By-A Nigerian pastor based in Cotonou, Benin Republic, has shared pictures of an “angel” which he says was captured on camera in his church. Posting on his Facebook page, Pastor Ekuma Uche Philips said the “angel” was caught on camera during his church’s cross-over service on January 1, at exactly 12:13 am. He wrote; THIS IS DOUBLE WONDERS INDEED. An ANGLE was captured on Camera during our cross over Night, on Friday 31th Dec, Exacting 12: 13am, I have never seen such thing since l was born,. We are in the day of great WONDERS. This is God, Thank you Jesus. For your great visitation and double wonders in Faith foundation ministries Porto Novo. Benin Republic. Social media users quickly noticed that the “supposed angel” was wearing airforce sneakers. Check the pic below: While some said the picture was doctored saying angels cannot appear wearing those sneakers, some said those mocking the picture were agents of the devil. In recent years, some other pastors including Pastor Bushiri have done things claimed to be divine that left members of the public divided. Bushiri, known as Major 1 posted a video in which he is seen coming down the stairs at his mansion in South Africa. The fascinating part is when he gets to the last step to connect with the bottom floor, his feet do not touch the ground and he continues to walk slowly in the air and finally touches the ground. A South African pastor with an unprintable name and a Zimbabwean pastor, Talent Madungwe, claim they went to heaven, separately, where they dined with God while gold reportedly rained at one of Emmanuel Makandiwa’s services. Some believe that miracles are happening in this era and age while some say those claiming to be performing them are just fooling their followers to fatten their pockets.
By Munyaradzi Mugomeza| It’s my birthday, and I’m reflecting on the state of Zimbabwean politics, particularly the coup that occurred 5 years ago. Was it for the benefit of ordinary people, or was it a power grab by those seeking to maintain control? I’ve reflected on this several times, and I’ve concluded that it was never about the people.
The military coup of November 2017 in Zimbabwe, marketed as a necessary intervention to rescue the nation from Robert Mugabe’s long-standing dictatorship, was a monumental betrayal of the people’s hopes. Far from ushering in a new era of democracy and prosperity, the coup was a cynical power grab orchestrated by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Constantino Chiwenga, and their cohorts. It was a calculated maneuver to maintain ZANU-PF’s grip on power and shield the party’s corrupt inner circle from accountability.
This coup was never about the Zimbabwean people; it was about safeguarding the interests of a kleptocratic elite. Mnangagwa’s rise to power, hailed by his allies as a victory for reform, was merely a reshuffling of ZANU-PF’s oppressive apparatus. The regime that emerged from the coup is not only an extension of Mugabe’s rule but arguably more repressive and economically ruinous. The people, who dared to hope for genuine change, have been left to grapple with the painful realization that the coup was nothing more than a facade for a selfish and deceitful agenda.
A Deceptive Narrative of Liberation
The architects of the 2017 coup employed masterful propaganda to win over public sentiment. They presented the removal of Mugabe as a victory for democracy, justice, and progress. The military positioned itself as the savior of the nation, claiming to act in the interest of ordinary citizens. Tanks rolled into Harare, soldiers filled the streets, and jubilant Zimbabweans, desperate for an end to Mugabe’s 37-year reign, cheered what they believed was the beginning of a brighter future.
However, this narrative was a blatant lie. The coup had nothing to do with the people or their aspirations. It was not about addressing the rampant corruption, economic collapse, and political repression that had defined Mugabe’s rule. Instead, it was a ruthless factional fight within ZANU-PF. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, long-time insiders of Mugabe’s regime, sought to eliminate the G40 faction led by Grace Mugabe and solidify their own control over the party and the nation.
Mnangagwa: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Emmerson Mnangagwa, who replaced Mugabe as president, was far from the reformist he portrayed himself to be. Nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his cunning and ruthlessness, Mnangagwa was a central figure in the oppressive machinery of Mugabe’s regime. From orchestrating the Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s to his involvement in various corruption scandals, Mnangagwa’s hands are stained with the blood and suffering of countless Zimbabweans.
Under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe did not break free from the chains of ZANU-PF’s tyranny; it tightened them. The coup was merely a transfer of power from one faction of despots to another. Chiwenga and his military allies, who played a pivotal role in executing the coup, were not champions of democracy. They were enforcers of ZANU-PF’s oppressive rule, motivated by self-interest rather than concern for the nation.
A Coup for Power, Not the People
The coup was not a revolution; it was a consolidation of power by a cabal that feared losing its grip on the state. In the years leading up to 2017, ZANU-PF had faced growing dissent from within and outside the party. The opposition, led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai and later Nelson Chamisa, had gained significant traction, threatening ZANU-PF’s dominance. Mugabe’s advanced age and Grace Mugabe’s political ambitions further destabilized the party.
For Mnangagwa and his allies, the coup was a means of neutralizing these threats. By removing Mugabe and sidelining Grace, they eliminated internal rivals and rebranded themselves as agents of change. But their actions were driven by fear—fear of losing power, influence, and access to Zimbabwe’s wealth.
Post-Coup Realities: Broken Promises and Continued Oppression
The aftermath of the coup exposed the hollowness of the promises made by Mnangagwa and his regime. The much-touted “Second Republic” has been a profound disappointment. Instead of ushering in reforms, the new administration has doubled down on corruption, economic mismanagement, and political repression.
Zimbabwe’s economy remains in shambles. Inflation has soared, unemployment is rampant, and public services are in a state of collapse. Despite Mnangagwa’s promises to attract foreign investment and revive the economy, his administration’s actions—characterized by incompetence, graft, and heavy-handedness—have driven the country further into despair.
On the political front, repression has intensified. Activists, journalists, and opposition leaders face harassment, arrest, and violence. The judiciary, police, and military remain tools of the regime, used to silence dissent and maintain ZANU-PF’s stranglehold on power. Mnangagwa’s government has shown no commitment to democratic principles or accountability. Instead, it has sought to entrench its rule through fear and intimidation.
The Role of the Military in Prolonging Tyranny
The military’s role in the coup and its aftermath is central to understanding Zimbabwe’s continued suffering. Chiwenga and other top generals positioned themselves as patriots acting in the nation’s interest. Yet, their actions have revealed their true priorities: securing their wealth and influence. The military has benefited immensely from its alliance with Mnangagwa. From lucrative mining deals to control over key sectors of the economy, the generals have enriched themselves while ordinary Zimbabweans languish in poverty. The military’s involvement in politics has eroded the country’s democratic institutions and undermined any hope of civilian-led governance.
A Betrayal of the People’s Trust
For the Zimbabwean people, the coup was a devastating betrayal. The initial euphoria that followed Mugabe’s ouster quickly turned to disillusionment as it became clear that nothing had changed. The new regime, like the old one, has prioritized its survival over the well-being of the nation.
Millions of Zimbabweans, who dared to dream of a better future, have been left disappointed and disempowered. The coup did not address the root causes of the country’s crisis; it merely prolonged them. Corruption, inequality, and authoritarianism remain deeply entrenched, leaving the nation trapped in a cycle of despair.
The Way Forward: Rejecting ZANU-PF’s False Choices
The events of 2017 serve as a stark reminder that Zimbabwe’s liberation will not come from within ZANU-PF. The party’s internal struggles are not battles for justice or progress; they are power games played by elites who care little for the people they claim to represent. True change in Zimbabwe will come only through genuine democratic processes, driven by the collective resolve of the Zimbabwean people. It will require rejecting the false dichotomy of choosing between different factions of ZANU-PF and demanding a government that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and the public good.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to democracy. Instead of legitimizing Mnangagwa’s regime, it must hold the government accountable for its actions and support civil society in its efforts to build a just and inclusive society.
Conclusion
The November 2017 coup was a betrayal masquerading as a revolution. Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, and their allies exploited the people’s desire for change to advance their own interests. Five years later, Zimbabwe remains mired in the same crises that defined Mugabe’s rule, with the added pain of broken promises.
The Zimbabwean people deserve better than the recycled tyranny of ZANU-PF. The fight for genuine liberation continues, and it is a fight that must be led by the people, for the people—not by those who have repeatedly shown their contempt for democracy and justice. The true revolution is yet to come.
By- forty-six passengers have been injured when a CAG-owned bus overturned in Kamativi last night.
The overloaded bus carrying 97 passengers was coming from Binga and heading to Bulawayo when the accident happened on Tuesday.
The driver is said to have lost control of the bus as he descended part of the treacherous Kamativi road built on a mountain and dropping into a hill.
The road which meanders the slope has claimed many lives over the years.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the accident and said the 46 injured passengers were taken to St Patrick’s hospital for treatment.
“On 6 January 2022 at around 2230 hours, Andrew Hlatshwayo was driving a Yutong bus registration number ADC1141 owned by CAG from Binga to Bulawayo with 97 passengers on board. Upon approaching 26km peg on the said road, he lost control of the bus and it veered off the road to the left. It landed on its left side. The driver escaped unhurt and a total of 46 passengers were injured. Injured passengers were taken to St Patricks’ Hospital in Hwange. The police are investigating the cause of the accident,” said Insp. Banda.
He urged drivers to exercise caution when driving at night and avoid overloading passengers saying that increased the risks of an accident.
“Drivers should exercise caution when driving during the night and when it is raining. We urge motorists not to cross flooded rivers. Transport operators should prioritize human life over money and carry only the number of prescribed carrying capacity of the bus.”
Insp. Banda said almost all survivors had escaped with no life threatening injuries.
“Generally there were no life threatening injuries. I only noticed one victim who sustained a broken hand, whilst many had sustained visible different injuries. Some were just complaining of general pains on their bodies.”
A survivor of the accident told CITE that they were lucky to be alive as the bus only fell on its side before they got to the dangerous and slippery areas of the road.
“Everything happened so fast; we were descending the Kamativi slope around a bend when the bus suddenly fell on its side. A lot of people were lucky to have escaped with just injuries as by God’s grace the bus never overturned,” said one passenger.
Another survivor said the end of the holiday season and the need to return to work had put pressure on the transport system resulting in some operators trying to cash in on the development by overloading. -CITE
By- An online portal reports that the bombings of Gukurahundi memorial plaques at the Bhalangwe mass graves site, Matabeleland South province, could have been plotted by the Central Intelligence Officials (CIO) The bombings happened Tuesday, and no one has since been held responsible for the explosions.
The plaques, aimed at remembering the victims, were erected by pressure group Ibetshu Likazulu.
Its coordinator Mbuso Fuzwayo told NewZimbabwe.com that the development followed similar destructions last year.
As I speak right now, I am in Bhalagwe. Unknown people used explosives to bomb the plaques. We have already made a formal report to the police. There has been concern over theft and vandalism of Gukurahundi memorial plaques. Suspected state security agents have been accused of stealing Gukurahundi memorial plaques erected by Ibetshu Likazulu in Silobela and Bhalagwe in memory of thousands of people who were killed during the atrocities. The plaques were erected in memory of thousands of people killed by the North Korean trained Fifth Brigade in the Midlands and Matebeleland provinces just after independence. Commenting on the development, oppopsition MDC Allince said the continued destruction of Gukururahundi plagues and cites is a cause for concern. Added the party: The regime in Harare cannot treat people in this manner and expect continued silence. The past must be resolved. An MDC Alliance Govt will formulate a comprehensive programme of Transitional Justice (TJ) and National Healing (NH). Our programme will be based on: i. Victim-centred approach, and ii. Comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors and victims. We emphasize the duty of the State to apologise for all atrocities. We further call for truth telling and justice, compensation and reparations in the spirit of national healing and reconciliation. The party added that its programme will be based on the Victim-centred approach, and will be comprehensive, inclusive, adding that there shall be consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors and victims.
By A Correspondent| Harare Magistrate Taurai Manuwere has postponed the trial of Pokugara Properties and its employee Michael Van Blerk for the umpteenth time due to the absence of the accused’s lawyer who is reportedly isolating after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive person.
According to Zed Chidyausiku, Pokugara Properties and Van Blerk’s lawyer Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara came into close contact with a relative who tested positive to COVID-19.
Chidyausiku said Zhuwarara was due to go for a Covid-19 retest today.
Pokugara Properties and Van Blerk are not strangers to giving excuses to delay trial.
Last year Van Blerk once failed to attend the court claiming to have fallen off a horse.
In another classic excuse, Van Blerk’s lawyer told the court that he suffered catatonic seizure which affected his ability to follow through court proceedings.
At some point, the court ordered that Van Blerk be taken to a government hospital for medical examination.
A doctor who declared him fit to stand trial was victimised by unidentified people who threatened that the Pokugara Properties Managing Director was “munhu wa President”.
Perjury charges against Pokugara Properties and Van Blerk emanated from a High Court affidavit they deposed claiming that Harare businessman Katsimberis did not have approved architectural plans when he constructed a show house at the corner of Teviotdale and Whitwell Road in Borrowdale.
Katsimberis has since submitted evidence proving the authenticity of the plans including proof of payment in the form of bank statements from City of Harare confirming receipt of payment.
A City of Harare official has also exonerated Katsimberis after submitting an affidavit confirming the authenticity of a date stamp and signature appended on the plans.
Pokugara Properties and Van Blerk will be back in court on the 13th of January 2022.
By A Correspondent- The government on Friday revised passport fees and set them at US$100 and US$200, respectively.
Kazembe Kazembe, the minister responsible for Home Affairs portfolio, which the passport offices fall under, said the US$100 is for an ordinary passport and US$200 for an emergency passport.
He announced this in Statutory Instrument 3 of 2022 cited as Citizenship (Passport Fees) Regulations of 2022.
By- Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Mr Innocent Bepura has convicted three men believed to be part of an armed robbery gang terrorising illegal immigrants and smugglers along the Limpopo river.
Magistrate Bepura jailed the trio for an effective ten months after they were found in possession of an assortment of firearms and ammunition along the river.
Munyaradzi Ncube (27), Elphas Chigudugudze (34), and Tafara Moyo (30) of Kwekwe, Gwanda, and Buhera respectively were busted by the national security task force while coming from South Africa through an illegal crossing point near the Chinyampanze area. They had two Berretta Gordon Gardiner pistols, one Vektor CPI Pistol, and an assortment of ammunition.
The trio was convicted on their own plea of guilty when they appeared before Magistrate Bepura.
Ncube and crew have another pending armed robbery case which is set for trial on January 25. The trio was left with an effective 10 months to serve when the magistrate conditionally suspended five months of the 15-month term for five years. The firearms and ammunition were forfeited to the State as part of the sentence.
Prosecuting, Mr Ronald Mugwagwa said on September 27 last year, Ncube and his accomplices arrived in the country via the Limpopo River carrying firearms and small satchels. He said they were then intercepted by the police who were patrolling around the Chinyampanze area who then recovered the three firearms and an assortment of ammunition. They asked the trio to produce licences, by they failed, resulting in their subsequent arrest.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- Divide and rule, it is a tried and tested tactic as old as human history that has worked, particularly in conquering those easily divided!
Talk of easily divided, it really does not take much to divide the MDC. Ever since the party’s formation in 1999, the party has divided, subdivided and merged and divided again and again. Each time the party has divided the members have lashed out at each other with more venomous hatred than they have ever shown to Zanu PF, the opposition’s main political opponent.
