By A Correspondent| After spending more than one year under prosecution on charges of undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa, Milton Murairwa, a police officer is now a free man as prosecutors withdrew charges against him before plea.
The 32 year old Murairwa was arrested in July 2020 and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code after he allegedly posted a message which reads “ED ne Team yake Must GO” on a WhatsApp group for Mbare police members stationed at Mbare Police Camp.
Prosecutors told Harare Magistrate Denis Mangosi that Murairwa publicly and unlawfully intended to engender feelings of hostility to 46 members who are on the Mbare Family WhatsApp group against President Mnangagwa by posting such a message on a social media platform.
Ruling Zanu PF supporters armed with logs and stones have allegedly attacked MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s advance team in Charumbira area of Masvingo demanding that he removes sanctions.
ZimEye could not ascertain at the time of publishing, the event Chamisa is supposed to attend in Masvingo.
According to the MDC Alliance, the youths who were numbering over 200 stoned cars and barricaded roads with burning logs
“Over 200 youths mobilized by ZANU PF have violently attacked President Chamisa’s convoy and advance team on their way to meet community leaders in Masvingo. They stoned cars, barricaded roads with burning logs & assaulted members of our team who’ve now been hospitalized,” the party said on Twitter.
Breaking News: Zanu PF supporters armed with logs and stones attacked MDC Alliance leader @nelsonchamisa advance team in Charumbira area of Masvingo demanding that he removes sanctions as #NgaapindeHakeMukomana rocks the rural hinterland
By A Correspondent| Mt Darwin Police Officer in Trouble over Song A Mt Darwin police officer Constable Spencer Chitere has been hauled before the police tribunal on allegations of displaying materials of political significance in contravention of Police Act.
It is alleged that he posted on his WhatsApp status indicating that Munyu Hauchavava. The hearing commenced this morning. He is being represented by Darlington Marange of Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.
Toys, clothes, chocolate, ceramics and toilet roll could all be in short supply this winter due to staff shortages, soaring energy bills and global supply chain woes.
The Confederation of Paper Industries said important sectors including food packaging and the production of sterile medical packaging were being impacted.
Director general Andrew Large said members are being ‘affected very severely’ as costs ‘go up through the roof’.
empty shelves return again
Some manufacturers were reducing production to protect their profits. Mr Large said there is no cap on business energy costs, unlike for citizens.
He called for a ‘temporary winter cost containment measure to try and put a lid on those costs so that these very, very important industries for British society are going to be able to continue to operate’.
Spiralling energy bills could also force a slowdown in production of the original pandemic panic buy item – toilet rolls.
Wholesale gas prices surged to a record high on Wednesday, before quickly rebounding after President Vladimir Putin said Russia would stabilise the market.
The British Ceramic Confederation chief executive Laura Cohen said some businesses could be forced to shut.
She told the BBC: ‘As the high pricing extends, more members are likely to be forced to stop production due to uneconomical energy costs.
‘In the event of national supply shortfall, our members are near the front of the queue to be forced off the gas network while households are last, and this can happen at very short notice.
‘A forced quick shutdown runs a very high risk of severe damage to brick kilns, which can be 100 metres long, operating over 1,000C, and that can threaten business viability.’
Nestle said it was facing ‘challenges’ which could hit the availability of products such as its Quality Street chocolate range.
Walkers Shortbread in Scotland also warned yesterday that it is facing its most difficult time in its 120-year history due to a lack of staff.
The government is said to be increasingly worried about global supply chain issues, which are holding up ships and could hit availability of items such as toys and clothes ahead of Christmas. A senior minister told the i newspaper: ‘It’s a major problem.’
By A Correspondent| The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit has announced the death of one of its members Clever Kapandura who succumbed to injuries sustained after he was attacked by an elephant while on duty.
In a statement, the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit said a charged elephant intercepted Kapandura while following a report of a possible poaching incident.
“On Friday 8th October, following a report of a possible poaching incident with GPS coordinates of a carcass, VFAPU deployed a team of anti-poaching scouts to investigate the scene. Clever Kapandura, as the operations co-ordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, and being the passionate and committed leader he was, decided to go out and join the team on the ground to investigate the scene. Whilst following the GPS Coordinates, the team noticed an Elephant Bull a substantial distance away.
“For some unknown reason, the Elephant Bull charged from approximately 120 meters, and the team of three scouts had to split up. Despite following all the prescribed evasive action in an elephant charge situation, the animal continued its charge and sadly intercepted Clever. His fellow scouts managed to scare the elephant off and called for support, but by the time the ambulance arrived Clever had succumbed to his injuries sustained in the tragic incident,” VFAPU said.
Mutare Youth Leader was today attacked by the hooligans planted by Cde Madiro at Marymount Teacher’s College.
This happened after many people were expressing their concerns of things which are not going well in the province.
One of the issues is the imposition of party Districts leadership and the restructuring exercises which did not went well amongst other things.
The Provincial Chairman have now proved himself of his criminal actions on attacking the Chair. He ordered his monyaz to get in the hall and started beating the Chair. PASI NAZVO.
AN Urgent attention is needed on this matter.
Madiro now ordered the police to arrest Dannmore Mambondiyani and he is in cells as we speak
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Zimbabweans were left shocked by the totally irresponsible showing off attitude by the permanent secretary in the ministry of Finance Mr George Guvamatanga. People are constrained that the irresponsible comments coming out of the unguarded mouth of George Guvamatanga have only helped to spawn resentment to the government of the new dispensation. Guvamatanga’s comments came during a lavish birthday he held in his own honour.
While it is understandable that as a part of free speech everyone has the right to vent his or her feelings, what has been uttered by George Guvamatanga is regrettable and utterly reprehensible.
Kuda Tagwirei
And equally alarming is to see the senior civil servant boasting with funds and riches sponsored on the public fund. Populism may fetch a few votes for a candidate but carries within it seeds of his undoing. History tells us that all thieves were once popular boastful dunderheads masquerading as leaders.
George Guvamatanga
It appears that a bizarre game was being played out at this party where as a senior civil servant Guvamatanga shunned Zimbabwean singers and flew in foreign singers who he promised to pay 5 times more than they have charged him in a country struggling to make ends meet.
The Permanent Secretary made preposterous utterances and even added salt to the injury by saying that he is not ashamed of being rich. In the wake of his utterances Guvamatanga needs to take credible and irreversible steps against corruption rather than making hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our economy, money. Besides his verbal running mouth Guvamatanga was given 50 thousand dollars as a present by Tagwirei who is known to be doing a lot of business with the govt. ‘Guvamatanga is the government paymaster and Tagwirei is the biggest beneficiary of some of the most shady and undue payments’ many people complained.
Is it lawful for Guvamatanga, the govt paymaster, to accept a USD50k present from a client of the government, Kuda Tagwirei?
This is clear corruption and it must be investigated. Treasury secretary, George Guvamatanga’s acceptance of lavish gifts from business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei is legally questionable, borders on the lines of corruption and puts the whole government into disrepute.
Guvamatanga, a civil servant splashed millions of dollars by flying three top South African performers Mafikizolo, Makhadzi and Louis Mhlanga to entertain selected guests.
Tagwirei, the biggest beneficiary of govt contracts in the last five years, showered gifts on the government paymaster, pledging a private jet, US$50,000 in spending money, an executive box at the Emirates Stadium in London and a shirt signed by Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
In a very irresponsible manner when president Mnangagwa is fighting corruption and Africa is standing with us on fighting sanctions Tagwirei showed a middle finger to those standing by us when he said “We’re on sanctions, but we make things happen over there (in the United Kingdom),Tagwirei boasted, referring to travel and financial sanctions imposed on him by the United Kingdom in July for “poisoning the well of democracy” through corruption. This behaviour by Tagwirei and Guvamatanga does not help us as a nation but destroy what we are fighting against.
How could this country cultivate a progressive support when there are people who step out to speak on parties without exercising good sense, sombre-minded consideration for the full welfare of society, and make a reasonably conscious effort to be objective, responsible, and professional in sharing their opinion with the nation? People who take on the role of public leadership, especially those positioning themselves as experts, need to be aware that their utterances on the national stage have multifaceted, far-reaching, and potentially damaging impact, that their words and choice of language could damage the public good and national progress.
A disturbing news story made the rounds in some sections of the national media and internationally on social media highlighting the strange, incomprehensible, outlandish remarks by the nation’s purse holder and nation’s richest man Tagwirei.The headlines in several daily newspapers and social media were screaming a tantrum, concerning the extravagancy exhibited by the Permanent secretary and the public acceptance of a bribe from Tagwirei. Guvamatanga Is serving this country as head of the finance and therefore his comments take on a decidedly expert tone, and as a member of the Civil Service he also speaks with a political overtone. Indeed, the nation touts him as the country’s leading financial advisor and Tagwirei is the presidential advisor.
Given such an elevated perch in the finance ministry how responsible and sensible is the utterance and behaviour of Guvamatanga and Tagwirei.
Zimbabwe is a small country now working its way out of decades of poverty and socioeconomic struggles, and found great favour with the region and good guidance of ED but now being plunged into confusion by these two spoiled brutes.
Legally speaking Tagwirei’s gift to Guvamatanga has corruption written all over its face.
“Nothing about that gift passes the corruption smell test. Given the allegations against the giver and how he benefits from certain decisions by the ministry of finance, the question ‘what is he paying for’ is a valid one,” Chinyoka a lawyer said.
“With enough digging, it might not be hard to conclude it’s also unlawful.”
If we look at the law the gift by Tagwirei was a bribe.“The evidently turpius gift shows that both the giver and the receiver have received an education in fraud. It is completely reprehensible and drags the department of finance into moral defilement.
“It is impossible to ignore the fact that the two are in an ongoing relationship over which serious questions have been and continue to be raised.”advocate Thabani Mpofu recognised.
The law as enshrined on section 170(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and Tagwirei’s actions could be penalised under the same anti-bribery law in section 170(1)(b).
The cited law says:
(1) Any
(a) agent who obtains or agrees to obtain or solicits or agrees to accept for himself or herself or any other person any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward
(i) for doing or omitting to do, or having done or omitted to do, any act in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business; or
(ii) for showing or not showing, or having shown or not shown, any favour or disfavour to any person or thing in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business;
knowing or realising that there is a real risk or possibility that such gift or consideration is not due to him or her in terms of any agreement or arrangement between himself or herself and his or her principal;
or
(b) person who, for himself or herself or any other person, gives or agrees to give or offers to an agent any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward
(i) for doing or omitting to do, or having done or omitted to do, any act in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business; or
(ii) for showing or not showing, or having shown or not shown, any favour or disfavour to any person or thing in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business;
knowing or realising that there is a real risk or possibility that such gift or consideration is not due to the agent in terms of any agreement or arrangement between the agent and his or her principal; shall be guilty of bribery.
The penalty for this kind of criminal misconduct is a period of up to 20 years in prison. Section 170(2) aids the prosecution with the presumption that a gift given under these circumstances is given as a bribe. The bribery can be in respect of a transaction that has already taken place or it may be in respect of future indeterminate transactions.
“Effectively, the onus is on the two to demonstrate the purity of their relationship. This is the kind of issue that any self-respecting Anti-Corruption Commission must become seized with.”
At the heart of the lawyers’ concerns is that Tagwirei, through his company Sakunda Holdings, managed an opaque US$3 billion programme called Command Agriculture which a parliamentary committee said was a scheme to fleece the public purse with zero accountability.
Sakunda Holdings redeemed government treasury bills at up to ten times their official value, accelerating the devaluation of the Zimbabwe dollar and increasing the price of essentials such as food, fuel and medicines.
Through his company, Fossil Group, Tagwirei is also receiving millions of dollars from treasury for road construction contracts, while another of his companies, Landela Investments, has reportedly received US$110 million from the government to import buses, a contract that was awarded without going to tender.
Our concerns stem from the likely serious and far reaching consequences such behaviour will have long after they have been done. Even if Guvamombe is not an elected officer his utterances and behaviour are bound to create a mindset among a segment of the West about Zimbabwe that may not be easy to erase.
We are happy to note that there have been across the board condemnation of the behaviour.
The people’s representatives just keep getting richer, and doing so faster than the people represented.
The secret deals and hidden assets of some of the country’s richest and most powerful people will be revealed very soon.
Mr Guvamatanga is supposed to declare his wealth especially now that the nation knows that he only got a payout 350 thousand dollars in 2017. We must not give idiots like Hopewell Chin’ono things to say. We must be responsible as people and as leaders.
On Sunday, Guvamatanga defended his extravagant party, and his pledge to pay five times more than he was charged by Mhlanga, the jazz musician. Guvamatanga said Mhlanga would find the money in his account in South Africa – raising potential breaches of exchange control regulations.
“I worked for a big international bank for 30 years and I was paid in offshore accounts. There are millions in that account,” Guvamatanga told The Standard.
“My package at Barclays, including my bonus was US$3 million. It is all above board. I have a known offshore account, and have interests across most sectors of the economy, from insurance to agriculture to distribution and others.
“I cannot pretend to be poor.”
However The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper reported at the time that he had been forced out as managing director with a US$354,000 exit package.
Guvamatanga’s civil service salary is RTGS$170,000, this is not enough to splash such lavish parties. It is more so out of courtesy that in a country were we are all groaning under hardships sacrificing for our country to be better government needs very serious focused permanent secretaries not the ones who divide the nation by their verbal diarrhoea.
It is also known that he harbours higher political ambitions. The sad saga of Zimbabwean politics is that any political statement that glorifies self is welcomed by many. It could be possible that Mr.Guvamatanga too, is playing the same card. However, for a responsible Civil Servant to make such wild parties and receive such dubious presents allegations completely uncalled for.
It may be pertinent to point out that Zimbabwe as a nation has never harboured ill intentions against its people and it is not our custom to show off.
Guvamatanga and Kuda Tagwirei must be arrested and it must be made clear that Guvamatanga is not ZANU PF he is a government officer. Tagwirei is not in ZANU PF structures but he is a businessman who is a Zimbabwean. So it is mischief for any one to associate the wayward behaviour of these two outlaws to ZANU PF.
WE ALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM SUCH CHARACTERS. [email protected]
By A Correspondent- A 36 year old man lured a 10-year-old minor to watch a porn0graphic video on his phone before he se_xually attacked her.
The se_xual attacker, Obyia Chigamani (36), allegedly gave the minor $10 before he asked her to watch the video in his bedroom.
The unsuspecting minor agreed.
As they were watching the X-rated film, the se_xual attacker unzipped his trousers and ordered the minor to touch his organ and the minor complied.
He then rap_ed her.
After the act, he threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone about the se_xual attack. On the following day, he called the minor to his bedroom, where he stripped nak_ed before he ordered the minor to play with his privates until he ejacula_ted on her hands.
After that he undressed the young girl and rap_ed her.
The minor went home and upon arrival her aunt asked her where she was and she revealed that she was at Chigamani’s house.
“Her aunt further questioned her after which she revealed she was at Chigamani’s room and he se_xually assaulted her. Her aunt then accompanied her to a police station where she reported the matter,” said the source.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident and applauded the aunt of the victim for reporting the case early.
She urged other people who might fall in a similar situation to do likewise so that they get Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) at the earliest possible time to prevent possible transmission of deadly diseases.
