By A Correspondent- Fossil Group owner and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close associate, Obey Chimuka, has reportedly been granted 15 transport tenders by the government since June of this year.

These tenders are worth more than US$45 Million, which was paid to him in advance.

Chimuka is also a close associate of tycoon Tagwirei, an adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chimuka is a long-time business partner of Tagwirei’s mining investments, having served on the mining holding company Landela Investments board.

Since June this year, the Fossil Group has been awarded more than 15 contracts, collectively worth almost US$45 million, by the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry.
The bulk of the contracts are for the construction of roads and highways, which include roads serving the historic Alaska copper mine northwest of Harare.
This mine is being reopened under the name of Grand Sanyuan Copper Resources after a Chinese investor put in US$12m to co-own the mine with the State-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation.
In addition to these contracts, Chimuka’s group has also been awarded the construction of new access roads and military parade areas at the barracks housing the headquarters of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe in Harare.
In August last year, the US placed Tagwirei and his firm Sakunda Holdings under sanctions over his support for the Zimbabwe government.
The US also said Sakunda was involved in what it says is unaccounted for US$3 billion allocated under the Command Agriculture programme.

— Africa Confidential

By A Correspondent- Students and lecturers at Esigodini Agricultural College are now living in fear after a number of pythons were found on the college premises.

It is understood that the college which is about 40 kilometres away from Bulawayo has recorded several python sightings around their premises.

A few months ago one python was found in the pottery by one of the students who was carrying out their broiler project.

The python had swallowed nine chicks and hid under the grass. Then another python was found in the fields hunting for birds.

The vice-principal for Esigodini Agricultural College, Farai Gomo said there were many pythons because there was once a man who used to keep different types of snakes around the area.

Said Gomo:

When he left, he freed all the snakes and this is why some of the pythons have dominated the college.

I once found a black mamba in my compound and another python was found along the fence at the principal’s house.

He advised residents and everyone in general not to walk during the night especially if they know that their environment is dominated by snakes.

Gomo advised people not to walk at night especially in places where pythons and different types of snakes are dominant.

He also said they should not provoke pythons because they are not violent snakes.

Meanwhile, officials said officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management had collected some of the pythons at the college.

By A Correspondent- Civil servants are complaining after some church leaders reportedly ordered them to double their tithes in United States dollars.

Reports claim that controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi has instructed civil servants to double their tithes because they have received their bonuses.

“It’s very difficult for us because our pastors are now demanding tithes in forex, my friend also told me that his pastor wrote a letter to church members who work in government demanding tithes in forex,” said one Togarepi who claims to be a teacher.

Several sources claim Makomichi wrote the said letters to his congregants.

Makomichi is known of distributing love charms to slayqueens and “making people rich” through his controversial herb, though some Christians describe him as a fake prophet who uses secret powers to “move mountains.”

“It’s a lie, he never said that, contact him on +263777469342 , I can’t answer such lies,”fumed Tashiel, one of Makomichi’s personal assistants.

By A Correspondent- Former government Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo, has said the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa is a typical hypocrite.

Professor Moyo argues Mr Mnangagwa has dismally failed to transform government systems and operations after promising to do so after the coup.

Mnangagwa took over power from his long time boss Robert Mugabe following a military coup in November 2017.

Professor Moyo argued:

” It’s asinine to equate @edmnangagwa clansmen in cabinet, PB, etc with Mugabe’s appointees like Chidhakwa, @PatrickZhuwao and Bona who were appointed to the level of their competence. ED’s appointees like Manikai and Herbert Nkala have risen to the level of their incompetence!

Those who say I shouldn’t complain about @edmnangagwa ‘s appointments, because they’re similar to Mugabe’s appointments which I didn’t complain about, are mad.

Mnangagwa accused Mugabe of favouring Zezurus, his relatives & cronies; so he ousted him in a coup promising better!

But @edmnangagwa ‘s promise to do better than or different from Mugabe is absent. Get it right: it’s not me who complained against Mugabe or who ousted him in a coup; it’s Mnangagwa. I’m complaining against Mnangagwa because he has not kept his coup promise. HE IS A HYPOCRITE!”

By A Correspondent- Students and lecturers at Esigodini Agricultural College are now living in fear after a number of pythons were found on the college premises.

It is understood that the college, which is about 40 kilometres away from Bulawayo has recorded several python sightings around their premises.
A few months ago one python was found in the pottery by one of the students carrying out their broiler project.

The python had swallowed nine chicks and hid under the grass. Then another python was found in the fields hunting for birds.

The vice-principal for Esigodini Agricultural College, Farai Gomo said there were many pythons because there was a man who used to keep different types of snakes around the area.

Said Gomo:
When he left, he freed all the snakes and this is why some of the pythons have dominated the college.
I once found a black mamba in my compound and another python was found along the fence at the principal’s house.

He advised residents and everyone in general not to walk during the night especially if they know that their environment is dominated by snakes.
Gomo advised people not to walk at night especially in places where pythons and different types of snakes are dominant.
He also said they should not provoke pythons because they are not violent snakes.
Meanwhile, officials said officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management had collected some of the pythons at the college.

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has challenged the ZRP to act in a professional manner.

Hon Biti urged police to arrest known Zanu PF hooligans who abducted and tortured Nyasha Zhambe to death.

According to Team Pachedu, one Chief Inspector Cames Myambo is refusing to arrest the ZANU-PF thugs who abducted, tortured and killed Nyasha Zhambe.

Writing on Twitter, Hon Biti denounced the brutal murder of Zhambe by Zanu PF agents.

“Nyasha Zhambe Mawere was brutally murdered by the regime’s thugs on 27 Nov.Regime did not arrest perpetrators but chose to arrest his brother. Impunity & selective application of the law have sunk to a new low under Emmerson Mnangagwa s regime .We demand justice for Nyasha .

Section 208 of Constitution makes it clear that neither Security Services nor any of their members may a)act in a partisan manner b)further interests of any political party or cause c) prejudice lawful interest of any party c)violate fundamental rights or freedoms of any person,” Hon Biti said.

He also described the Zanu PF regime as clueless and vacuous.

“Yet another hopeless , loony decision made by a desperate vacuous regime. We have always argued that decisions on highly technical matters must be left to science and science alone ,not sorcery or witchcraft.Closing borders is no solution but vaccines & more vaccines .#ZanuPFMustGo

We have always maintained that somewhere in Emmerson s office is a government department created to make citizens suffer.This is clearly the busiest unit of this regime.Fact is we deserve better , we can do better .

ZIMBABWE IS CLOSED: Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has just made an extraordinary decision that all visitors and returning residents will undergo – at own cost – a mandatory PCR test and quarantine at designated facilities for WHO recommended days (14 currently). Curfew 9PM to 6AM.”

Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday announced that the long-awaited by-elections to fill 133 vacant local government and parliamentary seats would be held in March next year.

Mnangagwa made the announcement during an extraordinary session of the ZANU-PF Politburo, where he bemoaned factionalism and intraparty fighting tearing the ruling party apart.

Last month, Mnangagwa only said by-elections to fill 28 National Assembly and 105 local authority vacancies across the country will be held in the first quarter of 2022 but did not mention the exact month. Addressing the Politburo on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said:

As we prepare for the forthcoming by-elections next year in March, and the 2023 harmonised elections, let us focus on mobilising our membership to register as voters.

Stakeholders have been pushing the government to announce the election dates amid reports that opposition MDC-T had written to the president proposing that by-elections and 2023 elections be postponed until after electoral reforms have been implemented.

Some viewed the proposal by the opposition party as fear to lose the elections.

Most of the seats became vacant after MDC-T recalled MDC Alliance legislators and councillors following the 2020 Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership crisis. The court ruled that Chamisa’s ascendancy to power was in violation of the party’s constitution therefore it was null and void.

While Mnangagwa is convinced that ZANU PF will prevail against the opposition in the 2022 by-elections, he also expressed concern over factionalism in the ruling party.

There have been reports of party members physically attacking each other as they campaigned to land posts in the district and provincial structures.

• NewsDay Zimbabwe

By A Correspondent- OWNED by an ally of Zimbabwean tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a target of United States sanctions, the Fossil Group has won more than 15 public works contracts since June, more than many of its rivals.

A Zimbabwean government list released on November 26 revealed the names of companies that have received public works contracts since June.

Among the companies that have won the most contracts is Fossil Contracting, the construction branch of the Fossil Group, owned by businessman Obey Chimuka.

Chimuka is a close associate of tycoon Tagwirei, an adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chimuka is a long-time business partner of Tagwirei’s mining investments, having served on the board of the mining holding company Landela Investments.
Since June this year, the Fossil Group has been awarded more than 15 contracts, collectively worth almost US$45 million, by the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry.
The bulk of the contracts are for the construction of roads and highways, which include roads serving the historic Alaska copper mine northwest of Harare.
This mine is being reopened under the name of Grand Sanyuan Copper Resources after a Chinese investor put in US$12m to co-own the mine with the State-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation.
In addition to these contracts, Chimuka’s group has also been awarded the construction of new access roads and military parade areas at the barracks housing the headquarters of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe in Harare.
In August last year, the US placed Tagwirei and his firm Sakunda Holdings under sanctions over his support for the Zimbabwe government.
The US also said Sakunda was involved in what it says is unaccounted for US$3 billion allocated under the Command Agriculture programme.

