By A Correspondent- Doves Funeral Services has suspended three of its employees as it seeks to get to the bottom of a case in which an empty coffin was presented to a bereaved family in Nyanga.

The actual body of deceased Maxwell Chimwamurombe was eventually buried at Mbudzi Cemetery in Harare some days later.

Doves Funeral Services managing director, Mr Talent Maziwisa told The Herald in an interview that the company had nothing to hide and was prepared to use experts such as scientists and carry out DNA tests to ensure that the truth is laid bare.

He said they had since engaged the concerned family members in Nyanga and traditional leaders in the area in their quest to find closure to the case which occurred in March this year.

Mr Maziwisa:

As management we have created a committee to investigate. The initial preliminary investigations were not conclusive but made it imperative that we engage the family so that they are aware of the concerns we had picked.

Our view is that the whole process is scientifically done, exhumation, DNAs where necessary so that the late Maxwell is laid to rest.

As a company we have nothing to hide. We have done three suspensions to clear the ground for thorough internal investigations. We empathise with the family given what they are going through emotionally.

Reports indicate that relatives and friends of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe gathered in Avilla area, Nyanga in March this year for burial where Doves brought an empty coffin.

Without conducting body viewing due to the prevailing Covid-19 restrictions, the family went on to bury the empty coffin.

Some six months later, the family learnt from sources that Doves had realised the anomaly three days after the burial of an empty coffin, but decided to offer the deceased a pauper’s burial at Mbudzi cemetery without notifying the family.

In a bid to rectify the anomaly, Doves engaged the traditional leaders in Nyanga who fined them a beast and later allowed them to conduct a fresh burial in his area of jurisdiction.

Chief Saunyama, born Victor Saunyama, confirmed engaging Doves Funeral Services.

Tinashe Sambiri|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- Ex Tembisa cop Rosemary Ndlovu continues to make headlines even after her conviction on six counts of murder, with the latest shocking revelations stating that she may have been behind the death of her 13-year-old son who died of food poisoning in 2008.

Ndlovu is in jail for the murder of six people, including her sister and boyfriend, for insurance payout purposes.

During investigations of the six murders, a close family member told police that Ndlovu had another child who died in 2008 and an inquest case was opened due to the circumstances under which he died.

The relative who did not want to be identified asked the investigating officer to revisit the case saying they suspect she killed her son.

Information from the inquest docket revealed that the boy, who was 13-years-old at the time, was admitted at Zamokhuhle due to food poisoning on 30 June 2008.

The boy was discharged on July 12. However, he was rushed back to the same hospital and was declared dead on arrival.

The hospital informed police leading up to the investigation. In her statement, Ndlovu said that the child had a meal at 16h00 then went to bed at 17h00.

When he didn’t get up by around 19h00, Ndlovu said she got worried, went to check up on him and realised that he was not waking up.

She said she called her friends and they rushed the child back to Zamokuhle where he was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, Ndlovu is also accused of organising a hit on her former boss and another cop while she was in prison.

Allegations are that Ndlovu paid an alleged hitman a few hundred rands to kill the two as she blamed them for her arrest.

However, the plan was later exposed and a case of conspiracy to murder was opened in Tembisa in October 2018.

After her arrest, Ndlovu was kept at Johannesburg Prison where she is alleged to have had access to a cellphone. She allegedly attempted to organise the murders of the two.

“She was then transferred to Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria,” a source said.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that Ndlovu was facing the two additional charges. He did not provide further detail, saying the matter was still under investigation.

“We can confirm that there are two cases of conspiracy to commit murder.

“Both cases were provisionally withdrawn at court pending further investigation. Unfortunately, we cannot divulge more information as the cases are still under investigation,” he said.

Last week, Ndlovu was convicted for the murders of her sister Audrey; Audrey’s son Brilliant Mashego; her live-in lover Yingwani Maurice Mabasa; cousin Witness Madaka Homu; niece Zanele Motha, and another relative Mayeni Mashaba.

She was also found guilty of defeating the ends of justice by tampering with the scene of the crime where Audrey died.

Judge Ramarumo Monama also convicted Ndlovu on four counts of defrauding Clientelle Limited, 1 Life Insurance, Old Mutual and Assupol.

Ndlovu is expected back in court on 5 November where sentencing arguments following her conviction in the six murders would be heard.-

-News24

By A Correspondent- Police have launched a manhunt for a Mhangura man who murdered his wife and two kids on Thursday night by striking them with an axe before setting their house on fire.

Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Margaret Chitove was this morning waiting to receive facts on the case but sources from Mhangura police station said a manhunt has since been launched.

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.-statemedia

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

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa commands a huge following in Mashonaland West Province, an area regarded as a red zone for perceived Zanu PF foes…

Despite desperate attempts by Zanu PF militia and hired youths to disrupt President Chamisa’s community engagement programmes in Hurungwe and Karoi, “the people’s President” held successful meetings in the respective areas.

“President
@nelsonchamisa
is determined to usher a new era in Zimbabwe.

Today, he met with opinion leaders – Church leaders, Chiefs, headmen, civil servants and pensioners in Mhondoro Ngezi, Mhondoro Mubaira & Turf Township. #NgaapindeHakeMukomana

The People’s President
@nelsonchamisa
continues with his citizen engagement campaign despite the regime’s primitive political behaviour to sabotage his tour. Rural people are exhibiting unwavering support towards a new Zimbabwe. We’ll undoubtedly bring Zimbabwe for real change,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.

?Hurungwe & Karoi business activities came to a standstill on Wednesday when President @nelsonchamisa had an impromptu stop on his way from meeting with community leaders, special interests groups and citizens.#CitizensConvergenceForChange pic.twitter.com/qvZe0i6bpL

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) October 28, 2021

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 Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the country’s largest platinum miner, Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings (Zimplats), have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the mining giant invest US$1,8 billion to bolster its operations, including the setting up of a 110 megawatt (MW) solar plant.

Presiding over the signing ceremony at State House on Thursday, President Mnangagwa commended the platinum producer for the adoption of sustainable energy sources.

“The adoption and use of smart energy resources by Zimplats through integrating the development of 110MW solar power is also commendable.

“This will not only bolster our thrust of becoming energy self-sufficient, but help us have a diverse energy mix.”

He said investors were showing increasing confidence in the local economy.

“The signing of a US$1,8 billion agreement attests to the growing confidence of global capital in our economy and the policies of the Second Republic,” said President Mnangagwa

By A Correspondent- The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance has rubbished United Nations special rapporteur Alena Douhan’s report on the outcome of her findings on the impact of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe, describing it as pre-determined as it did not capture the opposition’s views.

MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti claimed in a tweet on Wednesday evening that the UN special envoy exposed her bias by releasing her report mid-way into their meeting.

“We are shocked that the UN and Douhan released its statement in the middle of our consultation. We are the biggest political party in Zimbabwe and we consider such conduct fraudulent, unprofessional and predetermined,” Biti tweeted.

“As MDC Alliance, we had a meeting with the UN special rapporteur on coercive measures, Douhan, 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 Press statement (on Thursday).”

The MDC Alliance delegation that met Douhan included Biti, party secretary-general Chalton Hwende, secretary for international relations Gladys Hlyatwayo and welfare secretary Maureen Kademaunga.

Biti described Douhan’s preliminary report as a scandal since it was issued while they were still in a meeting with her.

Douhan’s 10-day visit to probe the impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe ended on Wednesday with an address to the media on her findings.

In the report, the envoy said the southern African country had been on sanctions for too long, hence it was difficult to decipher their impact as several factors needed to be taken into account.

“Unilateral sanctions, secondary sanctions and over-compliance in their complexity have exacerbated the pre-existing economic and humanitarian crisis, inhibiting the building of essential infrastructure and international and inter-institutional co-operation necessary for the achievement of the sustainable development goals,” part of the UN report read.

The UN accused Western countries of influencing her tour by allegedly threatening civic society organisations against meeting her.

