By- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, saying his government has sourced enough vaccinations to inoculate everyone.
Mnangagwa made the threats while addressing a Zanu PF politburo meeting in Harare on Saturday.
He said:
Altogether we have now received over 12 million doses from China as donations. So there is no need for anybody to remain unvaccinated.
There are so many vaccine doses that we will soon be stopping people on the streets to vaccinate them.

I would like to commend those who have heeded my clarion call to get a booster vaccine dose.
Government will continue mobilising vaccines to ensure that lives and livelihoods are saved and protected.

In the same issue of risk reduction, I call upon the nation to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and adhere to the set containment measures.

-Standard

 By-Divisions have rocked the War Veterans Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) after it emerged that some disgruntled members were plotting to form a splinter group.

This comes months after some WVTWPG members were arrested in Harare following a protest they staged, where they accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of neglecting them.

Police blocked them from submitting a petition to Mnangagwa for a review of their pension earnings.

Reports have emerged that the ex-combatants are up in arms with each other amid claims that disgruntled members were working with some politicians to form a splinter association.

WVWPG chairperson Amos Sigauke blamed some “outsiders” for taking advantage of disgruntled war veterans to advance their political interests and cause divisions in the association.

“There are some members who are being used by other people from outside, who have some political agendas to distract the purpose of the group,” Sigauke told NewsDay Weekender.

“However, I can say there are no divisions within the pressure group. Our members are united. WVWPG is not even a registered organisation, hence claims of plans to form an independent alliance are baseless.”

But in one audio clip that was posted on the war veterans WhatsApp group, a member of WVWPG, Shoorai Nyamangondo, confirmed the divisions.

“Since we started bringing up accusations against each other, we are now deviating from our main focus of the group. No one is now talking about the welfare of the war veterans who were arrested,” Nyamangondo said in the recording.

“Nothing is being discussed on how we are going to raise the funds to pay the lawyer who represented the arrested cadres. We are not benefiting anything from these continued misunderstandings.”

-NewsDay

By-MDC Alliance leader Nelson has saluted all Zimbabweans for supporting his movement and said that his party would win the March By-elections.

In an interactive discussion with his followers on Twitter, Chamisa said: “Get ready for victory, we have heard you. We listened and it shall be done as per your command and demand. Timing and strategy is everything. The new way, the new wave, it is time for change. Let’s teach them a lesson, you are the game changers and we are unstoppable.”

Observers had accused Chamisa of keeping his supporters in the dark over his game plan following the takeover of the party name by the rival faction led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Mwonzora last week wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) seeking to bar Chamisa from using both the MDC Alliance party name and MDC acronym in by-elections set for March 26.

Chamisa’s party assured supporters that they would contest the upcoming by-elections as MDC Alliance.

“We will participate because as a movement that believes in democratic change, we know and understand the power of the ballot, the collective power of the citizens,” party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said.

“It’s only when president Chamisa says there is cause to worry that we should then start to worry, so far there isn’t anything of that sort. We are constantly making sure that our eye is on the ball.

“They (Zec) know who the MDC Alliance is. There will be no confusion, remember when (MDC-T vice-president Thokozani) Khupe purported to run away with the name MDC just before the 2018 election, was anybody confused when it came to voting?”

Party vice-president Tendai Biti added: “Those who are pushing us are desperate, but of course, we will consult our people in due course and we will make the right decisions in the best interest of the people of Zimbabwe.

“The MDC is a brand that was built over 20 years. We can’t be forced into a script that we have not written. We can’t be forced to have a dinner that we don’t know who has cooked it.”

The country will on March 26 hold by-elections to fill over 100 council and parliamentary seats left vacant after Mwonzora recalled MDC Alliance councillors and legislators.

-NewsDay

Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance will on February 1 launch a voter registration blitz meant to encourage thousands of citizens to participate in coming polls.

This was said by MDC Alliance Secretary General, Charlton Hwende on Friday.

According to the MDC Alliance, ZEC is sabotaging the voter registration exercise across the country.

“On the 1st of February the voter registration Blitz is going to start. I would like to thank the Citizens who helped in donating 150 000 flyers that you see being printed here for Mash East Province.

Our branches will soon do door 2 door village by village voter mobilization drive,” said Hwende.

The MDC Alliance Secretary General also exposed Mr Douglas Mwonzora’s “hypocrisy.”

“The Alliance Agreement ceased to exist after the Elections that is the reason why we created a party with a constitution called MDC Alliance Party in Gweru 2019.

This is exactly what Mwonzora is saying here. He is now being used by ED as a puppet Opposition Party Leader.”

The Alliance Agreement ceased to exist after the Elections that is the reason why we created a party with a constitution called MDC Alliance Party in Gweru 2019. This is exactly what Mwonzora is saying here. He is now being used by ED as a puppet Opposition Party Leader pic.twitter.com/moV3xZrFFG

— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) January 15, 2022

On the 1st of February the voter registration Blitz is going to start. I would like to thank the Citizens who helped in donating 150 000 flyers that you see being printed here for Mash East Province.Our branches will soon do door 2 door village by village voter mobilization drive pic.twitter.com/UhunuwwGbf

— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) January 15, 2022

Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance will on February 1 launch a voter registration blitz meant to encourage thousands of citizens to participate in coming polls.

This was said by MDC Alliance Secretary General, Charlton Hwende on Friday.

According to the MDC Alliance, ZEC is sabotaging the voter registration exercise across the country.

“On the 1st of February the voter registration Blitz is going to start. I would like to thank the Citizens who helped in donating 150 000 flyers that you see being printed here for Mash East Province.

Our branches will soon do door 2 door village by village voter mobilization drive,” said Hwende.

The MDC Alliance Secretary General also exposed Mr Douglas Mwonzora’s “hypocrisy.”

“The Alliance Agreement ceased to exist after the Elections that is the reason why we created a party with a constitution called MDC Alliance Party in Gweru 2019.

This is exactly what Mwonzora is saying here. He is now being used by ED as a puppet Opposition Party Leader.”

The Alliance Agreement ceased to exist after the Elections that is the reason why we created a party with a constitution called MDC Alliance Party in Gweru 2019. This is exactly what Mwonzora is saying here. He is now being used by ED as a puppet Opposition Party Leader pic.twitter.com/moV3xZrFFG

— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) January 15, 2022

On the 1st of February the voter registration Blitz is going to start. I would like to thank the Citizens who helped in donating 150 000 flyers that you see being printed here for Mash East Province.Our branches will soon do door 2 door village by village voter mobilization drive pic.twitter.com/UhunuwwGbf

— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) January 15, 2022

Five inmates have escaped from custody after a group of heavily armed men freed them from a police truck transporting them to court, the police said on Friday.

SAPS spokesperson in Gauteng, Brigadier Brenda Muridili told TV channel Newzroom Afrika that the SAPS officers transporting the inmates to the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court were overpowered on the way.

Muridili urged members of the public to be very careful as those suspects are armed and very dangerous. He said:

The accused are all Zimbabwean nationals and their names are Nkhululeko Nkomo; Robert Hlatshwayo; Thulani Dube; Augustine Moyo; Mbongiseni Mkandla. We are currently having a team that has been launched so that they can do a manhunt and find the escapees.

The police were outnumbers. It was two vehicles that were involved in this incident. One blocked the police vehicle from the front and a number of armed suspects, with rifles, then indicated to the police officers that they must stop the vehicle.

Police later clarified to IOL that only four were Zimbabweans and the other, Robert Hlatswayo was a South African. She said people from another vehicle that was behind the government truck broke the lock and the inmates fled.

The escapees were going to court on charges including possession of unlicensed firearms, business robbery, attempted murder and shoplifting. They are aged between 30 and 45.

The SAPS has appealed to community members to help them with information to locate the wanted suspects.

Last year, four “dangerous” prisoners escaped from custody in Limpopo after disarming a police officer.

He said seven prisoners were being transported from Polokwane Correctional Centre to Mokopane, for sentencing, when four of them allegedly escaped.

Rape-charged cleric Tapiwa Freddy claimed Friday that his accuser, a ZBC radio presenter, got angry with him after he ended their relationship.

This emerged as the rape trial continued before Harare magistrate Gloria Takundwa.

Defence lawyer, Everson Chatambudza, claimed the presenter, Rutendo Makuti, became angry after Freddy ended their relationship.

He said during cross-examination:

The accused decided to terminate his relationship with you because he found out that you were cheating on him with (ZBC boss) and another musician.

Is that correct?

Makuti denied the allegation.

