By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa  saluted the  hero and sacrifice by Sirizani Butau who saved the lives of eight people to escape from a death trap after head on collision of Beta Bus Coach and a tanker.

The accident occurred 242km along Harare-Mutare when the bus driver avoided hitting a drunked destitute and encroached into the oncoming lane where he collided with a fuel tanker.

Mnangagwa applauded Butau’s heroism   during the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service at the Zimbabwe international Trade Fair grounds this Sunday morning. In his speech the President said

“Let me take this opportunity to appreciate Sirizani Butau who saved people from the Mutare Accident . As government we will honour him for his selfless sacrifice.”

Butau is man who sacrificed his life to save 8 people who were trapped at the Horrific accident which happened 20 kilometres before Mutare  from Harare.

The death toll  is now  five, and many of the casualties are currently admitted at Mutare General hospital.

The Hero Butau was not in Beta bus or in the haulage truck which collided but he was driving another truck when he identified one of the vehicles which had been involved in the Horrific crash.

By A Correspondent- Police in Harare on Sunday night arrested two soldiers in connection with an armed robbery and murder that occurred in Hatfield suburb on 24 December.

The soldiers have been identified as Lameck Kabara from the Zimbabwe National Defence College and Christopher Charuma, who is with the Air Force of Zimbabwe based at Manyame airbase. They are due to appear in court on Tuesday.

Police are also holding a third suspect, Perseverence Chihota, a civilian.

The suspects took away US$40 000 from the Hatfield house and also shot dead Elvis Chijaka and wounded Brian Chijaka.

According to the Police, Chijaka was shot dead while responding to a call for help by his sister who had been attacked by the suspects who were wearing balaclavas and armed with an AK47 rifle at their gate.

Brian is being treated for his wounds at a Harare hospital.

The robbers drove off in a white Mercedes Benz Compressor C200 registration number AEW 7940 after ransacking the house and stealing US$40 000 cash and two iPhone cellphones.

Police recovered 16 spent cartridges, one live round for a suspected AK47 rifle and 2×7,65 mm spent cartridges on the scene.

Hatfield is not far from Chadcombe, where Joseph Nemaisa, a retired police detective shot and killed three armed robbers, among them two soldiers, at his house earlier this month.

The armed robbers, who also wore balaclavas, barged into Nemaisa’s house and held his family hostage, demanding cash. He shot three dead through a window, while two that escaped were later arrested.

By A Correspondent- The owner of Beta Bus Company, Muganda, availed more than US$4 000 to Government officials in Mutare to meet medical expenses for people who were injured and those who died when one of his buses was involved in a head-on collision with a truck just outside Mutare on Christmas Eve.

Sixty-eight (68) people survived the crash when a Beta bus collided with a Pathera Logistics fuel tanker before bursting into flames.

However, three (people) died on the spot while two (2) others died after admission at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.

Manicaland provincial deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said Muganda visited the hospital to console the bereaved families and those who were injured in the accident. Said Asst Insp Chinyoka:

Mr Muganda handed over US$4 000 to Mutare District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Wilson Boore, in the presence of Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Mr Edgars Seenza, to meet medical expenses for the hospitalised as well as food for the deceased’s families and other related expenses. He is also assisting the police to locate his driver.

The driver of the Beta bus has been identified as Philip Chirindo and is on the run.

Meanwhile, the Government, through the Insurance Company of Zimbabwe (ICZ), is meeting the medical expenses for the people who sustained injuries in the accident.

The Government contracted Doves Funeral Services to provide the caskets and hearses for the deceased.

Asst Insp Chinyoka also revealed that a police forensic team had been despatched to the scene and commenced forensic investigations. He said:

The Road Traffic Accident (RTA) verification exercise has revealed that there were 69 people on the Beta bus and two aboard the fuel tanker. Three people died on the spot.

The injured passengers were ferried to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where two died after admission.

41 were treated and discharged and 25 are still hospitalised, disaggregated as 10 men, 10 women and five children under 12 years.-ManicaPost

Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance has paid tribute to iconic cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

In a brief statement the MDC Alliance described Archbishop Tutu as a man who contributed immensely to freedom and faith.

“The MDC Alliance joins South Africa & the world in mourning the sad passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

His contribution to the ideals of freedom and faith are an inspiration to us all.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones,” MDC Alliance said.

Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance has paid tribute to iconic cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

In a brief statement the MDC Alliance described Archbishop Tutu as a man who contributed immensely to freedom and faith.

“The MDC Alliance joins South Africa & the world in mourning the sad passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

His contribution to the ideals of freedom and faith are an inspiration to us all.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones,” MDC Alliance said.

Police have announced that churches and other religious organisations’ traditional night vigils and crossover services have been banned.

Zimbabwe is under Level Two lockdown and the Government has revised curfew hours, which are now between 9pm and 6am.

Some churches have been advertising all-night prayer meetings, cross-over sermons and other activities to usher in 2022.

The police said such gatherings will be a violation of the curfew hours.National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police will arrest those who violate the law.

“People know that we have a curfew running from 9pm to 6am which means no gathering is allowed after 9pm. Police will therefore enforce the curfew order and anyone who violates it risks being arrested. There are no all-night prayers, all-night gatherings, crossover sermons that will be allowed this year,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

He said churches are expected to lead by example and as such are not expected to violate curfew hours.

“Churches should also take Covid-19 preventive measures such as sanitisation when people enter the church, wearing of face masks and social distancing. Churches mustn’t disregard these safety regulations,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said as people celebrate during the festive season, they should not throw caution to the wind.

