By A Correspondent- The newly formed Nelson Chamisa Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has declared this Friday a yellow-wearing day.

Launched on Monday, the party adopted the yellow colour.

Posting on their tweeter handle this week, CCC said people should wear yellow today to show association with the new political outfit.

“Wear a touch of #YELLOW on Friday as a statement of your hope for a brighter Zimbabwe”. 

By-Alick Macheso’s dancer, Selemani Mpochi, popularly known as Majuice, has been acquitted of a rape charge at the Harare Magistrates Court.

Mpochi (34) was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl he had offered a lift in August 2021.

Magistrate Ignatio Mhene ruled that the evidence given by the complainant was not reliable as she reported the matter to the police after being interrogated by her parents.

The magistrate further said the complainant was forced to report the matter to the police by the parents. Said Mhene:

Things got heated at home and the complainant now claims she was raped. The defence was written when they said the two were in love.

The evidence of the complainant is not credible and cannot be taken seriously.

Mpochi was represented by his lawyer Ashiel Mugiya, who successfully filed an application for discharge at the close of the State case.

Allegations are that on 20 August 2021, the complainant sent a text message to the dancer begging him to drive her to Kuwadzana the following day for a party.

It is alleged that the next day Mpochi met the complainant and they proceeded to Kuwadzana where he dropped her and went away.

At around 5 pm on the same day, the complainant sent a message to Mpochi advising him that she was not feeling comfortable at the party. She told him to come and pick her up.

The court heard that Mpochi drove and picked the complainant and went to a certain house in Crowborough phase 3 where he had sexual intercourse with her once without her consent.

After the act, it is alleged, Mpochi drove the complainant to her house where she arrived late.

On being quizzed by her mother on why she arrived home late, the complainant initially lied about what had transpired.

However, on the following day, she confessed her ordeal to a friend and the matter was reported to the police leading to Mpochi’s arrest.

More: NewsDay

By-Opposition MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora has received another one hundred and forty-nine million, eight hundred and fifty thousand Zimbabwean dollars (ZWLS 149 850 000.00) under the Political Parties (Finance) Act. 

This is equivalent to USD$1.3 million at the official exchange rate. 

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Zimbabwe announced the development in General Notice 125A of 2022.

POLITICAL PARTIES (FINANCE) ACT [CHAPTER 2:111

Disbursement of Money to Political Parties

IT is hereby notified, in terms of section 3(2) of the Political Parties (Finance) Act [Chapter 2:111, that the total amount of moneys payable to political parties in respect of the year beginning 1 January, 2022, and ending 31 December, 2022, is five hundred million Zimbabwean dollars. 

The money shall be disbursed to political parties that qualify in terms of section 3(2) of the Act as follows: 

(a) three hundred and fifty million, one hundred and fifty thousand Zimbabwean dollars (ZWL$350 150 000,00) shall be paid to the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), which received 70.03% of the total votes casted; and 

(b) one hundred and forty-nine million, eight hundred and fifty thousand Zimbabwean dollars (ZWLS 149 850 000.00) shall be paid to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which received 29.97% of the total votes casted. 

Z. ZIYAMBI, 

Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Analysts say the money was due to the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa, now CCC, under the Political Parties Finance Act based on the 2018 election. Chamisa contested the presidential election and came out as the runner up.

By- A Correspondent- Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has met with Uganda’s prominent opposition party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, A.K.A Bobi Wine at his statehouse offices in Zambia.

The meeting was confirmed by HH’s political party spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe on tweeter Thursday.

“The President with Ugandan Main opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi & ex Nigerian Leader yesterday. For a better & politically health Africa, we must engage with both those in power & in opposition, a place from which we endured a painful 23 years in the struggle,” he tweeted

By- Harare City Council (HCC) has announced its plans to shut down its major waterworks, Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks.

In a statement Thursday, the HCC said the water treatment plants would close from today to Saturday to pave the way for a rehabilitation project. 

Below is the statement issued by HCC:

Notice of Shutdown of Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks

Please be advised that there will be a total shutdown of Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Water Works from Friday 28 January 2022, 1400hours to Saturday 29 January 2022, 1800 hours.

The shutdown is being carried out to allow our contractor who is working on a project to rehabilitate Warren Control Pump Station to repair a reservoir feeder pipe, which is badly corroded and install new suction and discharge valves on three pumps.

The Department will also take advantage of the emergency critical shutdown to undertake repair work on trunk mains at Morton Jaffray and Viking Reservoirs to reduce physical water losses currently obtaining in the system.

Any inconvenience caused during the shutdown is sincerely regretted.

By- The former Information Minister, Jonathan Moyo, said that the nation would remember Douglas Mwonzora as the successful man who killed and buried the country’s main opposition.

He made the remarks this Thursday after the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa morphed into the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) after Mwonzora claimed that he was the leader of MDC Alliance and all MDC derivatives.
Some analysts say the split of MDC-T into two factions, one led by Mwonzora and the other led by Thokozani Khupe as well as the formation of the CCC marks the demise of the MDC brand. Pindula News previously quoted Mwonzora as denying that the MDC-T had split.
Moyo, a Political Science professor accuses Mwonzora of causing the “demise” of the party formed at the turn of the millennium. Pindula News presents a statement by the former legislator for Tsholotsho:
As part of the history of political parties in Zimbabwe, following yesterday’s sitting of the historic Nomination Court for the 26 March 2022 by-elections, which saw the birth of #CCC, @DMwonzora will be remembered as the UNDERTAKER OF THE MDC: he has single-handedly buried it!

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2000, the next general election in 2023 won’t have the #MDC as a major contender; it’s dead, thanks to @DMwonzora, and it will be buried in the by-elections and will have no chance to resurrect thereafter; Mwonzora will be honoured as the Undertaker!
The 2005 & 2014 #MDC splits led by @Welshman_Ncube & @BitiTendai respectively, did not go after the soul of the #MDC brand or base, the differences were on principle; in contrast, @DMwonzora has been @edmnangagwa’s wezhira spear; which has pierced through the heart of the #MDC!

By- The former Information Minister, Jonathan Moyo, said that the nation would remember Douglas Mwonzora as the successful man who killed and buried the country’s main opposition.

He made the remarks this Thursday after the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa morphed into the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) after Mwonzora claimed that he was the leader of MDC Alliance and all MDC derivatives.
Some analysts say the split of MDC-T into two factions, one led by Mwonzora and the other led by Thokozani Khupe as well as the formation of the CCC marks the demise of the MDC brand. Pindula News previously quoted Mwonzora as denying that the MDC-T had split.
Moyo, a Political Science professor accuses Mwonzora of causing the “demise” of the party formed at the turn of the millennium. Pindula News presents a statement by the former legislator for Tsholotsho:
As part of the history of political parties in Zimbabwe, following yesterday’s sitting of the historic Nomination Court for the 26 March 2022 by-elections, which saw the birth of #CCC, @DMwonzora will be remembered as the UNDERTAKER OF THE MDC: he has single-handedly buried it!