— Africa Confidential

By A Correspondent- Pedzisai Scott Sakupwanya, a dealer considered close to the first family, has been kicked out of a gold mining venture in Penhalonga, Manicaland province.
Sakupwanya’s Better Brands company had been allocated 132 gold claims at Redwing Ming Company (RMC) under hazy circumstances.
Rival miners, the surrounding community and local advocacy groups were accusing Sakupwanya of having become the law unto himself by terrorising competitors and defying the police for causing extensive environmental damage at Redwing.
They reported that the gold miner claimed that the mining concessions he was running in Penhalonga belonged to President Mnangagwa.
Sakupwanya is a prominent member of the Affirmative Action Group, which is considered an elitist club of ruling ZANU PF sympathisers disguised as beneficiaries of black empowerment.
In early October, Information for Development Trust (IDT), working in collaboration with The Standard newspaper, reached out to Charamba over Sakupwanya’s alleged abuse of the president’s name and he threatened that namedroppers would “rot in jail”.

There has been a serious level of name-dropping by people who are trying to ride rough-shod over the law in the name of the leadership. We take a very dim view of such personalities and in the event that we catch up with them, those guys will rot in jail.
Tell that Sakupwanya that, really, he must look at his articles of association and see if the president is a shareholder (in Betterbrands).
A follow-up by Grazers News, the IDT online publication, established that the caretaker management at Redwing had resolved to stop Better Brands from operating at the goldfields.

In a letter dated 29 November 2021 that was addressed to Better Brands, Knowledge Hofisi, the Redwing interim corporate rescue manager, said he had replaced Sakupwanya’s company.
Duatlet Investments is now set to partner with Redwing, a subsidiary of Metallon Corporation that is domiciled in the UK. Part of the letter reads:
Accordingly, any and all mining activities that are being carried out by Better Brands Mining Company have been suspended and suppressed by the new arrangement and should therefore stop by end of business today. In other words they should immediately vacate RMC premises.
The local community also accused Sakupwanya of fuelling criminal cases in the area after he hired artisanal miners from Kwekwe to boost his operations.
The artisanal miners, commonly known as Mashurugwi, allegedly beat up rivals and went on a stealing spree in the area.
Previous investigations showed that Better Brands’ operations were in violation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 258 of 2018 Environmental Management (Control of Alluvial Mining) (Amendment) Regulations, which outlaws setting up washing plants, ore stockpiles, slime dams or mining ponds within 500 meters from river banks.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told Bulawayo residents that the central government has solutions to the city’s perennial water challenges.

He made the remarks while officiating at the 3rd anniversary of the national clean-up campaign in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.

Said the president:
I want to assure you as people of Bulawayo that my government has a solution to your water challenges and we have enough resources to finance the water project and as I speak, we are in the process of subcontracting local companies to start trenching the pipeline from the Gwayi-Shangani Lake to Bulawayo to close that chapter of waters and look at other developmental projects.
He also challenged local authorities to provide standard services to their communities, reiterating that the Second Republic will continue to provide resources under the devolution programme. Mnangagwa added:
Development is no longer decided from Harare but the new dispensation through devolution funds now allows communities to pinpoint priority areas for development and directs local authorities on what projects to undertake. In the 2022 budget, at least 4.5 billion dollars is available to local authorities.

He further urged citizens to double their efforts in maintaining a clean environment as Zimbabwe aims to become the cleanest country in Africa.
The President was part of the clean-up programme at Madamara Business Centre.
Local authorities across the country have for decades been failing to provide required public goods and services citing a lack of resources.
Bulawayo is currently battling to contain a diarrhoea outbreak recorded a few days ago. It is attributed to contaminated water the local authority is pumping to residents.
Bulawayo has been rationing water for months now, an arrangement that has seen suburbs going for days without water.

By A Correspondent- Several families in Gokwe North were left homeless after a hailstorm hit the area over the weekend.

The storm also caused severe damage at Gwebo Primary School, where it blew off roofs from an ECD, computer and another classroom block.

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) substation and some shops at Gwebo Centre also had their roofs blown away by strong winds which were accompanied by heavy rains.
Gokwe North District Civil Protection Unit chairperson who is also the District Development Co-ordinator, Mr Martin Musakanda confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that Ward 10 in Gwebo experienced heavy winds which caused severe damages to Gwebo Primary School, business centre and nearby villages.
Strong and violent winds and a stormy rainfall blew off roofs at the school, shopping centre and at several households in nearby villages,” said Mr Musakanda.
He said some of the affected had sought refuge at homes of neighbours and friends while others were being forced to continue living in whatever remained at their homes.
Although no casualties or injuries were recorded, people were left homeless and property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed.

“Property was damaged and houses were destroyed.
The main challenge we are facing now is to accommodate the affected families.
The economic environment compounded by the already struggling community implies that it is an insurmountable task to repair the roofs and structures,” he said.
Mr Musakanda said they have since reactivated their taskforce which was now mobilising food and resources for the affected families.
“We are now looking for financial assistance for the reconstruction work at the school and in the community. We are also looking for a vehicle for use to monitor the situation and fuel for use.
Food assistance can also help under such circumstances to assist those that were left homeless,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A 27 years old Mutare man is battling for life after he was allegedly kidnapped by two gun-toting women and a male accomplice who drugged and administered an overdose of a sex-enhancing substance on him before sexually abusing him.

The incident, which happened on Monday at Mukwena Shopping Centre in Dangamvura, brings to the fore the many facets of sexual abuse at a time when the world was commemorating 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Mutare District Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson, Detective Sergeant Coleen Mbato confirmed the incident.
He said detectives were on the ground conducting investigations.
“The complainant left home at night to pick up his wife who was at her aunt’s place in the same suburb. The complainant went to Mukwena Shopping Centre Bus Stop where he boarded a white Mazda Verisa which had three occupants; two women sitting in front and a male who was at the back seat,” he said.
Upon reaching Area 16 turnoff, the driver diverted into a road that goes to Destiny area.
“The complainant asked where they were taking him, and the driver told him that she wanted to drop off one of her colleagues. After driving for a short distance, the driver stopped and parked the vehicle at a secluded place along the gravel road towards Dora Business Centre.
“The complainant sensed danger and tried to bolt out of the vehicle, but the man who was sitting next to him at the back grabbed him by the waist,” said Detective Sergeant Mbato.
He said the two scuffled in the motor vehicle until one of the women drew out a pistol from her handbag and threatened to shoot the complainant.
“She ordered him to calm down before injecting him with an unknown substance on the right thigh. He became unconscious and does not remember what happened thereafter.
“It is not clear how the complainant got back to Mukwena Business Centre, but he later gained consciousness and narrated his story to a security guard. He pleaded with the guard to call his relative to rush to the shopping centre. His relative came and rushed him to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital,” said Detective Sergeant Mbato.
Medical examinations revealed that he had been sexually abused. Detectives handling the case revealed that perpetrators of cases of this nature often harvest semen from their victims or draw blood for ritual purposes.

• Manica Post

By A Correspondent- A 27 years old Mutare man is battling for life after he was allegedly kidnapped by two gun-toting women and a male accomplice who drugged and administered an overdose of a sex-enhancing substance on him before sexually abusing him.

The incident, which happened on Monday at Mukwena Shopping Centre in Dangamvura, brings to the fore the many facets of sexual abuse at a time when the world was commemorating 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Mutare District Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson, Detective Sergeant Coleen Mbato confirmed the incident.
He said detectives were on the ground conducting investigations.
“The complainant left home at night to pick up his wife who was at her aunt’s place in the same suburb. The complainant went to Mukwena Shopping Centre Bus Stop where he boarded a white Mazda Verisa which had three occupants; two women sitting in front and a male who was at the back seat,” he said.
Upon reaching Area 16 turnoff, the driver diverted into a road that goes to Destiny area.
“The complainant asked where they were taking him, and the driver told him that she wanted to drop off one of her colleagues. After driving for a short distance, the driver stopped and parked the vehicle at a secluded place along the gravel road towards Dora Business Centre.
“The complainant sensed danger and tried to bolt out of the vehicle, but the man who was sitting next to him at the back grabbed him by the waist,” said Detective Sergeant Mbato.
He said the two scuffled in the motor vehicle until one of the women drew out a pistol from her handbag and threatened to shoot the complainant.
“She ordered him to calm down before injecting him with an unknown substance on the right thigh. He became unconscious and does not remember what happened thereafter.
“It is not clear how the complainant got back to Mukwena Business Centre, but he later gained consciousness and narrated his story to a security guard. He pleaded with the guard to call his relative to rush to the shopping centre. His relative came and rushed him to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital,” said Detective Sergeant Mbato.
Medical examinations revealed that he had been sexually abused. Detectives handling the case revealed that perpetrators of cases of this nature often harvest semen from their victims or draw blood for ritual purposes.