“People mustn’t get over excited and the WHO has made it clear that they should not engage in activities that are super-spreaders of the pandemic. They must limit their travels and stay at home,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Last week, more than 100 people were arrested for violating Covid-19 protocols by mainly drinking at bars and shebeens in violation of the curfew hours.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Armed robbers pounced at a Mukuru money transfer agent Chegutu branch housed at Zapalala Wholesale yesterday and made off with at least US$17 000.

Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident but referred questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who is yet to give the details.

Witnesses said the robbers attacked the money outlet on Friday morning.

The unidentified men forced workers to lie on the ground after firing two shots in the air before vanishing in a getaway car.

By A Correspondent- Rwanda and Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for Kigali to recruit teachers from the southern African country.

The MOU signed by Zimbabwe’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima and his Rwandan Education minister Valentine Uwamariya in Harare Thursday came months after Rwanda President Paul Kagame said his country needed to urgently recruit teachers from Zimbabwe to boost its education system.

Mavima said the agreement will protect the teachers against unethical recruitment practices.

“The signing of the MoU indeed enables both our countries to protect our citizens from the dangers of unethical and unfair recruitment practices, which nowadays characterise the recruitment of human capital across borders and foreign labour markets,” he said.

“This partnership creates an avenue for both Zimbabwe and Rwanda to play a significant role in advancing the ideals of our continent as encapsulated in the continental development frameworks given the fact that human capital development is critical to delivering on both the Agenda 263 vision and the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”

The minister said the MoU had principles that promoted “decent work principles across the whole process of exchange of personnel and expertise, including critical issues in labour migration such as non-discrimination and portability of social security benefits.”

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released three of the five victims of the road accident that occurred about 20 km outside Mutare when a Beta bus collided head-on with a fuel tanker which burst into flames. National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the other two were burnt beyond recognition. Pindula News presents Nyathi’s statement:

UPDATE ON THE FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AT 242 KM PEG ALONG HARARE- MUTARE ROAD

With reference to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Press Statement issued on 25th December 2021, Police reports that, initial comprehensive investigations on the accident have revealed that the total number of people involved is 71 instead of the initially reported 65.

The Beta bus was carrying 69 passengers while the Pathera Logistics Fuel Tanker had two people. 66 people were injured while the death toll remains at five (5). 41 people were treated and discharged while 25 are still hospitalized. ‘Three (3) of the five (5) victims have been identified their relatives as:-

1). Delan Ndoro of Mapfunde Village, Chief Zimunya, Mutare.

2). Admire Mandeya of Nyatate Village, Chief Mutasa, Nyanga.

3). Rufu Zambezi (48) of number 36 Glenora Drive, Harare. He was the fuel tanker driver.

Two other victims who were burnt beyond recognition are awaiting forensic test.

Meanwhile, the owner of Beta buses Mr Muganda has offered to assist Police to locate his driver Philip Chiringo who disappeared from the scene after the accident.

Police are still conducting investigations into the unfortunate fatal road traffic accident.

A (NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and Int. Relations) to the Commissioner General of Police Police General Headquarters

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been dragged to the Constitutional Court for behaviour that is inconsistent with provisions of the constitution after the appointment of Zanu-PF politburo member Patrick Chinamsa as Air Zimbabwe director and board chairperson, while the parastatal is under judicial management.

Mnangagwa and his lawyer Edwin Manikai are being sued together by Tichaona Mupasiri. In his 16 December court application, Mupasiri is seeking an order to declare that Mnangagwa’s action constitutes conduct that is inconsistent with the constitution.

 “The First Respondent’s appointment of Chinamasa as Director and Chairman of Air Zimbabwe, a company whose control and management was divested from its directors and shareholders and vested in an Administrator appointed by the Minister of Justice pursuant to the operation of the Reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Act 2005, constitutes conduct that is inconsistent with the Constitution as follows: “By engaging in a self-help scheme, interposing himself as a shareholder of Air Zimbabwe, the First Respondent failed to fulfil his obligations in terms of s90 ( I ) and s90(2)(c) by clothing himself with right to amend the Reconstruction Act that specifically vests the control and direction of the company under the Administrator.”

“By knowingly and intentionally appointing Chinamasa to be a Chairman of Air Zimbabwe, a juristic entity in its own right, the First Respondent had no title to do and usurped the power and authority of shareholders of the company, to the extent that the then Companies Act could operate concurrently with the Reconstruction of State-indebted Insolvent Companies Act.”

Mupasiri said Mnangagwa knowingly and intentionally offended the fundamental rights and freedoms of shareholders and creditors involved in the affairs of the company by appointing a representative of the company who was not accountable to shareholders but to him.

“By failing to take cognisance of the fact that the right to appoint directors falls within the scope of the exercise of fundamental rights, the First Respondent’s conduct was inconsistent with the duties imposed upon him by s90(l) and s90(2)(c) of the Constitution rendering his conduct unconstitutional and invalid,” the draft order reads.

“By allowing and actively participating in the appointment of Chinamasa, whose effect was to create an absurdity of a company having two centres of control, the First Respondent acted ultra vires s6 of the Reconstruction of State Indebted Insolvent Companies Act and in so doing failed to uphold, defend, obey and respect the Constitution as set out in s90( I ) and to uphold the rule of law as per s(90)(2)(c) of the Constitution.”-newshawks

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in Karoi in which four armed robbers pounced on a Service Station and got away with over US$51 000.

Police said the robbery happened on Sunday morning.

We present the police statement on the case:

The ZRP is investigating an armed robbery case that occurred at a Service Station in Karoi at around 0300 hours this morning when four unidentified men attacked the manager, his family, security and took USD 51 500 cash and a VW Golf vehicle. More details to follow.

