By A Correspondent- United Nations special rapporteur Alena Douhan has urged the United States and other western countries to lift the sanctions imposed on the country.

After her 10-day working visit in Zimbabwe Douhan blamed the restrictive measures for creating unintended ripple effect of hindering the county’s ability to guarantee the functioning of public institutions.

“Over the last 20 years, sanctions and various forms of over-compliance with sanctions have had an insidious ripple effect on the economy of Zimbabwe and on the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including access to health, food, safe drinking water and sanitation, education and employment,” she said.

“This situation also limits Zimbabwe’s ability to guarantee the functioning of public institutions, delivery of services, and maintenance of essential infrastructure, and undermines the right to development of the Zimbabwean people and impedes the achievement of the sustainable development goals,” said Douhan the UN special rapporteur.

Calls for the removal of the illegal sanctions continue to grow louder with institutions like the African Union and SADC standing in Zimbabwe’s corner.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Dairai Lyn Chirimumimba is a Zimbabwean born frontline worker based in Ireland who today 27 October 2021 is celebrating her birthday.

This year, the celebrations are even more special because the occasion is coinciding with one of her childhood dreams.

Chirimumimba’s wish to see her works on the shelves has finally come true.

“I have always been an author. As a child, I wrote short stories and poems. The challenge is that everything that I wrote as a child was never published.”

 I am thrilled that my book has been published. This is just the beginning. I am going to write and publish more books. Writing is my passion and because I have always been a friend of the pen and paper, watch this space.”

So far, she has two completed books to her name, one of which has already been published.

Chirimumimba speaks to ZimEye and we publish below excepts of the interview:

ZimEye: Who is Dairai Lyn- Mary Chirimumimba?

Dairai:  I am a Zimbabwean by birth and I also grew up here. To be precise, I was born in Murehwa and grew up there. I went to school at Morris school in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) from grade 1 to 3. The whole family then moved to Chitungwiza where l completed my primary education at Seke number 7 school. l went on to do my secondary education at Seke no 2 high school where l did form one to form four.

After my high school education, I trained as a general nurse at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and qualified in 1992. From Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital, l went on to work in Hwedza before I returned back home and worked at Chitungwiza Referral Hospital before I moved to Masvingo Hospital until 2 October 2002.

At the end of October 2002 I relocated to the republic of Ireland where l am currently based.

ZimEye: You are a qualified nurse, how did you start writing?

Dairai: When I was a teenager and doing my secondary education I was in the debate club and we used to do impromptu speeches. That kind of inspired me. In the Debate Club, you are just given a topic and you have to come up with a story and say something about it. Since that time, I realised I had a passion for writing too.

I would write and go places if an event is happening I would just write a short story, compile a small poem or something like that. I would do this while growing up but everything that I wrote was never published, because the publishing was not there.

I was just doing it out of interest I can say. So when my brother passed away, Dr Chirimumimba, may his dearly departed soul rest in eternal peace, I thought of writing his bibliography. So whilst I was doing that, that’s when it clicked that I have to be writing something.

I felt the urge to communicate and connect with the readers through my writing. I wanted to share my stories, so that is when I said to myself, I have to publish. I started working on my first book.

ZimEye: Can you please share the journey until you published your first book?

Dairai: Her Brothers’ Choice is the first book that I published because my brother’s bibliography was the first book I wrote but unfortunately, to date, it is still on the shelves. I didn’t get to publish it.

Her Brother’s Choice is a romantic fiction novel based on seeing and hearing stories about life, about love and what goes on around us. It is published on Live Life Academy, which is my website.

The story is about a young girl who fell in love but could not marry the man of her dreams because of culture and expectations. The girl was forced to marry someone she didn’t love. However, the marriage broke down and in the end she reunited with the love of her dreams. I urge you all to read and enjoy this beautiful romantic tale.

ZimEye: After the first publication, what next? Have you written more?

Dairai: The second book is Dementia Journey Walk With Me. This book is more like motivational or educational. It is about ways of coping with dementia if one member of the family has the condition, be it the parent, brother or sister. The book advises on how you can cope as a family.

I wrote this book because I felt the need to advise people on how to cope, what challenges families face and the existing choices. It enlightens people on how to make it when a family member has the condition. Because I am trained as a nurse and I am still working as one, when I started working in Ireland, I was exposed to people with dementia and I have seen how families were distraught and struggling to cope.

Through reading literature and talking to people, I decided to write this book just to give tips to people, to families and even those who already have dementia. Those that do not have the condition can also read it so that they may know more about it. So this book is for everyone. Anyone can use it because those who do not have dementia but may have friends should also know and have the knowledge of what support is out there.

Most of the time, coping with the condition is a challenge, how can the affected work around it when it’s like the end of life. It’s like because people are grieving, people are angry, people are in pain, it can be really tough. So that’s how I came to write this book. It is going to be edited and published by a publishing company in the UK. It will be available soon. It should be out this November or December.

ZimEye:  How have you balanced work and writing? What challenges have you faced as an author?

Dairai: It has been hectic balancing work and writing. My main challenge was time to sit down and write my content. As a nurse who is now at a more senior nursing position, I am an assistant director in nursing so my work demands are high. I also have a family that needs me, so to try and create time to write was my main challenge and it still is. Although, I can safely say now this has improved, that has been my greatest challenge.

Of course, there are other challenges such as establishing who will edit my book and the financial demands that come with editing to get it published.

ZimEye: What lessons have you learnt from these experiences?

Dairai: What I have learnt with my writing is that being an author is a full time profession. I have learnt to respect all authors. Writing requires a lot of commitment. I salute all the authors. I have read so many books from primary school when I was young including Kusasana Kunoparira, Akanga Nyimo Avangarara, Waiting For The Rain and Coming Of The Dry Season. I appreciate all those authors because my experience has taught me that it takes a lot of commitment to come up with a book.

ZimEye: Any future projects?

Dairai: The book My Brothers Choice was written in 2018 and rewritten in 2019 and completed in 2021. Dementia Journey Walk With Me was started in 2020 and it will be ready soon. It is my hope. For future projects, there are plenty to come. I have one that is set to come out early 2022, it is a christian book.

This upcoming book is a religious book centred on Jesus. It is a good book. I am a christian so I believe in Jesus and I also believe in sharing the word of God. Because of my background, this book will really be instrumental for me

Because Her Brother’s Choice is a small book, the second part may be coming soon. I should continue with the story. It will be different but it will be a continuation of this family. So watch this space. There may be other projects to come too so who knows there may be a third part of Her Brother’s Choice.

ZimEye: Your words of advice to aspiring writers?

Dairai: When you commit yourself to your project, you will definitely succeed. The sky is the limit. It is a laborious journey but worth it. Dreams do come true when you persevere.

All those wishing to read more about Dairai can visit her website Livelifecademy.com   

By a Correspondent- Doves Funeral Services (DFS)has responded to complaints by a Nyanga family which claimed that the funeral parlour gave them an empty coffin for burial.

 Doves said it was conducting a full investigation into the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe .

The Chimwamurombe family alleged that they were given an empty coffin for burial while their relative was given a pauper’s burial in a “Mass Grave” at Granville cemetery (Ku Mbudzi).

The family of the late Chimwamurombe, through their lawyers Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, has demanded that the funeral parlour accepts that it made an error and take corrective action, else they will take legal action.

In a statement, DFS said it is keen on getting to the bottom of the matter so that the issue is resolved amicably with the Chimwamurombe family. 

Below is the statement which Pindula News is publishing in full.

The Executive management of Doves Funeral Services (DFS) would like to advise of the following developments with regards to the burial of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe.