• Manica Post

By A Correspondent- A Harare police officer, who allegedly assaulted NewsDay and Heart & Soul television journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested and taken to court.

Mika Patsikadova (28) was granted free bail yesterday when he appeared before magistrate Nyasha Vitorini to answer to assault charges. He was remanded to December 18 for trial. He is based at Waterfalls Police Station.

Allegations are that on November 26 this year at around 2130hrs, Mhlanga, who was at Zindoga shopping centre, was attacked by unknown assailants. He approached Patsikadova, who was on duty at the shopping centre, for assistance.

Patsikadova, who was attending to another person, referred Mhlanga to other police officers who were at a distance.

The State alleges that the referral did not go down well with Mhlanga and a dispute ensued.

Patsikadova then allegedly punched Mhlanga once on the mouth.

Mhlanga was referred to hospital and a medical affidavit will be produced in court.

Patsikadova allegedly made a counter report to the police, alleging that Mhlanga had also assaulted him.

Mhlanga appeared at the same court and was granted free bail.

Bofu Zebediah appeared for the State.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has challenged the ZRP to act in a professional manner.

Hon Biti urged police to arrest known Zanu PF hooligans who abducted and tortured Nyasha Zhambe to death.

According to Team Pachedu, one Chief Inspector Cames Myambo is refusing to arrest the ZANU-PF thugs who abducted, tortured and killed Nyasha Zhambe.

Writing on Twitter, Hon Biti denounced the brutal murder of Zhambe by Zanu PF agents.

“Nyasha Zhambe Mawere was brutally murdered by the regime’s thugs on 27 Nov.Regime did not arrest perpetrators but chose to arrest his brother. Impunity & selective application of the law have sunk to a new low under Emmerson Mnangagwa s regime .We demand justice for Nyasha .

Section 208 of Constitution makes it clear that neither Security Services nor any of their members may a)act in a partisan manner b)further interests of any political party or cause c) prejudice lawful interest of any party c)violate fundamental rights or freedoms of any person,” Hon Biti said.

He also described the Zanu PF regime as clueless and vacuous.

“Yet another hopeless , loony decision made by a desperate vacuous regime. We have always argued that decisions on highly technical matters must be left to science and science alone ,not sorcery or witchcraft.Closing borders is no solution but vaccines & more vaccines .#ZanuPFMustGo

We have always maintained that somewhere in Emmerson s office is a government department created to make citizens suffer.This is clearly the busiest unit of this regime.Fact is we deserve better , we can do better .

ZIMBABWE IS CLOSED: Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has just made an extraordinary decision that all visitors and returning residents will undergo – at own cost – a mandatory PCR test and quarantine at designated facilities for WHO recommended days (14 currently). Curfew 9PM to 6AM.”

A Correspondent- A Chimanimani businessman has been arrested for allegedly grabbing a Honda Fit vehicle belonging to three illegal diamond panners whom he accused of selling him fake diamonds.

Early this week, Devine Gamunorwa of Hotsprings Business Centre appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi, facing robbery charges.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to December 8 on $20 000 bail.

State prosecutor, Mr Edmore Mahlanganise said on November 18, Gamunorwa connived with other 12 accused persons who are still at large, and lured the complainants, Washington Johnson, Wisdom Johnson and Worship Tsaurai to Nyika Growth Point.

“Gamunorwa and his accomplices posed as diamond dealers and phoned the trio telling them that they had some diamonds they wanted to sell.
“The Johnson brothers and their colleague, Tsaurai drove to Nyika Growth Point in a Honda Fit vehicle. They parked the vehicle at the growth point. Gamunorwa and his colleagues who were using two unregistered Honda Fit vehicles approached the trio and blocked them,” he said
Mr Mahlanganise said Gamunorwa approached Washington who was occupying the driver’s seat, while one of the unidentified persons posed as a police officer and produced a firearm. He allegedly threatened to shoot the Johnsons and Tsaurai.
“They opened the door and dragged Washington out of the vehicle.
“They force-marched him into one of their unregistered Honda Fit vehicle.
“They also dragged Tsaurai and bundled him in another Honda Fit vehicle, leaving Wisdom in the complainant’s vehicle. One of the accused persons who posed as a police officer took the driver’s seat, and drove the complainant’s vehicle to the accused’s bottle store at Chakohwa Business Centre.
“Gamunorwa and his accomplice took turns to assault the Johnsons and Tsaurai accusing them of selling him (Gamunorwa) fake diamond pieces on November 15 at Chiadzwa diamonds fields.

Gamunorwa claimed to have parted with US$2 000 for the fake diamond pieces,” said Mr Mahlanganise.

He said Gamunorwa ordered Wisdom Johnson to surrender his Honda Fit vehicle as compensation for the fake diamonds.

“Gamunorwa took custody of the vehicle and later dumped the Johnsons and Tsaurai at Nyanyadzi Police Station,” said Mr Mahlanganise.

The complainant later reported the case at Chipinge Urban Police Station and the Honda Fit vehicle was recovered.

Manica Post

By A Correspondent- Students and lecturers at Esigodini Agricultural College are now living in fear after a number of pythons were found on the college premises.

It is understood that the college, which is about 40 kilometres away from Bulawayo has recorded several python sightings around their premises.
A few months ago one python was found in the pottery by one of the students carrying out their broiler project.

The python had swallowed nine chicks and hid under the grass. Then another python was found in the fields hunting for birds.

The vice-principal for Esigodini Agricultural College, Farai Gomo said there were many pythons because there was a man who used to keep different types of snakes around the area.

Said Gomo:
When he left, he freed all the snakes and this is why some of the pythons have dominated the college.
I once found a black mamba in my compound and another python was found along the fence at the principal’s house.

He advised residents and everyone in general not to walk during the night especially if they know that their environment is dominated by snakes.
Gomo advised people not to walk at night especially in places where pythons and different types of snakes are dominant.
He also said they should not provoke pythons because they are not violent snakes.
Meanwhile, officials said officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management had collected some of the pythons at the college.

By A Correspondent- A Harare Kuwadzana woman was kidnapped by three men masquerading as members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), who were demanding to know her boyfriend’s whereabouts for them recover an outstanding debt from him.

Decided Zaranyika, Mula Timothy and Courage Muguta are the trhree bogus CIOs. They have appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with kidnapping.

They were not asked to plead to the charges and are expected to apply for bail.

Allegations against the trio are that on November 28 at around 7:30 pm, they went to Barbra Pilime’s house in Kuwadzana Extension, Harare looking for her boyfriend only identified as Machionesa.
On arrival, the trio allegedly introduced themselves as members of the CIO and asked Barbra Pilime the whereabouts of her boyfriend. It is alleged that the three searched for Machionesa in the house and failed to locate him.
Zaranyika, Mula and Muguta allegedly threatened Pilime with “dire consequences” if she refused to comply with their orders.
Mr Anesu Chirenje appeared for the State.

Herald

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Chirumhanzu South legislator Barbara Rwodzi as Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Chirumhanzu is in the Midlands province, where Mnangagwa also comes from.

In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said the appointment is with immediate effect.
“In terms of section 104 (1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment No. 20 of 2013, His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Hon Barbara Rwodzi, MP of Chirumhanzu in the Midlands Province as Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry,” he said.
-Herald

A Correspondent- A Chimanimani businessman has been arrested for allegedly grabbing a Honda Fit vehicle belonging to three illegal diamond panners whom he accused of selling him fake diamonds.

Devine Gamunorwa of Hotsprings Business Centre appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi, facing robbery charges, early this week.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to December 8 on $20 000 bail.

State prosecutor, Mr Edmore Mahlanganise said on November 18, Gamunorwa connived with other 12 accused persons who are still at large, and lured the complainants, Washington Johnson, Wisdom Johnson and Worship Tsaurai to Nyika Growth Point.

“Gamunorwa and his accomplices posed as diamond dealers and phoned the trio telling them that they had some diamonds they wanted to sell.
“The Johnson brothers and their colleague, Tsaurai drove to Nyika Growth Point in a Honda Fit vehicle. They parked the vehicle at the growth point. Gamunorwa and his colleagues who were using two unregistered Honda Fit vehicles approached the trio and blocked them,” he said
Mr Mahlanganise said Gamunorwa approached Washington who was occupying the driver’s seat, while one of the unidentified persons posed as a police officer and produced a firearm. He allegedly threatened to shoot the Johnsons and Tsaurai.
“They opened the door and dragged Washington out of the vehicle.
“They force-marched him into one of their unregistered Honda Fit vehicle.
“They also dragged Tsaurai and bundled him in another Honda Fit vehicle, leaving Wisdom in the complainant’s vehicle. One of the accused persons who posed as a police officer took the driver’s seat, and drove the complainant’s vehicle to the accused’s bottle store at Chakohwa Business Centre.
“Gamunorwa and his accomplice took turns to assault the Johnsons and Tsaurai accusing them of selling him (Gamunorwa) fake diamond pieces on November 15 at Chiadzwa diamonds fields.

Gamunorwa claimed to have parted with US$2 000 for the fake diamond pieces,” said Mr Mahlanganise.

