By A Correspondent- The situation on the Zimbabwean side of the Beitbridge Border Post is back to normal after days of chaos caused by upgrades at the country’s busiest port of entry.

Truck drivers were spending up to 10 days in snaking queues at the border after Zimbabwe introduced new toll fees pegged in foreign currency.

Traffic was also slowed down by construction works amid fears the chaos would see transporters opting for more convenient routes, prejudicing Beitbridge.

ZimBorders spokesman François Diedrechsen said insignificant short-term movement in commercial from Beitbridge to Kazungula and other routes was observed during the crisis.

“While there may be some short-term movement from one border crossing to another, we believe our improved processes and crossing speed resulted in time and money savings to our clients,” Diedrechsen said in an interview.

“We have received comments from various transporter groups where they made comparisons pointing out that some had sent trucks in both directions at the same time.

“Those going through Beitbridge had fast turnaround time than the alternative routes.”

ZimBorders Consortium is undertaking the US$300 million Beitbridge’s modernisation project that will see new terminal buildings being constructed.

A fortnight ago, South Africa expressed frustration at the congestion and delays at the Beitbridge Border post with that country’s Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi piling blame on Zimbabwean authorities.

Truckers were spending several days at the border owing to attendant delays resulting from recently introduced processing procedures by Zimbabwean authorities, Motsoaledi said.

He described the new measures by Zimbabwean authorities such as demanding United States dollar toll fees in cash without engaging their South African counterparts as a mockery to African Union agreements on free trade.

The toll fees are pegged at US$200 and $340 for small trucks and abnormal trucks respectively.-standard

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened to descend heavily on party members engaged in violence as Zanu-PF continues to burn amid reports that the party’s restructuring exercise has divided membership.

The restructuring exercise has led to violence erupting with elections for new district structures failing to take off due to infighting.

Addressing a Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting ahead of the 19th National People’s Conference in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the restructuring exercise should serve as a springboard for strengthening party structures.

“I want to reiterate that we are a united, disciplined and peaceful party. Violence, political chicanery and divisive elements have no place in our colossal party.

“Under the Second Republic, we will scale up programmes that enhance dialogue, social cohesion and national unity. We are indeed diverse but one people,” he said.

Battles to control Zanu-PF structures have been raging across Zimbabwe with the ruling party leadership struggling to complete the formation of district structures ahead of the conference.

Several district elections failed to take off while violence has erupted in some provinces in the weeks ahead of the ruling party’s first-ever hybrid conference in the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The party itself has not been spared from the pandemic, which has claimed lives of its leaders including Cabinet ministers. The annual gathering will also be held at 10 different venues across Zimbabwe.

Politburo members will be at the main venue in Bindura with other members following proceedings virtually, between October 25 and 31, with all delegates expected to produce Covid-19 vaccination cards.

However, it is the raging battles that have engulfed Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF amid reports that besides the scuffles reported in provinces, the fissures go straight up to the Presidium.

Mnangagwa acknowledged the chaotic situation in the revolutionary party threatening to descend heavily on unruly members violating the constitution.

The party has recorded turmoil in the host province, Mashonaland Central. Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Harare, Masvingo and the Midlands provinces have also been rocked by the factional fighting.

Party sources told the Zimbabwe Independent early this week that while the house was burning those battling to control the structures have also aligned themselves to, either, Mnangagwa or his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.

According to sources, battles in Zanu-PF start at the district committee level where leaders fight for control of the districts whose members make up the provincial committee and structures.

Zanu-PF structures start with a cell of 50 members with 10 cells making a branch and this would now have 500 people or members.

“The district will coordinate all these structures. The district will have 40 members from the Main Wing, 40 from the Women’s League and 40 from the Youth League, meaning it has 120 members. The district structure has a direct link to the members in the cells and branches,” the sources revealed.

However, the restructuring exercise has divided the party with President Mnangagwa acknowledging the challenges facing his party.

-TheIndependent

By A Correspondent- Eight prophets have drowned in bid to retrieve a “Holy Stick” in Mazowe River.

The, eight “prophets” from Vadzidzi VaJeso apostolic sect drowned yesterday ( Saturday) in in Rushinga while competing to retrieve a “holy stick” in deep water during a ritual to select a Baptist.

More details follow.

CHIEFS’ Council president Fortune Charumbira yesterday openly defied the national Constitution which forbids traditional leaders from dabbling in partisan party politics after he publicly declared that chiefs were the owners of the ruling Zanu PF party.

Addressing delegates at the party’s annual conference in Bindura, Charumbira, who was once taken to court for urging chiefs to support Zanu PF, said “we come as owners of the party”.

“On behalf of all chiefs and headmen, I want to say, we are together with Zanu PF,” Charmubira said.

“We got invited through a letter and that letter showed who we are. We were invited as delegates, but if you go to the start, we are the owners of Zanu PF.”

Chapter 15.2 of the Constitution forbids traditional leaders from being members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.

“We come as owners of the party, the reason for the existence of Zanu PF is all about traditional leadership, and it is about injustice,” Charumbira said.

“This party is ours, which is the truth. War veterans, you fought the war, you are shareholders, but we are the owners, and others are members, which is the truth.”

Traditional leaders have often been accused of forcing their subjects to support Zanu PF during elections to the extent of threatening to take away their land for supporting the opposition, or denying them government-sourced food aid.

A fortnight ago, Zanu PF supporters in Charumbira’s village in Masvingo attacked MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s convoy during the opposition leader’s tour of the province.

Charumbira yesterday pleaded with delegates at the Zanu PF conference to uphold peace, saying the ongoing internecine fights in the ruling party were a sad reminder of the late former President Robert Mugabe’s era of violence and intolerance.

He played down the alleged power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, saying the alleged fallout was a creation of ambitious party members angling to land key positions leveraging on their proximity to the two leaders. – NewsDay

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested Maxwell Guvava, a police officer, for telling ZANU PF supporters that “Nyika Yaora” [the country is now rotten].

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) who are representing Guvava said their client was released from custody after paying a ZWL$5 000 bail. Said ZLHR in an update on the matter:

In Zim, authorities step up onslaught against dissent as they arrest detain& charge Maxwell Guvava, a police officer with insulting or undermining authority of President Mnangagwa by telling some ZANU PF party supporters that “nyika yaora” (Zim is a rotten country) & questioning his capability to solve the country’s economic crisis. Guvava is represented by Godfrey Mupanga of @ZLHRLawyers

Our lawyer Dr Godfrey Mupanga got Maxwell Guvava, a police officer, released from custody on ZWL5 000 bail after he was arrested Thursday for allegedly insulting/undermining authority of President Mnangagwa by telling some ZANU PF party supporters that he is incapable of solving

Zimbabwe’s economic crisis. Guvava has been ordered to report at a police station once every week as part of his bail conditions.

Guvava’s arrest comes barely weeks after another police officer was arrested for singing along to Blessing Shumba’s song “Munyu Hauchavava” [The salt is no longer tasty/sour].- Pindula News

By A Correspondent- A self-proclaimed prophetess has been arrested after he allegedly gave a teenage girl muti to terminate her pregnancy causing her to bleed excessively from her private parts.

The 17-year-old pregnant teenage girl from Magombo compound in umguza district approached the self-proclaimed prophetess, Caroline Ndlela (25), who gave her a concoction which she drank.

After taking the concoction, the teenager suffered stomach complications and bled excessively, said a source. The teenager felt intense pain in her stomach and private parts as blood oozed out. She had to frequent the toilet and left blood stains and that sold her out.

A family member reported the matter to the village head of the area, Enita Ngwenya.
Ngwenya confirmed the incident : “I received such a report and the matter is being handled by the police.”

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and urged such offenders to seek help from health institutions rather than to seek help from bogus prophets or traditional healers.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu-PF juggernaut rolled into the small mining town of Bindura as the party’s politburo and senior government officials arrived in their chauffeur-driven luxury cars to attend the 19th annual conference.

President  Emmerson Mnangagwa and his two lieutenants, Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi flew in on two helicopters.

It was the top of the range SUVs and other all-terrain vehicles that caught the eyes of the people of Bindura.

Politburo members, cabinet ministers and other senior party and government officials chose to attend the conference from Harare, hence the influx of the wide variety of vehicles that rolled into the mining town.

However, with proceedings going on at the Bindura University of Science Education, the ordinary people chose to go on with their business as usual, indicating that the sideshow was an unnecessary distraction as they decided to seek the elusive money with poverty levels quite high in the province.

Mashonaland Central remains one of the poorest provinces in Zimbabwe despite being home to large deposits of gold, nickel and chrome, among other minerals.

In interviews around the town, residents said the Zanu-PF conference was for the top officials who were not worried about looking for money while the people were struggling to make ends meet.

“We have to earn a living and the good thing is that they have limited the numbers because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but all the same that is a meeting for the rich and famous so we would rather be working as usual,” a vendor Anesu Chanetsa said.

A foreign currency dealer at one leading retail shop expressed ignorance of the proceedings at the annual conference, adding that the roadshow had nothing to do with the ordinary people.

“We do not gain anything from that meeting and all the same these chefs are not even staying here and have chosen to drive themselves in their luxury cars from Harare,” he said.

Cecilia Kudzwayi, an informal trader, said the levels of poverty in the province was very high, calling on the leaders, both in government and the ruling party to consider the plight of the ordinary folks.

“People are struggling even to afford a single decent meal on a day and our leaders should meet the people to understand their plight before they hold these conferences while enjoying themselves,” she said.

Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga highlighted the challenges faced by people in the province.

The province does not have even a provincial hospital.

Two of the districts in Mashonaland Central, Mbire and Muzarabani, do not have government hospitals, according to Mavhunga.

Provincial chairman, Kazembe Kazembe also highlighted challenges associated with unequal distribution of resources, saying there were fights among youths on the various mines in the province.-standard

By A Correspondent- Precabe farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe was struck by fire which emerged from lightning   resulting in 13 hectares of wheat burnt to ashes, yesterday.

Issabelo Jamupamanda (45) who was at the farm witnessed the incident. He said:

“I was doing my routine duties when it started raining. There was a strong wind and lightning struck electricity lines before the fire started.”

Jamupamanda mobilised a team to put off the fire. They however failed to contain it.

The matter was reported under RRB 4903658.

By A Correspondent- Cabinet this week announced that the number of new Covid-19 infections among learners in schools continues to decrease.

The travel of boarders during the term exeat, as well as general non-compliance with standard operating procedures for the prevention and management of Covid-19 and other influenza-like illnesses, has contributed to outbreaks in schools.