“Although the special rapporteur had the opportunity to meet many representatives of independent civil society organisations and human rights defenders, she notes with regret that a substantial number of non-governmental organisations and some other interlocutors failed to engage with the mandate due to various hateful and intimidating messages that appeared in social media and news outlets, and an alleged fear of losing foreign donations,” the UN said in a statement yesterday.

“The special rapporteur reiterates her invitation to all interlocutors to share their views and experiences on the impact of unilateral sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights in Zimbabwe, ahead of the final report.”

Douhan also acknowledged that the country was in deep problems which Zanu PF alone could not solve, calling for meaningful dialogue between Harare and the West, opposition parties, civic organisations and other stakeholders.

A final report will be tabled at the UN Human Rights Commission in September 2020.

Political analyst Enerst Mudzengi said if what Biti claimed was true, then Douhan’s statement was “not a product of full consultations. The rapporteur could have misdirected herself.”

But analyst Alexander Rusero said Biti was undiplomatic in his claims.

“Biti should understand that a preliminary statement is an abstract, it is not the final statement,” he said.

“There is a balance of probabilities, on one side, the lifting of sanctions, which suits the Zanu PF narrative and on the other hand, acknowledgement of the deep-rooted problems in the country which Zanu PF cannot solve alone, but with genuine opposition, which means the MDC Alliance. The MDC Alliance should pick on the positives.”

Another analyst, Eldred Masunungure said: “To be impartial and objective, a special rapporteur, as a fact-finder, cannot midstream release a report that does not seem to capture the breath of opinion from another key stakeholder. That minimises the views of the stakeholders and the rapporteur deserves to be criticised for being partial. What she did shows an attempt to undermine the opinions of other contributors.”

While the UN has called for lifting of sanctions by the West against Zimbabwe as they are hurting the economy, the United States (US) has reiterated that corruption was the cause of Zimbabwe’s economic woes.

US senator Jim Risch, a leading member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Zimbabwe should implement tangible reforms and stop conducting pointless anti-sanctions campaigns that would not bring social, economic or political reforms.-Newsday

HRDs Alert

28 October 2021

LIBERATION WAR VETERANS DETAINED IN PRISON OVER ANTI-GOVT PROTEST

THIRTY-NINE liberation war veterans will spend the night in prison detention after Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko deferred her ruling to Friday 29 October 2021 on their application seeking to be set free citing violation of their fundamental rights by law enforcements agents who arrested them early this week.

The liberation war veterans, who were arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Tuesday 26 October 2021 in central Harare, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in Section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors claimed that the war veterans gathered at Africa Unity Square singing “Chimurenga songs” with the intention to promote public violence or breaches of peace or realising that there was a real risk or possibility of forcibly disturbing the peace, security or order of the public.

The war veterans, prosecutors charged, intended to handover a petition to Parliament and at Munhumutapa Building, which houses President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offices outlining their grievances but were told to only allow five people to do so but reportedly refused and insisted that they all wanted to present as a group.

The prosecutors claimed that the war veterans refused to heed an order issued by ZRP officers to disperse and started singing “revolutionary songs” and thereby disturbing the peace and movement of pedestrians and some vehicles.

In court, the war veterans filed an application seeking an order for their immediate release after telling Magistrate Mateko that their arrest and detention was arbitrary and unlawful as they had not been advised of the charges they were facing upon arrest and were only told
on Wednesday 27 October 2021 after their lawyers had protested against the conduct of the law enforcement agents.

The liberation war veterans, who are represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe, Idirashe Chikomba, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Blessing Nyamaropa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawaona Kanoti also argued that they should be immediately released from custody as they had been detained for more than 48 hours without being brought to
court in breach of Section 50 of the Constitution.

Magistrate Mateko, who ordered the detention of the war veterans in remand prison, will hand down her ruling on Friday 29 October 2021 at 11:15 AM.

By A Correspondent- Goodness and Mercy Ministries leader, Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has defended the video circulating on social media where an elderly woman is filmed relieving herself before the congregation.

Prophet Freddy said he was also shocked to witness the instant deliverance when he was praying for the elderly woman.

“The woman has not been going to the toilet for some days before she was brought to me for prayers,” said Prophet Freddy.

“On praying for her, she instantly received her healing and I was also shocked by the instant deliverance.

“We have been witnessing several people vomiting, crying and manifesting in various ways during their deliverance and defecating was part of the deliverance since it had to do with stomach disorders.

“As to why the video was posted on social media, we have been posting everything we do during our services and this was also on camera.

“I conduct live church services that include making prophecies to people including those outside the country.

“If you watch other live services used to be carried by the late Prophet TB Joshua you agree with me that some of the people would be screened half naked with their private parts exposed,” said Prophet Freddy.

Asked if the deliverance was not stage managed, the Ndirikurwadziwa singer denied stage managing services saying the Bible has many of such miracles that can be questioned as well.

“I do not stage manage miracles; only that spiritual people understand spiritual matters,” said Prophet Freddy.

“Jesus Christ performed several miracles recorded in the Bible that look unbelievable to pagans and people of canal minds.

“Walking on water, healing of the blind with mud, changing water into wine, all these can be debated but to those who believe they praise their saviour.

“Biblical Moses performed a miracle that stopped water from flowing and led Israelites to cross on a dry sea.

“All these miracles cannot be understood by people of canal minds but to us who believe it is the power of God.

“Shoko remuchinjikwa hupenzi kunevanoparadzwa asi kwatiri tinoponeswa isimba raMwari.

“The woman left the service happy and promised to bring her testimony so I cannot thank God for doing such things among his people,” said Prophet Freddy.

He confirmed his displeasure about his song ‘Ndirikurwadziwa’ being linked and attached to a video of Manchester United on their recent match defeats.

“That song is based on a true story on how I was affected by the destruction of my church structures in Glen View,” said Prophet Freddy.

“But when I hear the song following defeat of Manchester United it affects me much since I am one of the supporters of that team.

” I want to believe that the person who created the video adding that song knew that I am a Manchester United supporter, ” he said.-BMetro

By A Correspondent- A 49 year old man who is suspected to have had an overdose of se_x enhancing pills last week died after a se_x orgy with his girlfriend at the latter’s house in Nyazura.

Shepherd Chiwara (49) of Marowa Village in Nyazura died three hours after spending quality time with his girlfriend, Stella Mafarachisi who reported the matter to police in the wee hours of the following day.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident which happened in Maurendi Village last Saturday night.

Chiwara died after complaining of chest pains.

He died before being taken to hospital.

“We can confirm that Shepherd visited his girlfriend, Stella Mafarachisi and spent time together before they retired to bed around 11pm. He woke up around midnight complaining of chest pains. His condition deteriorated and died about an hour and half later.

“Mafarachisi rushed to Nyazura Police Station where she made a report. No injuries were found on the body, and no foul play is suspected,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Meanwhile, a beer binge at Florida Shops in Mutare ended tragically recently after a 64-year-old man was stoned to death by his colleagues over an undisclosed misunderstanding.

Robson Shamhu died a week after he was allegedly stoned by two of his colleagues identified as Simbarashe and Itai.

The two who are still at large allegedly took turns to stone the now late Shamhu.

“The deceased, Simbarashe and Itai were having a beer binge at Florida Bottle Store before a scuffle ensued. The alleged assailants took stones and stoned Shamhu. He sustained serious injuries including a swollen face.

“He was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital last week on Friday where he died the following day. The deceased’s wife, Ms Elizabeth Samson (52) alerted the police about the death,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Police have since launched a manhunt to bring the two culprits to book, and are appealing to members of the public with information leading to the duo’s arrest to contact their nearest police station.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public to solve disputes amicably, and maturely than resorting to violence.-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo have arrested a security guard from Emakhandeni suburb who allegedly connived with armed robbers to raid his boss who managed to escape with a bag containing over US$300 000.

Reneus Mpala (35) is linked to one of the armed robbers who were arrested in Fourwinds suburb in August following a shootout with the police.

Police cornered six armed robbers in Fourwinds suburb after they raided a 45-year-old man in his home and three of the suspects were shot dead.