He said Gamunorwa ordered Wisdom Johnson to surrender his Honda Fit vehicle as compensation for the fake diamonds.

“Gamunorwa took custody of the vehicle and later dumped the Johnsons and Tsaurai at Nyanyadzi Police Station,” said Mr Mahlanganise.

The complainant later reported the case at Chipinge Urban Police Station and the Honda Fit vehicle was recovered.

Manica Post

MASVINGO – Nyamande Primary School teacher in Gutu Fordrick Macheka (41) collapsed and died 30 minutes later after being bitten by a snake on Wednesday.

Nyamandi High School chairman, Innocent Bhera confirmed the death in an interview with The Mirror today.

He said that there is confusion however on what really caused the death because Macheka cried out and said he had been bitten by a wasp.

He collapsed immediately afterwards and therefore no one could really ascertain what had bitten him.

However, nurses at the clinic said there was snake poison in his body.

A fellow teacher at the school, Nyamande, Linos Mupumha said Macheka was cleaning his car near a mango tree when he was bitten in the head. He cried out that he had been bitten by a wasp but did not take long before he collapsed.

He had just come out from a class where he was invigilating. He was driven to Mutero Mission Hospital where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

The deceased’s body is at Masvingo Provincial Hospital for postmortem. Sources said he would be buried at his rural home in Nerupiri. -Masvingo Mirror

The publisher Trevor Ncube has dropped 1209 words to describe his memory of the late Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency CEO, Doug Munetsi.

In his long euology, titled, “The Douglas Tawanda Munatsi I knew,” Ncube likened Munatsi’s death to that of the late Gen, Solomon Mujuru, Procurement Board chair Charles Kuwaza, and Mines Portfolio Chairperson Edward Chindori-Chininga.

Writing on his Facebook blog, Ncube described Munatsi as a successful banker and businessman who had no other desire than to serve his nation.

Munatsi was killed in a suspicious explosion at his flat early Monday morning. Police have classified his death as suspected murder.

Ncube said: Douglas Tawanda Munatsi was a remarkable human being. It is difficult, almost impossible to write about him in the past tense. Because Doug filled every room he walked into with so much life. In this tribute, because it is more than just an obituary, I would like to reflect on aspects of the Doug I knew, from the personal to the professional and the public.

I knew Doug for over 30 years. He grew to become more than just a dear friend, he was my brother. I am godfather to his eldest son. He and his wife Bindzile are godparents to our daughter Maya. Our families shared many unforgettable moments over the years. Even as we mourn Doug’s passing, we are comforted by these moments. We will always cherish the joy he brought into our lives.

“Mzukulezi how are you and Allbody? You are always in my prayers” was one of Doug’s many ways of greeting me and checking on my family. He was my “Sekuru” because he was Nzou, my late mother being Ndlovu. I will miss Doug on so many levels.

Doug and l joined the Wingate Golf Club at about the same time. We had lots of fun on the golf course. We would go on to take our shared passion for golf to many courses around the world. A round of golf takes quite a few hours to complete, and Doug was the best companion to share that time with. He had a great sense of humour. Not only did he have us all in stitches with his mischievous anecdotes, he would be reduced to tears as he laughed at his own funny stories. Like all the great conversationalists, many of Doug’s stories had a great shelf life. He retold some of them so many times over the past 30 years, yet their punchlines never lost their sting.

One of Doug’s favourite jokes was about my putting routine. He would demonstrate just how long I stood over the golf ball before putting – each time he would laugh uproariously. Another favourite of his was the day Muchadeyi Masunda had a complete sense of humour failure when I accidentally walked over his putting line. There was also the time when my caddy told me off for shanking my shot. What we didn’t know at the time was that my caddy had placed a bet on the game and had backed me to beat Doug. My caddy wasn’t just berating me for my weak shot but was actually upset because I had cost him money. Doug’s personality was so much larger than life that I cannot believe that we will never see or talk to him again. It is all so surreal.

More than a source of laughter, he was a pillar of support. When my mother died in July Doug flew down to Bulawayo to attend the funeral and mourn with us. He was one of the 30 people allowed to be at the graveside under the tight Covid protocols during the devastating third wave. He was that kind of friend who stood by his friends in good and bad times. He was generous and kind.

Our families had a tradition of Friday quality time that spilled over into the following day. Our last time together was for a dinner to celebrate Doug and Bindzile’s 30th wedding anniversary at Wombles in Harare. Time spent with Doug and Bindzile was intellectually stimulating and a nourishment to the soul.

He was consistent. The same values he lived by as a friend and a family man governed his business dealings. Doug was a hard worker, principled and professional – virtues that made him a positive role model to many young people. In Doug they saw somebody whose significant wealth could be traced to the hard work he had put in, and the tangible businesses he had built from the ground up.

As Managing Director of First Merchant Bank he was instrumental in the bank financing my acquisition of 100% control of ZimInd Publishers when my partners Clive Murphy and Clive Wilson disinvested. He also supported my acquisition of the Mail & Guardian in South Africa. He took a lot of flak in Zanu PF circles for supporting me.

I am angry. I am hurting. Doug elected to answer the call to serve his country and temporarily abandon his comfortable life. He did not need the job as the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly constituted Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA). What a thank you to a patriotic citizen. After this how many will answer the call to serve when the message is that the price for principled leadership is life itself.

As l write this Doug’s funeral has been postponed to allow for further investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. I hope that the investigation will be a thorough and impartial one, conducted by those committed to justice. I am aware that Doug faced resistance from those opposed to an ethical management style. In my conversations with him, Doug said he wasn’t afraid of those who wanted a corrupt ZIDA. When I said if they failed to compromise him, they would come for him, he responded “then they don’t know me Mzukuru” and dismissed the matter.

Doug did not deserve to die the way he did. From what we’ve garnered so far it appears as if Doug died a most horrific death. The circumstances of Doug’s death are disturbingly similar to those of General Solomon Mujuru. Difficult to understand like the death of Charles Kuwaza, former chair of the State Procurement board. Difficult to understand like the death of Edward Chindori-Chininga former Minister of Mines and Mining Development.

My prayer is that we get to know what actually happened to Doug early on the morning of Monday the 29th of November 2021, inside his penthouse in Harare. I am hoping that if Doug was murdered his death draws the line in the sand to this impunity. We must bring to an end the assassination and murder of citizens and the failure to investigate and bring to book the perpetrators of these barbaric crimes.

Bindzile and the boys have lost a loving husband and father. Many of us have lost a great friend while Zimbabwe has lost a patriot who was going to positively impact the future of this country through ZIDA. The circumstances of Doug’s death speak volumes about the society that we have become. The greatest tribute to Doug’s inspirational life is a speedy investigation of how he died. If his death was a hit, as l believe strongly, the culprits must be brought to book. That is our debt to this patriotic and selfless Zimbabwean.

Doug loved God. He attributed his success from very humble beginnings to the Grace of God. In his wife Bindzile he had a praying warrior. They raised their three amazing boys in the presence of God. His love for his wife and family was an inspiration. His legacy will be felt for a long time across not only Zimbabwe but also in South Africa, Botswana and indeed the whole continent.

You have done your bit Doug. Go well till we meet again. – READ THE FULL POST HERE

By A Correspondent- Civil servants are complaining after some church leaders reportedly ordered them to double their tithes in United States dollars.

Reports claim that controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi has instructed civil servants to double their tithes because they have received their bonuses.

“It’s very difficult for us because our pastors are now demanding tithes in forex, my friend also told me that his pastor wrote a letter to church members who work in government demanding tithes in forex,” said one Togarepi who claims to be a teacher.

Several sources claim Makomichi wrote the said letters to his congregants.

Makomichi is known of distributing love charms to slayqueens and “making people rich” through his controversial herb, though some Christians describe him as a fake prophet who uses secret powers to “move mountains.”

“It’s a lie, he never said that, contact him on +263777469342 , I can’t answer such lies,”fumed Tashiel, one of Makomichi’s personal assistants.

By A Correspondent- A 36 year old woman who is facing allegations of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy appeared in court this Wednesday facing aggravated indecent assault charges.

Rose Friday was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court when she appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi this Wednesday.

The State alleges that Friday forced the 12-year-old boy to have sexual intercourse with her without protection.

The court heard that the boy told his mother what happened leading to Friday’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Friday’s husband Kudakwashe Mugabe aged 27 is facing obstruction of justice charges after allegedly trying to force the boy to withdraw the charges by threatening to assault him.

The duo is expected back in court on the 28th of this month.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has challenged the ZRP to act in a professional manner.

Hon Biti urged police to arrest known Zanu PF hooligans who abducted and tortured Nyasha Zhambe to death.

According to Team Pachedu, one Chief Inspector Cames Myambo is refusing to arrest the ZANU-PF thugs who abducted, tortured and killed Nyasha Zhambe.

Writing on Twitter, Hon Biti denounced the brutal murder of Zhambe by Zanu PF agents.