Cases of robbers targeting service stations have been on the rise in recent months.

By A Correspondent- The Police in Gwanda has arrested a businessman and butchery operator Irimai Muringa of Konongwe Farming area for stock theft.

The suspect was nabbed after his four employees were found in possession of three carcasses and two live beasts which were all identified by owners.

More details follow…………

By A Correspondent- Three Bulawayo men, who voraciously feasted on the meat of an ant-bear locally known as isambane, which was killed after it was found in Old Magwegwe near Engen Filling Station on Tuesday last week, have reportedly suffered swollen stomachs.

B-Metro reports that the three men, whose names could not be immediately established, were also reported to have complained of nausea and giddiness.

Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often comes before vomiting while giddiness is the feeling of being unbalanced and lightheaded.

Isambane is usually associated with witchcraft and this raises the question of how safe it is to eat meat from an animal which is also regarded as a means of transport by witches on their night errands.

After the animal was spotted near the filling station workers reportedly dug a pit and buried it much to the agitation of many residents who reportedly wanted the animal to be burnt.

To the surprise of many two men who could not be immediately identified took it upon themselves to dig out the buried animal before inviting their friends for a braai.

B-Metro further reports that when the two were digging out the animal, residents had arguments on whether isambane was a delicacy with some saying only its forelegs were good especially when roasted. Said the source:

The three men who fell sick were among a group of men from the suburb (Old Magwegwe) who feasted on the meat from the dead wild animal (isambane). While feasting on the roasted meat they were saying it was very tender and juicy and they were also posing for photos with it (roasted meat).

According to the source, when the men became very ill, they reportedly were taken to a sangoma in Makokoba suburb where they received help.

Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers’ Association (Zinatha) national secretary for administration Musa Chinhunga said although the wild animal was infamous for its use on evil missions by thieves and witches, there was nothing wrong with its meat.

By A Correspondent- A suspected soldier allegedly shot and killed four people in Turf, Kadoma, Saturday, leaving three others seriously injured.

The shooting incident happened at Wanganui Shopping Centre at around 1800hrs.

According to a police statement Sunday:

“The ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) is investigating a shooting incident which occurred at Wanganui Shopping Centre, Turf, Kadoma on December 25, 2021, at about 1800 hours., where four people were shot dead while three others were seriously injured after a misunderstanding.

“It is alleged that an unidentified suspect from Caviga Farm, Kwekwe who was drinking beer at the shopping centre was involved in a brawl with one of the victims before a mob joined in and pursued the suspect. The suspect fired shots in the air and eventually shot seven people.”

Sources alleged that the suspect behind the shooting was a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer in uniform who was in the company of colleagues.

The suspect is alleged to be having an affair with a minor girl aged 15. The father of the girl later confronted the soldier over the affair.

A mob gathered to intervene forcing the soldier and his colleagues to flee from the shopping centre.

However, this led to an altercation.

The officer, sensing danger during the commotion fired two warning shots into the air, but the mob pursued him and in retaliation shot at the mob killing three on the spot.

One of the injured people died on the way to the hospital while three of the injured were taken to Chegutu Hospital.

By A Correspondent- Rockford Josphat, a high-riding Zimbabwean musician fondly known as Roki recently went on stage visibly drunk and fell, much to the chagrin of fans.

He then failed to finish his performance at the Odyssey Hotel in Kadoma recently.

Roki’s performance followed after Enzo Ishall. The Patati Patata hitmaker is reported to have gone on stage, visibly drunk and performed one song whose lyrics he struggled to recite before falling down and taken off the stage.

A disgruntled fan only identified as Delight expressed anger over Roki’s behaviour.

He said:

The show was a waste of time and money. These artists should take promoters, fans, and venue owners seriously. Roki only performed one song before he fell down. He was drunk and everyone could see that. He was then taken to the swimming pool side where he lay down as people took pictures of him and with him.

The show was attended by a few people and after Roki’s stunt people started leaving the joint. That’s disrespectful to fans. He has been doing well but it seems old habits die hard. He is back to the controversial lifestyle that almost put an end to his career.

Roki’s career was almost over after a long sabbatical that forced him into farming at his Seke home before signing under Passion Java Records where he produced the album Colours which carries songs such as the hit Patati Patata, Uchandifunga, Zviriko, Chidzoka remix among others.

Roki made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean artist to gunner a million views in 24 hours with Patati Patata which features legendary Kofie Olomide and Ray Vanny.

However, critics have accused his record label Passion Java Records of fabricating numbers.-standard

Tinashe Sambiri|The nation has been robbed of the glamour associated with the festive season, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa in the footage below cites bad governance, abuse of human rights and corruption as factors that have eroded the significance of Christmas.

See clip below:

Tinashe Sambiri|The nation has been robbed of the glamour associated with the festive season, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa in the footage below cites bad governance, abuse of human rights and corruption as factors that have eroded the significance of Christmas.

See clip below:

By A Correspondent- Armed robbers Sunda morning hit a service station in Karoi and got away with US$51 000.

In a statement posted on their social media platforms, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said they were investigating the robbery case.

“The ZRP is investigating an armed robbery case that occurred at a Service Station in Karoi at around 0300 hours this morning when four unidentified men attacked the manager, his family, security and took USD 51 500 cash and a VW Golf vehicle,” said ZRP.

Tinashe Sambiri|Joseph Kalimbwe of Zambia’s UPND has blasted Zanu PF for being upset with his Christmas message to the MDC Alliance.

Kalimbwe posted a Christmas message citing the MDC Alliance and UPND friends across the world.

