By A Correspondent- An 18 year old student at Domboramwari High School in Epworth has appeared in court for allegedly stabbing his classmate in a suspected gang war.

Allegations are that Honest Chitakunye, an Ordinary Level student at Domboramwari High School in Epworth, attacked the complainant after a misunderstanding.

The court heard that the two belong to rival gangs at the school and the fight was a battle for supremacy.

It is also alleged that Chitakunye used a knife to stab the complainant four times on his thigh which left him bleeding profusely.

It is the State’s case that the accused was also found in possession of a catapult and stones.

He was granted 4 000 Zimbabwean Dollars bail and is expected back in court on the 17th of this month.

The incident comes hardly a week after another unpleasant incident occurred at Gokomere High School in Masvingo, where students turned violent and damaged school property.

Fourty students were arrested but later released.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has notified the government of its members’ intention to completely withdraw services from Monday the 15th of November, 2021.

ARTUZ says the industrial action is meant to push the government to review teachers’ salaries.

The union says teachers are currently earning “insulting” salaries adding that the Ministry of Education knows that the salaries being paid to teachers were not enough but was not motivated to review the salaries.

Teachers are demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries when they earned US$540 on average.

They said their resolution to down tools stands until their grievances have been addressed.

Below is the notice by ARTUZ:

The protest coincides with learners starting their ZIMSEC examinations

7 months have gone by, the Zanu pf annual conference has come and gone. But there is still a defeaning silence from the Zimbabwe presidium concerning the replacement of former 2nd VP Kembo Mohadi who unceremoniously resigned 7 months ago.

Who will replace him and when? Why is it taking President Emmerson Mnangagwa so long to replace Kembo Mohadi while it took just a few weeks for late President Robert Mugabe to replace Joice Mujuru?

That is the juicy part of the story!

We have taken note of the fact that in the 7 month  period of the absence of 2nd Vice President, a position reserved for Matabele in the Zimbabwe presidium,  not even one Matabele, outside or within Zanupf, has bothered to question let alone demand the appointment of another Matabele as 2nd Vice President of Zimbabwe.

They understand the situation better. Matabeles are now fully aware that this position is a political dummy meant to deceive them and the world that Zimbabweans (Shonas) and Matabele are united yet the relationship is that of an oppressor and the oppressed.

They also know that this inferior position is a mockery meant to humiliate Matabele people and used to send an unambiguous message that Matabeles are mere second class citizens in Zimbabwe.

Zanupf is on a desperate political drive to rescue its fictitious state formed on 18 April 1980 which is in a state of paralysis in Matabeleland. Matabeleland independence forces have poked serious holes into the so called Unity Accord and exposed tribal oppression, tribal hatred, tribal segregation and hegemony hidden behind the Unity Accord mask.

And this deceptive political arrangement has been squashed beyond repair under the big wheel of Matabeleland restoration cause, sending shock waves down the spine of the oppressor Harare.
Zanupf is facing rebellion within its own structures in Matabeleland. It’s provincial and lower structures are in a state of dysfunction as concietised  Matabeles are now openly resisting imposition of Shona leaders resulting in political chaos ie tribal tensions which has lead to periodical suspension of Zanupf structures in Matabeleland.

Many if not all Matabele people refuse to be addressed in Shona, the language of oppression, causing a political headach for Zanupf and Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe as this is a clear sign of rejection. We have taken the war right into the enemy camp.

Enter Sibangilizwe Nkomo. He wears indlukula ( traditional head gear) and carries a staff which were his late father and 2nd Vice President of Zimbabwe’s political identity. The fellow is ridding on his father’s political wave. But on the political scale he is a light weight that lacks knowledge, swag, colour, charisma and character. In short he is a political joke in comparison to his father. 

But his masters in Harare strongly believe that the political novice  possesses a political magnet to pull all Matabeles towards the slaughter house which is Harare and rescue Zimbabwe, which is clearly crumbling under the mighty pressure exerted by the Matabeleland revolution.

 He has been roped in by the Zimbabwe government mainly to kill Matabeleland cause using ZAPU and the the political brand, “Nkomo”. When tribal oppressors are grasping at straws to save a fast disentergrating fake state!.

Beware yee Matabele! There comes a wolf in the ship skin. He shall denounce Matabeleland cause based on a lie that his father was against it and sign a new Unity Accord with President Mnangagwa to become the 2nd Vice President of Zimbabwe. That is the reason why Mnangagwa is delaying the appointment of the new 2nd VP. He is waiting for his plant , Sibangilizwe Nkomo, to gain political ground in Matabeleland. 

Said one member of the first ZAPU Council of Elders about Sibangilizwe’s controversial rise to ZAPU leadership, “All of us are still shocked to learn that he is throwing his hat in the ring as a contender for ZAPU leadership. Early one morning l woke up to a headline that says “Sibangilizwe wants to lead ZAPU”. I could not believe that here is a man who has never set foot in any of the ZAPU meeting including those held at his (Dr Nkomo’s residence in Phelandaba) for more than 30 years, when he will drive off leaving us alone. How this man wants to lead ZAPU at this point beats imagination.” Who is this man, not recognised by the ZAPU Council of Elders? This says it all. A turncoat out to mislead the people of Matabeleland. 

The political brand, “Nkomo” has been used and abused by the Shona supremacist government of Zimbabwe  to mislead the people of Matabeleland since 1987.The tactic has worked like magic for the oppressors in Harare until now when the people of Matabeleland have realised that following the brand “Nkomo” is like voluntarily walking into a slaughter house in Harare. People of Matabeleland created that brand and it is in their hands to destroy it especially now that it is used by the enemy to oppress them. 

All eyes in Matabeleland are on Sibangelizwe Nkomo. People are watching each and every move of his. Never again shall the people of Matabeleland be led into oppression by one selfish Nkomo family member who cannot think beyond bread crumbs and small change that he receives from Harare. 

We know Joshua Nkomo and his son Sibangilizwe Nkomo as sons of Matabeleland. But the Nkomo brand as hijacked by the enemies of Matabeleland is dangerous to Matabele nation.

Only a fool will believe that the Nkomos own Matabeleland such that they would follow any political dwarf as long as they carry the Nkomo surname. Only a fool will believe that Matabeles will fall for this latest and cheapest political strategy.  

Matabeles are not political blind. They know what they want. It is not Zimbabwe that they want. It is not Sibangilizwe or any Nkomo that they want. But they want the restoration of Matabeleland independence and sovereignty. 

Izenzo Kungemazwi!

Israel Dube MLO Secretary for Information and Puplic Affairs 

Perhaps for some reason, you don’t want your contacts to know that you have received and read their WhatsApp messages.

You want it to appear as if you haven’t received and seen the message at all.

Look, constant online back and forth can be exhausting and sometimes you’re too busy with work or something else to give personal chats your undivided attention.

Luckily for you, WhatsApp has features which allow you to customize your messages.

Normally, double ticks mean your message has been delivered to the person’s WhatsApp.

You’re guaranteed that if they come online at any given time they will see your message notification whether they want to or not.

Blue ticks (when enabled) mean that a person has not only received your message but they have read it as well.

One tick means that your message was sent but hasn’t been receive or read.

So when you enable the one tick option on your WhatsApp, your contact will think their message wasn’t delivered to you and you haven’t seen it or read it when you in fact have done so.

Ordinary WhatsApp users can disable their blue ticks settings leaving them with the the grey ticks only, which just show that your message was delivered but does not specify if it was read.

Open Your WhatsApp, tap on the 3 dots at the upper right of the display screen and select settings<accounts<privacy<turn off the read receipts feature. 

Note:If you disable your read receipts, it means you can’t also see if others have read your messages as well. Fair right?

Now for those who want to take it a step further and settle for one tick only.

You need GBWhatsApp for this, unfortunately you can not manipulate your way through messages on the ordinary WhatsApp.

GBWhatsApp can be downloaded on gbmod.co

For more comprehensive details on the advantages of GBWhatsApp and its features you need to need to read this article.

Assuming that you have GBWhatsApp or have downloaded it and set it up. You tap the 3 dots on the top right of your WhatsApp screen.

Select settings < privacy<second tick

The second tick will be disabled and that way when a contact sends you a message, they won’t know when you received it or read it.