First and foremost, as Doves, we greatly empathise with the Chimwamurombe family during this difficult time.

The said matter was brought to our attention by one of our employees and we are currently carrying out a full investigation.

After getting wind of this information, Doves executive management immediately initiated a process to inform the family.

We went through to Nyanga and as per the customs of the land we engaged village chiefs and headmen (Chief Saunyama & Chief Katerere) to help us engage the family.

A police detail also accompanied the Doves team to the deceased’s homestead.

A series of meetings were subsequently held with the family on the 22nd of October 2021 wherein we informed the family of the suspected anomaly and sought their support in investigating the entire burial circumstances.

A follow-up meeting was held with the family led by a Mr Fungai Chimwamurombe on the 25th of October 2021.

The meeting sought to find a way forward and initiate the exhumation process at both burial sites involving the deceased families.

As Doves, we are committed to a full investigation of the matter and bringing it to completion.

We, therefore, implore the family and all stakeholders involved to walk with us as we follow the due process.

We are fully cognisant of the emotional stress the family is going through and as management, we are keen on getting to the bottom of the matter which will ultimately lead to an amicable settlement of the matter.

As Dove we are fully committed to operating in a professional and transparent way which has been the hallmark of our operations for over a century.

By A Correspondent- Doves has been threatened with legal action by the family of the late Brian Chimwamurombe, who was reportedly buried in a “mass grave” at Granville cemetery (Ku Mbudzi) by the funeral parlour after it presented his family with a coffin without a corpse for burial.

In a letter dated 26 October 2021 addressed to Doves Holdings Zimbabwe and copied to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission, Insurance and Pensions Commission and Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs, the family of the late Chimwamurombe, through their lawyers Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, demanded that the funeral parlour accepts that it made a grave error and take corrective action. The letter reads:

RE: MISREPRESENTATION OF BURIAL OF THE LATE MAXWELL CHIMWAMUROMBE

We refer to the above and we represent Brian Chimwamurombe and his family. Please note our legal interests.

We wish to draw your attention to the fact that your high-powered delegation which included 2 Directors, The Human Resources Executive, the Group Public Relations Manager and the Chaplin approached our office creating a perception of acknowledging your organisation’s negligent, injurious and criminal conduct.

Our clients availed themselves all the way from the rural areas in Avilla and Kanyimo, Nyanga, with the conciliation expectation of a repentant and sympathetic organisation. We cannot say that was achieved.

Your delegation blew hot and cold when asked by our Mr Gombiro whether they accepted the facts amounting to your criminal, negligent and injurious conduct.

For the sake of completeness, we will revisit the facts as we contend as follows:

1. Your organisation presented our clients with a coffin without a corpse for burial.
2. Your organisation realised 3 days after the burial that the body was still in the mortuary.
3. Your organisation kept quiet about the body it had from March 2021 to August 2021 (approximately 6 months)
4. Your organisation in a completely bizarre and potently callous and criminal manner proceeded to conceal evidence by burying our client’s relative without their knowledge and consent with a pauper at Granville cemetery (Ku Mbudzi)
5. In a more shocking and completely unheard-of move, the burial was a ‘mass grave’ type of burial. We are advised that our client’s relative was either buried in the same coffin with the pauper or buried in the same grave. All circumstances the burial being utterly disrespectful and demeaning the Chimwamurombe family. One cannot rule out ritualism.

Your high-powered delegation only accepted the fact that ‘something was wrong’ but not any specific fact. We find that insulting.

As you might be aware, you have reopened the funeral to our client and a swift resolution of the matter will be greatly appreciated.

Our client reserves the right to sue for damages caused by the pain and suffering occasioned by this act. By copy of this letter, we also bring this matter to the attention of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission, Insurance and Pensions Commission and Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs for investigation.

-Online

By A Correspondent- The visiting UN Special Rapporteur, Alena Douhan, said Harare should embark on meaningful structured dialogue on political reform, human rights and the rule of law.

She also said the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe should be lifted.

Following a two-week visit to Zimbabwe, the independent expert said that unilateral sanctions and over-compliance with sanctions in their complexity had exacerbated pre-existing social and economic challenges with devastating consequences for the people of Zimbabwe, especially those living in poverty, women, children, elderly, people with disabilities as well as marginalized and other vulnerable groups.

Douhan visited Harare and Bulawayo and held meetings with State officials, members of civil society, trade unions, faith-based organisations, political parties, private companies and business associations, the diplomatic corps and other stakeholders.

She extends her appreciation for the invitation and active participation of the Government and the collaboration of all parties who actively engaged with her, which enabled her to objectively assess the situation based on the facts presented. She said:

Over the last 20 years, sanctions and various forms of over-compliance with sanctions have had an insidious ripple effect on the economy of Zimbabwe and on the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including access to health, food, safe drinking water and sanitation, education and employment.

This situation also limits Zimbabwe’s ability to guarantee the functioning of public institutions, delivery of services, and maintenance of essential infrastructure, and undermines the right to development of the Zimbabwean people and impedes the achievement of sustainable development goals.

She said many companies, as well as foreign banks, applied zero-risk policies and were overly compliant fearing heavy penalties for breaching sanctions.

This has resulted in inefficient high-cost bank transactions, serious challenges in accessing credit lines and major disruptions in supply-chains, which impinge the ability to secure infrastructure financing and business continuity.

Sanctions are also fuelling corruption and money laundering, and over-reliance in the informal sector, Douhan said.

The US and other States should lift their sanctions on targeted individuals and entities and end over-compliance. The time is ripe for sanctioning States and key national stakeholders to engage in a meaningful structured dialogue on political reform, human rights and the rule of law, and abandon rhetoric on sanctions as an advocacy tool.

The Special Rapporteur will present her concluding observations in a report to the Human Rights Council in September 2022.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF government wants doctors and nurses to undergo patriotism training so that the health care workers desist from embarking on strikes.

This was announced by the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, on Tuesday.

Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had approved the introduction of “the National Health Service Training and Induction Modules under the Public Service Academy.”

Said Mutsvangwa:
The envisaged training programmes will, therefore, equip healthcare workers with correct standard operating procedures in the discharge of their duties, improved and efficient management skills, and patriotism that promote transparency, accountability and good governance and a high-performance work culture that goes beyond the call of duty.

She said the public health service orientation will “include areas on national heritage, patriotism, Vision 2030, legal and policy framework governing the health sector, management skills development and conflict management.”

Doctors and nurses have in the past staged debilitating strikes, demanding better working conditions, but the Government has responded with heavy-handedness.

Last year, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who doubles as Health and Child Care minister, decreed that doctors must be recruited as military officers for them to work in public hospitals.

The country’s constitution does not allow members of the security forces to engage in collective bargaining or to join unions.

By A Correspondent- The High court has dismissed the MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti’s appeal against conviction and sentence imposed on him for allegedly announcing the 2018 harmonised election results.

Biti was sentenced to seven days in prison with the option of a US$200 fine on the first count while he escaped jail with a wholly suspended sentence of six months’ imprisonment on the other count.

Dissatisfied with the trial court’s decision, Biti approached the High Court on appeal against both conviction and sentence.

But two judges of the High Court Felistus Chatukuta and Pisirayi Kwenda sitting as an appeal court found the grounds of appeal unreasonably long and puzzling for the court to follow. Justice Chatukuta now the Supreme Court judge, wrote the judgment in which Biti’s appeal was struck off the roll.