“These ones from Charamba’s party are upset and say I politicized Christmas day by including wishing MDCA and ACT friends in a Merry Christmas text.

We don’t belong to the same WhatsApp group comrades. Just wish each other a Merry Christmas too. Its simple arithmetic,” Kalimbwe wrote on Twitter.

By- Police have been accused of fatally assaulting and killing an unarmed civilian in broad daylight last Saturday in front of children and members of the public in Budiriro.

The deceased, Percy Dick, was buried on Wednesday following the fatal assault.

Dick had left home for a routine medical check-up but was never to return after the assault.

His mother Christine Chatitima told Standardpeople that she was in shock that her son died at the hands of law enforcement officers. She said:

My son was beaten up by plain-clothed police officers at Current Shops in Budiriro. What happened is the police officers blocked the vehicle which was taking Percy to see a doctor over a leg problem.

As the team tried to ask the police to clear the way a dispute arose and my son was attacked by the police. He died at the scene.

An eyewitness, who only identified herself as Chihera, said an angry female police officer grabbed Percy by the privates and pulled him until his eyes turned white. She said:

She pulled him by the private parts and dragged the poor man. We saw his eyes rolling until they were all white. This happened in broad daylight and they killed him while we watched.

Angry community members and the family have teamed up to demand justice by putting up posters inscribed ‘Justice for Percy,’ ‘End Police Brutality.’

There are allegations that police attempted to attribute Percy’s death to Covid-19 and later to diabetes as they tried to cover their tracks.

Percy, a 31-year-old man, is survived by two children and a 25-year-old wife.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said police were still waiting for full investigations on the circumstances surrounding his death before they could fully respond.

Nyathi said that post-mortem results did not show that Percy was murdered, and therefore, it would be too early to comment.

More: The Standard

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hired Bishop Trevor Manhanga and wants him to lure Zimbabweans in the diaspora to come back home and vote for Zanu PF.

Manhanga made a median appearance Sunday at Mnangagwa’s Thanksgiving event, where he said the Mnangagwa wanted the diasporans to come back home.

He also said Mnangagwa was not going to persecute even exiled politicians if they returned.

Manhanga said they should not fear that president Emmerson Mnangagwa would be vengeful for whatever they did in the past, adding that “our president is as soft as wool,” a statement Mnangagwa made during his early days in office.

By A Correspondent- Former War veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda has rejoined Zanu PF and wants to take over the party’s Bulawayo Chairmanship.

Sibanda hinted in his campaign message that he wanted to restructure the party and flush out what he called criminal elements that were hiding in the party if elected in the Tuesday PCC elections.

Nick Mangwana, the government spokesperson, confirmed his return to active politics last week.

“I hear JB (Cde Jabulani Sibanda) is back in active politics. Politics in Zimbabwe is only gonna get more interesting and even exciting,” posted Mangwana on his Twitter account.

By- Power struggles between Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga have intensified ahead of the party’s Provincial Coordinating Committee elections due this Tuesday.

Both want to strategically use the PCCs to position themselves for the party’s 2022 elective congress.

Senior party officials told The Standard that the provincial elections were threatening to get bloody as violence had already erupted in some provinces.

In this political mess, the name of exiled former ZANU PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere comes up, accused of sponsoring candidates in the ZANU PF provincial elections. 

His accusers charge that Tyson, as Kasukuwere is known, is determined to take back control of the party that he led as political commissar before he went into exile following the November 2017 military coup. A source from the volatile Mashonaland Central province told the Standard on Christmas:

This is a fight for the control of structures ahead of the congress that we hear is around December 2022. It’s a war now as the fight is on who should be in charge, Mnangagwa or Chiwenga.

Inside sources and other information gathered by The Standard ahead of the Tuesday polls indicate that intimidation and mudslinging, including even outright violence, are taking centre stage across provinces, particularly in Manicaland, Midlands, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central.

In Manicaland, there were reports that villagers were being threatened against attending meetings called by rival candidates while police received an assault report on Wednesday where a Zanu PF local chairman was attacked with a knife by a member of a rival team during a meeting.

Manicaland Zanu PF chairman Mike Madiro a known Mnangagwa ally confirmed and condemned the acts of violence against him and other aspiring candidates.

Central committee member Moses Gutu claimed that some people who wanted to contest in the Zanu PF provincial elections were Kasukuwere’s agents.

In Masvingo province, Zanu PF supporters protested at the homestead of Chiredzi West Member of Parliament Farai Musikavanhu after accusing him of using presidential inputs to buy support.

Former war veterans’ leader Jabulani Sibanda, who is eyeing the Bulawayo provincial chairman’s post, hinted in his campaign message that he wanted to restructure the party and flush out what he called criminal elements that were hiding in Zanu PF.

More: The Standard

By- Controversial late President Robert Mugabe’s Cleric, Bishop Trevor Manhanga has bounced back and this time hero-worshipping Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Manhanga Sunday said all Zimbabweans and exiled politicians should come back and support Emmerson Mnangagwa.

He said Mnangagwa ” is as soft as wool,” a statement Mnangagwa made during his early days in office.

Manhanga was speaking at the 2021/2022 National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service held under the theme ‘Pursuing Nation Building Initiatives in the Spirit of Godly Patriotism, Unity, Ownership and Inclusiveness.’

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been challenged by the public hero-worshipping of Mr Sirizani Batau and said that he would be a kind and courageous man.

Butau served eight people from burning inside Beta bus, which had an accident with a fuel tanker 20km outside Mutare on Christmas Eve.

The Mnangagwa made the remarks while speaking at the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service 2021/2022 this Sunday.