When Tendai Biti and 8 other MPs broke away from Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC-T in 2014, Biti said it had been easier to work with Mugabe than with Tsvangirai. Biti was Secretary General of the party and MDC-T Minister of Finance in the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Tsvangirai recalled the 9 MPs out of spite knowing fully well MDC-T was not going contest the by-elections to at least try to win back the seats.
Of course, Robert Mugabe was well aware there was no love lost between the MDC leaders and he was not one to miss the opportunity to exploit this.
In the bloated GNU cabinet, the smaller MDC-N faction led first by Arthur Mutambabra and then later by Welshman Ncube had more ministers and deputy ministers then warranted by the party’s elected MPs. The leaders of the two MDC factions were falling over each other in their zeal to praise Mugabe forgetting that their primary task was to implement the democratic reforms.
Biti called Mugabe “unflappable, fountain of wisdom and father of the nation!” Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, MDC-N Minister in GNU was so impressed with Mugabe, she was “speechless!”
When SADC leaders pressured the two MDC faction leaders not to participate in the 2013 elections until meaningful reforms were implemented to ensure free and fair elections. Mugabe defied SADC leaders and played his tramp card!
Mugabe was confident that the mistrust between the two MDC factions was so deeply rooted they would not trust each other to boycott the elections although that was the “obvious” thing to do as one MDC leader readily admitted.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” admitted David Coltart in his book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe. Coltart was a MDC-N minister in the GNU.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
Mugabe got his wish; the two MDC factions participate in the 2013 elections regardless all the evidence Zanu PF was rigging the elections and thus giving Zanu PF legitimacy. The MDC has since been participating in the flawed and illegal elections giving vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy.
If there is a lesson Mnangagwa has learned from his old mentor, Robert Mugabe, it is the importance of dividing the opposition to keep them fighting each other instead of fighting Zanu PF.
Mnangagwa created the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) grouping all the losing candidates in the 2018 presidential race. The primary purpose of POLAD was to reward with perks the candidates participating in the elections, doing their bit to give the flawed election process credibility and thus encourage them to participate in future elections. Mnangagwa has used POLAD to pressure Chamisa and a few others to join.
There is no doubt that Nelson Chamisa’s succession following Tsvangirai’s death in 2018 was unconstitutional and a High Court judgement to that effect has led to the breakup the Chamisa MDC A. A number of the party’s elected officials were forced to switch allegiance to the Mwonzora led MDC-T and those who did not were recalled last year, 2021.
We can be certain that Mnangagwa has taken full advantage of Chamisa’s troubles. ZEC has stopped the by-elections to fill the recalled elected official much to the anger of Chamisa and company.
President Mnangagwa has since announced the long-delayed by-elections will finally take place on 26 March 2022. Within hours of making this announcement the social media was buzzing with the news that Douglas Mwonzora had met President Mnangagwa at State House. This is a follow up to MDC-T’s call for interparty dialogue, possibly leading to the formation of a new GNU.
“President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by Zanu PF Secretary for Finance Mr Patrick Chinamasa and Acting Secretary to the President and Cabinet Mr George Charamba, promised to respond to the MDC-T’s final position as soon as possible after their own internal consultations within the government and their party,” MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said in a statement.
There has been talks of Chamisa and his MDC A grouping were considering boycotting the 2023 elections following the party’s recent #PRICECAMPAIGN demanding reforms before elections.
The announcement of the by-elections were going ahead will have forced MDC A to reconsider the boycott. The report of Mwonzora, MDC A’s number one advisory, hobnobbing at State House has left Chamisa and company fuming at the prospect of Mwonzora and company participating in the elections and becoming the country’s main opposition party.
So, President Mnangagwa is going into these by-elections and 2023 national elections confident that the divided opposition will participating giving Zanu PF legitimacy.
Chamisa, Mwonzora and the rest in the opposition camp have to be content sharing the few gravy train seats Zanu PF is giving away as bait. They are betraying the masses for thirty pieces of silver!
The real big losers are the ordinary people who continue to be denied their basic freedoms and rights including the right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country and continue to suffer the ill effects of being stuck with this corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship. They are conned by the opposition to participate in the flawed elections under the false claim the opposition have “winning in rigged elections strategies”! Until the masses wise up, they will suffer!
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) yesterday triggered a storm after announcing plans to remove 35 085 names of deceased persons from the voters’ roll, two months after identifying only 22 000 deceased voters on the roll.
Zec’s new figures announced yesterday sparked a fresh public outcry amid fears that the figures were being “cooked up” to disenfranchise potential voters ahead of by-elections in March, and the 2023 plebiscite.
The uproar over Zec figures came barely a week after opposition political parties and civic groups challenged its statistics on newly-registered voters, after claiming that only 2 000 virgin voters were registered last year, but later revised the number to 2 971.
In a notice on its official Twitter handle yesterday, Zec said: “35 085 files will be removed from the voters’ roll because Zec has been notified that the registrants are deceased. Unless an objection to the proposed removal is received within seven days of the date of the gazetting of the notice. Please find notice and form of objection.”
Zec then attached a Government Gazette to the statement, General Notice 3 561 of 2021, dated December 31, 2021, where the electoral body’s chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana said people whose names were appearing on the deceased list, but were alive, needed to lodge a complaint at the Zec offices within seven days.
“It is hereby notified in terms of section 33(4) read with section 27(1) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that voter registration officers have reason to believe that persons whose names are listed in the First Schedule, and who were registered as voters for the constituencies, wards and polling stations listed therein have died,” Silaigwana said.
“The names of the person will be removed from the voters’ roll unless a notice of appeal is given to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.”
Zec’s inconsistencies pertaining to the voters roll has resulted in calls for an audit before the forthcoming elections.
Opposition political parties have also called for the electoral body to provide them with an electronic voters’ roll to enhance transparency and accountability by the body.
Piers Pigou, a consultant for International Crisis Group, also weighed in on Twitter saying: “Zimbabwe’s voters roll needs to be audited independently. It is as simple as that when the election management body leaves so many serious questions unanswered.”
Last week, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) produced evidence that Zec’s figures of new voters were inconsistent.
Local civic group Project Vote 263, which claimed that it had facilitated registration of 9 635 new voters throughout the country last year, wrote to Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba on Tuesday demanding an electronic and hard copy of the voters’ roll.
Women Academy for Leadership (Walpe), which claimed that it had registered 175 women through its 2,2 million votes for the women election campaign, also castigated Zec over its voter registration figures, saying they did not reflect the true number of people that registered during the whole year.
Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairperson Andrew Makoni said there was need for Zec to open the voter registration system to the public so that they could inspect it to promote transparency.
“It is very worrisome that Zec gives statistics that are inconsistent when the nation is heading for key polls. Zec is giving conflicting figures on the registrants, which becomes problematic on issues to do with transparency and accountability,” he said.
“Zec is currently under a crisis for failing to retain public confidence in its operations. It should open up their system for scrutiny and inspection so that political parties or other interested stakeholders are free to access the voters’ roll.”
Opposition MDC-T also expressed disappointment over lack of credibility on the statistics being released by Zec.
“Zec has it all to do in order to convince the electorate that it is committed to conducting free, fair, credible and legitimate elections,” MDC-T party spokesperson Witness Dube said.
“It is disappointing that they seem to be recklessly throwing around figures on electoral processes without any logical explanations as to why their projections keep changing. This does not endear this body to the confidence of the electorate.”
But Zec insisted that despite the uproar over its inconsistencies on figures, it was satisfied with public confidence over its mandate.
“Contrary to the views on this platform (Twitter), the majority of registered voters have confidence in the electoral commission,” Zec tweeted.
“Zec assures potential registrants being targeted by the voter registration blitz in the next few weeks, all our valued voters who (are) already on the voters roll or have applied to be placed on the voters roll that barring any anomalies, they will be placed on the voters roll in time to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.”-newsday
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF Makoni district co-ordinating committee (DCC) chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa, who recently lost to Mike Madiro in the Manicaland provincial chairperson race, has claimed that his rival used intimidatory tactics to win the elections.
Nyakuedzwa, who garnered 14 748 votes against Madiro’s 16 263 votes yesterday said he was in a “state of shock” as his supporters were constantly calling him saying they were being victimised.
“I want to put it on record that I don’t own any supporter in Zanu-PF. People who voted for me are Zanu-PF supporters,” Nyakuedzwa said.
“I am just told that people who voted for me are being victimised in Chipinge. I have received calls that Madiro is removing those people in leadership positions and is putting his supporters. I am further told that even those in leadership positions who won in my basket have received threats that they will be removed. Surely, this is not democracy.
“In fact, Madiro should also (not abuse) me because I also have powers in the province. All that we want is to unite the province and win the 2023 elections.”
Nyakuedzwa also claimed that Madiro’s electoral victory was assisted by his “rigging of the elections”, a claim that Madiro has disputed.
Efforts to get a comment from Madiro were fruitless while the party’s provincial spokesperson Oliver Mandipaka directed all questions related to the just-ended elections to the party headquarters in Harare.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has said fifty-five journalists and media professionals were killed worldwide in 2021, with nearly nine in 10 killings since 2006 still unresolved.
UNESCO said impunity is “alarmingly widespread.” UNESCO Director-General Audrey said:
Once again in 2021, far too many journalists paid the ultimate price to bring truth to light.Right now, the world needs independent, factual information more than ever. We must do more to ensure that those who work tirelessly to provide this can do so without fear.
Although the number of victims stands at its lowest for a decade, UNESCO underlined the many dangers that reporters face in trying to cover stories and expose wrongdoing.
In 2021, as in previous years, journalists faced high rates of imprisonment, physical attack, intimidation and harassment, including when reporting on protests. UNESCO said:
Women journalists continue to be particularly at risk as they are subjected to “a shocking prevalence of harassment online.”
UNESCO cited data that showed that nearly three-quarters of female media professionals surveyed had experienced online violence linked to their work.
By A Correspondent| Harare Magistrate Babra Mateko has postponed the trial of Pokugara Properties and City of Harare officials who are facing charges of malicious damage to property, to the 18th of January 2022 due to the unavailability of defense counsel for one of the accused persons.
Lawyer, Zed Chidyausiku told the court that Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara who is the legal representative for Pokugara Properties and Michael Van Blerk is self-isolating after a family member contracted the deadly COVID-19 disease.
According to the state, Pokugara Properties and its two employees namely Mandla Marlone Ndebele and Michael John Van Blerk together with three City of Harare employees connived to destroy a show house built by Harare businessman Georgios Katsimberis in Borrowdale as part of a joint venture agreement with controversial land baron Kenneth Raydon Sharpe.
Also arraigned before the court for the same charges are top City of Harare officials Isaiah Zvenyika Chawatama, Samuel Nyabezi and Lasten Taonezvi.
According to the State outline, the six in their individual capacities and as representatives of their organisations destroyed Katsimberis show house on the grounds that it did not have approved plans, claims refuted by the land developer.
Katsimberis has since availed proof of payments made to City of Harare and a bank statement from the city fathers showing received payment.
A City of Harare official has also submitted an affidavit which confirms that the stamp and signatures on the architectural plans were indeed authentic.
Meanwhile, the trial of Pokugara properties managing director, Van Blerk for perjury has also been postponed due to the same reasons.
Perjury charges against Van Blerk and City of Harare officials emanated from sworn affidavits they submitted to the High Court where they lied that Katsimberis did not have approved plans for the show house.
Van Blerk will be back in court on the 13th of January, 2022.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Philippe Coutinho after Barcelona accepted their loan offer.
The Brazilian is leaving Camp Nou in search of regular playing time. He has struggled to hold down a first-team place and spent the 2019/20 season on another loan at Bayern Munich.
The loan will last until end of the season and Villa will pay main part of the salary.
In confirming the deal, the EPL side said: “Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park.
” The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours.”
The transfer, meanwhile, will mark the return of the Brazilian to the English Premier League after his £146m move from Liverpool four years ago.
Coutinho will also be reunited with his former Reds teammate and current Villa head coach Steven Gerrard. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A great teacher, Mrs Eileen Revell, the wife of the Gateway School founder, has died. She raised many youths from Primary schl, who include me, and ran a Children's Church at their house in HaigPark.
WHO STI Research Priority Setting Technical Advisory Group
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) worldwide. In 2020, an estimated 374 million new infections occurred globally with one of the 4 curable STIs: syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
[1] The Global Health Sector Strategy on STIs (2016-2021) sets out several guiding principles for ending the STI epidemic as a public health problem,[2] but many gaps in evidence limit available guidance and tools, and progress toward STI prevention and control has been slow.[3] As an updated global strategy is developed for the next decade, new research is essential to strengthen the evidence base for new and improved interventions and guidelines including, but not limited to: the epidemiology, risk factors, and consequences of STIs; development and evaluation of behavioral, biomedical, clinical, and programmatic STI interventions and strategies; and scaling up existing interventions.
WHO is undertaking an exercise to identify global and regional STI research priorities. The systematic priority setting approach will involve consultation with a wide range of global stakeholders.
A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on STI Research Priority Setting, consisting of external experts, will contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of the research priority setting exercise. The STI Research Priority Setting TAG will be expected to oversee the process and to consider and include perspectives across regions, gender, populations and socioeconomics.
In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the STI Research Priority Setting TAG shall have the following functions:
Develop the priority setting framework (eg. clarify the objectives, context, scope, and focus areas of the process). Review and provide comments to WHO on the research priority setting process protocol and survey tools.
Generate lists of national, regional and global STI experts and stakeholder groups to ensure a broad range of survey participants are reached during the priority setting process implementation. Participate in consolidating STI research questions solicited from stakeholder surveys.
Ensure that the proposed criteria for scoring research questions will address the objectives of the exercise. Review analysis and results of ranking and systematic listing of priority research questions (with data management/statistical support). Contribute to the WHO finalization. publishing and dissemination of global STI research priorities.
The STI Research Priority Setting TAG will meet with the WHO Secretariat throughout this process. The first meeting will be convened no earlier than 13 December 2021. In keeping with the requirements of the WHO Advisory Groups guidelines and the WHO Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics Office, we are posting online short biographies of the TAG members.
The listed candidates have also submitted a Declaration of Interest form stating any conflict of interests. WHO has applied its internal processes to ensure that the performance of the above tasks by members of this group will be transparent and without any significant conflict of interests (academic, financial, or other) that could affect the credibility of the process.
Nevertheless, WHO invites the general public to review the experts and stakeholders involved and provide feedback regarding any member deemed to have a significant conflict of interest with respect to the terms of reference for this group.
Comments and feedbacks should be cordial and constructive, and sent to [email protected] . Source: World Health Organization
The persecution of Batsiranai Ngugama, a teacher at Serima High in Gutu by Chief Serima, ZANU PF MP John Paradza and CIO operatives makes sad reading.
His “crime” is the democratic right to support a politcal party of choice.
Section 58 of the constitution guarantees freedom of association and assembly as a fundamental right.We once again reiterate our displeasure about the uncouth,and dissident behavior of our traditional chiefs in our rural communities.
Chiefs are supposed to be doyens and custodians of the constitution through the promotion of peace and coexistence of all citizens regardless of politcal differences .In equal measure,the CIO must stop preying on innocent citizens and concentrate on their constitutional obligation.
As ZEAT we view this as ploy to intimidate voters as we move towards by elections in March.We are closely watching this development as we implore relevant authorities to intervene and restore sanity.ZEAT…fostering democratic elections!
Tinashe Sambiri|Suspected government agents abducted MDC Alliance official John Mupanduki on Friday morning at Nyika Growth Point, Bikita.