To them, it will just appear like you didn’t get it at all.

By A Correspondent-A Beitbridge businessman who lost R1.2 million and US$3 500 to armed robbers on 9 October allegedly consulted a local apostolic faith leader for divine intervention to recover his stolen money.

After the “consultation”, one of the suspected armed robbers, 32-year-old Freeman Ndudzo of Dulivhadzimo, who is also linked to a number of robbery cases in Beitbridge, was arrested by police.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Ndudzo on 5 November. He said:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Freeman Ndudzo (32) on November 5, 2021, by detectives who were pursuing a case of unlawful entry and theft.

… The suspect is linked to several robbery cases that occurred in Beitbridge including the purported theft case of R1.2 million reported recently.

Ndudzo and his accomplices pounced on the businessman’s Beitbridge home and reportedly threatened to shoot him and his family while demanding cash.

Before Ndudzo’s arrest, the businessman allegedly consulted apostolic faith leader Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa of the Johane Masowe eChishanu at his shrine in Bulawayo’s Selborne Park suburb on 17 October.

Pictures and videos in possession of B-Metro show the businessman in white robes kneeling before Madzibaba Mutumwa receiving prayers.

When reached for comment the businessman confirmed that he consulted Madzibaba Mutumwa for divine intervention so that he could recover his money. He said:

It’s true that I consulted him (Madzibaba Mutumwa) and that is when he told me that the suspects would be arrested. One of them has since been arrested and appeared in court. I had no doubts that his prayers worked.

People should also know that when having such problems, it’s all about believing when one consults any man of God.

ZBC radio presenter Rutendo Makuti yesterday appeared in court on allegations of attempting to extort money from leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, “Prophet” Tapiwa Freddy, by otherwise threatening to expose their love affair to the public.
Makuti, known as Ruru on Radio Zimbabwe, appeared before magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga charged with extortion.
She was not asked to plead to the charges and was remanded to January 7 on $5 000 bail. She was represented by lawyer Mr Tinashe Mbala.
The State led by Mr Anesu Chirenje alleged that over the last year, Makuti and Freddy had a love affair and while they were together, she allegedly started threatening him that if he did not meet her financial and material demands, she would expose the affair to the public.
In August this year, Freddy was summoned by Chief Chikwaka to his homestead, but after he was tipped off that there might be some police officers who wanted to extort money from him he then left without entering the chiefly homestead, the court heard.
But as he was returning to Harare, he was said to have been stopped by police manning a roadblock along Mutoko Road just after the intersection near Chief Chikwaka’s homestead and allegedly the police said they had been instructed by Inspector Jaji and Chief Chikwaka not to allow him to pass through.
After a few minutes, two men arrived at the roadblock and introduced themselves as Chief Chikwaka and Inspector Jaji and ordered Freddy to drive to his place, but he refused to comply, according to the State.
It is alleged that Inspector Jaji forcefully entered Freddy’s car and ordered him to drive to the Chief’s homestead where he discovered some uniformed police officers seated in a hut with six assistants to the chief.
The State alleged that Chief Chikwaka started accusing Freddy of raping Makuti and having sexual relations with her barely a year after the death of her husband, which was against their traditions.
He allegedly told the clergyman to pay something for violating the traditions, but refused to deal with the rape allegations since the police had to handle criminal cases.
It is said that Freddy felt that whatever was happening was illegal, but he was allegedly pressured to promise to pay US$15 000 and three goats and promised to return on a later date with the items.
Allegations are that Chief Chikwaka made him sign an agreement, which was prepared by Inspector Jaji and who promised to track him down in Harare if he failed to pay, and pick him up during his church services.
It is said that Chief Chikwaka told Freddy that if he failed to comply he would leak a video of him he had recorded to the public.
The court heard that when they returned to Harare, Makuti asked Freddy to give her the money since she was the one who was involved with him.
She then allegedly threatened that if he failed to give her the money she would expose their love affair to the public through someone called Tatelicious.
Out of fear and pressure, Freddy allegedly gave Makuti a Mercedes Benz E-250 and she allegedly warned him never to reveal the ‘deal’ and made him sign an agreement, saying it was a way of settling their differences.
After some days, Makuti allegedly started threatening Freddy, saying his secretary Nollen Mundawaro had insulted her and she wanted US$20 000 as compensation and told him that Ms Mundawaro could not represent his church on all their radio and television programmes.
On Thursday this week, Makuti’s brother allegedly phoned Freddy that he had up to the end of the day to pay the US$20 000 and sign an acknowledgement that he had raped Makuti.
It was at this stage that Freddy lodged a complaint with the police.

By A Correspondent- At least US$57 000 has been raised towards buying an armoured car for opposition MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa.

The organiser of the gofundme initiative, T Basvi, says the drive to buy Chamisa an armoured vehicle was triggered by “countless merciless attacks (on Chamisa) by the ruling party, aided by the government security sector.”

He cites an attack on Chamisa’s convoy on the 11th of October 2021 by a group of suspected ZANU PF youths as evidence that Chamisa’s life was in danger.

The attack left Chamisa’s vehicles damaged and many of his aides seriously injured and hospitalized. The convoy was on its way to engaging the rural community in Masvingo to understand their issues in the aftermath of the pandemic’s 3rd wave. 

Basvi believes chances that violence will intensify during the 2023 elections are high hence the need to beef up Chamisa’s security before any unfortunate eventuality occurs. Basvi added:

As concerned global citizens, we have come up with this initiative to raise funds for the purchase of an amour plated vehicle as well as security apparel for his safety and security.

He also said it was clear that the regime wants to continue to frustrate democracy by attacking the main opposition. On 8 November, US$47 000 had been raised via the initiative.

By A Correspondent-MDC-Alliance spokesperson Fadzai Mahere today lost her freedom bid after a Harare magistrate dismissed her application for refusal of further remand.

Mahere is charged with publishing falsehoods after she allegedly posted on social media that a police officer had beaten a child to death with a baton in Harare.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje dismissed Mahere’s application saying although she has been on remand for 10 months, there was need to give the State opportunity to complete its investigations.
Mr Mambanje said the delay in furnishing Mahere with a trial date was not out of the State’s own making, but it was also attributed to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
The State, led by Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti opposed to Mahere’s application saying they wanted to approach Twitter as part of its investigations.
Mahere is expected back in court on February 8 next year.
-Herald

By A Correspondent- Police and some army officers in Beitbridge yesterday allegedly opened fire at Makakavhule villagers after two of their colleagues were manhandled following an argument about an alleged robbery of R15 000 involving security agents.By last night, there had been no reports of deaths or injuries from the shooting.
Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were underway and he would provide more details later.
“I am yet to get full details, but investigations are underway,” he said.
A villager, only identified as Thembani, said he was at a funeral when a relative claiming to have been robbed by policeman and a soldier accompanied by two civilians called.
“I found the soldier and policeman firing guns in the air and I called Beitbridge police, who directed me to another senior policeman (Assistant Commissioner Cosmos Masepa), who said he was deploying another team,” he said.
Beitbridge police district officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed receiving a call from Thembani, but said he directed him to Masepa.
“I heard the report and I referred Thembani to Assistant Commissioner Masepa,” he said.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent-Free Zimbabwe Congress (FreeZim) leader Joseph Busha says by-elections to fill parliamentary and local government seats are not relevant since 2023 in which the country is scheduled to hold harmonised elections is close.
He, however, observed that the by-elections will help assess the political temperature in the country considering that elections in Zimbabwe have in the past been associated with violence and intimidation of opposition members and voters.
Others say those who would have been elected in the by-elections must be allowed to be in office for five years.
Busha told Openparly in an interview that while the by-elections are not relevant, they will, however, help to determine how violent the 2023 general elections will be. He said:
We are putting our campaign strategy together, preparing to campaign to win. I think the by-elections in 2022 will be a gauge of the political temperature. Given general elections coming in 2023, I think they will not be relevant and must remain vacant until 2023.

He added that there is a great need for change and reconfiguration of the electoral system in Zimbabwe emphasising that elections cannot be postponed.
Busha said cancelling elections will be illegal, unconstitutional and a travesty of social justice and political freedom.
Former Tourism Minister in the Robert Mugabe government, Walter Mzembi, recently urged political parties to consider joining POLAD if they want reforms warning that elections without reforms are a waste of time.
He also urged them to drop some of their demands for the sake of reforms.