“It has been observed that some private schools are not fully observing the provisions of the Education Act as evidenced by the continued practice of allowing parents to withdraw boarders from school for exeat weekend or for half-term school breaks during the pandemic, and that enforcement of the Public Health Act on such unsanctioned movement of learners during the pandemic will be evoked and strengthened,” the post-cabinet briefing reads.

As at 25 October 2021, the country’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 132 688 with 127 433 recoveries and 4673 deaths.

The recovery rate was 96% with 582 active cases reported. A total of 303 cases were reported as compared to the 572 the previous week, showing a 47% decrease in cases.

“This is an indication that the national response efforts continue to bear positive results in containing the pandemic,” the briefing reads.

Regarding the national vaccination programme, as at 22 October 2021, a total of 3 275 033 first doses had been administered, while 2 545 717 people had received their second dose.

“Cabinet also noted the need to ramp up vaccination to attain the national herd immunity by year-end as targeted.

“To this end, a programme of activities and schedule is being compiled in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

“The government urges all citizens and urges all citizens who are yet to be inoculated to present themselves for vaccination,” the briefing reads.

Previously, schools in the Midlands battled Covid-19 infections after an outbreak in Mberengwa district, which sent students and parents into panic mode.

The government intervened and carried out Covid-19 tests at the affected schools, including Masase, Mnene, Chegato and Musume, before isolating pupils who tested positive.

-Independent

By A Correspondent- Truant Form Two female pupils allegedly sneaked out and went on a drinking binge in the company of male partners from the community in a juvenile delinquency case that rocked St Patrick’s High School in Nyanyadzi recently.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba, confirmed that the Chimanimani District Schools Inspector was told by the school authorities that “nothing like that even happened at the school”.

“I have just talked to the DSI, and he says the authorities at the school say there is nothing like that,” said Mr Shumba.

However, School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Mr Canaan Matiashe, confirmed the incident.

“We are worried as the SDC that the standards of discipline are deteriorating at St Patrick’s High School. The authorities at the school are not even engaging the SDC on how best we can assist each other on pupils’ disciplinary issues.

“The incident you are talking about happened on October 6. It is a public secret around Nyanyadzi as the pupils in question were seen partying with male companions from the community.

“A lot is happening at the school without any checks and balances,” said Mr Matiashe.

Sources told this newspaper that the trio — two boarders and a day-learner — all in Form Two, allegedly paid a security staff member at the school to find their way out of the school.

That the pupils are no longer at the school has left many around Nyanyadzi assuming that they were expelled without any legal interventions to allegations of se_xual abuse believed to have been committed when the young girls sneaked out.

Mr Shumba said: “What normally happens, according to Education Policy 35, is that if a child is involved in any form of mischief, he or she is suspended for two weeks pending investigations into the matter at hand. The parents or guardians are brought into the picture. You do not expel a child just like that.”

The school chaplain, Father Eugene Okere, refused to discuss the matter with this reporter on Wednesday afternoon.

“Every institution has rules that it follows. The same applies to us here at St Patrick’s Mission. Go back to your sources, and get the correct information, and then call the education secretary who is there in Mutare. You can even walk from your offices to the Cathedral, you can find him there,” he said.

When contacted for comment, Roman Catholic Church Mutare Diocese’s education secretary, Mr Lawrence Chibvuri, who initially was not aware of the matter before reaching out to Father Okere on Wednesday afternoon, said: “I managed to talk to our official on the ground after you made that inquiry. He said he had been trying to call me after you (this reporter) had phoned him.

“He confirmed that the incident happened, and they advised the parents of the involved children to find alternative schools for their children because it would be difficult for the three children to continue at St Patrick’s.

“It appears the removal of the pupils was after mutual consent by parents and the school authorities. I will have to go there and be on the ground to carry out my own investigations. That is when I can give a comprehensive comment. What I have given you is only based on what the chaplain told me over the phone this afternoon after you had made an inquiry into the matter.”-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- A Waterfalls woman who alleged swindled £134 977 and US$70 000 from Jairosi Jiri Association is facing civil imprisonment.

Lynette Shumba, who was ordered to reinstate the association last year, has failed to do so and has been dragged to court by her former bosses, the Trustees of the Geoffrey Jekyll Trust.

Shumba was found guilty of the fraud after she authored four letters requesting Jairos Jiri’s offshore investment administrator, FIM Capital Limited, to deposit the money into her relatives Suwisai Musundire South Africa bank account.

Now the trustees are seeking her imprisonment for failing to honor the judgment.

“You Lynette Shumba are called upon to pay the sum £134 977, 92 and US$70 000 together with interest thereon at the rate of five percent per annum calculated from the 28th June 2018 to the date of payment.

“You are required to pay this amount by virtue of a judgment obtained against in the High Court on June 4, 2020, under which you were ordered to pay 134 977 and US$70 000 together with interest thereon at the rate of 12 percent per annum from June 28, 2018, to date of payment in full,” reads the summons.

During the commission of the offence, Shumba forged her boss Lainah Banda and Peter Lloyd signatures fully aware that the two trustees were eligible to give directions to the bank.

She then directed the UK based financial institution to transfer £21 516, 67 and £63 461, 25 to Musundure’s SA bank account in December 2017 while claiming that the relative has been appointed a trustee.

The court heard that she forwarded the copies of the memorandum via Banda’s email address to Mary Tait of FIM Capital without the authority of the two trustees.

Acting on the misrepresentation, FIM Capital deposited £21 516, 67 and £63 461, 25 to Musundure’s bank account.

Again, under the same false pretense, FIM Capital, transferred £50 000 on April 23, 2018, and another USD70 000 on June 28, 2018, to Musundure’s account.

Shumba then collected the money from Musundure’s bank account and converted it to her own use.

The decision is still pending.-Mirror

By A Correspondent- Nudity scandal has once again rocked the camp of the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageantry. Another beauty queen has found herself in the midst of a nude scandal after her nudes were leaked on social media.

21-year-old model Chipo Mandiudza who was controversially crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) 2021 on Tuesday has been dethroned just two days after reigning as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe.

After her nude pictures were leaked, Chipo immediately sent in her resignation letter to the organizers of the MTZ after the organizers allegedly pressured her to relinquish the crown to protect the image of the pageant. She wrote;

“It is with humility and regret that I step down and cede my reign as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2021. The past two days have been both a win and a lesson for me.

I thank you for the honour that had been bestowed upon me but I am stepping down because of bad publicity that I feel will further hinder both the MYZ brand and mine, therefore I apologise to the organisers and Zimbabwe at large, for the inconvenience caused. As I step down, I will continue focusing on my studies as a marketing management student and my modelling career.”

Speaking during an interview, following Chipo’s dethronement, the MTZ chairperson and former top model, Sibusisiwe Dube told Sunday News that Chipo did the honourable thing to relinquish the title.

“After her pictures emerged, there was no need for me to really comment further because she made our job easier as she stepped down on her own. Miss Tourism Zimbabwe remains a pageant that respects humankind and we cannot be associated with some of the things that can damage our brand.

“As you know that it’s an ongoing pageant and we would want to keep crowning people who come from different backgrounds, especially those from Christian background, and all so it’s unfortunate that we had to let her go,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chipo’s reign as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe was marred with controversy as the organizers  crowned Chipo as queen without holding a contest.

This comes after the search for MTZ queen was cancelled in 2019 when some of the 19 finalists got injured in a road accident in Vumba on their way to Eden Lodge for a boot camp.

Chipo was set to represent Zimbabwe in the Miss Tourism International that will be held virtually on December 15.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance is developing a new candidate selection template to use in candidate selection for the 2023 harmonised elections and beyond.

The party’s deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba yesterday told The Standard that if the template is adopted, the MDC Alliance will choose its 2023 contenders outside its structures in consultation with community members.

He said the party will select its council and parliamentary candidates in 2022, a year before the next elections to give the contenders ample campaign time. Said Siziba:

We are basically strengthening the deployment of candidates because the key objective to be achieved by this template is to make sure that we deploy people that are committed to serving and wanted by the grassroots and community leaders outside our party structures.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the template, which is being crafted by the MDC Alliance elections directorate led by Ian Makone, is being frowned upon by mostly sitting legislators, councillors and other top officials who fear being side-lined once the proposal is adopted.

This comes after opposition voters have raised concern over some sitting legislators and councillors’ lack of visibility in their constituencies.

Analysts have warned the MDC Alliance that it risked alienating the party from its grassroots support base if it adopted an “elitist template”. Analyst Effie Ncube said:

It may have the unintended consequences of derailing the party from its goal of securing the seat of government because those you consider to be the least educated and the unemployed for example are the most enthusiastic of the support base of the MDC.

It creates an elitist approach to politics, something that is completely unwarranted.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- The former first lady Grace Mugabe’s G-40 Zanu Pf faction is hunting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party.

The party said the term G40 was being abused in the party’s factional fights and restructuring exercise, with losers resorting to accusing victors of being aligned to the group to block them from taking leadership positions.

G40 was a Zanu PF faction that had links with the late former president Robert Mugabe, which in 2017 pushed then vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of the party before he seized power with the help of the military.

Mike Bimha, the acting Zanu PF spokesperson, said the ruling party’s annual conference that ended in Bindura yesterday addressed the G40 fears.

“Our colleagues must accept defeat and stop calling others G40 as a way of fighting back,” Bimha told journalists in Bindura.

“The issue of G40 members was addressed long back and, therefore, we cannot continue to label those more successful than us G40 members and as the acting national political commissar Patrick Chinamasa put it, we must not give the devil what does not belong to him.”

G40 comprised of former first lady Grace Mugabe and ex-ministers such as Saviour Kasukuwere, Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao, and Walter Mzembi.

The majority of the faction’s members were hounded out of the country by the military and police.

By A Correspondent- Norton MP, Temba Mliswa on Friday confronted armed police officers who were harassing former liberation warfighters at the Harare Magistrates courts.

The war veterans had just been released on bail and were on their way to their respective homes.

Mliswa was at the court and had paid the bail deposits fr all the 39 war veterans. The war veterans were arrested for demonstrating against poor pension pay-outs.

Posting on his Twitter handle, Mliswa said he challenged the police officers to respect the war veterans they were harassing.

 Posted Mliswa:

Going out of the court I had to stop& admonish some 

@PoliceZimbabwe

 officers harrying and ordering the War Vets to run& get away from the area. They were heavy-handed. I told them you can’t do that, these are aged people, some are disabled, allow them to walk at their pace

Going out of the court I had to stop& admonish some @PoliceZimbabwe officers harrying and ordering the War Vets to run& get away from the area. They were heavy-handed. I told them you can't do that, these are aged people, some are disabled, allow them to walk at their pace. pic.twitter.com/BIvkZq8JiE

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) October 30, 2021

By A Correspondent-MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa’s driver has been arrested for allegedly forging a foreign number plate.