She said Biti’s grounds of appeal were twisty and agonising to go comprehend.
“They make it hard for one to appreciate clearly what is being attacked by the appellant,” she said. “In general the grounds of appeal noted in this case are vague in nature, verbose, and argumentative. They cannot be said to be clear and concise.”
In some instances, the court found that grounds of appeal sought to raise constitutional issues on appeal and in other instances appear to attempt to mix an ordinary appeal and a seemingly constitutional application. “The appeal is therefore fatally defective. Accordingly, the appeal is struck off the roll,” ruled Justice Chatukuta. Justice Kwenda concurred.
The court also criticised Biti’s lawyers for doing a shoddy job by filing a defective appeal. Biti was convicted on two counts of illegally announcing the results of the July 2018, elections and declaring MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa the winner, although the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission later declared President Mnangagwa as the winner.

In his appeal, Biti, who was being represented his lawyers led by Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, argued that the trial magistrate misdirected herself in failing to consider pre-trial violations of his rights and the illegality of his arrest.
He claimed that he was improperly before the local court as he was “abducted” by state agents from Zambia. He argued that it was only fair for him to appear before a Zambian court the day he was arrested.

-State media

By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference commences this Wednesday, starting with a Politburo meeting chaired by the party’s First Secretary, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The ruling party says it has put in place measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, among them, social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands and voluntary vaccination.

This year Central Committee members will follow proceedings from their respective provinces through a virtual platform while the party Politburo members will congregate at the main venue in Bindura, Mashonaland Central province. Only vaccinated delegates will attend.

Speaking after a tour of the venue at the Bindura University of Science Education, ZANU PF director for administration, Major (Rtd) Dickson Dzora, who was leading a national technical committee tour of the main venue, said:

We will be having a Politburo meeting and Central Committee meeting tomorrow (today) and Thursday and these meetings need to be briefed on the state of preparedness towards the official opening of the conference.

All along we have been reporting to the conference coordinating committee chaired by the national chairperson and they have been meeting jointly with Mashonaland Central to take stock of the state of preparations.

At least 145 delegates are expected in the main auditorium and a separate tent marque has been set up as a media centre where scores of journalists accredited to cover the meeting will follow proceedings virtually.

Tomorrow, delegates will travel for the official opening of the conference on Friday by President Mnangagwa.

By A Correspondent- A Mhangura man, who was on the run after raping his 10-year-old daughter, has been sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

The 35-year-old man of North End farm, Mhangura is the biological father of the girl who is a Grade Three pupil at a local school.

Regional magistrate, Ignatius Mugova suspended four years of the jail term on condition accused person does not commit a sexual offence within the next five years.

Accused will, therefore, serve an effective 14 years in prison.

The state case, led by Nyasha Sibesha was that on 2 May this year at around 8 pm the family finished having supper, and the accused instructed his wife (29) to retire for bed as she was not feeling well.

After his wife had left for their bedroom, the accused person proceeded to a bedroom hut shared by his two daughters, aged 10 and six.

He then ordered the elder daughter to wash the cooking stick in the kitchen and she complied.

After finishing the task, the girl returned to her bedroom where she found her father still waiting. Accused ordered her to follow him back to the kitchen hut and she complied.

Having managed to isolate his prey, the accused ordered his daughter to remove her underwear, but she refused.

The accused person then forcefully removed the minor’s pants, pushed her to the ground before raping her while she screamed.

The girl’s mother, who was in her bedroom nearby, heard her daughter’s cries and rushed to investigate.

She was shocked to find her husband committing the dastardly act.

In a fit of rage, the screaming woman bashed her hubby using a mug.

Accused then pleaded with his wife to accept money so she conceals the crime, but the girl’s mother refused.

He then fled the homestead after taking a poisonous substance threatening to commit suicide.

The girl’s mother reported the matter at Mhangura police station, and the child was referred to Makonde Christian Hospital, where a medical report confirmed the abuse.

Accused was on the run since committing the offence, only to be arrested in Norton early August.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has denounced the harassment of former freedom fighters by the Zanu PF regime.

President Chamisa challenged the regime to stop victimising war veterans.

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes. Their welfare & dignity is & shall be our top priority.All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting & harassing our liberation heroes. A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” wrote President Chamisa on his official Facebook page.

” MY DREAM & MISSION is to see our politics based more on ideas and thought, anchored more on issues and debate away from insults,hate &violence. My joy will be complete when more young smart Zimbabweans join active politics. It’s doable. It’s possible.A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” he added.

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is in Mashonaland West Province where is meeting with citizens.

In posts on Twitter this Wednesday, the MDC Alliance said in Hurungwe, a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) official named Batsi, who was driving an Isuzu vehicle, registration number ADL8964, was seen driving around venues for Chamisa’s interface meetings.

One Franco Ndambakuhwa is alleged to have bussed in ZANU PF militia using his white truck reg no ACY6670 seeking “to bulldoze the venues”, according to the MDC Alliance.

The opposition party also alleged that at Zvipani in Hurungwe, Munyaradzi Ngandini a ZANU PF member beat up five people injuring Mai Chambati, an MDC Alliance member in the process.

In Magunje, the ruling party sent its militias to barricade the road with placards. They stoned several cars and many people got injured, the MDC Alliance further alleged.

By A Correspondent- The Government, through the ministry of the sport, say they might grant the late Sungura music legend, Leonard Dembo, with hero status.

Dembo died at the age of 37 on 9 April 1996 in Harare and was buried at his home.

Midlands Provincial Arts and Culture Development Promotions Administrator Shackson Reward , announced this at the 25th anniversary and tombstone unveiling of the late Dembo at his graveside at Chaka in Chirumanzu on Saturday. 

Said Reward:

We will soon hold a meeting over this issue and the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa is definitely going to look at how to accord Dembo some national honour.

Dembo’s music speaks volumes of his contribution to the culture of our country. He placed Zimbabwe on the map and his hit song Chiteketete was played at the Miss World pageant in Windhoek in Namibia in 1996.

If the Government accepts the proposal, Dembo will become the second musician to be declared a national hero after Oliver Mtukudzi.

Besides Mtukudzi, several other musicians have been honoured by the Government, albeit, with lower hero status.

Simon Chimbetu, Dickson “Chinx” Chingaira and Zimdancehall chanter Saul Musaka aka Soul Jah Love were all declared provincial heroes.

However, unlike the others, Chingaira is the only one who participated in the liberation struggle when he joined the war in Mozambique.

Dembo’s most well-known releases include Chitekete (1991), Tinokumbira Kurarama (1992), Mazano (1993), Nzungu Ndamenya (1994) and Babamunini (1996).

-The Mirror

By A Correspondent- Chief Musarurwa has reportedly attempted to bribe the family of a 13-year-old girl he tried to rape to drop the rape charges he is facing.

 Born Enos Musakwa, from Chikomba District, in Mashonaland East Province, recently reported to the police on attempting to rape a 13-year-old girl from his area.

The Mirror established from its sources that the matter was reported at Chivhu Police Station in September this year under case number CR08/09/21.

When contacted by The Mirror, the traditional leader initially said he was not aware of the alleged incident but later said he does not talk to the media on such issues.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, also said he was unaware of the issue.

But the complainant’s father, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, confirmed the case to The Mirror and pleaded for justice.

He alleged that Chief Musarurwa actually visited his home at night after realising that the matter had been reported to the police and tried to settle it privately.

On the attempted rape allegations against the chief, the complainant’s father, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, said Musarurwa visited the family in his official car on 9 August 2021.

They prepared him a meal and later gave him some groundnuts. On leaving, the chief asked to go with the girl as he wanted to send her to some homestead.

Without suspecting anything, the parents agreed but told the chief that the girl should come back early because she had some work to do at home.

The complainant’s father alleges that Musarurwa drove off and parked his car at a secluded place where he undressed the complainant and touched her private parts.