Challenged on why she reported the alleged rape a year later and after she had been arrested for extorting the cleric, Makuti said she was traumatised by the vile attack and did not know what to do. She said:

I was a moving grave because of the accused.

Chatambudza insisted that Makuti only reported the matter because of the changed circumstances adding that she used the rape allegations to blackmail Freddy.

Makuti rejected the claim saying she could not have scared such a big man. Makuti also denied that she was the person in the audio that was played in court in which a woman alleged to be her declared her love for Freddy. The woman in the audio said:

I felt so much hatred such that I never wanted to see you again. Whatever happened was out of love but my love turned into hurt.

Trial continues.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the commencement of an operation targeting unregistered and unlicenced vehicles as well as those without plates. 

A police statement said there are no exemptions emphasising that all vehicles that do not have plates, that are unregistered or unlicensed will be impounded. Pindula News presents the police statement: 

COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION TARGETING PLATELESS, UNREGISTERED AND UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES

The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs that the operation targeting plateless, unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicles commenced today, 15th January 2022, and we continue to urge motorists to abide by the law and comply with police directives.

As we carry out this operation, the motoring public is advised that there are no exemptions in as far as this operation is concerned. All plateless, unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicles will be impounded and cases referred to Court for prosecution, including Government vehicles.

The operation is being conducted in order to account for criminals who are committing crimes using these plateless, unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicles.

We continue to warn all those with criminal intentions that we will be
ruthless with them in ensuring that sanity prevails on our roads.

(BLESSMORE CHISHAKA) Chief Superintendent

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

Police General Headquarters

By A Correspondent- Two women were arrested in Mutare, Manicaland province for possession of three 20-litre buckets full of marijuana.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested them at a police checkpoint whilst aboard a Harare-bound bus. Police said in a statement: 

On 13/01/22, Police in Chiadzwa, Manicaland arrested two female suspects aged 25 and 35, in connection with a case of illegally possessing dangerous drugs. The suspects who were passengers in a Harare bound bus travelling from Chipinge were intercepted at a Police checkpoint at Hotsprings, Mutare. The bus was searched leading to the recovery of 3x 20-litre containers full of dagga.

Scores of people are being arrested for illegal possession of various drugs including some categorised as “dangerous.”

By A Correspondent- Political scientist Professor Jonathan Moyo says Douglas Mwonzora’s manoeuvre for the MDC-T to contest the 26 March by-elections under the MDC-Alliance banner is null and void at law and would confirm the country as a pariah state if allowed by the courts or the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).

Mwonzora wrote to Zec on 3 January indicating he is president of the MDC-Alliance, based on the pre-2018 election pact which MDC-T was part of.

He also informed the electoral body that other MDC formations should cease using the MDC acronym.

 “We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name,” Mwonzora wrote in the letter.

 “Over the years, there has been so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court in the judgement in SC 56/20. Pursuant to this judgement the party held its extraordinary congress on December 27, 2020, where I was elected the substantive president of the party.

“By virtue of the Composite Political Agreement signed on August 5, 2017, and the subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed the leadership of the MDC Alliance.”

However, in a series of Tweets political scientist Prof Jonathan Moyo said the 2017 MDC-Alliance was not a political party, but an alliance ahead of the 2018 polls. The MDC-Alliance only existed as a party in 2019 after the alliance failed to win the polls and is therefore different to the 2017 alliance.

“No one needs to be a lawyer to know that the 2017 MDC-A was not a political party, but a pre2018 election alliance; meant to become a post2018 election coalition govt, had the pre-election alliance won the 2018 poll. The 2017 MDC-A was thus only a pre-2018 election alliance,” Moyo said.

“Agreements have a duration. The 2017 MDC-A pre-2018 election agreement did not mutate into a post-2018 election coalition government; because the pre-2018 election alliance (MDC-A) did not win the 2018 election. As such, the 2017 pre-election (MDC-A) agreement expired in 2018.

“Since 2018, no pre-election alliance agreement has been entered into by @OurMDCT with any party for 2022 by-elections or 2023 elections or any elections. The @OurMDCT cannot use an expired 2018 agreement, which was never renewed, for 2022 by-elections or 2023 elections. No!

“Finally, one need not hold a brief for @nelsonchamisa to realise that his @mdczimbabwe is not connected to the 2017 (MDC-A) pre-2018 election Agreement nor to any pre-election alliance; it’s a political party in its own right formed in 2019 and is entitled to its full rights.”

In another thread, Moyo described Mwonzora’s letter as shocking. He said if Zec or the courts allow MDC-T to contest the by-elections as the MDC-Alliance, Zimbabwe would be confirmed as a pariah state.

 “@DMwonzora and his @OurMDCT present their quest to contest the by-elections as a legal matter, premised on the 2017 pre-2018 election pact, but their arguments are all propaganda based on an agreement that expired long ago when the 2017 Alliance did not form govt in 2018,” Moyo said.

“The 2017 pre-election Alliance pact that expired in 2018, after the Alliance did not win the poll to form a govt which would have extended the pact to 2023, had one and clear identity which was to use, not a common name but a common election symbol for all candidates.

“The expired 2017 Alliance pact says each alliance partner candidate shall seek nomination at the Nomination Court under its name, but using the alliance common symbol; yet @DMwonzora’s ZEC letter lists only @OurMDCT officials to approve nominations; even for other parties.”

 Moyo also said Mwonzora falsely claims that the expired pact provided that the leader of the MDC-T would lead the alliance. “No. It said the ‘presidential candidate’ would be the ‘best individual who can win the election’ & specifically named that individual as Morgan Tsvangirai,” Moyo said.

Moyo added that whereas Mwonzora indicated that he was the president of the MDC-Alliance, the expired 2017 pre-election pact did not create offices or officers, but only provided for election candidates.

“Tsvangirai was the presidential candidate, not President, of the Alliance,” Moyo said.

“As a result of the Supreme Court judgment of 31 March 2020 in the Mashavira case, Hon Mwonzora is debatably Tsvangirai’s successor as MDC-T leader; but it is not debatable that he did not and could not inherit Tsvangirai’s popularity as the ‘best presidential candidate’.

“All told @OurMDCT’s claim to the MDC-A name is based on a non-existent 2017 pre-election Alliance Agreement that expired in 2018; and Hon @DMwonzora’s claim that he is President of the MDC-A is based on a non-existent office, not even in the 2017 pre-2018 election agreement!”-newshawks

AT the time former president Robert Mugabe was deposed in a military coup in November 2017, police were investigating senior Zanu-PF officials linked to then Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa over alleged illegal gold panning, cases of violence and murders in and around Kwekwe’s volatile gold-mining fields.

The police, then under the command of exiled Augustine Chihuri, who refused to support the military coup and was associated with the pro-Mugabe G40 faction, were investigating cases of violence and killings which occurred over Globe and Phoenix Mine, also known as Falcon Gold, allegedly controlled by Gokwe-Kana legislator Owen “Mudha” Ncube.

Ncube had reportedly illegally taken over mining rights with the assistance of Zanu-PF politburo member July Moyo and Zanu-PF Midlands spokesperson Cornelius Mupereri, who were all key Mnangagwa allies, at a time he was battling for the control of Zanu-PF with the G-40 faction.

The brutality and murder cases are being committed allegedly by Zanu-PF youths loyal to Ncube. The escalation of crime in the gold-rich area prompted cabinet to set up a taskforce to look into the chilling cases of violence and murder in Mnangagwa’s political sphere of influence.

Police sources at the time revealed the police were acting on four active cases of murder, spanning the period between 2016 and 2017, with a view to bringing some bigwigs to justice.

The first case was the murder of Washington Dick, allegedly by Likwa Ngwenya in November 2016. The matter was in the courts.

Police investigations showed that before turning on each other, Ngwenya and Dick were appointed leaders of an unregistered security organisation — which later became a terror gang — allegedly run by Ncube to ensure illegal panners do not invade Globe and Phoenix.

The state’s case was that on 10 November 2016, Ngwenya, in the company of other unnamed accused persons, attacked Dick with machetes several times all over the body until he died near Sable Flats in Kwekwe.

After committing the crime, Ngwenya and his alleged accomplices fled the scene.

“The accused’s (Ngwenya) cellphone was recovered at the scene, his vehicle was seen at the scene and the police also recovered a bloodstained worksuit in his motor vehicle,” said the state before a Kwekwe magistrate in 2017.

