving as a country. There are so many dangers associated with these heavy rains and we should avoid unnecessary loss of life,” said Mr Muduma.

By A Correspondent- Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Bulawayo Chiefs Football Club has signed a kit-sponsored deal with Moors World of Sport (MWOS).

MWOS will be Chiefs’ kit principal kit sponsor, through the club’s Amakhosi Wear, for the next 12 months with the option to extend for the coming years. The club said in a statement:

We are pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement with Moors World of Sport (MWOS) to receive various forms of assistance during the course of the year, with the option to extend for the coming years.

The first of that agreement is to get assistance for us to be able to kit the team for the season through our Amakhosi Wear brand.

Through this arrangement, we are guaranteed to be able to churn out new kits for each season.

Mwos comes in to help us drive forward a vision of professionalism and success in football management and existence as a football club.

This arrangement will see us gradually fully equip and or dress our teams from the development side to the senior team as well as making sure that with time our fans across the globe would be able to access our Replicas.

Through this understanding, we are pleased to reveal our 2022 kits which are our 2022 Home, Away and 3rd Kit.

This relationship goes beyond financial funding, as we believe this partnership can play a great role in helping the growth and development of Bulawayo Chiefs Fc and the football in general, Mwos will come in to ensure gradually growth of the team by picking out other areas of need in our day to day business including taking care of the kits and regalia.

By- Helicopters, boat cruises, expensive champagne, and endless parties have been the theme of their bash in Cape Town.

The cost of the mega party, which has been rocking the Mother City, is still being worked out but, not many will be surprised if more than US$200 000 was invested in the huge bash.

Harare businesswoman, and the late Ginus Kadungure’s girlfriend, Zodwa Mkandla, who is part of the capital’s social scene, has been celebrating her Golden Jubilee and chose Cape Town as the setting for the big bash.
They are the second group of Zimbabweans to invade the Mother City, in the past few weeks, for grand celebrations after a group of car dealers turned heads in Cape Town with the birthday party for one of them, known as “Boss Archie.”
This time, it was the ‘‘Rich Cousins’’ who were in town for the extravagant celebrations to mark the 50th birthday of Mkandla, who is also known as “Zozo.”
Zozo is the leader of the ‘‘Rich Cousins,’’ a group of individuals who include Thandie Makuyana, Mitchell Kawome, Belinda Murawo, Gina Duri, Lisa Maropafadzo, Danya Kabwebwe, Marvelous Gumise, Chipo’s Closet, Nobunkosi Ndlovu and Martha Mudzvova. They have pledged to build a school as their contribution to the ‘‘Zodwa’s 50 for 50 Foundation.’’
Mkandla and her friends painted the ‘‘Mother City’’ green with their strict dress code themed 50 shades of green for the ladies and black tuxedo for the gents.
The glamorous event was held at Cavalli Wine Estate and the birthday girl arrived in a chopper showing off the stunning Cape Town scenery with the Table Mountain in the background.
Mkandla launched her ‘‘Zodwa’s 50 for 50 Foundation’’ last Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, a group of Harare car dealers invaded Cape Town for a five-day birthday bash of booze, boat cruises and non-stop music.
The US$100 000 party saw the birthday boy being entertained by South African artist, DJ Tira, at a joint in the Mother City.
The guys who graced the birthday bash included local rapper Stunner. H Metro