The chief only stopped after the girl cried out for help, said the father.

Musarurwa then drove the girl back but dropped her off a distance from the homestead as she was crying.

The girl arrived home crying and told her story to the parents. The shocked parents followed the chief to his place but were told on arrival that he had already left for Manhize. 

Added the father:

We were duped because we trusted and respected him as a Chief. No one can suspect that from a Chief.

When we reported the case to the police, he came here during the night and asked me what I want from him so that we can solve the matter amicably.

I refused to negotiate with him because it is stupid to do so.

-The Mirror

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has announced that it has arrested five MDC-T Rusape councillors on criminal abuse of office charges.

The councillors allegedly connived to pass a resolution to by-pass stipulated Government tender procedures, prejudicing the local authority of $1.3 million.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the arrests made on Tuesday night on charges of criminal abuse of duty. He said:
We arrested the following ward 1 Cllr Patrick Chipere (51), ward 4 Cllr Elizabeth Chidza (43), ward 9 Cllr Luckson Zengeni (43), ward 3 Joseph Nyamupera (59) and ward 7 Cllr Ndabanengi Mataga (38).
The accused persons working in connivance passed a resolution to bypass the Procurement Act, the resolution was then used to handpick lawyers Mugiya and Muchadehama who then offered legal services worth $1 300 000 ignoring procurement thresholds and tendering process thereby showing favour to the handpicked lawyers.

-State media

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa held successful political meetings in Hurngwe Wednesday dispute disturbances he faced from Zanu pF supporters.

On his Twitter account, Chamisa thanked the people of Hurungwe for defying the violent Zanu PF attempts.

He tweeted:

I’m in Hurungwe in Mashonaland West. Excellent reception and fantastic meetings. The mood is awesome.. They tried their violent antics and blocking of roads but Our #Godisinit. Thank you Zimbabwe!!

I’m in Hurungwe in Mashonaland West. Excellent reception and fantastic meetings. The mood is awesome.. They tried their violent antics and blocking of roads but Our #Godisinit. Thank you Zimbabwe!! pic.twitter.com/kUHFtrVPzN

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) October 27, 2021

By A Correspondent- Chief Musarurwa, born Enos Musakwa, from Chikomba District, in Mashonaland East Province, has been reported to the police on allegations of attempting to rape a 13-year-old girl from his area.

The Mirror established from its sources that the matter was reported at Chivhu Police Station in September this year under case number CR08/09/21.

When contacted by The Mirror, the traditional leader initially said he was not aware of the alleged incident but later said he does not talk to the media on such issues.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, also said he was unaware of the issue.

But the complainant’s father, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, confirmed the case to The Mirror and pleaded for justice.

He alleged that Chief Musarurwa actually visited his home at night after realising that the matter had been reported to the police and tried to settle it privately.

On the attempted rape allegations against the chief, the complainant’s father, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, said Musarurwa visited the family in his official car on 9 August 2021.

They prepared him a meal and later gave him some groundnuts. On leaving, the chief asked to go with the girl as he wanted to send her to some homestead.

Without suspecting anything, the parents agreed but told the chief that the girl should come back early because she had some work to do at home.

The complainant’s father alleges that Musarurwa drove off and parked his car at a secluded place where he undressed the complainant and touched her private parts.

The chief only stopped after the girl cried out for help, said the father.

Musarurwa then drove the girl back but dropped her off a distance from the homestead as she was crying.

The girl arrived home crying and told her story to the parents. The shocked parents followed the chief to his place but were told on arrival that he had already left for Manhize. 

Added the father:

We were duped because we trusted and respected him as a Chief. No one can suspect that from a Chief.

When we reported the case to the police, he came here during the night and asked me what I want from him so that we can solve the matter amicably.

I refused to negotiate with him because it is stupid to do so.

-The Mirror

By A Correspondent- The High court has dismissed the MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti’s appeal against conviction and sentence imposed on him for allegedly announcing the 2018 harmonised election results.

Biti was sentenced to seven days in prison with the option of a US$200 fine on the first count while he escaped jail with a wholly suspended sentence of six months’ imprisonment on the other count.

Dissatisfied with the trial court’s decision, Biti approached the High Court on appeal against both conviction and sentence.

But two judges of the High Court Felistus Chatukuta and Pisirayi Kwenda sitting as an appeal court found the grounds of appeal unreasonably long and puzzling for the court to follow. Justice Chatukuta now the Supreme Court judge, wrote the judgment in which Biti’s appeal was struck off the roll.

She said Biti’s grounds of appeal were twisty and agonising to go comprehend.
“They make it hard for one to appreciate clearly what is being attacked by the appellant,” she said. “In general the grounds of appeal noted in this case are vague in nature, verbose, and argumentative. They cannot be said to be clear and concise.”
In some instances, the court found that grounds of appeal sought to raise constitutional issues on appeal and in other instances appear to attempt to mix an ordinary appeal and a seemingly constitutional application. “The appeal is therefore fatally defective. Accordingly, the appeal is struck off the roll,” ruled Justice Chatukuta. Justice Kwenda concurred.
The court also criticised Biti’s lawyers for doing a shoddy job by filing a defective appeal. Biti was convicted on two counts of illegally announcing the results of the July 2018, elections and declaring MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa the winner, although the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission later declared President Mnangagwa as the winner.

In his appeal, Biti, who was being represented his lawyers led by Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, argued that the trial magistrate misdirected herself in failing to consider pre-trial violations of his rights and the illegality of his arrest.
He claimed that he was improperly before the local court as he was “abducted” by state agents from Zambia. He argued that it was only fair for him to appear before a Zambian court the day he was arrested.

-State media

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has denounced the harassment of former freedom fighters by the Zanu PF regime.

President Chamisa challenged the regime to stop victimising war veterans.

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes. Their welfare & dignity is & shall be our top priority.All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting & harassing our liberation heroes. A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” wrote President Chamisa on his official Facebook page.

” MY DREAM & MISSION is to see our politics based more on ideas and thought, anchored more on issues and debate away from insults,hate &violence. My joy will be complete when more young smart Zimbabweans join active politics. It’s doable. It’s possible.A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” he added.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has denounced the harassment of former freedom fighters by the Zanu PF regime.

President Chamisa challenged the regime to stop victimising war veterans.

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes. Their welfare & dignity is & shall be our top priority.All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting & harassing our liberation heroes. A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” wrote President Chamisa on his official Facebook page.

” MY DREAM & MISSION is to see our politics based more on ideas and thought, anchored more on issues and debate away from insults,hate &violence. My joy will be complete when more young smart Zimbabweans join active politics. It’s doable. It’s possible.A New Great Zimbabwe loading,” he added.

https://twitter.com/WellenceMujuru/status/1453269070330089478?s=20

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry Chiwenga, has appealed for help to get her three minor children with the former army boss into her custody, saying they are being sexually abused by the housemaid.

In a post on social media, Marry also claimed that her estranged husband, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, does not take instructions from the President and therefore, she has no one to help her. 

Below is Marry’s statement:

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 bugged, 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 resources that can eliminate without hesitation and on the instruction.

They don’t hide, they tell me they 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 under fire 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 2 years 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 pain 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 deny 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 bulletproof vehicles taken from me, money and all but Absolutely Nothing.

His private doctor E.D.M even advised him 18 months 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 think I am being persecuted for “operation restore legacy”, the truth will be revealed come rain and come thunder. God help me… I am suffering

Watch the live video loading below….

By A Correspondent- Comedienne Felistas Edwards who is popularly known as Mai Titi has taken to her Facebook page expressing frustration over a United States of America (USA) based Zimbabwean woman identified as Patricia Majoni whom she accused of trying to get her North Carolina event shut down and even called the police to arrest her.