Sirizani Batau, a truck driver, is being Hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the rescue operation.

By A Correspondent- A member of the Zimbabwe National Army has shot eight people in Mhondoro Ngezi’s Turf ward 11.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident but could not name the suspect. ZRP also said the shooting happened in Kadoma not Mhondoro. But audio circulating on social media posted by people who claim to have witnessed the shooting say the murder happened in Mhondoro Ngezi.

Below is the statement by the police on the incident

The ZRP is investigating a shooting incident which occurred at Wanganui Shopping Centre, Turf, Kadoma on 25/12/21 at about 1800 hours, where four people were shot dead while three others were seriously injured after a misunderstanding.

It is alleged that an unidentified suspect from Caviga Farm, Kwekwe who was drinking beer at the shopping centre was involved in a brawl with one of the victims before a mob joined in and pursued the suspect. The suspect fired shots in the air & eventually shot seven people.

Tinashe Sambiri|The nation has been robbed of the glamour associated with the festive season, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa in the footage below cites bad governance, abuse of human rights and corruption as factors that have eroded the significance of Christmas.

See clip below:

Tinashe Sambiri|The nation has been robbed of the glamour associated with the festive season, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa in the footage below cites bad governance, abuse of human rights and corruption as factors that have eroded the significance of Christmas.

See clip below:

Tinashe Sambiri|Joseph Kalimbwe of Zambia’s UPND has blasted Zanu PF for being upset with his Christmas message to the MDC Alliance.

Kalimbwe posted a Christmas message citing the MDC Alliance and UPND friends across the world.

“These ones from Charamba’s party are upset and say I politicized Christmas day by including wishing MDCA and ACT friends in a Merry Christmas text.

We don’t belong to the same WhatsApp group comrades. Just wish each other a Merry Christmas too. Its simple arithmetic,” Kalimbwe wrote on Twitter.

By- Inmates at Chikurubi Female Prison received a Christmas gift to savour when a Non-Governmental Organisation, Jedidiah Trust organised a reunion for them and their children.

The 161 incarcerated mothers had the opportunity to spend time with their children who received food hampers donated by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives.

Chikurubi Female Prison Officer in Charge, Superintendent Mervis Dzimbanhete said the reunion highlights the value of mother and child relationships.

“We really value this reunion because a mother is very special. We cannot speak of a mother without involving the children. And we cannot make reference to a child without including the mothers. I want to thank Jedidiah for the mind-set they had to help children reunite with their mothers,” she said.
Jedidiah Trust representative Mr Lovemore Chikwanda said this was meant to re-unite families and improve relations between children and their incarcerated parents.
“As you are bonding with children my appeal is that as mothers you change your behaviour and live a purposeful life when you leave prison.
“To those who committed crimes such as stealing, you should understand that you should work hard to get money. To those who committed other crimes, know that crime does not pay. Good mothers always think of their children first, would you want your children to return here in prison next time if you are supposed to be have been released by then?

“Some incarcerated mothers have given a burden to their families to lie on their behalf so that children don’t know they are in prison. Right now is the time to do self-introspection and correct the mistakes made. We work with some of the children who are in support groups, some are mocked at school because of their imprisoned mothers while some are not staying well in communities because they are labelled children of thieves,” Mr Chikwanda lamented.
The initiative to reunite incarcerated mothers with their children is part of Jedidiah Trust’s mandate to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and to ensure they and their families cope with challenges during and after incarceration.
A 2014 survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency revealed that one in three children whose parents are incarcerated are undernourished, while many of the children’s other needs are not adequately met.

-State media

By- Zanu PF has deployed politburo members throughout the country who would supervise the Tuesday Provincial Coordinating Committee elections.

Provincial chairpersons of the Main Wing, Women’s League and the Youth in the country’s 10 provinces will be elected.

Zanu PF National Political Commissar Mike Bimha yesterday said it was all systems go for the elections.

“We have deployed Politburo members who are going to run and manage the affairs of the provinces.
“As you know we have dissolved provincial structures, so we have assigned two Politburo members for each province and they will administer the provinces and also supervise the elections.
“These Politburo members do not come from the areas that they have been deployed to but they will be assisted by Central Committee Members who also don’t come from that same province,” said Bimha.
He said the material that would be used for the elections was ready for distribution.

“Ballot boxes and all other election materials will be dispatched tomorrow (today).
“We will also be holding meetings tomorrow (today), all those Politburo members assisted by Central Committee Members, will be having meetings with the party leadership in those areas so that they can then organise the polling and presiding officers,” he said.
Cde Bimha said party members that had shown interest in the provincial youth chairperson positions, but fell short because of the 35 years’ age cap were advised to contest in the Main wing or Women’s League.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube is seeking to get into the provincial structure in Bulawayo province.

By-Two teenagers from Plumtree escaped death by a whisker after their donkey-drawn scotch cart came into contact with a live electricity cable.

The two boys, aged 17 and 15, did not suffer any injuries, while two of the donkeys died on the spot while one survived.

The incident occurred at a business centre in Goba, Mangaramu village.
The two teenagers were later taken to the clinic, where they were given injections and tablets.