According to Media Centre Masvingo, Mupanduki’s whereabouts are unknown.
“MDCA in Masvingo revealed that their member John Mupanduki 29 was abducted by unknown assailants in the wee hours of today at his home at Nyika growth point. His whereabouts a still not known. # political hand suspected.# Human rights violations. @ProfJNMoyo @usembassyharare,” Media Centre wrote on Twitter.
Thousands of opposition supporters were murdered by Zanu PF hooligans and State security agents during the 2008 Presidential Election runoff.
The MDC Alliance is making frantic efforts to locate Mupanduki.
What has Mnangagwa achieved since 1964-2021 beyond bombing a rail-network and later choosing to go after and detonate the network's visionary (Cecil John Rhodes)'s grave?
Has he managed to build a single railway from his own-home Zvishavane to nearby Gweru in his 41yrs of power?
Tinashe Sambiri| Prominent human rights activist Makomborero Haruzivishe has finally walked out of prison…
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly member, Joana Mamombe has described the release of Makomborero Haruzivishe from jail as freedom delayed through unwarranted detention.
However, Mamombe says there is joy among soldiers of the people’s struggle.
“Finally! Thank you GOD
Freedom at last ! We Can’t wait to welcome you home Makomborero Haruzivishe
Many thanks to the legal team Prof Lovemore Madhuku, Simon Chabuka and Obey Shava,” Mamombe posted on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|After announcing that by-elections are scheduled for March 26, the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has effectively written a political epitaph for himself and his political ally Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora.
According to MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, the honeymoon is over for Mwonzora and Mnangagwa as they will be rejected by the people of Zimbabwe in the coming by-elections.
Chuma wrote on Twitter: The honeymoon is over! @DMwonzora and @edmnangagwa’s unholy marriage is set for rejection by the citizens.
They were rejected in 2018 and people will reject them again in these by-elections. Lead us @nelsonchamisa! #NgaapindeHakeMukomana https://twitter.com/chumasteve/status/1479020346955399170?s=20
MDC Alliance official, Jefferyson Chitando believes Mnangagwa has effectively relegated his ally to the political dustbins…
Funeral Announcement!!!
Mwonzora’s MDC T burial has been announced by his most trusted friend and colleague in oppressing Zimbabweans;E D Mnangagwa.The body will lie in state at ZEC offices on 26 January 2022 and Burial will be on 26 March at Polling Stations Cemetery. Zimbabweans are encouraged to attend the burial in their thousands as we give the Devil of Our Time a resounding send off.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa says those who think he has run out of political strategies are totally lost.
The regime has assigned social media characters to denigrate President Chamisa to no avail.
One such character is a DJ Towers who claims he has chased away President Chamisa from social media streets.
President Chamisa urged citizens to ignore negative comments about the people’s struggle.
“Dear Zimbabwe: When we appear muted we are pressing the buttons, ahead of the game, in charge and in control. Blessed day to you,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
By A Correspondent- Authorities from Zimbabwe and Kenya are working on paperwork to repatriate a seven-year-old boy from Nkayi who was kidnapped and taken to Kenya in 2016 in a case of human trafficking.
The boy, Awakhiwe Ackim Ncube was abducted while playing with other children in Nkayi’s area of Hompani and his parents only learnt that he was in Kenya through pictures circulating on social media.
He was last seen in his grandparents’ backyard.
Awakhiwe was found at Happy Children’s Home in Nairobi.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said a full statement will be issued today.
The mother Mrs Nobekezelo Maseko was recently quoted in the media saying, “One of the neighbours in Nkayi brought a picture which was sent by his son who is in South Africa. They went with it to show the grandfather of the child who saw without doubt that it was his grandson.”
She then reached out to the orphanage and a woman who runs it confirmed that her Awakhiwe was a resident at the home.
“I sent her a picture and Awakhiwe identified me. The mother, who keeps them, asked us which name are we using when we call him, we said Kim, which is short for Ackim. She then called him by that name and he answered back,” Mrs Maseko said.
Awakhiwe was kidnapped and drugged with two other children by the kidnappers who were headed to Kenya. The other two children were not Zimbabwean.
Upon reaching the border to Kenya, Awakhiwe is said to have started crying and demanding to be returned to his mother. Alert border officials became suspicious and detained the kidnappers as Awakhiwe was speaking in isiNdebele.
They thought the child was Zimbabwean or South African.
The suspected kidnappers, Margaret Juma Magero and David Ochieng Omentho, believed to married were arraigned before senior principal magistrate, Ms Diana Mochache in Shanzu Principal courts on December 13, 2016.
Ms Mochache directed that Awakhiwe and the two children be placed under the custody of Happy Children’s Home until their parents are found.
The other two children have since been identified, extradited to their home countries and reunited with their families.
However, the paperwork to bring back Awakhiwe is still being processed by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Kenya.
In June last year, police managed to locate and bring back into the country from South Africa, a one-year-old baby boy who was kidnapped last December by a woman from Ushewokunze suburb in Harare.
The suspect who has been identified as Fortunate Tanyanyiwa has since gone into hiding in South Africa and police, working with Interpol are still looking for her.
Detectives from CID Homicide travelled to Polokwane, South Africa with the boy’s mother, Yvonne Machingo (21) and reunited the two following investigations.
Machingo, who also resides in Ushewokunze, approached Tanyanyiwa, alias Mai Tatenda, sometime in December last year saying she wanted to be led to a traditional healer who could attend to her then six-month-old baby who was not feeling well.
It is alleged that on December 12, 2020, the two went to Block 11, Shawasha Flats in Mbare where a traditional healer could assist Machingo.
Machingo was ordered to stay outside while Tanyanyiwa went with the child inside the healer’s house, but she never returned. After a few hours, Machingo tried to locate her, but to no avail.
She even tried calling, but her phone was switched off and a report was made to the police.
By A Correspondent- The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZ) CEO, Tafadzwa Chinamo, will leave the country’s capital market regulator at the end of this month after 10 years in the role.
Chinamo joined SECZ as CEO in 2011.
His departure is in line with the new Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Part 1V), which states that CEOs of public entities should serve for a maximum term of five years, renewable once only, to make it 10 years.
Chinamo confirmed the development. He Chinamo told Business Times on Thursday:
It’s true, my term comes to end this month.
I joined SECZ in August 2011 and my departure is in line with the new Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. I only performed the CEO’s duties in the last six months waiting for the conclusion of the process to select the new CEO of SECZ.
Chinamo, however, refused to reveal the identity of the new SECZ CEO.
He said:
The announcement will be published very soon on the new CEO taking over from me since the process is near complete.
Over the past 10 years, Chinamo said SECZ implemented several initiatives including the automation of the capital markets.
By A Correspondent- Eight people were injured and are currently admitted at Bindura hospital after speeding Mtenzi hashtag bus they were traveling in overturned yesterday.
The driver Semu Paradzai (35) failed to control the bus registration number AEL 0982 at 75 kilometer peg along Bindura- Mukumbura highway.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the accident.
“I can confirm a serious road accident at 75 kilometer peg along Bindura-Mukumbura highway yesterday, seven people were seriously injured and 15 others escaped with minor injuries,” Mundembe said.
He said the driver is being charged for negligent driving.
Police warned drivers of public transport to be more vigilant on the road and safe precious life.
Government has gazetted has revised its earlier move to have passport application fees paid via CBZ Bank in a move that was unfairly benefitting the Kudakwashe Tagwirei linked financial institution.
This is contained in the newly gazetted Statutory Instrument 3 of 2022 which set the e-passport application fees at US$100 and US$200 for normal and urgent application fees respectively.
In a major change of approach the US$20 that had earlier been gazetted to be paid to CBZ Bank for processing the application forms has been removed in what spells of major victory for citizens who voiced out their disapproval of the move.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), which last year blew over US$33 million to probe graft cases and fund its other operations, has admitted that it only secured four convictions while four other cases were dismissed by the courts of law.
In a statement posted on its website yesterday, the anti-corruption body named the convicts as Taurai Murenga (fraud), Maxwell Mahota (impersonation), Josiah Magume (fraud) and Richard Arnold (contempt of court).
Those acquitted are Vutete Mazorodze Hapanyengwe, Simbarashe Chikore, Remigio Nenzou, Adam Zvandasara and Gilfern Moyo.
Civic society organisations criticised Zacc for targeting “small fish” and failing to secure convictions for the “big fish” accused of bleeding the economy.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition spokesperson Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that the cases successfully prosecuted by Zacc were of “small fish”, which showed that high-level corruption was yet to be seriously dealt with.
“This level of corruption emanates right within the corridors of Zacc because the moment an organisation built for the sole reason of stamping out corruption ignores high-level corruption and opts to root out small fish, this is a reflection of the corrupt nature of our State institutions,” Masaraure said.
“First of all, corruption is corruption whether low level or high level, but this idea of ignoring the bigger fish is a product of the catch-and-release system and considering the fact that Zacc on its own pronounced that it spent US$32 million in fighting corruption — that is when you see that the numbers do not add up vis-a-vis convictions.
“The nature of the Zimbabwean justice system has been exposed since time immemorial and now with Zacc, it seems it is a case of new wine and old bottles, and this is suffocating the country. The centre is corrupt to root out corruption.
“We have to reconfigure the centre. The ruling elite is running the corruption enterprise,” he said.
But Zacc spokesperson John Makamure rubbished the claims by CSOs that they were not effectively fighting graft.
“Such concerns do not hold water. Of the 180 dockets submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution in 2021, 40% are high-profile. Our cases are thoroughly investigated and the dockets are of high quality. Of the Zacc cases that have been finalised in the courts, 70% are convictions and the remaining 30% are acquittals,” Makamure said.-NewsdayZimbabwe
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance activist Makomborero Haruzivishe has been granted a ZW$20 000 bail.
Among other conditions, Haruzivishe was ordered to report twice a week at the Police’s Law and Order offices, and to reside at his given address. Speaking on the development, MDC Alliance national spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere said:
Mako has been granted bail. To report twice a week at Law and Order, reside at his given address, pay $20,000. Thank you, Jesus.
We have confirmed with the clerk of court at Rotten Row that there are no outstanding cases or warrants of arrests against Mako. Subject to all formalities, @MakomboreroH will be going home today. Thank you to everyone who campaigned for his freedom. Mako is now free.
Haruzivishe has been facing a number of charges including inciting public violence and kidnapping.
He denies violating any law, and his party says “these are trumped-up charges” must be viewed as the government’s attempt to crack down on dissent.
The former students unionist has been in detention for the past ten months.
The State concedes that @MakomboreroH is a proper candidate for bail. Defence counsel submits that Mako’s co-accused persons were admitted to bail. Mako is entitled to equal treatment of the law. He has also been granted bail in his other cases. pic.twitter.com/P4NZnNCJmi
The State concedes that @MakomboreroH is a proper candidate for bail. Defence counsel submits that Mako’s co-accused persons were admitted to bail. Mako is entitled to equal treatment of the law. He has also been granted bail in his other cases.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has called what he termed Citizens Action for Change appealing to citizens to register and vote in the 2023 elections.
The MDC Alliance is targeting to mobilize six million voters in order to wrestle power from Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
?In his New Year message to the people, the people’s President, Adv @nelsonchamisa has called for CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR CHANGE.
All citizens must register to vote & focus on community organizing so that we get 6 million votes in 2023 & win Zimbabwe for change! #NHMpic.twitter.com/OavBqBPPxh
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) January 5, 2022
By A Correspondent- In an incident that has left villagers in Chinamhora shell-shocked, a 43-year-old man died after setting himself ablaze at his in-laws’ residence.
Abel Chivandire, of Ndoro village, under Chief Chinamhora, died at his in-laws’ residence after his wife deserted him over a domestic dispute.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachii confirmed the incident.
He said in the event of misunderstandings, people should seek guidance and advice “from trusted elders, professional counsellors and even at nearest police stations”.
According to police, on January 2 at around 8am, Chivandire visited his in-laws where his wife Isabel Mabiza (38) had fled to her parents’ home following a domestic dispute.
Chivandire, who reportedly had petrol, is said to have barricaded himself inside a Blair toilet and set himself ablaze after failing to reconcile with his wife.
He died on the spot after villagers failed to douse the fire.
Chinamhora police attended the scene and took the body to Makumbe Hospital for post-mortem.
Tinashe Sambiri |Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) credibility is under scrutiny after the release of false information about the voter registration exercise across the country.
In a statement, Team Pachedu accused ZEC deliberately misleading the nation in a bid to create voter apathy.
In the same statement, Team Pachedu called for the immediate resignation of ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, turning 72 this year.
Below is Team Pachedu’s presentation:
ZEC Commissioner, Joyce Kazembe, turns 72 years old this year, being born on 31 May 1949.
Gogo, it’s time for you to enjoy your pension!
She has been with ZEC from as far back as 1999 and oversaw all the chaotic, shambolic and disputed elections in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013 & 2018.
She is not fit for purpose and must resign!
ZEC lied that only 117 women from Manicaland Province registered to vote in 2021.
… samples of just 125 women; 113 of which were from Mutasa District ALONE and ONLY registered to vote between September and December. Any comment?
By A Correspondent- Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has reshuffled his deputies to new portfolios as part of efforts to strengthen the organisation’s performance “in line with government’s vision 2030”.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the reassignments in a statement yesterday.
Part of the statement read: “Deputy Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba from operations has been transferred to administration as the deputy Commissioner-General (administration). Deputy Commissioner-General Mind Elliot Ngirandi from crime has been reassigned to the human resources department as Deputy Commissioner-General (human resources).
Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube from administrations has been reassigned to operations as Deputy Commissioner -General (operations) and Deputy Commissioner-General Lorraine Chipato from human resources has been reassigned to crime as Deputy Commissioner-General (crime).”-Newsday
By A Correspondent| Opposition National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) Spokesperson Madock Chivasa has demanded that the 2023 elections be stopped until electoral reforms are instituted.
Posting on Facebook following the proclamation of by-election dates by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chivasa said Zimbabwe should have real elections in 2023 not rituals as has become the norm.
Chivasa decried the fact that there are no meaningful reforms put in place despite the country being one year away from the next elections which are due in July 2023.
“Zimbabwe is now one year away from the general election legally due in 2023.If there is no meaningful electoral reform put in place then that election in 2023 must not be boycotted as I hear most stakeholders saying but it must be stopped. Zimbabwe must have a real election in 2023 not mere rituals mistaken for elections,” said Chivasa.
Meanwhile, the NCA is still to come up with a position on whether to participate in the by-elections.
NCA leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku told the state media that his party will meet over the weekend to deliberate on its position but seemed to suggest that they are ill-prepared financially with the major elections a year away.
Former workers of Zanu PF legislator Simbaneuta Mudarikwa have accused the powerful politician of abusing them and paying them a paltry US$30 per month.
The two workers who were fired in November last year after working for Mudarikwa for 18 and 8 years respectively said they were abused and insulted using unprintable words.
They said they were fired after they protested being send to the fields despite their contracts
Watch video of the workers speaking to ZimEye on Friday morning….
By A Correspondent- A massive corruption scandal has erupted at the Zanu-PF national headquarters in Harare after it emerged that senior executives smuggled a private an inept company through the back door to land a lucrative contract for the printing of ballot papers used in the recently held provincial elections at the expense of a party owned company.