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2000, the next general election in 2023 won’t have the #MDC as a major contender; it’s dead, thanks to @DMwonzora, and it will be buried in the by-elections and will have no chance to resurrect thereafter; Mwonzora will be honoured as the Undertaker!
The 2005 & 2014 #MDC splits led by @Welshman_Ncube & @BitiTendai respectively, did not go after the soul of the #MDC brand or base, the differences were on principle; in contrast, @DMwonzora has been @edmnangagwa’s wezhira spear; which has pierced through the heart of the #MDC!

By- A 3,9 magnitude earthquake hit Bulawayo and some parts of Matabeleland South on Tuesday night, causing panic and sending some people in Gwanda, Plumtree and Maphisa into the streets to investigate.
Many others took to social media and residents association groups to talk about the occurrence. Some were not aware that they had experienced an earthquake.
In a statement, Meteorological Services Department (MSD) confirmed that an earthquake was felt in Gwanda, Kezi, Plumtree, Matobo, some parts of Bulawayo and surrounding areas on Tuesday at 9.37pm.
“The determined earthquake parameters show that the earthquake occurred at Latitude -21.143S and Longitude 28.472E and the Magnitude was 3.9.

The epicentre is in Matobo District about 20km from Maphisa, 40km from Gwanda town, about 25km from Kezi, about 100km from Bulawayo, 100km from Plumtree but it was widely felt in Matabeleland South Province and some parts of Bulawayo Metropolitan,” read the statement.
It said an earthquake with a magnitude of between 2.5 to 5.4 is felt, but causes minor damage.
According to the statement, MSD officers at Kezi, Matopos and Plumtree Meteorological offices, indicated that a number of people whom they talked to in their areas felt the earthquake.
“Mr Munyira the Provincial Meteorological Chief for Matabeleland South also felt the shaking and he has also received some reports from people who felt the earthquake in Gwanda town and some other parts of the province,” read the statement.

MSD head of forecasting, Mr James Ngoma said the earthquake was a result of water from tropical storm Ana which sank into the fault lines.
“We had tropical depression Ana which affected much of the country giving us rainfall across the Eastern and North Eastern parts of the country covering Manicaland as well as Mashonaland East.
Most of this water sank into our fault lines giving us a tremor that was felt in Matopo district at 3,9 magnitude on the richter scale. It was felt in areas such as Gwanda and Tsholotsho as well as Bulawayo and other surrounding areas,” said Mr Ngoma.
Gwanda mayor, Councillor Njabulo Siziba said he felt it and it terrified him.
“As for me and my family, we were very traumatised when we felt the house shaking.
It was after 9pm, and the earthquake was the least expected thing to occur in our minds.

We would really like to find out what caused it, we are just thankful that I haven’t heard of any damages caused so far,” he said.
Maphisa Roman Catholic priest Father Innocent Ndlovu said the eathquake was very intense as he could feel his whole house shaking.
“The silence of Tuesday night was suddenly broken by a very huge sound that shook my room, I then felt that the whole house was shaking.
I almost ran out of the house but then I thought to myself that if it’s an earthquake it would pass in a few seconds, so for that reason I stayed in bed keeping a special ear and eye to what could happen,” he said.

-State media

By- There was pandemonium at a building housing the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) offices in the Harare central business district after some of the offices caught fire.

The state media reports that when they arrived at the scene, the building had been evacuated and the employees were milling outside the building.

Some employees who spoke to The Herald but refused to be named said the fire started on the seventh floor and swift reaction by the guards stopped the fire from spreading to the rest of the building.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known.
“We do not know what exactly transpired. We are still shocked about where the fire came from. We are even afraid to go back and work in our offices because no one knows at the moment the exact cause of the fire”, one of the employees.
The amount of damage to the property is not yet known.

• Herald

By-A senior Zanu PF youth member challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment as leader after the November 2017 military coup, Sybeth Musengezi accused ruling party officials of misleading the court by withholding vital information.

Musengezi filed papers at the High Court in October seeking a ruling declaring null and void a November 19, 2017 Zanu PF central committee meeting that saw Mnangagwa become acting party president.
The late Robert Mugabe was forced to resign as party president after that meeting.
He also resigned as Zimbabwe President after the ruling Zanu PF party and then opposition MDC Alliance coalesced and initiated an impeachment process.
Musengezi submitted his heads of argument at the High Court yesterday, where he accused the respondents of misleading the court to get a favourable judgment.
“The above critical information in relation to the whereabouts and alleged incapacitation of … Mugabe and the alleged absence of the Vice-President and second secretary (Phelekezela Mphoko) has been also withheld, it is submitted, purposely withheld so as to mislead the court,” he claimed in his heads of argument.
“This fully applies to the respondents’ case, in that as on the 19th November 2017, Mugabe was, as a notorious fact, at State House, Harare, and locked up in talks with the military heads after the military had registered its presence on the streets of Harare …”
Zanu PF, Mnangagwa, Mpofu, Zanu PF finance secretary Patrick Chinamasa, Mphoko and ex-Zanu PF finance secretary Ignatius Chombo are the respondents in the case.
Musengezi is represented by Nqobani Sithole.
Musengezi repeated his allegation that the central committee that ushered in Mnangagwa as acting party leader was null and void.
“The controversy of an illegal act, which act was and is still invalid, has not been terminated. The illegality still stands until it is pronounced as such by a competent court,” he said.
Musengezi last month accused the police of intimidating him to drop the court challenge.
In opposing papers filed on November 5, Mpofu argued that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case, adding that Mnangagwa enjoyed presidential immunity. He also argued that Musengezi was not a Zanu PF member, contrary to his claims.
This is despite the fact that Musengezi won the Zanu PF primary elections for Harare North constituency ahead of the 2018 polls and lost to the MDC Alliance’s Allan Markham in the July 31 general elections. Newsday

By -Chief Chikwaka has been arrested for allegedly extorting Goodness and Mercy Ministries leader, prophet Tapiwa Freddy.

The traditional leader appeared before Harare magistrate, Yeukai Dzuda, Wednesday.

Chief Chikwaka, whose real name is Witness Bungu, was released on free bail as he was not coming from police custody.

Allegations are that sometime in 2020, Freddy was involved in a love affair with ZBC Radio presenter, Rutendo Makuti who has already appeared in court, over the same charge.

The State alleges that during their relationship, threats started to be issued towards Freddy that if he didn’t meet some financial demands, the affair would be exposed.

It is the State’s case that in August 2021, Bungu was allegedly roped into the web to extort Freddy.

The prophet was summoned to the chief’s homestead.

Upon arrival, Freddy was tipped there were some police officers, who allegedly wanted to extort him.

It is alleged Freddy made a U-turn and decided to return to Harare without entering the Chief’s homestead.

He was intercepted and escorted back to meet the chief where he was accused of rape.

Freddy succumbed to the pressure and gave his accuser a Mercedes Benz.

The prophet filed a report with the police.