Mhaka Chishanga is the driver and was arrested last week in Makoni , Manicaland province.

He was arrested arrested for driving a Toyota Fortuner displaying Mercedes Benz registration plates.

Chishanga was granted $25 000 bail with reporting conditions by Rusape magistrate, Rufaro Mangwiro, who adjourned the matter to 4 November.
Prosecuting, Justice Masanganise, said Chishanga also had affixed another number plate on the windscreen, which belongs to Bestbake Foods. He said:
The accused person is employed by MDC Alliance as a driver and is a holder of a valid driver’s licence.
On October 21, Chishanga was driving a Toyota Fortuner, Registration Number AEC8562, and was arrested by police details who were manning a roadblock for failing to affix a rear number plate.
The motor vehicle was impounded and referred to Rusape Central Police Station.
While at the police station, an inspection was made on the accused person’s vehicle by the police, and it was observed that the third number plate AEC8562 was different from the affixed front number plate, ACO3818.

Further checks were made with the Central Vehicle Registry, which revealed that the affixed front number plate – ACO3018 – belonged to a Mercedes Benz, which was allocated to Nelson Chamisa whose given address was Number 2623, Kuwadzana, Harare.
The third number plate which was on the front windscreen, belongs to Bestbake Foods of Number 18, Spurn Road, Ardebeine, Waterfalls, Harare.

-State media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF 2023 Presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa said his party has already won the 2023 elections.

Mnangagwa said this was so because his party gained popularity over the past few years.

Addressing delegates at the just-ended party’s National People’s Conference in Bindura this Saturday, Mnangagwa said:
Our structures are vibrant with more active members, supporters and sympathizers. The organisational reach of our party must continue to widen, capturing the greater part of our nation. We are indeed winning our election before election date. Our expansive membership attests to the ever-growing faith, trust and allegiance, which the people have to the revolutionary party.

He added that Zanu PF “under the Second Republic has shown that it is the only party capable of delivering a better and more prosperous future for the people of our great country.”

By A Correspondent – Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa-Chiwenga, has exposed the power struggles between the former Army General and his Boss President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Marry posted on her tweeted account last week that Chiwenga does not take orders from Mnangagwa.

Marry posted.
It is most disturbing and disheartening as I write this piece of message, I write for the world to see, to know that the clock might be ticking for me, for those that wish to end my life, I have been followed, my cars have been burged, my parents are being followed, all those that have assisted me have been threatened, some beaten up and some dismissed from work.
I have not committed a sin against those that persecute me, this persecution can be in the line for an oscar nomination for best fiction. I want the world to know that if I die today, it is not the will of God but the will of the one with access to state human resource that can eliminate without hesitation and on the instruction.

They don’t hide themselves, they tell me the are “sorry”, his lawyer tells me that he is “sorry” and sends his wife to see me in my current home, to tell me that he has tried his best and “claims” that he has come underfire from his client because of wanting to reason with him, telling me that he is adamant and has become an animal.
If I am exterminated today, I want the world to know the truth, it is my prayer for God to review the truth and preserve my life. I have been denied access to my children that are minors for the last 2years and have also not spoken to them, children aged 10,9 and 7, I don’t know if they are still alive or if they are dead because all access has been blocked, I just hear from the grapevine that they were being sexually abused and verbally abused by the maid that was given custody of them, the same maid that has taken me to court, I am in pains and my health deteriorating because of the amount of torture that I am receiving from the other side.

I will not mention the things that are before the courts but the issue of my children was dismissed by the Supreme Court, I was given custody of my children by the High Court which is the custodian of all minor children in Zimbabwe according to our “Constitution” and was thrown out the door by the above, same Superior court dismissed Frank Buyanga’s appeal to denie his wife access to their minor son and ordered to bring him back.
I am have been dubbed a drug addict by the one that introduced them to me as he was taking them, is it possible for me to have been doing that with him just observing, who was administering, even those that work with him know that he is the biggest user of opioids including his deputy in the health department.
I have approached the current many times, he has done nothing and has completely ignored me, citing reasons that his subordinate does not take instructions from him, who is the boss now??? If E.D.M wanted to help me, he would have done so, a long time ago because he knows there is no grain of truth in all these fabrications, he has put me out in the open to be terminated, he promised vehicles, security, accommodation since I am being denied access to my homes and all my bullet proof vehicles taken from me, money and all but Absolutely Nothing..

His private doctor E.D.M even advised him 18months ago to send me outside the country for my hands to be operated and he completely ignored it, my own President can’t save me, ELIMINATION IS AT MY DOORSTEP. I AM SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM ALL THOSE THAT ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS TO BE GIVEN MY CHILDREN BEFORE I AM KILLED, DEAD OR ALIVE, I WANT THEM IN MY CUSTODY. I will write again if the opportunity arises, I thinking I am being persecuted for “operation restore legacy”, the truth will be revealed come rain and come thunder. God help me… I am suffering.
Her remarks come amid reports that Chiwenga leads a faction that is pushing for Mnangagwa’s ouster. The ruling party acknowledges that there are frictions within the party but denies that there is bad blood between Mnangagwa and his deputy.

Online

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance activists were Friday injured after Zanu PF supporters attempted to block opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from meeting villagers in Zvimba.

Chamisa was in Zvimba West, winding up his three-day bloody whirlwind “Meet The People Tour” of the province.

Among the injured was 75-year-old Morgan Machingura, who was seriously injured on the face.

MDC Alliance Mashonaland West province spokesperson, Blessing Mandava confirmed the incident.

He said: “Zanu PF has proved once again that it is a cult of blood-thirsty vampires who always seek to spill blood at every whim and turn.

“In a bid to shut out MDC Alliance president Chamisa from accessing former Zanu PF strongholds, they hired and bused militia to Zvimba West where our president was set to commiserate with the family of one of our staunch members who is unwell after losing his daughter, mother, and brother within a space of three weeks.”

Mandava said the rowdy Zanu PF youths barricaded roads leading to the MDC Alliance member’s house with rocks.

The assailants, he added, were bused in by one Leeroy Nyamukanga.

Lovemore Gumbochuma, a 2008 independent parliamentary candidate who is also a retired British Army soldier, allegedly sponsored the attackers.

Added Mandava: “The visibly intoxicated youths ganged up and attacked our members with stones and fired catapults without any provocation whatsoever.

“The militia stole a tent which had been pitched at the venue. They also destroyed the roof and eleven window panes of a four-roomed house, while four villagers who had also attended to pay their condolences were seriously injured.”

The same gang had earlier camped at Zuva Petroleum at Murombedzi business centre where they planned to waylay Chamisa’s motorcade.

The Zanu PF youths also allegedly abducted Zvimba South constituency MDC Alliance treasurer, Maria Wemba, assaulted and stripped her naked, before leaving her for dead.

She was reportedly rushed to hospital by some Good Samaritans.

“We would like to salute all our members who defended fellow member’s property, family, and elderly villagers from this marauding Zanu PF militia which was baying for blood,” said Mandava.

-Online

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF 2023 Presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that his party will win the 2023 elections.

Mnangagwa said that his party had gained popularity over the past few years.
He attributed the party’s growth and success to “its ability to accelerate the transformation of the socio-economic conditions of Zimbabweans.”
Addressing party members at the end of the his party’s National People’s Conference in Bindura this Saturday, Mnangagwa said:
Our structures are vibrant with more active members, supporters and sympathizers. The organisational reach of our party must continue to widen, capturing the greater part of our nation. We are indeed winning our election before election date. Our expansive membership attests to the ever-growing faith, trust and allegiance, which the people have to the revolutionary party.

He added that Zanu PF “under the Second Republic has shown that it is the only party capable of delivering a better and more prosperous future for the people of our great country.”

By A Correspondent- Norton MP, Temba Mliswa on Friday confronted armed police officers who were harassing former liberation warfighters at the Harare Magistrates courts.

The war veterans had just been released on bail and were on their way to their respective homes.

Mliswa was at the court and had paid the bail deposits fr all the 39 war veterans. The war veterans were arrested for demonstrating against poor pension pay-outs.

Posting on his Twitter handle, Mliswa said he challenged the police officers to respect the war veterans they were harassing.

 Posted Mliswa:

Going out of the court I had to stop& admonish some 

@PoliceZimbabwe

 officers harrying and ordering the War Vets to run& get away from the area. They were heavy-handed. I told them you can’t do that, these are aged people, some are disabled, allow them to walk at their pace

Going out of the court I had to stop& admonish some @PoliceZimbabwe officers harrying and ordering the War Vets to run& get away from the area. They were heavy-handed. I told them you can't do that, these are aged people, some are disabled, allow them to walk at their pace. pic.twitter.com/BIvkZq8JiE

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) October 30, 2021

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has violence will not stop the wave of change sweeping across the country.

Despite the violent attacks, President Chamisa took the vibrant community engagement programme to Mhondoro, Mubaira and Zvimba.

He held successful engagement meetings with community leaders in the areas.

“Great Communities and Leaders Interface meetings these past two days in Mhondoro,Mubaira, Ngezi,Chegutu,Neuso & Zvimba.

Pushing under tough conditions, violations, violence and intimidation but the job must be done.Change must just happen.The mood is electric.

A New Great Zimbabwe is loading..Thank u Mash West.Thank u Zimbabwe,” President Chamisa said in a statement.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe plans to splurge millions of United States dollars to procure about 1 000 brand new vehicles for the security services sector next year, to bolster their operations in a move that is likely to crowd out spending into critical social and infrastructure services.

The move, announced by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube during a pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls at the weekend, came amid growing concerns that the government has only been focusing on pacifying the army, police and other security sector departments at the expense of crucial interventions into social services like procuring drugs for the country’s undersupplied hospitals and learning materials for millions of pupils and students.

Urban sanitation infrastructure has collapsed due to Zimbabwe’s long-running economic crisis, as well as poor prioritisation by government and local authorities.

“I fully acknowledge the need to ensure that our security services are fully funded to enable them to effectively execute their mandate and reduce crime which is on the rise in communities as well as creating a conducive environment for development,” Ncube said in his speech to legislators in Victoria Falls.

“A programme towards procurement of operational vehicles is underway targeting 920 vehicles with additional ones targeted in 2022.

“Additionally, the government has embarked on upgrading and rehabilitation of infrastructure of the security sector whose implementation will be further enhanced in 2022, leveraging on their in-house expertise among other quick-win implementation modalities,” he added.