The ruling party has since launched an internal investigation to establish circumstances under which a company known as VGP Technologies ended up snapping the money-spinning company at the expense of Jongwe Printers which has always been used to do such tasks.
Jongwe Printers is wholly owned by Zanu-PF while some party officials are believed to have interests in VGP Technologies.
Sources said the issue has since resulted in Zanu-PF secretary for security Lovemore Matuke requesting State Security minister Owen Ncube to deploy Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives to carry out investigations into the scandal, in which executives are suspected to have pocketed huge sums of money in kickbacks.
The CIO investigation, sources said, recommended further probes on Zanu-PF director of administration Dickson Dzora, whose head is now on the chopping block.
In fact, the sources said, the CIOs found out that Jongwe Printers had the contract taken away from them well after it had completed printing press the ballot papers and all necessary materials.
Ironically, there were reports of shortages of ballot papers in some areas.
A CIO report submitted to Matuke at the end of the investigation, sources further said, revealed that VGP Technologies, based at Engineering House in Harare’s CBD, did not even have the capacity to print the materials and had to sub-contract another company which NewZimbabwe.com was yet to know by the time of publication as it was not named in the report.
Interestingly, upon being questioned, Dzora reportedly said Jongwe Printers had the contract taken away from them on account of “unsustainably high costs”.
However, our investigation established that there were official negotiations over the prices which resulted in Jongwe Printers offering to reduced the cost to the same level as VGP Technologies, yet still the latter got the deal.
A source at the party headquarters confirmed the investigation and gave details on how the decision to revoke Jongwe Printers’ contract was explained.
“Jongwe Printers had initially, as per tradition, been granted the contract but it was surreptitiously taken away from them on the pretext that it was overpriced,” a highly placed Zanu-PF source said.
“Jongwe then offered lower prices to match that which was being offered by the other company but was still denied. Matuke then requested for a CIO investigation into the matter and that is when it was discovered that VGP Technologies did not have the capacity to do the job and had clandestinely subcontracted another company to do the job.
Another source said: “There is obviously a lot of deceit in this deal. Why did they do that to Jongwe Printers. Dzora and his colleagues have to be thoroughly investigated in this issue.”
Dzora declined to comment on the issue saying NewZimbabwe.com had no business in what happens at the Zanu-PF headquarters.
“What has that got to do with you, why would you want to know that? It is not newsworthy at all,” Dzora said.
“The people who are complaining about the matter have no right to be poking their noses into business contracts. It is a business issue, and it is entirely up to us,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Matuke were fruitless as calls on his mobile number went unanswered.
By A Correspondent- Some schools in Bulawayo have been demanding fees for candidates that are writing Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations, a practice that has been condemned by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Normally, pupils finish writing public examinations by mid-December, but last year’s exam timetable spilled over into this year due to learning disruptions caused by Covid-19.
O and A Level exams took a two-week break on December 17 and resumed on January 3.
The exams are expected to end on January 31.
In light of this, some schools have written to parents demanding 33 percent of full-term fees so that they conduct examinations for the papers that spilled into year.
“You are expected to pay before or on the third of January 2022, being 33% of the fees of a normal 60-day term.
Please, pay timeously so that the examinations are run smoothly and efficiently,” read one message from Gifford High School.
At Milton High School the situation is the same as parents say they were told to pay $2 000. It is a different case at Eveline High School as pupils were supposed to pay $6 000 for the third term and because of the extension by 20 days of the term, they are now paying an extra $2 100.
According to the schools, this money covers utility bills, fuel- exams collected and delivered daily, purchase of sanitisers and disinfectants, cleaning materials and salaries of grounds staff.
Some schools are threatening to withhold results should parents not pay.
One parent said:
“We are hard pressed for money and I thought my child would finish their exams this month as normal. I paid examination fees but I was surprised as were other parents that we had to pay over $2 000 for the consumables. It’s impossible for me to do that because I have already paid rent and other things,” said the parent.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said parents with day scholars are not expected to pay.
“As for day scholars they have a contract with Zimsec. They are just going to the centre; they write their exam and they’re dismissed. There’s no need for money for this and that, they just write and they are dismissed,” said Mr Ndoro.
“This is why they pay examination fees, which are supposed to cover all that and if they have any issues, it’ll be prudent to refer them (schools) to Zimsec.”
Mr Ndoro said it was understandable that parents with children writing at boarding schools pay for their children’s upkeep.
“The boarders pay for their upkeep because the school can’t keep them there without getting them something to eat.
They will probably use electricity in the evening to study. They’re certain schools that pro rata these fees on a daily basis, while others on a weekly basis,” he said.
“Other parents will say, look, my child is going to write only two papers so I will take my child to write the exam.
Then take them back home and then return them for the other exam. Which is actually cheaper (than the pupil staying in boarding).”
Mr Ndoro said if schools and parents agree on a fee, the figure should be nominal.
“If there’s a day school that’s actually charging, any utilities I can use are just a token, perhaps for cleaning the toilets, it’ll be very nominal. It’ll be a figure that you will also want to pay if you use a public toilet. Because you are at the school and you want to use the toilet and who is going to clean it,” said Mr Ndoro.
“The figure is very nominal, but this is where the problem is, what do they want the $2 500 for? Perhaps one learner is in in upper six and is writing one exam and you want them to pay $2 500.”
Mr Ndoro said schools should sympathise with parents who are already struggling.
“We don’t want our institutions to look like corrupt institutions. Because this starts to raise red flags and we should have discipline in terms of how these levies are to be collected. These learners already paid their examination fees which will cater for the overheads. Obviously, there is a conciliatory tone that we can have and say if you are waiting, pay at least $100 per day for the school to be able to clean the ablution facilities,” said Mr Ndoro.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- The First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has extended her philanthropic work and empowerment initiatives to sex workers in Gweru where she donated farming inputs so that they could embark on farming projects.
Amai Mnangagwa donated the agricultural inputs through the Gweru Women’s Aids Prevention Association (GWAPA), an organisation that works with commercial sex workers in the city.
GWAPA has over two hectares of land to be used for farming activities to benefit its primary target; commercial sex workers.
Midlands Province has over 7 000 registered sex workers who are getting assistance from Government departments and other development partners like the Centre for Sexual Health HIV and Aids Research Zimbabwe.
The First Lady, who was represented by Midlands Provincial and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima, on Wednesday donated maize seed and fertiliser for this agricultural season.
The piece of land was provided to GWAPA by Gweru City Council, while Government will complement the efforts through provision of a tractor for tillage purposes through the District Development Fund (DDF).
The group expressed gratitude for the empowerment initiatives being facilitated by the First Lady in the face of adversities they face in their day to day lives.
Ms Miriam Nyathi who has been in the business for close to a decade commended the First Lady for the donation, which she said will uplift them.
“Most people fail to understand that for us to end up on the streets, it is not by choice. Circumstances differ. Some of us had children when we were still young. We need to feed these children. It’s not easy to come out in front of people and declare my profession as being a prostitute. I want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for this great initiative. We need more self-help projects,” she said.
Another sex worker, Ms Rita Mausengwe, said she was highly honoured to have Amai Mnangagwa taking time to think about their needs and sending her representatives with donations.
“This is a day to remember and hopefully we will have good rains so that we have a good yield. It’s not every day that we are remembered by powerful offices like this one of the First Lady. We want to thank you Amai and may you continue to assist us. We also want to take this opportunity to express our harassment at the hands of law enforcement agents. We are pleading with you to allow us space and arrest us if we violate the lockdown rules.
“We also face problems when we want to report our clients over abuse. The clients might be having money and end up walking scot free. We hope such challenges will be addressed,” she said.
Representing Amai Mnangagwa, Minister Mavima said Government has promised to empower sex workers through various initiatives such as the availing of farming inputs and a tractor by the First Lady to GWAPA.
“The First Lady said you also need to be empowered despite your profession. These things are coming from the President and presented to the First Lady to give to you. We want accountability in the distribution of these inputs and we want them to be properly utilised for farming not for you to resell. Show us somewhere where you are going to plant and we will give you the inputs,” he said.
Minister Mavima said they are going to provide land to GWAPA for them to embark on farming.
“It might be five to 10 hectares but if it’s worked on properly, you will harvest something that will uplift you. If you might come in groups, we will identify more land for you. I have heard your plight at the hands of the law enforcement agents. Prostitution is not a one-man band. It’s a two-way thing. The offence is not one sided. Why is it troubling only one part? Take them all. That way we get equality,” he said.
Midlands provincial chairperson for Young Women for Empowerment Development Mrs Farai Sipani said it was high time that young women came together and worked as a unit.
She said united, young women will develop in business and general livelihood.
“We are saying women, come let’s work together. Women don’t stay behind. The First Lady has passion for us. Let’s work and prove it’s worth it. All your concerns can be addressed through a collaboration with you to uplift your lives so you realise your dreams. We can provide training on various projects you might want to embark on. We can also collaborate and come up with good partnerships,” said Mrs Sipani.-statemedia
High Court Judge Justice Joseph Mafusire on Thursday 6 January 2022 dismissed an application filed by some Chilonga villagers challenging some provisions of Sections 4 and Section 6(1)(b) of the Communal Land Act, which vests rural land in the President and seeking to stop government’s plans to evict them so as to set an agricultural venture on 12 940 hectares.
In their application which was filed in March 2021, the Chilonga villagers, who were represented by Tendai Biti of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, asked the High Court to set aside provisions of Sections 4 and Section 6(1)(b) of the Communal Land Act, which vests rural land in the President arguing that they are unconstitutional and offend some provisions of the Constitution.
The Chilonga villagers, who are farmers who grow sorghum, maize and millet while some of them are contract farmers for a local beverages manufacturer for the production of sorghum, were aggrieved after government sought to evict them to pave way for a commercial irrigation venture with media reports stating that they were being moved to pave way for a lucerne production project by a dairy processing company.
They argued that the Communal Land Act denies them the right to self-determination of Africans in Zimbabwe and has no room in post-independent Zimbabwe.
The villagers contended that the Communal Land Act is a racist and a colonial creature which regards Africans as too uncivilised as to own land and queried how an African can own a house in Harare’s plush suburb of Borrowdale but he cannot own his ancestral home in areas such as Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Dotito, Chendambuya, Nkayi or Tsholotsho.
The villagers also argued that the intended eviction is an unlawful deprivation of their to property as enshrined in Section 71 and Section 72 of the Constitution arguing that no person may be compulsorily deprived of their property.
In response to the application, government argued that Section 4 and Section 6(1)(b) of the Communal Land Act are not in breach of the Constitution and that there is nothing wrong in vesting communal land in the State President and this is done to ensure orderly development.
The agricultural venture, government argued would generate foreign currency, rural development, provision of basic amenities like clinics, schools and better housing and the establishment of an economic hub in Chilonga.
But in a judgment handed down on Thursday 6 January 2022, Justice Mafusire dismissed the application after ruling that the impugned sections in the Communal Land Act do not violate the Constitution.
While acknowledging that the Communal Land Act may have an obnoxious and racist parentage, Justice Mafusire said government in its “infinite wisdom” decided to make a political decision by leaving the concept of vesting communal lands in the State President intact.
Justice Mafusire proposed that without some sort of Commission of Enquiry on Zimbabwe’s whole agrarian reform especially as it applies to communal lands, the courts may not be sufficiently qualified to provide a wholesome solution to the question of private ownership of communal lands.
The Judge ruled that it is not an undesirable fear that the granting of title carte blanche to users and occupiers of communal lands may result in undesirable consequences and warned that foreign land barons may end up owning vast tracts of communal land and this may disrupt the orderly customary way of life in those territories.
Justice Mafusire said the Executive and the Legislature are better placed than the courts to consider, on the basis of the material, information, the expertise, the resources, and so on, available to them whether, in spite of the regrettable origins of the Communal Land Act, it is time that private ownership of communal territories is recognised so that individual title deeds can now be granted to the occupiers of such territories.
By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC-T leadership, Douglas Mwonzora Thursday, had a closed-door meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House.
In the meeting, Mwonzora pushed for a national dialogue.
MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said this in a statement:
Pursuant to our call for genuine, inclusive and unconditional dialogue as a solution to solving Zimbabwe’s myriad of challenges, our President Douglas Mwonzora met State President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House today. He was accompanied by Secretary-General Paurina Mpariwa and Treasurer General Dr Tapiwa Mashakada.
On the 11th of June last year the initial meeting took place at State House whereat our President presented concrete proposals for national dialogue to President Mnangagwa. On the 161h of September 2021, President Mnangagwa formally responded to the MDCT proposals. Some of the issues raised in President Mnangagwa’s letter led to our party embarking on a nationwide dialogue consultative program during which party structures were briefed on same. They were afforded an opportunity to make representations on how they wanted the dialogue process to take place and the timelines involved. They also contributed on the substantive issues to be covered by the dialogue.
Following these consultations, the National Council of the Party met on the 26th of November, 2021 and adopted a final position on dialogue. The meeting then mandated President Mwonzora and the Party leadership to go and formally present the party’s response to President Mnangagwa at State House.
President Mnangagwa, who was accompanied by ZANU PF Secretary for Finance, Mr. Patrick Chinamasa and Acting Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr. George Charamba, promised to respond to the MDCT’s final position as soon as possible after their own internal consultations within the government and their party. The meeting was a huge success and our leaders expressed that the dialogue that Zimbabweans have long waited for is slowly becoming a reality.
Witness Dube Secretary for Information and Publicity
By- A senior Zanu PF official in Harare province is threatening to evict vendors from vending stalls he used to lure votes from vendors.
The same official allegedly paid voters US$3 to vote for him in the chaotic party provincial elections held last week, which he lost.
Emmanuel Mahachi contested for the Harare provincial youth league chairperson post and reportedly paid US$3 to some party supporters to vote for him, and also threatened to take over vending stalls in the event that vendors refrained from voting for him.
Mahachi controls several stalls in Harare, mainly in the populous Mbare suburb. One of the party supporters told NewsDay:
We voted for the candidate who gave us money. Mahachi gave me US$3 and other people who promised to vote for him. The amount may seem little but it’s worthwhile considering that most youths are unemployed like me.
Apart from the money, I was also pushed to vote for Mahachi through fear to lose my vending stalls. We were warned prior to the elections that if we don’t go out to vote, we were going to lose the stalls. Thus, I participated in the elections to protect my vending area.
Mahachi however refuted the allegations professing ignorance about the reports. He added:
I don’t know anything about that. Such bad news is coming from my opponents who I defeated during elections. They are finding ways to tarnish me. I just asked people to vote for me and in return, I just promised to do some projects with youths in the province. As of now, no one has been officially endorsed as the winner.
ZANU PF held its provincial elections last week as the restructuring process continues.
While the party argues that the outcome of the polls signifies that internal democracy was enhanced, some cite chaotic scenes and reports of rigging to brush off the party’s claims.
In his New Year message to the people, the people’s President, Adv @nelsonchamisa has called for CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR CHANGE.
All citizens must register to vote & focus on community organizing so that we get 6 million votes in 2023 & win Zimbabwe
?In his New Year message to the people, the people’s President, Adv @nelsonchamisa has called for CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR CHANGE.
All citizens must register to vote & focus on community organizing so that we get 6 million votes in 2023 & win Zimbabwe for change! #NHMpic.twitter.com/OavBqBPPxh
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) January 5, 2022
Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) credibility is under scrutiny after the release of false information about the voter registration exercise across the country.