By A Correspondent-Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter, Rutendo Makuti, has been arrested on allegations of extorting cash and cars to popular Harare preacher Tapiwa Freddy.

She appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail.
Makuti (33) is alleged to have been in a relationship with Freddy, founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries.
She appeared at the Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova who remanded her to 9 December for routine remand.

Makuti, who was represented by Tinashe Mbala, was released on $5 000 bail and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
Allegations are that sometime in 2020 Freddy (38) had a relationship with Makuti.
During the relationship, it is alleged that she started threatening to expose their affair if he does not meet her financial and material demands.
Prosecutors told the court that sometime in August 2021, Freddy was summoned by Chief Chikwaka and proceeded to the traditional leader’s place.
It is alleged that upon his arrival at the chief’s homestead he was tipped that there were some police officers who wanted to extort him.

Freddy then made a U-turn and sought to return to Harare but was stopped by some police officers who were manning a roadblock.
He was forced to get back to the chief’s homestead where Chief Chikwaka allegedly accused him of raping Makuti.
The chief also accused Freddy of sleeping with the woman before a year had elapsed since the death of her husband, violating traditional norms.
Freddy promised to pay US$15 000. In addition, the chief ordered him to pay three goats and Freddy promised to return at a later date with the money and the goats.
It is alleged that the chief made the pastor sign an agreement which was authored by an Inspector Jaji.

It is further alleged that upon their return to Harare, Makuti told Freddy to hand over the US$15 000 to her personally since she is the one who was aggrieved.
He handed over a Mercedes Benz E250 valued at US$15 000.
t is alleged after some days, Makuti started threatening Freddy again, saying his secretary Nollen Mundawaro had insulted her so she wanted compensation of US$20 000.
On Thursday (yesterday), Makuti’s brother demanded that he pays up the US$20 000 and that he signs an acknowledgement that he had raped her.
He threatened Freddy that he would expose the affair if he failed to pay the money.
Freddy reported the matter to the police leading to Makuti’s arrest.
She was lured to meet with Freddy purportedly to discuss the payment of the US$20 000 and was nabbed at the rendezvous.
The US$15 000 was recovered.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent-Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter, Rutendo Makuti, who was arrested on charges of extorting popular Harare preacher Tapiwa Freddy, appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail.
Makuti (33) is alleged to have been in a relationship with Freddy, founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries.
She appeared at the Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova who remanded her to 9 December for routine remand.

Makuti, who was represented by Tinashe Mbala, was released on $5 000 bail and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
Allegations are that sometime in 2020 Freddy (38) had a relationship with Makuti.
During the relationship, it is alleged that she started threatening to expose their affair if he does not meet her financial and material demands.
Prosecutors told the court that sometime in August 2021, Freddy was summoned by Chief Chikwaka and proceeded to the traditional leader’s place.
It is alleged that upon his arrival at the chief’s homestead he was tipped that there were some police officers who wanted to extort him.

Freddy then made a U-turn and sought to return to Harare but was stopped by some police officers who were manning a roadblock.
He was forced to get back to the chief’s homestead where Chief Chikwaka allegedly accused him of raping Makuti.
The chief also accused Freddy of sleeping with the woman before a year had elapsed since the death of her husband, violating traditional norms.
Freddy promised to pay US$15 000. In addition, the chief ordered him to pay three goats and Freddy promised to return at a later date with the money and the goats.
It is alleged that the chief made the pastor sign an agreement which was authored by an Inspector Jaji.

It is further alleged that upon their return to Harare, Makuti told Freddy to hand over the US$15 000 to her personally since she is the one who was aggrieved.
He handed over a Mercedes Benz E250 valued at US$15 000.
t is alleged after some days, Makuti started threatening Freddy again, saying his secretary Nollen Mundawaro had insulted her so she wanted compensation of US$20 000.
On Thursday (yesterday), Makuti’s brother demanded that he pays up the US$20 000 and that he signs an acknowledgement that he had raped her.
He threatened Freddy that he would expose the affair if he failed to pay the money.
Freddy reported the matter to the police leading to Makuti’s arrest.
She was lured to meet with Freddy purportedly to discuss the payment of the US$20 000 and was nabbed at the rendezvous.
The US$15 000 was recovered.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent-The arrest of a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter, Rutendo Makuti, on allegations of extorting popular Harare preacher Tapiwa Freddy, has exposed the controversial man of God’s love secrets.

Makuti appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail.

Makuti (33) is alleged to have been in a relationship with Freddy, founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries.

She appeared at the Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova who remanded her to 9 December for routine remand.

Makuti, who was represented by Tinashe Mbala, was released on $5 000 bail and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
Allegations are that sometime in 2020 Freddy (38) had a relationship with Makuti.
During the relationship, it is alleged that she started threatening to expose their affair if he does not meet her financial and material demands.
Prosecutors told the court that sometime in August 2021, Freddy was summoned by Chief Chikwaka and proceeded to the traditional leader’s place.
It is alleged that upon his arrival at the chief’s homestead he was tipped that there were some police officers who wanted to extort him.

Freddy then made a U-turn and sought to return to Harare but was stopped by some police officers who were manning a roadblock.
He was forced to get back to the chief’s homestead where Chief Chikwaka allegedly accused him of raping Makuti.
The chief also accused Freddy of sleeping with the woman before a year had elapsed since the death of her husband, violating traditional norms.
Freddy promised to pay US$15 000. In addition, the chief ordered him to pay three goats and Freddy promised to return at a later date with the money and the goats.
It is alleged that the chief made the pastor sign an agreement which was authored by an Inspector Jaji.

It is further alleged that upon their return to Harare, Makuti told Freddy to hand over the US$15 000 to her personally since she is the one who was aggrieved.
He handed over a Mercedes Benz E250 valued at US$15 000.
t is alleged after some days, Makuti started threatening Freddy again, saying his secretary Nollen Mundawaro had insulted her so she wanted compensation of US$20 000.
On Thursday (yesterday), Makuti’s brother demanded that he pays up the US$20 000 and that he signs an acknowledgement that he had raped her.
He threatened Freddy that he would expose the affair if he failed to pay the money.
Freddy reported the matter to the police leading to Makuti’s arrest.
She was lured to meet with Freddy purportedly to discuss the payment of the US$20 000 and was nabbed at the rendezvous.
The US$15 000 was recovered.

-NewsDay

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) notes with concern the announcement by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services stating that government has appointed social media monitoring teams to monitor citizens’ online activities.

In a news article published by NewsDay newspaper on 4 November 2021, it was reported that Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said that the government had “come up with a cyber-team that is constantly on social media to monitor what people send and receive” and that “People used to have fear and have respect on social media during Mugabe’s time, but all that is no longer there in the second republic”, Mutsvangwa is quoted to have said that.

Minister Mutsvangwa however, stated that government did not intend to regulate social media.

ZLHR is alarmed and disturbed by these announcements. Minister Mutsvangwa’s utterances should not be viewed in isolation, they indicate government’s long-existing desire to muzzle citizens through mass surveillance.

ZLHR is worried that plans to monitor social media have a devastating impact on the right to privacy and freedom of expression.

The monitoring of social media networks will be used by Zimbabwean authorities to further clamp down on perceived government opponents and citizens who express themselves freely on social media.

Presently, there are a number of people who include opposition political party leaders who are being prosecuted over statements in exercise of their freedom of expression that they have made on social media platforms.

ZLHR reminds government of its obligation to promote, protect and respect citizens’ fundamental human rights protected under several provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Citizens have a right to privacy (Section 57 of the Constitution) which includes the right not to have the privacy of their communications invaded.

The right to freedom of expression, online and offline is the fundamental bedrock of democracy and it is important to an individual’s personal development, political consciousness and participation in public affairs.

ZLHR, therefore, calls upon government to take a rights-based approach in the regulation of the internet and to:•

Stop mass surveillance of citizens on online and social media;•

Urgently remove restrictions on freedom of expression, access to information and guarantee freedom after speech;•

Fully align all media laws with the Constitution, implementing all outstanding law reform recommendations made by regional and international human rights bodies;•

To abide by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa 2019.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to lead the nation to prosperity.