Zimbabwe’s security services sector has traditionally been pampered with pay rises and luxury vehicles for top securocrats ahead of crucial elections, which critics see as a strategy to help the ruling Zanu-PF maintain its stranglehold on power.

Analysts view Ncube’s move as a ploy to boost security service morale ahead of a key election in 2023, whose campaign has recently been gaining traction, with MDC Alliance president, Nelson Chamisa’s recent whirlwind tour of two provinces in the past week. But even outside elections, the government has always prioritised funding to security agencies during a time when key infrastructure including roads and dams, have been collapsing due to lack of funding.

In the past year, commuters have been hit by serious transport problems after the government banned commuter omnibus operators to contain the spread of Covid-19.

But the state-run Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco), which was expected to fill the gap left by the omnibus operators, is uncapacitated to serve increasing demand as more people migrate to urban areas.

Ncube said the government would be procuring more buses in 2022.

“Government is aware of the challenges faced by the commuting public as a result of inadequate transport services. Currently, the government has provided funding for delivery of 388 buses with additional procurement to augment the current capacity planned for 2022,” the Finance and Economic Development minister said.

There has been a push in Zimbabwe’s prebudget meetings for government to come up with an expenditure plan that leans towards growth stimulating capital projects, like roads and dams, in order to re-ignite waning consumer demand that has been precipitated by de-industrialisation, with firms winding down or shutting operations.

Zimbabwe has tried to make up for the industrial carnage by encouraging people to start small-scale enterprises, but with the financial system extremely cautious to lend to unregistered firms, millions who have entered the small-to-medium enterprises sector have found the going tough.

Ncube is committed to the introduction of turnover taxes as part of efforts to increase revenues. Intensification of the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax has also been listed as among the commitments to tax the informal sector going forward as the economy remains largely informal.

This adds to a presumptive tax regime, in place since January 2021, on unregistered professionals such as engineers, doctors, architects, lawyers and realtors, with a view to expand the tax base.

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga said at the pre-budget seminar that a tax on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages could be introduced.

Chiwenga proposed that beer drinkers and cigarette smokers be taxed more to enable the country to improve its dilapidated health system. Ncube has also committed to reintroducing student loans, promising to engage relevant stakeholders. He said the government would increase funding to support social welfare programmes targeting vulnerable groups, particularly, persons with disabilities and the elderly.-newshawks

Yvonne Musarurwa’s presence in Glasgow raises eyebrows…

Watch:

By A Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Midlands provincial elections pitting State Security minister Owen Mudha Ncube (pictured) and incumbent Daniel McKenzie Ncube has taken a new dimension, amid reports the former has chickened out to pave way for his ally, The NewsHawks can report.

Initially, Mudha Ncube had shown interest in challenging the current provincial chairperson Mackenzie Ncube as the battle for the control of the Midlands intensifies.

But in a sudden turn of events, Mudha Ncube has given a nod to former youth league leader Edison Chakanyuka to contest Mackenzie Ncube.

Mudha Ncube’s supporters have since redirected their campaign in support of Chakanyuka.

Key Mudha Ncube campaigner Philemon Safalan last week notified party members to support Chakanyuka, saying he was now the “key candidate for Midlands provincial chairperson post”.

“Cde Ncube has utilised all intelligence to pave the ground for Cde Chakanyuka and let us all support Cde Chiherenge Chakanyuka as he is now our provincial chairman candidate,” Safalan notified party members of a WhatsApp group dubbed “Endorsement of Mudha”.

Following his announcement there has been a spirited campaign for Chakanyuka, with one party member declaring that “Owen Mudha Ncube and Chakanyuka were one and the same thing”.

The ruling party cadres sympathetic to Mudha Ncube have also said Zvishavane Runde legislator Cuthbert Mpame should deputise Chakanyuka.

The bruising fight between the State Security boss and Mackenzie Ncube has been intensifying in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s backyard as the protagonists battle for the control of the province.

Contacted for comment on whether he was interested in the provincial chairperson’s post, Chakanyuka would neither confirm or deny his interests. “Please be patient (we) will talk (over the issue),” Chakanyuka told The NewsHawks.

But further probes by this publication showed Chakanyuka had already designed campaign material for dissemination via the socoal media group created by party members for Mudha Ncube, an indication that he has been given the greenlight to contest for the post.

Although Mackenzie Ncube has since taken a swipe at his adversaries for adopting “dirty tactics” in the pending party provincial elections, indications on the ground show a grand plan to oust him from his post.

“The Owen Ncube team are leaving no stone unturned as they move to consolidate their grip on the Midlands province,” a party insider said.

“Remember, Ncube is being backed by Moyo (July) (Local government minister) and they are fighting tooth and nail to make sure Mackenzie’s backers, including Joram Gumbo, are weakened in the Midlands province,” the source added.

Both protagonists however declare undying loyalty to Mnangagwa although events on the ground point to a vicious fight which may inflict political scars on both camps.

Sources within Zanu-PF told The NewsHawks that Mudha Ncube had intended to contest for the provincial chairmanship, but had since decided to field his trusted ally Chakanyuka.
They said the plan was to ensure that party members loyal to the State Security minister would redirect their support towards the group’s preferred candidate.

The Midlands Zanu-PF provincial elections have been nasty, with members embarking on a campaign to soil each other’s images as they fight for influential posts.

Efforts to contact Mudha Ncube were fruitless, with a source close to him saying he had adopted a “watch-and-see” approach.-newshawks

By A Correspondent- Police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga’s name has been dragged into an unlawful entry and theft case involving US$152 000 in cash and valuables, pitting prominent corporate executive Grace Muradzikwa and flamboyant socialite Luminitsa Kimberly Jemwa, amid fears of name-dropping and obstruction of the course of justice.

Those involved in the case say Muradzikwa has been using Matanga’s name to intimidate Jemwa, who is fighting with the corporate executive’s son Kundai, accused of unlawful entry into his family tenant – Jemwa’s home – and stealing US$32 000 in cash and valuables amounting to US$120 000.

According to court papers, early this month, Kundai Muradzikwa, son to Insurance and Pension Commission (Ipec) commissioner Grace Muradzikwa, who was Nicoz Diamond managing director, allegedly gained unlawful entry into their tenant, Jemwa’s house at N0. 4 Quinnington Road in Borrowdale Brooke, an upmarket housing estate in Harare’s northern suburbs, after forcing her maid to vacate the premises over delayed payment of rentals of US$1 700 per month.

Jemwa – who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa – had promised to pay the rent in cash upon her return to back to Harare, which she did.

However, before Jemwa’s return, Kundai had allegedly forced out her maid, seized the keys and gained illegal entry into the house and stole US$32 000, designer handbags and jewellery – personal ornaments such as necklaces, rings and bracelets – amounting to US$120 000.

After that, Kundai then called Jemwa, claiming her maid had stolen her goods and left without telling her. Jemwa, top local footballer Nyasha Mushekwi’s former wife, who is now a businesswoman, rushed back to Harare and found her money and valuables gone. In the company of relatives, she went for a surprise visit to her maid Musodzi Pafiwa’s home in Domboshava, only to find that there was nothing to suggest she had stolen money, as her home did not even have groceries. Jemwa then got both Kundai and her maid arrested, even though she had not found anything at her helper’s home.

The maid told Jemwa that Kundai had forced her out and took control of the house keys. It is alleged that once he got the keys, Kundai unlawfully entered Jemwa’s rented property and made off with US$32 000, four pairs of designer shoes for men, three pairs of designer shoes for women, bags and tracksuits, two diamond-encrusted Rolex wrist watches, as well as one pair of diamond earrings, among other things.

However, no sooner had Kundai been arrested than his mother Grace Muradzikwa, a prominent insurance industry executive, started allegedly interfering with police and investigating officers, saying she was well-connected, as she knew Matanga and had “immunity” from the law. She allegedly claimed her son also had “immunity”.

After the interference and intimidation directed at Jemwa and police, she allegedly got her son released from custody unlawfully, while the maid remained detained.

Police officers indicated they were unable to proceed because of Muradzikwa’s interference and name-dropping. Grace is married to veteran journalist and Zimbabwe Media Commissioner member Henry Muradzikwa. She claimed because she and her husband were commissioners, their son could not be arrested.

It is alleged that Grace even tried to stop police from taking her son to court, citing her claimed contacts with Matanga and other powerful people. There were even claims that the Office of the President and Cabinet was involved on her side.

But Kundai was taken to court and remanded to 15 November.

“The accused person, Kundai Muradzikwa, seized the keys from the maid and ordered the maid to vacate the premises because her boss had delayed paying rent by six days in the absence of the complainant and the accused person unlawfully entered the complainant’s home without her knowledge or approval and stole complainant’s money amounting to US$32 000 cash, two Rolex watches, gold and diamond jewellery, clothes and bags valued at US$152 000,” Nomatter Magaba, an investigating officer handling the case, wrote.

“Witness statement confirming that the accused person ordered the maid to vacate the place and handover the keys to him. Accused person was in possession of complainant’s household keys during the time in which the money was stolen and . . . the accused person entered the complaint’s bedroom where the money was and took photographs and sent to the complainant, saying you can check your maid might have stolen some items from you.

“The accused’s mother (Grace Muradzikwa) already interrupted the investigations by influencing the release of the accused person from the cells in the night well after the release time had passed. Since then, the accused’s mother prevented us from carrying searches at his place of residence and influenced by being released from police custody within 2 hours of detention.

“The accused persons are facing serious offences, which if convicted, will face a jail sentence and the state has a strong case against this accused person, since he is the only person who entered the complainant’s house and it is proved through investigation that the crime was carried out by the accused person, since there is no break-in which took place.”

Additional information also indicates that the dockets went missing, not once, but twice, due to interference by Muradzikwa, after she threatened to rope in Matanga. And the release of Kundai from police cells hours after the arrest remains a mystery after calls were allegedly made by Muradzikwa to higher offices.

Asked about her purported links to Matanga, interference or possible name-dropping, Grace Muradzikwa, who was attending a meeting at the time, decline to comment. “As you might be aware, I’m in a meeting and I don’t think I can comment because the matter is before the courts. You said which paper are you from?” she asked.

Matanga’s phone went unanswered. However, we sent him a WhatsApp message, seeking clarity on the issue, but did not get a reply at the time of writing.

Jemwa, who is back in Johannesburg for now, said she could not comment as the matter was still sub judice.-newshawks

By A Correspondent- Kershelmar Farm, commonly known as Esidakeni, should be teeming with ready-to-harvest tomatoes at this time of the year as it is every farmer’s wish to take a good crop to market.