The owner of the scotch cart, Emody Dube, told CITE in an interview that the two boys were taking his daughter-in-law to the hospital when tragedy struck.
Dube said the live electricity cable has been hanging low for close to a week.
“My daughter-in-law is not feeling well so I asked the boys to take her to the hospital. Her husband is in South Africa. They took the cart which was being pulled by three donkeys,” said Dube.
“That cable has been hanging for almost a week now and it is about seven meters above ground. With all that space in-between I don’t understand how the donkeys came into contact with it.”
Dube implored Zimbabwe Electricity and Transmission Company (ZETDC) to attend to such faults timeously in order to curb such tragedies from happening.
“Right now I have lost two of my donkeys, the ones I was using for farming. It is the rainy season now there is a lot of fieldwork. Who is going to compensate me? We have no transport at this part of the village. We rely on carts. How am I going to get by now? This is a huge setback for me,” he said.
-Cite.org.zw

By- A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Beitbridge for issuing fake COVID-19 certificates bearing the logo on a Harare laboratory.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of Daniel Chingandi, saying the police officers were acting on a tip-off.

Below is the police statement on the case:

A Security Services Team on Operation ‘No to Cross Border Crimes/ Fhasi Ngamilandu Yamukanoni Yamashango/Mhosva Pamiganhu Ngadzipere/Amacala Kawaphele Emingceleni Yelizwe’, in Beitbridge acted on a tip-off and arrested Daniel Chingandi (28) for producing fake COVID-19 certificates bearing a logo for Gopath Clinical Laboratory & Baines Pathology Laboratory in Harare. Police recovered a pro-line till printer, Samsung P580 laptop, Conon printer, Huawei p40 cellphone & a fake COVID 19 certificate from the suspect.
COVID-19 vaccination certificates are a requirement in many countries and many institutions, thereby forcing those who are unable or unwilling to get vaccinated to approach fraudsters who create fake certificates.

By Simba Chikanza | If there’s anything that distinguishes Zimbabweans from the rest of the world, it is sacrifice, while others spend time shooting selfie videos during disasters, Zimbabweans will jump in and do the rescue work; from Zimbabweans who are running the South African economy, to hardworking Zim experts supporting the Botswana nation, to one Zimbabwean businessman currently leading the vaccination efforts for the entire African continent, and another who single handedly discovered the troublesome Omicron COVID Variant, the teapot nation never disappoints. On Christmas Eve, the country produced its own Superman, not the one we watch in the Hollywood movies, but a real one who gets injured in the rescue effort.

Coincidentally, his first name is Siri, not the fictitious Apple robot, Siri, but a human one; he is Sirizani Butau. He managed to pull out 8 people from a burning inferno following an accident on the Harare-Mutare bus-fuel truck collision.

Right now his body is badly burnt but at least after saving 8 people from hell. His friend could not make it, but he managed to get the rest before it was too late.

As this network coordinates donations for him since Saturday, he speaks to ZimEye following the accident saying he was driving from Mutare towards the capital city, Harare, and “when we arrived at the scene there was no fire; the cars had not been burnt at all; so we tried to do what we did and then I went to the driver (of truck in front) who was still alive and he said to me, Butau my friend please open the door for me.”

“When I failed to open that door, that’s when the fire started; and the fire was emerging from underneath the bus.”

Butau was in a car that was right behind the vehicle that had a head on collision with the fuel tanker.

He says he took a crowbar to try to open the accident vehicle to get the driver out of the truck. While in that operation of all of a sudden there was an explosion, which he describes as a bowl of fire.

Butau was not discouraged by the fire but continued pulling out people, and footage at the scene after the rescue, has people praising him for saving many victims.

Below is the brief interview
of which National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi says the bus, which was on its way from Harare, encroached onto the opposite lane resulting in the head-on collision with the tanker that was heading towards Harare.
“There are reports that the bus driver had tried to avoid a drunken person who was along the road and thereby encroaching onto the opposite lane but we are still conducting investigations.

“The tanker which was transporting fuel burst into flames. Both vehicles were reduced to wrecks.”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By- Armed robbers pounced at a Mukuru money transfer agent Chegutu branch housed at Zapalala Wholesale and made off with at least US$17 000.

The robbery happened on Friday.

Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident but referred questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who is yet to give the details.
Witnesses said the robbers attacked the money outlet on Friday morning.

The unidentified men forced workers to lie on the ground after firing two shots in the air before vanishing in a getaway car.

-Herald

By – Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the MDC Alliance has surprised the late MDC founder Morgan Tsvangirai’s mother with Christmas gifts.

Sly Media Productions report that Chamisa, on Friday, 24 December deployed a team to deliver Christmas groceries to Gogo Tsvangirai, in Buhera’s Humanikwa village.
-Sly Media

By-A Limpopo man shot and killed seven members of his family just after midnight at their home at Jimmy Jones village in the Vhembe District. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province say they cannot reveal the names of the family members that were brutally murdered.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement on Saturday, 25 December 2021:

The Police in Malamulele have opened a case of murder (seven counts) after seven members of the family were today, 25 December 2021 just after midnight at about 00:20, shot and killed allegedly by another family member at Jimmy Jones village in the Vhembe District.

The victims of the Christmas killing are four children and three adults, including a heavily pregnant woman. Just hours after the savage killing, police say the man then handed himself in. As to the motive for the murders, it isn’t yet clear. Added Jones:

The suspect was later arrested after he handed himself over to the police in Thohoyandou. The firearm that was allegedly used in the shooting was also seized. The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage but family feud cannot be ruled out.

This comes just weeks after the bodies of several family members were discovered at a plantation in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The bodies were badly burnt and severely decomposed. The victims included a one-month-old baby and a two-year-old toddler.

More: The SouthAfrican

By- Home Affairs Minister and Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman, Kazembe Kazembe is being investigated by the party for allegedly leaking party information.

Kazembe is said to have leaked Politburo deliberations to villagers in Rushinga in a bid to entice voters to vote for him in the upcoming party provincial elections.