Ruvimbo Matyatya appeared for the State. 

More: H-Metro

By- Harare City Council (HCC) has announced its plans to shut down its major waterworks, Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks.

In a statement Thursday, the HCC said the water treatment plants would close from Friday to Saturday to pave the way for a rehabilitation project. 

Below is the statement issued by HCC:

Notice of Shutdown of Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks

Please be advised that there will be a total shutdown of Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Water Works from Friday 28 January 2022, 1400hours to Saturday 29 January 2022, 1800 hours.

The shutdown is being carried out to allow our contractor who is working on a project to rehabilitate Warren Control Pump Station to repair a reservoir feeder pipe, which is badly corroded and install new suction and discharge valves on three pumps.

The Department will also take advantage of the emergency critical shutdown to undertake repair work on trunk mains at Morton Jaffray and Viking Reservoirs to reduce physical water losses currently obtaining in the system.

Any inconvenience caused during the shutdown is sincerely regretted.

By- A Correspondent- Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has met with Uganda’s prominent opposition party leader Robert Kyagulanyi, A.K.A Bobi Wine at his statehouse offices in Zambia.

The meeting was confirmed by HH’s political party spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe on tweeter Thursday.

“The President with Ugandan Main opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi & ex Nigerian Leader yesterday. For a better & politically health Africa, we must engage with both those in power & in opposition, a place from which we endured a painful 23 years in the struggle,” he tweeted

By- The newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has resolved the double fielding of candidates confusion for the March 26 by-elections, which had been caused by the overwhelming endorsement the new political outfit is receiving.

The confusion happened in Bulawayo and has since been resolved.

Tinashe Sambiri|Controversial former Zanu PF MP for Chivi South, Killer Zivhu says MDC- T president Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora is useless and immature.

Although Zivhu maintains he is a Zanu PF supporter, the outspoken politician has not hidden his passion for the party led by President Nelson Chamisa.

Writing on Twitter, Zivhu advised Mwonzora to ” play with toys” because of lack of sound political strategies.

“Politics is for big Boyz, small Boys play with your toys , this game is for strategists not noise makers, you don’t grab everything from the other players like MDC-T that’s childish. Usafadza muvengi wako because of money and power, ramba kuitiswa and hired kuparadza vekwako,” said Zivhu.

“Ndarohwa nechando nhasi zvokuda kufa apa ndanga ndisina jacket, mumwe mukomana ndokuti Mr Zivhu ndingakupai randinaro mozondipa mangwana, ndamboda kuramba but chando chakafanana nenhamo hazvina face yomunhu mberi kwazvo. Ndabva ndatora ndomupa mangwana Jessy rake but rinodziya

My dressing today ndiri pamusha paruzevha pangu, explains a lot about Chamisa and Mwonzora, “Yellow” kureva kuti chero usina hembe unogona kufamba kana une bhurukwa chete, “Red” kana une hembe usina bhurukwa haungafambi wakashama. Saka pavaviri ava pane umwe watoshama zvatoguma,” Zivhu added.

By A Correspondent- Gweru residents went for a third straight day yesterday without running water after Zesa cut power supplies at Gweru City Council’s water treatment plants over non-payment of a $247 million debt.

Zesa disconnected power at the city’s treatment plants at two of its main water sources, White Waters and Gwenhoro dams.

Zesa also disconnected Town House resulting in council failing to collect revenue.

Council was forced to resort to a generator which was reportedly running out of fuel.

In May last year, Zesa switched off council’s water treatment plants over a debt of $143 million and only restored supplies after the local authourity committed to a monthly payment plan of $13 million.

White Waters water treatment plant feeds areas such as Ridgemont, Riverside while the rest of Gweru is fed from Gwenhoro dam that is pumped at the Range booster.

The development is exposing residents to risk of diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and dysentery as they resort to unsafe water sources.

Some residents are taking advantage of the rains by harvesting water from rooftops.

Some have turned to boreholes.

In a notice to members of the public, acting town clerk Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe apologised to Zesa and the residents for the power cut.

“We would like to apologise to ZETDC for earlier advising that there is a power outage at the Range booster. The correct information is that as a local authority we have been cut off by ZETDC at the Range booster, White Waters waterworks, and TownHouse for non-payment of electricity bills,” he said.

He said they had engaged Zesa for a payment plan adding that water supplies would be restored once power is restored.

“We owe Zesa about $247 million and we are working on a payment plan,” said Mr Chikwekwe.

Zesa Southern Region general manager for Gibson Kasipo yesterday declined to comment, referring all questions to the local authority.

A Zesa official speaking on condition of anonymity said, “Out of all the money unpaid by ZETDC customers in the Midlands province, the city of Gweru owes 40percent alone. Several letters were written to council requesting them to come forward and make a payment plan but they didn’t respond.”

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director Mr Cornelius Selipiwe said while it was the local authority’s duty to pay its power bills, Zesa as another public entity should avoid endangering residents’ lives through disconnecting power at the water pump stations.

“Gweru residents, at home and in clinics or hospitals need to have access to clean and safe water and that right is infringed when they go for three days like in this case without running water. I think Gweru and Zesa bosses should have taken time to at least find each other before the later endangered residents’ lives,” he said.

The shutting down of the councils’ water pumping stations and the administrative offices has once again exposed the vulnerability of city finances exacerbated by non-payment of rates by ratepayers.

GCC is battling to recover about $1billion in unpaid bills by residents, commercial and Government entities.

Over the years, the GCC budget has been underperforming due to low appetite by residents and other stakeholders to pay their bills.

Due to non-payment of bills by ratepayers, the city council was now struggling to clear its debt to service providers, particularly its three major creditors, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), ZETDC and the Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPF).

The latest setback comes barely a fortnight after the city elected a new mayor, Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi, who replaced Dr Josiah Makombe, who was recalled from his position by the MDC-T.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The High Court Wednesday cancelled Monday’s ruling stopping by-elections in six constituencies that allowed People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members to bounce back to Parliament without being subjected to an election.

High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on Tuesday ruled that the recall of Tendai Biti (Harare East), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Regai Tsunga (Mutasa South), Kucaca Ivumile Phulu (Nkulumane) and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula) was illegal.

But another High Court judge Justice Never Katiyo Wednesday issued a provisional order directing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to reopen nominations for the six constituencies.

Justice Katiyo made the order after Benjamin Rukanda, who initiated the recall of the six legislators, filed an urgent chamber application challenging Justice Chitapi’s ruling. Justice Katiyo’s order read in part:

The first respondent (ZEC) be and is hereby ordered to reopen the nomination court for the nomination of candidates to fill the vacancies for the constituencies….

 The cancellation of the nomination court process for the constituencies … by ZEC be and is hereby declared null and void for lack of legality.

ZEC yesterday said implementing the order after the closure of the nomination court was a legal impossibility. ZEC said in a statement:

The court order was served at 1655hrs after the nomination courts had closed and it became a legal impossibility to implement. Nomination courts close at 1600hrs in terms of the law. Zec will stand guided on the way forward by legal instruments/orders to be issued in terms of the law.