Before his death, Dick was facing an attempted murder charge (ZRP Kwekwe CR101/09/16 and Kwekwe CID 01/10/16) for allegedly attacking Ngwenya using a machete following a dispute over a gold claim.

Ncube is said to have been carrying out gold mining operations in Kwekwe since 2002 when mining ground to a halt, as the owners felt operations were no longer viable.

Police sources also said when Globe and Phoenix Mine ceased operations, illegal gold panners and political leaders in Kwekwe scrambled to acquire tribute rights to the mine.

The police sources said Kwekwe Consolidated Gold Mines (Private) Limited and Homesake Mining and Technical Services approached the ministry of Mines in 2009 seeking to clarify the validity of the agreement of the tributes.

However, the ministry said the agreement elapsed in February 2005, adding that any operations under the tribute were illegal. Police sources added that political interference led to a gold rush at the mine before Ncube took control.

He allegedly took advantage of unemployed Zanu-PF youths and gave them responsibilities of providing security at the mine by protecting it from other illegal panners and supervising those who would have been given permission to mine on a 50-50% basis.

The sources said Ncube claimed to own all mining tributes at the mine. He is alleged to have also claimed ownership of Moonbeam Hammer Mill, located two kilometres from Globe and Phoenix South pit mine.

However, the seizure of mining operations by Ncube did not go down well with some members of the Kwekwe community, the sources said.

This saw the youths employed by the security firm engaging in running battles with members of community who also wanted to mine gold there. This resulted in a dramatic rise in cases of violence, assault and murder.

The sources said in 2016, the security outfit’s leadership split into two camps over gold interests; one led by Ngwenya and the other by the late Dick. The sources said the two groups — which later morphed into terror gangs — would engage in vicious fights using machetes and knives, commonly known as “colombia clubs”.

However, both camps remained loyal to Ncube, widely viewed as the “gold lord”, “gold baron” or “kingpin”, in the area. Talking to the Zimbabwe Independent in September 2017, Ncube said he did not know Dick and Ngwenya.

He also said he was not involved in gold mining.

“I have been sick for seven months since last year August and I was not in the country. I was admitted at Donald Gordon hospital in South Africa. I only came back in the country early this year. I am actually supposed to go back for a check-up. The incidents you are talking about, the violence in October until January occurred while I was outside the country, so how do they involve me?” Ncube asked.

“After all, I am not involved in mining. I don’t have any rights at Globe and Phoenix Gold mine, neither was I interested in it. I am into farming. I am a farmer. So there is totally nothing like that. It is all lies. You are actually the fifth person to call me since last year over this issue and I have always said it’s lies. You are welcome to visit this side and see for yourself what is happening on the ground.”

Police sources at the time said between 18 September 2016 and 10 November 2016, a number of cases were reported.

The violent clashes drove then Zanu-PF Kwekwe Central MP Masango “Black Man” Matambanadzo into organising a “peace campaign” meeting in 2016 at Globe & Phoenix Mine, where he brought together about 120 people.

Matambanadzo tried to unite Ngwenya and Dick before his death, as well as their camps and also discouraged violence and use of machetes to resolve disputes.

On September 26 last year, Dick and an accomplice allegedly assaulted Ngwenya over a mining dispute at Globe & Phoenix mine. Dick and partner allegedly disarmed Ngwenya and grabbed his star pistol, serial number 1418040, and struck him with a machete and a log all over his body.

After that, Dick and his accomplice were arrested. However, before judgment was passed Dick was allegedly murdered (CR38/11/16 at Kwekwe Central and DR14/11/16 at Kwekwe CID) by Ngwenya and two accomplices.

Ngwenya allegedly brutally assaulted and murdered Dick using machetes and “colombian daggers”. Another murder case was also reported (CR86/10/16 at Kwekwe Central police station and CID Kwekwe 01/11/16) involving Noel Jacha, who is said to have been working with the late Dick.

Police sources said Jacha was stabbed on 22 October 2016 while having drinks with Clive Maronje at Much Better Bar in Kwekwe. It is alleged Chamunorwa Marete, who belonged to Ngwenya’s camp, allegedly entered the bar with a machete and without being provoked, stabbed Jacha once on the right side of the chest, just above the right side of the chest and at the back.

Jacha died on the spot. Marete, who fled the crime scene, was arrested by police in Masvingo on 10 January 2017 and transferred to Kwekwe for trial. Another case occurred in the wee hours of 14 January 2017 when Elvis Moyo was murdered along Nhamo Street in Rutendo.

His body was discovered by police officers who were on patrol. Police sources said investigations revealed Moyo was murdered allegedly by Ngwenya’s terror group members, Goodhope Tawanda Mahachi and Courage Sibanda, who ran away from the police at the crime scene.

The murder case is under CR34/01/17 at Kwekwe Central Police Station, while recorded under DR28/01/17 at Kwekwe CID. In February 2017, Mines minister Walter Chidakwa said cabinet had set up a committee to look into violence at mining communities.-Newshawks

By A Correspondent- Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure and 15 other teachers  have appeared in court after they were arrested in Harare this week for having an unlawful gathering in the Central Business District with the intention of causing mayhem.

Masaraure, (37), Munyaradzi Ndawana (42), Liam Takura Manhenga (45), Wellington Geese (34), Andrew Munger (45), Panashe Mutsvairo (23), Munyaradzi Masiyiwa (33), Tadiwanashe Muguti (22), Isaiah Chamunorwa (24), Brian Muthlanga (55), Sharon Tambudzai (27), Linia Nkiwani (38), Patricia Chiedza (40), Vimbai Mamutse (38), Sokuluthle Ndlovu (36) and Thembekile Ncube (48) were facing charges of being part of an illegal gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaching peace or bigotry when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Yeukai Dzuda.

The accused persons submitted complains against police whom they accused of assaulting them after being arrested. The State opposed bail before calling the investigating officer who told the court that the accused persons were not proper candidates for bail as some of them gave wrong addresses to police.

The investigating officer further submitted that the placards that were carried by the accused persons had messages undermining the President. Mrs Dzuda remanded  them in custody for continuation of bail application.

The court heard that on January 12, the informant and other police officers attached to the Police Reaction Group (PRG) were on duty patrolling the Central Business District when they received information that there was a group of people unlawfully gathered at National Social Security Authority (NSSA) complex which houses the offices of the Public Service Commission.

It is alleged that the police proceeded there and on arrival, they observed that the accused persons had stones and weapons and were singing holding placards.

Police said there was real risk or possibility that by their conduct ,they would disturb the peace, security and order of the public.

On seeing the police reaction group, the accused persons fled in different directions leading to the arrest of some of them.

By A Correspondent- Chiefs, once described by the late president Robert Mugabe as paragons of virtue, have called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to publicly apologise for the Gukurahundi massacres that claimed an estimated 20 000 innocent lives in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the early 1980s.

Mnangagwa has opened dialogue on the emotive subject, but like his predecessor, he has not offered any apology for the mass killings.

His redress efforts have been dismissed as piece-meal, half-hearted and insufficient.

Matabeleland South provincial chiefs’ assembly chairperson Chief Masendu, speaking on behalf of traditional leaders in the province, said Gukurahundi could not be wished away.

“Chiefs are the rightful people to handle the Gukurahundi issue because they belong to the people. We stay with them; they talk to us. What they want is an apology and compensation,” he said.

“Government must agree and openly apologise to the people. No other person can come from outside whom people can understand and relate to their issues confidently besides the chiefs.”

Masendu condemned the recent destruction of Gukurahundi memorial plaque at Bhalagwe in Maphisa, Matebeleland South province, and called on government to bring the culprits to book.

“This is beyond cruelty. Government must investigate this and anyone with information must come out in the open and assist the law enforcement agents to carry out investigations,” he said.

The plaque was erected by villagers in memory of victims of the Gukurahundi massacres buried inside the Bhalagwe mass graves.

On Wednesday, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition said it was appalled by the destruction of the memorial plaque for the third time.

Over two decades later, there has been no compensation to the victims and surviving family members of Gukurahundi victims.

To justify the deployment of the North Korea-trained Fifth Brigade, Mugabe claimed arms cache had been uncovered on farms owned by Zapu and the ZPRA.

After the “discovery” of the weapons, Mugabe fired then Zapu leader Joshua Nkomo and Cabinet ministers Josiah Chinamano and Joseph Msika (all late), among others, from government on charges of plotting to overthrow his government, culminating in the Gukurahundi massacres.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating an armed robbery case in which eight robbers armed with an AK47 rifle, a pistol and a knife pounced at a house in Kezi, Matabeleland South and robbed a couple of money, gold and a vehicle.