He is reportedly having urged villagers to vote for him since Politburo Member Kenneth Musanhi had allegedly initiated the disqualification of business tycoon James Makamba, from the provincial chairmanship race.

Musanhi who is the most senior party member in Mashonaland Central province is said to be supporting Tafadzwa Musarara election bid.

Kazembe reportedly called one of his trusted lieutenants in Rushinga party District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) member Cletous Ranganai Chiminyu who endorsed Kazembe and denounced Musanhi this Friday. Said Chiminyu:

As you all know Makamba was disqualified (and) according to Minister Kazembe, the cause of Makamba’s disqualification was pushed by Musanhi in the Politburo, this was done to pave way for Musarara. So we are urging you all to vote for Kazembe since Makamba had a strong ground here, you now know your enemies.

Kazembe who is set to be soliciting support in Rushinga on Christmas day refused to comment.

ZANU PF supporters in Mashonaland Central are geared for the Provincial election slated for Tuesday.

More: Byo24News

By -The Madziwa teacher, who allegedly committed suicide after her husband used her money to pay lobola for another woman, was provoked by the second wife, who sent her pictures of the lobola ceremony, details have emerged.
Close family members say Auxillia Matukudure had an altercation with her husband identified, as Norman Murire over his infidelity on December 18.
A close relative said, Auxillia’s body will lie in state at her house, despite cultural considerations forbidding suicide victims to be put in the house prior to burial.
“The situation is very tense but her body will lie in state at her Madziwa house which she had built.

“Mourners will be at the house during the night awaiting burial tomorrow in Kadoma town.
“The community members demonstrated on Wednesday before some of them were detained at police station
“It’s now the community versus the police because the husband is a policeman. Culturally, when one dies they should lie in state mumba mavo, so despite that she committed suicide, relatives are saying she should be in her house.
“They want to make sure that they (the husband and his new wife) will not use the house.”
Asked to clarify on what transpired, the source said: “These people were real entrepreneurs and on the day she suspected that her husband was up to something, she asked him if he had taken her money.
“He denied everything and that he had paid lobola for another woman. The issue is that, Auxillia was provoked by this woman as she is the one who sent her pictures of the lobola payment.
“It’s not the husband who leaked the pictures since he was planning to explain the whole situation.
“He was also surprised how the pictures got to his wife.
“The woman stays in town and she would pass through Auxillia’s work place only to provoke her,” said the source.
What further irked Auxillia was the number of people who were close to her attended the lobola payment ceremony.
“A big number of people who were at the event are close to Auxillia and she felt betrayed.
“Her body will pass through her house and relatives want to make sure the husband and new wife won’t have peace if they they use that house,” added the source.
Auxillia was a mathematics teacher in Madziwa and she leaves behind four children – one who is in form 2, Grade 7, Grade4 and a two year –old.
They are all girls.
Mashonaland Central Police Spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed receiving the case.

“We have received information of sudden death by poisoning where it was reported that on December 18, the deceased had a heated argument with her husband over infidelity issues.
“After the misunderstanding she said goodbye to him and took the poisonous substance.
“She was then rushed to hospital where she was admitted. She died the following day around 7 pm and no foul play is suspected since she even talked before she died,” he said.
Inspector Mundembe urged members of the public to deal with matters affecting them amicably.
“We urge members of the public to open up on marriage issues and share their problems with close members rather than to take their own lives.
“They should think about their dependents before taking their own lives,” he added.
A source said on the day in question, Auxillia told her husband to enjoy his new lover before she took the poison.
“Akataura mashoko ekuti usare ugare zvakanaka nemukadzi wako munyowani iyeye.
“Akabva atora mushonga wechibage.” H Metro

By – Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the MDC Alliance has surprised the late MDC founder Morgan Tsvangirai’s mother with Christmas gifts.

Sly Media Productions report that Chamisa, on Friday, 24 December deployed a team to deliver Christmas groceries to Gogo Tsvangirai, in Buhera’s Humanikwa village.
-Sly Media

By A Correspondent- Social media celebrity Madam Boss has pledged US$500 to Mr Surizani Butau.
kind Mr Surizani

Batau retrieved eight (8) passengers from Beta bus, which was on fire.

He is being hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the rescue operation.

An online publication, Sly Media reports that Madam Boss wants to extend US$500 to Butau.

“Help us with Mr Sirizani Butau contact details MadamBoss want to say thank you for risking your own life to help others he getting $500 USD cash,” Madam Boss
“Thank you Bhudhi God bless”
“RIP to our Mtare brothers and Sisters”, posted Sly Media on their social media platforms.

ZimEye.com has also launched a fundraising campaign to reward Butau for rescuing the trapped passengers.

The accident happened on Christmas Eve after the bus driver had reportedly encroached into the lane of an oncoming fuel tanker at the 242km peg on the Harare – Mutare Road at or around 1700hrs on 24 December 2021.
Police say five people have died while 60 others were injured in the accident.
Here is Mr Surizanu Batau’s Ecocash number +263773024849

By- A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has finally issued a statement on the road accident that occurred in Mutare on Friday.

The accident happened after a bus belonging to Beta bus company collided head-on with a fuel tanker.

The accident occurred near Mutare, claimed five lives, and left 60 injured.

Below is the ZRP statement:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of five (05) people and injury of 60 others in a road traffic accident that occurred at the 242 km peg along Harare — Mutare Road on 24th December 2021, at 1700 hours.
The driver of a Beta Bus Company’s Youtong was travelling towards Mutare, with 63 passengers on board and on approaching the 242 km peg it is claimed that the driver was avoiding a suspected drunk pedestrian resulting in the bus swerving onto the lane of oncoming traffic. As a result, the bus collided with a Freightliner fuel tanker which was travelling in the opposite direction, with one passenger on board.