By A Correspondent- A man from Pumula South suburb is battling for his life at Mpilo Central Hospital after he was reportedly stabbed in the ribs, back and stomach by his co-tenant for gulping down his beer without his permission.
The incident happened on Tuesday shortly after 6pm.
It happened that while Michael Bhebhe (35) and Artwel Moyo (40) were boozing at their rented home, Moyo left to relieve himself. He returned to find that Bhebhe had drunk his beer.
“They got into an argument and at the height of it, Moyo drew an Okapi knife from his pocket before stabbing Bhebhe three times, once on the ribs, stomach and on the back while he was trying to run away,” said an insider.
He fell down and bled profusely. A Good Samaritan ferried him to Mpilo Central Hospital where he is being treated.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and urged community members not to take the law into their hands, but to engage third parties like pastors, elders in the community and police’s Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) to mediate in disputes.
By A Correspondent Wheat producers have reportedly hiked prices by 16% per metric tonne, which is likely to trigger increases in the prices of flour and bread, bakers said yesterday.
The price of imported wheat has gone up to US$510 from US$440 per tonne, according to National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president Dennis Walla.
A loaf of bread already costs between $140 and $150 and Walla said there would be another increase to cover the rising costs.
“Obviously, it (wheat prices) has an effect in terms of the prices of bread because it means the cost of flour would have gone up,” Walla said.
“There are different players, and being players who specialise on bread, we are at the end of the value chain. So if there are any movements that are taking place in the value chain, it means everyone within that chain is going to be affected. In these issues, we obviously communicate with government as well to just apprise it of the challenges that are taking place.”
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said local wheat millers were battling to survive due to the surge in imported wheat prices.
“Local wheat millers are battling with surging imported wheat prices caused mainly by weather vagaries like droughts and floods which are affecting major wheat producing countries. This has precipitated significant decline in world wheat supply.
“The price of imported wheat into Harare has moved from US$440 per metric tonne to US$510, a 16% increase. At this time of the year, we are using mostly gristing of nearly 80% imported and 20% local wheat,” he said.
Musarara added that the high cost of capital coupled with the continuing decline of world wheat supplies exacerbated the problem.
He said Russia, the main producer, had cut its exports by 12,5 million metric tonnes, a move which was affect the buying countries.
“The continuing decline of world wheat supply is worrying with Russia, a top wheat producer, cutting its exports by 12,5 million metric tonnes to 72,5 million metric tonnes. The trend is also affecting Canada and US, who are other top world wheat producers,” he said.
Zimbabwe, however, expects to produce enough wheat this year to meet its needs of 360 000 tonnes.
The country forecasts a wheat harvest of over 300 000 tonnes in the current season, with national stocks at 70 000 tonnes, making Zimbabwe wheat self-sufficient for the first time since 2005.
RESERVE Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya yesterday said his meeting with business this morning is not a witchhunt, but an effort by authorities to grasp the root cause of the prevailing pricing madness.
The all-stakeholder forum to be attended by representatives of retailers, producers, wholesalers and everyone involved in the value chain, he said, would explore sustainable solutions to the widespread parallel market pricing that is eroding economic stability.
In the past few weeks, the formal market has been gripped by the benchmarking of prices of goods and services using the black market rate, resulting in prices skyrocketing.
Last week, the exchange rate in the parallel market was pegged at US$1: ZWL$180 compared to margins between ZWL$150 and ZWL$160 three weeks ago.
As a result, some retailers and businesses in the formal market were pegging their prices above the official rate of US$1: ZWL$88,55 as of last week.
A snap survey in Bulawayo last Friday, showed that some retailers in the formal market were selling their products at an exchange rate of around ZWL$200 against US$1.
Speaking by telephone yesterday, Dr Mangudya said:
“We are going to meet all the business community, the producers, retailers, and wholesalers so that we find a sustainable solution.
“It has come to our attention that everyone in this country has become a price taker, so we want to find out who is causing it. It’s not about arresting people; it’s about understanding the real cause of what’s happening.
“The most sustainable way of running a business or running a country is not arresting, but it’s about understanding the behaviour and behaviour dynamic is not a fundamental,” he said, adding that the behavioural dynamics was due to arbitrage tendencies.
Dr Mangudya said for any business to operate viably it requires a stable environment adding that the obtaining volatility caused by parallel market activities was threatening the macro-economic gains the country has so far achieved.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu said they have noted with concern the prevailing pricing dilemma for most retailers and wholesalers.
He said it has come to their attention that there were four exchange rates one has to contend with when paying for goods and services.
“CZR has noted with concern the prevailing pricing dilemma for most retailers and wholesalers and is warning of tough times ahead. We implore the Government to set up an inter-ministerial committee to interrogate the foreign currency exchange rate challenges, abuses, manipulation and arbitrage and map the way towards stability as the parallel market exchange rate poses a great risk of declining company projections and bottom lines,” said Mr Mutashu.
“There is the auction exchange rate (ZW$89-US$1) ZW swipe to US$(ZW$180 to US$1), ZW mobile money to US$ (ZW$200 US$1 and ZW cash to US$ (ZW$165-US$$1).
“We have also discovered that there is also a rate for nostro US$.”
The black market rates, he said, change more than three times per week.
“We are meeting the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe tomorrow morning and this meeting which is an all-stakeholder forum comprises retailers, producers, wholesalers and everyone involved in the value chain,” said Mr Mutashu.
He said the obtaining situation has created confusion on the market with extreme cases being when the supplier or manufacturer or tuck shop wholesale flatly refuses any other payment for goods and services except US$ cash which comes with discounts to entice the retailer or wholesaler.-statemedia
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By A Correspondent- Beitbridge has been hit by a spate of armed robberies, with the latest victim losing over R1 million at the weekend.
National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the mugging which took place on Saturday and said several other armed robberies had been reported in the border town
“I can confirm there was an armed robbery in which the victim lost more than R1 million. Yes, of late, there have been a number of armed robbery reports in Beitbridge,” Nyathi said.
“We discourage people from keeping large sums of money at home as this can be dangerous. We have set up a crack team to investigate this and other robberies that have occurred of late,” he said.
At least 10 armed robberies have been reported in Beitbridge, mainly targeting foreign currency dealers, businesspeople, cigarette dealers and shipping agents.
On Saturday, the robbers shot open a door and bludgeoned their victim before getting away with R1,3 million.
The centre is no longer holding anymore. The cow no longer produces milk as it used to do.
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora is suffering from leadership kwashiorkor and it is clear that he is a Zanu-PF puppet taking orders from his handlers.
Why is he pushing for a government of national unity (GNU)when there are only a about 17 months before we hold elections?
Why would people care about a deal that is going to benefit greedy political spentforces who did not even garner votes in the 2018 elections? Why do we need a GNU when the ruling Zanu-PF party is doing well?
Zimbabweans know that Mwonzora and his cabal are hard to sell to the electorate come 2023 and are working round the clock to convince President Emmerson Mnangagwa to agree to a dialogue and form a GNU that will illegally postpone 2023 elections. They call themselves the constitutional gurus, but their appetite to shred the Constitution is beyond imagination.
This narrative is also being pushed by a factional group supporting Mnangagwa which wants him to have another term. Mwonzora and Mnangagwa want to get power without the mandate of the people?
Mwonzora is aware that going into an election with MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa will see him falling by the wayside. He knows he is unelectable. Their claim that they have people who support them is a fallacy.
People should be wary of Mwonzora’s claims that about 68% of the population has confirmed that it wants a GNU. Where and when did he carry out that research?
Mwonzora’s manoeuvring to political leadership through unorthodox means has been exposed. He grabbed the Richard Morgan Tsvangirai House using the military, recalled MPs using captured courts and is trying to armtwist people to agree to his selfish agenda.
No matter how many times Mwonzora tries to avoid the ballot box and the people, the law will push him to the polling booth.
Mwonzora so far has not made an impact on the political arena besides recalling MDC Alliance MPs. It is a matter of time and elections will humble this big brother.
By A Correspondent- Chaos rocked a Zanu-PF provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting yesterday after scores of demonstrators, who were calling for the ouster of Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro, were teargassed by police.
The demonstrators were denied entry into the venue at Marymount Teachers College by armed police. They then tried to block Madiro from leaving the premises, saying he should address them. Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial spokesperson Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the meeting.
Madiro left the college in a huff before riot police pounced on the demonstrators.
NewsDay was denied entry into the venue, with only reporters from the public media being allowed.
Tempers flared after Mutare district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs, Danmore Mambondiyani, reportedly told Madiro to address members outside the college.
Mambondiyani also confirmed the skirmishes.
“Yes, the violence happened and we are now being taken to Mutare Central Police Station along with three other members,” he said.
Among some of the people, who were assaulted by the police, was Zanu-PF Manicaland committee member Guy Mutasa.
Zanu-PF Manicaland women’s league boss Happiness Nyakuedzwa sought refuge in the kitchen of a nearby fuel service station.
Madiro is being accused of imposing candidates ahead of the Zanu-PF provincial elections likely to be held at the end of the year.
He is being challenged by Makoni DCC chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa and Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi.
Nyanga North MP Chido Sanyatwe is tipped to win the provincial women’s leadership position.
In September, Zanu-PF postponed the polls following an outbreak of violence.
Zimbabweans have petitioned @edmnangagwa to reopen the corruption case against former Health minister #ObadiahMoyo , who was acquitted last week by the High Court over #Drax scandal. Do you think @edmnangagwa will LISTEN?
By A Correspondent- Zimbabweans have petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reopen the corruption case against former Health minister Obadiah Moyo , who was acquitted last week by the High Court over the irregular award of a US$60 million tender for COVID-19 medical supplies.
The High Court last Thursday ruled in favour of Moyo, saying the framing of the State outline did not disclose an offence.
Mnangagwa fired Moyo in July last year after prosecutors claimed that the Health ministry had illegally awarded contracts without following due process.
One of the companies, Drax International, was said to have been registered only two weeks prior to US$2 million being deposited in its Hungary bank account.
The payment triggered an Interpol investigation and was part of contracts worth US$60 million signed with the company, without going to tender.
Drax International local representative Delish Nguwaya was also arrested as part of the same investigation, but his trial collapsed.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-1808990247913755&output=html&h=280&slotname=7632241627&adk=2580078309&adf=1513479931&pi=t.ma~as.7632241627&w=728&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1633931115&rafmt=1&psa=1&format=728×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-news-sc-local-byo-210308.html&flash=0&fwr=0&fwrattr=true&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTAuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiOTQuMC40NjA2LjcxIixbXSxudWxsLG51bGwsIjY0Il0.&dt=1633931115486&bpp=1&bdt=353&idt=254&shv=r20211006&mjsv=m202110040101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D125c818f8ca4ee47-22a78e5086a70006%3AT%3D1618326493%3ART%3D1618326493%3AS%3DALNI_MZpsCGWD26RJWsDIj7vy8tsJB0zXA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1083x280%2C160x600%2C728x280&nras=1&correlator=2216350121058&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1623260446.1618326493&ga_sid=1633931088&ga_hid=1264263375&ga_fc=1&u_tz=120&u_his=3&u_h=720&u_w=1280&u_ah=680&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&adx=165&ady=1453&biw=1263&bih=609&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=31062423&oid=2&pvsid=351493710241104&pem=471&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-News.html&eae=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1280%2C0%2C1280%2C680%2C1280%2C609&vis=1&rsz=o%7Co%7CeEbr%7C&abl=NS&pfx=0&fu=128&bc=31&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=8Y9mLn3H6i&p=https%3A//bulawayo24.com&dtd=259Nguwaya, a convicted criminal, was said to be an associate of Mnangagwa’s son, Collins.
Collins denied links with the Drax boss, despite pictures of Nguwaya with members of the President’s family at a State function going viral on social media.
Petitioners now want the case to be retried by an independent prosecutor. It was initiated by United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean Robert Chapman.
Citizens aim to hand over the petition to the United Nations rapporteur Alena Douhan, who is expected to come to Zimbabwe on an official visit from October 18 to 28.
“It is the citizens’ intent to request assignment of a special prosecutor and an independent investigation with the highest level of transparency that this case be reopened. We request thorough investigation of all individuals and companies associated with this scandal, both domestic and abroad,” the petition reads.
In the petition, Chapman claims that the US$60 million COVID-19 funds that went missing could have saved lives and helped thousands of families from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 132 000 people and claimed 4 631 lives since March 2020.
Below is a leaked ZANU PF memo dated 28th Sept 2021 concerning the chasing away of senior comrade and Mutsvangwa-faction member, Mike Madiro from a PEC meeting.
The letter was addressed to secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu.
Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri
Re: National Disciplinary Complaint Against Manicaland Party
Members Clide Jani AND Danmore Mambondiyani
Revolutionary greetings, the revolutionary party ZANU PF is under attack in Manicaland province and the constitution of the party is no longer upheld nor respected. We have cases of indiscipline and factionalism which point to the meddling and involvement of very senior politburo members.
I wish to raise your attention to activities which obtained during the Provincial Executive Council meeting, a lawful meeting which was held in accordance with the party’s constitution.
This meeting was disrupted by rogue party elements who disrespected everything they were taught at the Chitepo School of ideology.
Disgruntled Zanu PF supporters on Sunday disrupted a Provincial Elections Committee meeting address by Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro, demanding for his resignation.
Madiro left the meeting held at Mutare Teachers College in a huff. He was whisked away through the back entrance before fleeing at high speed in another vehicle, as the agitated supporters demanded that he be fired. This rogue crowd was lead by DCC youth affairs Dunmore Mambondiyani and financed by Clide Jani.
Mike Madiro is a senior party member who has defended the party and the first Secretary President ED Mnangagwa during when it was unpopular to do so. Mike Madiro cannot be disrespected by Mambondiyani and Jani who are acting on the instruction of factionalists who are pursuing their own anti revolutionary agenda.
The matter needs to be raised in the politburo and the President needs to prescribe remedial action. We cannot go through the Norma disciplinary channels and proceedings as we feel that the National Chairperson Cde. Oppah Muchinguri and
Acting national Commissar Cde PA Chinamasa are interested parties as this is their home province.
MAMBONDIYANI and Jani broke the party’s constitution particularly the article on membership and what is required of a party member.
They did not follow party protocol and their transgressions are worse than Lewis Matutu and Godfrey Tsenengamu whose case set a disciplinary precedence which we would request be followed.
By attacking Mike Madiro during a PEC meeting Mambondiyani and accomplices
disrespected an organ of the party and if this behaviour is condoned what will stop them from attempting to disrupt the Politburo or central committee ?
We kindly request urgent attention on this issue.
Revolutionary regards
ZANU PF Manicaland Province
MEMBERS
By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has turned against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and said he will boycott the 2023 election if the government does not implement electoral reforms.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare Friday, Mwonzora said Mnangagwa responded to his plea for dialogue last month, describing it as a positive development for his push for electoral reforms before the 2023 elections.
Mwonzora indicated that he was confident that his dialogue with Mnangagwa would be fruitful, adding that his party would not participate in the 2023 elections without electoral reforms.
“MDC-T remains committed to dialogue. We are going to push for electoral reforms and we are going to get them,” he said.
“Our mentality is focused on getting these reforms. We know how to get them through dialogue and this dialogue will be inclusive, genuine and unconditional.