PDP official Jacob Mafume described the latest setback as shocking there has never been a High Court judge who has cancelled another judge’s order. He added:

The ordinary thing is for people to appeal. We are surprised and in awe to whatever this development is. The same court cannot give contrasting orders within hours of itself.

Justice Chitapi Tuesday ordered the reinstatement of Biti, the MP for Harare East; William Madzimure of Kambuzuma; Chikwinya of Mbizvo; Kucaca Ivumile Phulu of Nkulumane; Sichelesile Mahlangu of Pumula and Regai Tsunga of Mutasa South who had been expelled based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.

By A Correspondent- Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s largest mobile network operator (MNO) yesterday adjusted its promotional bundle prices by at least 20%.

The adjustment, which does not include the headline tariff, comes after the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), the industry’s regulator, granted service providers the greenlight to increase promotional bundle prices in line with rising operating costs.

The adjustment does not, however, include the headline (out of bundle) tariffs, which remain the same.

The bundle price adjustment comes after the latest industry report showed a worrying trend where telecommunications companies’ operating costs are growing at a faster pace than revenues.

The Potraz report said MNOs’ operating costs grew by 40,9% to $12,5 billion in the third quarter of 2021, from $8,8 billion reported in the second quarter.

Revenues, however, only grew by 15,8% to $19,5 billion, up from $16,9 billion in the previous quarter.

Econet, whose operations have been hard hit by power cuts and extensive vandalism of its infrastructure, on Monday advised its customers of the impending price adjustments.

“Dear customer. Kindly take note; voice, data and SMS bundle prices will be reviewed effective January 25, 2022,” the company said.

State-owned mobile network service providers Telecel Zimbabwe and NetOne are expected to adjust their bundle prices later in the week or early next week.

Zimbabwean MNOs have been reviewing tariffs regularly, by an average of 20%.

But the tariff adjustments have failed to keep pace with inflation, which closed 2021 at over 60%, while the Zimbabwe dollar lost more than 50% of its value in the past 12 to 18 months.

Industry experts last week said an increase in electricity tariffs early this month, coupled with an unstable foreign currency market, was largely to blame for the rise in prices of most goods and services in several sectors of the economy.

“Electricity and fuel are key fundamental inputs in commerce and industry. They are required in all sectors of the economy. Therefore price increases of these inputs have a pass-on effect in the whole economy, pushing up general inflation as prices of all goods and services go up,” Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Kurai Matsheza said.

Power utility Zesa Holdings, which regularly adjusts its electricity prices, increased its tariffs by 12,3% at the beginning of this month, which had an immediate knock-on effect on the prices of basic goods and services.

Meanwhile, Econet said although it was using scarce foreign currency to import and replace infrastructure lost to vandalism, the company would continue seeking ways to keep its more than 10 million subscribers connected.

Zimbabwe’s largest MNO recently introduced United States dollar-denominated promotional bundles to cater for customers who have free funds.

The US$1 bundle consists of 15 voice minutes, 150 megabytes of data and 15 SMS, all valid for 24 hours.-newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has distanced itself from a Twitter account dubbed “Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimb)” saying the force does not have any connection with the account. Pindula News presents a ZRP statement on the matter:

FAKE TWITTER ACCOUNT IN THE NAME OF ZRP

The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a Twitter handle dubbed “Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimb)” which purportedly joined the social media platform in January 2022.

This handle has nothing to do with Zimbabwe Republic Police at all. Any political statements, campaigns and criminal acts perpetrated by anyone through this fake and ghost Twitter handle will be investigated and action taken without fear or favour.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police will also engage appropriate levels to ensure that this ghost Twitter account is effectively dealt with.

(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner

Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and Int. Relations) to the Commissioner-General of Police

Police General Headquarters

By A Correspondent- A bridge was swept away while a number of houses collapsed and roads were damaged mainly in Manicaland due to heavy rains caused by the overland Tropical Depression Ana.

Muchira Bridge in Chimanimani’s Ward 22, which connects with Ward 21, was extensively damaged by the rains while Tombo-Magadzire road in Nyanga district is now impassable.

The Civil Protection Unit continues to assess the extent of damage caused by the Overland Tropical Depression Ana.

District Development Coordinator for Nyanga, Mr Nyashadzashe Zindove, confirmed that 19 houses were damaged. He said:

Basically, we have been affected mostly in Wards 21, 12 and 11. Apart from the four blocks at Nyafaru High School that had their roofs blown off, we also have 14 households that collapsed in the area.

In Nyanga urban, we have five houses that collapsed. We are in touch with those affected through local leadership and we should be able to give the necessary assistance in due course.

He said they established 31 evacuation centres prior to the heavy rains where people will bring their food and stay until necessary repairs are done to their homes.

In Chimanimani, a number of disaster preparedness mechanisms have been put in place including the provision of 86 evacuation centres. 

This comes when memories of Cyclone Idai are still fresh in the minds of many who lost relatives, and or properties.

The tropical depression evolved in the Mozambique Channel on Sunday and gradually intensified into a Tropical Storm named Ana.

Tropical Storm Ana hit the Mozambique coast around noon on Monday with a maximum speed of 110 kilometres per hour.

The falling over land turned the tropical storm into an overland depression which gradually lost strength.-statemedia

By-The newly formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has caused panic within the ruling Zanu PF party.

Chamisa on Monday rebranded the MDC Alliance and dumped the traditional MDC brand.

The new Gold/Yellow branded political outfit has caused Zanu pF to panic ahead of the March 26 by-elections and next year’s national polls.

On Wednesday in Harare, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa expressed shock over the new political party.

“What is in a name? A name does not change anything.
“Your party has no organisational capacity, it fights every day, likes sanctions and it has not changed. If you liked sanctions, taking the name CCC does not mean that you do not like sanctions. You go with your sanctions,” he said.

“The party is not going anywhere,” he said.
“Changing the name will not change the character of an infantile, anti-people, ‘dira jecharist’ and pro-sanctions party will not change.
“When we go to the elections, they have very bad records of running down towns for two decades.

-Herald

By-The newly formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has shaken Zanu PF.

Chamisa on Monday rebranded the MDC-Alliance and gave it a new name, CCC.

The new political outfit, which comes with Gold/Yellow colours has moved the ruling Zanu PF party, ahead of the March by-elections and next year’s national elections.

Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa on Wednesday, for the first time, talked about the new opposition movement.

.
“What is in a name? A name does not change anything.
“Your party has no organisational capacity, it fights every day, likes sanctions and it has not changed. If you liked sanctions, taking the name CCC does not mean that you do not like sanctions. You go with your sanctions,” he said.

“The party is not going anywhere,” he said.
“Changing the name will not change the character of an infantile, anti-people, ‘dira jecharist’ and pro-sanctions party will not change.
“When we go to the elections, they have very bad records of running down towns for two decades.