A gaze through the farm in Nyamandlovu, northwest of Bulawayo, which is at the centre of a politically-driven ownership wrangle, paints a different picture. The crops are stunted, there are barren fields of parched browns and pallid yellows – clear signs of a wilting crop.

The situation on the farm, known for producing export-grade tomatoes, is now on a slippery slope, thanks to manoeuvres by state and government officials such as Central Intelligence Organisation deputy director Gatsha Mazithulela, says Esidakeni co-owner Siphosami Malunga, son of the late nationalist Sydney.

“It’s completely destroyed,” Malunga bemoaned on Monday.

Malunga co-owns the highly contested farm with businessman Charles Moyo and Zephania Dlamini, a scientist working at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).

The farm has been the subject of a court wrangle between Moyo, Dlamini and Malunga on one side and Lands minister Anxious Masuka, Mazithulela, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo on the other hand.

It all began in December 2020 when Masuka issued a notice saying the 553-hectare farm is being compulsorily acquired under section 72(2) of the country’s constitution for redistribution.

Nust lecturer and businessman Dumisani Madzivanyati and senior CIO officer Reason Mpofu later emerged waving offer letters to occupy 50 hectares apiece at Esidakeni Farm.

On 11 October, High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese issued an order evicting Madzivanyati from the farm after the trio approached the courts seeking a spoliation order directing the latter and others to stop interfering with their farm operations.

“The respondent and all persons claiming ownership through him shall remove or cause the removal of themselves and all such persons within 24 hours from the date of this order from the farm situated in the district of Nyamandlovu, being subdivision A of sub-division B of Umguza, measuring 195 8095ha, and collectively known as Esidakeni Farm,” Makonese ruled.

Madzivanyati was also ordered to restore all farm equipment, including irrigation pipes, to the applicants within 24 hours, failure of which the Sheriff would be ordered to evict him.

However, a day later, Madzivanyati approached the Supreme Court, challenging the outcome of the lower court. The matter has not been set down for a hearing.

For Malunga, it is a little too late as the planted tomato crop wilted due to a lack of water as the ownership wrangle and disruptions continue.

“The plan to sabotage and cause maximum damage worked. This is our erstwhile beautiful tomato crop at Esidakeni following sustained water interruptions, diversions and disruptions by Dumisani Madzivanyati (a holder of an offer letter for our farm). This person is not a farmer,” Malunga posted on Facebook.

“He was clearly sent by his comrades whom we have named in court to sabotage and financially cripple us. We will sue him for everything he owns. Meanwhile, we await the court decision on our application for leave to evict him pending his frivolous appeal. Zimbabwe is going nowhere with these kinds of people. Nowhere! We will fight to the bitter end.”

In an interview on Wednesday, Malunga said the matter is subjudice, adding “perhaps you can speak to Madzivanyati himself.”

Madzivanyati denied charges of destroying the tomato crops.

“Their tomatoes are not at my farm but at top lands. I have no interest in their tomatoes. Their crops are affected by heavy weeds, poor crop management and neglect. They have been harvesting tomatoes for the past seven weeks and could have reached their lifespan,” Madzivanyati said on Wednesday.

On Monday, during the launch of a Gukurahundi documentary titled: One Night In 1985, at the Asakhe Film Festival in Bulawayo, Malunga said the government was intent on sabotaging their farm venture because of his outspoken stance on Gukurahundi.
“And, I say always, some of us for our loud mouths, we have lost our farms. We will lose more, but it’s okay,” Malunga said.

The festival was hosted by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE).

“I will never keep quiet on Gukurahundi. Who is going to talk for those people who disappeared? Who is going to talk for them? For me, I continue and I use this opportunity to say we should work towards resolving Gukurahundi.”

The festival, which ran from October 25 ending on Saturday, is part of CITE’s three-year project: Confronting the Past: National Healing, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice in Zimbabwe, supported by the Netherlands Embassy.

An estimated 20 000 people lost their lives, with researchers arguing that the killings were deliberate to create a one-party state as most victims were supporters of the opposition Zapu and of Ndebele identity.

In a letter to Masuka dated June 14 contesting the farm seizure, Malunga, Dlamini and Moyo warned that they stand to lose more than ZW$60 million in potential revenue from their horticultural project if they are evicted.

“We have invested ZW$10million of borrowed funds from local banks (using our urban residential properties as collateral) to implement an intensive winter/summer horticultural programme which involves utilisation of 55ha of the arable land,” the letter reads in part.

“This is supposed to yield gross returns of over ZW$60 million between now and April 2022. We cannot be said to be under-utilising the land.”

Masuka, chief Lands officer for Matabeleland North province, Registrar of Deeds, Mazithulela, Madzivanyati, Mpofu and the Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo have been listed as first to seventh respondents respectively by the trio.

By A Correspondent- Individuals and businesses are reportedly falling over each other to donate towards the Zanu-PF national conference which kicked off yesterday.

Zanu-PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha told journalists that party members had contributed for their upkeep in different provinces as they will be following proceedings on virtual platforms as measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He said companies had also supported the ruling party to ensure a successful conference.

“You have people in provincial centres from districts and will have to have food and accommodation. It shows commitment and support,” Bimha said.

“The private sector came in to assist us, most of them came unsolicited and came in to say, ‘we appreciate what the party and government are doing and want to contribute’.

“One of the forthcoming companies donated some special regalia to the presidium and politburo,” he said, adding the company owners came to thank the party for “allowing an environment for thriving business”.

He said the politburo received reports on the preparations for the conference.

“The people want time to meet with leaders and take stock of what we are doing as a party. Resolutions came from provinces to generate resolutions which have now been brought to the centre and our members are aware of where we want to go in terms of social issues, economic issues, tourism, you name them.”

By A Correspondent- Zimbabweans in South Africa are in limbo over the fate of their exemption permits that are set to expire in December this year, as the South African government is mum on the way forward.

Although there is no official figure of how many Zimbabweans are resident in South Africa, reports said there are about 300 000 with the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs) that allow them to live and work in the neighbouring country.

The permits were first issued in 2010 under the Dispensation of Zimbabweans Project (DZP). The programme was renewed in 2014 as the Zimbabwe Special Dispensation Permits (ZSPs) before they were introduced as ZEPs in 2017.

Leader of the African Diaspora Global Network, a migrant-rights organisation based in South Africa, Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda, said Zimbabweans had a legitimate expectation for that government to make an announcement soon so they could plan accordingly.

“The biggest challenge is these permits have been extended or rather, were actually issued for the first time in 2010. Of course now 11 years down the line, the South African government has not communicated, as to whether it intends to renew the permits or not yet there’s an expectation it would renew them,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said Zimbabweans in South Africa, who used those permits are people who have property, are employed and would be affected if the permits were not renewed.

“If the government has decided it is not going to renew those permits obviously, it would have to inform people in advance. The South African may not even rely on the fact that the permits expire in December, so people expect or start to move because of a legitimate expectation born out of the times that permits have been renewed,” he explained.

The migrant activist noted that if the South African government decided not to extend the ZEP, it ought to have informed people well in advance, perhaps a year or two before.

They should have said this time, we are not going to renew those permits so that people can make alternative arrangements. As a result, we are looking at a situation now where people are unsure as to what is going to happen,” Dr Sibanda said.

“Even when people have lease agreements or bank accounts, will these close, end or have such contracts terminated at the end of this year, because no one will want to enter into a contact with people whose permits are expiring at the end of the year.”

In April 2009, South Africa’s cabinet approved what was known as the DZP, allowing permit holders to work, conduct business and study in South Africa.

According to Home Affairs, 295 000 Zimbabweans applied for the permit and just over 245 000 were issued.

This was an attempt to regularise the residence status of those Zimbabweans residing illegally in SA due to political and economic instability at home.

Those permits started expiring in December 2014, prompting Home Affairs to introduce a new permit scheme called the ZSPs, which were valid for three years.

Nearly 198 000 ZSPs were issued, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

When the ZSPs expired in 2017 they were replaced by the ZEPs that were issued in terms of Section 31 of the Immigration Act which allows the Minister of Home Affairs to grant foreigners the rights of permanent residence for a “specified or unspecified period when special circumstances exist” that justify the decision.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has violence will not stop the wave of change sweeping across the country.

Despite the violent attacks, President Chamisa took the vibrant community engagement programme to Mhondoro, Mubaira and Zvimba.

He held successful engagement meetings with community leaders in the areas.

“Great Communities and Leaders Interface meetings these past two days in Mhondoro,Mubaira, Ngezi,Chegutu,Neuso & Zvimba.

Pushing under tough conditions, violations, violence and intimidation but the job must be done.Change must just happen.The mood is electric.

A New Great Zimbabwe is loading..Thank u Mash West.Thank u Zimbabwe,” President Chamisa said in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has violence will not stop the wave of change sweeping across the country.

Despite the violent attacks, President Chamisa took the vibrant community engagement programme to Mhondoro, Mubaira and Zvimba.

He held successful engagement meetings with community leaders in the areas.

“Great Communities and Leaders Interface meetings these past two days in Mhondoro,Mubaira, Ngezi,Chegutu,Neuso & Zvimba.

Pushing under tough conditions, violations, violence and intimidation but the job must be done.Change must just happen.The mood is electric.

A New Great Zimbabwe is loading..Thank u Mash West.Thank u Zimbabwe,” President Chamisa said in a statement.

By A Correspondent- Former Bulawayo MDC senator, Matson Hlalo has distanced himself from a Facebook post published early this week by the MDC-T claiming the firebrand politician is an active member of the party.

An MDC-T official Christopher Mtetwa posted a photo accompanied with a message implying  that Hlalo, also a former Bulawayo councillor, was one of the people on the photo.

“President Mwonzora will win by over 66% of the ballot. Feeling fantastic with Matson Hlalo and four others in Chikanga 2 Mutare,” reads part Mtetwa’s post.

However, the post immediately attracted the wrath of the former legislator who distanced himself from the Douglas Mwonzora-led party.

“Me and Mwonzora are like oil and water. We do not mix at all. The last time when I had contact with him was several years ago when he caused my expulsion from Parliament,” Hlalo said.

“Mwonzora made sure that the letter of expulsion was hidden from me so that I could not challenge the purported reasons for my dismissal from the party which eventually led to my expulsion from Parliament,” Hlalo told NewZimbabwe.com.

He went on to describe Mwonzora as a crook.

“I do not wish to meet or hear anything about that crooked person. The level of his party’s desperation for support is embarrassing. Feeling fantastic to be with me , my foot!”

Hlalo said he has never been to Mutare for a very long time.

The MDC Alliance Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza said the MDC-T was claiming membership from non-supporters.