“Therefore, with regards to what will happen if certain things do not happen in 2023, we are not able to postulate. We can’t tell which reforms we would be able to get and those we would not have attained.”
Mwonzora’s threats come a week after his national chairman Morgen Komichi called for the suspension of both by-elections and the 2023 harmonised polls to negotiate with Mnangagwa for an inclusive government.
In July this year, Mwonzora met Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga under controversial circumstances to allegedly push for the suspension of by-elections as well as postponement of the 2023 polls.
Komichi on Sunday said dialogue with Mnangagwa was key to determining the party’s participation in the 2023 elections, arguing that holding elections without reforms was a waste of time.
Ironically, Mwonzora’s legislators are the majority of opposition representatives in Parliament after purging the MDC Alliance members, but his MPs have assisted Mnangagwa make controversial constitutional amendments to assist the ruling Zanu PF party clamp down on the country’s democratic space.
“We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” Mwonzora said.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Yesterday, he refused to disclose details of Mnangagwa’s responses to his request for dialogue, saying it was a private matter.
“We will make the substantive matters available at the right time. Right now, we are consulting within the MDC-T structures then thereafter we will consult the people of Zimbabwe, based on what our structures would have said.”
The MDC-T has been under criticism for having a sinister agenda in the postponement of elections.
Observers say they are not prepared for a direct contest with the mainstream opposition MDC Alliance party led by Nelson Chamisa. NewsDay
By A Correspondent- Chaos rocked a Zanu-PF provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting yesterday after scores of demonstrators, who were calling for the ouster of Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro, were teargassed by police.
The demonstrators were denied entry into the venue at Marymount Teachers College by armed police. They then tried to block Madiro from leaving the premises, saying he should address them. Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial spokesperson Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the meeting.
Madiro left the college in a huff before riot police pounced on the demonstrators.
NewsDay was denied entry into the venue, with only reporters from the public media being allowed.
Tempers flared after Mutare district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs, Danmore Mambondiyani, reportedly told Madiro to address members outside the college.
Mambondiyani also confirmed the skirmishes.
“Yes, the violence happened and we are now being taken to Mutare Central Police Station along with three other members,” he said.
Among some of the people, who were assaulted by the police, was Zanu-PF Manicaland committee member Guy Mutasa.
Zanu-PF Manicaland women’s league boss Happiness Nyakuedzwa sought refuge in the kitchen of a nearby fuel service station.
Madiro is being accused of imposing candidates ahead of the Zanu-PF provincial elections likely to be held at the end of the year.
He is being challenged by Makoni DCC chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa and Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi.
Nyanga North MP Chido Sanyatwe is tipped to win the provincial women’s leadership position.
In September, Zanu-PF postponed the polls following an outbreak of violence.
By A Correspondent- Chaos rocked a Zanu-PF provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting yesterday after scores of demonstrators, who were calling for the ouster of Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro, were teargassed by police.
The demonstrators were denied entry into the venue at Marymount Teachers College by armed police. They then tried to block Madiro from leaving the premises, saying he should address them. Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial spokesperson Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the meeting.
Madiro left the college in a huff before riot police pounced on the demonstrators.
NewsDay was denied entry into the venue, with only reporters from the public media being allowed.
Tempers flared after Mutare district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs, Danmore Mambondiyani, reportedly told Madiro to address members outside the college.
Mambondiyani also confirmed the skirmishes.
“Yes, the violence happened and we are now being taken to Mutare Central Police Station along with three other members,” he said.
Among some of the people, who were assaulted by the police, was Zanu-PF Manicaland committee member Guy Mutasa.
Zanu-PF Manicaland women’s league boss Happiness Nyakuedzwa sought refuge in the kitchen of a nearby fuel service station.
Madiro is being accused of imposing candidates ahead of the Zanu-PF provincial elections likely to be held at the end of the year.
He is being challenged by Makoni DCC chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa and Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi.
Nyanga North MP Chido Sanyatwe is tipped to win the provincial women’s leadership position.
In September, Zanu-PF postponed the polls following an outbreak of violence.
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council has expressed dismay over its exclusion by central government in on-going road rehabilitation works and fears poor workmanship because of lack of supervision by city engineers.
Government is currently undertaking an emergency road rehabilitation programme across the country to fix the roads that were severely damaged by heavy rains last year.
In its latest minutes, the Bulawayo engineering services department said any road construction contracts should be issued by the local authority to local companies in the spirit of devolution.
BCC has expressed fear of being sued by residents and motorists over poor workmanship in the road rehabilitation programme after firms that are based outside Bulawayo were given tenders to rehabilitate the roads, while local firms were shunned.
Currently, there is little evidence of road rehabilitation works other than patching of damaged roads.
BCC said there had been little movement towards full implementation of devolution as guaranteed by the country’s Constitution.
“Decisions regarding road services should be left to local authorities. Devolution is key to local development. It was the duty of local authorities to provide a list of roads that needed rehabilitation. Local companies should be given such projects to grow the local economy,” the minutes read in part.
“Most of the teams on the ground did not have adequate equipment and signage. There were no council engineers involved. Council did not supervise these works. Council could be sued in the near future if the rehabilitation had not been done properly. Again council would be forced to incur expenses if the works were not completed.”
The minutes showed that deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube did not support patching of potholes by central government.
“There is need to wind off these projects and start afresh after following regulated processes. Central government should have consulted local authorities and hired local companies. Local residents should benefit from this project,” he said.
Mayor Solomon Mguni is quoted in the minutes saying there was need to promote local companies as council would be held accountable by residents for any projects done, noting that the funds used to repair the potholes were from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration.
“As such, central government should have engaged local authorities,” Mguni is quoted as saying in the minutes.
ZIMBABWE is expected to dollarise its economy because of the collapse of the local currency and the failure of its auction system to stabilise the exchange rate, renowned scholar and economist Gift Mugano has said.
Mugano, who is director for Africa Development Economic Strategies, made the remarks at a pre-budget seminar for MPs in Harare in his presentation titled The State of the Economy: Are We On Course Towards Achieving the Aspiration under the National Development Strategy 1?
He told MPs that measures that had been put in place by government to manage the exchange rate and to “clean out bad money” were insufficient to stabilise the economy.
The official exchange rate of US$1:$88 is much lower than the black market rate of $190 to the greenback.
Mugano identified massive price hikes in commodities such as cotton, wheat and maize as being behind the rise in money supply, an inflation driver.
“Although the auction system at its inception managed to foster economic instability, in recent months it has faced several threats and risks mainly coming on the back of exchange rate disparities, that is approximately (official) US$1:$88 versus the parallel of US$1:$190,” he said.
“RBZ [Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe] responses inter alia include US$50 weekly disbursement to individuals, management of money supply and clearing of the forex backlog and cracking of black market dealers. These measures are not sufficient to deal with the black market rate since the root causes are centred on supply of forex (structural issues), corruption on the forex markets and the command economy. If these factors are not addressed, the auction system is holding on a thin thread and its collapse is imminent and we will enter into dollarisation (100%),” he said.
Zimbabwe has so far received US$649 million in diaspora remittances since the beginning of the year, a 73% increase on the US$374,6 million received during the same period last year, with government expecting them to surpass the US$1 billion received last year.
The remittances, Mugano said, could be used to turn around the economy if properly accounted for.
In her presentation titled Unpacking the Monetary and Fiscal Policy Reforms in Zimbabwe, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe deputy chairperson Shanangurai Takaindisa said the problem was fiscal policy inconsistencies in the country.
“The monetary framework has not assisted in coming up with a yield curve. There are a lot of arbitrage opportunities in most of the reforms, which has also assisted the parallel market to thrive. Policies (monetary and fiscal) do not speak to issues on the ground. There is no policy to address de-risking challenges in the economy.
“Livelihoods do not speak to policy successes. Consultations are done, but there is no full consideration of the suggestions. A lot of work needs to be done with regards to confidence. The issue of control by the authorities on monetary and fiscal policies has dampened us from achieving the key goal,” she said, adding that poverty was also worsening, with 49% of the population in extreme poverty, which could result in social unrests and low aggregate demand.
“The regularisation of citizens to buy US$50 from bureau de changes every week has a negative effect on the Zimbabwe dollar. It looks like deepening the process of dollarisation as opposed to dedollarisation. Disparities between the official and the black market rate pose a serious risk of instability if not urgently addressed. “
On Friday, banker and former Finance deputy minister Terrence Mukupe told Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to consider adopting the South African rand.
Mukupe claimed that the official forex auction had failed.
Meanwhile, in its 2022 pre-budget strategy paper, the Parliament Budge Office (PBO) said economic stabilisation interventions were being implemented at the cost of social service delivery.
The PBO also said that the economy was posting a fiscal surplus — at the cost of employees’ welfare.
“The reality on the ground is that the economic stabilisation interventions have come at some cost for social service delivery, while the fiscal surplus is at the cost of employees’ welfare. There is also serious public sector wage compression, which has left most civil servants taking home less than US$200, further increasing poverty levels on the majority of employed citizens.
“Total consumption poverty line is at $6 350,29 (August 2021). There is also massive incapacitation of workers since most workers earn salaries below the poverty datum line, which is now nearing $38 000, while the exchange rate stability is at risk and volatile. There is also a mismatch between the official exchange rate and actual prices on the ground,” the PBO said.
Today, the Budget and Finance Portfolio Committee and the Thematic Committee on Sustainable Development Goals will visit different parts of the country to gather public views on the 2022 national budget.
By A Correspondent- Pictures of the accident that claimed four people who died on the spot on Sunday after a head-on collision involving an Inter Africa bus and a Nissan Hardbody truck along the Roy-Ndanga highway.
By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has been hard hit by a shortage of firefighters after 125 of them left its employ since the beginning of the year for greener pastures due to poor working conditions.
Council spokesperson Michael Chideme yesterday said the firefighters left the country destined mainly for the Middle East.
The local authority is currently failing to provide efficient healthcare services following an exodus of workers to the diaspora due to poor remuneration, among other work-related concerns.
Chideme said council’s capacity to provide efficient service delivery was being affected by the brain drain.
However, he said management was working on mechanisms to retain its employees.
“There are vacancies for firefighters at the moment after 125 of them left the country. We have enough equipment for firefighting, but what is being affected is the work schedule of the workers, as some will have to work for longer hours due to short staffing.
“However, at the moment, the local authority has the capacity to attend to fire breakouts, although there is need to fill the vacancies of those who have left. Currently, the city council is working on addressing the workers’ concerns so that we do not continue losing more workers to the diaspora.”
The HCC fire department operates from Greendale, Waterfalls and Kuwadzana. In August, the fire department responded to 392 fire breakouts which were mostly veldfires, commercial, road traffic accidents and domestic faults.
The centre is no longer holding anymore. The cow no longer produces milk as it used to do.
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora is suffering from leadership kwashiorkor and it is clear that he is a Zanu-PF puppet taking orders from his handlers.
Why is he pushing for a government of national unity (GNU)when there are only a about 17 months before we hold elections?
Why would people care about a deal that is going to benefit greedy political spentforces who did not even garner votes in the 2018 elections? Why do we need a GNU when the ruling Zanu-PF party is doing well?
Zimbabweans know that Mwonzora and his cabal are hard to sell to the electorate come 2023 and are working round the clock to convince President Emmerson Mnangagwa to agree to a dialogue and form a GNU that will illegally postpone 2023 elections. They call themselves the constitutional gurus, but their appetite to shred the Constitution is beyond imagination.
This narrative is also being pushed by a factional group supporting Mnangagwa which wants him to have another term. Mwonzora and Mnangagwa want to get power without the mandate of the people?
Mwonzora is aware that going into an election with MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa will see him falling by the wayside. He knows he is unelectable. Their claim that they have people who support them is a fallacy.
People should be wary of Mwonzora’s claims that about 68% of the population has confirmed that it wants a GNU. Where and when did he carry out that research?
Mwonzora’s manoeuvring to political leadership through unorthodox means has been exposed. He grabbed the Richard Morgan Tsvangirai House using the military, recalled MPs using captured courts and is trying to armtwist people to agree to his selfish agenda.
No matter how many times Mwonzora tries to avoid the ballot box and the people, the law will push him to the polling booth.
Mwonzora so far has not made an impact on the political arena besides recalling MDC Alliance MPs. It is a matter of time and elections will humble this big brother.
By A Correspondent- Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has pledged to assist some schools under the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) led by Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi acquire a broadcasting licence.
Bishop Mutendi is a close ally of President Mnangagwa and is often seen at State occasions.
Mutsvangwa also pleged Government assistance for schools run by the church with access to internet connections.
CC Mutendi Church runs Mutendi High School in Bikita, Hebron High School in Mwenezi, Sainos Engenus Agricultural College in Karoi and Samuel Centenary Academy in Harare.
Mutsvangwa made the pledge while speaking at Mbungo Estates last Friday during the launch of a women empowerment programme.
“I have been approached with a request for a broadcasting licence for a college owned by this church, and as Government we are opening up the airwaves to more players including issuing campus radio broadcasting licences.” she said.
By A Correspondent- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s right-hand man and his United Party for National Development (UPND), Joseph Kalimbwe has received death threats from Harare.
The youthful politician last week visited Harare briefly before returning to his homeland.
He said he received multiple death threats on social media platforms before he got back to Zambia.
Last week 28-year-old announced on Twitter that he was in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this seemingly did not go down well with some Zimbabweans who threatened him with physical harm. In a tweet this Sunday, Kalimbwe said:
I left Harare friends. After tweeting about briefly being in the city, the comments of life threats on social media from users are severe.
We’re one Africa who must be free to visit in any land. Perhaps, we will visit friends after 2023, it’s just 50 Minutes away from Lusaka.
The UPND is seen as close to Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the MDC Alliance after inviting its leaders, Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti and other opposition figures in the region to Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba recently attacked Hichilema as a “sellout”
By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has been hard hit by a shortage of firefighters after 125 of them left its employ since the beginning of the year for greener pastures due to poor working conditions.
Council spokesperson Michael Chideme yesterday said the firefighters left the country destined mainly for the Middle East.
The local authority is currently failing to provide efficient healthcare services following an exodus of workers to the diaspora due to poor remuneration, among other work-related concerns.
Chideme said council’s capacity to provide efficient service delivery was being affected by the brain drain.
However, he said management was working on mechanisms to retain its employees.
“There are vacancies for firefighters at the moment after 125 of them left the country. We have enough equipment for firefighting, but what is being affected is the work schedule of the workers, as some will have to work for longer hours due to short staffing.
“However, at the moment, the local authority has the capacity to attend to fire breakouts, although there is need to fill the vacancies of those who have left. Currently, the city council is working on addressing the workers’ concerns so that we do not continue losing more workers to the diaspora.”
The HCC fire department operates from Greendale, Waterfalls and Kuwadzana. In August, the fire department responded to 392 fire breakouts which were mostly veldfires, commercial, road traffic accidents and domestic faults.
By A Correspondent- Chaos rocked a Zanu-PF provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting yesterday after scores of demonstrators, who were calling for the ouster of Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro, were teargassed by police.
The demonstrators were denied entry into the venue at Marymount Teachers College by armed police. They then tried to block Madiro from leaving the premises, saying he should address them. Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial spokesperson Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the meeting.