-Herald

A Correspondent- Controversial, challan preacher Passion Java said that the newly formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) would soon crumble.

The comical preacher posted an image of bananas on social media and captioned it “Chaora Chinhu chacho CCC ” (It has decayed).

The picture had fresh and decaying bananas, with each having a tag of a year representing the state of the CCC from its formation (January 2022) to its collapse (December 2022).

Java is striving to get into Zanu PF structures.

Late last year, he posted pictures with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

By-Two teenagers allegedly gruesomely stabbed and killed their drinking mate following a drunken misunderstanding in Lower Gweru, police have said.

The duo, Tadiwanashe Mhlanga and Philimon Dube, allegedly brutally knifed Tafadzwa Sibanda to death at Insukamini Business Centre after he stopped them from assaulting a bar lady.

Police have since arrested Mhlanga, but Dube is on the run.

Sibanda, 24, was knifed after he restrained the duo from beating the lady bar tender for trying to close up for the day when they still wanted service.

Midlands police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened close to midnight, and law enforcement agents had launched a manhunt for Dube.

“It is alleged that Sibanda was drinking beer with the two suspects, Mhlanga and Dube, both aged 18 years of Ndayo Village under Chief Bunina.

“The three had a misunderstanding after Sibanda stopped the two suspects from insulting the bar lady who wanted to close the bar,” he said. 

–New Ziana

By – A well-known Chiredzi sex worker, Paida Manika has been stabbed to death by her boyfriend.

Obvious Yaya Toruvanda (22), who is believed to be a thief, stabbed Manika to death early this week.

The Mirror understood that the two had differences after Paida decided to end the relationship.
The incident happened during the wee hours of Tuesday, and she was confirmed dead at 4am.

She was stabbed on her leg and sources said that she died from excessive breeding.

Paidamoyo made headlines in 2016 when her mother who was also a sex worker found her in the act, collapsed and died.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe could not confirm the report but The Mirror visited Paida place and had an in interview with her brother-in-law.
The Mirror also confirmed that Toruvanda fled after stabbing her girlfriend and was arrested at 4pm yesterday after being found hiding in a bush near Croco Motors.
“We were sleeping at around 3 am when somebody came alerted us that Paida was stabbed. We rushed to her house and found her lying in a pool of blood with blood oozing from her right leg,” said her brother in law Arthur Mbodzera.
They took her to Chiredzi Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Masvingo Mirror

By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change President Nelson Chamisa has implored Zimbabweans to join the winning team.

President Chamisa’s party rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change on Monday.

The party’s aspiring candidates for local government and house of assembly by-elections have successfully filed nominations across the country.

“EVERYBODY & EVERYTHING TURNING YELLOW. AN OVERWHELMING ENDORSEMENT & A FANTASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOU ZIMBABWE, THE CITIZENS. NOW BUILDING THE TEAM & SHARING THE DREAM.

JOIN NOW! THE FUTURE IS YELLOW. ZIMBABWE IS YELLOW & RICH. THE JOURNEY BEGINS.

We’re #1. THANK YOU ZIMBABWE. HELLO YELLOW! #CCC,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By-Two teenagers allegedly gruesomely stabbed and killed their drinking mate following a drunken misunderstanding in Lower Gweru, police have said.

The duo, Tadiwanashe Mhlanga and Philimon Dube, allegedly brutally knifed Tafadzwa Sibanda to death at Insukamini Business Centre after he stopped them from assaulting a bar lady.

Police have since arrested Mhlanga, but Dube is on the run.

Sibanda, 24, was knifed after he restrained the duo from beating the lady bar tender for trying to close up for the day when they still wanted service.

Midlands police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident happened close to midnight, and law enforcement agents had launched a manhunt for Dube.

“It is alleged that Sibanda was drinking beer with the two suspects, Mhlanga and Dube, both aged 18 years of Ndayo Village under Chief Bunina.

“The three had a misunderstanding after Sibanda stopped the two suspects from insulting the bar lady who wanted to close the bar,” he said. 

–New Ziana

By- Chinese miner has invaded Inyorka ranch in Matobo, prompting the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) working with the provincial mining office and police to issue them with an eviction order.

According to EMA, the Chinese mining company operating under the trade name – Edsabri (Private) Limited – was issued with tickets and orders twice but the group continued mining illegally and they did not have an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report.
Environmentalists, communities and activities have always expressed concern that mining operations usually overseen by the Chinese are not environmentally conscious or friendly, as they leave more harm than good.
Inyorka ranch is owned by Philip Mpofu who is battling to have the Chinese move out of his property, as they are causing harm to the environment.
In an interview with CITE, EMA Matabeleland South Provincial Manager, Davy Ndlovu, confirmed officers had been sent to the ground to issue a docket with the intention to arrest the Chinese miners.
“The first time we found them doing alluvial mining on a river bed, we removed them and issued a ticket. They then moved to the next site where they bought a mine illegally to continue their operations. We also gave them a ticket and an order. The next move is to go with the police and arrest them,” he said.
Ndlovu said the two tickets issued against the Chinese group were worth ZWL$520 000 but the miners continued to defy orders.
“The first ticket fine was for ZWL$500 000 and the second one was for ZWL$20 000 where they were doing prospecting. Now we will open a docket and have them arrested because we understand they are back again. When you tell someone to stop mining you expect them to stop but they have not, meaning they are disrespecting our procedures. They must stop their illegal activities and they don’t even have an EIA,” he said.
The environmentalist said EMA was concerned by the damage to the environment, as the Chinese miners had no mitigation plans.
“The problem we have is when you go there, some don’t even speak the local language, they look at you. Our concern is we don’t want this degradation, they should stop until and have proper documentation. In this case, we need an EIA report and they don’t have it. Without an EIA they are illegal,” Ndlovu said.
“Since we have issued them with orders and tickets, now we are opening a docket for them. We have information that they are still there so our officers are on their way going there to issue them with a docket.”
Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Matabeleland South Provincial Mining Director Khumbulani Mlangeni confirmed the local office had engaged the police to deal with the Chinese group.
“Yes, we wrote a letter to the police to that effect. When we received the complaint we went to the ground and we established they are not supposed to be mining anywhere. They (the Chinese) claim to have applied for a special grant and they were mining within a river bed, which is banned nationally,” he said when contacted for a comment.
“So we wrote a letter to the police at the time we received the complaint last year. I’m not sure if police have acted yet but this morning Mr Mpofu said there are still people there.” Cite.org.zw

By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

A Correspondent- Controversial challan preacher Passion Java said that the newly formed Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) would soon crumble.

The comical preacher posted an image of bananas on social media and captioned it “Chaora Chinhu chacho CCC ” (It has decayed).

The picture had fresh and decaying bananas, with each having a tag of a year representing the state of the CCC from its formation (January 2022) to its collapse (December 2022).

Java is striving to get into Zanu PF structures.

Late last year, he posted pictures with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has laboured to defend its members who brutalised civilians over beer at Mbalabala Shopping Centre on Christmas eve. 