“Nyasha Zhambe Mawere was brutally murdered by the regime’s thugs on 27 Nov.Regime did not arrest perpetrators but chose to arrest his brother. Impunity & selective application of the law have sunk to a new low under Emmerson Mnangagwa s regime .We demand justice for Nyasha .

Section 208 of Constitution makes it clear that neither Security Services nor any of their members may a)act in a partisan manner b)further interests of any political party or cause c) prejudice lawful interest of any party c)violate fundamental rights or freedoms of any person,” Hon Biti said.

He also described the Zanu PF regime as clueless and vacuous.

“Yet another hopeless , loony decision made by a desperate vacuous regime. We have always argued that decisions on highly technical matters must be left to science and science alone ,not sorcery or witchcraft.Closing borders is no solution but vaccines & more vaccines .#ZanuPFMustGo

We have always maintained that somewhere in Emmerson s office is a government department created to make citizens suffer.This is clearly the busiest unit of this regime.Fact is we deserve better , we can do better .

ZIMBABWE IS CLOSED: Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has just made an extraordinary decision that all visitors and returning residents will undergo – at own cost – a mandatory PCR test and quarantine at designated facilities for WHO recommended days (14 currently). Curfew 9PM to 6AM.”

Zambia has announced new additional measures that are aimed at curbing the transmission of the coronavirus in the Southern African country.

Below is a statement by Zambian authorities:

UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR STRENGTHENING SURVEILLANCE AT POINTS OF ENTRY (POE) (30/11/2021)

Zambia has so far had three distinct COVID-19 waves since the first cases were detected in March 2020. Each subsequent wave has had higher cases, mortality and duration compared to the preceding one. While the national incidence of COVID-19 is currently low, the risk of a new wave of COVID-19 remains high. Factors that would facilitate a rise in cases include: i) Low vaccination rates ii) poor compliance to public health and social measures such as masking iii) the emergence of new variants that may be more transmissible and cause more severe disease.

The new Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has been detected in various countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a “variant of concern”. Zambia is therefore seeking to strengthen surveillance at Points of Entry to minimise the risk of importation of this and other variants.

In line with WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (Africa CDC) guidelines, Zambia will not impose a travel ban on any country, however, the following guidelines will apply to all international travel:

1. Screening for COVIO-19 will continue at all Points of Entry including airports and land crossings:

i. Port Health officers will observe all arriving passengers to detect those with obvious signs of illness and subject them to further evaluation including testing if indicated.

ii. All arriving passengers will undergo temperature screening

iii. Port Health Officers will collect and review health declaration forms completed by all passengers and verify contact details.

2. All travelers entering Zambia will be required to provide evidence of a negative SARS COV2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for a sample collected within 72 hours of departure from the country of origin. Port Health Officers will determine the authenticity and validity of SARS COV2 negative certificates.

3. All travelers from countries that have reported the Omicron variant will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine for ten (10) days from the date of arrival;

a. Returning citizens, residents and permit-holders will be allowed to quarantine at home

b. Non-residents will be quarantined in designated centers at their own cost

4. Travelers departing from Zambia will be screened and must meet all COVID-19 testing requirements of the country of destination and/or transit. 

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has challenged the ZRP to act in a professional manner.

Hon Biti urged police to arrest known Zanu PF hooligans who abducted and tortured Nyasha Zhambe to death.

According to Team Pachedu, one Chief Inspector Cames Myambo is refusing to arrest the ZANU-PF thugs who abducted, tortured and killed Nyasha Zhambe.

Writing on Twitter, Hon Biti denounced the brutal murder of Zhambe by Zanu PF agents.

“Nyasha Zhambe Mawere was brutally murdered by the regime’s thugs on 27 Nov.Regime did not arrest perpetrators but chose to arrest his brother. Impunity & selective application of the law have sunk to a new low under Emmerson Mnangagwa s regime .We demand justice for Nyasha .

Section 208 of Constitution makes it clear that neither Security Services nor any of their members may a)act in a partisan manner b)further interests of any political party or cause c) prejudice lawful interest of any party c)violate fundamental rights or freedoms of any person,” Hon Biti said.

He also described the Zanu PF regime as clueless and vacuous.

“Yet another hopeless , loony decision made by a desperate vacuous regime. We have always argued that decisions on highly technical matters must be left to science and science alone ,not sorcery or witchcraft.Closing borders is no solution but vaccines & more vaccines .#ZanuPFMustGo

We have always maintained that somewhere in Emmerson s office is a government department created to make citizens suffer.This is clearly the busiest unit of this regime.Fact is we deserve better , we can do better .

ZIMBABWE IS CLOSED: Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has just made an extraordinary decision that all visitors and returning residents will undergo – at own cost – a mandatory PCR test and quarantine at designated facilities for WHO recommended days (14 currently). Curfew 9PM to 6AM.”

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo health officials say some pupils are resisting to be vaccinated in the ongoing vaccination programme targeting teenagers aged 16 and 17, a challenge blamed on parents and guardians’ vaccination hesitancy.

Government last month approved the vaccination of minors aged 16 years and above.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry last week launched the vaccination of teenagers aged between 16 and 17.

Bulawayo City Council health department is carrying out an outreach vaccination programme in schools.

Magwegwe High School in Magwegwe suburb; Sobukhazi High School in Mzilikazi suburb; Sikhulile High School in Lobengula and Mandwandwe High School in Nkulumane suburb are some of the schools vaccination teams have so taken the programme.

Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said the province made relative progress during the first week of the vaccination programme but some pupils are resisting the programme.

He said they intend to have vaccinated 10  000 pupils who are aged 16 and 17 when schools close on December 17, just two weeks away and so far, they have vaccinated 4 806 children.

Dr Siamuchembu said they have also taken advantage of the programme to vaccinate 1 523 children in schools who are 18 years old and above but are still in school.

“Our aim as a ministry is to achieve herd immunity by the end of this year.

By 31 December 2021 we want to have vaccinated 60 percent of the total population.

So, in Bulawayo we aim to have vaccinated 60 percent of the total of residents in the province.

We are aiming to vaccinate about 10 000 pupils who are eligible but we are getting resistance and refusals. So, this is part of the struggles that we are facing,” he said.

He said apathy among pupils is a reflection of how adults perceive the vaccination exercise.

Dr Siamuchembu said if more parents get vaccinated even their children will be eager to be vaccinated.

“For anyone below the age of 18, the greatest influence is the parent. So, the reasons why adults are reluctant to be vaccinated are the same reasons contributing to children not being vaccinated.

We started a vaccination programme many months ago but we have only vaccinated about 50 percent of the targeted population. People have various reasons for not wanting to be vaccinated,” said Dr Siamuchembu.

“Some are saying they are breastfeeding hence they are not eligible, others have doubts about the efficacy of the vaccine and others are afraid and they think the anti-Christ is in the vaccine. It’s the same reasons that these children are having because they are guided by their parents.”

He said it will be crucial for parents to encourage their children to get vaccinated for the country to achieve herd immunity.

In the Midlands province, the Provincial Medical Director Dr Mary Muchekeza appealed for more teenagers to get jabbed.

She urged more pupils as well as adults to consider receiving the vaccines in the wake of a surge in new infections in the province.

“A total of 19 114 within the age group of 16-17 vaccinated since 18 November against a target of 92 276.

This is a coverage of 21 percent. We are still encouraging all to embrace the vaccination programme,” said Dr Muchekeza.

She said there is a need for more teenagers to be vaccinated as learning institutions are recording new infections.
“We now have a lot of cases in the province.

The cases are basically everywhere now and everyone should be on their best behaviour in terms of observing Covid-19 prevention measures,” said Dr Muchekeza.

“We encourage all eligible people to get vaccinated, especially now with the 4th wave being in full swing. We cannot afford to let down our guard because some learning institutions have tested pupils for Covid-19 and are getting positive cases.

So, it’s everywhere now. The communities need to be aware of this.”

Meanwhile, a local private school in Gweru has been forced to prematurely end the third term after fears of a Covid-19 outbreak at the school.

Midlands Christian School (MCS) authorities say three of their day pupils in the infants’ section have tested positive to the virus prompting the decision to shut the school for day scholars.

“In the meantime, we feel it is prudent that as a school we take immediate action to control the situation by asking for all day scholar pupils, once they have been collected today (Wednesday) to stay at home until further notice,” reads a letter sent to parents by the school head.-statemedia

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube has directed local banks to pay civil servants their USD bonuses without charges. This comes after reports that some banks were paying in the local currency. Pindula News presents Ncube’s directive:

PAYMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS BONUS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

1. For the better part of the year 2021, Government has been seized with various initiatives to continue to stabilize the economy, contain inflationary pressures, and therefore restore the purchasing power of the local currency, with the primary goal being to increase the domestic and external competitiveness of the economy, save and preserve jobs and livelihoods and limit damage to the economy particularly in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Macro fiscal stabilization has been achieved largely through fiscal consolidation and the resultant attainment of both fiscal balance and stabilization of the current account.

3. Government is grateful for. and fully recognises the sacrifice and co-operation of all Zimbabweans in the effort to stabilise the economy, which is now on a firm foundation for growth.