In a statement, Team Pachedu accused ZEC deliberately misleading the nation in a bid to create voter apathy.
In the same statement, Team Pachedu called for the immediate resignation of ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, turning 72 this year.
Below is Team Pachedu’s presentation:
ZEC Commissioner, Joyce Kazembe, turns 72 years old this year, being born on 31 May 1949.
Gogo, it’s time for you to enjoy your pension!
She has been with ZEC from as far back as 1999 and oversaw all the chaotic, shambolic and disputed elections in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013 & 2018.
She is not fit for purpose and must resign!
ZEC lied that only 117 women from Manicaland Province registered to vote in 2021.
… samples of just 125 women; 113 of which were from Mutasa District ALONE and ONLY registered to vote between September and December. Any comment?
Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) credibility is under scrutiny after the release of false information about the voter registration exercise across the country.
In a statement, Team Pachedu accused ZEC deliberately misleading the nation in a bid to create voter apathy.
In the same statement, Team Pachedu called for the immediate resignation of ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, turning 72 this year.
Below is Team Pachedu’s presentation:
ZEC Commissioner, Joyce Kazembe, turns 72 years old this year, being born on 31 May 1949.
Gogo, it’s time for you to enjoy your pension!
She has been with ZEC from as far back as 1999 and oversaw all the chaotic, shambolic and disputed elections in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013 & 2018.
She is not fit for purpose and must resign!
ZEC lied that only 117 women from Manicaland Province registered to vote in 2021.
… samples of just 125 women; 113 of which were from Mutasa District ALONE and ONLY registered to vote between September and December. Any comment?
reparations that go over USD120bln because SA is illustrating a lack of reciprocity…Now when S'Chitando brings ideas like these to the table, you hear people like @ClaysonMonyela a spokesperson for DIRCO, a govt dept that's supposed to look out for Intl Relations-@matinyarare
Malaria vaccine a beacon of hope in the fight against a range of infectious diseases
Just as health workers have been guiding lights in these difficult times, so has the transformative potential of science.
WHO’s recommendation of the widespread use of a malaria vaccine for children at risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, marked a milestone moment for child health and malaria control.
The recommendation was based on results from an ongoing pilot programme of the RTS,S vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800 000 children since 2019.
The vaccine has reinvigorated the fight against malaria, which claimed the lives of over 600 000 people in Africa in 2020. Children under the age of 5 represented 80% of these deaths.
Even before the pandemic struck, there were signs that after years of phenomenal gains, progress was stalling.
Other major achievements relating to immunization include the introduction of a licensed Ebola vaccine and launch of a landmark new global plan to tackle meningitis.
Meanwhile, we released new evidence that more countries are following WHO’s advice on the steps to take when HIV drug resistance reaches critical thresholds. This is an important step forward in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, about which WHO continues to raise the alarm, calling for action on innovation and within the food system.
Dementia
WHO signals alarm about dementia challenge Individuals can do a lot themselves to stay healthy but they can’t do it all on their own.
WHO released its first report on the global status of the public health response to dementia, showing that only a quarter of countries worldwide have a national policy, strategy or plan for supporting people with dementia and their families.
These gaps are increasingly concerning, as the number of people living with dementia is growing.
WHO estimates that more than 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years) are living with dementia.
As life expectancy increases worldwide, this number is estimated to rise to 78 million by 2030 and to 139 million by 2050.
To drive change, the report highlights the urgent need to strengthen support at national level, for both people with dementia and those who care for them. Many countries lack earmarked funding in national health budgets, leaving significant gaps in treatment and care, and do not comprehensively involve people with dementia and their carers and families in developing policies. These are among the areas for change.
WHO is also developing a Dementia Research Blueprint, to structure research efforts and stimulate new initiatives, helping to overcome challenges related to past unsuccessful clinical trials for treatments and the high costs of research and development.
Youths from Masvingo rural communities have embarked on a campaign against all forms of violence through various sporting activities.
The sporting activities which are organized by Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) Peace Clubs for Masvingo District bring youths from ward 16, 17, 18 and 34 and other surrounding wards of Masvingo Central Constituency together to play for peace.
The sporting activities, mainly soccer and netball, are played under COTRAD’s 2021 peace building theme – “Peaceful and Active Youth in Development”.
The peace campaign aims to fight against political and domestic violence through raising people’s awareness about constitutional rights, forms of violence, ABCs of arrest, human rights violations and social service delivery concerns reporting processes and procedures.
In commemoration of the sixteen days of activism against gender based violence from November 16, 2021 to December 11, 2021, COTRAD peace clubs organized the Masvingo District COTRAD 2021 Peace Tournament at Shonganiso grounds in ward 16.
The tournament saw four teams in netball and four teams in soccer from various wards battling it out in a peace award-winning tournament.
Speaking during the tournament at Shonganiso grounds, Ward 16 councilor Mr. Dhemba who is also COTRAD peace committee member for Masvingo District expressed the importance of peace-building activities. “The sports for peace programs provide opportunities for young people to actively participate in social activities, interact with peers in a supervised setting, and form good relationships with public officials and elderly people in their communities. These inclusive community sport networks are an important source of social networking, helping to combat exclusion and fostering the community’s capacity to work collectively to realize opportunities and address challenges”, said Dhemba.
The sports for peace activities mainstream voter education, whereby the peace club members mobilize young people and women to go and register to vote in preparation for the forthcoming 2023 elections.
“COTRAD will continue to promote youth participation in peace building and community development processes through facilitating peace building activities, youth leadership training and providing engagement platforms where youths discuss their concerns and priorities with public officials”, said Kupfuwa Ishmael COTRAD official.
By A Correspondent-Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) has accused Zanu PF bigwigs, including the party’s spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa of plotting against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In several leaked audio clips where the former Zanu Pf chairman for Mashonaland West was claiming to be closer to Mnangagwa he attacked CIO minister Owen Ncube , Mutsvangwa and Muchechetere for faking their support for Mnangagwa.
He accused Mutsvangwa of decampaigning Mnangagwa in Norton during the 2018 harmonised elections. Mliswa claimed that he was responsible for mobilising voters for Mnangagwa in Norton. He also accused Ncube of raising frivolous charges against him to settle personal scores over Susan Mutami, a woman who allegedly has links to both of them. “I was arrested on baseless COVID-19 charges which were brought up by Mudha (Ncube), who said nothing at the helm of ED’s victimisation during the previous regime. What did they say in the Midlands province in defence of Ngwena (Mnangagwa) during his ? He used State apparatus to arrest me over the issue of Susan (Mutami) because he knows her. Nobody should interfere between me and the President. I supplied confidential information to the President during the coup. You do not know what he did for me and what I did for him. If you don’t see me with the President it does not mean we are not in good books,” Mliswa said, claiming that in Parliament he defended Mnangagwa, including advocating for the removal of the late former President Robert Mugabe in 2017. Mliswa also claimed that he had written to Mnangagwa informing him that the war veterans in Mashonaland West province were divisive. Ncube refused to comment on the issue. Muchechetere said: “I saw the messages from Temba attacking me, but I responded telling him I wondered why he was bothered when his sister had won in the polls.” Said Mutsvangwa: “I don’t have time for fools. I have weighter responsibilities in the revolutionary party and have no time for vanity and self seekers. I will not build a personality by sparing with Mliswa. The President belongs to Zanu PF amd not to the independent. As far as I am concerned, Mliswa doesn’t politically exist. If he can’t find a leader of his independent political party, he can’t appropriate my President. “Someone for the past two decades has earned his daily keep by trolling Mutsvangwa, even all the way to Beijing during my ambassadorial posting. He strives to be my political alter ego with a ”
By- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa Wednesday endorsed and authenticated endorsed the results of his party’s chaotic and rigged provincial elections.
Mnangagwa also forced those complaining against the election outcome to support those they accused of rigging the polls.
He said everyone should forget about the rigged election and to work together for the “good” of the party.
“As we deliberate on the report of the elections, I urge all members of the party to be mindful of the fact that in our party there are no winners and losers. It is the people and ultimately the party that wins.
“Party cadres, who did not make it in the recent elections, must avail themselves, their experiences, skills and competencies to build and grow our mass party. Just as iron sharpens iron, the spirit of camaraderie and collegiality must be harnessed as we all serve this great party, Zanu PF and the nation as a whole. An election lost must never dampens the revolutionary spirit of any cadre, but inspires them to learn, develop and mature in their political career,” he told his party’s politburo.
The Zanu PF elections were reportedly marred by violence and vote rigging, with several losing candidates petitioning party commissar Michael Bimha demanding a rerun. After the politburo meeting, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the party had resolved to endorse the results despite the rigging claims and investigate the allegations later. Zanu PF spokesperson, Chris Mutsvangwa He, however, said the outcome of the investigations would not alter the outcome of the polls. Mutsvangwa said the party would suspend members who instigated violence during the party’s internal polls. Zanu PF spokesperson, Chris Mutsvangwa “The President chastised those who did not want to participate in the elections in a fair, transparent and accountable manner. Those who are prone to try to short-change the system and, or other indiscipline will be suspended if the evidence is brought before the disciplinary committee,” Mutsvangwa said. “Those who lost — the party is big, it has the wings of the chicken — all the chicks will be able to be accommodated somehow. But the principle that it is an election and not an appointment is fundamental. Those who lost must accept defeat.”
By- Goodness and Mercy Ministries church leader Tapiwa Freddy has denied raping and physically abusing his ex-girlfriend Rutendo Makuti.
Rutendo Makuti is employed by ZBC as a radio DJ.
T Freddy denied the rape charges when his trial opened at Harare Magistrates Court, Thursday.
Tapiwa Freddy, popularly known as Prophet T Freddy, is charged with two counts of rape and physical abuse.
He told the court that he had consensual sexual intercourse with the the ZBC DJ and the accusations arose only after he wanted to terminate their love relationship.
Freddy told the court that the rape allegations were concocted to tarnish his good name and embarrass him in society.
He also denied assaulting her at Moja Shopping Centre saying they never visited the place during the time they were in a relationship. Regional magistrate Mrs Gloria Takundwa is presiding.
By- Villagers from Chilonga Communal lands, Chiredzi, Masvingo, are facing fresh evictions after the High Court has dismissed their appeal against the formed displacement.
The villagers were challenging some sections of the Communal Lands Act, which vests rural land in the President. They argued it was a colonial relic premised on a racist concept that an African could not own land.
The villagers also argued that the Communal Lands Act is a racist and colonial creature that regards Africans as too uncivilised to own land.
The villagers queried how an African can own a house in Harare’s plush suburb of Borrowdale but cannot own his ancestral home in areas such as Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Dotito, Chendambuya, Nkayi or Tsholotsho. About 12 000 villagers face displacement.
The evictions are meant to pave the way for a commercial irrigation venture. Chilonga villagers were being represented by MDC Alliance Vice President, Tendai Biti who is a Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights member.
BREAKING NEWS- HUGE BOMB EXPLOSION: Just Days after Convicted-Train-Bomber Mnangagwa Threatened To Detonate Cecil John Rhodes' Grave, Gukurahundi Memorial Plaques Nearby Have Been Bombed Suddenly | WHO DO YOU THINK DID THIS STUPID THING?
Since 2018, Zimbabwean volunteers have made 5 attempts to build a memorial for the hundreds of people killed at Bhalagwe detention camp during Gukurahundi massacres in 1980s. Each attempt blocked by police or plaques stolen. This week: latest plaque was destroyed in an explosion. https://t.co/BxNXT5EPfl
By- A man who is said to be a ‘pastor’ from the viral video where he was seen bathing female ‘congregants’ has said the video was an acting scene, not a real service.
The man named Aniefiok Udoabasi posted on Facebook saying he is actually an actor.
Nobelie.com reports that Udoabasi’s stage name is pastor Blinks and he usually makes skits and short films about churches and other things that generate clicks. In the video which had taken over the internet, some young ladies can be seen taking turns to get bathed by the pastor in the full view of everyone.
The video and pictures left many baffled. Commenting on the video some social media users bemoaned some women’s desperation. Some observers, however, came to the pastor’s defence arguing that the pastor did not force anyone as such the women in the video did so willingly.
The internet is awash with videos of clergymen doing all sorts of things on congregants in the name of casting bad luck or cleansing them. Some congregants were fed with grass, while some preachers would stand or sit on congregants.
By- After defeating her three rivals in the party provincial chairmanship race, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka became the first woman to lead a province in Zanu PF’s history.
She defeated, former ZBC boss, Happison Muchechetere and Kindness Paradza the deputy Information Minister.
She joins other candidates, who won the chairmanship, include Robison Mavenyengwa (Masvingo), Kazembe Kazembe (Mashonaland Central), Jabulani Sibanda (Bulawayo), Mike Madiro (Manicaland), Daniel Garwe (Mashonaland East), Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu (Matabeleland South), Godwills Masimirembwa (Harare), Albert Nyakuedzwa (Manicaland), Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North), and Larry Mavhima who was elected unopposed in the Midlands province.
Zanu PF’s Politburo Wednesday endorsed the results of the party’s provincial elections held recently across the country.
Some of the contestants had complained about violence and rigging and were hoping that Politburo, the highest decision-making organ in the party, would nullify the election outcome.
Addressing a Zanu PF politburo session at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday following the contentious provincial elections held last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged members to accept the outcome and work together for the “good” of the party.
After the politburo meeting, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said the party had resolved to endorse the results despite the rigging claims adding that the outcome of the investigations was insignificant to alter the outcome of the polls. Mutsvangwa said:
Those who lost — the party is big, it has the wings of the chicken — all the chicks will be able to be accommodated somehow. But the principle that it is an election and not an appointment is fundamental. Those who lost must accept defeat.
Party commissar Bimha also confirmed that the politburo had endorsed the results, adding that the outcome of the proposed investigations would guide the party’s future elections.
Zanu PF will, however, organise provincial elections for the Matabeleland North provincial youth wing after all the candidates were disqualified because they were over 35 years.
Some party officials told NewsDay that unconfirmed results indicated that a faction linked to Mnangagwa was sharing control of the 10 provinces with one aligned to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, some of whose candidates were controversially disqualified from the race.
By Showbiz Reporter | A report going rounds in ZANU PF circles says the socialite, Pokello Nare has been married off to one of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sons.
The report says Nare was paid off lobola 4 months ago, without stating which of Mnangagwa’s sons took the spiritual step.
Pokello Nare
Contacted by ZimEye on Thursday afternoon, Pokello laughed off the idea of a wedding having happened, albeit without necessarily denying that she got married off.
“What wedding are you talking about, what wedding are you talking about?” she said posing a question as she laughed it away, before putting the phone down.
Nare is a classy socialite popular for showing off cars and expensive outfits and is also a former Big Brother Africa actor. She is also the daughter of former Local govt Minister Ignatius Chombo’s girlfriend.
Gabon players have reportedly refused to travel to Cameroon for the Afcon 2021 in protest over unpaid bonuses.
The Panthers were scheduled to fly out from Dubai, where they have been camped, on Wednesday but missed their flight.
According to Gabon All Sport, as cited by Goal.com, the players gave Gabon’s Ministry of Sports a three-day ultimatum which expired after their last friendly match against Mauritania which ended in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
“The players were categorical. They do not fly if the premium payment situation is not resolved,” a source told the Gabonese publication.
“They also deplore the fact that one of the officials has indicated that they will take local players for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations if they do not embark.