ZRP said the robbers got away with ZAR29 000 and USD1 000 cash, 1 150kgs of gold bullion, a 9mm pistol and a Toyota Wish motor vehicle. Pindula News presents the police statement on the case:

The ZRP is investigating a case of Armed Robbery which occurred on 14/01/22 at Maphisa, Kezi, Matabeleland South in which six unknown male adults who were armed with an AK47 rifle, a 9mm star pistol and an okapi knife pounced at a house and robbed a married couple of their ZAR29 000 and USD1 000 cash, 1,150kgs of gold bullion valued at USD78 280, a 9mm pistol and a Toyota Wish motor vehicle.

Police say the robbers also kidnapped the couple’ employee, a 25-year-old man, whom they later dumped in the stolen motor vehicle in Bulawayo.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information on the suspects to contact any nearest Police Station

Chaos ran supreme at the most recent Zanu-PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting after the new provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa and his team allegedly smuggled in losing candidates from their faction replacing those who won but belong to the rival faction led by former chair Ezra Chadzamira.

Hell broke loose when the Mavhenyengwa faction replaced Energy Mutodi with Bikita South MP Josiah Sithole whom he thumped during the December 28, 2021 election to book a seat in the provincial frontliners.

Zanu-PF politburo member and secretary for legal affairs Paul Mangwana intervened and told the presiding team led by Fredrick Shava and Monica Mutsvangwa that what was being done was against the party constitution.

A team that is inclined to the former chair Ezra Chadzamira has the majority in the PCC and was hoping to win the slots for the vice chair, commissar and spokesperson among others, but the Mavhenyengwa faction came up with another strategy of appointing instead of going for election or at least by form of consensus.

Sources who spoke to TellZim News said after confirming the provincial leadership winners, Monica Mutsvangwa who was presiding over the process asked people to get into subcommittees and asked the chairpersons to elect the other key positions which they did instead of making everyone vote

“Mutsvangwa asked the chairpersons to go out, elect the Vice chair and other vacant posts after which the process was done. However, they went on to elect other members who lost in the elections into provincial members. The likes of Josiah Sithole who lost to Energy Mutodi in Bikita South and Ephraim Gwanongodza in Chivi replacing Chadzamira’s ‘blue-eyed boy’ Godfrey Mukungunugwa,” said the source

When contacted for comment, Mangwana declined to shed more light saying it was an internal process and everything that was said there was meant to strengthen the party as well as to making sure everything was done according to the party regulations.

“The issues that were discussed and took place are not for the media; they were internal processes and I only made contributions which I thought were going to strengthen the party,” said Mangwana.

“I had no power to stop the process, I was one of the senior members there and also the secretary for legal affairs, so whatever contribution I made there was to make sure that the process goes smoothly. It is not something for the media and public consumption,” said Mangwana

Mutodi confirmed having been replaced by Sithole and said he appealed to Mavhenyengwa who told him that they had not processed his transfer so he cannot be in the provincial executive.

“I won with close to 300 votes ahead of Sithole, but in the list provided by the new chair, I am not there. When I checked with him, he told me that they had not cleared my transfer but surprisingly they allowed me to contest. We have since appealed to the relevant authorities and I am sure the matter will be discussed at the Politiburo,” said Mutodi.

Mavhenyengwa who is also the MP for Zaka North said the process was completed and they have since forgotten about it.

“We have already completed the process and all the vacant posts were filled up. Those who are complaining are just doing so because it is their right and it is normal for losers in any election to complain that they were rigged,” said Mavhenyengwa.

He said as the new chairperson for the province he was ready to work with everyone as the party prepares for 2023 general elections.

“Zanu-PF is for us all and I am now the chairperson, it is no longer important whether you wanted me or not. We have to unite as we prepare for the 2023 elections,” he said.

Mavhenyengwa said the new Vice Chairperson is Trust Mugabe, Secretary for Administration Mathias Tongofa and Roy Bhila for finance.

The new Political Commissar is Brian Munyoro who is Gutu District Chairperson; Simon Muchafa is now the secretary for Transport while Ophias Murambiwa retained the post of secretary for information

 By A Correspondent- A 71 year old Chirumanzu man and his 10-year-old grandson drowned while swimming in a pond on Wednesday.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident yesterday.

“Everisto Mukashi together with his grandsons Tafadzwa Mukashi (10) and Simbarashe Mukashi (7) of Toindepi village under Chief Hama in Chirumanzu went to a nearby pond to swim,” he said.

“On arrival, Everisto and Tafadzwa dived into the pond and drowned. Simbarashe rushed back home and informed his mother, Monica Maputa of the incident and she together with other villagers rushed to the pond where they found the two bodies floating.”

In an unrelated case, a four-year-old Lower Gweru girl drowned in a washing dish on Thursday after her mother left her in the company of other minor children.

Mahoko said: “Mavis Moyo, a female aged 24 of Bhekeni village, Chief Bunina in Lower Gweru left her four-year-old daughter playing with other children in the yard while proceeding to the fields to call her parents for breakfast.

“On her return, she found the body of her daughter, Thandeka Moyo, floating in the dish.”

Meanwhile, police in Plumtree have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly stabbed a fellow villager he accused of having a relationship with his girlfriend.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident yesterday.

The incident happened in Toti village in the Madlambudzi area on January 8.

“Mthokozisi (nicknamed Banda) was with his girlfriend  when he accused Norivete Ncube (21) for having an affair with his girlfriend. He stabbed him once on the left side of the chest, resulting in him collapsing. Mthokozisi fled from the scene after committing the crime and police are now keen to interview him,” she said.

By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday broke his silence on the raging debate regarding contestations over the party name, and told his supporters that he was unfazed by Zanu-PF and MDC-T machinations to decimate it.

In an interactive discussion with his followers on Twitter, Chamisa said:

“Get ready for victory, we have heard you. We listened and it shall be done as per your command and demand. Timing and strategy is everything. The new way, the new wave, it is time for change. Let’s teach them a lesson, you are the game changers and we are unstoppable.”

Observers had accused Chamisa of keeping his supporters in the dark over his game plan following the takeover of the party name by the rival faction led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Mwonzora last week wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) seeking to bar Chamisa from using both the MDC Alliance party name and MDC acronym in by-elections set for March 26.

Chamisa’s party assured supporters that they would contest the upcoming by-elections as MDC Alliance.

“We will participate because as a movement that believes in democratic change, we know and understand the power of the ballot, the collective power of the citizens,” party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said.

“It’s only when president Chamisa says there is cause to worry that we should then start to worry, so far there isn’t anything of that sort. We are constantly making sure that our eye is on the ball.

“They (Zec) know who the MDC Alliance is. There will be no confusion, remember when (MDC-T vice-president Thokozani) Khupe purported to run away with the name MDC just before the 2018 election, was anybody confused when it came to voting?”

Party vice-president Tendai Biti added: “Those who are pushing us are desperate, but of course, we will consult our people in due course and we will make the right decisions in the best interest of the people of Zimbabwe.

“The MDC is a brand that was built over 20 years. We can’t be forced into a script that we have not written. We can’t be forced to have a dinner that we don’t know who has cooked it.”

The country will on March 26 hold by-elections to fill over 100 council and parliamentary seats left vacant after Mwonzora recalled MDC Alliance councillors and legislators.-newsday

By A Correspondent- The one-year-six months old Rutenga minor who was attacked by a swarm of bees on the afternoon of January 13, died upon admission at Neshuro District Hospital hours after the vicious attack.

Praise Mombeyarara, who was with her mother on their way to Rutenga Bus Stop reportedly fell from her back after a swarm of bees suddenly attacked them near the Netone area.

An eyewitness who was together with Praise’s mother, who also suffered some bee bites told TellZim News that the insects were provoked by some kids before making a surprise attack on them as they were passing.

“I was together with Praise’s mother when we were suddenly attacked by the bees. Her child who was on her back fell during the attack and the bees ended up shifting to the minor engulfing her as they stung her all over the body,” said the lady who identified herself as Mai Archford.

Roving their vehicles around the helpless minor, some motorists tried all but in vain to rescue the child from further attacks.

The hovering bees ended up penetrating through the helpless crying minor’s mouth, attacking everyone daring to come closer.

As the crowd struggled to chase the bees, the girl’s father who was immediately telephoned, rushed to the scene where he used some burning tyres to disperse the bees but they had already caused fatal harm on the minor.

The minor together with her mother were rushed to Rutenga Clinic and then to a local private surgery before being referred to Neshuro District Hospital where the child died upon admission.