4. To further consolidate gains made in reducing inflation from a peak rate of 875% in July 2020 to less than 55% currently, recognising the cyclical nature of annual price hikes whenever we approach the payment dates for Civil servants’ bonuses, the Government of Zimbabwe decided to pay the 2021 bonuses for all civil servants in foreign currency.

5. As of 30 November 2021, bonus payments in foreign currency have been effected for all civil servants and pensioners through their banks.

6. However, it has come to the attention of the Treasury that some banks are compulsorily liquidating civil servants bonus payments and thereby forcibly paying them in domestic currency.

7. In addition, banks have resorted to making arbitrary charges against the bonus payments with some taking significant portions of the wages in the form of bank charges.

8. Both above practices take away the intended benefits of the Bonus payments and we, therefore, wish to advise as follows: –

a. All civil servants should be allowed to withdraw their bonus payments in full in United States Dollars, subject only to existing daily cash withdrawal limits set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

b. Such bonus payment amounts are to be made in full without deduction or levy.

c. Government and banks will agree a structure for bank charges for these specific amounts which charges must be kept to a minimum.

9. In this regard, Government is appealing to the banks for their usual support and cooperation in ensuring that the payment of Civil Servants bonuses is implemented smoothly.

Minister of Finance and Economic Development

03 December 2021

By A Correspondent- Students and lecturers at Esigodini Agricultural College are now living in fear after a number of pythons were found on the college premises.

It is understood that the college which is about 40 kilometres away from Bulawayo has recorded several python sightings around their premises.

A few months ago one python was found in the pottery by one of the students who was carrying out their broiler project.

The python had swallowed nine chicks and hid under the grass. Then another python was found in the fields hunting for birds.

The vice-principal for Esigodini Agricultural College, Farai Gomo said there were many pythons because there was once a man who used to keep different types of snakes around the area.

Said Gomo:

When he left, he freed all the snakes and this is why some of the pythons have dominated the college.

I once found a black mamba in my compound and another python was found along the fence at the principal’s house.

He advised residents and everyone in general not to walk during the night especially if they know that their environment is dominated by snakes.

Gomo advised people not to walk at night especially in places where pythons and different types of snakes are dominant.

He also said they should not provoke pythons because they are not violent snakes.

Meanwhile, officials said officers from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management had collected some of the pythons at the college.

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga yesterday confirmed that the country had recorded its first case of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, raising fears of a hard lockdown in the coming few weeks.

Scientists fear that the variant is more contagious and vaccines may be less effective against it.

The announcement by Chiwenga comes at a time when the country has been recording a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent days, resulting in some schools closing early.

The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and Botswana.

It has now been reported in at least 24 countries, but this has not stopped a number of countries from imposing a travel ban on Zimbabwe alongside other southern African countries.

Chiwenga, who last week urged Zimbabweans not to panic over the new variant, confirmed that the country had recorded its first confirmed case.

“We are doing the genomic sequencing and we have already identified that we now have it (Omicron) in this country and, therefore, must remain vigilant,” Chiwengwa told young farmers in the capital yesterday.

“We want everyone to be safe, so let us be vaccinated and then let us follow the protocols. We don’t want to end up putting extra measures but if we follow these measures, I think every one of us will be safe and we will conquer this enemy.”

The announcement came a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa had reimposed level two lockdown measures that include mandatory quarantine for returning citizens and visitors upon entering the country.

A 9pm to 6am curfew is now in place, restaurants and supermarkets must close at 7pm, bars and nightclubs are only open to the vaccinated while burials will now be monitored by Health ministry environmental officials.

Government on Wednesday issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 267 of 2021 giving effect to the new regulations.

Zimbabwe has recorded over 135 000 cases and 4 707 fatalities since the southern African country was hit by COVID-19 in March last year.

On Friday last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the new variant B.1.1.529, also known as Omicron, a variant of concern.

Researchers around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron which is said to have many mutations.

South Africa had recorded about 11 500 new Omicron variant cases as of yesterday, up from 8 500 cases confirmed the previous day.

WHO has recommended, among other things, increased surveillance, particularly virus genome sequencing; focused research to understand the dangers posed by the variant; and ramping up mitigation measures, such as mandatory mask wearing.

Japan, Israel and a number of Western countries have already closed borders to foreigners, in particular from southern Africa.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said people who are not vaccinated will be excluded from nonessential stores, cultural and recreational venues.

According to WHO, COVID-19 has infected about 6,1 million people in Africa and claimed 152 113 lives.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF chairperson for Mazowe district, Amatola farm Alexander Makukula (58) has been dragged to Bindura magistrates court facing a rape charge.

Makukula has been accused of raping his 15-year-old maid and threatening her and her mother with death if she makes the matter public.

He appeared before magistrate Samantha Dhlamini on Monday and was granted a $5 000 bail.

The state-led by Edward Katsvairo alleged that sometime in July Makukula was at his farm in Mazowe with the maid after his wife had gone out.

She went to bath and Makukula followed her in the bathroom tipped her down covered her mouth with a cloth and raped her.

The politician threatened both the mother of the victim and the victim.

The victim was escorted to their ward councillor Edwin Chinotimba (ZANU PF) who subsequently escorted her to Mazowe police to file a police report leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Makukula is expected back in court on December 7 for trial.

By A Correspondent- The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has given health workers until December 31, 2021, to get vaccinated or stop showing up at work.  

The GHS director of health promotion, Dr Da-costa Aboagye said that unvaccinated health workers would not be permitted to their various workplaces if they do not take heed of the ultimatum.

They will only be allowed on to the hospital premises if they provide a negative PCR test result. Dr Aboagye said this was necessary to protect patients and staff from Covid-19.

This comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has allowed governments to impose mandatory COVID-19 vaccination as the world faces the threat of a new variant, Omicron.

WHO, however, warned that governments must exhaust all measures to encourage voluntary inoculation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health has launched a national Covid-19 vaccination month to afford people including health workers the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Dr Aboagye advised health workers to take advantage of the campaign and get vaccinated.

GHS has said that very soon the government might make the COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory to help the nation achieve its target of herd immunity by next year.

GHS director-general Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said mandatory vaccination was necessary to get the pandemic under control.-msn

By A Correspondent- Lupane State University (LSU) and Inyathi High School in Matabeleland North province have recorded six and 13 COVID-19 cases, respectively, prompting authorities to be on high alert as the country braces for a fourth wave of the killer disease after a more fatal variant, Omicron, was recently detected in neighbouring Botswana and South Africa.

LSU spokesperson Zwelithini Dlamini confirmed the development yesterday, saying: “I am advised by the acting dean of students that one case was confirmed positive last night.

“Contact-tracing was done as of this morning and, so far, six cases have been confirmed.

“Those six have been isolated on campus. Meanwhile, all students are being tested.

“Those that are coming for the examinations which start on Monday will all be tested on arrival on Sunday.”

“Personnel from the Health and Child Care ministry are on the ground at campus and the situation is under control,” Dlamini said.

LSU sources yesterday blamed the outbreak to failure by authorities to test students on admission to campus.

“The reason for the outbreak is that students were allowed to get into hostels without being tested for COVID-19 on November 21,” said the source.

Matabeleland North provincial medical director (PMD) Admire Kuretu said he was only aware of the outbreak at Inyathi High School.

“Inyathi High is the one that reported 13 cases, 11 learners and two staffers a day before yesterday. They have been isolated and contacts were screened.

“The Bubi district health team is assisting the rest of the school with enforcement of COVID-19 prevention protocols.”

Several private boarding schools in and around Harare have closed and sent students home after an alarming increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases at the learning institutions.

On Monday, 100 students at Masvingo Teachers’ College tested positive for the virus.

The rise in confirmed cases has resulted in panic in schools.

President Emmerson Mnangangwa on Monday re-imposed level 2 lockdown measures and ordered tight border controls to curb the spread of the killer virus.

By A Correspondent- Residents of Tshabalala suburb in Bulawayo have spent two weeks without electricity after cables were stolen.

Several suburbs in Bulawayo have of late experienced electricity blackouts due to cable theft.

Tshabalala residents allege that they spotted a Zimbabwe Electricity, Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC)-branded vehicle in the area during the night, before electricity went off.

They suspect that ZETDC employees were responsible for the cable theft.

“It was in the middle of the night, and I was on my way home when I approached a precast wall near my place.

“I heard some strange noise and I flashed my torch to see what was happening,” Danisa Ndlovu a Tshabalala resident told Southern Eye.

“I saw people cutting cables. I stood there for a while and when they saw me they ran away leaving the cables.”

Ndlovu said the suspects jumped into a ZETDC vehicle and drove off.

“We have spent more than a week now without power and the cables are still lying there,” said another resident, Nomusa Sibanda.

“This is posing a danger to our kids who like playing around that area. We are not sure whether the cables are live or not. Children like to experiment a lot,” Sibanda said.

Zesa Southern Region manager Lovemore Chinaka said: “I do not have a report implicating ZETDC workers on the matter.

“I actually wasn’t aware that Tshabalala residents have no power.

“I will find out about what is happening in that area.”-newsday

THE Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport says the country’s airports are operating without radar systems exposing the country’s security aviation systems.