The People’s President faces troubled Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 Presidential Election.

The vibrant MDC Alliance leader is gaining ground in areas previously called Zanu PF strongholds.

Sensing defeat, Mr Mnangagwa’s supporters have resorted to violence in a desperate bid to disrupt President Chamisa’s community engagement programmes countrywide.

President Chamisa posted on Twitter :
“I have a vivid dream and this extraordinary fixity of purpose to turn Our Zimbabwe into a place of stardom, greatness, excellence and best standards in every dimension.

I’m vibrating and ready!!
The future is exciting. A New Great Zimbabwe is loading… #Godisinit.”

By A Correspondent- Legislators have accused Zanu-PF bigwigs and government officials of hijacking the management of the Pfumvuza/Intwasa Presidential Input Scheme from the Lands and Agriculture ministry.

On Wednesday, during the National Assembly question-and-answer session, the legislators grilled Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi over the issue, saying the scheme had been rocked by confusion.

Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) claimed that after Zanu-PF bigwigs and government officials had hijacked the programme, Grain Marketing Board (GMB) officials were living in fear of being harassed when releasing agricultural inputs.

“Zanu-PF officials are now giving instructions to GMB officers not to release inputs, which are being politicised,” Mliswa said.

Umzingwane MP Levi Mayihlome (Zanu-PF) claimed that Agricultural Research and Extension officers were not distributing inputs, adding that they told farmers that  they would not receive allocations if they did not prepare their land. But Ziyambi said Zanu-PF officials should not be involved in input distribution.

“No Zanu-PF officials should be involved in the distribution of inputs. There is no go-between in this scheme.  Yes, it has been happening. Farmers who have not yet prepared land have had challenges in accessing inputs, but we, as the government, are investigating the alleged anomaly so that all officials get the correct information,” he said.

Ziyambi said Treasury had since released $350 million to GMB towards funding the programme for the summer cropping season.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent-Lawyers representing 40 Gokomere High School students arrested over protests this week are demanding names of the cops who tortured the pupils.

Police on Monday detained 40 pupils who were later released without charge following disturbances at the school during which windows were smashed, and the headmaster’s vehicle stoned. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said on Wednesday:
On behalf of parents and guardians of some Gokomere students, we have given the Officer in Charge of Masvingo Rural Police Station a seven-day ultimatum to investigate and respond by giving us names of police officers who brutally assaulted and tortured them on November 7 and 8.

The lawyers said the students were “left nursing injuries after they were assaulted and tortured by police officers who arrested them for allegedly protesting against poor diet and learning conditions.”
According to TellZim, a local publication, school authorities called the police after some food stocks disappeared in the dining hall.
Two police officers were deployed to the school where they allegedly used crude interview techniques, including brutalising students.
On the second day of investigations, the students allegedly rose up against the police officers in protests that led to the deployment of more police officers.

By then, the students had allegedly destroyed window panes at the dining hall and stoned a vehicle driven by headmaster Acquanos Mazhunga.
Forty students were rounded up and transported on the school bus to the police station where they were held for several hours while being interrogated.
Lawyers stepped in and told police the students could not be interviewed in the absence of their guardians, leading to their release.

-ZimLive

By A Correspondent-A Beitbridge businessman who lost R1.2 million and US$3 500 to armed robbers on 9 October allegedly consulted a local apostolic faith leader for divine intervention to recover his stolen money.

After the “consultation”, one of the suspected armed robbers, 32-year-old Freeman Ndudzo of Dulivhadzimo, who is also linked to a number of robbery cases in Beitbridge, was arrested by police.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Ndudzo on 5 November. He said:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Freeman Ndudzo (32) on November 5, 2021, by detectives who were pursuing a case of unlawful entry and theft.

… The suspect is linked to several robbery cases that occurred in Beitbridge including the purported theft case of R1.2 million reported recently.

Ndudzo and his accomplices pounced on the businessman’s Beitbridge home and reportedly threatened to shoot him and his family while demanding cash.

Before Ndudzo’s arrest, the businessman allegedly consulted apostolic faith leader Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa of the Johane Masowe eChishanu at his shrine in Bulawayo’s Selborne Park suburb on 17 October.

Pictures and videos in possession of B-Metro show the businessman in white robes kneeling before Madzibaba Mutumwa receiving prayers.

When reached for comment the businessman confirmed that he consulted Madzibaba Mutumwa for divine intervention so that he could recover his money. He said:

It’s true that I consulted him (Madzibaba Mutumwa) and that is when he told me that the suspects would be arrested. One of them has since been arrested and appeared in court. I had no doubts that his prayers worked.

People should also know that when having such problems, it’s all about believing when one consults any man of God.

By A Correspondent- The Supreme Court has ordered the reinstated the former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Chief Executive Officer, Happison Muchechetere.

Muchechetere was suspended in 2014 and then fired in 2015 over corruption allegations.

But Justices Elizabeth Gwaunza, Lavender Makoni, and Tendai Uchena upheld Muchechetere’s appeal after the High Court ruled in ZBC’s favour.

The top court established that in part that “he remains an employee until the state broadcaster terminates his contract properly,” his lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said.
The full judgement had not yet been published late Friday, a day after the Supreme Court judges gave their ruling.
Muchechetere was suspended in 2014 following his arrest accused of buying an outside broadcast van from China at an inflated price after circumventing tender procedures.
The ZBC sacked him in 2015 after a disciplinary panel chaired by former High Court judge James Devittie found him guilty of misconduct.
Muchechetere, who also faced criminal charges, sued the ZBC at the High Court but the court found in the public broadcaster’s favour, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court heard his appeal last year, but the judgement was only handed down on Thursday.
Meanwhile, ZBC appointed Adelaide Chikunguru as its new CEO in June this year.

-Online

By A Correspondent-Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter, Rutendo Makuti, who was arrested on charges of extorting popular Harare preacher Tapiwa Freddy, appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail.
Makuti (33) is alleged to have been in a relationship with Freddy, founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries.
She appeared at the Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova who remanded her to 9 December for routine remand.

Makuti, who was represented by Tinashe Mbala, was released on $5 000 bail and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
Allegations are that sometime in 2020 Freddy (38) had a relationship with Makuti.
During the relationship, it is alleged that she started threatening to expose their affair if he does not meet her financial and material demands.
Prosecutors told the court that sometime in August 2021, Freddy was summoned by Chief Chikwaka and proceeded to the traditional leader’s place.
It is alleged that upon his arrival at the chief’s homestead he was tipped that there were some police officers who wanted to extort him.

Freddy then made a U-turn and sought to return to Harare but was stopped by some police officers who were manning a roadblock.
He was forced to get back to the chief’s homestead where Chief Chikwaka allegedly accused him of raping Makuti.
The chief also accused Freddy of sleeping with the woman before a year had elapsed since the death of her husband, violating traditional norms.
Freddy promised to pay US$15 000. In addition, the chief ordered him to pay three goats and Freddy promised to return at a later date with the money and the goats.
It is alleged that the chief made the pastor sign an agreement which was authored by an Inspector Jaji.

It is further alleged that upon their return to Harare, Makuti told Freddy to hand over the US$15 000 to her personally since she is the one who was aggrieved.
He handed over a Mercedes Benz E250 valued at US$15 000.
t is alleged after some days, Makuti started threatening Freddy again, saying his secretary Nollen Mundawaro had insulted her so she wanted compensation of US$20 000.
On Thursday (yesterday), Makuti’s brother demanded that he pays up the US$20 000 and that he signs an acknowledgement that he had raped her.
He threatened Freddy that he would expose the affair if he failed to pay the money.
Freddy reported the matter to the police leading to Makuti’s arrest.
She was lured to meet with Freddy purportedly to discuss the payment of the US$20 000 and was nabbed at the rendezvous.
The US$15 000 was recovered.

By A Correspondent- Armed robbers in Norton have attacked a grocery shop owner and a Mukuru employee before they got away with US$18 537 and R37 500.