“This is not the first time the MDC-T has claimed membership to people who are not their members. We are not surprised by this command membership which the party is trying to borrow from their colleagues in Zanu-PF,” Chirowodza said.

Efforts to get comment from the MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube were unsuccessful.

watch the live video loading below…..

By A Correspondent- One of Zimbabwe’s most wanted armed robbery suspects, Conwell Junior Kasambarare (26) believed to be part of Musa Taj Abdul’s gang, and is facing a plethora of robbery and housebreaking charges has jumped bail and police are now hunting him down, yet again.

He was rearrested early this year on charges of committing a spate of heists countrywide, including the famous Mashwede Holdings robbery.

He was granted bail on these armed robbery charges last month but on Tuesday failed to turn up in court for his latest remand hearing and a warrant of arrest was issued.

His suspected accomplice, Mike Harris Chiyangwa, did appear in court as ordered before Harare magistrate Mr Ignatio Mhene but Kasambarare failed to turn up so the State represented by Mr Shepherd Makonde applied for the warrant of arrest.

The two are accused of robbing Petzim Service Station in Machipisa, Highfield, in this latest case. Sources close to the investigations from CID Homicide, which deals with all serious violent crime including robbery, said they were making frantic efforts to locate Kasambarare whose whereabouts are still not known.

On Tuesday this week, the court heard that the two had allegedly armed themselves with an unknown pistol and iron bars then went to the service station in a Mazda truck.

Upon arrival, they asked the security guard whether they had fuel at the pump then suddenly one of them pulled out the pistol and pointed it at the guard.

They allegedly force marched the security guard to the store room where they tied his hands with a belt and ordered him to lie down before breaking into the office and there stole a medical kit, hair clipper and a generator battery before proceeding to the next shop stealing 14 Exide batteries.

When the two were arrested, they allegedly implicated Spicer Takawira and Chamu Takawira as their accomplices and those two are also being charged for the same offence. Kasambarare of Budiriro 2 was arrested together with two other alleged accomplices, Luckson Mudyara (47) of Budiriro 1 and Mike Chiyangwa (32) of Old Highfield.  

In February, police launched a manhunt for Kasambarare after he was released last year on bail after facing charges of being part of a gang committing a spate of armed robberies countrywide. He was rearrested but managed to get admitted to bail again.

Spicer Takawira, an alleged accomplice in the Machipisa robbery, was recently arrested on charges of house housebreaking and theft. Kasambarare, Takawira together with Leo Mandaza, Godwin Kusikwenyu and another man only identified as Chamu, allegedly committed seven cases of housebreaking and theft in Harare.

Takawira, Musafare Mupanhanga and Kasambarare are also alleged to be part of the gang that raided Mashwede Holdings last year and got away with over US$100 000, R42 000, $14 000 worth of fuel coupons, firearms and 20 live rounds of ammunition.

In March last year, Mashwede Holdings lost the cash to five workers and nine suspected robbers.

Among the five workers were two brothers related to the business owner, while two were security guards.

The five workers, Mupanhanga and Kasambarare, were then arrested and appeared in court where their case is still pending.-statemedia

Dear Editor

Pana amai vamukira kurasa mwana vavo nhasi mangwanani or usiku hwa 27 october 2021 mumatsanga emurwizi rwuri pakati peKuwadzana extension neKuwadzana 5 meaning there is a woman who dumped a baby this morning or last night, 27 October 2021. This baby was dumped on the river banks of a river between Kuwadzan extension and Kuwadzana 5.

Karusvava kachangobva kusungurwa vakakaisa mu2 maplastic bags pasina kana imwe nhumbi yakapfekedzwa bt nekuda kwaMwari mwana uyu avanikwa ari mupenyu meaning this is a new born baby. The baby was wrapped in two plastic bags without any clothes but through God’s grace, this baby was discovered alive.

So ndokumbirawo muite forward as received or muitaure nyaya iyi kusvika yasvika kuna amai ava vaziwe zvainge vakaronga zvaramba meaning kindly forward this message to as many groups as possible until the mother of this child knows that what she had planned did not work.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the ruling ZANU PF will win the 2023 elections saying the party has gained popularity over the past few years.

He attributed the party’s growth and success to “its ability to accelerate the transformation of the socio-economic conditions of Zimbabweans.”

Addressing party members at the end of the ZANU PF 19th National People’s Conference in Bindura this Saturday, Mnangagwa said:

Our structures are vibrant with more active members, supporters and sympathizers. The organisational reach of our party must continue to widen, capturing the greater part of our nation. We are indeed winning our election before election date. Our expansive membership attests to the ever-growing faith, trust and allegiance, which the people have to the revolutionary party.

He added that ZANU PF “under the Second Republic has shown that it is the only party capable of delivering a better and more prosperous future for the people of our great country.”

He speaks when Zimbabwe is submerged under economic, humanitarian, and political crises that manifest through soaring inflation, poor salaries for workers, and a deteriorating democratic space.

Meanwhile, the opposition MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has also expressed confidence that it will unseat Mnangagwa in 2023.

Political analysts are calling for political and media reforms to ensure that there is a level playing field ahead of the election. They say the current political landscape favours the ruling party.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF officials have issued contradicting statements on the violence its alleged supporters inflicted on opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.

Chamisa and his party claim that members of the governing party attempted to assassinate him and at least try to disrupt his “meet the people” tours in rural areas for the past three weeks.

ZANU PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa accused Chamisa of provoking party members when the violence started in Masvingo three weeks ago. Chinamasa said:

What I heard happened in Masvingo was that the opposition leader wanted to force himself on an audience that did not want to listen to him.

He had no right to force people to listen to him. He had a right to address people but only those who were willing to be addressed by him.

In this case, my information is that the villagers did not want to be addressed by him for obvious reasons.

If you listen to a madman, you become part of his cast, you will be portrayed as part of his cast, he will then go ahead and say, I have lots of support, which he does not have.

So our ZANU PF people have a right to say, we don’t want you to address us, we don’t want to, it’s my right, but if you force me to listen to you, I have reason to be angry.

But on Friday, Zanu PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha said the ruling party had no policy of beating up opposition supporters. 

He told NewsDay:

If they are being harassed, beaten or threatened, they should report such cases to the police. The police is there to investigate if they receive those reports. But if they bring the reports to us as a party, we will of course report to the police to investigate.

They have not come to me, or my security department to report such cases. As a party, we have no policy of beating up people. It is not our policy; why should we beat up people? We are an organised organisation.

Some cite election violence over the years as proof that ZANU PF is a violent party. Some also cite the recent violence that marred the party’s restructuring exercise as evidence that violence was inherent in the party.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday admitted that intra-party violence was also tearing the party apart during his address to the Zanu PF central committee.

By A Correspondent- Controversial Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, made a mockery of his esteemed office after attending the Zanu PF annual conference in Bindura.

Malaba’s integrity is questionable because of his association with Zanu PF and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust described Malaba’s gambit as shocking and unbelievable.

“We are shocked to note that Chief Justice Luke Malaba is part of the delegation at a ZANU PF conference currently underway in Bindura.His involvement in partisan political activities jeopardizes electoral processes and render the whole Judiciary system biased thereby denting it’s Integrity.

Furthermore, his conduct has bastardized the maxim and principle of separation of powers.

Section 165 sub section 4d of the Constitution prohibits members of the judiciary to attend politcal meetings.

This is a gross violation of the Constitution by a person who is entrusted as a doyen and custodian of the law.We therefore call for his immediate resignation and a quick return to order and sanity in the Judiciary system. ZEAT…. fostering democratic elections!

RegisterToVoteZW,” said Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust.

By A Correspondent- Police in Kwekwe are looking for Munyaradzi Chigora (37) who is on the run after he allegedly struck and killed his boss’ son Chikomborero Dzapasi (26) with a machete and fled.

Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the case.

The incident occurred on October 17, 2021, at Sunnymead Farm, Torwood, Redcliff.

The suspect was working at the farm and was given work instructions by the now deceased which he failed to comply to.

A misunderstanding arose between the two resulting in a fist fight and the suspect struck the now deceased with a machete on the forehead.Dzapasi was rushed to Kwekwe Hospital.

“We appeal to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Chigora to inform any nearest Police station,” said Mahoko.

-Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent |MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has said United Nations special rapporteur Alena Douhan is dishonest and biased in her conduct.

Addressing a media briefing in Harare on Friday, Hon Biti accused Douhan of plagiarizing reports she did in Syria and Venezuela.

The report was written prior to her visit to Zimbabwe, according to Hon Biti.

Douhan presented her findings on the impact of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe.

“We had a meeting with Douhan but she was deeply reluctant to take note of our concerns.

She claimed her mandate was narrow and confined to the issue of sanctions imposed on Harare.

We were stunned by the way she refused to listen to our side of the story.

Her report proves beyond doubt that she has totally ignored our grievances.

She is dishonest and biased in her conduct,” said Hon Biti.

“As MDC Alliance, we had a meeting with the UN special rapporteur on coercive measures, from 3pm to 5pm this (Wednesday) afternoon.

She advised us that our views would be considered and that she would hold a press conference and then issue a statement on Thursday.”

“Douhan’s report is shallow, biased and irrelevant. She ignored the flagrant violation of human rights, the issue of stolen elections and the legitimacy crisis,” added Hon Biti.

Douhan’s 10-day visit to probe the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe ended on Wednesday.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-Alliance has named Zanu PF hooligans who stoned the party supporters during the opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s visit to Hurungwe on Wednesday.

Chamisa’s supporters were stoned and suffered severe injures during the attack.

They tried to block Chamisa from addressing people who had gathered for the opposition party leader.

Posing on Tweeter Friday, MDC-Alliance said the named hooligans must be arrested.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-Alliance has announced that its Zvimba South Treasurer General, Maria Wemba, was abducted and later dumped naked in a nearby bush.

The party announced this on its tweeter account:

Our Treasurer General for Zvimba South Maria Wemba has been found naked & badly beaten. She’s been taken to the hospital and is currently admitted at Kutama Mission Hospital. We strongly condemn this inhumane behaviour by the regime.

By A Correspondent- A man from Emthunzini suburb in Bulawayo assaulted his wife with fists and a rope accusing her of having an affair with their neighbour before he later set his and his alleged love rival homes ablaze.

Tsitsi Mufarachisa (29) is legally married to Themba Handina (32). While the pair were relaxing in the living room Themba accused his wife of two-timing him with their neighbour Maxwell Machiwa (34). When Tsitsi tried to defend herself, her husband charged at her and grabbed her by the throat.