“This is the status quo. Everyone has been in the lobby of the players’ hotel for almost 3 hours, but they are in their rooms. And suddenly, we also go back to our rooms.”
The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) is now said to have threatened to take home-based players to Cameroon.
The Panthers are scheduled to begin their Afcon campaign with a game against Comoros on January 10. They will also face Morocco and Ghana in Group C- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By Showbiz Reporter | A report going rounds in ZANU PF circles says the socialite, Pokello Nare has been married off to one of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sons.
The report says Nare was paid off lobola 4 months ago, without stating which of Mnangagwa’s sons took the spiritual step.
Pokello Nare
Contacted by ZimEye on Thursday afternoon, Pokello laughed off the idea of a wedding having happened, albeit without necessarily denying that she got married off.
“What wedding are you talking about, what wedding are you talking about?” she said posing a question as she laughed it away, before putting the phone down.
Nare is a classy socialite popular for showing off cars and expensive outfits and is also a former Big Brother Africa actor. She is also the daughter of former Local govt Minister Ignatius Chombo’s girlfriend.
Nine players and staff in the Senegal squad for the Afcon 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19.
The affected members include six in coach Aliou Cisse’s staff and three players – Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy, Metz’s Tottenham loanee Pape Matar Sarr and Kayserispor forward Mame Thiam.
The outbreak has forced the Teranga Lions, who have been home-based for their pre-tournament training, to delay their flight from Dakar to Cameroon. The team was scheduled to depart on Wednesday.
Senegal will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their opening match of Group B on Monday.
The match will be played at Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam.
Malawi, who are also in Group B, have also been affected by COVID-19.
The Flames left three players behind in isolation when the squad departed for Cameroon on Wednesday. Defender Mark Fodya, midfielder Charles Petro and striker Richard Mbulu remained in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, where the team held its pre-tournament camp and will be re-tested on Thursday.
If they test negative, they are scheduled to travel on Friday, a football association statement said.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Malaria vaccine a beacon of hope in the fight against a range of infectious diseases
Just as health workers have been guiding lights in these difficult times, so has the transformative potential of science.
WHO’s recommendation of the widespread use of a malaria vaccine for children at risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, marked a milestone moment for child health and malaria control.
The recommendation was based on results from an ongoing pilot programme of the RTS,S vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that has reached more than 800 000 children since 2019.
The vaccine has reinvigorated the fight against malaria, which claimed the lives of over 600 000 people in Africa in 2020. Children under the age of 5 represented 80% of these deaths.
Even before the pandemic struck, there were signs that after years of phenomenal gains, progress was stalling.
Other major achievements relating to immunization include the introduction of a licensed Ebola vaccine and launch of a landmark new global plan to tackle meningitis.
Meanwhile, we released new evidence that more countries are following WHO’s advice on the steps to take when HIV drug resistance reaches critical thresholds. This is an important step forward in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, about which WHO continues to raise the alarm, calling for action on innovation and within the food system.
Dementia
WHO signals alarm about dementia challenge Individuals can do a lot themselves to stay healthy but they can’t do it all on their own.
WHO released its first report on the global status of the public health response to dementia, showing that only a quarter of countries worldwide have a national policy, strategy or plan for supporting people with dementia and their families.
These gaps are increasingly concerning, as the number of people living with dementia is growing.
WHO estimates that more than 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years) are living with dementia.
As life expectancy increases worldwide, this number is estimated to rise to 78 million by 2030 and to 139 million by 2050.
To drive change, the report highlights the urgent need to strengthen support at national level, for both people with dementia and those who care for them. Many countries lack earmarked funding in national health budgets, leaving significant gaps in treatment and care, and do not comprehensively involve people with dementia and their carers and families in developing policies. These are among the areas for change.
WHO is also developing a Dementia Research Blueprint, to structure research efforts and stimulate new initiatives, helping to overcome challenges related to past unsuccessful clinical trials for treatments and the high costs of research and development.
MASVINGO – The Minister of State for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira is allegedly obstructing the course of justice by barring Police from arresting his young brother Dennis who is accused of severely assaulting and injuring a political opponent. Reports indicate that the complainant, Amos Kanjere can hardly walk and may suffer permanent hearing impairment.
Dennis Chadzamira and several unidentified Zanu PF activists are accused of assaulting Kanjere at King Mine Hall in Mashava during the Zanu PF provincial elections last Tuesday.
A medical affidavit signed by Dr Raymond Muzvidziwa confirms Kanjere’s injuries but allays any fears of danger to life. The other accused is Trust Muganji.
Kanjere was assaulted for allegedly supporting Robson Mavhenyengwa who contested and eventually won the Zanu PF provincial chairman’s post against Chadzamira.
However, Kanjere told The Mirror in an interview that Dennis and his accomplices have not been arrested by the Police because Chadzamira intervened and stopped investigations.
Chadzamira has been accused of political violence after he allegedly hired thugs recently to attack MDC supporters during Nelson Chamisa’s visit to Masvingo Province.
Nyasha Zhambe an MDC supporter from Chief Mawere’s area in Gutu was killed during that visit in October after thugs attacked him near Mpandawana.
Kunjere filed an assault report at Masvingo Central on Wednesday last week under case number CR 98/12/21. Masvingo Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said he was going to look for the case when contacted for a comment.
Efforts to get a comment from Chadzamira were futile as his mobile phone went unanswered. The Mirror could also not get a comment from Dennis.
Sources said Chadzamira told Police that there is no Zanu PF member who can be arrested for a crime committed while conducting party business.
The case is being handled by Masvingo CID Law and Order. Kanjere had to take the case to Masvingo after Mashava Police refused to attend to it.
“I was assaulted by several men who disembarked from one Manyame’s truck and a combi; I was able to identify Dennis and Muganji. They assaulted and chased away Mavhenyengwa’s supporters from polling stations.
“I cannot properly walk and my hearing has been impaired. I am worried that my case is going to be swept under the carpet because of Chadzamira’s orders,” said Kanjere.
“Police was supposed to arrest Dennis on Wednesday last week when the assault case was filed against him. “Chadzamira akati ma comrade haasungwi kana vari pamusangano (he said no Zanu PF member will be arrested when doing party work) Police is afraid of defying the minister,” said the source.
“Kanjere suffered bruises on the right side of the face and swelling at the left occiput and left cheek and blocked hearing,” reads the doctor’s affidavit.- Masvingo Mirror
Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) credibility is under scrutiny after the release of false information about the voter registration exercise across the country.
In a statement, Team Pachedu accused ZEC deliberately misleading the nation in a bid to create voter apathy.
In the same statement, Team Pachedu called for the immediate resignation of ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, turning 72 this year.
Below is Team Pachedu’s presentation:
ZEC Commissioner, Joyce Kazembe, turns 72 years old this year, being born on 31 May 1949.
Gogo, it’s time for you to enjoy your pension!
She has been with ZEC from as far back as 1999 and oversaw all the chaotic, shambolic and disputed elections in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013 & 2018.
She is not fit for purpose and must resign!
ZEC lied that only 117 women from Manicaland Province registered to vote in 2021.
… samples of just 125 women; 113 of which were from Mutasa District ALONE and ONLY registered to vote between September and December. Any comment?
Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) credibility is under scrutiny after the release of false information about the voter registration exercise across the country.
In a statement, Team Pachedu accused ZEC deliberately misleading the nation in a bid to create voter apathy.
In the same statement, Team Pachedu called for the immediate resignation of ZEC Commissioner Joyce Kazembe, turning 72 this year.
Below is Team Pachedu’s presentation:
ZEC Commissioner, Joyce Kazembe, turns 72 years old this year, being born on 31 May 1949.
Gogo, it’s time for you to enjoy your pension!
She has been with ZEC from as far back as 1999 and oversaw all the chaotic, shambolic and disputed elections in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2013 & 2018.
She is not fit for purpose and must resign!
ZEC lied that only 117 women from Manicaland Province registered to vote in 2021.
… samples of just 125 women; 113 of which were from Mutasa District ALONE and ONLY registered to vote between September and December. Any comment?
In his New Year message to the people, the people’s President, Adv @nelsonchamisa has called for CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR CHANGE.
All citizens must register to vote & focus on community organizing so that we get 6 million votes in 2023 & win Zimbabwe
?In his New Year message to the people, the people’s President, Adv @nelsonchamisa has called for CITIZENS’ ACTION FOR CHANGE.
All citizens must register to vote & focus on community organizing so that we get 6 million votes in 2023 & win Zimbabwe for change! #NHMpic.twitter.com/OavBqBPPxh
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) January 5, 2022
By A Correspondent- A police officer has been arrested accused of raping his 16-year-old biological daughter at a police station.
Police are investigating the New Year’s Day incident at Senga police camp in Gweru after the teenager claimed she had been raped inside a car whilst drunk.
Police say she previously reported being raped by two other relatives, including her stepfather who is based in South Africa.
The 37-year-old police constable, who cannot be named to protect the alleged victim’s identity, appeared before a Gweru magistrate and was held without bail.
Police said the alleged victim, her stepmother and stepfather were drinking whisky on New Year’s Eve waiting to celebrate the New Year.
The complainant, her stepmother and her siblings went outside just after midnight to celebrate the New Year but were allegedly ordered back into the house by the father.
“The complainant then went outside the house at around 1AM and entered into the accused person’s Toyota Porte vehicle which was parked outside the house. The complainant started vomiting and the accused person came and told her to stay inside the car until he comes back,” an internal police memo of the incident said.
“After about 10 minutes, the accused person entered into the vehicle, tried to communicate with the complainant but she could not respond since she was continuously vomiting.”
Police said the police officer then raped his daughter once without using protection.
Whilst inside the vehicle, the accused person removed complainant’s clothes, opened his trousers button, pulled the trousers down and lifted the complainant and made her sit on his erect penis.
The officer reportedly gave his daughter a cloth to cover her body and ordered her to go inside the house where she quickly fell asleep.
The victim allegedly woke up with a throbbing headache and was given painkillers by her father.
At around 8PM, police said she called her stepfather in South Africa and informed her that she had been raped by her father. Ironically, the ZRP has sought Interpol’s help in arresting the stepfather for allegedly raping his stepdaughter in March 2018.
On the morning of January 2, police said the teen’s mother sent her brother to assist her in filing a police report leading to her father’s arrest.
The teenager has another rape complaint filed with St Mary’s police in Chitungwiza.
Senga police said the complainant was “apparently prone to rape cases by close male relatives hence there is need for her to be placed in an environment where she is not taken advantage off” while committing to “thorough investigations to ensure that no miscarriage of justice occurs.”
Local civil society organisations have piled pressure on the @ZECZimbabwe to clear the air on the ongoing voter registration programme after it recently issued two different figures for first-time registrants captured on its database. Do you think #ZEC will listen & comply?
By A Correspondent- Local civil society organisations (CSOs) have piled pressure on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to clear the air on the ongoing voter registration programme after it recently issued two different figures for first-time registrants captured on its database.
One of the CSOs, Project Vote 263, on Tuesday petitioned Zec demanding access to the consolidated national voters’ roll to enhance monitoring of the voter registration process ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
Zec last week disclosed that it only registered 2 000 first-time voters last year, but later revised the figure to 2 971 new voters, with civic groups claiming that the numbers were understated.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Tuesday wrote to Zec on behalf of Project Vote 263, demanding copies of the consolidated national voters’ roll.
In the letter dated January 4, 2022 ZLHR lawyer Godfrey Mupanga said Project Vote 263 wanted both the electronic and print copies of the voters’ roll.
He stated that in line with section 20(4)(a) and (c) of the Electoral Act, Zec was obliged to keep at least one copy of every voters’ roll at its head office in both print and electronic formats.
“It is only for the sake of convenience that I point to you the provisions of the Electoral Act under which my client wishes to exercise their right to be furnished with copies of the voters’ roll,” Mupanga wrote.
“As you may be aware, my client is a civic organisation that is currently involved in mobilisation of qualified Zimbabwean citizens and residents to register as voters. Therefore, in terms of section 21(7)(iii), my client wishes to use the voters’ roll for purposes associated with the Electoral Act and not for commercial or other purposes.”
Opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume said he had also approached Zec officials, demanding justification for its disclosure that it had only registered less than 3 000 new voters despite several campaigns conducted by CSOs to encourage citizens to register.
“I went to the Zec offices yesterday (Tuesday) and I wanted to meet the chief elections officer (Utoile Silaigwana), but I failed,” Ngarivhume said.
“I met the public relations director Chinyuke. I quizzed Zec over why it had only registered 2 971 new voters when it had been allocated $11,6 billion from the national budget to run elections. If there are no electoral reforms, which include transparency, surely there is no need to go for the 2023 elections.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Zec commissioner Joyce Kazembe said by the end of November 2021, the electoral body had recorded 5 647 000 registered voters for the 2023 elections which consists of new and old registrants.
She said only successfully vetted new registrants were placed on the voters’ roll.
Meanwhile, pressure is also mounting for Zec to revamp its secretariat over inconsistencies in the voters’ roll and its failure to make it readily accessible.
Political analyst Kudakwashe Munemo said: “Zec is one of the independent commissions supporting democracy established in terms of Chapter 12 of the country’s Constitution and charged with the mandate to manage the country’s electoral processes. It would be difficult to disband it.
“If Zec has staff who are employees of the military or other intelligence operatives, which are government-controlled entities, these must be discharged from their duties and it is the role of the commissioners to do so.”
Election Resource Centre director Barbra Nyangairi said: “Zec, which is composed of appointed members, has various functions which include voter registration and ensuring transparency in the commissions’ conduct. The principles that bind the commission and its members must be adhered to at all times.”-Newsday
The High Court in Harare has dismissed an application filed by villagers from Chilonga communal lands who were challenging government plans to evict them from their ancestral lands. Up to 12,000 villagers face displacement.
Kwena if this is a celebration ? for you this make me wonder what type of a person you are I have seen you being a good activist and I think you must fight for equality for all Africans not just South Africans.Uncover all corrupt activities that affects Africa as a whole.
NORTON legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) has mocked former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation chief executive Happison Muchechetere, who lost the Mashonaland West ZANU PF provincial chairmanship elections recently.
He also took a dig at other Zanu PF bigwigs and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s perceived right hand men State Security minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube and party spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa.
Mliswa chastised Muchechetere and one Zunzanyika for claiming the independent MP was plotting to form an opposition party, with his sister, Mashonaland West Provincial minister, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka. Mliswa-Chikoka won the Zanu PF provincial elections which were endorsed yesterday.
In several leaked audio clips, Mliswa explained his deep-rooted links to Zanu PF and aligned himself with a faction of disgruntled war veterans within the ruling party, exposing his links to the ruling party.
Party insiders have described Mliswa’s attacks as a ploy to worm his way back into the ruling party ahead of the 2023 elections.
Mliswa, a former Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, was expelled from Zanu PF in 2015 allegedly for undermining the party. Then he was also the ruling party’s Hurungwe West legislator. In the audio clips, he attacked Ncube , Mutsvangwa and Muchechetere for faking their support for Mnangagwa, before claiming that he was the President’s relative and close ally.
He accused Mutsvangwa of decampaigning Mnangagwa in Norton during the 2018 harmonised elections. Mliswa claimed that he was responsible for mobilising voters for Mnangagwa in Norton.
He also accused Ncube of raising frivolous charges against him to settle personal scores over Susan Mutami, a woman who allegedly has links to both of them.