The incident occurred at Katanga Business Centre Monday morning.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were still in progress.
“Police in Norton are investigating a robbery case which occurred at a grocery and Mukuru Money Transfer shop at Katanga Business Centre on Monday at around 0725 hours.
“Six armed robbers attacked a 48-year-old shop owner and an attendant aged 31 before stealing US$18 537 and R37 500 cash,” he said.
Police are also investigating a robbery case which occurred at Mahoko Village in Zhombe on Sunday at about 7.30 pm where a business couple was attacked by three robbers who were armed with three pistols.
“The suspects fired two shots into the air before they struck the husband once on the head with a wheel spanner and stole cash amounting to US$5 100 cash, a Honda Fit vehicle and two Itel cellphones.
“The vehicle was later recovered near Sidaken Secondary School,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Cases of armed robbery have been on the increase countrywide with criminals targeting businesspeople and individuals keeping large amounts of cash.
Some of the suspects have been arrested while others are still at large.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF has deployed politburo and central committee members to all provinces to conduct verification exercises to resolve its chaotic restructuring programme.

The party’s restructuring exercise was marred by manipulation of voter registers and factional wars during the district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections.

In some provinces such as Manicaland and Harare, the process was characterised by violence, with some cases ending up in courts.

In a circular dated November 4, Zanu-PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa said the deployed leaders were expected to preside over inter-district meetings this weekend.

The commissariat department has deployed politburo and central committee members to hold inter-district meetings at DCC level countrywide. The meetings should be held from November 12-14,” Chinamasa said.

“The purpose of the meetings is to receive progress reports on the current restructuring programme, collect copies of completed party district executives, to assess data capturing exercises of cells, branches and districts at DCC level and to address any challenges being encountered during the exercise.”

A number of provinces are yet to deliver final copies of their registers despite the October 9 deadline having passed.

In Mashonaland East, acting chairperson Michael Madanha told a PCC meeting on Wednesday that some districts were still to conclude their restructuring exercises.

Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova on Friday 12 November 2021 set free Takudzwa Ngadziore, the leader of Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), who had been on trial for allegedly inciting some school children to protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

Ngadziore was arrested on 24 March 2020 by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and charged with criminal nuisance as defined in Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, prosecutors alleged that the 22 year-old Ngadziore did an act that is likely to create nuisance or obstruction by gathering some students from Allan Wilson High School on 7 March 2020 at Copacabana bus terminus in Harare, where he incited them without the
consent of their parents or guardians to participate in a demonstration, where the school children sang some protest songs against President Mnangagwa’s government over its mismanagement of the economy.

But on Friday 12 November 2021, Magistrate Matova set Ngadziore free by removing him from remand after noting that the case had taken 20 months with the ZINASU leader being on remand and without trial being concluded.

Magistrate also noted that continuing to place Ngadziore on trial would be tantamount to interfering with his right to a trial within a reasonable time.

The removal from remand of Ngadziore came after his lawyer Webster Jiti of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, protested that the State’s house was in disarray as prosecutors had only led one witness in a period of one year and eight months and that Ngadziore had appeared in court answering to this charge of criminal nuisance for more than 22 times.

Magistrate Matova advised prosecutors to proceed by summoning Ngadziore to appear in court if they intend to prosecute him on the same charges

By A Correspondent-MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Gift, Ostallos Siziba has defended Zambia’s ruling party spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe for allegedly mocking President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Kalimbwe made fun of Mnangagwa’s COP26 trip last week where he said the Zimbabwean leader came back empty-handed.
He also ridiculed Mnangagwa for gathering hundreds of Zanu PF supporters at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on his return from Glasgow as if he had won a trophy:

Zanu PF responded, saying Kalimbwe’s statements could affect diplomatic relations. between Harare and Lusaka

Commenting on Zanu PF and Kalimbwe’s exchange of words, Siziba said Kalimbwe must be accorded his right to free speech.
Said Siziba:
Whatever he is saying about Zanu PF is not a lie. If they think Kalimbwe is not telling the truth, Zanu PF should just share the evidence in public.
Who doesn’t know about Mnangagwa’s regime and its ills? Kalimbwe is not just a Zambian citizen but an African who advocates for democracy and freedom of speech.
The democratic politics of Zambia is not sufficient enough. Without the democratic politics in Zimbabwe, Kalimbwe cannot support the fascism in the Zanu PF government, and so they should let him speak.
It is a wake-up call to ZANU PF because the world is changing. What I can say is that it’s a continental revolution, and things are changing. It’s a wave of democracy.

By A Correspondent-Zanu PF has been moved social media posts by Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe mocking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government had the potential to damage relations between the two parties.

Kalimbwe made fun of Mnangagwa’s COP26 trip last week where he said the Zimbabwean leader came back empty-handed.
He also ridiculed Mnangagwa for gathering hundreds of ZANU PF supporters at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on his return from Glasgow as if he had won a trophy. Tweeted Kalimbwe:

Our leader will return to Lusaka and go home peacefully — to continue serving. There will not be airport victory celebrations, we didn’t win any trophy. The country needs fixing — that is what matters most.
Addressing the media in Harare on Thursday, Bimha said both ZANU PF and UPND should use proper channels to communicate rather than using individuals. He said:
Even if I have issues or concerns with the ruling party in Zambia, there are proper channels that should be followed by both parties to communicate, not through individuals.
I cannot just come out and make public comments about the ruling party in Zambia or vice-versa, there are channels that should be followed.

The UPND is seen as close to Zimbabwe’s opposition, MDC Alliance, after inviting its leaders, Chamisa and Tendai Biti and other opposition figures in the region to Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to lead the nation to prosperity.

The People’s President faces troubled Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 Presidential Election.

The vibrant MDC Alliance leader is gaining ground in areas previously called Zanu PF strongholds.

Sensing defeat, Mr Mnangagwa’s supporters have resorted to violence in a desperate bid to disrupt President Chamisa’s community engagement programmes countrywide.

President Chamisa posted on Twitter :
“I have a vivid dream and this extraordinary fixity of purpose to turn Our Zimbabwe into a place of stardom, greatness, excellence and best standards in every dimension.

I’m vibrating and ready!!
The future is exciting. A New Great Zimbabwe is loading… #Godisinit.”

By A Correspondent- Authorities at the Catholic-run St Martins Primary School in Harare are being investigated by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry following reports that pupils whose parents objected to an unsanctioned fee hike were being victimised.

The school recently held its annual general meeting (AGM) virtually, where authorities allegedly imposed an almost 100% fee hike.

This saw fees being raised from US$270 to US$530 on the basis that staffers at the school were demanding salary increments.

The parents, however, objected to the fee hike, arguing that there was no justification for the “excessive” increase.

They did not pay the top-up, arguing that the less than 200 parents attended the AGM did not constitute a quorum.

There are reports that authorities are barring children who have not paid top up fees from attending lessons. School authorities also threatened to expel pupils whose parents failed to pay up.

Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro confirmed the development.

“We received the complaints by parents at St Martins Primary School over various allegations to do with maladministration and investigations on the matter are underway,” Ndoro said.

“We have received several similar complaints from other schools throughout the country.

“We urge school authorities to adhere to guidelines set by the ministry to avoid such conflicts which sometimes are disrupting learning in schools.”

Leaked WatsApp of the online meeting indicated that school authorities blocked some parents from contributing their views, resulting in several of them exiting the platform.

“We have the board chair ignoring requests of the parents, muting everyone,” a parent posted during the meeting.

“Are we stakeholders at this school? Please start taking us seriously. Mr Headmaster, you want a 20% increase in salaries from the very parents you are adopting such a condescending attitude, what a shame.”

Parents also accused the school authorities of refusing to accept fees at the interbank rate, saying they were using the parallel rate of US$1:200.

“Grade Seven pupils, who had not paid up their fees, were barred from sitting for mock examinations yesterday (last week),” a parent, who requested anonymity, said.

“Those in lower grades, who were not paid up, were separated from others and did not attend lessons.

“The authorities threatened pupils in Grades One and Two that they will not proceed to the next level if their parents refused to pay up. We have made a report at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Primary and Secondary Education ministry.”

Efforts to get a comment from St Martins Primary School head Tinashe Gwese were fruitless.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate yesterday dismissed an application for discharge in a case where Police Commissioner Erasmus Makodza is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office for allegedly influencing the awarding of a contract to his girlfriend.