Madiro left the college in a huff before riot police pounced on the demonstrators.
NewsDay was denied entry into the venue, with only reporters from the public media being allowed.
Tempers flared after Mutare district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs, Danmore Mambondiyani, reportedly told Madiro to address members outside the college.
Mambondiyani also confirmed the skirmishes.
“Yes, the violence happened and we are now being taken to Mutare Central Police Station along with three other members,” he said.
Among some of the people, who were assaulted by the police, was Zanu-PF Manicaland committee member Guy Mutasa.
Zanu-PF Manicaland women’s league boss Happiness Nyakuedzwa sought refuge in the kitchen of a nearby fuel service station.
Madiro is being accused of imposing candidates ahead of the Zanu-PF provincial elections likely to be held at the end of the year.
He is being challenged by Makoni DCC chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa and Chipinge South MP Enock Porusingazi.
Nyanga North MP Chido Sanyatwe is tipped to win the provincial women’s leadership position.
In September, Zanu-PF postponed the polls following an outbreak of violence.
By A Correspondent- Four people have died on the spot, with 14 others sustaining injuries after a head-on collision involving an Inter Africa bus and a Nissan Hardbody truck along the Roy-Ndanga highway Sunday afternoon.
The bus was heading to Chiredzi while the truck was going in the opposite direction when the crash occurred in the Danda area in Ndanga.
All the people who died were in the truck. However, it could not be established how many people were in both the truck and bus.
The injured were taken to Ndanga District Hospital. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the names of the deceased will be released today.
By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has turned against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and said he will boycott the 2023 election if the government does not implement electoral reforms.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare Friday, Mwonzora said Mnangagwa responded to his plea for dialogue last month, describing it as a positive development for his push for electoral reforms before the 2023 elections.
Mwonzora indicated that he was confident that his dialogue with Mnangagwa would be fruitful, adding that his party would not participate in the 2023 elections without electoral reforms.
“MDC-T remains committed to dialogue. We are going to push for electoral reforms and we are going to get them,” he said.
“Our mentality is focused on getting these reforms. We know how to get them through dialogue and this dialogue will be inclusive, genuine and unconditional.
“Therefore, with regards to what will happen if certain things do not happen in 2023, we are not able to postulate. We can’t tell which reforms we would be able to get and those we would not have attained.”
Mwonzora’s threats come a week after his national chairman Morgen Komichi called for the suspension of both by-elections and the 2023 harmonised polls to negotiate with Mnangagwa for an inclusive government.
In July this year, Mwonzora met Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga under controversial circumstances to allegedly push for the suspension of by-elections as well as postponement of the 2023 polls.
Komichi on Sunday said dialogue with Mnangagwa was key to determining the party’s participation in the 2023 elections, arguing that holding elections without reforms was a waste of time.
Ironically, Mwonzora’s legislators are the majority of opposition representatives in Parliament after purging the MDC Alliance members, but his MPs have assisted Mnangagwa make controversial constitutional amendments to assist the ruling Zanu PF party clamp down on the country’s democratic space.
“We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” Mwonzora said.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Yesterday, he refused to disclose details of Mnangagwa’s responses to his request for dialogue, saying it was a private matter.
“We will make the substantive matters available at the right time. Right now, we are consulting within the MDC-T structures then thereafter we will consult the people of Zimbabwe, based on what our structures would have said.”
The MDC-T has been under criticism for having a sinister agenda in the postponement of elections.
Observers say they are not prepared for a direct contest with the mainstream opposition MDC Alliance party led by Nelson Chamisa. NewsDay
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the interception of 68 cross border buses and t 10 000 people for committing various cross border-related crimes within one month.
The buses were intercepted on major highways from Beitbridge town leading to Bulawayo, Harare, and other urban centres.
The 10 000 arrested people were smugglers shipping goods through illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River, which they then load in buses heading to various towns and cities across the country.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, one border security official said the buses were being intercepted at the police checkpoints and the Beitbridge Border Post. The official said in the last three days three buses were intercepted along the road leading to Harare carrying an assortment of undeclared goods. “We have taken the buses to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for import duty calculations. One of the buses, Mulaudzi Transport, was intercepted at the Chicago checkpoint loaded with various goods we believe had been smuggled. The bus was half-full with the goods, mainly bales of new clothes, and its trailer was also loaded to full capacity. The other two are Graca Luxury Coaches and Vuki,” said the official who refused to be named.
By A Correspondent- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s right-hand man and his United Party for National Development (UPND), Joseph Kalimbwe has received death threats from Harare.
The youthful politician last week visited Harare briefly before returning to his homeland.
He said he received multiple death threats on social media platforms before he got back to Zambia.
Last week 28-year-old announced on Twitter that he was in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this seemingly did not go down well with some Zimbabweans who threatened him with physical harm. In a tweet this Sunday, Kalimbwe said:
I left Harare friends. After tweeting about briefly being in the city, the comments of life threats on social media from users are severe.
We’re one Africa who must be free to visit in any land. Perhaps, we will visit friends after 2023, it’s just 50 Minutes away from Lusaka.
The UPND is seen as close to Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the MDC Alliance after inviting its leaders, Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti and other opposition figures in the region to Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba recently attacked Hichilema as a “sellout”
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance on Saturday donated groceries to socially disadvantaged women in Makoni Central and surrounding areas.
MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi- Kore led the process.
See statement below:
Multitudes of women gathered from Makoni Central and beyond to celebrate the important role widows play in our communities. The party donated groceries to the widows. Improving the lives of ordinary people is our central aim. The people come first
In line with our People’s Agenda which champions the cause of women, the MDC Alliance commemorated Widows’ Day in Makoni Central on Saturday. The event was attended by senior leaders of the party including Assembly of Women Chair, Hon Mugidho, VP Karenyi Kore & Hon Molokele.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance national spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has condemned the persecution of ZINASU leader Takudzwa Ngadziore.
Ngadziore and members of the ZINASU national executive committee were violently arrested in Masvingo on Saturday.
Advocate Mahere described the persecution of young people by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration as unacceptable.
“This is unacceptable. The persecution of student leaders and young people by the regime on flimsy charges shows that the regime has nothing to offer young people except persecution.”
Norman Mapeza’s Warriors side succumbed to a 1-3 defeat to Ghana in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Here is how the players fared;
Washington Arubi – 6.6 The goalkeeper conceded three goals but made a couple of big saves which could have seen Ghana scoring more.
Tendayi Darikwa- 6.8 Despite giving away the ball in the second goal, the defender showed some flashes of brilliance and strived to keep the possession. He made a good run in the build-up to the penalty.
Onismor Bhasera – 7.1 The full-back had a decent outing and linked well with Jordan Zemura at the left wing. He played more defensively and was able to contain some threats from his flank.
Kelvin Madzongwe -7 Playing as one of the centre backs, Kelvin Madzongwe had good and closed the spaces in the goal area. He made a couple of clearances on set pieces.
Marshal Munetsi -7 The France-based utility player featured in central defense. He made a number of clearances in set pieces and had the freedom to carry the ball forward on some occassions and aided the team in numbers during the attacks. He was subbed off in the last quarter of the game.
Jordan Zemura – 8 One of the most outstanding Warriors players in the game. The midfielder could have scored but was denied by the post in the second half. He made some threatening runs on the left side and crossed the ball that led to a penalty.
Thabani Kamsoko – 5. 9 Playing on the right wing behind the front three, Thabani Kamsoko din’t create many balls from his flank but had flashes at some points of the game. Overal, his performance was just above the average. He wasted some chances by choosing to goal for goal instead of finding a better-positioned teammate.
Marvelous Nakamba -6 Had a very quiet game, didn’t impose himself on the game as was expected.
Perfect Chikwende – 5.7
Was barely involved in the game and his flank never created any threatening chance.
Knowledge Musona 7.8 The captain scored the only goal for Warriors from the spot. He had a decent performance, playing from deep areas and was creative on his flank where he stretch.
Knox Mutizwa – 6.2 Playing as lone striker, Knox Mutizwa did well to win a penalty but lost a number of duels in Ghana box. He didn’t create any threatening chance but could move around to stretch the opponent’s defense.
Overal team performance- great improvments in transition and ball possession. Better dispaly in attack as they created some big chances.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya yesterday said his meeting with business this morning is not a witchhunt, but an effort by authorities to grasp the root cause of the prevailing pricing madness.
The all-stakeholder forum to be attended by representatives of retailers, producers, wholesalers and everyone involved in the value chain, he said, would explore sustainable solutions to the widespread parallel market pricing that is eroding economic stability.
John Mangudya
In the past few weeks, the formal market has been gripped by the benchmarking of prices of goods and services using the black market rate, resulting in prices skyrocketing.
Last week, the exchange rate in the parallel market was pegged at US$1: ZWL$180 compared to margins between ZWL$150 and ZWL$160 three weeks ago.
As a result, some retailers and businesses in the formal market were pegging their prices above the official rate of US$1: ZWL$88,55 as of last week.
A snap survey by Chronicle in Bulawayo last Friday, showed that some retailers in the formal market were selling their products at an exchange rate of around ZWL$200 against US$1.
Speaking by telephone yesterday, Dr Mangudya said:
“We are going to meet all the business community, the producers, retailers, and wholesalers so that we find a sustainable solution.
“It has come to our attention that everyone in this country has become a price taker, so we want to find out who is causing it. It’s not about arresting people; it’s about understanding the real cause of what’s happening.
“The most sustainable way of running a business or running a country is not arresting, but it’s about understanding the behaviour and behaviour dynamic is not a fundamental,” he said, adding that the behavioural dynamics was due to arbitrage tendencies.
Dr Mangudya said for any business to operate viably it requires a stable environment adding that the obtaining volatility caused by parallel market activities was threatening the macro-economic gains the country has so far achieved.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu said they have noted with concern the prevailing pricing dilemma for most retailers and wholesalers.
He said it has come to their attention that there were four exchange rates one has to contend with when paying for goods and services.
“CZR has noted with concern the prevailing pricing dilemma for most retailers and wholesalers and is warning of tough times ahead. We implore the Government to set up an inter-ministerial committee to interrogate the foreign currency exchange rate challenges, abuses, manipulation and arbitrage and map the way towards stability as the parallel market exchange rate poses a great risk of declining company projections and bottom lines,” said Mr Mutashu.
“There is the auction exchange rate (ZW$89-US$1) ZW swipe to US$(ZW$180 to US$1), ZW mobile money to US$ (ZW$200 US$1 and ZW cash to US$ (ZW$165-US$$1).
“We have also discovered that there is also a rate for nostro US$.”
The black market rates, he said, change more than three times per week.
“We are meeting the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe tomorrow morning and this meeting which is an all-stakeholder forum comprises retailers, producers, wholesalers and everyone involved in the value chain,” said Mr Mutashu.
He said the obtaining situation has created confusion on the market with extreme cases being when the supplier or manufacturer or tuck shop wholesale flatly refuses any other payment for goods and services except US$ cash which comes with discounts to entice the retailer or wholesaler. -Chronicle
Prosecutor General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi has directed the police to investigate possible violations of the exchange control and the tax laws in a transaction that saw two Zimbabweans claiming ownership of a 554 hectare farm bought in 2016 although the State had compulsorily acquired it under the land reform.
Government, under the land reform laws, compulsorily acquired subdivision A of subdivision B of Umguza block measuring 195,8095 hectares and subdivision C of Umguza block measuring 358,8095 hectares, the two blocks forming Kershelmar (Esidakeni) Farm in Nyamandlovu.
Kumbirai-Hodzi…
The farm was allocated to Mr Dumisani Madzivanyati and Mr Reason Mpofu.
However, Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) director Mr Siphosami Malunga and his two business partners, Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini and Mr Charles Moyo, are contesting in an urgent chamber application the compulsory acquisition arguing that they bought the farm at a public auction in 2016.
There is another procedure in place since last year for indigenous owners of land to query any compulsory acquisition, but this was not followed.
While the civil dispute is pending in the High Court, Mr Hodzi has directed a criminal investigation into exactly what happened to have the property put on sale in the first place.
“The Constitution empowers this office to direct the Commissioner-General of Police to investigate and report on anything, which in the Prosecutor-General’s opinion relates to an offence or alleged or suspected offence.
“Accordingly, I hereby notify the public that the Commissioner-General of Police is hereby being directed to investigate and report back to this office in respect of his findings on the allegations aforesaid.
“My Office undertakes to make public a summary of those findings once completed,” he said.
Mr Hodzi said the case generated public interest and the police should investigate whether or not there is criminal conduct.
During the course of the above litigation, it came to the attention of the National Prosecuting Authority that there could have been certain acts or omissions of a criminal nature related to the sale of the entire issued shares in Kershelmar.
These allegations are focused on non-compliance with the Capital Gains Tax and Exchange Control regulations of Zimbabwe, he said.
In a recent response filed by the Attorney General in the pending civil case, Government said Mr Malunga and his two business partners had no legal standing to approach the court claiming ownership of Kershelmar (Esidakeni) Farm.
Mr Malunga and his partners, through Webb, Low and Barry Legal Practitioners, recently filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court in which they accused Central Intelligence Organisation deputy director-general Dr Gatsha Mazithulela and the two beneficiaries, Mr Mpofu and Mr Madzivanyathi of illegally acquiring their farm.
In their application, Mr Malunga’s team cited Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo, the provincial chief lands officer, Registrar of Deeds, Mr Mpofu and Mr Madzivanyathi as respondents.
They are seeking an order declaring the State acquisition of the farm held under Dr Mazithulela null and void and in violation of provisions of Section 72 of the Constitution.
In his founding affidavit, one of the three claiming ownership, Mr Dhlamini, argued that prior to December 18 last year, Esidakeni Farm had not been acquired under land reform because it was a very productive dairy farm.
Mr Dhlamini said the three had bought the farm in 2016 through a public auction after the sale was published in the Government Gazette of June 26, 2015. They argue that they acquired the property from Mr Swindles in 2017.
In his notice of opposition through the Civil Division in the Attorney-General’s Office, Minister Masuka said the applicants have no legal standing to institute legal proceedings as they do not have an offer letter as stated in the Gazetted Lands (Consequential Provisions) Act.
“In addition to this, the applicants are not even at law the owners of the land in that the title deeds used for the acquisition is in the name of the former white farmer. It would make sense if he was the one making this application,” he said.
Minister Masuka said the relief sought by the three cannot be granted as the land in question belongs to the State.
“The acquisition process is governed and provided for by Section 72 of the Constitution, which makes it clear that once a piece of land is gazetted, it immediately becomes State land and this process can’t be challenged in court,” said Dr Masuka.
“Clearly, the applicants are way out of their depth in terms of appreciation of land laws and their application. The relief they seek is baseless both at law and on the facts.”
Dr Masuka said the applicants are abusing the court processes as they did not follow due procedure.
“This honourable court has no jurisdiction to hear this matter. There is no provision at law for the nullification of a proper and lawful acquisition of agricultural land whose acquisition is in terms of Section 72 of the Constitution,” he argued.
“If indeed, the applicants owned the land at the time of acquisition, for either restoration of title or compensation is the laid down procedure in terms of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2020, which was duly gazetted. The SI provides procedures to be done if one is an indigenous person whose land had been acquired.”