 Below is the ZNA statement on the matter:

RESPONSE TO NEWSHAWKS STORY TITLED SOLDIERS REPORTEDLY ASSAULT VILLAGERS AFTER EXCHANGING TAUNTS OVER ALCOHOL

Reference is made to the NewsHawks story titled ‘Soldiers Reportedly Assduit Villagers after Exchanging Taunts over Alcohol,’ published on 28 December 2021. The article was also published in other online publications. In the story, it is alleged that imbibers and soldiers exchanged taunts over beer at Mbalabala Shopping Centre on Christmas eve, resulting in the soldiers mobilising the police to attack residents randomly. The ZNA would like to put it on record that its members were never involved in the incident in question as they were never at that place. The business centre in question is strictly out of bounds to all our members.

The area is in a gold mining region where illegal gold mining activities are rampant. Investigations have revealed that the incident involved artisanal miners (Makorokoza) who were fighting amongst themselves. ZRP Esigodini reacted and dispersed the rowdy artisanal miners. The Army encourages Journalists to always check with the police to verify information and incidents before rushing to publish unverified stories.

ALPHIOS MAKOTORE 

Colonel

Director Army Public Relations

By – A well-known Chiredzi sex worker, Paida Manika has been stabbed to death by her boyfriend.

Obvious Yaya Toruvanda (22), who is believed to be a thief, stabbed Manika to death early this week.

The Mirror understood that the two had differences after Paida decided to end the relationship.
The incident happened during the wee hours of Tuesday, and she was confirmed dead at 4am.

She was stabbed on her leg and sources said that she died from excessive breeding.

Paidamoyo made headlines in 2016 when her mother who was also a sex worker found her in the act, collapsed and died.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe could not confirm the report but The Mirror visited Paida place and had an in interview with her brother-in-law.
The Mirror also confirmed that Toruvanda fled after stabbing her girlfriend and was arrested at 4pm yesterday after being found hiding in a bush near Croco Motors.
“We were sleeping at around 3 am when somebody came alerted us that Paida was stabbed. We rushed to her house and found her lying in a pool of blood with blood oozing from her right leg,” said her brother in law Arthur Mbodzera.
They took her to Chiredzi Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Masvingo Mirror

By- Jah Prayzah has announced that he would no longer submit any entries for Zimbabwean music and arts merit awards.

The multiple award-winners manager, Keen Mushapaidze, said this last Friday, shortly after the announcement of the ZIMA 2020 nominees where they were not placed on the list.

‘‘Jah Prayzah does not submit for awards consideration is the phrase. But all the same, well done to all the nominees and we wish each and everyone the best.
“Hard work should be supported all the time, Thank you Zima,” posted the manager.
Many of his followers have been questioning whether they undermined the local music and merit awards, which the manager dismissed.
“We still insist that Jah Prayzah does not submit entries for the awards because releasing the music for the market should be enough for us. It’s now a matter of policy that we don’t submit entries and we have told event organisers the same thing that we have passed that stage.
“We now think releasing our stuff for the masses is enough and if people (award organisers) like our stuff, they know what to do with it,” he said.
Asked whether this has been their modus operandi over the years, Mushapaidze explained:
“There was a time we used to submit entries but we have stopped doing that in the past few years.
“We have realised that our brand is now big and it was up to the people who organise such events to do their part, without asking us to submit our stuff, because they have it on every platform.
“Like I said earlier on, it’s now a matter of policy where we want to stick to what can make our brand big. We are no longer focusing on the Zimbabwean market alone because we have cast our nets wider.”
He, however, said their decision does not mean they were undermining the local music and arts merit awards.
“We will never undermine Zimbabwean awards because we are still singing for the Zimbabweans, who took us where we are today.
“We have only stopped submitting entries as a matter of policy since we believe in our brand and vision. To those who have other ideas, it’s unfortunate that we won’t change our mind because that is what we have decided to do,” he said.
The Uzumba-bred chanter has won almost everything on home soil and bagged regional and international awards.

-H Metro

By- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) has appointed Joseph Chinotimba as the association’s political commissar.

The appointment comes after the war veterans launched a special investment project, New Vista Investment Trust to engage and promote investors in the country.
Chinotimba replaces Joel Mureremba.

ZNLWA national chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chinotimba, a legislator for Buhera South, in his new role, will be engaging with the investment committee in Parliament.
“Because of the energy which is required for our New Vista Investment Trust, we have reorganized our leadership. We feel that Cde Chinotimba is going to discharge that role because he is also in Parliament. It requires a lot of liaison between Parliament and investors because the laws in which investors would want to put money in Zimbabwe come from Parliament.”

Mutsvangwa urged Chinotimba to use his influence to lure investors into the country to develop and improve the country’s economy.

“Cde Chinotimba you have got your work cut out. We would want you to have a lot of influence in the investment committee of Parliament. You shall be twerking laws in Parliament to make sure that they are most friendly to investors. Do not forget our friends who supported us during the bad times, the Chinese and the Russians.
“You will be there, your office must be an inviting door for all investors regardless of which country they come from and you already do that but you must also pay particular attention to those who have always been our friends,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also tasked Chinotimba to make laws that attract investment and prove to the world that a comrade can be a world-class businessman.

“I am very honoured to be given this position and I will work with everyone in all the provinces to make sure that everything goes according to our plan. My door is open for everyone and please feel free to come to me if there are any challenges in your communities,” he said.

Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change President Nelson Chamisa has implored Zimbabweans to join the winning team.

President Chamisa’s party rebranded to Citizens Coalition For Change on Monday.

The party’s aspiring candidates for local government and house of assembly by-elections have successfully filed nominations across the country.

“EVERYBODY & EVERYTHING TURNING YELLOW. AN OVERWHELMING ENDORSEMENT & A FANTASTIC RESPONSE FROM YOU ZIMBABWE, THE CITIZENS. NOW BUILDING THE TEAM & SHARING THE DREAM.

JOIN NOW! THE FUTURE IS YELLOW. ZIMBABWE IS YELLOW & RICH. THE JOURNEY BEGINS.

We’re #1. THANK YOU ZIMBABWE. HELLO YELLOW! #CCC,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

HRDs Alert

Tafadzwa Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and Chitungwiza Municipality Acting Town Clerk Evangelista Machona risk imprisonment after they wilfully defied a High Court order which stayed all demolitions against informal traders’ structures in Harare and Chitungwiza.

In an application for a contempt of court order filed at Harare High Court on Friday 21 January 2022, Alice Kuvheya, the Director of Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST and the residents association argued that Muguti and Machona should serve a three-month jail term for contempt of court for brazenly defying a High Court order prohibiting demolitions in the two cities.

Kuvheya and CHITREST, who are represented by Rudo Bere of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that they obtained a court order granted by Justice Edith Mushore on the 10 June 2021, who ordered that all unprocedural demolitions of homes, durawalls and informal traders’ structures should be stayed as they were not in compliance with the
law in particular Section 32 of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act and Section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act.