Makodza filed an application for discharge at the close of the State case arguing the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against him.

But magistrate Noel Mupeiwa, in his ruling, said the commissioner had a case to answer and should be put to his defence.

Mupeiwa postponed the matter to November 25 after Makodza, who was being represented by Tapiwa Makanza, roped in another lawyer who said he needed to study the record of proceedings.

“The State has proven that on the contract with Maonei Chapfudza (alleged girlfriend), Makodza represented Mashonaland East police province as is written in the contract. So Makodza was representing Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Mupeiwa ruled.

Mupeiwa said the first and second witnesses who disowned their statements were Makodza’s subordinates and that could have compromised their evidence.

He said Police Deputy Commissioner-General Lorraine Chipato had told the court that Makodza did not declare his interest to Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga.

The court also ruled that the State submitted evidence of financial transactions that showed Makodza was receiving money and other gifts from Jerel Investment, the company allegedly owned by his girlfriend, Chapfudza.

“Lastly, it has been shown that the accused was receiving monetary and other gifts from the company and as such, a prima facie case has been proven.”

Makodza allegedly presented Chapfudza to the police committee as a private investor without disclosing his personal relationship with her. The two have a child together, a fact that was not disputed in court.

Makodza is also accused of not disclosing that he was once a co-director of Jerel Investment and failure to disclose his interests to his principals.

“It is not in dispute that the accused is an employee of Zimbabwe Republic Police. It cannot be disputed that he corruptly entered into an agreement representing Mashonaland East. The memorandum of association was produced in court and he signed. But although the defence said he did not participate in the meeting, it is now the case for another day,” Mupeiwa ruled.

Allegations are that sometime in early 2019, Makodza, while he was Officer Commanding Mashonaland East province, imposed Chapfudza as a private investor ready to invest at the provincial police farm to his subordinate one Stephen Zengeya, who was Assistant Commissioner responsible for administration in Mashonaland East province at the time.

The State alleges that Makodza imposed Chapfudza knowing very well that she was not a private investor, but his lover.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Thousands of devotees from the Paul Ernest Mwazha-led African Apostolic Church (VaApostora VeAfrica) are next month expected to gather for a “holy communion passover” in Chirumanzu in the Midlands province despite a protracted leadership wrangle.

The church members have been in and out of court with the aged archbishop Paul Mwazha winning the challenges brought against him by his son, Alfred.

Church spokesperson Wilson Rutsate confirmed the gathering.

“It is a holy communion event and we are expecting thousands of church members to come and receive the body of Christ,” Rutsate said.

Last month, the Supreme Court upheld part of a High Court ruling on the succession dispute, where Alfred was trying to succeed his 103-year-old father, saying his takeover was unconstitutional.

However, Alfred went on to preside over a church gathering, claiming he was the legitimate leader despite the High Court order which barred him from holding such gatherings.

The church, through Ernest Mhambare – a reverend with the church – dragged Alfred to court on contempt of court charges.

Mhambare accused Alfred of usurping the archbishop’s powers by calling for unsanctioned gatherings.

Mwazha’s three sons – Alfred, Ngoni and James – together with other church elders, Richard Juru, Elson Tafa, Charles Tekeshe, Lovemore Mharadze, Norman Siyamuzhombwe, Gwatirera Jabangwe and Simbanechako Tsveta were cited as respondents.

Mhambare said the church remained under the leadership of the 103-year-old Mwazha, adding that the respondents were trying to grab the church, which was founded in 1959, using unconstitutional means.

Last month, Supreme Court judges Justices George Chiweshe, Susan Mavangira and Tendai Uchena upheld the decision of High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi nullifying Alfred’s claim to be the successor to his father, describing the move to take over the leadership as unconstitutional.

B A Correspondent- A homeless 19-year-old  teen from Mutare has been jailed after he was found living in the ceiling of a private home without the knowledge of the occupants for close to two months.

Tinashe Mlambo was arrested after the owner of the house Prosper Zimunya busted him in the ceiling

Mlambo was charged with unlawful entry into premises as defined in Section 131 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Prisca Manhibi.

Manica Post reports that Mlambo gained entry into Prosper Zimunya’s house in Hobhouse suburb through the garage while the family was watching television.

Mlambo who is of no fixed aboard is alleged to have stayed in the ceiling for close to two months without Zimunya’s family knowledge.

The court heard that for two months Mlambo would sneak into the house in the middle of the night to eat before leaving in the wee hours.Mlambo  also admitted that  during his two months stay at Zimunya’s ceiling, he would steal items such as cellphones and chargers without being noticed.

Mlambo’s luck ran out after Zimunya heard some strange sounds from the ceiling and took a ladder to investigate what was causing the noise in the ceiling.

To his shock, he found  Mlambo hiding in the ceiling.

Zimunya immediately made a report at Hobhouse Police Base leading to Mlambo’s arrest.For his crime, he was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment of which six months were suspended for the next five years on condition of good behaviour.

He will ,however, serve eight months in prison.

By A Correspondent- The Registrar-General’s Department’s failure to issue identity documents to citizens timeously has been blamed on obsolete equipment that continuously breaks.

The Department, which is battling a passports backlog dating back to last year, is also struggling to issue birth certificates and national identity cards (IDs) with only a limited number of people being served per day.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister, Ruth Maboyi said the registry machines sometimes break down resulting in the slowing of the process of issuing documents.

She said while the documentation of citizens was being extended to rural areas, resources remained a major constraint.

Said Maboyi:

However, you will find that in rural areas, they are giving out those documents at a very slow pace. At times we usually get a breakdown of machines.

We are actually trying to get resources so that we can go out of urban areas to do the registering of those documents.

I want to announce that in December, we are probably going to move around the whole country.

Umzingwane legislator, Levi Mayihlome (ZANU PF), said there is a huge challenge in acquiring birth certificates and identity cards in Matabeleland partly “because of the previous historical situations”.

He said:

I think for the past three years, we have been talking about the backlog on identity cards in the southern parts of the country because of the previous historical situations and that people migrate to neighbouring South Africa resulting in many children and even adults not having identity cards.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe is set to achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) by next month, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister John Mangwiro has said.

He said this during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Mangwiro revealed that presently almost 40 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated, saying the vaccination of those aged 16 and 17 will be intensified. He said:

I must say that by year-end. Right now, we are almost at 40 per cent, because the last two weeks we were at 38 per cent.

… In the same vein, we have said as Government, those between 16 and 17 can now be vaccinated and most of them are our Form Four to Upper Six students.

These make up a large number of our population – we all know that Zimbabwe’s population is mainly the young ones.

So, we are out to vaccinate these young people within the shortest space of time, maybe in the next two to three weeks, we are going to schools to vaccinate them on site.

In April this year, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who also doubles as Minister of Health and Child Care, said the country aims to achieve 60 per cent herd immunity from COVID-19 with the vaccination of 10 million people by the end of 2021.

So far, 3 422 734 people have received their first doses of mainly the Chinese Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.

2 678 090 of those vaccinated have received both jabs since the vaccination programme was launched in March this year.

By A Correspondent- Human rights lawyers have given police in Masvingo seven days to provide names of law enforcement agents who brutalised protesting students at Gokomere High School.

In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the brutal assault and torture of the students followed protests that broke out on Monday over poor diet and learning conditions.

ZLHR said the students were detained at Masvingo Central Police Station, and were only released following representations made by their lawyer Martin Mureri of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

“He (Mureri) emphasised the need for officer-in-charge to engage the students’ parents or guardians instead of keeping them in detention.

Some students were left nursing injuries after they were assaulted and tortured by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, who arrested them on Sunday November 7, 2021, and on Monday November 8, 2021, after they were accused of staging a demonstration at the school against unsuitable learning conditions.

“In his letter, Mureri protested against the conduct of police officers who arrested the students and assaulted them and left them in bad shape,” the ZLHR said.

“Mureri stated that parents now want the alleged assault and torture to be investigated within seven days, and that the parents must be furnished with the outcome of the probe detailing the names of the law enforcement agents who ill-treated the students.”