Dr Masuka said the applicants are not the rightful owners and holders of title deeds of Kershelmar Farm. He said the applicants did not attach proof of investment on the farm.
The minister dismissed claims by the applicants that Dr Mazithulela, Minister Moyo and Mr Mpofu and Mr Madzivanyathi were involved in the acquisition of the land as unfounded.
He said the applicants were unnecessarily dragging the names of these respondents into the disrepute as they had no influence in the acquisition of the farm.
Dr Masuka said his ministry is guided by Section 72 of the Constitution when acquiring land and Section 289 when it comes to land policy.
Other respondents, in their notices of opposition through their lawyers, disputed the issues raised in the application and sought its dismissal.
They argued that the application is riddled with several unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and relationships, which they denied.
They also argued that they were beneficiaries and holders of valid offer letters issued by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The respondents further argued that the alleged previous owner of the disputed land did not sign the alleged sale of shares agreement. They queried why the applicants did not disclose what became of the deceased estate of the person who had a lease with the alleged previous owner with regard to the document.
Mr Mpofu denied allegations by the applicants that he had a corrupt relationship with Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu.LD
“Even if I were to be said to be related to him (Dr Mpofu) that does not justify a claim that I obtained an offer letter on the basis of that relationship,” he said in his opposing affidavit.- Herald
The Warriors were beaten 3-1 by the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier that was played at the Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana on Saturday evening.
The Ghanaians drew first blood in the 5th minute of the first half through Mohammed Kudus before Warriors captain Knowledge Musona equalised from the penalty spot in the 49th minute.
However, the Black Stars restored their lead in the 66th minute through a Tomas Partey strike, before Andrew Ayew confirmed the West Africans’ superiority with the third goal in the 87th minute.
In another Group G match played earlier on Saturday, South Africa extended their lead at the top of the Group with a 3-1 win over Ethiopia in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Bafana now lead the group on seven points at the halfway mark of the first round of the qualifying campaign for Qatar.
Ghana are second on 6 points after beating Ethiopia in their first match and losing 1-0 to South Africa, with Ethiopia on third spot with 3 points following a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe.
The Warriors are bottom of the group, with only 1 point from the 0-0 draw with Bafana Bafana in September.
On Tuesday, South Africa host Ethiopia at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg at 6 PM, while Zimbabwe host Ghana at the National Sports Stadium in Harare at 3 PM.
Ghana XI: J. Wollacott (GK) , D. Amartey, J. Mensah, A. Djiku, B. Rahman, T. Partey, A. Ayew (c) , M. Kudus, I. Fatawu, K. Sulemana, J. Ayew.
Warriors XI: W. Arubi (GK), T. Darikwa, O. Bhasera, K. Madzongwe, M. Nakamba, T. Kamusoko, M. Munetsi, J. Zemura, P. Chikwende, K. Musona (c), K. Mutizwa.- Pindula News
After the Government announcement that bars are open to fully vaccinated revellers last weekend, many merrymakers had joy and fun as they enjoyed their time.
Music promoters also took the chance to resume live shows.
It was a weekend filled with fun from gospel concerts to several events and festivals.
Some gospel lovers were treated to thrilling performances at the just-ended two-day gospel festival which was held at the Harare Gardens under the Covid-19 restrictions and regulations.
The event dubbed: “Invitational Worship Experience” saw the Chisipite Worship Team put up a scintillating performance.
The choir gave an energetic performance as they dished out some of their old and latest songs which included “If you believe”, “Huya mose”, “Makanaka Jesu”, “Musharukwa”, “Holy Spirit”, “Lord My God” and “Izwi” among others.
In an interview, group spokesperson Rondell Wine said everything went according to plan.
“The gospel festival was designed to celebrate the dichotomy of modern day music and African theme which was recorded live,” he said.
“For now, we are working on the Christmas programme as preparations are beginning this month end.
“We want to do the same . We are happy that everything went according to plan.”
The event was divided into two parts with Friday dedicated to contemporary gospel night, while the closing night (Saturday) was the “Africa night”.
At The Venue in Avondale a small crowd attended the fourth edition of the Jacaranda Music Festival.
Again, the festival also ran for two days from Friday to Saturday with performances by Jah Prayzah, Hope Masike, Bryan K, Mookomba and Mbeu.
It was held under the theme, “In Music We Trust”.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, sungura ace Alick Macheso had a good day in office at the Newton Music Factory, formerly Bassline, in Newton South Africa on Saturday night as he made a welcome return to probably one of his favourite music hunting grounds.
Macheso is a big hit in South Africa with the largely Zimbabwean music lovers domiciled there.
The sungura giant has also made some serious in-roads in the Limpopo province and his publicist Tich Makahamadze said they were happy with the turn of events during their two-week tour of South Africa.
“South Africa is our second home and I am really happy that we are having sold out shows,” he said.
“We missed our fans this side and you can tell the connection we have with them from the numbers coming.
“We will be having our last show in Capetown on October 17 at the Goodhope Civic Hall.”
South African based music critic Mannie Rungano said Macheso had proved his mettle with the South African shows.
“Macheso is just legendary and he literally packed Newtown Music Factory formerly Bassline,” he said.
“We are happy that our Zimbabwean artists are demonstrating the capacity to perform anywhere and Macheso is a good example.”
Macheso performed in Germiston last night and the band will stay a week longer in Johannesburg before proceeding to Cape Town. -Herald
THE announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that it has recommended widespread use of malaria vaccines among children in sub-Saharan Africa and other high malaria-burden regions is a huge scientific breakthrough.
With more than 260 000 African children under the age of five succumbing to malaria annually, the disease has burdened many countries, Zimbabwe included.
Children are mostly at risk, as evidenced by empirical evidence — often sidelined — yet malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa.
In recent years, WHO and its partners have been reporting stagnation in progress against the deadly disease and the new announcement will give countries a chance to tone down the adverse effects of malaria and take control.
But Zimbabwe, experiencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, will have a tough job ahead, that of creating awareness of the new development so that malaria vaccination cannot suffer the same fate.
The Health ministry and partners should immediately reach out to communities spreading the gospel in order to halt speculation and ultimately vaccine hesitancy.- NewsDay
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Zimbabweans were left shocked by the totally irresponsible showing off attitude by the permanent secretary in the ministry of Finance Mr George Guvamatanga. People are constrained that the irresponsible comments coming out of the unguarded mouth of George Guvamatanga have only helped to spawn resentment to the government of the new dispensation. Guvamatanga’s comments came during a lavish birthday he held in his own honour.
While it is understandable that as a part of free speech everyone has the right to vent his or her feelings, what has been uttered by George Guvamatanga is regrettable and utterly reprehensible. And equally alarming is to see the senior civil servant boasting with funds and riches sponsored on the public fund. Populism may fetch a few votes for a candidate but carries within it seeds of his undoing. History tells us that all thieves were once popular boastful dunderheads masquerading as leaders.
George Guvamatanga
It appears that a bizarre game was being played out at this party where as a senior civil servant Guvamatanga shunned Zimbabwean singers and flew in foreign singers who he promised to pay 5 times more than they have charged him in a country struggling to make ends meet.
The Permanent Secretary made preposterous utterances and even added salt to the injury by saying that he is not ashamed of being rich. In the wake of his utterances Guvamatanga needs to take credible and irreversible steps against corruption rather than making hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our economy, money. Besides his verbal running mouth Guvamatanga was given 50 thousand dollars as a present by Tagwirei who is known to be doing a lot of business with the govt. ‘Guvamatanga is the government paymaster and Tagwirei is the biggest beneficiary of some of the most shady and undue payments’ many people complained.
Is it lawful for Guvamatanga, the govt paymaster, to accept a USD50k present from a client of the government, Kuda Tagwirei?
This is clear corruption and it must be investigated. Treasury secretary, George Guvamatanga’s acceptance of lavish gifts from business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei is legally questionable, borders on the lines of corruption and puts the whole government into disrepute.
Guvamatanga, a civil servant splashed millions of dollars by flying three top South African performers Mafikizolo, Makhadzi and Louis Mhlanga to entertain selected guests.
Tagwirei, the biggest beneficiary of govt contracts in the last five years, showered gifts on the government paymaster, pledging a private jet, US$50,000 in spending money, an executive box at the Emirates Stadium in London and a shirt signed by Arsenal captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
In a very irresponsible manner when president Mnangagwa is fighting corruption and Africa is standing with us on fighting sanctions Tagwirei showed a middle finger to those standing by us when he said “We’re on sanctions, but we make things happen over there (in the United Kingdom),Tagwirei boasted, referring to travel and financial sanctions imposed on him by the United Kingdom in July for “poisoning the well of democracy” through corruption. This behaviour by Tagwirei and Guvamatanga does not help us as a nation but destroy what we are fighting against.
How could this country cultivate a progressive support when there are people who step out to speak on parties without exercising good sense, sombre-minded consideration for the full welfare of society, and make a reasonably conscious effort to be objective, responsible, and professional in sharing their opinion with the nation? People who take on the role of public leadership, especially those positioning themselves as experts, need to be aware that their utterances on the national stage have multifaceted, far-reaching, and potentially damaging impact, that their words and choice of language could damage the public good and national progress.
A disturbing news story made the rounds in some sections of the national media and internationally on social media highlighting the strange, incomprehensible, outlandish remarks by the nation’s purse holder and nation’s richest man Tagwirei.The headlines in several daily newspapers and social media were screaming a tantrum, concerning the extravagancy exhibited by the Permanent secretary and the public acceptance of a bribe from Tagwirei. Guvamatanga Is serving this country as head of the finance and therefore his comments take on a decidedly expert tone, and as a member of the Civil Service he also speaks with a political overtone. Indeed, the nation touts him as the country’s leading financial advisor and Tagwirei is the presidential advisor.
Given such an elevated perch in the finance ministry how responsible and sensible is the utterance and behaviour of Guvamatanga and Tagwirei.
Zimbabwe is a small country now working its way out of decades of poverty and socioeconomic struggles, and found great favour with the region and good guidance of ED but now being plunged into confusion by these two spoiled brutes.
Legally speaking Tagwirei’s gift to Guvamatanga has corruption written all over its face.
“Nothing about that gift passes the corruption smell test. Given the allegations against the giver and how he benefits from certain decisions by the ministry of finance, the question ‘what is he paying for’ is a valid one,” Chinyoka a lawyer said.
“With enough digging, it might not be hard to conclude it’s also unlawful.”
If we look at the law the gift by Tagwirei was a bribe.“The evidently turpius gift shows that both the giver and the receiver have received an education in fraud. It is completely reprehensible and drags the department of finance into moral defilement.
“It is impossible to ignore the fact that the two are in an ongoing relationship over which serious questions have been and continue to be raised.”advocate Thabani Mpofu recognised.
The law as enshrined on section 170(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and Tagwirei’s actions could be penalised under the same anti-bribery law in section 170(1)(b).
The cited law says:
(1) Any
(a) agent who obtains or agrees to obtain or solicits or agrees to accept for himself or herself or any other person any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward
(i) for doing or omitting to do, or having done or omitted to do, any act in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business; or
(ii) for showing or not showing, or having shown or not shown, any favour or disfavour to any person or thing in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business;
knowing or realising that there is a real risk or possibility that such gift or consideration is not due to him or her in terms of any agreement or arrangement between himself or herself and his or her principal;
or
(b) person who, for himself or herself or any other person, gives or agrees to give or offers to an agent any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward
(i) for doing or omitting to do, or having done or omitted to do, any act in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business; or
(ii) for showing or not showing, or having shown or not shown, any favour or disfavour to any person or thing in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business;
knowing or realising that there is a real risk or possibility that such gift or consideration is not due to the agent in terms of any agreement or arrangement between the agent and his or her principal; shall be guilty of bribery.
The penalty for this kind of criminal misconduct is a period of up to 20 years in prison. Section 170(2) aids the prosecution with the presumption that a gift given under these circumstances is given as a bribe. The bribery can be in respect of a transaction that has already taken place or it may be in respect of future indeterminate transactions.
“Effectively, the onus is on the two to demonstrate the purity of their relationship. This is the kind of issue that any self-respecting Anti-Corruption Commission must become seized with.”
At the heart of the lawyers’ concerns is that Tagwirei, through his company Sakunda Holdings, managed an opaque US$3 billion programme called Command Agriculture which a parliamentary committee said was a scheme to fleece the public purse with zero accountability.
Sakunda Holdings redeemed government treasury bills at up to ten times their official value, accelerating the devaluation of the Zimbabwe dollar and increasing the price of essentials such as food, fuel and medicines.
Through his company, Fossil Group, Tagwirei is also receiving millions of dollars from treasury for road construction contracts, while another of his companies, Landela Investments, has reportedly received US$110 million from the government to import buses, a contract that was awarded without going to tender.
Our concerns stem from the likely serious and far reaching consequences such behaviour will have long after they have been done. Even if Guvamombe is not an elected officer his utterances and behaviour are bound to create a mindset among a segment of the West about Zimbabwe that may not be easy to erase.
We are happy to note that there have been across the board condemnation of the behaviour.
The people’s representatives just keep getting richer, and doing so faster than the people represented.
The secret deals and hidden assets of some of the country’s richest and most powerful people will be revealed very soon.
Mr Guvamatanga is supposed to declare his wealth especially now that the nation knows that he only got a payout 350 thousand dollars in 2017. We must not give idiots like Hopewell Chin’ono things to say. We must be responsible as people and as leaders.
On Sunday, Guvamatanga defended his extravagant party, and his pledge to pay five times more than he was charged by Mhlanga, the jazz musician. Guvamatanga said Mhlanga would find the money in his account in South Africa – raising potential breaches of exchange control regulations.
“I worked for a big international bank for 30 years and I was paid in offshore accounts. There are millions in that account,” Guvamatanga told The Standard.
“My package at Barclays, including my bonus was US$3 million. It is all above board. I have a known offshore account, and have interests across most sectors of the economy, from insurance to agriculture to distribution and others.
“I cannot pretend to be poor.”
However The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper reported at the time that he had been forced out as managing director with a US$354,000 exit package.
Guvamatanga’s civil service salary is RTGS$170,000, this is not enough to splash such lavish parties. It is more so out of courtesy that in a country were we are all groaning under hardships sacrificing for our country to be better government needs very serious focused permanent secretaries not the ones who divide the nation by their verbal diarrhoea.
It is also known that he harbours higher political ambitions. The sad saga of Zimbabwean politics is that any political statement that glorifies self is welcomed by many. It could be possible that Mr.Guvamatanga too, is playing the same card. However, for a responsible Civil Servant to make such wild parties and receive such dubious presents allegations completely uncalled for.
It may be pertinent to point out that Zimbabwe as a nation has never harboured ill intentions against its people and it is not our custom to show off.
Guvamatanga and Kuda Tagwirei must be arrested and it must be made clear that Guvamatanga is not ZANU PF he is a government officer. Tagwirei is not in ZANU PF structures but he is a businessman who is a Zimbabwean. So it is mischief for any one to associate the wayward behaviour of these two outlaws to ZANU PF.
WE ALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM SUCH CHARACTERS. [email protected]
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has threatened to boycott the 2023 election unless President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government implements electoral reforms.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Mwonzora said Mnangagwa last month responded to his plea for dialogue, describing it as a positive development for his push for electoral reforms before the 2023 elections.