“I was arrested on baseless COVID-19 charges which were brought up by Mudha (Ncube), who said nothing at the helm of ED’s victimisation during the previous regime. What did they say in the Midlands province in defence of Ngwena (Mnangagwa) during his ? He used State apparatus to arrest me over the issue of Susan (Mutami) because he knows her.
Nobody should interfere between me and the President. I supplied confidential information to the President during the coup. You do not know what he did for me and what I did for him. If you don’t see me with the President it does not mean we are not in good books,” Mliswa said, claiming that in Parliament he defended Mnangagwa, including advocating for the removal of the late former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
Mliswa also claimed that he had written to Mnangagwa informing him that the war veterans in Mashonaland West province were divisive.
Ncube refused to comment on the issue.
Muchechetere said: “I saw the messages from Temba attacking me, but I responded telling him I wondered why he was bothered when his sister had won in the polls.”
Said Mutsvangwa: “I don’t have time for fools. I have weighter responsibilities in the revolutionary party and have no time for vanity and self seekers. I will not build a personality by sparing with Mliswa. The President belongs to Zanu PF amd not to the independent.
As far as I am concerned, Mliswa doesn’t politically exist. If he can’t find a leader of his independent political party, he can’t appropriate my President,” said Mutsvangwa.
By Farai D Hove | Zimbabwe’s National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said the ZRP has arrested over 89,000 border jumpers.
Zimbabwe’s prison capacity is 21,000.
Paul Nyathi
Ass Comm Nyathi said the force would continue making patrols and arresting anyone found on the wrong side of the law during this period where smuggling and border jumping cases are rife. “The ZRP reports that on January 2, 2022, 781 people were arrested on operation ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Vhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/ Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’.
“The cumulative number of arrest on the operation now stands at 89 277, since the inception of operation,” he said.
The development comes as footage emerged of thousands of citizens into neighbouring South Africa.
By Jane Mlambo| The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioners are set to fly to the resport town of Victoria Falls splashing thousands of dollars for a retreat at a time President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed date for the impending by-elections.
The retreat will be held at Elephant hills hotel from 9 to 15 January.
The retreat comes at a time the national voters roll is in shambles with by-elections to fill 18 seats left vacant following the death or recall of legislators by both Zanu PF and the opposition MDC.
According to a memo leaked to ZimEye, ZEC secretariat will travel by road to Victoria Falls stopping over in Bulawayo in what has been described as a waste of state resources that could have gone towards mobilizing citizens to register to vote as per the mandate of the commission.
“ZEC will be conducting a workshop on the preparedness for the by-elections, voter registration and delimitation programmes. The workshop will be held in Victoria Falls at Elephant Hills hotel,” reads the memo.
“Chairperson, Commissioners, CEO, DCEO KMC/ Director ICT and secretary to the Commission will travel by air on 9 January 2022 and return on 16 January 2022,” reads the memo.
“Mt Darwin, Muzarabani, Guruve, Mbire, UMP, Mudzi, Mutoko will travel on the 8th of January 2022 from their stations to Harare and put up there. PEO Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Bulawayo, DEO Chitungwiza, Hwange, Matobo, Bindura,Kwekwe,Hurungwe , UMP, Bulawayo kindly make sure that you travel with the junior national workers committee representative in your respective provinces and districts.
“Manicaland Province to travel to Bulawayo on 8 January 2022 and put up in Bulawayo. Masvingo, Manicaland South and Matabeleland North will travel 9 January 2022 in the morning to Bulawayo.”
By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has set the date for the much awaited by-elections to fill vacant seats left by legislators and councillors who were either recalled by the ruling party of opposition MDC-T among other reasons.
The by-elections will serve as a test ground for both the ruling party and MDC Alliance ahead of what could be a watershed contest between the two protagonists in 2023.
Mnangagwa made the proclamation through Statutory Instrument 2 of 2022.
Many have claimed that the impending by-elections will be a reminder to MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora that his project which came as a result of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified power changes in the MDC following Tsvangirai’s death, has no chance against Nelson Chamisa.
Mwonzora has vowed that he is ready to cause a major upset in the elections.
He said he is ready to battle it out against Chamisa and Mnangagwa with or without reforms.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- Zanu PF is blatantly rigging the 2023 elections!
“Zanu PF bigwigs, Chief Serima and members of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organization have instructed the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to transfer a Gutu teacher for allegedly denouncing Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa,” reported Zimeye.
“Zanu PF MP for Gutu West Constituency, John Paradza also claims the teacher, Batsiranai Ngugama of Serima High School, is mobilizing the local community to vote against him.”
This is not only common occurrence, but worse things have happened to those considered a threat to Zanu PF’s strangle hold on power. Many opponents of the regime have been beaten, raped, had property destroyed and some have been murdered in cold blood.
In November last year, Nyasha Zhambe, a MDC activist was murdered by Zanu PF operatives for attending an MDC rally at Mupandawan Growth Point, less than 30 km from Serima High School. Nyasha named his assailants and yet to date no one has been arrested.
Rural areas are Zanu PF strongholds for no other reason than that the party has total control over the people’s lives, they are nothing short of medieval serfs beholden to the overbearing Zanu PF lords. The rural voters constitute 50% plus of the electorate.
How can the elections be free, fair and credible when 50% plus of the electorate are frog marched to vote one way?
The Police and CIO should not be turning a blind eye to Zanu PF thuggery much less be actively involved in the lawlessness. Zimbabwe’s elections should not be taking place without first implementing the democratic reforms to ensure the Police, CIO, etc. are free to carry out their duties of maintaining law and order and guarantee free and fair elections.
Zimbabwe had the golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Sadly, Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends who were tasked to implement the reforms turned out to be breathtakingly corrupt and incompetent. They failed to implement even one reform in five years. Not even one reform!
Worse still, MDC leaders are the ones who have insisted in participating in these flawed and illegal elections in which rural voters are frog marched to vote for Zanu PF, with no verified voters’ roll, when 3 million (in 2023) Zimbabweans in the diaspora are denied the vote, etc.
By participating in these flawed elections, MDC has given Zanu PF legitimacy.
What has made this situation totally intolerable is that MDC leaders have known all along the futility of participating in flawed elections and readily admitted it.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” admitted David Coltart in his book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe. Coltart was a MDC-N minister in the GNU.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
Four of the main MDC factions plus three other opposition parties did form a coalition, the MDC Alliance, and still participated in the 2018 elections. Proof it was greed not the failure to form a coalition that was forcing the MDC leaders participate in flawed elections.
Indeed, it was greed that had stopped the MDC leaders implementing even one reform during the GNU.
“Mazivanhu eMDC adzidza kudya anyerere!” (MDC leaders have learned to enjoy the spoils of power and not rock the boat!) boasted Zanu PF cronies during the GNU when asked why MDC leaders were not implementing the reforms.
MDC leaders have repeatedly claimed that they have “winning in rigged elections strategies”; all hot air, of course. They said it to justify why they have been participating in the flawed and illegal elections and cover the real reason – greed.
With not even one token reform implemented since the 2018 elections; of course, Zanu PF is blatantly rigging the 2023 elections just readily as the party rigged the 2018 elections! The elections should be declared null and void and Zanu PF denied legitimacy.
However, there are some Zimbabweans who are hell bent on participating in these flawed elections; hell bent on giving Zanu PF legitimacy. Still, come the morning after the 2023 elections, no Zimbabwean with half a brain should ever be in any doubt about the following three things:
That Zanu PF blatantly rigged the 2023 elections, the whole election process was not free, fair and credible.
That MDC leaders insisted in participating in these flawed elections out of greed; they knew their “winning in rigged elections strategies” were all hot air.
That by participating in the flawed elections Zimbabweans gave vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy and thus extended the Zanu PF dictatorship’s rule – pretty dumb thing to do in this day and age, especially after four decades of rigged elections.
By Showbiz Reporter | Pastor Admire Kasi’s wife who daily harasses women over so called “kugeza-bathing,” was given a public bathing herself by the Artistic Director Mr Wechijandukwa on social media. The man expertly and in one picture manifested Ivy Kombo’s obsession with nudity and superfluity.
After finishing the sports, the man then titled Ivy, “VaGezi 15?????”
By A Correspondent- Police in Mashonaland Central are hunting for a Concession man Imigrame Malaki (40) who allegedly struck and killed his neighbour with a log during an unknown dispute.
Police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.
“We are looking for a murder suspect Malaki of Mashazhike compound, Concession who allegedly murdered his neighbour Jaison Dambakurimwa (38) in a misunderstanding,” Mundembe said.
According to police the suspect went to the now deceased house on Christmas day armed with a catapult and upon his arrival he met Dambakurimwa in his yard and started assaulting him without saying anything.
As the fight intensified Malaki pulled a wooden log and started assaulting Dambakurimwa on the head.
Dambakurimwa’s wife Helen Chundu fled to the nearby houses to seek for backup and when she came back with other villagers Malaki had already escaped.
The matter was reported at Concession police station and Dambakurimwa was sent to hospital where he succumbed to the injuries two days after his admission.
Police is appealing for information which can lead to the arrest of Malaki.
By A Correspondent- Three border jumpers believed to be Zimbabwean recently drowned in Limpopo River while attempting to cross into South Africa.
Zimbabwe and South African police have so far retrieved the body of a man believed to have drowned while illegally crossing into the neighbouring country through a crossing point near Maroy Farm some 40km west of Beitbridge town.
Efforts are underway to retrieve two more bodies that have been spotted on the South African side of the Limpopo River. It is reported that divers from the two countries failed to retrieve the two bodies on Tuesday due to the turbulent river current.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge district Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said they were continuing with the efforts to retrieve the bodies today.
He said the search was initiated on Monday after two women reported that their husbands had drowned near a crossing point close to Nottingham Estate on Sunday.
“The divers came across the three bodies while searching for two men who were reported to have drowned on Sunday,” said Chief Supt Nyongo.
“However, the bodies we have spotted so far are not of those two men. As police, we are still treating them as missing persons.
“Searches are still on and during such searches and efforts are being made to retrieve two more bodies that were sighted at the same point at a deeper end”.
He said the police were suspecting there could be more cases of drowning along the Limpopo River, where the level of water has relatively risen.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following posts that have arisen within the Authority.
To provide leadership and policy guidance in the collection of revenue, advising government on fiscal and economic matters and to promote and enforce compliance with tax laws.
Responsibilities:
Overall administration of Income Taxes, VAT, PAYE, Capital Gains Tax and other ancillary Tax Legislation. Negotiate international tax treaties. Give expert advice to Commissioner General on tax legislation, policy and administration. Give advice and guidance on research and development of all tax legislation. Determination of objections and dealing with appeals on tax matters. Responsible for the overall management and giving strategic direction to the Tax Division. Participate in policy formulation and implementation for the Authority. Any other duties as may be assigned and directed from time to time.
Qualifications and Experience:
A degree in Accountancy, Business Administration, Economics or an equivalent accounting qualification. A relevant Master’s degree would be an added advantage. At least ten (10) years practical experience, five (5) of which were at senior management level. Strong leadership qualities and analytical skills required. Should have strong people management skills. Exposure on taxation of international businesses. Strong practical experience in working with revenue administration systems. Experience in a computerised environment is necessary. Clean Class 4 driver’s licence is a prerequisite.
Other Attributes:
Drive for results. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to communicate at all levels. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Unquestionable integrity.
Interested candidates should submit applications, accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae and certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, by not later than 27 January 2022, in envelopes clearly indicating the position being applied for.
All applications should be emailed to [email protected] clearly indicating the position you are applying for as your E-mail Subject Reference and addressed to:
The Commissioner-General Zimbabwe Revenue Authority 6th Floor ZB Centre Corner First Street / Kwame Nkrumah Avenue P. O. Box 4360 HARARE Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be responded to.
(2.) COMMISSIONER GENERAL
The ZIMRA Board invites qualified and experienced Zimbabwean citizens to fill the position of Commissioner General.
Reporting Structure
The position reports to the ZIMRA Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities
The Commissioner General shall be responsible for the following;
Provide strategic, proactive and effective leadership for the authority’s operations. Supervising and managing the Authority’s staff, activities, funds and property. Advising the Government of Zimbabwe on fiscal policy matters, laws and regulations including amendments. Overseeing the interpretation and implementation of Zimbabwe’s policies relating to taxation and customs duties. Building and leading a modern and efficient revenue administration that ensures all taxes and duties due to the Government of Zimbabwe are collected. Broadening the revenue base and automation of ZIMRA business processes. Put mechanisms in place to reduce revenue leakages. Analyzing performance trends, setting operational targets and reviewing revenue collection strategies. Preparing strategic and development plans for the Authority.
Providing policy analysis and advice in revenue collection and trade facilitation. Establishing, developing and maintaining strategic relationships, knowledge sharing, partnerships and collaboration between ZIMRA and multi-lateral organizations such as AfDB, ATAF, IMF, WCO, World Bank and WTO, and with regional organizations such as SADC, COMESA, ESAMI and bi-lateral relations with major trading partners. Performing such other functions as may be assigned by the Board.
Job Specifications
Applicant must have demonstrable leadership capabilities to lead a large, complex diversified institution. The applicant is required to have a comprehensive knowledge of Zimbabwe’s tax and customs systems and familiarity with the revenue laws, regulations, treaties and protocols administered by the Authority. Excellent planning and organizing skills required in managing assigned projects to accomplish work objectives in compliance with procedural, administrative and technical requirements prescribed by the various laws and regulations administered by ZIMRA. Provides the Authority with effective leadership anchored on high ethical standards. Good interpersonal skills. Good communication and engagement skills. Excellent stakeholder engagement and management skills. Ability to lead large scale change management projects.
Qualifications:
Degree in Economics, Accounts, Business Studies, Fiscal Studies, Banking, Finance, Auditing or equivalent. A Masters’ degree or equivalent postgraduate commercial qualification in areas such as Taxation, Business Administration, Economics, Information Technology, Accounting, Fiscal Studies or Law.
Related Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in Tax and/or Customs. At least 5 years’ experience at the executive management level. Experience in organizational management or other aspects of public administration would be an added advantage. Regional or international exposure will be an added advantage. Interested candidates should submit applications, accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae and certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, by 27 January 2022. All applications should be emailed to [email protected] indicating your E-mail Subject Reference as Commissioner General Position and addressed to:
The Board Chairperson Zimbabwe Revenue Authority 6th Floor ZB Centre Corner First Street / Kwame Nkrumah Avenue P. O. Box 4360 HARARE
By A Correspondent- Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) has mocked former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation chief executive Happison Muchechetere, who lost the Mashonaland West ZANU PF provincial chairmanship elections recently.
He also took a dig at other Zanu PF bigwigs and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s perceived right hand men State Security minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube and party spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa.
Mliswa chastised Muchechetere and one Zunzanyika for claiming the independent MP was plotting to form an opposition party, with his sister, Mashonaland West Provincial minister, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka. Mliswa-Chikoka won the Zanu PF provincial elections which were endorsed yesterday.
In several leaked audio clips, Mliswa explained his deep-rooted links to Zanu PF and aligned himself with a faction of disgruntled war veterans within the ruling party, exposing his links to the ruling party.
Party insiders have described Mliswa’s attacks as a ploy to worm his way back into the ruling party ahead of the 2023 elections.