By the time of writing, Praise’s mother was still admitted at the District Hospital while burial arrangements for the minor were being progress

By A Correspondent- The  National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), which comprises Government and civil servants’ representative body, the Apex Council met on the 14th of January 2022 over workers’ salaries.

Workers have for the past two years been pressing the government to restore their 2018 salaries that were denominated in United States Dollars.

They argue that inflation that has continued unabated eroded their salaries hence the need to restore their 2018 salaries that were around US$500 for teachers. They currently earn an equivalent of about US$100.

The recent meeting agreed that the workers’ grievances were genuine hence the need to address the request to find a long-lasting solution to the salary issue as an urgent matter.

We present an update on the NJNC meeting:

The much-awaited NJNC first meeting of 2022 finally took place today. The meeting which happened against the backdrop of Government having pledged to pay the USD 75 COVID -19 allowance In hard currency saw the workers request that Government concede to their long-standing demand to pay their salaries USD.

In light of the above, the Government team appreciated the workers’ reasons for sticking to their position of a non-inflationary and sustainable solution to the salary circus, upon which they asked for time out to consult with their principals.

It was also agreed that this was an urgent matter and that the NJNC reconvenes In the shortest time poss

By A Correspondent- Divisions have rocked the War Veterans Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) after it emerged that some disgruntled members were plotting to form a splinter group.

Reports suggest that disgruntled members are working with some politicians to form a splinter association.

WVWPG chairperson Amos Sigauke blamed some “outsiders” for taking advantage of disgruntled war veterans to advance their political interests and cause divisions in the association. Sigauke told NewsDay Weekender:

There are some members who are being used by other people from outside, who have some political agendas to distract the purpose of the group.

However, I can say there are no divisions within the pressure group. Our members are united. WVWPG is not even a registered organisation, hence claims of plans to form an independent alliance are baseless.

But in one audio clip that was posted on the war veterans WhatsApp group, a member of WVWPG, Shoorai Nyamangondo, confirmed the divisions. Nyamangondo said in the recording:

Since we started bringing up accusations against each other, we are now deviating from our main focus of the group. No one is now talking about the welfare of the war veterans who were arrested.

Some WVTWPG members were arrested in Harare following a protest they staged, where they accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of neglecting them.

Police blocked them from submitting a petition to Mnangagwa for a review of their pension earnings.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo residents have accused  officials at the Registrar-General (RG) Office in the city of poor service amid claims they were only processing 40 national identification documents per day.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson Ambrose Sibindi said residents were facing serious challenges in acquiring identity documents.

“The issue of acquiring national IDs is a matter of serious concern that needs to be addressed as the offices here only process IDs for less than 40 people per day,” Sibanda claimed.

Sibindi said it was the right of every citizen to have an ID, adding that the poor service was promoting a culture of corruption as desperate residents were now forced to pay bribes to access the documents.

BPRA secretary for administration Thembelani Dube said residents were being robbed of their right to own national documents.

“The level of underperformance by the department in issuing IDs is alarming. Residents are being disenfranchised from their right to have identity documents.

“This snowball effect affects private candidates who intend to sit for examinations and new prospective voters as they fail to register at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,” Dube said.

Contacted for comment, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said the ministry would look into the matter.

“I will ask the RG to address the situation as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Recent reports said the RG’s Office had stopped issuing plastic identity cards due to lack of materials.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Some two people were seriously injured when a commuter omnibus (kombi) veered off the road after officers of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) threw a spike on the oncoming vehicle.

The incident happened at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices in Harare. Watch the video below for more.

WATCH VIDEO- Two people, one of them a minor seriously injured after @police throw spike at kombi in Harare. The kombi veered off the road. @PoliceZimbabwe #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/keW2hmFedR

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 15, 2022

By Zanu PF’s Mutare province has launched campaigns for the March by-elections, dishing out fertilizers to prospective voters.

In Manicaland, there are two vacant seats in the National Assembly in Dangamvura/Chikanga and Mutasa South constituencies.

The province has seven vacant seats in the Mutare council.

Addressing scores of Zanu supporters in ward on Thursday, Mutare district co-ordinating committee (DCC) chairperson Binali Yard confirmed that the ruling party had kick-started its by-election campaigns.

“We are launching our by-elections campaign today (Thursday) without candidates. We are waiting for the party leadership to guide us on the subject of candidates,” Yard said.

“We are giving you fertilizers. Put it to good use.”

Zanu PF has been accused of vote-buying in the past. Food-for-votes has been cited as the party’s favourite strategy during the electioneering period. NewsDay is reliably informed that the province has already endorsed some candidates to represent the party.

Sources in Mutare said central committee member Esau Mupfumi was endorsed by the provincial leadership to represent the party in the Dangamvura/Chikanga constituency.

Mupfumi is the area’s former MP.

The seat fell vacant after MDC Alliance MP Prosper Mutseyami was recalled from Parliament last year by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora.

In Mutasa South constituency, Zanu PF will be represented by Misheck Mugadza.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has announced a politburo meeting to review the December 28 chaotic party’s provincial elections.

According to Mutsvangwa the meeting will be held today at the party’s headquarters in Harare.

‘The Secretary for Administration Dr O.M. Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be an ordinary session of the Politburo to be held on Saturday, January 15 2022 at the home of the people’s revolution, Zanu PF headquarters commencing 1000hours.
All members should be seated by 0945hours sharp,” he said.

Some of the issues expected to be discussed are the post-mortem on the just ended provincial elections and preparations on the upcoming by-elections, among other issues.

By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police have not arrested controversial preacher Passion Java for wearing a police uniform without the authority of the service.

An image of Java wearing a female police cap has been circulating on social media since mid-week.

According to the Police Act, it is an offence for a civilian to put on police gear without the authority of the ZRP commissioner-general.

On Wednesday, the police issued a statement saying they were investigating Java, but nothing has happened.

Java is a Zanu PF sympathiser and is moving around with the party officials campaigning for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

By- Zanu PF is holding an urgent meeting of its top decision-making body, the Politburo, amid reports of deepening factional fights within the party.

The meeting, whose agenda remains anonymous, was announced by the party spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa .

‘ The Secretary for Administration Dr O.M. Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be an ordinary session of the Politburo to be held on Saturday, 15 January 2022 at the home of the people’s revolution, Zanu PF headquarters commencing 1000hours.
All members should be seated by 0945hours sharp,” he said.

But sources within the party said issues on the agenda include the just ended chaotic provincial elections and the ouster from the cabinet of Owen Mudha Ncube by Mnangagwa on Monday.
\

By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gone on his annual leave that is expected to run until February 5 2022.

In a statement released Friday, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda said Vice President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga will be Acting President.
“The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, wishes to advise that His Excellency the President Dr E.D Mnangagwa started his annual vacation yesterday, January 13 2022. His vacation, which runs until February 5 2022 will be spent in the country.
During this period, Honourable Vice President, General (Retired) Dr CGDN Chiwenga, is acting President,” reads the statement issued by Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba.

By- Zanu PF is today holding an urgent meeting of its top decision-making body, the Politburo, amid reports of deepening factional fights within the party.

The meeting, whose agenda remains anonymous, was announced by the party spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa .

‘ The Secretary for Administration Dr O.M. Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be an ordinary session of the Politburo to be held on Saturday, 15 January 2022 at the home of the people’s revolution, Zanu PF headquarters commencing 1000hours.
All members should be seated by 0945hours sharp,” he said.

Issues highly likely to be discussed include the just ended chaotic provincial elections and the ouster from the cabinet of Owen Mudha Ncube by Mnangagwa on Monday.
\

By-The Matabeleland traditional leadership said that the Zanu PF government should give a public apology for the Gukurahundi massacres it engineered in the early 9180.

The former President Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa administration unleashed armed soldiers on civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.

The atrocities claimed over 20 000 innocent people.

President Mnangagwa claims to have opened dialogue on the emotive subject but is not willing to give an apology for the mass killings.

Matabeleland South provincial chiefs’ assembly chairperson Chief Masendu, speaking on behalf of traditional leaders in the province, said Gukurahundi could not be wished away. He said:
Chiefs are the rightful people to handle the Gukurahundi issue because they belong to the people. We stay with them; they talk to us. What they want is an apology and compensation.
Government must agree and openly apologise to the people. No other person can come from outside whom people can understand and relate to their issues confidently beside the chiefs.
Masendu condemned the recent destruction of the Gukurahundi memorial plaque at Bhalagwe in Maphisa, Matebeleland South province, and called on the government to bring the culprits to book.
The plaque was erected by villagers in memory of victims of the Gukurahundi massacres buried inside the Bhalagwe mass graves.