Allegations were that on November 7, police arrested 40 Gokomere students after they allegedly destroyed dining hall window panes, and a vehicle used by the school head, Acquanos Mazhunga, during a demonstration.

By A Correspondent- A Beitbridge businessman who lost R1.2 million and US$3 500 to armed robbers on 9 October allegedly consulted a local apostolic faith leader for divine intervention to recover his stolen money.

After the “consultation”, one of the suspected armed robbers, 32-year-old Freeman Ndudzo of Dulivhadzimo, who is also linked to a number of robbery cases in Beitbridge, was arrested by police.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Ndudzo on 5 November.

He said:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Freeman Ndudzo (32) on November 5, 2021, by detectives who were pursuing a case of unlawful entry and theft.

… The suspect is linked to several robbery cases that occurred in Beitbridge including the purported theft case of R1.2 million reported recently.

Ndudzo and his accomplices pounced on the businessman’s Beitbridge home and reportedly threatened to shoot him and his family while demanding cash.

Before Ndudzo’s arrest, the businessman allegedly consulted apostolic faith leader Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa of the Johane Masowe eChishanu at his shrine in Bulawayo’s Selborne Park suburb on 17 October.

Pictures and videos in possession of B-Metro show the businessman in white robes kneeling before Madzibaba Mutumwa receiving prayers.

When reached for comment the businessman confirmed that he consulted Madzibaba Mutumwa for divine intervention so that he could recover his money.

He said:

It’s true that I consulted him (Madzibaba Mutumwa) and that is when he told me that the suspects would be arrested. One of them has since been arrested and appeared in court. I had no doubts that his prayers worked.

People should also know that when having such problems, it’s all about believing when one consults any man of God.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The holding by-elections barely a year to the 2023 harmonised polls would be a waste of time and resources, ZANU PF acting national commissar Patrick Chinamasa has said.

His remarks come after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Wednesday that by-elections would now be held early next year.

However, Chinamasa claimed that while ZANU PF would take the opportunity to “wallop” opposition parties, the exercise would be an unnecessary drain on national resources. He said:

ZANU PF wishes it to be known loud and clear that it is ready to wallop opposition parties by whatever name called and will take no prisoners.

But it must be put on record that the by-elections, when promulgated will take place with barely a year to go before the 2023 harmonised elections, a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.

Notwithstanding, it is, however, Zanu PF’s primary revolutionary duty to politically bury counter-revolutionary, anti-people sanctions seeking, political sellout outfits masquerading as democratic change-makers and this duty has to be performed anytime anywhere.

Meanwhile, the MDC Alliance said the by-elections were likely to produce a disputed outcome if held before the implementation of electoral reforms. She said:

The consistent position that has been taken by the MDC Alliance is that any proclamation for elections must be accompanied by a clear reform roadmap that paves the way for an undisputed election.

To set an election date without addressing the vexed electoral reform question is to put the cart before the horse. The need for reforms is non-negotiable.

MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said elections without reforms would produce a disputed outcome. Said, Dube:

We are comfortable with elections coming. We were ready for elections when we made the recalls, however, it must always be known that we believe we need electoral reforms before any elections can take place.

There is enough time to effect those reforms so that we don’t have a broken record whereby after every election there is always the question of legitimacy hanging over our political horizon.

The recall of 133 MDC Alliance MPs and councillors, and the death of several legislators have necessitated the holding of by-elections.

By A Correspondent- Head of Journalism and Media at Harare Polytechnic Peter Banga has died.

Banga reportedly died early morning at his home in Harare.

Said his colleague, Dr Wellington Gadzikwa:

“I am deeply shocked and saddened that our colleague in journalism training Mr Peter Banga has passed on in Harare this morning.

May his dear soul rest in peace.”

More details follow…..

By A Correspondent- A group of Zanu PF youths have fully occupied a street in Bulawayo’s Central Business District (CBD) in total defiance of the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) by-laws.

The ZANU PF youths clashed with illegal foreign currency dealers who operate in the area, claiming the space belonged to them.

They are reportedly charging US$2 for each vending space and also issuing ZANU PF membership to the vendors.

When CITE visited the area on Thursday, part of 5th Avenue between Herbert Chitepo and Fort Street had been barricaded with vendors seen selling various wares.

In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Solomon Mguni said the ongoing allocation of vending bays is unlawful. Said Mguni:

The City of Bulawayo is aware of illegal occupation by unauthorized personnel on the area along the 5th Avenue between Herbert Chitepo and Fort Street.

The ongoing allocation of vending bays by unsanctioned personnel is not recognized or supported by the City of Bulawayo and is therefore unlawful.

He said the area is not a designated vending site and warned the public that those occupying the space will be evicted and risk losing their hard-earned money.

Contacted for a comment, the ZANU PF chairperson for Bulawayo Province, Obert Musindo said he hasn’t received the report. Said Msindo:

I haven’t received a detailed report but I think they are vendors in town doing their business.

As ZANU PF we are doing our politics we are not aware of what is happening you can contact the Town Clerk or the Mayor because they are the ones responsible for the area.

The area used to be a flea market before the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) shut down the market as part of measures to decongest the CBD in light of lockdown restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus

By A Correspondent-MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has promised an efficient transport and service delivery system if elected into office in 2023.

He said the ZUPCO buses would be phased out as they were endangering passengers’ lives because of their outdatedness and inefficiency.

See his presentation below:

As the NEXT government, delivering safe, affordable, reliable, clean &SMART public &private transportation is something we are preparing for.Our policies aim to unlock investment into electric vehicles(including ZUPCO buses) &key infrastructure like charging stations &good roads.

In Zimbabwe our public transport remains underfunded, unsafe, and unreliable. ZUPCO and the government have failed to deliver a viable solution. There is no clear policy on how the electric vehicle industry will be supported by government in Zimbabwe.

In Africa, startup businesses like, MAX and SafeBoda (Nigeria), OX and Ampersand (Rwanda), Kiira Motors (Uganda) and Opibus (Kenya) have received a lot of investor support to develop their technology and reach commercial viability.

Pro

By A Correspondent-MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that ZUPCO buses are endangering passengers’ lives as they are outdated and inefficient.

Zimbabwe’s public transport system is underfunded, according to President Chamisa.

See his presentation below:

As the NEXT government, delivering safe, affordable, reliable, clean &SMART public &private transportation is something we are preparing for.Our policies aim to unlock investment into electric vehicles(including ZUPCO buses) &key infrastructure like charging stations &good roads.

In Zimbabwe our public transport remains underfunded, unsafe, and unreliable. ZUPCO and the government have failed to deliver a viable solution. There is no clear policy on how the electric vehicle industry will be supported by government in Zimbabwe.

In Africa, startup businesses like, MAX and SafeBoda (Nigeria), OX and Ampersand (Rwanda), Kiira Motors (Uganda) and Opibus (Kenya) have received a lot of investor support to develop their technology and reach commercial viability.

By A Correspondent-MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that ZUPCO buses are endangering passengers’ lives as they are outdated and inefficient.

Zimbabwe’s public transport system is underfunded, according to President Chamisa.

See his presentation below:

As the NEXT government, delivering safe, affordable, reliable, clean &SMART public &private transportation is something we are preparing for.Our policies aim to unlock investment into electric vehicles(including ZUPCO buses) &key infrastructure like charging stations &good roads.

In Zimbabwe our public transport remains underfunded, unsafe, and unreliable. ZUPCO and the government have failed to deliver a viable solution. There is no clear policy on how the electric vehicle industry will be supported by government in Zimbabwe.

In Africa, startup businesses like, MAX and SafeBoda (Nigeria), OX and Ampersand (Rwanda), Kiira Motors (Uganda) and Opibus (Kenya) have received a lot of investor support to develop their technology and reach commercial viability.

Pro

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that ZUPCO buses are endangering passengers’ lives as they are outdated and inefficient.

Zimbabwe’s public transport system is underfunded, according to President Chamisa.

See his presentation below:

As the NEXT government, delivering safe,affordable,reliable, clean &SMART public &private transportation is something we are preparing for.Our policies aim to unlock investment into electric vehicles(including ZUPCO buses) &key infrastructure like charging stations &good roads.

In Zimbabwe our public transport remains underfunded, unsafe, and unreliable. ZUPCO and the government have failed to deliver a viable solution. There is no clear policy on how the electric vehicle industry will be supported by government in Zimbabwe.