Mwonzora indicated that he was confident that his dialogue with Mnangagwa would be fruitful, adding that his party would not participate in the 2023 elections without electoral reforms.
“MDC-T remains committed to dialogue. We are going to push for electoral reforms and we are going to get them,” he said.
“Our mentality is focused on getting these reforms. We know how to get them through dialogue and this dialogue will be inclusive, genuine and unconditional.
“Therefore, with regards to what will happen if certain things do not happen in 2023, we are not able to postulate. We can’t tell which reforms we would be able to get and those we would not have attained.”
Mwonzora’s threats come a week after his national chairman Morgen Komichi called for the suspension of both by-elections and the 2023 harmonised polls to negotiate with Mnangagwa for an inclusive government.
In July this year, Mwonzora met Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga under controversial circumstances to allegedly push for the suspension of by-elections as well as postponement of the 2023 polls.
Komichi on Sunday said dialogue with Mnangagwa was key to determining the party’s participation in the 2023 elections, arguing that holding elections without reforms was a waste of time.
Ironically, Mwonzora’s legislators are the majority of opposition representatives in Parliament after purging the MDC Alliance members, but his MPs have assisted Mnangagwa make controversial constitutional amendments to assist the ruling Zanu-PF party clamp down on the country’s democratic space.
“We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” Mwonzora said.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Yesterday, he refused to disclose details of Mnangagwa’s responses to his request for dialogue, saying it was a private matter.
“We will make the substantive matters available at the right time. Right now, we are consulting within the MDC-T structures then thereafter we will consult the people of Zimbabwe, based on what our structures would have said.”
The MDC-T has been under criticism for having a sinister agenda in the postponement of elections.
Observers say they are not prepared for a direct contest with the mainstream opposition MDC Alliance party led by Nelson Chamisa.- NewsDay
South Africa beat Ethiopia 3-1 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of Group G in front of a few hundred vaccinated fans in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Bafana now lead the group on seven points at the halfway mark of the first round of the qualifying campaign for Qatar.
South Africa started their campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Harare, and a 1-0 win over Ghana in Johannesburg in their opening two qualifiers last month.
Against the Walia ibex, Bafana scored the first goal before the halftime break through midfielder Teboho Mokoena and second-half strikes by his central midfield partner Mothobi Mvala and substitute striker Evidence Makgopa put Bafana in pole position to finish as group winners.
Getaneh Kebede cancelled out Mokoena’s goal in the 67th minute but Mvala regained the lead for Bafana four minutes later.
Makgapa punished the Ethiopians on the stroke of full time to deflate the home side.
South Africa host Ethiopia at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg at 6 pm on Tuesday, where they will be cheered on by an expected more than 2 000 vaccinated supporters.-TimesLive
By A Correspondent- A 55 year old Beitridge man was on Saturday robbed of over one million rands and three thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$3 500) by four unidentified suspects, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
The suspected robbers attacked the man at his Medium Density suburb home before robbing him of the cash as well as two cellphones and four wristwatches, among other valuables. ZRP posted on Twitter:
Police in Beitbridge are investigating a robbery case that occurred on 09/10/21 at Medium Density suburb, Beitbridge.
Four unidentified suspects attacked the complainant (55) at his home before stealing ZAR 1 200 000, US$3500, two cellphones and four wristwatches, among other valuables.
Police are appealing for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact any nearest Police Station.
In an unrelated development, police in Bulawayo are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of theft of a motor vehicle which occurred on 1 October at New Parklands.
In a statement, the ZRP said suspects stole a Grey A class Mercedes Benz vehicle which the complainant (34) had parked in the yard at his home.
Various groceries were also stolen from the kitchen where the complainant had left the car keys.
The stolen vehicle was recovered parked near Njube Clinic the following day at around 12 PM.
Guvamatanga who turned 50 in Oct 2021 & says he worked for Barcl for 30years, has been perm Secretary of Finance 3 years ago, from age 47; he left Barclays 10 months before this, aged 46. He now says he worked for Barclays for 30 years. At what age did he join Barclays, at 16?
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) bomb disposal unit and the Bulawayo Fire Brigade had to be called in after a grenade exploded at a Bulawayo school during a routine burning of grass and rubbish.
The incident that occurred two months ago has been indicated as one of the “fires of interest” by the Bulawayo City Council, with councillors expressing concern over issues to do with safety and the need to investigate the origins of the grenade.
According to the latest council report, ground workers at Ntshamathe Primary School in Old Magwegwe were clearing the grounds and decided to burn the grass and rubbish after, when the bomb exploded.
“The school workers had cleared the school ground at Ntshamathe Primary School and in the process of burning the grass and rubbish, the fire went out of control and spread to the rest of the ground.
While the fire was burning a very loud explosion was heard from the grounds and a dark cloud was observed with trembling of nearby houses.
It was later discovered after the ZNA bomb disposal unit had attended that a grenade had exploded.
This is one of the risks that our fire-fighters face in the process of fighting bush fires,” reads the report.
Commenting on the incident, during a full council meeting last Wednesday, Ward Four Councillor, Silas Chigora said while the incident appeared to be isolated there was a need for council to take it more seriously and engage the army to check public places and assure the public of their safety.
“This happened in a school, which in itself is scary. The question is are we really safe in Bulawayo? Where did this grenade come from, how did it end up in the school grounds? Is it a grenade from the times of the liberation struggle? Something really has to be done to make sure that our public places are safe, if possible let us invite the army to generally go through all the schools and public places. We really have to assure the public’s safety,” said Clr Chigora.
Meanwhile, councillors have commended the local authority for coming up with the consolidated fire by-laws which among other things has made it a finable offence for property owners not to display their house numbers.
Last month, the local authority updated its Fire Brigade by-laws which among other provisions made it a Level Three offence for home owners not to display their house numbers at their premises.
The level offences are benchmarked to the Government levels where Level Three is attracting a fine of $5 000.
Debating during the full council meeting, councillors commended the local authority for coming up with the by-laws and further encouraged the putting up of street names so as to further improve property identification.
“Alderman Siboniso Khumalo applauded the Fire and Ambulance Department for coming up with a good move to fine residents who did not display their property numbers.
He urged the relevance development to also anchor street names as they would also make identification of a property/house easier in case of emergency.
He wanted to know if the system was in use and also reliable,” reads the report.
The Chamber Secretary, Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, revealed that the by-laws had been advertised for comments from stakeholders before finalisation and gazetting.
By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance on Saturday donated groceries to socially disadvantaged women in Makoni Central and surrounding areas.
MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi- Kore led the process.
See statement below:
Multitudes of women gathered from Makoni Central and beyond to celebrate the important role widows play in our communities. The party donated groceries to the widows. Improving the lives of ordinary people is our central aim. The people come first
In line with our People’s Agenda which champions the cause of women, the MDC Alliance commemorated Widows’ Day in Makoni Central on Saturday. The event was attended by senior leaders of the party including Assembly of Women Chair, Hon Mugidho, VP Karenyi Kore & Hon Molokele.
By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has announced that it has recovered over $750 000 and US$8 million from tax evaders.
This was revealed during a workshop hosted by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) to review the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was attended by Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) steering committee members.
Zimra commissioner-in-charge of revenue assurance Regina Chinamasa said the authority had conducted an assessment of tax compliance of funds amounting to US$110 740 105 and prosecuted 34 cases since the beginning of the year.
“Given the high level of non-compliance, there is a lot of room for us to move in and deal with tax evasion,” Chinamasa said. “From the perspective of capacitation, Zimra then created a dedicated team that is working on tax evasion from the international taxation and local perspectives. We are partnering with other development partners so that we get the technical assistance to capacitate our officers and this is an ongoing process.
“We are partnering with other agencies to address the vice of tax evasion.” Stakeholders who attended the meeting bemoaned delays in dealing with asset recovery, jurisdiction and duplication of investigation among law enforcement agencies.
“The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) defines the country’s priority and objectives to prevent and combat corruption for the next five years,” TIZ research and advocacy officer Nqobani Tshabangu said.
He added: “While many countries have adopted strategies aimed at co-ordinating government efforts in different sectors and institutions and at monitoring and evaluating progress, there are not so many successful examples when it comes to implementation.
“The COVID-19 restrictions were a bigger challenge on implementation of NACS as it deterred meetings and training of citizens on how to report corruption cases.
“There is need for a whistleblower protection law which is, however, determined by the political will to ensure that citizens are not afraid of reporting corruption cases happening in their areas or workplaces. Whistleblowers are not willing to report cases and to be witnesses to cases of corruption.”
Recent studies by TIZ on corruption show that the culture of impunity in dealing with high-profile corruption cases and misuse of public has weakened the capacity to ensure compliance with tax payments.
TIZ said poor tax compliance in the country had also resultantly been detrimental to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy, which largely depends on tax money.
Last month, Zacc arrested Harare businessman Trust Chiro for allegedly evading import duty for his five commercial trucks, three of which were recovered by Zimra officials in Waterfalls, Harare, early this year. The businessman allegedly prejudiced the parastatal of US$388 003.
By A Correspondent-The other faction of the Tendai Biti led People’sPeople’s Democratic Party (PDP) has approached the courts challenging the former Finance Minister’sMinister’s return to Parliament.
The leader of that faction, Lucia Matibenga, has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.
Last month, Justice Joseph Mafusire ruled Biti and five other MPs, who are part of the other PDP faction and were recalled from Parliament should return as their recalls were unlawful.
The aggrieved MPs, who include, Kucaca Phulu, Settlement Chikwinya, Willias Madzimure, Regai Tsunga, Chelesile Mahlangu had filed a court application seeking execution of Justice Mafusire’sMafusire’s judgment.
They said their order for execution should be granted as the appeal before the Supreme Court did not have the power to suspend the lower court’scourt’s order.
However, according to court papers, Matibenga through her lawyer Simon Simango filed a Supreme Court appeal challenging the ruling and effectively suspending its execution.
But the affected lawmakers argue Matibenga’sMatibenga’s appeal is invalid.
“”The appeal has no merit. The appeal is an abuse of the rule of law and constitutionalism. More importantly, the appeal is an assault on democracy which is protected by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“”Furthermore, the appeal does not have the effect of suspending the order because it is an appeal against a declarator. In the circumstances, I believe we have shown a good cause for the granting of the order we seek,”” reads their application.
The six MPs also argued the court should grant them an order of execution as Simango, Matibenga and Benjamin Rukanda were abusing the law and using the Supreme Court appeal to delay their reinstatement into Parliament.
They demanded the court orders Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and Parliament to comply with Justice Mafusire’sMafusire’s judgment and reinstate them back into Parliament.
They are also asking that the court declare the High Court order in the present case should remain operative despite any leave to appeal being granted or the successful noting of an appeal at the Supreme Court.
By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has threatened to boycott the 2023 election unless President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government implements electoral reforms.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Mwonzora said Mnangagwa last month responded to his plea for dialogue, describing it as a positive development for his push for electoral reforms before the 2023 elections.
Mwonzora indicated that he was confident that his dialogue with Mnangagwa would be fruitful, adding that his party would not participate in the 2023 elections without electoral reforms.
“MDC-T remains committed to dialogue. We are going to push for electoral reforms and we are going to get them,” he said.
“Our mentality is focused on getting these reforms. We know how to get them through dialogue and this dialogue will be inclusive, genuine and unconditional.
“Therefore, with regards to what will happen if certain things do not happen in 2023, we are not able to postulate. We can’t tell which reforms we would be able to get and those we would not have attained.”
Mwonzora’s threats come a week after his national chairman Morgen Komichi called for the suspension of both by-elections and the 2023 harmonised polls to negotiate with Mnangagwa for an inclusive government.
In July this year, Mwonzora met Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga under controversial circumstances to allegedly push for the suspension of by-elections as well as postponement of the 2023 polls.
Komichi on Sunday said dialogue with Mnangagwa was key to determining the party’s participation in the 2023 elections, arguing that holding elections without reforms was a waste of time.
Ironically, Mwonzora’s legislators are the majority of opposition representatives in Parliament after purging the MDC Alliance members, but his MPs have assisted Mnangagwa make controversial constitutional amendments to assist the ruling Zanu-PF party clamp down on the country’s democratic space.
“We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” Mwonzora said.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Yesterday, he refused to disclose details of Mnangagwa’s responses to his request for dialogue, saying it was a private matter.
“We will make the substantive matters available at the right time. Right now, we are consulting within the MDC-T structures then thereafter we will consult the people of Zimbabwe, based on what our structures would have said.”
The MDC-T has been under criticism for having a sinister agenda in the postponement of elections.
Observers say they are not prepared for a direct contest with the mainstream opposition MDC Alliance party led by Nelson Chamisa.- NewsDay
By A Correspondent- Police have arrested Thubelithle Khoshow (26) in connection with cases of Murder and Rape which occurred on October 9 at around 0300 hours at Stone Clare, Redcliff, Kwekwe.
Thubelihle who is alleged to be mentally challenged went berserk and killed six congregants while injuring some at a shrine in Rutendo.
According to information shared by National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the man is believed to have stormed a night virgil at the shrine, brutally attacking some of the congregants. Reasons for the attack were yet to be established.
“The ZRP reports that a 26-year-old man stabbed six people to death and injured four others on 9/10/21 at around 0300 hrs at Stoneclere, Rutendo suburb in Redcliff, after a suspected mental illness while attending an all-night prayer at a local apostolic shrine,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.
On the said date, the suspect who is a member of the Johane Masowe sect became mentally disturbed and acted violently whilst at his residential place at Stone Clare, Redcliff, Kwekwe. As a result, he was ferried by his aunt to the church’s shrine for prayers.
Whilst at the shrine, the suspect became violent and began to uproot trees as well as pushing stationery vehicles. The church congregants managed to subdue him and tied him with some ropes.
In the morning, whilst other church members were still asleep, the suspect woke up and freed himself. He got into his vehicle and drove to his house where he did not find his wife.
The suspect armed himself with three spears, a kitchen knife as well as an axe, went to his uncle’s home where he smashed the front dining room door using an unknown object and gained entry into the house.
His uncle and other family members escaped through the bedroom window leaving four children and two cousins sleeping in the dining room.
They later returned to their house and found their children lying unconscious with multiple stab wounds. As a result, they sought refuge at a police officer’s house who live nearby.
The suspect followed them to the police officer’s house where he stabbed the police officer on the back with a spear.
He further seriously injured three other people and fatally stabbed a 33-year-old man.
The suspect returned to his residence and stabbed to death two female adults aged 56 and 85 before raping his uncle’s wife.
The injured were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital where three juveniles aged 7,3 and 7 months died on admission.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to cautiously treat any violent person in their communities and urgently report any such violent people to their nearest police stations.
By Nomusa Garikai- ”We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” said Douglas Mwonzora, leader of MDC – T.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Participating in flawed and illegal elections to give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy is insane, the more so after 41 years of rigged elections in this day and age.
So after decades of telling Douglas Mwonzora and his friends in Zimbabwe’s opposition camp of the sheer folly of participating in flawed and illegal elections; it was refreshing to hear the penny had finally dropped. The announcement was a bolt out of the clear sky – or was it!
The question one has to ask is; “Is this Mwonzora and company Damascus Christophany moment?” The doubting Thomas in me cannot resist the follow up question: “Why now?”