According to Mai Titi, the police responded in her favour and protected her. She then threatened that Majoni will get the taste of her own medicine.

Mai Titi wrote:

“So the owner of the place were we held our event showed us this email from Patricia Majoni known as Mamoe on Facebook who was hoping my event shut down and even called the police to try and arrest me?

Unfortunately they came and protected me because I got rights to be here and be doing what I’m doing but by you trying to do this to me .

For what? I will see to it that you get your own taste of your own medicine. You think I don’t kno my rights because you been in America for a long time ???

You need to know the difference between me and you and henceforth you will kno the difference.

You should be ashamed of yourself after trying to steal from people claiming to host the event you get to this????

I don’t know you why the hate?? Are you ok upstairs????”

Below are some comments to the post.

By A Correspondent- Five MDC-Alliance Rusape councillors have been arrested on criminal abuse of office charges after they connived to pass a resolution to by-pass stipulated Government tender procedures, prejudicing the local authority of $1,3 million, the state media has reported..

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the arrests made last night on charges of criminal abuse of duty.

“We arrested the following ward 1 cllr Patrick Chipere (51), ward 4 cllr Elizabeth Chidza (43), ward 9 cllr Luckson Zengeni (43), ward 3 Joseph Nyamupera (59) and ward 7 cllr Ndabanengi Mataga (38),” he said.

“The accused persons working in connivance passed a resolution to by-pass the Procurement Act, the resolution was then used to hand pick lawyers Mugiya and Muchadehama who then offered legal services worth $1 300 000 ignoring procurement thresholds and tendering process thereby showing favour to the handpicked lawyers.”

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has charged 40 liberation war veterans for public violence after they were arrested for refusing to comply with a directive to allow only five of them to hand over their petition to government.

Said the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights:

“ZRP are charging 40 former liberation war veterans with participating in gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of Criminal Code. ZRP accuses the former freedom fighters of singing “revolutionary” songs after they allegedly refused to comply with a directive to only allow 5 of them to hand over a petition detailing their grievances against govt at @ZimTreasury, Munhumutapa Building & @ParliamentZim. The 40 war veterans are still detained separately at Harare Central, Highlands,

JUST IN: ZRP are charging 40 former liberation war veterans with participating in gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of Criminal Code. ZRP accuses the former freedom fighters of singing "revolutionary" songs

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) October 27, 2021

after they allegedly refused to comply with a directive to only allow 5 of them to hand over a petition detailing their grievances against govt at @ZimTreasury, Munhumutapa Building & @ParliamentZim. The 40 war veterans are still detained separately at Harare Central, Highlands,

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) October 27, 2021

By A Correspondent- Parents of the  16-year-old Form Three student who was recently expelled from Mabelreign Girls High School after she was involved in several sexual encounters with a security guard have cried foul on how the school authorities handled the case.

The accused, David Tembo who was employed by the school at the school premises resigned when his sexual relationship with the 16-year-old girl came to light.

After the sex scandal emerged,  the parents were handed a transfer letter and told to look for another school because the school could no longer accommodate her.

The parents of the victim have bemoaned how the school head, Nomatamsanqa Kusena has been protecting Tembo instead of their daughter who they allege was manipulated in sex.  The father believes that it was unfair for the school head to opt to expel their daughter instead of getting Tembo arrested for having sex with a student.

“The Headmistress is protecting a person who manipulated my daughter into sex.

Nothing has been done to him, and the head just wants us to go away

The security guy is someone who we entrust our kids with at the school and he is supposed to be a father figure.How could he do that to my daughter?,” the victims father said.

A local tabloid reports that the case was downplayed at the police station after the girl said the encounters were consensual.

However, Tembo is still denying having any sexual relations with the Form three student. In his defence, he claims that sexually explicit messages and images were found on his phone because another guy was using his phone to send messages to this girl.

I don’t know what you are talking about; yes I know her but the conversations you are referring to are involving another guy.

It was my phone which was used to send the messages and I was also fixing her phone.

The school head Mrs Kusena can testify because I explained everything to her.

Meanwhile, Tembo is still residing at the school premises even though he’s resigned.-H-Metro

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to respect fighters of Zimbabwe’s war of independence and address their grievances rather than harass them.

This come after several war veterans were arrested in central Harare on Tuesday for protesting against poor pension stipends.

Chamisa took to Twitter this Wednesday morning to express solidarity with the incarcerated ex-combatants, saying his government will never “ignore or forget” them. He said:

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes.

“Their welfare and dignity is and shall be our top priority. All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting and harassing our liberation heroes.”

About 40 war veterans were detained at various police stations in Harare, with some taken to Harare Central Police Station, while the rest were taken to Rhodesville and Borrowdale police stations.

The veterans had gathered at the Africa Unity Square to protest over the $16 000 monthly allowances they are getting from the government when police in riot gear swooped on them.

This is the second time the war veterans have been arrested this year.

In August, nine of them were arrested for protesting at Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices, demanding a review of their pension benefits.

They were, however, released in the dead of night without charge, allegedly following instructions “from the top”.

By A Correspondent- President Nelson Chamisa’s citizens’ tour continues In Mashonaland West where he is set to meet the electorate.

The party however accused Zanu Pf of bussing in violent youth militia to disrupt the tour.

Said the party:

The citizens tour continues & president @nelsonchamisa is here in Mash West. T

The unelectable ZanuPF regime in #Zimbabwe is blocking access to communities in Hurungwe which he is alleged to be going & is bussing militias for violence.

The citizens tour continues & president @nelsonchamisa is here in Mash West. The unelectable ZanuPF regime in #Zimbabwe is blocking access to communities in Hurungwe which he is alleged to be going & is bussing militias for violence @hwendec @cazawaty #NgaapindeHakeMukomana pic.twitter.com/FofRBcuHOj

— CCC Mash West (@cccmashwest) October 27, 2021

Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) held its 3RD National Elective Congress on the 22nd of October 2021 which saw Lorraine Sibanda who is also StreetNet International President re-elected as the ZCIEA National President.

As part of its Constitutional obligation to promote democracy, ZCIEA conducts an elective congress every five years to choose New leadership which oversees the day-to-day running of the organization.

The Congress was Graced by The Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Amenities with the Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. Mabhena and Acting Deputy Director of Employment in the same Ministry Ms. Vimbai Chiza. Acting PS gave a transformational speech to the ZCIEA leadership and wished the organization a successful Congress.

A total of 235 delegates from 46 ZCIEA territories voted on the 22nd of October 2021. President Lorraine Sibanda (Gwanda) was duly elected as the ZCIEA National President after she garnered 122 votes whilst the ZCIEA Outgoing 3rd Vice National President Stella Chivandikwa (Kariba) got 107 votes, 6 votes were invalid.

ZCIEA Outgoing National Youth Chairperson Kizito Mupunga (Kwekwe) was re-elected into ZCIEA Management as the ZCIEA 1st Vice National President with 141 votes whilst Gweru Territorial President Shephard Museve got 80 votes, 14 votes were declared invalid.

ZCIEA Chitungwiza Organiser Janet Chirenje was nominated for the position of 2nd Vice National President as uncontested, she was endorsed by the ZCIEA National Congress and declared as the ZCIEA 2nd Vice National President.

ZCIEA Bulawayo Territorial President Musawenkosi Nyoni was declared the ZCIEA 3rd Vice National President with 144 votes whilst Zvishavane PWD Chair got 80 votes, 11 invalid votes.