The other three suspects including Mthokozisi Moyo have since appeared in court.

The armed robbers have been linked to the robbery of Choppies Parklands Supermarket and Access Finance in the city, getting away with nearly US$300 000 and R1 million.

Mpala is alleged to have been supplying the suspected armed robbers with information on how they could rob his boss while tampering with security systems.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said Mpala was sold out by Moyo in his alleged involvement in armed robbery cases.

Mpala is said to be part of a four-member armed robbery gang that carjacked his boss in June and got away with US$5 000 in Fourwinds suburb following a highspeed chase.

His other accomplices who are on the run have been identified as Washington Dube and Mandlenkosi Ngwenya both from Nketa suburb. Insp Ncube said Mpala supplied information to the three accomplices as well as Moyo about his boss who has a shop in Famona suburb.

“Using the information supplied by Mpala, his accomplices tailed their victim using an unregistered Honda Fit and Toyota Hiace, blocking his vehicle leading it to crash. They opened fire targeting the victim who abandoned his car and scaled a precast and sought refuge at a nearby home. He managed to escape with a bag which contained over US$300 000 and gold whose value was not ascertained. He left behind US$5 000 in the car which the suspects got away with,” said Insp Ncube.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Kudzanai Mashumba, a former MDC T stalwart who was beaten up in Harare after he tried to expose MDC T leader Douglas Mwonzora has revealed that he will be addressing the media in Bulawayo next week.

Mashumba, whose presser at Media Centre was disrupted by legislator Yvonne Musarurwa and several hired youths said this time around, security was guaranteed.

He said:

“Next week! I will be addressing Bulawayo based journalist@press http://club.Security guaranteed. Handei Tione.

Mashumba a bodyguard of former MDC-T leader, Thokozani Khupe, was beaten up by some youths belonging to the party led by Mwonzora while addressing the media.

He was manhandled by MDC-T youth leader, Musarurwa, and several others in Harare and beaten up for trying to expose what he alleges is mismanagement of funds by the party leader.

Musarurwa and others claimed that he was no longer a member of the party and therefore he had not right to talk to the press about anything related to the MDC-T.

Mashumba is among several other people in the party who claim that Mwonzora allegedly diverted to his own use thousands of dollars belonging to the MDC-T before the party held an Extraordinary Congress last year.

Mwonzora has dismissed the allegations as wishful thinking.

The party’s information and publicity secretary, Witness Dube, claims that Mashumba is acting on behalf of the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa.

“Mashumba and all these people making these false claims have been sent by the MDC Alliance. They want to denigrate the image of our president as we are preparing for a congress to chose the new leadership. It’s nothing new as far as we are concerned because there are some like him who have made similar allegations. We are not concerned at all about this because these are people who are looking for fame.”

Mwonzora beat Khupe and several other MDC-T candidates in an Extraordinary Congress held last year, which was described by some party activists and obsevers as a sham poll. He replaced the late party founder and leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman defecated in church after Prophet Tapiwa Freddy prayed for her.

In a video that has set social media ablaze, Prophet Freddy is seen praying for a woman until she poops out a demon in the form of a turd.

The incident happened in Glen View, a suburb in Harare where the headquarters of the Goodness and Mercy Ministries is located.

Prophet Freddy was seen shouting,” come out, come out, come out, come ooooouut,” and the woman removed her panties and took a dump in front of Prophet Freddy and other congregants.

The congregation applauded and screamed as they witnessed the miracle works of Prophet Freddy.

The video was confirmed to be true by Prophet Freddy’s assistant who preferred anonymity and refused to disclose more information

By A Correspondent- Minister of State and provincial affairs for Mashonaland Central province Monica Mavhunga reportedly defied a High Court order which barred her from occupying Rosemary Chidhakwa’s farm in Mazowe.

According to High Court order, HC2019/21 Mavhunga was supposed to vacate a farmhouse subdivision 1 farm 25 of Glendale, Mazowe but instead after she connived with Minister of Agriculture Anxious Masuka and created another farm at the same farm namely subdivision 2 of farm 25 measuring 262 435.

Chidhakwa is former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s sister and has been harassed ever since Mavhunga got into power under the second republic.

Mavhunga has since hired the police who are protecting her alleged farm despite the court order.

Contacted for a comment she did not pick calls from this reporter and never responded to questions sent to her.

War Veterans Association in the province is up in arms with her lamenting abuse of power on land issues.

By A Correspondent- A Harare girl aged six stands accused of murdering a six-year-old boy after she pushed him to the ground resulting in his death.

The two children were playing in Glen Norah C and are both ECD pupils at a local school and are neighbours.

In a Tweet, police said the incident happened last week Sunday and the six-year-old boy died yesterday.

“Police in Harare are investigating a murder case in which Given Tsuro (6) died upon admission at Sally Mugabe Hospital yesterday after a six-year-old girl pushed him whilst playing, resulting in him sustaining serious head injuries. The victim collapsed on the tarmac on 17/10/21 along 5th Close Road, Glen Norah C,” Tweeted the police.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were treating the case as murder.

“It’s a murder and we want to find out what really transpired and we will also be guided by medical experts, the laws of the land in terms of handling cases involving minors,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the six-year-old girl was under the care of her parents.

“The minor is under the parents’ custody as the investigations are ensuing. We are not at liberty to say when the minor is expected to appear in court,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

He urged parents, guardians and school authorities to monitor children while they play.

“We had a case in Masvingo of a grade one pupil assaulted a classmate whilst they were playing a kicking game known as “Kigida” or “Magadu” on October 15, 2021, with the victim dying from the injuries.

“When children are playing, they must be monitored and they must be told to play in such a manner they don’t injure one another, like what we witnessed in Masvingo and Harare,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi

By A Correspondent- A Glendale based stepfather raped his stepson’s wife after she turned down his love proposal.

Tavengwa Kokera (47) was sentenced to 16 years in jail yesterday by Bindura regional magistrate Estere Chivasa for raping his daughter-in-law.

Prosecutor Ngoni Kaseke told the court that on May 26 Kokera’s wife and her stepson left for a memorial service in  Hwedza and left the convict and the suspect at the house.

The complainant prepared food for his in-law and gave him, before inviting the complaint to watch television with him.

She complied and he proposed love to her before begging for sexual intercourse.

The complainant refused and he advanced to her before caressing her.

She jumped to the other sofa and he followed her before pinning her down and closing her mouth.

He raped her once without protection and she reported the matter to her aunty who escorted her to the police station the next day leading to the arrest of Kokera.

By A Correspondent- A Chinhoyi man is on the run after tying up his two wives to a tree and beating them with a wire and tree bark until one died.

The other is fighting for her life in hospital.

The man, John Musani (33) is wanted by police following the brutal attack on Monday in Chinhoyi.

He attacked his wives after accusing them of cheating on him with gold panners from the area.

“Police in Chinhoyi are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of John Musani (33) who is wanted in connection with an attempted murder and murder cases which occurred on 25/10/21 at Citrus Farm Chinhoyi.

“The suspect tied his two wives, Beauty Zindoga (24) and Privilege Zuwerere (20), to a tree before assaulting them with tree barks and a wire after accusing them of having extra marital affairs with some illegal gold panners,” tweeted the police.

After the vicious assault, one wife died on the spot and the other is in hospital.

“Beauty Zindoga succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assault while Privilege Zuwerere is admitted at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital and her condition is critical,” Tweeted the police.

By A Correspondent- A 23 year old man from Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North province has been arrested for allegedly raping his neighbour’s five year old daughter.

Derrick Dube allegedly raped his neighbour’s minor daughter on 23 October 2021.

It is alleged that at around 4pm the minor girl was playing with her friends at his homestead.

Dube is alleged to have called the victim to his bedroom hut and immediately closed the door after she had entered. He reportedly undressed her and put her on his bed where he went on to allegedly sexually abuse the minor girl.

After the heinous act, Dube instructed the victim not to reveal the matter to anyone. The minor girl, soon after leaving Dube’s bedroom hut, reportedly started crying and went straight to their house where she revealed the ordeal to her mother.