The fuel tanker exploded and both vehicles were engulfed in flames and burnt to ashes. Three (3) people died on the spot including the driver of the fuel tanker and his passenger while two (2) others died upon admission at Victoria Chitepo Hospital. The bodies of the victims were ferried to Victoria Chitepo Hospital, while 60 people who were injured were admitted at the same hospital.
Police will avail the names of the victims once their next of kin have been informed.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to be observant and cautious on the roads.
(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and Int. Relations) to the Commissioner-General of Police
Police General Headquarters

By A Correspondent-The Minister Of Transport and Infrastructural development, Felix Mhona, said he had tasked the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to investigate the cause of the Mutare accident.

The accident involving a Mutare bound bus, Beta bus and a fuel tanker claimed five lives and left 54 passengers injured.

Below is Mhona’s statement following the fatal accident:

Maswera sei vadikani. [Greetings beloved people]

Chokwadi tiri panguva yekurwadziwa. We’re in difficult times] Tirimubishi rekunyatsotsvakiridza kuti zvakamira sei panjodzi yatiwira iyi kuburikidza nebandiko redu reTraffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe ne ZRP. [Our department TSCZ in conjuction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police are investigating the accident.]

Ndinoti kunyangwe tikarasikirwa ne hupenyu hwemunhu mumwe chete zvinongotirwadza nekuti hupenyu hwakatikoshera. [It’s painful to lose even one person because life is precious.]

Ndaikumbira parizvino timirire kuzonyatsonzwa zvaitika nenzira iripamutemo. Ndoshuvira kupodzwa marwadzo kwe avo vakuvara nekunyaradzwa kwevose vane hama dzingadai dzatisiya patsaona iyi.[Let’s wait for official communication on the accident. My condolences to the bereaved families.]

Ndokuridzira vatyairi vose zvakare kukoshesa hupenyu pakufamba mumigwagwa. [I urge drivers to value the sanctity of life].

Ndatenda [Thank you]

By A Correspondent-ZimEye.com is appealing for members of the public to reward in cash or kind Mr Surizani Batau, who pulled out eight (8) passengers from Beta bus which was on fire.

Mr Butau is being hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the rescue operation.

Mr Butau rescued passengers trapped in a Beta bus that collided with a fuel tanker.

The accident happened on Christmas Eve after the bus driver had reportedly encroached into the lane of an oncoming fuel tanker at the 242km peg on the Harare – Mutare Road at or around 1700hrs on 24 December 2021.
Police say five people have died while 60 others were injured in the accident.
Here is Mr Surizanu Batau’s Ecocash number +263773024849

By-A Limpopo man shot and killed seven members of his family just after midnight at their home at Jimmy Jones village in the Vhembe District. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province say they cannot reveal the names of the family members that were brutally murdered.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said in a statement on Saturday, 25 December 2021:

The Police in Malamulele have opened a case of murder (seven counts) after seven members of the family were today, 25 December 2021 just after midnight at about 00:20, shot and killed allegedly by another family member at Jimmy Jones village in the Vhembe District.

The victims of the Christmas killing are four children and three adults, including a heavily pregnant woman. Just hours after the savage killing, police say the man then handed himself in. As to the motive for the murders, it isn’t yet clear. Added Jones:

The suspect was later arrested after he handed himself over to the police in Thohoyandou. The firearm that was allegedly used in the shooting was also seized. The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage but family feud cannot be ruled out.

This comes just weeks after the bodies of several family members were discovered at a plantation in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The bodies were badly burnt and severely decomposed. The victims included a one-month-old baby and a two-year-old toddler.

More: The SouthAfrican

By A Correspondent- 54 people have been admitted in Mutare health care centres are nursing injuries they sustained from the Mutare bound Beta bus accident which collided with a fuel tanker, Friday.

The Traffic Safety Council Of Zimbabwe said they are jointly investigating the cause of the accident together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The accident happened around 1700hrs on 24 December 2021 in Mutare. Police sources say four people died in the accident.

“A Beta bus allegedly encroached into the lane of an oncoming fuel tanker at the 242km peg on the Harare – Mutare Road at or around 1700hrs on 24 December 2021.
The driver of the fuel tanker died in the inferno. Two bodies have so far been recovered from the bus wreckage.
Fifty- four (54) people have been admitted with injuries sustained while fleeing the fire,” said TSCZ.

MDC Alliance deputy president Lynette Karenyi Kore has visited the accident scene where people perished yesterday following a head on collision between a Beta Bus and a fuel tanker.

Posting on Twitter, the MDC Alliance said they stand in solidarity with victims of the Mutare bus disaster.

“We stand in solidarity with the victims of the tragic Mutare Bus disaster. We extend our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who tragically passed away. President ⁦@nelsonchamisa⁩ deployed VP ⁦@KarenyiKore⁩ to the scene of the accident in solidarity.”

Speaking at the accident scene, Kore said;

“We have come here to see where the accident happened yesterday in the Beta bus mishap, where a lot of people perished. Many do not know the identities of the victims. We are calling for the government to ensure that things are done speedily, forensics are done so that facts are established. We also ask so that families are comforte. Our deepest condolences to the families who lost their beloved. We ask that the government put in policies that ensure that there are laws to help in such road safety accidents. We ask that the government make sure that the roads are dualised to minimise accidents, and in our current setting as we go to Christmas we all reduce speed. There is nothing more we can do other than to offer our love. May God comfort you. To those who are travelling, let us be both careful and caring.”

Watch Kore speaking at the accident scene early morning today.