-NewZimbabwe

By A Correspondent- A plan by the government to criminalise industrial action by health professionals, among other proposed changes, will trigger massive skills flight of medical staff, a parliamentary watchdog has warned.

Zimbabwe, which endured two years of economic contraction and growing political intolerance, is battling an exodus of health professionals, thereby paralysing the already weakened health delivery system.

Official statistics show that last year 2 000 nurses fled the country for greener pastures as the economy continues to wobble.

 The authorities have already pressed the panic button and are now making frantic efforts to stop the skills flight.

The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand have over the years been some of the preferred destinations for health professionals such as doctors and nurses.

Veritas, a local watchdog and think-tank on parliamentary business, said proposed changes to a law governing the health profession will have an adverse effect on the southern African country.

Zimbabwe is battling a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections and deaths and experts say the pandemic has already strained the country’s weakened health delivery system.

 Health professionals in the private sector do not fall under the public health service, and the Act does not apply to them.

“The Bill is unlikely to cow government health professionals into accepting their unsatisfactory conditions of service and refraining from strike action,” Veritas says.

“Instead it may persuade them that the government is not prepared to listen to their complaints and intends to resort to coercion. The Bill may therefore drive more of them to seek their fortunes outside the country. Altogether this is not a satisfactory Bill.”

Clause 5 of the Bill will insert a new section into the Act to restrict the right of members of the Health Service to engage in collective job action — which essentially means going on strike.

All members of the governing bodies of unions that incite or organise collective job action in breach of the new section will be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of level 10 (currently Z$70 000) or three years’ imprisonment or both.

The Health Service Amendment Bill was published in the Government Gazette on 23 July last year.

 It has been presented in the National Assembly and is currently being considered by the Parliamentary Legal Committee.

According to its memorandum, the Bill is intended to align the Health Service Act to the Constitution; it also “discusses the parameters of collective job action by the Health Service.”

Last month, Constantino Chiwenga, the country’s Health minister and Vice-President, announced that the government is in talks with the United Nations and other multilateral agencies to help compensate Harare for training costs for health professionals who left the country for better employment prospects abroad.-Newshawks

By A Correspondent- Health Minister and Acting President Constantino Chiwenga has extended the lockdown by two weeks and declared that schools remain closed.

In a statement Friday, Chiwenga said schools and parents would be given a week after the two-week lockdown to prepare for schools if the environment is conducive.

He encouraged the public to continue wearing face masks, sanitise, wash hands with soap, and avoid crowds and gatherings.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa is unmoved by the Zanu PF regime’s relentless machinations calculated to obliterate the people’s struggle.

Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mr Douglas Mwonzora have forged a pact calculated to disrupt the struggle for freedom led by President Chamisa.

President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“GET READY FOR VICTORY…
We have heard you.We listened and it shall be done as per your command and demand.Timing &strategy is everything.THE NEW WAY.THE NEW WAVE. It’s time for CHANGE.Let’s teach them a lesson.

You’re the game changers and we’re unstoppable.#ChoosetheNew”

President Chamisa also thanked thousands of Twitter users for following his account.

His Twitter account has hit the 900 000 mark.

“Wow!! We have done it. We have hit the mark and reached a milestone. We’re now 900 000. Almost getting to a million. Thank you friends. Thank you family. God bless you”

By A Correspondent- The Government has delayed the opening of schools and said that they could be opened in the next three weeks.

This was announced by acting President Constantino Chiwenga in a statement Friday.
He said:
Schools be given at least one week after the next two-weeks lockdown extension, to put preventive public health measures in place before the commencement of the general school calendar depending on the prevailing Coved-19 situation at that time.
The former military boss said teachers and students will be required to wear face masks while in class while all eligible teachers and students are encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID- 19 before the opening of schools.
Chiwenga also urged enforcement officers to conduct regular assessments of compliance in learning institutions, at least on a weekly basis.

The Government late last year delayed the implementation of the 2022 general school calendar indefinitely saying the country was still battling with the Omicron coronavirus variant that is characterised by high infection rates.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) had scheduled schools to resume on the 10th of January.

By-Five inmates have escaped from custody after a group of heavily armed men freed them from a police truck transporting them to court, the police said on Friday.

SAPS spokesperson in Gauteng, Brigadier Brenda Muridili told TV channel Newzroom Afrika that the SAPS officers transporting the inmates to the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court were overpowered on the way.

Muridili urged members of the public to be very careful as those suspects are armed and very dangerous. He said:

The accused are all Zimbabwean nationals and their names are Nkhululeko Nkomo; Robert Hlatshwayo; Thulani Dube; Augustine Moyo; Mbongiseni Mkandla. We are currently having a team that has been launched so that they can do a manhunt and find the escapees.

The police were outnumbers. It was two vehicles that were involved in this incident. One blocked the police vehicle from the front and a number of armed suspects, with rifles, then indicated to the police officers that they must stop the vehicle.

Police later clarified to IOL that only four were Zimbabweans and the other, Robert Hlatswayo was a South African. She said people from another vehicle that was behind the government truck broke the lock and the inmates fled.

The escapees were going to court on charges including possession of unlicensed firearms, business robbery, attempted murder and shoplifting. They are aged between 30 and 45.

The SAPS has appealed to community members to help them with information to locate the wanted suspects.

Last year, four “dangerous” prisoners escaped from custody in Limpopo after disarming a police officer.

He said seven prisoners were being transported from Polokwane Correctional Centre to Mokopane, for sentencing, when four of them allegedly escaped.

More: IOL

By-The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) said it was not automatic that a registered voter is drafted onto the voter’s roll as they have to authenticate registrants’ identities.

The electoral body said it meticulously verifies all those who register to vote before including them on the voter’s roll.

Responding to questions from the media at a Press conference in Victoria Falls yesterday, Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla
Chigumba said some registered voters are not included on the voter’s roll because of problems with their national documents.
“In some instances what we discover is that when we do our verification process, we discover that some people are double registrants at two different centres. And we might discover that there are four pictures with different names, but the same ID numbers. Which means one or two or three of them will be flagged for not having authentic ID documents,” said Justice Chigumba.

“So please understand that having a voter registration slip is not proof that your name is on the voter’s roll. It’s proof that you have registered to vote and we then vet your documents and you have no idea the number of issues that arise. It is not surprising that out of 50 people who register, a lot of them will have issues and their names will not automatically go onto the voter’s roll until those issues are resolved. Some of the issues are easily resolved and some issues are not easily resolved.”
She said the electoral body will start cleaning the voter’s roll before starting the delimitation process.
Justice Chigumba said the delimitation process determines the number of constituencies each province will have ahead of the 2023 harmonised polls.
It has previously been reported that Matabeleland region risks losing some constituencies due to voter apathy, and Justice Chigumba urged the public to register to vote so that they do not lose constituencies ahead of the 2023 polls.

She said Zec will deploy mobile registration teams even to remote areas so that more people can register to vote.
“Delimitation is informed by the number of registered voters in each constituency. So, if we increase the number of registered voters, that is one way in which a province can avoid losing some constituencies if it has a high number of registered voters,” said Justice Chigumba.
“When we roll out the kit deployment plan for the voter registration, all those areas that were said to be remote and difficult to access, people cannot travel long distances to come to our permanent district offices, we will be sending mobile kits into those areas during specified times and dates, which will be advised in advance and hopefully we will get registrants coming up in high numbers to register. The solution to the problem is having more registrants coming up to register if they want to retain their seats.”
She said the delimitation exercise will be conducted after the census report is tabled in Parliament.
The national census will be conducted in April this year.
“The reason we will have the blitz in two stages, one in February and another in April, is that we want to clean the voter’s roll for the purposes of delimitation. Because we anticipate that the delimitation process will be started August 2022, which is when the final census report will be tabled before Parliament,” said Justice Chigumba.

“We do voter registration and start cleaning the data and determining who should be on the voter’s roll and who doesn’t have authentic documents. So, after the April voter registration blitz, that is the final blitz that we will use to have registered voters inform the delimitation process. But remember voter registration will continue.”

By- Suspended Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has approached the High Court challenging his fourth suspension.

The Nelson Chamisa’s MDC-Alliance senior member is seeking to have his suspension set aside and declared null and void.

He argues that the decision by Local Government Minister July Moyo is irrational.