The girl’s mother went and reported the matter to the police leading to Dube’s arrest. Dube was dragged before Tsholotsho resident magistrate Victor Mpofu charged with rape as defined in Section 65 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 8 November 2021. Prosecutor Sharon Phiri appeared for the State.

By A Correspondent- The case in which Doves Funeral Services has been accused of giving a grieving Nyanga family an empty coffin has taken a new twist after the end of life industry company accused the family’s lawyers of attempted extortion.

According to Doves, one of the lawyers, Fungai Chimwamurombe, a senior partner at Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, gave the company an ultimatum to give him US$123 000 and an SUV within 12 hours or else he would tarnish their image by publicising the case of the empty coffin.

The family of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe claimed that Doves gave them an empty coffin when they wanted to bury their relative.

Maxwell, who is understood to have drowned, was buried without a body viewing ceremony being conducted because of strict COVID-19 protocols that were in place at the time.

The lightness of the coffin was explained as being the result of it containing merely a few body parts that were supposedly recovered.

When Doves Funeral Services became aware of the mistake six months later, it disposed of the body without the knowledge of the dead man’s family.

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

Now Doves has accused the lawyer, Chimwamurombe, of trying to extort them.  Below is the letter from Doves Holdings’ lawyers, Mutangamira and Associates, over the matter:

RE: DOVES FUNERAL SERVICES (PVT) LTD

1. We refer to your letter dated the 26th of October 2021 and advise that we act on behalf of Doves Funeral Services Private Limited (“Doves”). Please note our legal interest.

2. As you are aware our Client advised the policyholder, the immediate family and the traditional leadership of an enquiry relating to the burial of the deceased. The engagement between our Client and the mentioned parties was cordial and mutually respectful. In accordance with cultural, legal and ethical considerations, the nature of the discussions between the parties remains confidential.

3. We however note that in the past forty-eight (48) hours your partner, Mr Fungai Chimwamurombe, invoked a parallel process in which he made incessant personal demands divorced from the ongoing engagement.

4. In particular, it is on record that your partner demanded to be immediately bought a brand new SUV motor vehicle and be personally paid USD$ 123 000.00 (One hundred and twenty-three thousand United States Dollars) within a period of less than twelve (12) hours. It is on record that your partner threatened to publicly scandalise our Client unless his personal demands were met.

5. All efforts by the immediate family members of the deceased and our client to deal with the matter in terms of the law were strongly rebuffed by your partner.

6. Regrettably, after realising that our Client was committed to a process already agreed, your partner proceeded to widely circulate a letter supposedly addressed to our Client.

7. It is important to mention that the contents of your letter are neither factually correct nor do they disclose the failed forcible attempts made by your partner to be personally paid.

8. Our Client remains committed to the agreed process and considers the illicit efforts by your partner to be unwarranted in the circumstances.

9. We trust that your partner will give due consideration of his personal demands on the matter in light of the clearly communicated position by the immediate family. In the public interest at the relevant time, our Client and the immediate family will make the necessary communications in order to set the record straight.

10. The sensitivity of the mutual discussions and our Client’s ethical commitments bind us to advise you accordingly.

ARREST OF TENDAI MUNSON NDLOVU AND TEN OTHERS FOR ARMED ROBBERY

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Tendai Munson Ndlovu (43), Kudakwashe Adoni (28), Kosam Phiri (36), Svinurai Marandu (29), Louis Munyamani (29), Tauya Nyanzou (45), Tozivepi Kuyangamara (47), Friday Tembo (43), Pious Ncube (44), Abraham Muzamba (31) and Christopher Danda (37) for an armed robbery case which occurred on 14th September 2021 at Knockmalock Farm, Norton.

On 14th September 2021, the suspects went to the Zvinavashe family farm in Norton where they attacked the complainants before stealing two cell phones and three AK 47 Rifles.

Police detectives arrested Tendai Ndlovu in Norton after receiving information to the effect that he was involved in the offence.

Investigations by the detectives established that Tendai Ndlovu had been communicating with Kosam Phiri about the stolen firearms.

Tendai Ndlovu implicated Kudakwashe Adoni and Kosam Phiri in the offence leading to the arrest of Kudakwashe Adoni at Knockmalock farm, Norton where he is employed as a tractor driver.

Kudakwashe Adoni led detectives to the arrest of Kosam Phiri who implicated Pius Ncube alias Elder who was said to be in possession of the stolen AK rifles and pistols used in the commission of the crime.

On 15th October 2021 detectives arrested Svinurai Marandu in Kuwadzana after receiving information that he was involved in the commission of the offence.

Svinurai Marandu led detectives to the recovery of a Toyota Fan Cargo vehicle registration number AEY 8362, which was used by the gang as a getaway vehicle in their criminal escapades.

On 27th October 2021 detectives received information that Louis Munyamani, Tauya Nyanzou, Tozivepi Kuyangamara, Friday Tembo, Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda were planning to commit an armed robbery offence in the Selous area.

Detectives acted on the information and arrested Louis Munyamani after laying an ambush at Puma Service Station, White House, Harare.

Louis Munyamani led detectives and members of the canine section to Chegutu where Tauya Nyanzou, Tozivepi Kuyangamara and Friday Tembo were arrested along Harare – Chegutu Highway while waiting for Louis Munyamani to pick them.

The three suspects implicated Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda who were supposed to meet the three at Halfway Shopping Centre, Selous.

Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda were arrested after the police laid an ambush at Halfway Shopping Centre, Selous.

The suspects were searched, leading to the recovery of a 9 mm Pistol serial number P6223 with a magazine of 13 rounds, a 7.65 mm pistol with an erased serial number and a magazine of five rounds as well as a CPM revolver 0.38mm special with 0.38mm x 8 rounds.

The suspects led the Police to Norton flyover, along the railway line, where two AK rifles serial numbers ZA59166 and ZA59036 with four fully loaded magazines were recovered.

Abraham Muzamba led detectives to Ridleridge, Harare in a bushy area where another AK 47 Rifle serial number ZNA 59085, with two fully loaded magazines was recovered.

Detectives shot Abraham Muzamba on both legs as he tried to escape and was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he is admitted under police guard.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns robbery gangs and syndicates that the game is on. Any form of confrontation with Police details will be met with an appropriate response.

The Police reiterate that individuals, business people and institutions should not keep large sums of money at home or business premises and above all secure licensed firearms so that they do not fall into criminals’ hands.

The public is urged to supply information on criminal movements to the Police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631, Bulawayo Operations on 0292 74525, Harare Operations on (0242) 748836, Police General Headquarters WhatsApp number 071 2 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.

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

By A Correspondent- Arrested War veterans and members of the War Veterans’ Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) have distanced themselves from Zanu PF.

The former liberation war fighters said they were not concerned about the ruling party’s affairs.

Forty (40) ex-combatants who are WVWPG members were arrested on Tuesday in Harare for protesting against the $16 000 per month pension stipends they are currently getting.

They were taken to various police stations in Harare and charged with inciting public violence.

They are being represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, Paida Saurombe and Blessing Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
WVWPG chairperson Amos Sigauke said the heroes of the armed liberation struggle were disappointed with ZANU PF’s lack of concern for their welfare and henceforth, their “political marriage” with the ruling party was over. Said Sigauke:
We are not attending [the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference currently underway in Bindura] because we are not ZANU PF. We have nothing to do with ZANU PF. We are not involved in ZANU PF politics.
We are not even a ZANU PF faction. ZANU PF has its own problems, which we are not concerned with.

If there is anyone among us who wants to attend the ZANU PF rally, they can go in their own capacity.
We are not concerned about their affairs. What we are concerned with is for government to consider our plight and review our monthly earnings.
If government addresses our concerns, then you will not see us here.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha said members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) were part of the party conference underway in Bindura. Said Bimha:

The war veterans that were allegedly protesting in town are just a few individuals with their own views detached from the position of the association which is affiliated with our party.
The ZNLWVA is the latest wing that joined to form our party and we are working well with them.
If there were issues with regards to the members’ affiliation to the party, the chairperson Comrade Mutsvangwa would have notified us.
So far, there are no complaints as far as membership of the war veterans in ZANU PF is concerned. War veterans are part of the proceedings of the conference underway.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa was Wednesday greeted by violence in Hurungwe.