Mliswa, a former Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, was expelled from Zanu PF in 2015 allegedly for undermining the party. Then he was also the ruling party’s Hurungwe West legislator. In the audio clips, he attacked Ncube , Mutsvangwa and Muchechetere for faking their support for Mnangagwa, before claiming that he was the President’s relative and close ally.
He accused Mutsvangwa of decampaigning Mnangagwa in Norton during the 2018 harmonised elections. Mliswa claimed that he was responsible for mobilising voters for Mnangagwa in Norton.
He also accused Ncube of raising frivolous charges against him to settle personal scores over Susan Mutami, a woman who allegedly has links to both of them.
“I was arrested on baseless COVID-19 charges which were brought up by Mudha (Ncube), who said nothing at the helm of ED’s victimisation during the previous regime. What did they say in the Midlands province in defence of Ngwena (Mnangagwa) during his ? He used State apparatus to arrest me over the issue of Susan (Mutami) because he knows her.
Nobody should interfere between me and the President. I supplied confidential information to the President during the coup. You do not know what he did for me and what I did for him. If you don’t see me with the President it does not mean we are not in good books,” Mliswa said, claiming that in Parliament he defended Mnangagwa, including advocating for the removal of the late former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
Mliswa also claimed that he had written to Mnangagwa informing him that the war veterans in Mashonaland West province were divisive.
Ncube refused to comment on the issue.
Muchechetere said: “I saw the messages from Temba attacking me, but I responded telling him I wondered why he was bothered when his sister had won in the polls.”
Said Mutsvangwa: “I don’t have time for fools. I have weighter responsibilities in the revolutionary party and have no time for vanity and self seekers. I will not build a personality by sparing with Mliswa. The President belongs to Zanu PF amd not to the independent.
As far as I am concerned, Mliswa doesn’t politically exist. If he can’t find a leader of his independent political party, he can’t appropriate my President.
“Someone for the past two decades has earned his daily keep by trolling Mutsvangwa, even all the way to Beijing during my ambassadorial posting. He strives to be my political alter ego with a “
By-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that only three bodies have been so far recovered from the 11 people who drowned while crossing the Limpopo River on Sunday.
The police said one of the bodies was retrieved at a crossing point near Maroy Farm some 40km west of Beitbridge town.
Efforts were by end of the day yesterday underway to retrieve two more bodies spotted on the deeper end of the South African side of the Limpopo River. It is reported that divers from the two countries failed to retrieve the two bodies on Tuesday due to the high-water current in the river.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said they were continuing with the efforts to retrieve the bodies. He said the search was initiated on Monday after two women reported that their husbands had drowned near a crossing point closer to Nottingham Estate on Sunday. “The divers came across the three bodies on Tuesday while searching for two men who were reported to have drowned on Sunday,” said Chief Supt Nyongo. “However, the bodies we have spotted so far are not of those two men. As police, we are still treating them as missing persons. Searches are still on and efforts are being made to retrieve two more bodies that were seen at the same point at a deeper end”.
He said police suspect there could be more cases of drowning along the Limpopo River, where the level of water has relatively risen. Police warned people against using illegal crossing points as they risk prosecution or drowning in the Limpopo River. The latest drowning incidents come a few days after Zimbabwean security rescued six people who got stranded at a crossing point near Dulivhadzimu Gorge, after a wooden makeshift boat they were using capsized.
The group was part of 15 people who were dumped in the middle of the river by some criminals who were assisting them to cross. The men ran away upon spotting some security officials who were patrolling near the crossing point.
By -Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa Wednesday endorsed the party’s chaotic Provincial elections and ignored rigging claims by several officials who partook in the party’s internal polls.
A handful of Zanu members who contested in the 28 December Zanu PF provincial elections complained that the elections were rigged and demanded a re-run.
But Mnangagwa on Wednesday said everyone should accept the disputed outcome and work together for the good of the party.
Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing a Zanu PF politburo session at the party headquarters in Harare on Wednesday. He said: As we deliberate on the report of the elections, I urge all members of the Party to be mindful of the fact that, in our Party, there are no winners and losers. It is the people and ultimately the Party that wins. Party cadres who did not make it in the recent elections must avail themselves, their experiences, skills and competencies to build and grow our mass Party. Just as iron sharpens iron, the spirit of camaraderie and collegiality must be harnessed as we all serve this great Party, Zanu PF and the nation as a whole. An election lost must never dampen the revolutionary spirit of any cadre, but inspire them to learn, develop and mature in their political career. The Zanu PF elections were reportedly marred by violence and vote-rigging and the party is yet to announce the final results of the polls, more than a week after the votes were cast. Said Mnangagwa:
Irregularities and political chicanery across Party structures must be decisively dealt with and expunged from the Party. I urge the Party leadership to always listen to the aspirations of the people at every level.
Mnangagwa urged party members to work towards securing “a resounding victory” in the 2023 general elections.
By-Zimbabwe and South Africa police are collaborating to search for people who are reported to have drowned while crossing the Limpopo River on Sunday. So far one body has been retrieved at a crossing point near Maroy Farm some 40km west of Beitbridge town. Efforts were by end of the day yesterday underway to retrieve two more bodies spotted on the deeper end of the South African side of the Limpopo River. It is reported that divers from the two countries failed to retrieve the two bodies on Tuesday due to the high-water current in the river.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said they were continuing with the efforts to retrieve the bodies. He said the search was initiated on Monday after two women reported that their husbands had drowned near a crossing point closer to Nottingham Estate on Sunday. “The divers came across the three bodies on Tuesday while searching for two men who were reported to have drowned on Sunday,” said Chief Supt Nyongo. “However, the bodies we have spotted so far are not of those two men. As police, we are still treating them as missing persons. Searches are still on and efforts are being made to retrieve two more bodies that were seen at the same point at a deeper end”.
He said police suspect there could be more cases of drowning along the Limpopo River, where the level of water has relatively risen. Police warned people against using illegal crossing points as they risk prosecution or drowning in the Limpopo River. The latest drowning incidents come a few days after Zimbabwean security rescued six people who got stranded at a crossing point near Dulivhadzimu Gorge, after a wooden makeshift boat they were using capsized.
The group was part of 15 people who were dumped in the middle of the river by some criminals who were assisting them to cross. The men ran away upon spotting some security officials who were patrolling near the crossing point.
By- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa Wednesday rubbished an appeal by war veterans from Mashonaland Central Province who approached the party complaining about Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe’s re-election as the party’s provincial chairperson.
The war veterans and several senior party officials said Kazembe rigged the elections and vowed not to recognise him.
Kazembe defeated businessman Tafadzwa Musarara amid reports of violence and massive rigging.
Some party officials described the election as a sham after widespread reports of poll anomalies were noted in Mbire and Muzarabani, two of the constituencies that gave Kazembe victory.
Mnangagwa addressed his party’s politburo meeting Wednesday and said that everyone must accept the outcome of the December 28 provincial elections.
By- Zanu PF Politburo Wednesday posthumously declared the late former High Court Judge Advocate Siwanda Kennedy Mbuso Sibanda a national hero.
Adv Sibanda, a legal icon of the liberation struggle, died on December 22 at Morningside MediClinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the age of 89. He was one of the few lawyers that dedicated their lives to defending political prisoners during the days of the liberation war.
Adv Sibanda participated in the formation of a special committee for the defence of political prisoners in Zimbabwe and in apartheid South Africa. During that time, he was instrumental in tracing and finding arrested political “offenders” and guerrillas and providing them with legal services. His hero status was announced yesterday by Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa after a Politburo meeting. “We have a new national hero, Advocate Sibanda. He died in South where his family is based. He was a nationalist. He was part of the Lancaster House Agreement in United Kingdom in 1979,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.
The national hero, Ambassador Mutsvangwa said, was a legal advisor to the ZAPU delegation and was involved in nationalist politics with the late National Hero Cde Edson Sithole. “His pedigree is sterling and the President knew him because he was part of the legal advisors of the Patriotic Front,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa. He was unanimously declared a national hero at the request of Bulawayo province. At a time when the white minority regime was using the law as a tool to oppress African people, Adv Sibanda was instrumental in helping the people to access and relate to the prescripts of the law and at the same time translated the grievances of the people into the law, thus, using the law as a tool and a weapon against injustice and oppression. He was instrumental in changing the post-independence legal landscape continuing to grow his legal practice while opening doors for many other lawyers who would go on to establish their own careers and firms Adv Sibanda’s practice survives him and continues to be the mainstay of Bulawayo’s legal fraternity. He was one of the first black advocates of the High Court of Rhodesia in the early 1970s and went on to set up his own legal practice in Bulawayo.
Adv SKM Sibanda as he was affectionately known was a highly skilled legal practitioner with vast experience in the practice of law, having completed his studies at the University of Natal in the 1960s. Widely regarded as an outstanding defence counsel, Adv Sibanda used his legal skills and acumen to actively contribute to the liberation of Zimbabwe, defending freedom fighters captured by the regime, saving many from the gallows. Further, his commitment to liberation and specialised knowledge in constitutional law saw him contributing to the nation’s liberation as one of the drafters of the Lancaster House Constitution in 1979, paving the way to the country’s independence from white minority rule in 1980. Post-independence, Adv Sibanda continued to build his legal practice, while continuing to dedicate his life and energy to the development of the country. He did this through his involvement in politics, business, sport and various Government commissions. In 1997, Adv Sibanda was called to the bench, serving as a judge of the High Court in Bulawayo where he significantly contributed to the shaping of the country’s laws. Upon retirement in 2002, he returned to private practice where he continued to mentor young lawyers in his firm. Born on 19 April 1932, he grew up in Somnene, Bulilima District in Matabeleland South. Adv Sibanda was the son of successful farmers, Jack Mbuso Sibanda and Volo Sibanda (nee Gumbo)
As the eldest of six children, he was raised to be responsible not just for himself but for his siblings as well. Adv Sibanda attended Tshabanda School in the then Nata Territorial Tribal Lands, now Bulilima, in 1945. In 1948 he went to study at Solusi Mission where he completed his Junior Certificate in 1955 and the following year, he went to South Africa intending to sit his Matric at Adam’s College. In 1957 he entered Kilnerton Institute in Pretoria and matriculated in 1958 and that same year, he met friends that made him aim higher than Matric. He enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Natal in 1958 but lost the whole year due to illness and was enrolled again in 1960 and finished his studies in 1962 after which he enrolled for a law degree. His law studies were interrupted by a series of illnesses in 1963, 66 and 68.
Against the advice of his doctor, Adv Sibanda finished his studies. His determination paid off and when his health improved, he transferred his registration to Maritzburg where he finished his law studies in 1970. In order to raise his university fees, he had to study during the day and work at night. After finishing his law degree in South Africa, he worked with a firm of attorneys to complete his articles. He returned to then Rhodesia in March 1971 and was successful in Rhodesian examinations to be an advocate. Adv Sibanda abhorred injustice and inequality. He joined the Pan African Congress of Azania and worked alongside Steve Biko and Griffiths Mxenge in the student movement that would resist the racist policies of the South African government. His political involvement continued after his return home, fighting against the Rhodesian white minority government. Adv Sibanda joined Zapu and rose to the position of being one of the legal advisers of the party. It was in this capacity that he served as one of the drafters of the Lancaster House Constitution, which paved the way to Zimbabwe’s independence from white minority rule in 1980.
By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that they had arrested over 89 000 people for committing a cross-border related crime.
The police said the arrests were made under the operation Code-named “No to Cross Border Crimes/Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe”.
They said some of the suspects were fined while others are expected to appear in court after being vetted.
“The ZRP reports that on January 2, 2022, 781 people were arrested on operation ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/ Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’. “The cumulative number of arrests on the operation now stands at 89 277, since the inception of operation,” National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the state media Wednesday.
ZANU PF’s arrogance when dealing with an African National Congress (ANC) special envoy delegation led by Ace Magashule to Harare in September 2020 reportedly hardened South Africa’s stance towards Zimbabwe asylum seeks who benefited from the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) programme in the neighbouring country.
In November 2021, the South African Government announced its decision to discontinue the special permits granted to about 200 000 Zimbabweans who were living and working in South Africa for many years.
On New Year’s eve, South Africa effectively ended a decade-long moratorium that allowed the Zimbabwean economic refugees to live and work in the neighbouring country through issuing the special permit (ZEP) that was renewable every four years.
News24 reported South African diplomatic sources as saying South Africa’s hard-line stance was inevitable after ZANU PF told Magashule to stop meddling in Zimbabwean affairs.
Soon after the ANC delegation’s visit to Harare, ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi said South Africa’ ruling party should concentrate on fixing issues bedevilling their country. Mugwadi said at the time:
It is unfortunate, but we find it imperative to inform our sister revolutionary party, the ANC to focus their attention on matters affecting South Africans rather than attempt to experiment with attention-seeking gimmicks in the name of our stable nation and our peaceful people.
For the record, there was no deliberation nor agreement on them coming back to meet anyone over the issues we discussed.
It is unprecedented in the history of our fraternal relations as revolutionary parties for the ANC to seek to verify our submissions through puppet movements.
Just imagine a ZANU PF delegation forcing itself to engage renegade movements like DA, EFF or Afrikaner organisations to verify and ascertain whether the ANC is correct or not.
Mugwadi was partly responding to reports claiming that Magashule and his delegation was expected to return to Harare to engage with opposition political parties in a bid to bring Zimbabwe’s political actors to the dialogue table.
ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu also warned the ANC against poking “its nose in the [Zimbabwe’s] internal affairs but should focus on multiple problems affecting that country such as factionalism and inequalities” according to a report.
ZANU PF’s arrogance when dealing with an African National Congress (ANC) special envoy delegation led by Ace Magashule to Harare in September 2020 reportedly hardened South Africa’s stance towards Zimbabwe asylum seeks who benefited from the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) programme in the neighbouring country.
In November 2021, the South African Government announced its decision to discontinue the special permits granted to about 200 000 Zimbabweans who were living and working in South Africa for many years.
On New Year’s eve, South Africa effectively ended a decade-long moratorium that allowed the Zimbabwean economic refugees to live and work in the neighbouring country through issuing the special permit (ZEP) that was renewable every four years.
News24 reported South African diplomatic sources as saying South Africa’s hard-line stance was inevitable after ZANU PF told Magashule to stop meddling in Zimbabwean affairs.
Soon after the ANC delegation’s visit to Harare, ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi said South Africa’ ruling party should concentrate on fixing issues bedevilling their country. Mugwadi said at the time:
It is unfortunate, but we find it imperative to inform our sister revolutionary party, the ANC to focus their attention on matters affecting South Africans rather than attempt to experiment with attention-seeking gimmicks in the name of our stable nation and our peaceful people.
For the record, there was no deliberation nor agreement on them coming back to meet anyone over the issues we discussed.
It is unprecedented in the history of our fraternal relations as revolutionary parties for the ANC to seek to verify our submissions through puppet movements.
Just imagine a ZANU PF delegation forcing itself to engage renegade movements like DA, EFF or Afrikaner organisations to verify and ascertain whether the ANC is correct or not.
Mugwadi was partly responding to reports claiming that Magashule and his delegation was expected to return to Harare to engage with opposition political parties in a bid to bring Zimbabwe’s political actors to the dialogue table.
ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu also warned the ANC against poking “its nose in the [Zimbabwe’s] internal affairs but should focus on multiple problems affecting that country such as factionalism and inequalities” according to a report.