In Africa, startup businesses like, MAX and SafeBoda (Nigeria), OX and Ampersand (Rwanda), Kiira Motors (Uganda) and Opibus (Kenya) have received a lot of investor support to develop their technology and reach commercial viability…

By A Correspondent- Farmworkers have rejected the wage increment approved by some unions in the agricultural sector that will see most of them getting $6 400 (US$30) per month.

The increment was agreed to by other unions, but the Progressive Agriculture and Allied Industries Workers Union of Zimbabwe (PAAWUZ) Wednesday rejected the offer, saying it was an insult to the sector. 

The increment comes when the family monthly basket has risen to $40 000.

PAAWUZ interim general-secretary Philip Mafundu described the “paltry” increment as a mockery and imperial capitalism. He said:

We reject the paltry salary increment signed by other unions for the agricultural industry, the general agriculture and horticulture sectors.

Six thousand and four hundred dollars only for a family of someone doing essential service is pathetic. Agricultural workers never stopped working during this (COVID-19) pandemic. They have endured so much to ensure that the nation is fed. They are now mocking them. Agricultural workers should stand up, unite and fight for their rights.

Farmworkers also appealed to the government to bear in mind that farmworkers are not animals that are, in fact, being treated better than farmworkers. They added:

There will be no Christmas to celebrate for the farmworkers this year, with the food basket now well above $40 000. How is one supposed to survive on $6 400 monthly?

PAAWUZ accused other unions in the agricultural sector of misrepresenting the interests of the workers. 

The union is pushing for a US$80 minimum wage for the least paid as per the June 2018 schedule. 

More: NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, President Julius Malema, has threatened to stage protests if the government recognises the death of former South Africa’s former President FW de Klerk .

De Klerk died Thursday after battling cancer.

He was the last white Apartheid President who negotiated a peaceful transfer of power to a Black-led government under Nelson Mandela. 

Below is EFF’s statement.

EFF STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF APARTHEID PRESIDENT F.W DE KLERK

Thursday, 11 November 2021

The EFF notes the death of the Former Apartheid President F.W De Klerk, who presided over a murderous and inhumane regime of terror against African people. De Klerk, who denied that the legislated separate development, exploitation, torture and murder of black people was a crime against humanity, dies with no honour, and with the dark cloud of having maimed and traumatised families across our nation.

As a President of Apartheid, De Klerk holds no legitimate claim to any title or honour of having led this country. He was a President of an undemocratic and racist society, which elected him as a minority. He was a President who led on the basis of the political and economic disenfranchisement of the majority black population of South Africa.

It is for this very reason that the EFF calls for De Klerk not to be given a State Funeral of any category, as he lost the right to be honoured the day that the evil regime he led collapsed in 1994. It was the Apartheid era that was best placed to honour De Klerk as its loyal servant, not a democratic society that is committed to reversing the ills of the dark days of black exploitation. 

To honour De Klerk with a State Funeral would be to spit in the face of gallant liberation heroes who suffered in his hands, and had their children murdered in his quest to stifle the freedom of black people. A State Funeral for F.W De Klerk would be an insult to the families of the Cradock Four, it would undermine the memory of the people of Boipatong, Mthatha, Bhisho, the people of Vosloorus and many communities who were maimed by his state-sponsored black on black violence.

The EFF will oppose through public protest and all means necessary, a State funeral for a man who died without ever accounting for the blood on his hands. It cannot be the democracy that he killed so many to prevent, that honours F.W De Klerk.

De Klerk died denying the humanity of the black people that Apartheid subjugated and murdered, and was on a desperate mission to cleanse a legacy of genocide. A democratic society must never partake in assisting him to build a false legacy, which will erase the dead bodies his life is marked by.

By A Correspondent- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has issued a statement following the death of South Africa’s former President FW de Klerk and said that South Africans would not miss him.

De Klerk died Thursday after battling cancer.

Below is EFF’s statement.

EFF STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF APARTHEID PRESIDENT F.W DE KLERK

Thursday, 11 November 2021

The EFF notes the death of the Former Apartheid President F.W De Klerk, who presided over a murderous and inhumane regime of terror against African people. De Klerk, who denied that the legislated separate development, exploitation, torture and murder of black people was a crime against humanity, dies with no honour, and with the dark cloud of having maimed and traumatised families across our nation.

As a President of Apartheid, De Klerk holds no legitimate claim to any title or honour of having led this country. He was a President of an undemocratic and racist society, which elected him as a minority. He was a President who led on the basis of the political and economic disenfranchisement of the majority black population of South Africa.

It is for this very reason that the EFF calls for De Klerk not to be given a State Funeral of any category, as he lost the right to be honoured the day that the evil regime he led collapsed in 1994. It was the Apartheid era that was best placed to honour De Klerk as its loyal servant, not a democratic society that is committed to reversing the ills of the dark days of black exploitation. 

To honour De Klerk with a State Funeral would be to spit in the face of gallant liberation heroes who suffered in his hands, and had their children murdered in his quest to stifle the freedom of black people. A State Funeral for F.W De Klerk would be an insult to the families of the Cradock Four, it would undermine the memory of the people of Boipatong, Mthatha, Bhisho, the people of Vosloorus and many communities who were maimed by his state-sponsored black on black violence.

The EFF will oppose through public protest and all means necessary, a State funeral for a man who died without ever accounting for the blood on his hands. It cannot be the democracy that he killed so many to prevent, that honours F.W De Klerk.

De Klerk died denying the humanity of the black people that Apartheid subjugated and murdered, and was on a desperate mission to cleanse a legacy of genocide. A democratic society must never partake in assisting him to build a false legacy, which will erase the dead bodies his life is marked by.

By A Correspondent- South African socialite and dancer Zodwa Wabantu said she did not beat up a follower who touched her bum in a private club when she was having fun with her boyfriend.

Zodwa opened up to the Daily Sun and warned her followers from disturbing her when she is not on the stage.

She said that she was tired of people who thought they were entitled to spanking her bum and touching her when she was out enjoying herself.

“When I’m not working, I want to be treated normally. It’s a different story when I’m on stage, entertaining them. I understand that sometimes they get overwhelmed and act abnormally.
“But, I hate it when people think they are entitled to touching my body and ruin my happiness when I’m out with friends or my boyfriend. I don’t want b to test me. They must get off my space,” said Zodwa.
Recently, a woman claimed Zodwa had slapped her when she was dancing with her Ben 10 at the Recharge Braai Lounge in Midrand, Gauteng.
Responding to this, Zodwa said she did not slap the woman – she only asked her to respect her.
“I was dancing with my boyfriend and this woman kept on touching me. I asked her not to touch me. I even posted a video on Instagram, showing her spanking my bum while I was dancing with my boyfriend. I didn’t do anything. I continued dancing because I was tired of asking her not to do it. I think she is just a poverty low-thinker. If I’m in my space, don’t disturb or touch me. Rather respect and treat me as a normal person,” she said.
-Daily Sun

By A Correspondent- South Africa’s apartheid President FW De Klerk has died.

DeKlerk died of cancer Thursday at the age of 85.

He is the one who negotiated a peaceful transfer of power to a Black-led government under Nelson Mandela.

His death has attracted divided opinion with some, on the one hand, having no nice words for him, while others are paying tribute to him for allowing a transition of power to the black government.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema said is one of FW De Klerk’s critics, to the grave. Speaking after the former president’s death, Malema said:
The apartheid sponsored media of South Africa, including the one that black young people supposedly own (405), is spreading fake news by referring to him as a former president; he is a former apartheid President; stop misleading the kids. Fake fake fake.

In the latest statement from his foundation, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said:
Mr FW De Klerk could have gone down in history as a truly great South African statesman, but he eroded his stature and became a small man, lacking magnanimity and generosity of spirit.
In a video just released by his Foundation, FW de Klerk, in his final words said apartheid was wrong. He said:
Since the early 80s, my views changed completely… In my heart of hearts, I realised that apartheid was wrong.

Apartheid was the ideology supported by the National Party (NP) government and was introduced in South Africa in 1948. Apartheid called for the separate development of the different racial groups in South Africa.