Chamisa invaded Mashonaland West with his meet the citizens’ national tour.

His party said Zanu PF supporters blocked roads and tried to disrupt Chamisa’s scheduled public addresses.

The party also said five of its members, including national Women’s Assembly official Mordester Majinjiwa (who was attacked with a bottle), were injured in the violence.

” A group of ZANU PF elements came to Zvipani and started beating up our members who were singing and merry-making while awaiting president Chamisa to deliver his address.
There was chaos as we fought running battles with the rogue ZANU PF members who sparked violence unprovoked to try and disrupt the people’s president from meeting with villagers who had turned out in large numbers,” said MDC-Alliance on its social media platforms.

By A Correspondent- South Africa will deploy 10,000 soldiers to assist in security operations during the forthcoming municipal elections due to start next week.

On Wednesday, the South African parliament noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa had authorised the military deployment to help the police ensure “a safe and secure environment” during the polls.

South Africans will be turning out on Monday to elect their municipal councillors and mayors.

The elections are seen as a test to the popularity of the ruling ANC party following the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma over corruption charges.

The military deployment will begin on Saturday and will last for five days until 3 November.

South Africa recently deployed 25,000 troops to help the police tackle the deadly riots and looting that followed Zuma’s jailing in July.

-BBC

By A Correspondent- Police has arrested 11 armed robbers in Chegutu and Norton and recovered guns.

Below is the complete statement by the Police:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Tendai Munson Ndlovu (43), Kudakwashe Adoni (28), Kosam Phiri (36), Svinurai Marandu (29), Louis Munyamani (29), Tauya Nyanzou (45), Tozivepi Kuyangamara (47), Friday Tembo (43), Pious Ncube (44), Abraham Muzamba (31) and Christopher Danda (37) for an armed robbery case which occurred on 14th September 2021 at Knockmalock Farm, Norton.

On 14th September 2021, the suspects went to the Zvinavashe family farm in Norton where they attacked the complainants before stealing two cell phones and three AK 47 Rifles.

Police detectives arrested Tendai Ndlovu in Norton after receiving information to the effect that he was involved in the offence.

Investigations by the detectives established that Tendai Ndlovu had been communicating with Kosam Phiri about the stolen firearms.

Tendai Ndlovu implicated Kudakwashe Adoni and Kosam Phiri in the offence leading to the arrest of Kudakwashe Adoni at Knockmalock farm, Norton where he is employed as a tractor driver.

Kudakwashe Adoni led detectives to the arrest of Kosam Phiri who implicated Pius Ncube alias Elder who was said to be in possession of the stolen AK rifles and pistols used in the commission of the crime.

On 15th October 2021 detectives arrested Svinurai Marandu in Kuwadzana after receiving information that he was involved in the commission of the offence.

Svinurai Marandu led detectives to the recovery of a Toyota Fan Cargo vehicle registration number AEY 8362, which was used by the gang as a getaway vehicle in their criminal escapades.

On 27th October 2021 detectives received information that Louis Munyamani, Tauya Nyanzou, Tozivepi Kuyangamara, Friday Tembo, Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda were planning to commit an armed robbery offence in the Selous area.

Detectives acted on the information and arrested Louis Munyamani after laying an ambush at Puma Service Station, White House, Harare.

Louis Munyamani led detectives and members of the canine section to Chegutu where Tauya Nyanzou, Tozivepi Kuyangamara and Friday Tembo were arrested along Harare – Chegutu Highway while waiting for Louis Munyamani to pick them.

The three suspects implicated Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda who were supposed to meet the three at Halfway Shopping Centre, Selous.

Pious Ncube, Abraham Muzamba and Christopher Danda were arrested after the Police laid an ambush at Halfway Shopping Centre, Selous.

The suspects were searched, leading to the recovery of a 9 mm Pistol serial number P6223 with a magazine of 13 rounds, a 7.65 mm pistol with an erased serial number and a magazine of five rounds as well as a CPM revolver 0.38mm special with 0.38mm x 8 rounds.

The suspects led the Police to Norton flyover, along the railway line, where two AK rifles serial numbers ZA59166 and ZA59036 with four fully loaded magazines were recovered.

Abraham Muzamba led detectives to Ridleridge, Harare in a bushy area where another AK 47 Rifle serial number ZNA 59085, with two fully loaded magazines was recovered.

Detectives shot Abraham Muzamba on both legs as he tried to escape and was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he is admitted under police guard.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns robbery gangs and syndicates that the game is on. Any form of confrontation with Police details will be met with an appropriate response.

The Police reiterate that individuals, business people and institutions should not keep large sums of money at home or business premises and above all secure licensed firearms so that they do not fall into criminals’ hands.

The public is urged to supply information on criminal movements to the Police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631, Bulawayo Operations on 0292 74525, Harare Operations on (0242) 748836, Police General Headquarters WhatsApp number 071 2 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.

(Nyathi. P) Assistant Commissioner 

Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and Int. Relations) 

to the Commissioner-General of Police Police General Headquarters

By A Correspondent- The case in which Doves Funeral Services has been accused of giving a grieving Nyanga family an empty coffin has taken a new twist after the end of life industry company accused the family’s lawyers of attempted extortion.

According to Doves, one of the lawyers, Fungai Chimwamurombe, a senior partner at Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, gave the company an ultimatum to give him US$123 000 and an SUV within 12 hours or else he would tarnish their image by publicising the case of the empty coffin.

The family of the late Maxwell Chimwamurombe claimed that Doves gave them an empty coffin when they wanted to bury their relative.

Maxwell, who is understood to have drowned, was buried without a body viewing ceremony being conducted because of strict COVID-19 protocols that were in place at the time.

The lightness of the coffin was explained as being the result of it containing merely a few body parts that were supposedly recovered.

When Doves Funeral Services became aware of the mistake six months later, it disposed of the body without the knowledge of the dead man’s family.

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

Now Doves has accused the lawyer, Chimwamurombe, of trying to extort them. Below is the letter from Doves Holdings’ lawyers, Mutangamira and Associates, over the matter:

RE: DOVES FUNERAL SERVICES (PVT) LTD

1. We refer to your letter dated the 26th of October 2021 and advise that we act on behalf of Doves Funeral Services Private Limited (“Doves”). Please note our legal interest.

2. As you are aware our Client advised the policyholder, the immediate family and the traditional leadership of an enquiry relating to the burial of the deceased. The engagement between our Client and the mentioned parties was cordial and mutually respectful. In accordance with cultural, legal and ethical considerations, the nature of the discussions between the parties remains confidential.

3. We however note that in the past forty-eight (48) hours your partner, Mr Fungai Chimwamurombe, invoked a parallel process in which he made incessant personal demands divorced from the ongoing engagement.

4. In particular, it is on record that your partner demanded to be immediately bought a brand new SUV motor vehicle and be personally paid USD$ 123 000.00 (One hundred and twenty-three thousand United States Dollars) within a period of less than twelve (12) hours. It is on record that your partner threatened to publicly scandalise our Client unless his personal demands were met.

5. All efforts by the immediate family members of the deceased and our client to deal with the matter in terms of the law were strongly rebuffed by your partner.

6. Regrettably, after realising that our Client was committed to a process already agreed, your partner proceeded to widely circulate a letter supposedly addressed to our Client.

7. It is important to mention that the contents of your letter are neither factually correct nor do they disclose the failed forcible attempts made by your partner to be personally paid.

8. Our Client remains committed to the agreed process and considers the illicit efforts by your partner to be unwarranted in the circumstances.

9. We trust that your partner will give due consideration of his personal demands on the matter in light of the clearly communicated position by the immediate family. In the public interest at the relevant time, our Client and the immediate family will make the necessary communications in order to set the record straight.