Secretary General’s position was not contested for, it’s a full-time secretarial position.Plumtree Territorial President Lydia Maphosa was nominated as the 1st Vice Secretary-General uncontested, she was endorsed and declared by the ZCIEA National Congress.Chipinge Territorial President Dennis Maluwa was nominated for the position of 2nd Vice Secretary-General as uncontested, he was endorsed and declared by the ZCIEA National Congress.

The following three candidates wrestled for the position of National Organiser: Mutare Territorial President Benita Goneso topped with 107 votes, followed by the outgoing National Organiser Samson Sibanda (Binga) with 53 votes and Sanyati Territorial Organiser Garikai Mutunzi with 40 votes.

President Benita Goneso was declared the ZCIEA National Organiser.Beitbridge Territorial President Portia Shumba was declared the ZCIEA Vice National Organiser with 93 votes, whilst Guruve Territorial President Kelvin Musandauka got 91 votes and Kwekwe Secretary Moment Banda got 13 votes.Mashava Territorial President Nomore Sigauke garnered 126 votes and became ZCIEA National Treasurer, and Blessing Rukovo (Sanyati) got 94 votes.

ZCIEA National Women Chair Loice Gwangwara, National People With Disabilities Chair Tavengwa Mazhambe, and National Youth Chair Tinashe Musendami were elected into office on the 10th of December 2020, and they automatically become part of the ZCIEA National Leadership.ZCIEA appreciates the delegates for showing maturity during elections.

Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) also appreciates election officers and their credentials for conducting elections transparently. This is a sign of true democracy and commitment to the vision, mission, and objectives of the organization.“The Chamber That Delivers

Report By Fungai Munetsi

By A Correspondent- President Nelson Chamisa’s citizens’ tour continues In Mashonaland West where he is set to meet the electorate.

The party however accused Zanu Pf of bussing in violent youth militia to disrupt the tour.

Said the party:

The citizens tour continues & president @nelsonchamisa is here in Mash West. T

The unelectable ZanuPF regime in #Zimbabwe is blocking access to communities in Hurungwe which he is alleged to be going & is bussing militias for violence.

The citizens tour continues & president @nelsonchamisa is here in Mash West. The unelectable ZanuPF regime in #Zimbabwe is blocking access to communities in Hurungwe which he is alleged to be going & is bussing militias for violence @hwendec @cazawaty #NgaapindeHakeMukomana pic.twitter.com/FofRBcuHOj

— CCC Mash West (@cccmashwest) October 27, 2021

By A Correspondent- Health deputy minister John Mangwiro yesterday claimed that his ministry was not responsible for the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to hold by-elections, disputing claims by the commission that government was holding up the polls.

There are 28 vacant seats in the National Assembly and Senate, most of them as a result of the MDC-T faction led by Douglas Mwonzora recalling MDC Alliance legislators.

Zec chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba told diplomats last Wednesday that the electoral management body was ready to conduct the by-elections, but was waiting for Vice-President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga to lift the suspension.

Last year, Chiwenga promulgated Statutory Instrument 225A of 2020 to indefinitely suspend elections over COVID-19 fears.

Mangwiro yesterday retorted: “But (elections have) got nothing to do with the ministry. We don’t supervise elections.”

Briefing diplomats, Chigumba said Zec could not be faulted for failure to hold by-elections, shifting blame on Chiwenga.

The commission, she said, had “taken measures to engage the minister on the possibility of lifting the suspension on the conduct of by-elections”.

“By-elections can only be held once the said suspension has been lifted. The commission, however, continues to receive calls by various stakeholders for it to conduct by-elections, with some sectors mistakenly believing that Zec is the obstacle towards the holding of these by-elections,” Chigumba said.

“The commission stands ready to conduct by-elections once the statutory instrument issued by the Minister of Health and Child Care suspending the conduct of by-elections is amended to allow for the resumption of by-elections.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- War veterans Association district chairpersons in Masholand Central province have threatened to sue Minister for provincial affairs in Mash Central Senator Monica Mavhunga for allegedly selling land in the province.

The chairpersons who spoke to a local publication claimed Mavhunga is denying their association members access to land while selling the land to land seekers.

“We are not happy with our Minister she is allegedly selling land in the province while denying war veterans from the association access to land,” lamented the sources.

“We have been trying to engage her through her office and she keeps on saying she is busy it’s now over three months but we have since decided to take her to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Committee mayb that way we can be assisted.”

Although the provincial veterans chairman Sam Parirenyatwa refused to comment it is not a secret that Mavhunga and Parirenyatwa are not in good books after she allegedly refused to admit Parirenyatwa in the provincial lands committee in which she chairs.

Mavhunga did not pick calls from this reporter.

However, Mavhunga is not new to land scam as she has pending cases at High Court.

By A Correspondent- War veterans who were arrested in Harare on Tuesday for protesting over paltry stipends said the country has regressed to the Rhodesian era where they were not allowed to freely air their grievances.

The protesting ex-combatants, who are members of the War Veterans’ Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) and drawn from across the country’s provinces, accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of neglecting them.

A war veteran from Mvurwi, Obert Hazvinei Machingura, said the former combatants were holding protests because of false promises made by Mnangagwa’s government.

Said Machingura:

We have seen other groups, including the ruling party itself, being permitted to conduct protests, but we are being blocked,” Machingura said.

We have gone back to the (late former Rhodesia Prime Minister Ian) Smith regime. We are not allowed to speak.

Why is it so hard for the authorities to allow us to submit our petition to the President?

We are wallowing in poverty, but we contributed immensely to the liberation of the country.

Some of us lost limbs, relatives and homes to free the country, but what is the reward for that? Nothing.

Another war veteran, Mildred Chimurenga, who came all the way from Kwekwe, said the arrests were an indication that there was limited freedom of expression in the country under Mnangagwa.

She said:

Government should be committed to improving our welfare the same way we dedicated our lives to the liberation of this country.

We have been reduced to beggars when we deprived ourselves of some freedoms and opportunities to enrich ourselves and chose to go to war. However, only a few are enjoying the benefits.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa said war veterans deserved respect and instead of harassing and terrorising them, the government should address their grievances.

About 40 ex-combatants were detained at Harare Central Police Station after they gathered at the Africa Unity Square to protest over the $16 000 monthly allowances they are getting from the government.

Others were detained at Rhodesville and Borrowdale police stations.

By A Correspondent- War veterans who were arrested in Harare on Tuesday for protesting over paltry stipends said the country has regressed to the Rhodesian era where they were not allowed to freely air their grievances.

The protesting ex-combatants, who are members of the War Veterans’ Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) and drawn from across the country’s provinces, accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of neglecting them.

A war veteran from Mvurwi, Obert Hazvinei Machingura, said the former combatants were holding protests because of false promises made by Mnangagwa’s government.

Said Machingura:

We have seen other groups, including the ruling party itself, being permitted to conduct protests, but we are being blocked,” Machingura said.

We have gone back to the (late former Rhodesia Prime Minister Ian) Smith regime. We are not allowed to speak.

Why is it so hard for the authorities to allow us to submit our petition to the President?

We are wallowing in poverty, but we contributed immensely to the liberation of the country.

Some of us lost limbs, relatives and homes to free the country, but what is the reward for that? Nothing.

Another war veteran, Mildred Chimurenga, who came all the way from Kwekwe, said the arrests were an indication that there was limited freedom of expression in the country under Mnangagwa. She said:

Government should be committed to improving our welfare the same way we dedicated our lives to the liberation of this country.

We have been reduced to beggars when we deprived ourselves of some freedoms and opportunities to enrich ourselves and chose to go to war. However, only a few are enjoying the benefits.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa said war veterans deserved respect and instead of harassing and terrorising them, the government should address their grievances.