Muguti, Machona, Chitungwiza Municipality and City of Harare, Kuvheya and CHITREST argued, completely disregarded the High Court order and unilaterally commenced demolitions of informal traders’ structures in Harare and Chitungwiza. Kuvheya and CHITREST said Muguti also made utterances in which he openly denigrated the High Court order and also foretold that demolitions would continue in defiance of the lawful court order.

The applicants want the High Court to declare Muguti, Machona, Chitungwiza Municipality and City of Harare to be in contempt of court. They also want the High Court to order Muguti and Machona to serve alternate three months in jail for contempt of court until such
a time they would have purged their contempt and comply Justice Mushore’s court order granted in June 2021.

Aggrieved residents of Arlington Estates in Harare have given a 48-hour ultimatum to Tafadzwa Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, demanding that he should assure them that he is not going to proceed with demolishing their residential properties.

In an article published in the state-run The Herald newspaper on Tuesday 25 January 2022, titled “Arlington, Retreat properties face demolition, warns Muguti, the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution was extensively quoted stating
that all houses and developments built in an area around Robert Mugabe International Airport including Arlington Estate and Retreat suburb face demolition.

Muguti said the developments in the areas were within a so-called red zone which affects the operations of the airport and should therefore be demolished and were also done in violation of the Civil Aviation Act and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe Act. He further indicated that government was going to approach the courts to obtain a demolition order authorising it to conduct the exercise.

But in a letter written to Muguti on Tuesday 25 January 2022, Arlington Estates Homeowners Association, represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights challenged Muguti’s claims and indicated that the development of properties in Arlington Estate by residents was done in accordance with the law and all the
necessary approvals and inspections were done and approved by the Local Planning Authority which is the City of Harare and the residents obtained Title Deeds for their properties.

The Arlington residents said their houses are private properties protected from compulsory deprivation through demolition or otherwise and hence no person may be compulsorily deprived of their property as the planned demolitions constitute a violation of property rights guaranteed in Section 71 of the Constitution.

The residents’ letter was also delivered to City of Harare, Local Government Minister and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

The residents advised Muguti that there is a pending court order against him, the City of Harare and other local authorities issued under HC2857/21 which prohibits him from carrying out any demolitions unless he follows due process and complies with the principles of natural justice as provided for in terms of the Administrative Justice Act.

They accused Muguti of acting in blatant disregard of the existing court order to which human rights lawyers in a separate matter have since applied to the High Court seeking an order for the Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution
to be declared to be in contempt of court.

The residents said failure to receive an undertaking stopping the planned demolitions of housing properties from Muguti, they will approach the High Court for redress.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Monday wrote a letter to Harare Metropolitan Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti, over utterances he reportedly made as quoted in The Herald.

Muguti was quoted as saying that all houses and developments around the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport area, including Arlington Estate and Retreat suburb face demolition. 

Writing on behalf of Arlington Estates residents, the human rights lawyers demanded that Muguti should in 48 hours give a written undertaking that he is not going to proceed with demolishing residential properties.

ZLHR’s Tinashe Chinox warned Muguti that if he fails to do as requested by the residents, they will approach the High Court for redress.

The letter to Muguti was also copied to the Harare City Council, the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).

In the letter, the human rights lawyer said the development of properties in Arlington Estate was done in accordance with the law, all the necessary approvals and inspections were done and approved by the Local Planning Authority and the residents obtained Title Deeds to their properties.

He said the intended demolitions constitute a violation of property rights as provided for in Section 71 of the Constitution.

Posted Selmor Mtukudzi:

Mwari vakuitirei zvakanaka hama dzangu.

Tinotenda

THANK YOU – WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE

There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy, love and support Zimbabwe and the world extended to our family during this period of the loss of our father Zex Manatsa who passed away on the 20th of January 2022 and laid to rest on Sunday the 23rd.

Seeing people from all walks of life coming to mourn our father, proved that our father was indeed a people’s person. For the rest of our lives, we will never forget the love and support our family witnessed during the dark hour we lost our father, our legend, our hero.From the very bottom of our hearts, we would like to send out our heartfelt

Thank You to:The Government of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe – NACZZIMURA, Nyaradzo Funeral Group, ZAOGA Church, Dr Eh Guti & SADOP ministry, Glad Tidings Church, UFI Church, New Life Covenant Church And any other church we might have omitted or whose name we don’t remember. NatBake Promoters: Mahwindo, Chipaz, Y2K Entertainment Promotions and othersAll the musicians and friends in the music industry who were present at the funeral uncluding Tanga Wekwa Sando, Bob Nyabinde, Alick Macheso, Isaac Chirwa, Sulu Chimbetu, Pastor and Amai Charamba, Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Dereck Mpofu, Gwenya-Gitare Mono, Pastor Haisa, Mokoomba, Hope Masike, Ammi Jamanda, Albert Nyathi, Carlton Mparutsa, Josh Meck, Mdara Svosve, Mehluli Moyo, Murehwa Para, Vusa Moyo, Tinashe Pasi, Moodah, Tendai Chimombe, Prudence Katomeni, Reginald Chapfunga, Macdee, Madam Boss, The Comic Pastor and Associates, Chirikure Chirikure, Sam Dondo, Agga NyaBinde, Bhutisi Kuzhangaira Admirre, Albert Nyabinde, Alexio Kawara & Shades of Black and many others who were present..the list is endless.

City Of Harare Warren Hills Executive Cemetery Staff, Parirenyatwa Ward D2 and B12 Staff who took good care of VaManatsa. Dr Mberi and Dr Dahwa who took care of mdhara till the last day. Zimbabwe Republic Police, Manatsa Family, Katehwe Family, Kazingizi Family, Murapa Family, Murape Family, Mtukudzi Family, Chakasikwa Family, Gandawa Family, Mtunzi Family, Chafausipo Family, Mapuranga Family, Musanjeya Family, Mahlekete Family, Mtemererwa Family, Watama family,Nyakuhwa family,Sekuru Stanley Kasukuwere,Joseph Mubaiwa,Hon Simba Mudarikwa, All the Media Houses in Zimbabwe and all over the world,All the Radio Stations in Zimbabwe and all over the world. The entertainment journalists in Zimbabwe and the world over, All the friends of our father,All the music venues in Zimbabwe where VaManatsa performed, The DJ’s who played his music,The awards he was awarded during his career.

To Mr Philip Mataranyika and your team at Nyaradzo Funeral Services, thank you for going way beyond what our policy covered. You made sure that our father got the hero’s send off that he deserved. To our mother Stellah Manatsa: We thank you so much for taking care of our father. May you stay strong during this period we are all grieving.

Thank you to our lovely wives (varoora vaVaManatsa) for being there for our father and mother during the sickness and during the funeral.

Very special Thank you to All the fans in Zimbabwe and the world over who supported Zex Manatsa throughout his career. Without your support, non of the music would have made sense. May you continue to enjoy the beautiful music he has left us and may it bring happiness in all our lives.