10. The sensitivity of the mutual discussions and our Client’s ethical commitments bind us to advise you accordingly.

By A Correspondent- Arrested War veterans and members of the War Veterans’ Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) have distanced themselves from Zanu PF.

The former liberation war fighters said they were not concerned about the ruling party’s affairs.

Forty (40) ex-combatants who are WVWPG members were arrested on Tuesday in Harare for protesting against the $16 000 per month pension stipends they are currently getting.

They were taken to various police stations in Harare and charged with inciting public violence.

They are being represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, Paida Saurombe and Blessing Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
WVWPG chairperson Amos Sigauke said the heroes of the armed liberation struggle were disappointed with ZANU PF’s lack of concern for their welfare and henceforth, their “political marriage” with the ruling party was over. Said Sigauke:
We are not attending [the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference currently underway in Bindura] because we are not ZANU PF. We have nothing to do with ZANU PF. We are not involved in ZANU PF politics.
We are not even a ZANU PF faction. ZANU PF has its own problems, which we are not concerned with.

If there is anyone among us who wants to attend the ZANU PF rally, they can go in their own capacity.
We are not concerned about their affairs. What we are concerned with is for government to consider our plight and review our monthly earnings.
If government addresses our concerns, then you will not see us here.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha said members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) were part of the party conference underway in Bindura. Said Bimha:

The war veterans that were allegedly protesting in town are just a few individuals with their own views detached from the position of the association which is affiliated with our party.
The ZNLWVA is the latest wing that joined to form our party and we are working well with them.
If there were issues with regards to the members’ affiliation to the party, the chairperson Comrade Mutsvangwa would have notified us.
So far, there are no complaints as far as membership of the war veterans in ZANU PF is concerned. War veterans are part of the proceedings of the conference underway.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- MDC-T has announced that it was compiling a list of legislators refusing to defect from the MDC-Alliance and join them.

MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi told Daily News on Wednesday that these targeted MPs would soon be recalled.

Komichi refused to name the MPs, but sources within his party said that the MPs include Chamisa’s MDC-Alliance deputy chairman Job Sikhala.

Others may include Joanna Mamombe (Harare West), Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole, Costa Machingauta (Budiriro), James Chidhakwa (Mabvuku-Tafara), Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South), Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East), Hwange Central’s Daniel Molokele, James Sithole (Makokoba) and Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe).

Molokele last month confronted Mwonzora during a tweeter spaces programme hosted by Zimeye over the purging of Chamisa’s MPs.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on religious organisations to put to an end unlawful cultural activities such as child marriage.

He was speaking at State House on Wednesday where he launched a spotlight initiative high-level political compact on ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. He said:

The importance of the role being played by our religious and traditional leaders as custodians of our religious and traditional customs cannot be overemphasised.

Our democratic system has given space for people to affiliate with cultural and religious groupings of their choice.

However, repugnant practices such as child marriages, which undermine the rights of our children, have no place in our country and should stop forthwith.

Similarly, all religious and cultural practices must remain within the confines of what is legal and constitutional.

The compact is a strategic initiative and commitment for an effective response towards the elimination of gender-based violence, largely perpetrated against women and girls.

European Union ambassador to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonen and UN resident coordinator Maria do Valle Ribeiro, whose organisations extended technical support to the initiative, attended the event.

Also present were representatives of religious organisations, traditional leaders and civic organisations.

Olkkonen commended Zimbabwe for successful implementation of the programme which he said warranted it to get additional funding from the EU.

Said Olkkonen:

Zimbabwe has fared well in comparison with other countries. We are happy that the initiative has moved forward, we are entering the second phase.

In the EU funding, there was a trigger of additional funding to come on board depending on how successful the programme is.

Zimbabwe has been successful in that regard so we are continuing in 2022. Today’s event is important in that it shows commitment at the highest level.

By A Correspondent- Former Zanu PF Chivhi South lawmaker, Killer Zivhu, has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to find each other.

Zvivhu, who was speaking in idioms and avoiding mentioning the names of the two, said their (Chamisa and Mnangagwa) continued political power struggles were costing the nation.

“Others are saying Zimbabwe is suffering from Sanctions, others are saying it’s corruption and human rights abuse, These two groups are in Zimbabwe and they are all Zimbabweans. Chingogarayi pasi mugadzirise zvinonetsa Nyika ifambire mberi. Tofira just a few group rinodya richiguta,” Zivhu tweeted.

Others are saying Zimbabwe is suffering from Sanctions, others are saying it's corruption and human rights abuse, This two groups are in Zimbabwe and they are all Zimbabweans. Chingogarayi pasi mugadzirise zvinonetsa Nyika ifambire mberi. Tofira just a few group rinodya richiguta

— Hon Zivhu (@killerzivhu1) October 27, 2021

The spokesperson of the President of Zimbabwe has started again like before – mocking us [UPND ] on twitter. For a 58 year old, he must embrace a broader responsibility of leadership. Our continent has suffered enough, now we must pick ourselves up & fill that leadership vacuum !

— Joseph Kalimbwe (@joseph_kalimbwe) October 27, 2021

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1453667523740770304?s=20

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says his community engagement programme is unstoppable.

Zanu PF hooligans attempted to block PresidentChamisa’s convoy in Magunje.

His aides were stoned by the marauding Zanu PF activists.

“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,” commented President Chamisa.

MDC Alliance Mashonaland West wrote on Twitter:
“Magunje Violence,
Zanu Pf militias have stoned several cars in Magunje as they tried to block
@nelsonchamisa
citizens engagements. Several people have been injured. This violence continues to with impunity.”

“The people’s President, Adv
@nelsonchamisa
continues his citizen conversation tour. This week he is in Mash West province. Zanu PF thugs have barricaded the highway & are continuing with their violent, lawless tactics. We are unshaken. Nobody can stop an idea whose time has come,” MDC Alliance said in a statement on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- Arrested War veterans and members of the War Veterans’ Welfare Pressure Group (WVWPG) have distanced themselves from Zanu PF.

The former liberation war fighters said they were not concerned about the ruling party’s affairs.

Forty (40) ex-combatants who are WVWPG members were arrested on Tuesday in Harare for protesting against the $16 000 per month pension stipends they are currently getting.

They were taken to various police stations in Harare and charged with inciting public violence.

They are being represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, Paida Saurombe and Blessing Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
WVWPG chairperson Amos Sigauke said the heroes of the armed liberation struggle were disappointed with ZANU PF’s lack of concern for their welfare and henceforth, their “political marriage” with the ruling party was over. Said Sigauke:
We are not attending [the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference currently underway in Bindura] because we are not ZANU PF. We have nothing to do with ZANU PF. We are not involved in ZANU PF politics.
We are not even a ZANU PF faction. ZANU PF has its own problems, which we are not concerned with.

If there is anyone among us who wants to attend the ZANU PF rally, they can go in their own capacity.
We are not concerned about their affairs. What we are concerned with is for government to consider our plight and review our monthly earnings.
If government addresses our concerns, then you will not see us here.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF acting spokesperson Mike Bimha said members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) were part of the party conference underway in Bindura. Said Bimha:

The war veterans that were allegedly protesting in town are just a few individuals with their own views detached from the position of the association which is affiliated with our party.
The ZNLWVA is the latest wing that joined to form our party and we are working well with them.
If there were issues with regards to the members’ affiliation to the party, the chairperson Comrade Mutsvangwa would have notified us.
So far, there are no complaints as far as membership of the war veterans in ZANU PF is concerned. War veterans are part of the proceedings of the conference underway.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo family has lost US$8 000, a Ford Ranger vehicle and other valuables after four unidentified robbers attacked them at their home.

Police confirmed the incident, which occurred on October 25 in Pumula South Suburb.

“Police in Bulawayo are investigating a robbery case which occurred in Pumula South. Four unidentified suspects attacked the complainants at their home and took US$8 000 cash, Ford Ranger vehicle, a microwave, 40-inch plasma tv and six cellphones. Anyone with information to contact any nearest police station,”.