During a post-budget consultative meeting with parastatals in the transport sector Thursday, committee chairperson Oscar Gorerino expressed grave concerns over the continuous change and cancellation of contracts to tender winners to install the radar systems.

Radar systems consist of traffic communication, which enables traffic controllers to communicate with pilots. The radars also improve surveillance of the civilian airspace.

“It is very dangerous to have a non-functional radar system for a nation. Why is it taking too long to be upgraded?” Gorerino asked Transport Ministry secretary Theodius Chinyanga.

“There is need for a change of strategy on the radar system. What is worrying is the continuous change of tender awards all the time without any progress on the ground.”

Gorerino advised Chinyanga to organise a meeting between the MPs and the Chinese company, China Harbour Equipment Company (CHEC), that was awarded the tender to upgrade the system.

“We want to have a meeting with the Chinese company that you contracted. We cannot continue to operate without a proper radar system. It is very dangerous in terms of security,” Gorerino told the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) executives.

CHEC was awarded the tender as a sole bidder through a restricted process that excluded bidders from the West.

Gorerino also raised concerns of mineral leakages adding it was important for Zimbabwe to have compatible radar systems that allows improved communication and monitor the illegal smuggling of minerals.

The Transport Ministry secretary told the committee, the Treasury had failed to avail $3,4 million CAAZ requested for the purchase and installation of a new radar system at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Private aircraft were reported to be sneaking in-and-out of Zimbabwe’s airports without detection due to poor surveillance.

Turning to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Gorerino raised concerns over the poor state of the rail system where trains are operating without GPS for communication and location purposes.

He said the NRZ locomotives were over 35 years yet their life span was for only 25 years.

“The National Railways of Zimbabwe system needs complete revamping. The infrastructure is obsolete,” said Gorerino.

However, the Transport Ministry secretary, Chinyanga told the committee, his ministry was satisfied with the financial support from the Treasury in the 2022 national budget.

The ministry’s bid for 2022 was for $82,2 Billion, and it was allocated $60 billion.

-Newzimbabwe

By A Correspondent- There was commotion at the Peoples Own Savings Bank (POSB) in Masvingo Thursday when war veterans and government pensioners staged a demonstration over delays to pay them their 13th cheque in hard currency.

Some war veterans and pensioners have been sleeping on pavements for the past three nights waiting for their bonuses while they spend the whole day in long winding queues.

The pensioners were irked after POSB employee in Masvingo told them they will have to convert their bonuses to local currency despite the government assuring them they will receive their money is US dollars.

One of the pensioners collapsed waiting to collect her bonus and an ambulance was called to rush her to the hospital.

Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com, Muchaneta Chimhere said she was forced to sleep outside the banking hall Wednesday night after she failed to get her money.

“I had no option but to sleep here because they didn’t manage to serve us and my grandchildren are alone in the rural areas. When I came here, I never expected that it’s going to be this tough to get what my husband worked for so many years,” she said.

Some pensioners said the bank officials were frustrating them and were serving them at a snail’s pace with few tellers attending to them.

However, POSB Masvingo branch manager Fungai Paguti, professed ignorance over the incidences adding the bank will proceed to make payments in hard currency.

“I didn’t see that when it happened, but I was outside at some point. We are going to give them their money in US dollars,” Paguti said.

Deputy Public Service Minister Lovemore Matuke told NewZimbabwe.com that the government official position regarding the payments had been communicated to the pensioners, but promised to look into the matter.

“I will have to check because as of now I don’t have any update from Masvingo. Everything was communicated to them about how they will get their money, but we have to verify first what is on the ground,” Matuke said.

-Byo24

By A Correspondent- Government has failed to adequately fund the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to conduct electoral activities, including pending March 2022 by-elections.

The was revealed by Zec deputy elections officer Jane Chigiji yesterday when she appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice to speak on the commission’s 2022 budget allocation.

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube allocated $11,6 billion to Zec against its $23 billion bid to conduct various electoral activities next year.

Zec is supposed to conduct a voter registration blitz, by-elections to fill vacant local government and parliamentary seats in March and a delimitation exercise – redrawing electoral boundaries ahead of the 2023 elections.

But Chigiji said the Zec allocation was too little to cater for the costly exercises.

“We had put up a bid of $23 billion for preparation for the 2022 by-elections. Only $11,6 billion was allocated to us, meaning that there is a huge shortfall,” Chigiji said.

“We intend to conduct a voter registration blitz by the end of 2021, but it has been moved to 2022 to pave way for the Registrar-General’s Office to be able to issue identity documents, which are key for voter registration.

“We have pending by elections, the proposed budget allocation is not adequate to support the policy, priorities and strategies. We hope that in the event of a supplementary budget following the midterm review statement, additional support will be availed to Zec.”

Election watchdogs such as the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn) have said inadequate funding of Zec is a threat to democracy as it impedes electoral processes.

Chigiji said other challenges affecting Zec include the need to fill vacant posts in the electoral body and a review of salaries of its employees.

“The commission again may fail to avail competitive conditions of service leading to mass resignations and failure to attack skilled manpower required for Zec to carry out its mandate and this will compromise the service delivery of the commission,” she said.

Political analysts said measly allocations to Zec show a lack of commitment on the part of government to conduct free and fair elections.

“The willingness of ensuring the independence of the commission should be evident in how the body is enabled through funding to carry out the requisite tasks such as voter registration and education,” political analyst Vivid Gwede said.

“So the funding just represents one of the many factors limiting the capacities of the commission.  However, funding Zec before it is reformed as an institution in terms of its independence would not help much,” he said.

On Wednesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa torched a storm when he said opposition parties and civic organisations have failed to explain what kind of electoral reforms they were demanding.

Mnangagwa said this while addressing the Zanu-PF 357th politburo meeting.

“This misplaced narrative that we need reforms, economic reforms, electoral reforms is misplaced.  No one has said what types of electoral reforms are required,” Mnangagwa said.

But MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said there was need to implement the Sadc guidelines on elections.

“We reiterate our call for the alignment of electoral laws to the Constitution. We also call for the earnest implementation of the Sadc guidelines and the full disbandment of the partisan and militarised Zec secretariat.

“In fact, the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa believes that our widely published #PRICE (Reliable, Inclusive and Credible Elections) campaign spells out all the reforms necessary for a free, fair and credible election,” Mahere said.

Mnangagwa’s government has been accused of lacking political will to implement reforms despite promises to do so.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The police are looking for one Yolanda Chimbwanda of Epworth in connection with the murder of her husband.

Said the police:

The ZRP is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Yolanda Chimbwanda (28) in connection with a murder case that occurred on 29/11/21 in Epworth, Harare. The suspect had a domestic dispute with her husband, Wiseman Kwashira.

Chimbwanda reportedly stabbed Kwashira on the upper left part of the ribs with a knife and fled to an unknown destination.

Kwashira was referred to Sally Mugabe hospital where he succumbed to the injuries on the 30th of November 2021.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has elevated First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa to a top Zanu-PF party post, a development which observers yesterday said could widen fissures within the ruling party apart.

Auxillia is the new Zanu-PF secretary for environment and tourism, a post previously occupied by former Public Service minister Priscah Mupfumira following Mnangagwa’s politburo reshuffle on Tuesday.

Auxillia was Mupfumira’s deputy all along having been appointed to the post by the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Mupfumira is currently battling a corruption charge in the courts involving US$90 000 National Social Security funds.

Early this year, Mnangagwa awarded Auxillia the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe gold medal for her “outstanding performance” in philanthropic activities, among 99 other outstanding institutions, civilians and gallant fighters of the liberation struggle.

Political analyst Fidelis Duri said her elevation was aimed at facilitating her political rise to consolidate Mnangagwa’s power base, copying from Mugabe’s template.

He argued that Auxillia was elevated during a politburo reshuffle announced on Wednesday to subdue Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, a leading contender in the behind-the-scenes battle to succeed Mnangagwa.

“This is purely history repeating itself. We have seen this before,” Duri said.

“We raised eyebrows when Mugabe appointed his wife Grace to key posts in the party before he sacked his deputy, now President. Mnangagwa is giving his wife an influential position. There is no doubt that the appointment was supported by Mnangagwa’s cronies who wanted him to remain in power so that they are rewarded somehow. The appointment points to the state of factionalism which has now become deep rooted in the ruling party.”

In 2014, Grace was given a doctorate in sociology by the University of Zimbabwe just two months after registering at the institution.

Once a quiet figure known for her shopping and charity work, she became more high-profile in Zanu-PF as the head of the women’s league and was instrumental in the ousting of several potential successors to her husband.

Another political analyst Rashweat Mukundu concurred, saying the politburo reshuffle and new appointments were aimed at disrupting plots by his rivals within the party.

“There is no doubt that the latest politburo moves by Mnangagwa are partly intended to disrupt his rivals in the party and also consolidate power by bringing in those close to him. Roping in the wife who we have no history in terms of her ranking in the party is a clear indication of a man wanting sympathy and support, and seeking to neutralise his opponents. This is akin to Mugabe’s last days as Mnangagwa is increasingly showing frustration with his failure to take a stronger grip of the party.