The people of Zimbabwe have risk life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the understanding the party would implementing the democratic changes to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. And yet after 22 years of MDC on the political centre stage, 5 of which in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, the party has failed to implement even one token democratic reform. Not even one!
During the 2008 to 2013 GNU, it was up to MDC leaders themselves to propose and implement the democratic reforms; they did not need to ask Zanu PF to do it. SADC leaders, who were the guarantor of the Global Political Agreement that gave birth to the GNU, nagged Morgan Tsvangirai and his friends to implement the reforms but all to no account.
SADC leaders literally begged MDC leaders not to participate in the elections with no reforms in place but once again Tsvangirai and company paid no heed.
By participating in these flawed and illegal elections MDC leaders were undermining the work of those demanding free, fair and credible elections; Zanu PF was able to point to the participating opposition as proof Zimbabwe had a healthy and functioning multi-party democracy. Why otherwise, would so many opposition parties participate in the elections if the process was flawed, Zanu PF argued.
What makes MDC leaders’ betrayal, first the failure to implement the reforms and then participating in flawed to give Zanu PF legitimacy, particularly obnoxious; is that they clearly knew exactly what they were doing.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” confessed David Coltart, MDC A Treasurer General, in his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
Four of the main MDC factions plus three other opposition parties did come together to form the MDC Alliance (MDC A) just before the 2018 elections. They went on to participate in that year’s elections, there was no talk of boycotting the elections, for the same reason they all participated in 2013 – greed.
So the answer to why Mwonzora and company are finally talking of boycotting 2023 elections is clear – they are fearful their MDC -T faction will lose the fight for the few gravy train seats to the MDC A just as Thokozani Khupe, who led MDC -T did in the 2018 elections.
Greed had blinded Mwonzora and company to participate in the elections in the past. Now that there is a real possibility they would not win any of the few gravy train seats on offer, they finally see the folly of participating in the flawed and illegal 2023 elections.
Mwonzora and company are now demanding reforms before the 2023 elections not because of some epithany of enlightenment of the sheer insanity of participating in flawed elections to give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. When they realised they would not win any of the few gravy train seats on offer the scales born out of greed that had blinded them finally fall off and common sense prevailed.
In 2014 all the MDC leaders, including Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, David Coltart, etc., endorse the “No reform, no elections!” MDC-T party resolution only to abandon it the following years. If Mwonzora and company’s chances of winning any seats in the 2023 elections were to improve, they will once again forget the demand for reforms and participate in the elections.
By A Correspondent -An elephant that killed the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) operations director on Friday morning was tracked and later shot dead by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers.
The stray elephant had charged at Clever Kapandura (51), attacked and trampled him to death, while he was conducting an anti-poaching patrol on Friday near Bonnaise Air bush owned by the Victoria Falls City Council.
Lovemore Ndlovu from Bonnaise Air confirmed to CITE that the elephant had been gunned down.
He said:
They killed it approximately five hours later at Aerodrome suburbs.
The search was not easy as it was equally dangerous, but it was spotted by a helicopter that was dispatched to join the search and it was immediately gunned down at the same spot.
The developments were also confirmed by VFAPU co- director Teddy Brightman.
However, Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said he was not aware of the development but commended what rangers had done.
By Danze Edwin | Sextortion is when someone employs non-physical forms of coercion to extort sexual favours or use sex a form of blackmail to get money from someone.
In this particular case, we’ll be referring to sextortion as a cybercrime. Someone gets access to your personal data i.e nudes, sextape or private chats. This is then used to threaten the victim with the aim to achieve a particular goal.
The End game of Sextortion is more often or not always money. Sextortion is not new, it’s been around since the dark ages, BUT it’s now on the rise and is easier than ever, to execute.
Why is there a rise? The ever-growing world wide web! In 2020 alone, there was a 60% increase in numbers of accounts created on social media. Internet is no-longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Meetings switched to zoom, people searched more about COVID19; they also went on YouTube to learn how to build new skills.
The internet of things: Almost everything is connected to the internet now. Your smart watch, baby monitor, CCTV, Smart phones, laptops, Gaming consoles, TVs etc.
Online data storage options: Cloud storage is big business now, there is a growing need for storage for those large email attachments, files being sent around due to remote working, and galleries in our phones.
Unemployment! The pandemic has created desperation.
Weak platform security In Reference to all the above, there is one common factor the need to have passwords and security on platforms. It’s common for people to have similar passwords across multiple platforms. This has allowed for effortless data / platform breaches.
panel – file
The rise of Encrypted social platforms.
Whereas it’s good to have end to end encryption, This protects your personal chat data, BUT also protects the hackers data. They will share links with noobs. It’s hard for authorities to infiltrate these chatrooms and investigate breaches
Key to note:
Very poor cyber security culture
There biggest cause of sextortion is weak platform or device security.
People use similar passwords across multiple platforms.
They don’t read through their email (Especially the fine print)
Poor organisation security
Over reliance on Public WIFI in offices
How will they obtain your data or private content?
The “complicated way” Spammers will deploy a collection of botnets (Compromised network of computers) from a remoter server/s.
These compromised/ infected devices will then send out over 1000 emails a day to other devices on compromised networks or with malware.
A hacker or “sextorter” will share a booby trap file that you’re enticed to open. Once you click on a link, usually spam mail, malware will be installed on your devices, devices. This will grant the hacker remote control of your devices.
They’ll get access to your webcam, search history, bank details, location, email calendar, cloud storage etc.
Be careful with screen recorders, this are now available on app stores and some are pre-installed on smartphones, IOS and Android.
Key insight:
Malware exists in over 20% of web spam, and this is more often or not in emails Malware is available online on the dark web or in chatrooms.
Catfish account direct messages (DMs): We are in the era trolls, parody accounts and online the Catfish.
These accounts will pretend to be a female/ male and what they will do is share only fans links, or links to their sensual content on other 3rd party platforms. People who are into that kind of content will click on these links and eventually get their data breached.
The other way that this is happening is through DMs that they send you, asking you to share a video of you pleasing yourself or image of you nude.
“If you don’t respond or send, I am going to please someone else”
What to do in the case of sextortion?
DON’T CREATE COMPROMISING CONTENT
Don’t send more photos in the scenario that you’re being blackmailed
When you’re being blackmailed in this way, never give them the money
Inform authority immediately
Reach out to someone with knowledge on how to deal with online data breaches
Change your password regardless
Who are the easy targets?
Online users with weak security
Public figures
Some examples: TV Presenters, Musicians, Actors, CEOs, MDs, News Anchors, socialites etc
Why are they easy targets?
Public figures have public lives. Their personal data is amost easy to find; Location, Phone number, Email address, these could have been leaked online. These compiled only the web servers.
There platforms and data is managed by relatives or Friends. These people usually don’t have the technical knowledge to foresee attacks or even know how to retrieve stolen accounts
What type of content will be used to target you?
Account Verification links
Advertisement links
Job offers
Emails that contain Malware; SOS mail and the famous Nigerian prince
WhatsApp links
Click bait
Stream links
Web meeting chats
Links shared on public streams
APK files shared on software sites
How to prevent some of these;
Two factor Authentication apps • Sequence your passwords them.
Avoid Public WIFIs unless you have good platform security
Pay attention to your email text, READ it DON’t Click it. Especially emails claiming to verify account, complete login
DON’T DOWNLOAD THINGS FROM PEOPLE YOU DON’T KNOW
Have an Extra layer of security; use backup codes, face login, finger print, voice activation.
Why are they easy targets? Public figures have public lives. Their personal data is almost easy to find; Location, Phone number, Email address, these could have been leaked online. These compiled only the web servers.
There platforms and data is managed by relatives or Friends. These people usually don’t have the technical knowledge to foresee attacks or even know how to retrieve stolen accounts.
What type of content will be used to target you? • Account Verification links • Advertisement links • Job offers • Emails that contain Malware; SOS mail and the famous Nigerian prince • WhatsApp links • Click bait • Stream links • Web meeting chats • Links shared on public streams • APK files shared on software sites How to prevent some of these; • Two factor Authentication apps • Sequence your passwords them. • Avoid Public WIFIs unless you have good platform security • Pay attention to your email text, READ it DON’t Click it. Especially emails claiming to verify account, complete login • DON’T DOWNLOAD THINGS FROM PEOPLE YOU DON’T KNOW • Have an Extra layer of security; use backup codes, face login, finger print, voice activation.
Avoid random WhatsApp groups; activate invite from non-contacts • Remove auto video or Image download • Consult as much as possible, build knowledge base on cyber crime • Avoid redeemable campaigns that are driven by link sharing mechanics • Be careful with Promo codes • Get into a culture of secure backups • Format your drive/ card whenever you sell or lose a device • Tape your webcam
What are some of the consequences of sextortion? • Jail time for attacker • Loss of money from victim or organisation • More cyber crime • Suicide for victim Article information: Research on subject has been something of interest to me since I joined media. Many friends reach out with similar complaints from these attacks. Collaborating data from a series of cases I have personally handled and consultation from security agencies like CID, Forensics organisations and data provided by security firms in Africa etc Past case studies of those who have faced such attacks: Samson Kasumba, Douglas Lwanga, Ndaula Stanley, MC Ollo, Catherine, Martha Kay, Anita Fabiola etc.
Food for thought The Internet was designed to be an open highway of information, for it to be secure seems contradictory to their nature.
Danze Edwin is currently the Head of Digital Marketing at Next Media Services. He is a radio show host and TV Host on NBS TV’s on Another Round Ug.He’s worked for various brands such as The Sylvia Owori, African Woman Magazine as a social media manager, Digital Manager at Fireworks Advertising, Brainchild Burson Marsteller in 2017 he joined NBS Television as the Head of Digital Marketing
Norman Mapeza’s Warriors side succumbed to a 1-3 defeat to Ghana in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Here is how the players fared;
Washington Arubi – 6.6 The goalkeeper conceded three goals but made a couple of big saves which could have seen Ghana scoring more.
Tendayi Darikwa- 6.8 Despite giving away the ball in the second goal, the defender showed some flashes of brilliance and strived to keep the possession. He made a good run in the build-up to the penalty.
Onismor Bhasera – 7.1 The full-back had a decent outing and linked well with Jordan Zemura at the left wing. He played more defensively and was able to contain some threats from his flank.
Kelvin Madzongwe -7 Playing as one of the centre backs, Kelvin Madzongwe had good and closed the spaces in the goal area. He made a couple of clearances on set pieces.
Marshal Munetsi -7 The France-based utility player featured in central defense. He made a number of clearances in set pieces and had the freedom to carry the ball forward on some occassions and aided the team in numbers during the attacks. He was subbed off in the last quarter of the game.
Jordan Zemura – 8 One of the most outstanding Warriors players in the game. The midfielder could have scored but was denied by the post in the second half. He made some threatening runs on the left side and crossed the ball that led to a penalty.
Thabani Kamsoko – 5. 9 Playing on the right wing behind the front three, Thabani Kamsoko din’t create many balls from his flank but had flashes at some points of the game. Overal, his performance was just above the average. He wasted some chances by choosing to goal for goal instead of finding a better-positioned teammate.
Marvelous Nakamba -6 Had a very quiet game, didn’t impose himself on the game as was expected.
Perfect Chikwende – 5.7
Was barely involved in the game and his flank never created any threatening chance.
Knowledge Musona 7.8 The captain scored the only goal for Warriors from the spot. He had a decent performance, playing from deep areas and was creative on his flank where he stretch.
Knox Mutizwa – 6.2 Playing as lone striker, Knox Mutizwa did well to win a penalty but lost a number of duels in Ghana box. He didn’t create any threatening chance but could move around to stretch the opponent’s defense.
Overal team performance- great improvments in transition and ball possession. Better dispaly in attack as they created some big chances.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance on Saturday donated groceries to socially disadvantaged women in Makoni Central and surrounding areas.
MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi- Kore led the process.
See statement below:
Multitudes of women gathered from Makoni Central and beyond to celebrate the important role widows play in our communities. The party donated groceries to the widows. Improving the lives of ordinary people is our central aim. The people come first
In line with our People’s Agenda which champions the cause of women, the MDC Alliance commemorated Widows’ Day in Makoni Central on Saturday. The event was attended by senior leaders of the party including Assembly of Women Chair, Hon Mugidho, VP Karenyi Kore & Hon Molokele.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance national spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has condemned the persecution of ZINASU leader Takudzwa Ngadziore.
Ngadziore and members of the ZINASU national executive committee were violently arrested in Masvingo on Saturday.
Advocate Mahere described the persecution of young people by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration as unacceptable.
“This is unacceptable. The persecution of student leaders and young people by the regime on flimsy charges shows that the regime has nothing to offer young people except persecution.”
We have formally sought permission to deliver a written petition to 10 Downing Street, On the 21st October at 14:00; This petition will cover;
1. Regarding the wholly inappropriate invitation extended by the British Embassy in Harare [Presumably with an OK from the FCO, and possibly the UN – regarding COP26], Zimbabwe, to invite E D Mnangagwa, [illegally elected] President of Zimbabwe and an entourage of 70 – including 50 “Security Personnel” to the COP26 Climate Conference being held in Glasgow 31st October to 12th November 2021.
2. On E D Mnangagwa’s Human Rights record, his political repression record and his non-existent Environmental record we wish to protest in writing this visitation of a despotic tyrant, guilty of Genocide, Murder, Rape and Torture, let alone the institutionalised corruption and looting of all resources to his name.
3. We also object to E D Mnangagwa and Zanu PF [Zimbabwe and UK] appalling record for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as promoted by the United Nations [UNSDGs]. Such as, Failed Drinking Water Supplies, Failed Sewage Systems, Failed Electricity supply, Failed Road, Rail and Transport infrastructure and ongoing maintenance, Biased Judiciary, Failed voting system and administration, etc etc.
3. Signatories and hand-over team: John C Burke, Tryness Ncube and Kingstone Jambawo – ZHRO; Edgar Makuni and Model Pamire – MDCA; Malvern Dengu, Nicolate Gwati and Panyika Anselm Karimanzira – ROHR Zimbabwe; Leo Ndlovu and Zakhele Maphosa – ZAPU and other free thinking Zimbabweans.
We need to know which other groups, Lords. MP’s or Individuals who are sympathetic to this petition and who are willing to lend their name(s) to this cause.
What steps should a school take to keep students and staff safe from COVID-19?
What about vaccination? How can families and communities keep themselves safe as schools reopen? Dr Maria Van Kerkhove explains in Science in 5 this week
Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance on Saturday took the mobilization and voter registration campaign to President Chamisa’s home area, Chiwara, Gutu.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma tweeted:
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma ?? (@chumasteve) Today(Saturday) the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly was in Chiwara, Gutu, Masvingo. We are mobilizing towards change. 2023 we are removing ED and his band of criminals! #NgaapindeHakeMukomana https://t.co/nPCqGHsYpp (https://twitter.com/chumasteve/status/1446915529931952137?s=20)
By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance on Saturday donated groceries to socially disadvantaged women in Makoni Central and surrounding areas.
MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi- Kore led the process.