Meanwhile, a villager from Ntabazinduna area lost R50 000 and $15 000 among other valuables after three suspects attacked him at his home.
Police confirmed the incident which also occurred on October 25.
“Police in Mbembesi are appealing for information which may assist in the investigations of a robbery case which occurred on October 25 at Imbesu, Ntabazinduna area, Mbembesi. Three suspects pounced at the complainant’s house and stole R50 000 and $15000 as well as six cellphones, a hard drive and car keys. The car keys and five mobile phones were recovered near Killarney Suburb,” said the police.

-State media

By SA Correspondent- A Harare motorist escaped death by the skin of his teeth when a Jacaranda tree fell right in front of his car whilst driving along Leopold Takawira Street on Wednesday.

The motorist, Daniel Gorejena, was in the company of his friend (only identified as Danny) when the incident occurred adjacent to Harare Girls High School.

There were no casualties and no harm was brought on the car.

Gorejena told H-Metro that he only managed to stop after applying emergency breaks. He said:

I was just driving along Leopold Takawira just like any other day when the Jacaranda tree just fell in front of me.

I wasn’t speeding and lucky enough I was able to apply the emergency breaks quick enough to only reach a few light branches of the already fallen tree.

He urged the City of Harare to keep checking for such hazards to prevent loss of life and property.

More: H-Metro

By A Correspondent- Political fight between Douglas Mwozora of the MDC-T and MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has escalated following the refusal by several MPs and councillors affiliated to the latter have refused to join the former.

MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi told Daily News on Wednesday that they were facing stiff resistance from the Chamisa MPs.

Komichi said they were now compiling a final list of the legislators and councillors to be recalled.

“We have already compiled the final list of the people who are going to be recalled. We are ready to dispatch it to Parliament and the Local Government minister any time from now

They are not contributing to the party policies, not attending our parliamentary caucuses and they are also absconding from strategic meetings that give direction to our debates in Parliament because they are taking instructions from elsewhere.

Right now, we would want our MPs to debate the national budget in accordance with the party’s directive, so we will not allow our contributions to be distorted.

We are, therefore, going to ensure that they don’t continue to be more of a hindrance than help hence the impending recalls,” said Komichi.

Komichi refused to disclose the names of those who are set to be recalled but it is understood that about ten MDC Alliance MPs will be axed.

Among those targeted are Job Sikhala (Zengeza West), Joanna Mamombe (Harare West), Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole, Costa Machingauta (Budiriro), James Chidhakwa (Mabvuku-Tafara), Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South), Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East), Hwange Central’s Daniel Molokele, James Sithole (Makokoba) and Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe).

Sikhala and Molokele told Daily News that Mwonzora has not approached them clandestinely, as both MPs vowed they will support Chamisa no matter what.

-Daily News

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- The MDC-T led by Douglas Mwozora has announced that several MPs and councillors affiliated to Nelson Chamisa are refusing to dump the MDC-Alliance leader.

MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi revealed this to the Daily News on Wednesday.

Komichi said they were now compiling a final list of the legislators and councillors to be recalled.

“We have already compiled the final list of the people who are going to be recalled. We are ready to dispatch it to Parliament and the Local Government minister any time from now

They are not contributing to the party policies, not attending our parliamentary caucuses and they are also absconding from strategic meetings that give direction to our debates in Parliament because they are taking instructions from elsewhere.

Right now, we would want our MPs to debate the national budget in accordance with the party’s directive, so we will not allow our contributions to be distorted.

We are, therefore, going to ensure that they don’t continue to be more of a hindrance than help hence the impending recalls,” said Komichi.

Komichi refused to disclose the names of those who are set to be recalled but it is understood that about ten MDC Alliance MPs will be axed.

Among those targeted are Job Sikhala (Zengeza West), Joanna Mamombe (Harare West), Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole, Costa Machingauta (Budiriro), James Chidhakwa (Mabvuku-Tafara), Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South), Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East), Hwange Central’s Daniel Molokele, James Sithole (Makokoba) and Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe).

Sikhala and Molokele told Daily News that Mwonzora has not approached them clandestinely, as both MPs vowed they will support Chamisa no matter what.

-Daily News

By A Correspondent- The Douglas Mwozora MDC said it was facing resistance from some Nelson Chamisa affiliated legislators and councillors who have refused to dump the MDC-Alliance leader.

MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi revealed this to the Daily News on Wednesday.

Komichi said they were now compiling a final list of the legislators and councillors to be recalled.

“We have already compiled the final list of the people who are going to be recalled. We are ready to dispatch it to Parliament and the Local Government minister any time from now

They are not contributing to the party policies, not attending our parliamentary caucuses and they are also absconding from strategic meetings that give direction to our debates in Parliament because they are taking instructions from elsewhere.

Right now, we would want our MPs to debate the national budget in accordance with the party’s directive, so we will not allow our contributions to be distorted.

We are, therefore, going to ensure that they don’t continue to be more of a hindrance than help hence the impending recalls,” said Komichi.

Komichi refused to disclose the names of those who are set to be recalled but it is understood that about ten MDC Alliance MPs will be axed.

Among those targeted are Job Sikhala (Zengeza West), Joanna Mamombe (Harare West), Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole, Costa Machingauta (Budiriro), James Chidhakwa (Mabvuku-Tafara), Maxwell Mavhunga (Chitungwiza South), Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East), Hwange Central’s Daniel Molokele, James Sithole (Makokoba) and Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe).

Sikhala and Molokele told Daily News that Mwonzora has not approached them clandestinely, as both MPs vowed they will support Chamisa no matter what.

-Daily News

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa says his community engagement programme is unstoppable.

Zanu PF hooligans attempted to block PresidentChamisa’s convoy in Magunje.

His aides were stoned by the marauding Zanu PF activists.

“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,” commented President Chamisa.

MDC Alliance Mashonaland West wrote on Twitter:
“Magunje Violence,
Zanu Pf militias have stoned several cars in Magunje as they tried to block
@nelsonchamisa
citizens engagements. Several people have been injured. This violence continues to with impunity.”

“The people’s President, Adv
@nelsonchamisa
continues his citizen conversation tour. This week he is in Mash West province. Zanu PF thugs have barricaded the highway & are continuing with their violent, lawless tactics. We are unshaken. Nobody can stop an idea whose time has come,” MDC Alliance said in a statement on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo are on the hunt for illegal transport operators who have been committing various crimes including rape.

Illegal transport operators have become a menace in the city of Bulawayo amid reports that cases of rape involving pirate taxi drivers are on the increase with the perpetrators taking advantage of desperate female transport seekers.

Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the development urging the public to avoid unregistered vehicles.

“There has been an increase in number of rape cases on the city with most of these perpetrators presenting themselves as transport operators to desperate transport seekers. A case in point is of a woman who boarded a Toyota wish by six avenue with another lady. When they got to rio turn, the other lady boarded off the car, prompting the driver to tie his victim, drove off to a bush and raped her four times. There has been a rise in these cases in the city and we are urging women to be on high alert or desist from using unregistered transport operators,” he warned.

Inspector Abednico Ncube also confirmed that they are receiving reports of an average of three cases of women raped by illegal transport operators.

By A Correspondent- A Harare motorist yesterday escaped death by a whisker when an ageing Jacaranda tree fell in front of his car whilst driving along Leopold Takawira.

The incident occurred as Daniel Gorejena who was in the company of his friend (only identified as Danny) was driving past Harare Girls High School.

There were no casualties.

Narrating his ordeal, Gorejena said he only managed to stop after applying emergency breaks.

“I was just driving along Leopold Takawira just like any other day when the Jacaranda tree just fell in front of me.

“I wasn’t speeding and lucky enough I was able to apply the emergency breaks quick enough to only reach a few light branches of the already fallen tree,” said Gorejena.

Goredema was grateful that he was alive and no harm was brought on him or his car.

He, however, urged the city council to keep checking for such hazards to prevent loss of life and property.