A big thank you to ALL those whose names or organizations we have missed out! You are greatly appreciated.

Once again, Thank you so so much to EVERYONE. We are looking forward to working with everyone as we carry on from where our father left off.

We can never fit into his shoes but we will do our very best to keep his legacy alive with the support of everyone around us.To our father Zex Manatsa –

Thank you so much for the beautiful music and the beautiful memories. You were a loving husband to our mother, a super dad to us your children, an amazing atezvara to our wives and great sekuru to our kids. RIP – VaManatsa.

Sincerely Green, Aaron, Tendai, Freedom, Shingirai and Zex Taku Manatsa

By A Correspondent- The Gokwe chieftainship row has been removed from the High Court urgent roll after Justice Amy Tsunga said it was not an urgent matter.

One of the complainants, Martin Masuka had approached the High Court seeking the removal of Mafioni Rikonda as Chief Masuka.

Masuka argued that he was the heir apparent according to the royal lineage.

In the joint urgent chamber application filed at the High Court by Masuka, Rikonda, Nemaringa and Gwenjera houses, they argued that Rikonda’s appointment as chief was illegal.

They wanted his appointment reversed, arguing that it contravened section 283(c) (Amendment No 20 of 2013) of the Constitution, which stipulates that an Act of Parliament must provide for the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders.

But Justice Tsanga ruled that the matter was not urgent.

“Whereupon after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that the matter is not urgent and is removed from urgent roll for pursuance on ordinary roll,” Tsanga ruled.

Rikonda had been cited as the first respondent, while Local Government minister July Moyo and President Emmerson Mnangagwa were second and third respondents, respectively.

Masuka submitted that Rikonda was not eligible for appointment as Chief Masuka according to the “prevailing traditional practices and traditions”‘ of the Masuka clan as he is not from the permissible senior generation of ‘fathers’ of the Rikonda house.”

Court papers stated that the tradition of the Masuka clan demands that the eldest surviving person from the royal family should take up the chieftainship.

“The advent of the second republic ushered in an enhanced commitment to the re-establishment of our substantive chiefdom in Gokwe South.

“The Council of Chiefs was subsequently ordered to determine which house in the Masuka tribe was due to be installed, in continuation from where the chieftainship was terminated to “headman”.

“Subsequently, a determination was made that it is the Rikonda house which is the second applicant in this case.

“Communication was done to us, to the effect that Rikonda house is the royal house from which the substantive chief of the Masuka people is to be installed and a directive was issued to the second applicant, Rikonda family to resolve the question of who must be installed and nominate one person for appointment as chief of the Masuka people, Gokwe South,” read the court papers.

The applicants also want a meeting for the provincial assembly of chiefs convened urgently to review

By A Correspondent- Tendai Biti and 5 other MDC Alliance who were recalled by the rival MDC-T have won their court challenge barely hours before the Nomination Court for by-elections to elect their replacements. High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi ruled that their recall was illegal.

The reinstatement followed another judgment by Justice Martin Mafusire last year, who ruled that Rukanda was not a legitimate member of the PDP. Rukanda then appealed against Justice Mafusire’s judgment.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced that there are no vacancies in the Nkulumane, Mbizo, Kambuzuma, Mutasa South, Pumula and Harare East National Assembly Constituencies constituencies following the court outcome.

Biti, the MP for Harare East; William Madzimure of Kambuzuma; Chikwinya of Mbizvo; Kucaca Ivumile Phulu of Nkulumane; Sichelesile Mahlangu of Pumula and Regai Tsunga of Mutasa South were expelled last month based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme ruling said MDC Alliance was not a single party but a coalition of 7 parties, and that each party in the coalition, including the PDP, could recall MPs elected on the Alliance ticket.

Commenting on the development, Alex Tawanda Magaisa, a former Chief in the office of a former Prime Minister, the late Morgan Tsvangirai, said the court outcome could be a strategy by the ruling ZANU PF to cause problems in the newly formed Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa.

The UK-based law expert said the development doesn’t do CCC any favours at all. Magaisa said:

It is that the 6 MPs will remain in parliament as the PDP element of the old MDC Alliance. Yet, CCC has just launched as a new entity.

He added that it will be awkward for CCC to have members that are also still identified as MDC Alliance or PDP formed by Tendai Biti.

By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government to move with speed and open schools as the country’s education sector risked collapse.

Schools closed in December last year following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

They were scheduled to open on January 10, but opening was postponed indefinitely as government wants more time to assess the situation.

“We know our teachers are poorly paid and are now earning less than US$100 per month when the cost of living is skyrocketing.

“There is need to restore teachers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 level of at least US$540 and above that. We need to improve teachers’ status and conditions of service,” Chamisa said.

“Schools must be opened to allow children from underprivileged communities to access education.

“Those in private schools opened online classes and they are learning, while those in rural Zimbabwe and peri-urban settings have been disadvantaged.

“There is need to ensure schools are opened, while COVID-19 precautionary measures are put in place. Our people cannot be in pris- on forever, we need to ensure that life goes on in safe environments,” Chamisa told NewsDay.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) in a joint statement yesterday said teachers could no longer afford to send their children to school.

“Some schools are now demanding up to $160 000 in fees when a teacher is earning $20 000.

“How do you reconcile that?” PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe asked.

Majongwe said the government should regularise civil servants’ negotiating platforms in order to do away with the Apex Council, which he claimed was captured.

“The current negotiating process has since been overtaken by events, considering the provisions of section 65 of the Constitution.

“The government must create a legal chamber as provided for by the law where unions are allowed to engage government through a properly constituted framework rather than the current nefarious begging platform which doesn’t benefit teachers,” he said.

He said as the government pre- pared to open schools, it should put in place mechanisms to protect teachers and students from contracting COVID-19.

Last week, acting President Con- stantino Chiwenga further de- ferred the opening of schools in or- der to put preventive public health measures in place before the com- mencement of the school calendar.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Information Communication Technology minister Jenfan Muswere yesterday said government was targeting to install computer equipment at 8 800 schools as it intensifies efforts to promote e-learning during the COVID-19 era.

Muswere said this at Epworth Primary School during the handover of laptops donated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted the education sector in the country, and resultantly, the government was promoting e-learning and providing ICT equipment and internet connectivity to learners.

“Our vision is to see all learners having access to, and knowledge of ICTs to not only facilitate learning in the classroom, but virtually from any place and at anytime. The ICT labs we have commissioned today are, therefore, a gateway for Epworth to the world and they are also a route marker as Zimbabwe forges its way towards attaining an upper-middle economy by the year 2030,” Muswere said.

“Government is targeting to install computer facilities at 8 800 schools, and has responded by coming up with digital solutions such as e-learning, a solution pivoted on the ability of our school-going learners to access ICT equipment and internet connectivity,” he said.

Muswere said the creation of a digital economy could only be achieved by the provision of universal access to ICTs for all citizens regardless of their location.

“Access is, however, not enough if we do not develop ICT skills,” he said.-newsday