Mafume was suspended late last year, and that was the fourth time that Moyo suspended the law expert without convening a disciplinary hearing.
Mafume was suspended when he had just returned to work after the expiry of his third suspension.

The MDC Alliance secretary for local government stands accused of criminal abuse of office.
In the latest suspension dated 17 December 2021, Moyo accused Mafume of committing gross misconduct and willful violation of the law. Wrote Moyo:
I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you councillor Jacob Mafume has committed acts of gross misconduct, gross incompetence and willful violation of the law as referenced in subsection (1)(b)(c) and (e) and hereby suspend you with immediate effect.
Mafume described the latest suspension as childish adding that the Minister’s actions were affecting public service delivery. He added:
The Act allows the loser of the last election to supervise the winner, in this case, we beat ZANU PF in council elections but because they stole the presidential elections they are now supervising us using the Urban Councils Act.
This is so childish they are throwing toys and the baby out of the pram.
A few days before his latest suspension, Mafume wrote to the mayor, Stewart Mutizwa (MDC-T) and the town clerk Phakamile Moyo, accusing them of failing to respect the law on his return to the office.

By A Correspondent-MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has met with two rival MDC-Alliance members at Harare magistrate’s Courts.

Mwonzora had a brief meeting with suspended Harare mayor Jacob Mafume and Makomborero Haruzivishe and said that he was happy meeting with the two.

Haruzivishe was recently released from remand prison after spending 9 months in custody over kidnapping and violence charges.

Speaking to journalists after the brief encounter, Mwonzora said the meeting “was cordial, respectful and pleasant.

” I was particularly happy to see Mako in good health. We can’t thank Professor (Lovemore) Madhuku enough for the great work he did,” he said.

By-Constantino Chiwenga is now the acting President after President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gone on his annual leave.

Mnangagwa’s leave will run until February 5 2022.

In a statement released this morning, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda said Vice President General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga will be Acting President.
“The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, wishes to advise that His Excellency the President Dr E.D Mnangagwa started his annual vacation yesterday, January 13 2022. His vacation, which runs until February 5 2022 will be spent in the country.
During this period, Honourable Vice President, General (Retired) Dr CGDN Chiwenga, is acting President,” reads the statement issued by Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa is unmoved by the Zanu PF regime’s relentless machinations calculated to obliterate the people’s struggle.

Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mr Douglas Mwonzora have forged a pact calculated to disrupt the struggle for freedom led by President Chamisa.

President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“GET READY FOR VICTORY…
We have heard you.We listened and it shall be done as per your command and demand.Timing &strategy is everything.THE NEW WAY.THE NEW WAVE. It’s time for CHANGE.Let’s teach them a lesson.

You’re the game changers and we’re unstoppable.#ChoosetheNew”

President Chamisa also thanked thousands of Twitter users for following his account.

His Twitter account has hit the 900 000 mark.

“Wow!! We have done it. We have hit the mark and reached a milestone. We’re now 900 000. Almost getting to a million. Thank you friends. Thank you family. God bless you”

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa is unmoved by the Zanu PF regime’s relentless machinations calculated to obliterate the people’s struggle.

Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mr Douglas Mwonzora have forged a pact calculated to disrupt the struggle for freedom led by President Chamisa.

President Chamisa wrote on Twitter:

“GET READY FOR VICTORY…
We have heard you.We listened and it shall be done as per your command and demand.Timing &strategy is everything.THE NEW WAY.THE NEW WAVE. It’s time for CHANGE.Let’s teach them a lesson.

You’re the game changers and we’re unstoppable.#ChoosetheNew”

President Chamisa also thanked thousands of Twitter users for following his account.

His Twitter account has hit the 900 000 mark.

“Wow!! We have done it. We have hit the mark and reached a milestone. We’re now 900 000. Almost getting to a million. Thank you friends. Thank you family. God bless you”

1/2 Police in Mat South arrested a 25 year old man in connection with a case of murder which occurred on 13/01/22 at Majoda Farm, West Nicholson. The suspect, who was allegedly drunk and misbehaving, struck the victim (45) several times on the head and stomach with

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) January 14, 2022

2/2 two burning logs over an unknown issue resulting in the instant death of the victim. #notomurder.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) January 14, 2022

By A Correspondent- At least five people die in road traffic accidents every 24 hours in Zimbabwe, giving the country the worst mortality rate in the Sadc region, with the Plumtree highway as one of the hotspots.

This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Road Safety Performance Review report of December 2021 that was launched in Harare on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development of Zimbabwe requested support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety to carry out a national Road Safety Performance Review (RSPR) for Zimbabwe.

The support is provided through the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Unece) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca) as a global initiative to assist governments to strengthen road safety management capacities of developing countries.

According to the report, Zimbabwe records an estimated 665 deaths and over 10 000 injuries per year due to road traffic accidents, with the Chivhu, Plumtree and Rusape highways having the worst mortality rates. A road accident occurs every 15 minutes in Zimbabwe and this represents a 35 percent increase in 10 years.

Zimbabwe has the highest road crash mortality rate among its neighbours — 35 per 100 000. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Road Safety Report of 2018, Botswana has the lowest road crash mortality rate of 23 per 100 000, followed by South Africa 25,9, Namibia 30 and Malawi 31.

The recently released Road Safety Performance Review report states that in eight years, between 2011 and 2019, there has been a 77 percent increase in the number of second-hand public and private vehicles in Zimbabwe from an estimated 800 000 to 1 500 000.

According to the report, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) official statistics show an increase in road traffic crash fatalities of three percent between 2010 (1 291 fatalities) and 2019 (2  000 fatalities).

“Five people die every day on the roads in Zimbabwe and this translates to 153 persons killed per month. Estimates by TSCZ research in 2018 showed that the country loses about US$406 million annually from an average 40 000 road traffic accidents every year, and this is estimated to be almost three percent of the gross domestic product; estimated at US$14 billion,” read the report.

The recently rehabilitated, upgraded and modern Plumtree-Mutare-Plumtree highway, according to the report, leads in fatalities, where major national disasters occurred.

“Compared to the Beitbridge-Chirundu Road which is considered the worst and most busy of the two highway corridors in Zimbabwe, TSCZ reports that in 2016 the upgraded Plumtree-Harare Road recorded 367 crashes, while the Harare-Mutare section contributed 202: a total of 569 fatal crashes in a single year.”

“The Kwekwe national disaster on the Plumtree-Mutare Road on 3 March 2016 killed 31 people and injured 36. On the same road, another disaster in 2016 near Gweru killed 10 people and injured 13. The Rusape bus accident disaster on the same highway killed 50 people in 2018.”

Buses, according to the report, contribute half of the total road traffic accidents around the county.

“According to the WHO, drivers and passengers of the bus category account for 50 percent of the total fatalities recorded in 2017, followed by pedestrians at 16 percent. Drivers and passengers of four-wheeled cars and light vehicles contribute 13 percent, drivers of four-wheeled cars and light vehicles eight percent, riders of two or three-wheeled motorised cycles 6 percent, pedal cyclists’ four percent and drivers/passengers of heavy trucks three percent. The high numbers of bus-related fatalities show a need in this category, consisting of the poorest most vulnerable population.”

With regard to pedestrian vulnerability, WHO notes that an estimated 2 000 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles between 2013 and 2016, while an estimated 30 000 were injured, giving an average 665 deaths and 10 000 injuries per year.

In 2021, Zimbabwe recorded 77 road-related deaths during the just-ended Christmas holidays, up from 67 recorded during the same period in 2020.

In November last year, two people died on the spot while scores were injured when a haulage truck and a Nyaradzo Funeral Services bus that was carrying mourners collided along the Bulawayo-Harare highway near Cement Siding.

The mourners were returning from Lower Gweru in the Midlands province after burying a relative when the bus driver is said to have encroached into oncoming traffic while trying to overtake.

The bus collided with the haulage truck that was carrying approximately 40 000 bricks.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for six inmates who escaped from custody while enroute to court.

The six, five of whom are Zimbabweans escaped from police custody while on their way to court at Vosloorus.

Said the SAPS:

SAPS launched a manhunt after 6 inmates escaped from custody. They escaped while enroute to Court at Vosloorus. Accused are: Nkululeko Nkomo, Robert Hlatshwayo, Thulani Dube, Augustine Moyo, Mbongiseni Mkandla & Robert Hlatshwayo. #CrimeStop TM

By A Correspondent- South African police have arrested a three-man syndicate, suspected to be Zimbabweans after they allegedly smuggled into the neighbouring country some mining explosives whose value was yet to be ascertained.