– HMetro

#BREAKING– Another night behind bars for arrested war veterans as Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko Postpones ruling on their application challenging their placement on remand. Visit https://t.co/HajuLhSoMN for the full story pic.twitter.com/c0VOgxuVjE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 28, 2021

By A Correspondent- A 44 year old ex-police officer has been arrested by the national security task force while attempting to illegally import an assortment of ammunition through the Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday.

Munashe Sibanda was arrested at around 3am soon after arriving aboard a Munhenzwa crossborder bus.

Sibanda, who resides in Chitungwiza, is a retired police constable who was once deployed in Mashonaland East province.

He was dragged before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba on Monday charged with contravening a section of the Firearms Act.

Sibanda was remanded out of custody to November 24 on $25 000 bail and ordered to report once every Friday at Makoni police station in Chutungwiza between 6am and 6pm and not to interfere with State witnesses.

Prosecuting, Miss Esnath Vengedza said on October 24 at around 3am, Sibanda arrived in the country aboard a Munhenzwa crossborder bus via the Beitbridge border post.

The court further heard that the accused was transporting an assortment of ammunition loaded in a box.

It is alleged that the man, who intended to ship the contraband illegally, ran out of lucky when a customs officer searching the bus noticed the box.

He then asked Sibanda to open the box and then informed the security team to assist after discovering that the box had two pellet guns.

Further searches were carried out leading to the recovery of 20×245 rounds, 360×303 rounds, 100×22 Horust rounds, 50×12 Gauge shot gun rounds,50×6,35 Browning rounds, 100×22 Magnum rounds,300x9mmx 18 Makarov rounds, 550×7,65mm Browning rounds, 25×12 Gauge rounds, 100×22 long riffle rounds, 100×22 copper plated rounds,and 02x Black Gamo GTac pellet guns.

Sibanda was asked to produce a valid firearms certificate authorising him to import the ammunition and he failed leading to his arrest.

The State said the ammunition was subsequently seized by Zimra under notice of seizure No 032937L.

It is further alleged that Sibanda revealed during interrogations that he was an ex-police officer once based in Marondera.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Schweppes Zimbabwe (PVT) LTD has lost a lawsuit involving 247 million rand with a South African supplier Blackey Investments (PVT) LTD.

High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi said a party to a contract should not be allowed to seek to invoke exchange control regulations as a way out of an obligation and where that party seeks to do so there must be congent evidence to show that the law was contravened.

“Accordingly the plaintiff has not made out a case for the issue of the declaratur as sought. It is ordered that the application by Schweppes be and is hereby dismissed with costs,” said Justice Chitapi.

Schweppes was represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu instructed by Wintertons while Blackey Investments was represented by Advocate Firoz Girach instructed by Atherstone & Cook.

By A Correspondent- Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said the country needs a strong social contract to build confidence in the governance system and economy towards a successful development agenda.

Conditions of service and salaries for civil servants became topical at the 2022 Parliament pre-budget seminar which ended here on Monday.

Legislators implored Government to review civil servants’ salaries and conditions of service to boost their morale.

The MPs also urged the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube to set aside a budget that can cover workers’ conditions.

Various ministerial reports presented at the seminar also advocated for a salary increment in the public service.

Government, business and labour constitute the social partners in the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF), a social platform for the partners to negotiate mostly conditions of service.

Speaking during the seminar, Adv Mudenda said Government, business and labour should be able to find each other through a sound social contract and pull in the same direction.

He challenged Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima to invoke provisions of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Act of 2019 to ensure there is sound dialogue between the TNF parties.

Adv Mudenda implored the country’s citizens to exude the highest degree of work ethic in carrying out their duties.

“One observation that was noted when we started (the seminar) on Saturday was the question of confidence deficiency in our nation building and development agenda.

Professor Mavima you are encouraged to strengthen involvement in the tripartite agreement forum where labour, business and Government should find each other in terms of visionary thinking in terms of the national agenda,” he said.

“As long as that social contract is not strengthened, labour will think in its own direction, business in its own direction and Government also thinking in its own direction. Where countries have succeeded to develop, these three entities, Government, labour and business must find each other through a well-defined social contract.”

He said Parliament passed legislation to help the TNF partners.

“We passed a law, it is there. Apply it, so that you strengthen the social contract as a measure of building national confidence.

In that context also the question of work ethic should emerge. When you talk of productivity, let us not only think of agriculture or manufacturing, productivity also is required in the offices where the bureaucracy sometimes takes one week to put a signature on a file so that it moves on to the next person, and when a file is waiting for two weeks just for a signature, it’s an indication that there is no productivity in that office.

“So we need to strive for bureaucratic productivity through an inspired work ethic. I request you to be an apostle of that,” said Adv Mudenda.

His sentiments followed a presentation by Prof Mavima who told Parliament that in 2022, Government will push for full operationalisation of the TNF and consolidation of social dialogue.

Prof Mavima chairs the TNF in his capacity as Minister of Public Service. He said there is need to continue to reform the civil service to make it more efficient, responsive and effective.

“This has taken too long Honourable Speaker Sir, and we have to make sure we move as quickly as possible to make sure TNF is operational so that we can bring these partners together to chat a way forward and come up with social contract.

“I agree we cannot have an efficient civil service without providing adequate remuneration as well as pecks otherwise we will have continuous moral hazards within the civil service, corruption and non-performance,” said Prof Mavima.

Arrested #WarVetsCourtUpdate– 48hrs lapses before war veterans appear at court. They have not even arrived at court. @schikanza pic.twitter.com/Tvie1USJwv

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 28, 2021

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday travelled by road to Rutenga in Masvingo province after security concerns were raised over misty weather conditions, a report claims.

Mnangagwa visited Rutenga to commission an amarula/mapfura plant, which will produce 100 000 litres of marula concentrate and 5 000 litres of oil every season.

Instead of flying to Rutenga, located about 443 kilometres from Harare, Mnangagwa used his motorcade that consisted of fuel-guzzling top-of-the-range SUV V8 vehicles numbering more than 30.

NewsDay quoted sources as saying the bad weather, coupled with a mid-air scare that he once experienced on his way from his Kwekwe farm recently and forced him into an emergency landing, could have compelled the President to come by road.

Said a source:

You remember very well that the presidential helicopter was once involved in a mid-air fault that caused an emergency landing.

Again, the weather was bad, just like when he failed to travel to Mutare for the commissioning of a gas plant.

So, travelling by road was the decision made because he could not postpone again at the last minute.

The source said the cloudy weather posed visibility problems for low flying aircraft.

However, addressing the crowds at Rutenga Growth Point, Mnangagwa said he had used the road to have “a feel” of the Harare-Beitbridge Highway.

The road is under maintenance, with some of the sections having been rehabilitated and widened, while others were still work in progress. Said the President:

I travelled by road on my way here, so did my VP. He also travelled by road because we wanted to see for ourselves whether the reports we get about the progress on the road are correct

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A depot manager with Puma energy in Harare is on the run after he allegedly broke into a company safe and vanished with over 38 000 United States dollars.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the case to ZTN.

“I can confirm receiving a report of theft in which a suspect known as Dingani Zhou was employed by Puma service station is believed to have vanished with more than 38 thousand USD”, said Inspector Mwanza.

According to sources, Zhou also went away with a yet to be quantified amount of money he had collected from other fuel dealers.

“There are a lot of people who lost their money to Dingani. He even gave other dealers his personal account where money was deposited on the pretext that he would deliver fuel to those dealers but he vanished.

The crime only came to light on Thursday last week when the suspect did not report for duty, prompting the company to make a police report.

Zhou was running the Puma Kuwadzana depot as the manager and would also get money from other registered dealers for fuel deliveries.

Inspector Mwanza requested members of the public to assist police with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.

?Alert ?Lets Retweet??@mdczimbabwe member from Gutu Central Maisokwadzo Talent has bn abducted by the #CIO in Gutu led by 1, Chikuvire. He is accused of having exposd names of ppl behind torture of Sen Rwambiwa, @arnold_batirai & others in Gutu. #ItsNotSanctions @MelDohan

— Chamisa handle for South Africa (@ChamisaRSA) October 28, 2021

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.