About 40 ex-combatants were detained at Harare Central Police Station after they gathered at the Africa Unity Square to protest over the $16 000 monthly allowances they are getting from the government.

Others were detained at Rhodesville and Borrowdale police stations.

By A Correspondent- Persecution on the Marry Chiwenga continued after yesterday the court again postponed her trial on money laundering and externalisation charges to November 2.

Marry is charged with allegedly externalising US$1 033 000 and laundering US$990 000. She is also facing separate charges of attempted murder and assault.
The State had set trial dates, but Marry, through her lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, told the court last week that she was not fit to stand trial as she was taking mental altering drugs that make it difficult for her to stand trial.

Yesterday, Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa, appearing for the State, requested for the postponement when Mubaiwa appeared before regional magistrate Mr Noel Mupeiwa saying they were still waiting for the results of the second medical examination.

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has said that the arrest of over 40 war veterans Tuesday is a clear sign that the Zanu PF led government is insensitive to the plight of the former freedom fighters.

Armed police rounded up war veterans in central Harare who staged a peaceful demonstration against poor pension payouts.

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes.
Their welfare and dignity is and shall be our top priority. All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting and harassing our liberation heroes,” Chamisa tweeted Wednesday.

The veterans were detained at various police stations in Harare, with some taken to Harare Central Police Station, while the rest were taken to Rhodesville and Borrowdale police stations.

The veterans had gathered at the Africa Unity Square to protest over the $16 000 monthly allowances they are getting from the government when police in riot gear swooped on them.

This is the second time the war veterans have been arrested this year.
In August, nine of them were arrested for protesting at Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices, demanding a review of their pension benefits.

By A Correspondent- Dairai Lyn Chirimumimba is a Zimbabwean born frontline worker based in Ireland who today 27 October 2021 is celebrating her birthday.

This year, the celebrations are even more special because the occasion is coinciding with one of her childhood dreams.

Chirimumimba’s wish to see her works on the shelves has finally come true.

“I have always been an author. As a child, I wrote short stories and poems. The challenge is that everything that I wrote as a child was never published.”

 I am thrilled that my book has been published. This is just the beginning. I am going to write and publish more books. Writing is my passion and because I have always been a friend of the pen and paper, watch this space.”

So far, she has two completed books to her name, one of which has already been published.

Chirimumimba speaks to ZimEye and we publish below excepts of the interview:

ZimEye: Who is Dairai Lyn- Mary Chirimumimba?

Dairai:  I am a Zimbabwean by birth and I also grew up here. To be precise, I was born in Murehwa and grew up there. I went to school at Morris school in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) from grade 1 to 3. The whole family then moved to Chitungwiza where l completed my primary education at Seke number 7 school. l went on to do my secondary education at Seke no 2 high school where l did form one to form four.

After my high school education, I trained as a general nurse at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and qualified in 1992. From Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital, l went on to work in Hwedza before I returned back home and worked at Chitungwiza Referral Hospital before I moved to Masvingo Hospital until 2 October 2002.

At the end of October 2002 I relocated to the republic of Ireland where l am currently based.

ZimEye: You are a qualified nurse, how did you start writing?

Dairai: When I was a teenager and doing my secondary education I was in the debate club and we used to do impromptu speeches. That kind of inspired me. In the Debate Club, you are just given a topic and you have to come up with a story and say something about it. Since that time, I realised I had a passion for writing too.

I would write and go places if an event is happening I would just write a short story, compile a small poem or something like that. I would do this while growing up but everything that I wrote was never published, because the publishing was not there.

I was just doing it out of interest I can say. So when my brother passed away, Dr Chirimumimba, may his dearly departed soul rest in eternal peace, I thought of writing his bibliography. So whilst I was doing that, that’s when it clicked that I have to be writing something.

I felt the urge to communicate and connect with the readers through my writing. I wanted to share my stories, so that is when I said to myself, I have to publish. I started working on my first book.

ZimEye: Can you please share the journey until you published your first book?

Dairai: Her Brothers’ Choice is the first book that I published because my brother’s bibliography was the first book I wrote but unfortunately, to date, it is still on the shelves. I didn’t get to publish it.

Her Brother’s Choice is a romantic fiction novel based on seeing and hearing stories about life, about love and what goes on around us. It is published on Live Life Academy, which is my website.

The story is about a young girl who fell in love but could not marry the man of her dreams because of culture and expectations. The girl was forced to marry someone she didn’t love. However, the marriage broke down and in the end she reunited with the love of her dreams. I urge you all to read and enjoy this beautiful romantic tale.

ZimEye: After the first publication, what next? Have you written more?

Dairai: The second book is Dementia Journey Walk With Me. This book is more like motivational or educational. It is about ways of coping with dementia if one member of the family has the condition, be it the parent, brother or sister. The book advises on how you can cope as a family.

I wrote this book because I felt the need to advise people on how to cope, what challenges families face and the existing choices. It enlightens people on how to make it when a family member has the condition. Because I am trained as a nurse and I am still working as one, when I started working in Ireland, I was exposed to people with dementia and I have seen how families were distraught and struggling to cope.

Through reading literature and talking to people, I decided to write this book just to give tips to people, to families and even those who already have dementia. Those that do not have the condition can also read it so that they may know more about it. So this book is for everyone. Anyone can use it because those who do not have dementia but may have friends should also know and have the knowledge of what support is out there.

Most of the time, coping with the condition is a challenge, how can the affected work around it when it’s like the end of life. It’s like because people are grieving, people are angry, people are in pain, it can be really tough. So that’s how I came to write this book. It is going to be edited and published by a publishing company in the UK. It will be available soon. It should be out this November or December.

ZimEye:  How have you balanced work and writing? What challenges have you faced as an author?

Dairai: It has been hectic balancing work and writing. My main challenge was time to sit down and write my content. As a nurse who is now at a more senior nursing position, I am an assistant director in nursing so my work demands are high. I also have a family that needs me, so to try and create time to write was my main challenge and it still is. Although, I can safely say now this has improved, that has been my greatest challenge.

Of course, there are other challenges such as establishing who will edit my book and the financial demands that come with editing to get it published.

ZimEye: What lessons have you learnt from these experiences?

Dairai: What I have learnt with my writing is that being an author is a full time profession. I have learnt to respect all authors. Writing requires a lot of commitment. I salute all the authors. I have read so many books from primary school when I was young including Kusasana Kunoparira, Akanga Nyimo Avangarara, Waiting For The Rain and Coming Of The Dry Season. I appreciate all those authors because my experience has taught me that it takes a lot of commitment to come up with a book.

ZimEye: Any future projects?

Dairai: The book My Brothers Choice was written in 2018 and rewritten in 2019 and completed in 2021. Dementia Journey Walk With Me was started in 2020 and it will be ready soon. It is my hope. For future projects, there are plenty to come. I have one that is set to come out early 2022, it is a christian book.

This upcoming book is a religious book centred on Jesus. It is a good book. I am a christian so I believe in Jesus and I also believe in sharing the word of God. Because of my background, this book will really be instrumental for me

Because Her Brother’s Choice is a small book, the second part may be coming soon. I should continue with the story. It will be different but it will be a continuation of this family. So watch this space. There may be other projects to come too so who knows there may be a third part of Her Brother’s Choice.

ZimEye: Your words of advice to aspiring writers?

Dairai: When you commit yourself to your project, you will definitely succeed. The sky is the limit. It is a laborious journey but worth it. Dreams do come true when you persevere.

All those wishing to read more about Dairai can visit her website Livelifecademy.com   

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has challenged Zanu PF led government to respect the former freedom fighters.