Provincial police Commissioner for Limpopo province Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the nationality of the three was still to be verified.

He said mining explosives have of late been used in South Africa to detonate ATMs at banks.

“Explosives of this nature were in the past found to have been used in ATM bombings at some places in the Province and the arrest of these suspects will potentially assist the police in curbing this crime,” said Liet Gen Hadebe.

By A Correspondent- The just-ended SADC Extraordinary Heads of State and Government summit in Lilongwe, Malawi managed to galvanise the region’s leadership to realise the importance of unity in dealing with issues of peace and security.

Held at the magnificent Bingu wa Mutharika International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, the summit’s main agenda was to review progress of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), deployed in that country to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

The Extraordinary Heads of State and Government summit was preceded by the Council of Ministers Meeting and a meeting of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation whose Troika Organ is currently chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.

Zimbabwe was represented at the Council of Ministers Meeting by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava, Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri.

Vice President Dr Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga (CGDN) represented President Mnangagwa at the summit that took place on 12 January 2022 where binding resolutions regarding the conflict in Mozambique were passed.

The Herald Deputy Editor, Lovemore Ranga Mataire (L.R.M), caught up with Vice President Chiwenga (CGDN) at the close of the meeting as he departed for home at the Kamuzu International Airport where he said Zimbabwe was fully behind the regional body’s decision to extend the mandate of the SADC Standby Force Mission to Mozambique (SAMIM) for three-months.

***

L.R.M: Vice President Chiwenga, you had a hectic day today where you joined other leaders at the Extraordinary Heads of State and Government summit to review the mandate of the SADC Standby Force in Mozambique. What can you say are the major take-aways of the meeting?

CGDN:  The summit went on very well, starting with the Officials meeting (Council of Ministers Meeting) and going into the Troika Organ itself, which met yesterday. Everything went on very well. Today, things were very smooth and the issues which are a major problem in Cabo Delgado in Mozambique were ironed out well. There was unanimous agreement on all the issues. I was quite happy with the outcome of the meeting.

L.R.M:  What is Zimbabwe’s contribution to the SADC military mission in Mozambique?

CGDN: You know as Zimbabwe we are contributing a lot. His Excellency, the President has already said we are contributing in terms of training. I think he has already mentioned something about that. Training both military and the police. We are also contributing in terms of provision of food to those who have been displaced. So we are contributing and remember Mozambique is our neighbour.

L.R.M: One of the resolutions that came out of the Extraordinary summit was to extend the military mandate in Cabo Delgado and also to convene an international conference to invite partners in terms of raising the needed resources. What is your view on the extension and the planned international conference?

CGDN: The three-months extension is quite correct because we want to assess the situation. It would be suicidal for one to withdraw and then tomorrow you are told there are problems.

There have been a number of groups and people who have been saying they are helping the Mozambicans. We want everybody who wants to help to come together, so that we all together help one country and not have these ones doing their own thing and others doing their own things.

L.R.M: President Chakwera of Malawi also emphasised the need for those that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe to remove them because they said the sanctions have a knock-on effect on other regional countries. But the same calls have been made before. In your view, what should be done to ensure that these calls come to reality and those that imposed sanctions remove them?

CGDN: This is why we have said we, Zimbabweans, are going to build our own country. No one is going to build Zimbabwe for us except ourselves. We Zimbabweans, we are going to build our country and we are going to leave no one behind and no place behind. So let them have their hallucinations.

L.R.M: Thank you so much Vice President for your time.

By A Correspondent- The Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) is calling upon the government of Zimbabwe to release the leader of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader, Obert Masaraure, and 16 other teachers who were arrested recently.

The teachers were arrested in the capital, Harare, after protesting over salaries just outside NSSA House during a government and workers meeting. Pindula News presents TUM’s statement:

*Calls for the immediate release of Cde Obert Masaraure – president of ARTUZ and 15 other teachers *

We the teachers union in Malawi call upon the government of Zimbabwe to release the 16 teachers including the president of ARTUZ who were arrested on 12 January 2020 for conducting peaceful demonstrations at the NSSA building on the sidelines of the NJNC meeting. The alleged crime for the teachers was to place a demand for the safe reopening of schools in line with COVED-19 safety standards and restoration of the teachers’ salary to where they were pegged in October 2018. Based on inflation salaries should increase and not be slashed by over 75%.

“Always remember that the people are not fighting for ideas, nor for what is in men’s minds. The people light and accept the sacrifices demanded by the struggle in order to gain material advantages, to live better and in peace. to benefit from progress. and for the better future of their children.” – AmClear Cabral

We stand in solidarity with all the teachers in Zimbabwe.

Charles Kumchenga

Secretary General

By A Correspondent- A Harare based transporter has challenged the seizure of his vehicle by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) on allegations of smuggling goods into the country.

In papers filed at the High Court yesterday under case number FA1/22, Luckson Matondo said Zimra, through its officers, seized his empty truck which was parked in a public space.

Matondo said after forfeiture of the truck, and with the aid of the police, Zimra arrested his driver Nyasha Mupambiri who was acquitted by a Beitbridge magistrate for lack of evidence.

“So far Matondo understands and strongly believes that the judgment of the Beitbridge magistrate that heard the allegations and dismissed the charges shall prevail because in all material instances, the truck did not transport alleged goods and Zimra failed to produce the alleged goods to substantiate its claims,” he submitted in court.

Zimra alleges that Matondo’s vehicle was used to smuggle alcoholic beverages into the country prejudicing the State of US$33 481,56 and $607 515,97.

Matondo denies the charges and accuses Zimra of acting as police, jury and executioner at the same time.

“No list of the alleged goods was given and no calculations of the figures given were shown. At all material times, the respondent failed to physically produce the alleged goods or specifically the alleged alcoholic beverages which the vehicle is to have been used in the smuggling of goods into the country,” Matondo wrote.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Women to Watch in Banking and Finance program has announced the list of Top 10 women shaping Africa’s financial services sector.

The list was compiled following a 3 month entry period which saw professionals from Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe submit applications.

Kenyan WallStreet and Kaleidoscope Consultants partnered on the Awards to highlight the efforts of the women shaping and influencing the sector through their organizations. The Top 10 will be feted during a special ceremony later in April this year.

“Globally, we need to reframe what leadership in finance looks like. These African women have demonstrated commendable impact across various industries that make up the highly-competitive, male-dominated financial services sector. It is inspiring to see how the Angaza Top 10 are multifaceted professionals who have turned around financial institutions, and driven digital innovation initiatives, while making time to give back to society in a transformational way,” said Ms. Nuru Mugambi, Angaza Awards Chairperson.

The Angaza Awards criteria included an assessment of the applicants’ area of responsibility and contribution to firm performance. Various women were also awarded for achievement that transcended the institution and resulted in shared value creation. Women professionals in Banking, Capital Markets, Insurance, Fintech, Investment Banking & Fund Management, Microfinance, and Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) were invited to submit their applications or nominations via the Awards Web page.

Listed below are the top 10 Angaza Awards women to watch

1     Marjorie Mayida     Fund Management & Investment Banking     Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Old Mutual Investment Group     Zimbabwe
2     Rina Hicks     Capital Markets     Operations Director, Faida Investment Bank Ltd.     Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda

3     Rahel Musyoki     FinTech / InsureTech     Business Development Manager, CarePay (M-TIBA)     Kenya
4     Gakii Mwongera     Banking     Group Head of Internet Banking, Equity Group Holdings, Ltd     Multiple including Democratic Republic of Congo
5     Sharon Kinyanjui     FinTech / Cross-Border Payments     Regional Director – EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), WorldRemit Ltd.     Multiple including  Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania & Uganda
6     Christine Baingana     Banking & MicroFinance     Chief Executive Officer, Urwego Bank     Rwanda
7     Venus Hampinda     Banking     Finance Director & Regional Head, Strategic Tax Solutions, Absa     Zambia
8     Dr. Millicent Omukaga     Development Finance Institution     Office of the President Advisor – Women Empowerment and Affirmative Finance, African Development Bank Group     Côte d’Ivoire
9     Beth Jomo     Insurance     General Manager – Retail Business Development, Britam Group     Kenya
10     Jacqueline Karasha     Insurance     Head of Corporate Business, Sanlam Life Insurance Ltd.     Kenya
The 2022 Awards follows last year’s program which featured Dr. Nancy Onyango of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and New York Times Best-Selling Author Gail Evans as keynote speakers. It was sponsored by Equity Bank Group and Old Mutual.