“He bashed her with fists all over the body. As if that was not enough he reached for a rope and thrashed her all over the body with it. In the process, he tore her blouse leaving her brea_sts and stomach uncovered,” said a neighbour who declined to be named.

The bare-breas_ted woman managed to free herself from the tight grip of her husband’s hands and sprinted to Emthunzini police base where she reported her man. While she was at the police she received a phone call from a neighbour informing her that her husband had set their home ablaze.

Police accompanied her to their home and were shocked to find property that included their matrimonial bed, blankets, clothes and mealie-meal up in smoke

Themba was not done because later on that day he set his love rival’s employer’s house on fire. He fled and is still at large.

“Property that included sofas, cupboard, bed and kitchen utensils were burnt,” a neighbour added.

Tsitsi denied that she cheated on her husband with Maxwell.

“Maxwell is my neighbour and we are used to each other and there is nothing more than that. One of my neighbours lied to him (Themba) that I’m in love with Maxwell while we are not,” she said.

She added: “He (Themba) accused me about the issue on Saturday in the evening. The following day on Sunday he assaulted me and I failed to wake up because I was in intense pain and my back was swollen. This week on Monday he came from a booze and again he assaulted me with fists and a rope all over the body. I had to run to a police station to report him.”

Maxwell said: “I treat Tsiti as my sister and I’m a family friend to the couple. There is no way I could have fallen in love with her. It’s sad that he set my employer’s rooms on fire.”

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident. The total value of the damaged property is estimated to be US$1 000. Insp Ncube urged couples to engage third parties whenever they are faced with disputes.-HMetro

By A Correspondent | The award-senior-journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has exposed how the Sanctions Rapporteur, Alena Douhan plagiarised her own report smuggling it into what she claims is her expert investigation over Zimbabwe.

Douhan concluded her Zimbabwe visit on Thursday by announcing a report criticised by many quarters as merely supporting ongoing war crimes.

She on video said her itinerary has included victims of Mnangagwa’s own sanctions against the population, when however her own program she has only government officials listed thereon.

Her visit has been criticised by victims as cruel with 1 August victim, Alison Charles calling her out on what must be done.

Meanwhile, posting on Saturday morning, Chin’ono said Douhan’s Zimbabwean and Venezuelan reports have a 77% similarity overlap.

He said briefly: Douhan plagiarized 26% of her entire Venezuelan report lifting chunks & reproducing them into her Zimbabwean report.

Go to the last tweet to see the word plagiarism percentage.

I have looked at her Zimbabwean report versus her Venezuelan report.

Tomorrow I will look at her Syrian report versus her Zimbabwean report, and versus her Venezuelan report.

This is tragic for a professor, it is a fraud and unethical more so because she is representing the United Nations.

It means she is swindling the people paying for her work, and not producing organic academic work.

A better explanation is that she is paid to produce content meant for propaganda purposes, and not for serious discourse about the subject she claims to be an expert on.

The last 4 slides are the color coordinates that will assist you to draw meaning to her 2 reports!

20% similarity is way too much.
Hers is on 26% which is tragic!

Plagiarism does not only refer to stealing someone’s work, hers is self plagiarism which is unethical.
She didn’t cite this which is deeply problematic!

The last two slides show us that the Zimbabwean and Venezuelan reports have a 77% similarity overlap in meaning.

By A Correspondent- A drunk teenage boy who was scolded by his relative for taking bronco decided to gulp cotton pesticide leading to his death while he was being rushed to a clinic.

The incident happened in Murwira Village, Chisina Ward 3 in Gokwe, Midlands’ province.
A relative who declined to be named said Sibonginkosi Dlamini (16) had become a drug addict as he used to take bronco.

Bronco is a commonly abused cough syrup.

When Dlamini’s relative realised that Dlamini was getting wasted by taking bronco she severely scolded him.

“It was around 8pm last week on Sunday when she sat him down and reprimanded him for taking bronco and warned him to refrain from it.

“It seems that did not go down well with him because at around 9pm he gulped a cotton pesticide and died moments later while he was being rushed to Krima Clinic,” said a relative.

Councillor for Ward 3 Shungu Maruza confirmed the incident.

“We are saddened by the untimely death of the youngster. It is sad because he died without falling sick, but after he was scolded for taking drugs,” he said.

He added: “Children in the past belonged to the whole community, but that has changed thus affecting children’s behaviour as people just watch wrong being done. The laws in the family impact society but we no longer have those laws.”-BMetro

By A Correspondent- A Chiweshe based widow Mary Ndiseni Chitemamuswe (52) lost all her property  to a mysterious fire on Sunday and she was left with only clothes she and her two grandgrand children were left in total poverty after the sad incident.

Muzarabani South legislator Tapera Saizi confirmed the incident while giving donations to the widow.

“I can confirm that the widow lost everything including national documents and property hence when l visited her I managed to donate some blankets, plates, food and clothes to the poor family for them to have at least something to start on,” Saizi said.

“The cause of the fire is not known yet but fortunately no one was hurt because when the fire started no-one was home,” he added.

The legislator has always been supportive to those in need in his constituency and also he was championing Covid 19 exercise among members of the Apostolic church (Vapositori) in Muzarabani.

Vapositori are popular for not attending hospitals and not taking medicines

By A Correspondent- Chiefs’ Council president Fortune Charumbira Friday publicly declared that chiefs were the owners of the ruling Zanu PF party in open defiance of the national Constitution which forbids traditional leaders from being partisan.

Chief Charumbira made the remarks while addressing delegates at the party’s annual conference in Bindura.

He said:

On behalf of all chiefs and headmen, I want to say, we are together with Zanu PF.

We got invited through a letter and that letter showed who we are. We were invited as delegates, but if you go to the start, we are the owners of Zanu PF.

We come as owners of the party, the reason for the existence of Zanu PF is all about traditional leadership, and it is about injustice.

This party is ours, which is the truth. War veterans, you fought the war, you are shareholders, but we are the owners, and others are members, which is the truth.

Chapter 15.2 of the Constitution forbids traditional leaders from being members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.

Traditional leaders have often been accused of forcing their subjects to support Zanu PF during elections to the extent of threatening to banish them or deny them handouts for supporting the opposition.

Charumbira also claimed that the alleged rift between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga was a lie meant to divide the party. Chiwenga is reportedly leading a faction that is seeking to dislodge Mnangagwa from power.

He warned Zanu PF delegates to stop the divisive power fights which threaten to raze the ruling party following recent violent internal elections.

He added:

This party is ours, we will correct it when it is going astray. You are now having a lot of noise in the party. It hurts us when you fight. This is our party…

This comes weeks after Mnangagwa admitted to the chaos in the ruling party while addressing a politburo meeting.

By A Correspondent- Seven of the eleven suspected armed robbers who allegedly pounced on a farm in Norton appeared in court this Friday facing charges of armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Louis Munyamani aged 29, Tauya Nyanzou (45), Tozivepi Kuyangamara (47), Friday Tembo (43), Christopher Danda (37), Abraham Muzamba (31) and Pious Ncube (44) were remanded in custody after appearing in court this Friday.

Allegations are that on the 14th of September this year, the co-accused who were armed with two pistols and a revolver, confronted security personnel manning Knockmalock Farm in Norton.

It is further alleged that after having their way the suspected armed robbers went on to use an iron bar to break a gun cabinet before stealing three AK 47 rifles and six magazines loaded with thirty-live rounds of ammunition. They also stole two cellphones.

They were arrested after police received a tip-off that the gang had plans to commit robberies which led to the recovery of the stolen firearms and ammunition.

The police recovered three AK47 rifles, a 9 mm Pistol with a magazine of 13 rounds, a 7.65 mm pistol and a magazine of five rounds as well as a CPM revolver 0.38mm special with 0.38mm x 8 rounds.

They are expected back in court on November 12.

By A Correspondent- Precious Magede of Rimbi High School scooped the second prize in the schools essay competition that were sponsored by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in collaboration with Platform for Youth and Community Development Trust (PYCD) .

Her prize included school fees and stationary which were handed today on the 29th of October 2021 by the ZLHR Executive Director Roselyn Hanzi

.ZLHR and PYCD are jointly running activities targeting girls who are still in school.

By A Correspondent- A 40 year old Bulawayo man is clinging to life after allegedly being stabbed with a kitchen knife in his right eye by his 26-year-old girlfriend during a fight.

Brighton Tsvangirai from Ross Camp was rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals where he is reportedly admitted after being stabbed by his lover Sibukisiwe Ncube from Makokoba suburb.

Circumstances are that on 14 September 2021 and at around 8pm the two were at Tsvangirai’s place when they had argument after Ncube forcibly took an exercise book which was on the table.

This, however, didn’t go down well with Tsvangirai resulting in a fight.

It is reported that at the height of the fight, Ncube took a kitchen knife which was on the table and allegedly stabbed her lover once in the right eye.

Tsvangirai sustained a deep cut on the eye as a result of the attack and was refereed to UBH for medical attention.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Ncube’s arrest.

Ncube had since appeared in court charged with physical abuse as defined in Section 3 (a) (i) as read with section 4 of the Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16.

She was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 1 November 2021.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Mahusekwa family has refused to bury a new born baby which died at Marondera Provincial Hospital without DNA tests being conducted after an alleged mortuary mix up which saw them failing to collect the body on the first day.

The family is suspecting foul play after the body could not be located on the first day, only to be found the next morning without a tag. The family insists they will only collect the body after DNA tests.

In an interview, family spokesperson Mr Nelson Saidi said they were waiting for DNA results which were conducted yesterday before deciding to bury the baby.

“We were shocked when the health officials told us that they could not locate our baby,” he said. “When the body of our baby was taken to the mortuary it had a tag. We want to know who removed the tag and how the baby was found at a place we had all looked for and failed to locate it, and who removed the tag.

“We had made agreements with health officials that our child was going to be buried, not incinerated. After we processed the death certificate, we were told our baby was nowhere to be found, only to be found the following day.

“So, we refused to bury the baby before DNA results and we are told that the results will be ready after seven days. The baby, which was claimed to be ours, shows signs of having stayed in the mortuary for days, but our baby has only a day in the mortuary and we are not collecting the baby for burial until we are given satisfactory results.”

Marondera Provincial Hospital superintendent Dr Celestino Dege confirmed the incident, saying they were waiting for DNA results to establish what could have transpired.

“We are aware of the incident and as of now we are waiting for the DNA results to ascertain what happened at the mortuary,” he said

By A Correspondent- A study has revealed that there could be rampant backyard abortions by desperate teenagers who indulge in risky sexual activities during Vuzu parties in Bulawayo.