“As it was in the days of Mugabe, it looks like it will be the same in Mnangagwa’s days. Will he succeed where Mugabe failed? I doubt it. History is simply repeating itself because Mnangagwa has not sought to reform the party and country, but rather to implement the worst version of Mugabe’s power template.”

War veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa was appointed party spokesperson, taking over from the late national hero Simon Khaya Moyo.

Former minister Jonathan Moyo condemned Mutsvangwa’s appointment.

“#FamilyAffair. It is a husband and wife team handling information in government and Zanu-PF. And @edmnangagwa so!” he tweeted.

Political analyst Vivid Gwede said: “This is also a way of rewarding and returning Mutsvangwa from a political Siberia he had now seemed to be confined to. The other way of looking at it is that there is not much to write home about since there are many communicators within Zanu-PF at many levels.”

But Zanu-PF information director Tafadzwa Mugwadi said there was nothing amiss about the appointments.

“The appointing authority is an astute leader and he has no desire whatsoever to create a family dynasty and it should be noted with no ambiguity that Cde Mutsvangwa does not by any means belong to the Mnangagwa family. He is a deserving individual. Moyo was a cheerleader of the Mugabe dynasty and now he wants to make a comparison of the two.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported that a human skull was discovered at Rockridge Farm in Chegutu.

Said police in a statement:

On 30/11/21, ZRP Chegutu recorded a case of discovery of a human skull at Rockridge Farm. The skull was found at Muchenarota River while slightly covered in mud on the river bed.

A khaki trousers with a black belt, blue and white striped t-shirt, blue jersey and one black shoe were recovered while scattered a few metres from the skull. The clothes were searched and a Zimbabwean National Identity Card in the name of Jafeti White and a torn US$10 were recovered from the trousers’ pockets. Investigations are underway.

By A Correspondent- The South African government has officially issued a statement announcing that the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) will be terminated on 31 December 2021.

Current holders of this permit in South Africa will have a 12-month grace period to apply for a different visa type. 

If they do not gain a new visa within that period they will be deported. Immigration Directive No 10 of 2021 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs reads: 

ZIMBABWEAN EXEMPTION PERMIT HOLDERS (ZEP)

Cabinet decided to no longer issue extensions to Zimbabwean nationals who are holders of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), but a 12 (twelve) month grace period following the expiry of the current ZEP on 31 December 2021 within which these ZEP holders need to regularise their status within South Africa in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) (‘the Immigration Act”) and the Immigration Regulations, meaning 31 December 2022.

During the said 12 (twelve) month period, holders of the ZEP should apply for mainstream visas that they qualify for and ensure that their applications comply with the provisions and requirements of the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations. At the expiry of this 12 (twelve) month period, those who are not successful will have to leave South Africa or be deported.

Organisations: All Companies, Employers, Learning Institutes and Banks are to kindly note that applicants who are in possession of a ZEP expiring on 31 December 2021 must be allowed to continue with their services, provided they submit proof of application for a mainstream visa in terms of the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations. Proof of application must be a VFS receipt.

Travel Conditions: All applicants with a ZEP must be allowed to travel freely in and out of South Africa until 31 December 2022, when the 12 (twelve) month grace period ends, after which they will only be allowed to travel in and out of South Africa if in possession of a valid visa.

The contents of this Immigration Directive must please be brought to the attention of all officials concerned. 

This Immigration Directive follows Immigration Directive No 9 of 2021 which deals with: Declaration of Undesirability: Foreigners whose Visas/ Permits have expired.

By A Correspondent- Health professionals have expressed disgruntlement after some of them allegedly received their bonuses in local currency while other civil servants were struggling to access their 13th cheques at local banks yesterday.

There were long queues at several banks as frustrated civil servants struggled to withdraw their 13th cheque.

Civil servants have started receiving their 13th cheque in US dollars capped at US$700, with those earning above the limit set to receive the balance in local currency.

But the Health and Child Care ministry on Wednesday said there was an administrative blunder which resulted in health professional’s receiving theirs in local currency.

Health professionals were not amused by the slip-up.

A memo dated December 1, from the Health and Child Care ministry human resources director Edson Mundenda addressed to hospital chief executives confirmed the blunder, but blamed it on health professionals not having forex accounts.

“Please be advised that bonus payment for 2021 started with effect from November 30, 2021. However, it has been noted that some members did not have nostro accounts and their money was credited into their Zimdollar accounts or the money was still in suspense accounts,” Mundenda said.

“The members must verify with their banks so that the money will be transferred from Zimdollar accounts to nostro accounts or their nostro accounts be activated.”

The letter was addressed to the chief executive officers of Parirenyatwa, Mpilo, Sally Mugabe, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Ingutsheni and Chitungwiza hospitals and was copied to provincial medical directors.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) president Enock Dongo yesterday described the blunder as disheartening.

“We are not sure what is happening and the challenge is that the ministry is not willing to engage with health workers. We don’t have any information on how this is going to be rectified,” Dongo said.

“Government has played its part, but the component which is missing is that of engagement. The efforts of the government are being pulled down by the ministry and the Health Services Board (HSB). This is a big demotivator; there is a lot of disgruntlement among health workers,” he said.

Meanwhile, civil servants, who spoke to NewsDay, described the bonuses as paltry after being paid between US$140 to US$240.  Some banks were giving civil servants amounts ranging from US$50 to US$100 only while others failed, a survey by NewsDay revealed.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union president Obert Masaraure said: “The money has reflected in our accounts, but teachers are now battling to access it from banks where very long queues have resurfaced.

“Our banking sector should be functional and civil servants must not struggle to access their money. There are also ridiculous banking charges.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou added: “There is a whole lot of confusion over bonus. The majority of teachers have not received any message that the bonus is now in their respective bank accounts, and we are wondering what challenges could have been faced by their banks.

“A few teachers reportedly received their full bonuses of $254 yesterday. The erratic disbursement was causing unnecessary expenses to teachers, anxiety and worry to many of those that have not yet accessed their bonuses,” Zhou said.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general Japhet Moyo also confirmed the difficulties experienced in accessing the US dollars bonuses

“The situation on the ground indicates that the employer released some funds, but there are some civil servants who are facing difficulties. However, the delay might be with systems in various banks where some nostro accounts take time to reflect,” Moyo said.

Unions representing civil servants said government had shown that it had capacity to pay civil servants in foreign currency despite, but refusing to award them US dollar-based salaries.

Civil servants have been pushing for US dollar salaries, but the government has been pleading incapacity.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A police officer stationed at the Police Protection Unit was left clutching his car keys when he discovered that his Honda Fit car had been stolen.

The cop had parked the vehicle directly opposite his workplace at the Southampton building.

The officer, Assistant Inspector Tawedzengwa Runyare (40), parked his white Honda Fit at the centre parking and left all the windows and doors closed.

A source said Runyare then went to his office.

When he came back at around 1.50 pm on the same day, shock gripped him as he found that the vehicle was gone. Said a source close to the incident:

He looked around thinking that maybe he would see it but to his utter shock, it had been stolen. He then dashed to Bulawayo Central Police Station and reported the matter.

The source added that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) vehicle theft squad (VTS) attended the scene but they have not yet gathered any information that may point to the recovery of the car. -HMetro

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance supporters have managed to mobilise US$109 towards buying an armoured car for opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The supporters want US$120K for the car.

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 11 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 that violence will intensify during the 2023 elections is 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. 

_Online

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Chirumhanzu South legislator Barbara Rwodzi as Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Chirumhanzu is in the Midlands province, where Mnangagwa also comes from.

In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said the appointment is with immediate effect.
“In terms of section 104 (1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment No. 20 of 2013, His Excellency the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Hon Barbara Rwodzi, MP of Chirumhanzu in the Midlands Province as Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry,” he said.
-Herald

By A Correspondent- Mike Bimha was Wednesday appointed to the Zanu PF political commissar position by the party’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Bimha takes the party’s hottest and most controversial position, which Victor Matemandanda, early this year, left when he joined the diplomatic mission.

The former industry minister, who is brother to the former first lady Grace Mugabe, was the Zanu PF’s acting spokesperson until the Wednesday appointment.

Grace and Bimha both hail from the same Mashonaland East province.

By A Correspondent- As of Thursday 02 December 2021, just over US$109 000 had 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 11 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 that violence will intensify during the 2023 elections is 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. 

_Online

By A Correspondent- United States President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr Anthony Fauci has said the US is “struggling” with a decision to ban flights from countries with no declared Omicron variant like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Namibia.

The US imposed a blanket travel ban on some of the countries in the Southern African region after South Africa announced on the 25th of November that it had detected a new coronavirus variant that would be named Omicron.

Responding to a question during a press conference, Fauci said he hoped that “this gets sorted out and lifted before it has any significant impact on your country.” 

Many countries have already slammed their borders shut to southern Africa, with Australia banning travellers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi.

The bans have also been strongly condemned by the World Health Organisation which said it was unnecessary. 

The US has since recorded the first cases of the new coronavirus variant.

-Online