Chamisa made the challenge after Tuesday the police had arrested scores of them for demonstrating against poor pension payouts.

“AS A PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT we will never harass, terrorize, disrespect, victimize, ignore or forget our war veterans and liberation heroes.
Their welfare and dignity is and shall be our top priority. All their grievances must be addressed. Stop arresting and harassing our liberation heroes,” Chamisa tweeted Wednesday.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Harare have arrested 20 war veterans protesting against poor pensions.

Tuesday, the defiant former liberation war combatants said they were living in abject poverty while political elites were leading luxurious lives.

They said they were ready to be arrested or die for staging the protests meant to push the government to review their pensions.

They said they used to have better lives but now the situation has deteriorated. Watch the video below for more details.

They previously demonstrated in ‘defense of its people, freedoms, and the future’ after claiming that the ANC government was failing in its duty to effectively run the country.
The trend shows that some African governments are failing to address the veterans’ grievances, neither do they have sustainable plans for the welfare of war veterans.

-Online

By A Correspondent- Some MDC Alliance activists were severely assaulted by suspected Zanu PF machete-wielding assailants in Goromonzi South.

MDC Alliance last Sunday said the attackers were identified as James Marifani and Zaka and is urging the Zimbabwe Republic Police to take action. Said MDC Alliance:

GoromonziSouthViolence Zanu PF thugs who violently attacked our members on Sunday in Goromonzi South have been identified as James Marifani & Zaka.

Here are images of our members who were violently attacked with machetes & knives by ZANU PF thugs on Sunday. We condemn the cruel acts of this violent, murderous, corrupt regime.

MDC Alliance’s Secretary-General, Chalton Hwende, urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate and arrest identified perpetrators. He added:

Some of our members were assaulted outside Mabvuku Police Station whilst trying to make Police reports. Political intolerance and violence must end and Police must not selectively apply the Law

There have been reports of assaults on MDC Alliance activists since two weeks ago when the party leader, Nelson Chamisa toured Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

The party claimed that Chamisa himself narrowly escaped two assassination attempts allegedly plotted by the ruling ZANU PF.

Some political analysts are convinced that the attacks are meant to instil fear in the opposition party’s supporters ahead of the 2023 elections.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that he was very excited to be invited to attend the climate change conference in the United Kingdom.

United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) is scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of November in Glasgow, Scotland. 

Mnangagwa expressed his excitment on his twitter account Tuesday.

He tweeted:

I am eagerly looking forward to my first visit to the United Kingdom. @COP26meeting of nations comes at an extraordinary time in world history. Many countries are still battling the pandemic whilst having to undertake immense changes to our economies to meet climate goals.

The discussions @COP26 are going to be an important step in agreeing to a collective way forward.

For Zimbabwe, we feel the impact of climate change more than others. Our temperatures have risen by approximately 2°C over the past century. Which has seen a significant increase in extreme weather. In the past two decades alone, we have had to deal with 10 droughts.

If the world doesn’t step up, we will see jobs lost, livelihoods destroyed, and people will lose their lives. That is something we must avoid and why Zimbabwe is coming to the table with ambitious plans to tackle climate change.

Zimbabwe has now committed to reducing emissions by 40% before 2030. The time for words is over – we must act now.

While we will offer to hasten our economic transformation, we do need to remain alive to the shocks of drought and the impact of climate change through necessary social safety nets. I will be appealing for multilateral support to supplement our efforts.

Zimbabwe has come a long way over the past three years, I hope our presence @COP26 and our commitment to the global fight against climate change will be recognised as part of our ongoing re-engagement campaign.

By A Correspondent- Some MDC Alliance activists were Sunday severely assaulted by suspected Zanu PF machete-wielding assailants in Goromonzi South.

MDC Alliance has said the attackers were identified as James Marifani and Zaka and is urging the Zimbabwe Republic Police to take action. Said MDC Alliance:

GoromonziSouthViolence Zanu PF thugs who violently attacked our members on Sunday in Goromonzi South have been identified as James Marifani & Zaka.

Here are images of our members who were violently attacked with machetes & knives by ZANU PF thugs on Sunday. We condemn the cruel acts of this violent, murderous, corrupt regime.

MDC Alliance’s Secretary-General, Chalton Hwende, urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to investigate and arrest identified perpetrators. He added:

Some of our members were assaulted outside Mabvuku Police Station whilst trying to make Police reports. Political intolerance and violence must end and Police must not selectively apply the Law

There have been reports of assaults on MDC Alliance activists since two weeks ago when the party leader, Nelson Chamisa toured Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

The party claimed that Chamisa himself narrowly escaped two assassination attempts allegedly plotted by the ruling ZANU PF.

Some political analysts are convinced that the attacks are meant to instil fear in the opposition party’s supporters ahead of the 2023 elections.

MY DREAM & MISSION is to see our politics based more on ideas and thought, anchored more on issues and debate away from insults,hate &violence. My joy will be complete when more young smart Zimbabweans join active politics. It’s doable. It’s possible.A New Great Zimbabwe loading!

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) October 26, 2021

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe’s international isolation can only end if key reforms are implemented.

Zanu PF blames sanctions for the economic quagmire in the country.

Addressing a media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube called for an inclusive dialogue that will resolve the political crisis in Zimbabwe.

According to Professor Ncube, Zanu PF wants to suppress genuine dialogue through POLAD …

Watch:

By A Correspondent- While daily Covid-19 infections have significantly declined over the past weeks, almost half of the cases recorded in the country yesterday were from schools, the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have shown.

This is happening at a time when the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines has also gone down drastically, casting a shadow on the government meeting its 10 million target by year-end.

“Thirty-seven (37) new cases (all local) and four (4) deaths [were] reported today (Monday),” said the Ministry of Health and Child Care in its daily Covid-19 update late yesterday.

“Seven day rolling average for new cases remains at 40. Seventeen (17) of these cases are from outbreaks in schools.”

Schools in Manicaland had nine (9) cases, Masvingo six (6), Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North recorded one (1) case each.

In Bulawayo, according to the Health Services Department, a total of 23 learning institutions have recorded Covid-19 cases since schools opened in September with most having recovered and the situation under control.

Of those, there were 12 primary schools, 10 secondary schools and one tertiary institution that recorded cases between the end of third wave and last Friday.

“As of today (Monday), Zimbabwe has recorded 132 688 cases, 127 433 recoveries and 4 673 deaths,” said the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

A total of 3 299 cases were conducted yesterday with 1.2 percent of them coming out positive.

Active cases have since gone down to 585 with the national recovery rate now at 95 percent following 135 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

“As of 24 October 2021, at 1500 hours, there were 63 hospitalised cases, new admissions 1, asymptomatic 5, mild to moderate 42, severe 13 and 3 in Intensive Care Units,” said the Ministry.

A total of 6 378 people yesterday received their first jab bringing the cumulative total to 3 275 033 while 6 193 got their second dose pushing up the cumulative figure for the fully-vaccinated to 2 545 717. CITE

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Harare have arrested 20 war veterans protesting against poor pensions.

Tuesday, the defiant former liberation war combatants said they were living in abject poverty while political elites were leading luxurious lives.

They said they were ready to be arrested or die for staging the protests meant to push the government to review their pensions.

They said they used to have better lives but now the situation has deteriorated. Watch the video below for more details.

They previously demonstrated in ‘defense of its people, freedoms, and the future’ after claiming that the ANC government was failing in its duty to effectively run the country.
The trend shows that some African governments are failing to address the veterans’ grievances, neither do they have sustainable plans for the welfare of war veterans.

-Online