The study entitled ‘Exploring the practice of Vuzus among young people in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe was conducted by Aids Healthcare Foundation (AFH) in partnership with Grassroot Soccer (GRS).

A total of 122 young people were recruited into the study, all drawn from different areas in Bulawayo and the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 24 years old.
Of those, 77 were female and 45 were males.

Some said they participate in Vuzu parties just to trend on social media and gain popularity.
Findings show that absenteeism of parents and guardians often lead them to participate in the parties.
The parties are characterised by alcohol and drug use, sexual activity and usually in secretive gatherings by young people although there are adults who are always keen to provide the venue, drugs and alcohol so that they can take advantage of young girls.
Drugs used include cocaine, meth, lack widow, marijuana, weed cakes, shisha and cough syrup.

The parties are commonly referred to as booze, naked party, orgy party, pool party, rave, emasofeni, turn up, cashtime, get together and house party.
Teenagers in Bulawayo are known to organise these drugs and alcohol-fuelled parties where they engage in sex marathons and other risky behaviours oblivious of the dangers, they put their lives in including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like HIV.
Respondents highlighted that during sex marathons, condoms are not used leaving them at a risk of contracting STIs and falling pregnant.
The get-togethers, which are known as Vuzu parties although the source of that word is unknown, often lead to unprotected sex and anti-social behaviour.
Speaking during the launch of the findings of the study GRS country manager Mr Bekimpilo Moyo said Vuzu parties appear to be very common in Bulawayo although the extent to which they have persisted through Covid-19 restrictions remains unknown.
He said a majority of those who attend indicated that they had attended the parties many times ranging from five to 50 times.

“Drug and alcohol abuse are defining characteristics of Vuzu parties and many young people say they partake in order to have fun. Drugs used include cocaine, meth, black widow, marijuana, weed cakes, shisha, cough syrup among others,” said Mr Moyo.
He said they also noted with concern that extreme power dynamics were at play as respondents said older male attendees provide younger female participants with drugs and alcohol to lower their inhibitions and make them lose control.
“Sex workers also attend Vuzu parties and one respondent highlighted that she engaged in transactional sex at Vuzu parties,” said Mr Moyo.
Motivating factors for attendance include peer influence and seeking outlets to relieve stress emanating from home as well as an opportunity to engage in sexual activity.
“There are also concerns about the future consequences of the heavy drinking and drug use at Vuzu parties. One youth respondent noted that his greatest regret of attending the parties was addiction and that some of the girls fell pregnant during the marathons forcing them to conduct abortions with the help of older women as they did not even know who was responsible for the pregnancies.”
He said Vuzu parties are also deemed as an outlet for stress relief from socio-economic problems at home.
Young people also reported that they attend the parties to make money, either through selling drugs or transactional sex.

“When asked about times that they were invited to a Vuzu party but did not attend, youth respondents gave a variety of responses, falling largely into two categories. Curfew or parents being present at home was one reported barrier as well as a lack of transport or pending house chores,” said Mr Moyo.
Some respondents indicated that they lacked money to attend, or that they didn’t have proper clothes to fit in at the party.
“Young people recommend that parents, older residents, police and church leaders should lead a campaign to address Vuzu parties with religious leaders providing spiritual guidance to young people. Using the police to suppress such parties could potentially save a lot of young people from the disastrous effects of Vuzu parties,” said Mr Moyo.
He said other young people requested for risk reduction approaches to Vuzu parties making them safer places with condoms readily available which would make these parties cooler spaces to chill.
Young people further suggested that such parties change venues from secretive to public places and from nights to afternoons.
AHF foundation country programme manager Dr Ernest Chikwati said the study was meant to ascertain what was fuelling the parties, age groups involved and the activities associated.

He said Vuzu parties were not a Bulawayo phenomenon as they are being conducted countrywide but with different names.
“We have discovered that these parties are quite prevalent and it is not only youths who attend sex parties but also adults who are hungry to take advantage of adolescents. Some said they can sleep with five to 10 people per day and its unprotected sex which is very risky,” said Dr Chikwati.
He said there was a need to look at how to address this as youths were saying they do not have enough entertainment and sports facilities where they can have fun.
“We need to revive Ubuntu in the community where we are all responsible for the wellbeing of every child. We have people who do not care to report that Vuzu parties are being held near or next to them,” said Dr Chikwati.
He said going forward, an all-stakeholders meeting will be held to form a committee that will ensure the issue of Vuzu parties is addressed.
“These parties fuel HIV transmission as stated by respondents who say they can have sex marathons without the use of condoms. We need to come together as stakeholders, communities and even politicians and tackle this scourge,” said Dr Chikwati.

Bulawayo provincial Aids coordinator Mrs Sinatra Nyathi said the study was an eye opener for the community especially parents and guardians who must play their part to protect the adolescents.
“We are grateful to our partners who helped us conduct this research and it is clear that these parties are prevalent in the city. As Bulawayo we will unite to come up with a way forward and engage churches, media, parents and all our partner organisations to tackle this challenge,” said Mrs Nyathi.
She highlighted the need to give adolescents a chance to speak out without judgment so that relevant interventions are crafted.
“HIV infections are still rife, these Vuzu parties have also fuelled pregnancies leading to backyard abortions and this leads to maternal deaths.

State media

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa on Wednesday sold a dummy to Zanu PF.

Chamisa deceived Zanu PF supporters that he was travelling to Mount Darwin when he was in Hurungwe.

The Zanu PF hooligans staged a protest along the Harare-Bindura Highway near Glendale, thinking Chamisa would pass through on his way to Mt Darwin.

Newsday reports that the angry-looking Zanu Pf supporters threatened to attack the news crew for covering their protests, unwittingly revealing that the protest was intended to block Chamisa.

“These are Chamisa people going to cover him in Mt Darwin. He will not pass here and let us block them also. They are with him,” the youths claimed.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF supporters in Bindura on Wednesday blocked the highway in anticipation of the visit by the MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to Mount Darwin.

The rowdy crowd staged a protest along the Harare-Bindura Highway near Glendale in Mashonaland Central province, accusing Chamisa of inviting sanctions to the country.

The protesters threatened to block Chamisa’s motorcade, which they anticipated would pass through the area on its way to Mt Darwin.

Newsday reports that the angry-looking Zanu Pf supporters threatened to attack the news crew for covering their protests, unwittingly revealing that the protest was intended to block Chamisa.

“These are Chamisa people going to cover him in Mt Darwin. He will not pass here and let us block them also. They are with him,” the youths claimed.

By A Correspondent- A herd of elephants has imposed an early curfew in central Victoria Falls.

The elephants roam the streets of the resort town every night starting as early as 7PM, causing residents to be indoors.

Residents who knock off after 7pm have encountered the jumbos on numerous occasions.
Those who reside in the nearby Low Density suburb and Rainbow Flats are forced to retreat indoors as early as 7pm as the presence of jumbos on the streets has become common.
The elephants, sometimes move around in groups of five and there are also some lone rangers.

Perimeter fences and pre-cast walls have been brought down, gardens and fruit trees destroyed as the elephants hunt for food.
There has been no attack on humans although some bulls have reportedly charged at some residents.
The jumbos announce their arrival by shaking and breaking mango tree branches to eat the fruits.
They usually emerge from a bush near Inyathi Safaris along Park Way and they move along the road past Rainbow Hotel gate towards the city centre.

Some Parliamentarians who attended the pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls recently tested the ‘mighty power’ of the jumbos as one bull temporarily barricaded Park Way near Rainbow Hotel as it slowly moved along the road towards town causing a traffic jam.
Residents are sometimes froced to use alternative longer routes to avoid the jumbos when they knock off from work after 7pm.
Mr Douglas Musiringofa who lives in Dale Crescent in Low Density said the elephants are permanent night visitors.
“It is now dangerous to walk along Dale Crescent at night as elephants from a bush near Baobab Primary School use this road.
The elephants have caused so much damage particularly to livelihoods as they have destroyed gardens. People had turned backyards into gardens but all has been destroyed. The elephants come almost every night,” said Mr Musiringofa.
The residents said the elephants were now an environmental hazard as they scavenge for food in rubbish bins littering the area.

They said during the day baboons were also a menace as they scavenge for food in the same bins.
Another resident Mr Enoch Dzambo who lives along Hobson Drive said besides elephants, they have a challenge with hippos.
“We now know that we can’t just go outdoors at night. They are now a permanent sight like it’s a game viewing zone.
Besides elephants we have two hippos that also come every night and leave in the morning. They will be browsing on the lawn outside and I think they pose more danger than elephants,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has reported that most human-wildlife conflict deaths are caused by hippos, elephants, crocodiles and lions.
Ms Alice Nzuza of Rainbow Flats said Zimparks rangers once patrolled the area and scared the elephants away but they keep coming back.
“It’s no longer safe to move about after 7pm especially around town or nearby suburbs. The elephants have destroyed all our vegetables and broken our perimeter fence. Mango trees have also been destroyed,” she said.
Another resident Mrs Sikhanyisiwe Mudimba added: “We are now scared of being outdoors at night especially after 7pm.

Most people no longer have gardens and that’s really a livelihood issue.”
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo yesterday said he was yet to receive a report on the problem animals in Victoria Falls.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A Mhangura man in Mashonaland West is on the run after killing his wife two kids over alleged infidelity.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Margaret Chitove said the incident happened on Thursday.

She said the man used an axe to strike the now deceased before setting their house on fire.

” Justice Musungavarume (age not known) of Hunter Farm some six kilometres from Mhangura town attacked his wife and kids after having a quarrel over infidelity.
Linda Musungavarume who is the sister to the accused said her brother had a dispute with Leen Maungwe (the now-deceased wife) over infidelity allegations. Linda told The Herald:
After having confronted his wife over infidelity, my brother vacated their matrimonial home to Mhangura before coming back yesterday to attack his family.

Mhangura police attended the scene and the bodies of the three were taken to Makonde Christian Hospital mortuary”, said Inspector Chitove.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-Alliance has announced that its Zvimba South Treasurer General, Maria Wemba, was abducted and later dumped naked in a nearby bush.

The party announced this on its tweeter account:

Our Treasurer General for Zvimba South Maria Wemba has been found naked & badly beaten. She’s been taken to the hospital and is currently admitted at Kutama Mission Hospital. We strongly condemn this inhumane behaviour by the regime.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-Alliance has named Zanu PF hooligans who stoned the party supporters during the opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s visit to Hurungwe on Wednesday.

Chamisa’s supporters were stoned and suffered severe injures during the attack.

They tried to block Chamisa from addressing people who had gathered for the opposition party leader.

Posing on Tweeter Friday, MDC-Alliance said the named hooligans must be arrested.