See statement below:
Multitudes of women gathered from Makoni Central and beyond to celebrate the important role widows play in our communities. The party donated groceries to the widows. Improving the lives of ordinary people is our central aim. The people come first
In line with our People’s Agenda which champions the cause of women, the MDC Alliance commemorated Widows’ Day in Makoni Central on Saturday. The event was attended by senior leaders of the party including Assembly of Women Chair, Hon Mugidho, VP Karenyi Kore & Hon Molokele.
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has threatened to boycott the 2023 election unless President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government implements electoral reforms.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Mwonzora said Mnangagwa last month responded to his plea for dialogue, describing it as a positive development for his push for electoral reforms before the 2023 elections.
Mwonzora indicated that he was confident that his dialogue with Mnangagwa would be fruitful, adding that his party would not participate in the 2023 elections without electoral reforms.
“MDC-T remains committed to dialogue. We are going to push for electoral reforms and we are going to get them,” he said.
“Our mentality is focused on getting these reforms. We know how to get them through dialogue and this dialogue will be inclusive, genuine and unconditional.
“Therefore, with regards to what will happen if certain things do not happen in 2023, we are not able to postulate. We can’t tell which reforms we would be able to get and those we would not have attained.”
Mwonzora’s threats come a week after his national chairman Morgen Komichi called for the suspension of both by-elections and the 2023 harmonised polls to negotiate with Mnangagwa for an inclusive government.
In July this year, Mwonzora met Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga under controversial circumstances to allegedly push for the suspension of by-elections as well as postponement of the 2023 polls.
Komichi on Sunday said dialogue with Mnangagwa was key to determining the party’s participation in the 2023 elections, arguing that holding elections without reforms was a waste of time.
Ironically, Mwonzora’s legislators are the majority of opposition representatives in Parliament after purging the MDC Alliance members, but his MPs have assisted Mnangagwa make controversial constitutional amendments to assist the ruling Zanu-PF party clamp down on the country’s democratic space.
“We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” Mwonzora said.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Yesterday, he refused to disclose details of Mnangagwa’s responses to his request for dialogue, saying it was a private matter.
“We will make the substantive matters available at the right time. Right now, we are consulting within the MDC-T structures then thereafter we will consult the people of Zimbabwe, based on what our structures would have said.”
The MDC-T has been under criticism for having a sinister agenda in the postponement of elections.
Observers say they are not prepared for a direct contest with the mainstream opposition MDC Alliance party led by Nelson Chamisa.- NewsDay
By A Correspondent- A Muslim imam appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges of raping a Grade 3 pupil.
Majidu Adini (65) appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with rape and was remanded in custody to 22 October. He was advised to approach the High Court for bail.
Allegations are that sometime this year, the minor went to the mosque with her grandmother. On arrival, her grandmother got into the mosque, leaving the minor outside.
The accused person was sitting on a bench outside the mosque. He allegedly called the complainant and instructed her to get into his bedroom.
The complainant complied with the instruction and he allegedly ordered her to undress before raping her. He gave the complainant $20 and ordered her not to tell anyone.
On 5 October, the child complained to her grandmother of pain on her private parts. The grandmother quizzed her and she disclosed what had happened.
The following day, the grandmother reported the matter at ZRP Marimba, leading to Adini’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer stationed in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central Province, is facing disciplinary action after he allegedly posted opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s picture on his WhatsApp status.
Constable Spenser Chiteera posted the picture last month and captioned it “Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana”, a statement being used by MDC Alliance supporters to endorse Chamisa’s candidature in the 2023 elections.
The Standard reported a top police officer from Guruve who is close to investigations as having said the cop had since been transferred to Bindura awaiting judgement. Said the police officer:
We are conducting disciplinary action against Chiteera since he violated the Police Act by endorsing an opposition party leader on his WhatsApp status.
Efforts to contact police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were fruitless yesterday, The Standard Reported.
Recently, the police sent a strong warning to police officers who resorted to social media to express their disgruntlement against the government.
By A Correspondent- A three-year-old male toddler died after his stepfather allegedly attacked him with an axe in Hwange recently.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the incident which occurred on October 5 in Dete area.
He said Nkatazo Penga (38), of Nekatambe Village, who has since been arrested, was left with the child in his custody by its mother who had gone to the fields.
Said Ast Comm Nyathi:
The minor was later found dead with bruises and assault marks all over the body. Police arrested the suspect who was found carrying an axe.
A 55 year old Beitridge man was on Saturday robbed of over one million rands and three thousand five hundred United States Dollars (US$3 500) by four unidentified suspects, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
The suspected robbers attacked the man at his Medium Density suburb home before robbing him of the cash as well as two cellphones and four wristwatches, among other valuables. ZRP posted on Twitter:
Police in Beitbridge are investigating a robbery case that occurred on 09/10/21 at Medium Density suburb, Beitbridge.
Four unidentified suspects attacked the complainant (55) at his home before stealing ZAR 1 200 000, US$3500, two cellphones and four wristwatches, among other valuables.
Police are appealing for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact any nearest Police Station.
In an unrelated development, police in Bulawayo are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of theft of a motor vehicle which occurred on 1 October at New Parklands.
In a statement, the ZRP said suspects stole a Grey A class Mercedes Benz vehicle which the complainant (34) had parked in the yard at his home.
Various groceries were also stolen from the kitchen where the complainant had left the car keys.
The stolen vehicle was recovered parked near Njube Clinic the following day at around 12 PM.
By A Correspondent- Musician Progress Chipfumo and his Sounds of Motherland band thrilled music lovers in Mvurwi on Friday at Mzansi lounge.
Following the opening of bars by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week Chipfumo officially opened Mzansi lounge giving his supporters the much-awaited joy they missed for two years.
Although it was very difficult for music lovers to produce vaccination cards at the entrance a number told Bulawayo24.com that they were fully vaccinated.
“We are very happy to be back at our usual bars and meeting with our best artiste l am fully vaccinated and have no problem much in coming to music shows,” Claudious Gupo said.
“Proggie is just too good l am happy that the President finally uplifted the banning of bars we really enjoyed here and it is good to note that most of us are fully vaccinated,” Mavis Shoko said.
The music promoter and Mzansi Lounge proprietor Prince Chipenda showed gratitude to the government for the opening of their business.
“This is good news for us in the entertainment sector imagine we were closed for two years and now we are allowed to operate l would like to thank the government so much,” Chipenda said.
By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance on Saturday donated groceries to socially disadvantaged women in Makoni Central and surrounding areas.
MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi- Kore led the process.
See statement below:
Multitudes of women gathered from Makoni Central and beyond to celebrate the important role widows play in our communities. The party donated groceries to the widows. Improving the lives of ordinary people is our central aim. The people come first
In line with our People’s Agenda which champions the cause of women, the MDC Alliance commemorated Widows’ Day in Makoni Central on Saturday. The event was attended by senior leaders of the party including Assembly of Women Chair, Hon Mugidho, VP Karenyi Kore & Hon Molokele.
By A Correspondent- Lovers in Bulawayo have now resorted to bush s_x as they fail to book lodges that have raised their charges.
A survey carried out by NewZimbabwe.com this week in the city revealed that most lodges where people book to engage in sex had increased their charges.
Scores of clients at a famous lodge in Khumalo, a low-density suburb in the city, were this week left stranded after the owner increased charges for its rooms from US$5 to US$10 for an occupation of three hours.
“I come here often with my partner with the intention of relaxing, but I have been told that the prices have gone up. Whenever, I come here I used to pay US$5 and now they are charging US$10 for the service,” a regular client, who asked not be named, said.
Another male client said he was also shocked to learn the prices at the lodge had gone up after going there with his girlfriend to “relax”.
“Just before the (Zimbabwe International) Trade Fair, the price at this place was still US$5 per three hours. I am told prices went during the trade fair period and since then they have not been reduced. Since I am a regular client, the owners of the lodge should have informed us in advance,” he said.
The trade fair was held in Bulawayo, two weeks ago with thousands of people from outside the city converging for the week-long event.
A NewZimbabwe.com survey at other lodges also revealed prices had gone up leaving most residents seeking their services stranded.
One lodge along the Harare road has also increased its charges from US$2 to US$3 per hour while another one situated along Josiah Tongogara is now charging US$2 up from US$1 per hour.
“These days I would now rather make love in the car than pay at these expensive lodges. Surely, what has necessitated these increases when the US dollar is actually gaining strength?” one frustrated man said.
Following the increases, most two-timing men and women have resorted in risking their lives by engaging in sexual activities secluded areas.
Last month, a David Livingstone High School headmaster in Ntabazinduna, Vusumuzi Nkiwane was stabbed and robbed of a truck and cash while romping with his lover in a vehicle in the bushy area the United College of Education (UCE).
A popular Bulawayo prophet was also recently robbed while having sex in his car in a bush.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police said it had intercepted 68 cross border buses and arrested 10 000 people for committing various cross border-related crimes since September.
The buses were intercepted on major highways from Beitbridge town leading to Bulawayo, Harare, and other urban centres.
The 10 000 arrested people were smugglers shipping goods through illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River, which they then load in buses heading to various towns and cities across the country.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment yesterday.
However, one border security official said the buses were being intercepted at the police checkpoints and the Beitbridge Border Post. The official said in the last three days three buses were intercepted along the road leading to Harare carrying an assortment of undeclared goods.
“We have taken the buses to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for import duty calculations. One of the buses, Mulaudzi Transport, was intercepted at the Chicago checkpoint loaded with various goods we believe had been smuggled.
The bus was half-full with the goods, mainly bales of new clothes, and its trailer was also loaded to full capacity. The other two are Graca Luxury Coaches and Vuki,” said the official who refused to be named.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe leads on mental health cases among workers, with the majority suffering depression due to paltry salaries that cannot sustain them in an inflationary environment, research has established.
A year-long research conducted by Zimbabwe Industrial Psychology Consultants (IPC) showed that over 40% of organisations in the country have seen an increase in reported mental health problems due to anxiety and depression mainly caused by slave wages.
IPC made the claims during a three day conference held by the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) in Harare between Wednesday and Friday.
The research also concluded that men were the majority of those suffering from mental health.
“Mental ill health experienced by the Zimbabwean workforce is much higher than what has been observed in other countries,” IPC said.
“About 55% of the respondents indicated that their mental wellbeing problems were due to poor remuneration, 25% from pressure of work, 10% from nepotism, 5% from racism and the remaining 5% from Zimbabwe’s current economic situation.”
A volatile economic environment in the country since the turn of the century has been a major cause of concern among Zimbabwean workers.
The closure of companies over the past two decades has also increased anxiety among workers, who fear losing their sources of income.
Workers with mental health problems have often been known for performing below their ability.
“Some have failed to control their lives because of feelings of hopelessness and this makes them feel worthless,” IPC said.
“Out of the 77 participants in the study, the findings revealed that 47 men never bothered to seek assistance, while 10 men sometimes sought assistance. However, 16 women never bothered to seek assistance, while only four women sometimes sought assistance.”
The director of the department of labour, Langton Ngorima, said most mental health problems were related to violence and harassment in the workplace that took physical, psychological and sexual forms.
“There are three dynamics in workplaces that are causing violence and harassment in offices. Some happen horizontally and this is between co-workers, some happen vertically and this is between supervisors and lastly, some are occurring through third parties and these are clients, customers or patients,” Ngorima said.
He said the majority of the victims that were suffering from mental illness due to violence and harassment were interns.
Ngorima said students, mostly female, ended up being preyed on because companies did not pay them and they do not have transport money. They have nowhere to report to because they also fear their internship being terminated.
“Most of the students do not have money for transport, money for lunch or various luxuries and, therefore, they are suffering because of that,” he said.
Sacrifice Chirisa, deputy director in the Health and Child Care ministry, said mental health programmes were missing in most corporate wellness programmes, because they were costly to most companies.
“Healthy working environments are key to maintaining a healthy and safe employee,” he said.-standard
By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, where he is leading a high-level Government delegation to the Global Business Forum Africa slated for Wednesday and Thursday this week.
The forum is being held on the sidelines of the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai.
Zimbabwe is one of the 191 countries taking part at the six-months long global exhibition, which kicked off on October 1, 2021 and runs until March 31 next year.
The exhibition is being held under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
More than 25 million visitors are expected to arrive for what is probably one of the biggest global showcases that explore trade, investment and business partnerships across sectors and economies.
Expo 2020 Dubai commissioner-general Ambassador Mary Mubi told The Sunday Mail Business that the Vice President was scheduled to arrive in Dubai today.
“The Vice President (Constantino Chiwenga) is coming for the Global Business Forum Africa, which is being organised within the context of Expo 2020 Dubai; it is a side event of the Expo.
“The Dubai Chamber of Commerce (which is organising the forum) is quite a critical partner of the host country (UAE), as it organises this expo. They are having a number of activities with various regional organisations and one of them is Africa, obviously,” said Ambassador Mubi.
“So, this event is about looking at opportunities, trade and investment and what the challenges are in Africa; to say what are the opportunities in this region to partner with African countries?
“We have the Vice President (Constantino Chiwenga) and a number of key (Government) ministers who are coming (to Dubai) and are going to attend this (Global Business) Forum Africa.”
The forum is envisaged to bring the trade and investment community back together to explore bilateral trade opportunities between Dubai and Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Ambassador Mubi said there had been huge interest in Zimbabwe from expo visitors and potential investors.
The country is exhibiting under the theme “Zimbabwe, A Land of Great Opportunities”, which has been developed from the many themes available for participating countries at the event.
Although it was initially pencilled in for 2020, the expo had to be delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many businesspeople are reportedly making enquiries in mining, horticulture and tourism, among others.
Zimbabwe’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has been divided into four zones: history and culture; opportunities; human capital; and the future, which looks at aspirations and Vision 2030.
It is believed that the country has devised a well thought-out strategy and programme to derive maximum benefits from its participation at this year’s event.
Zimbabwe, Ambassador Mubi added, would be sharing its rich and proud history with the world.
Other sections of the pavilion look at opportunities in mining, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. During the six-months long Expo 2020 Dubai, Zimbabwe would organise events to highlight opportunities across various sectors.
According to Ambassador Mubi, while the country already had a pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, it would also arrange specific events for key sectors to highlight and promote trade and investment opportunities. Key sectors will, therefore, be mobilised to develop a calendar of events, where they will have any opportunity to pitch their investment opportunities.
By Nomusa Garikai- ”We want reforms and then elections. Unlike our colleagues in the opposition who are calling for an election whether or not there are reforms,” said Douglas Mwonzora, leader of MDC – T.
“That government has not allowed reforms over some years is not a good enough reason to explain why we should not insist on them. We shall not give up until there are reforms which guarantee secrecy of the vote and security of both the vote and the voter.”
Participating in flawed and illegal elections to give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy is insane, the more so after 41 years of rigged elections in this day and age.
So after decades of telling Douglas Mwonzora and his friends in Zimbabwe’s opposition camp of the sheer folly of participating in flawed and illegal elections; it was refreshing to hear the penny had finally dropped. The announcement was a bolt out of the clear sky – or was it!
The question one has to ask is; “Is this Mwonzora and company Damascus Christophany moment?” The doubting Thomas in me cannot resist the follow up question: “Why now?”
The people of Zimbabwe have risk life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the understanding the party would implementing the democratic changes to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. And yet after 22 years of MDC on the political centre stage, 5 of which in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, the party has failed to implement even one token democratic reform. Not even one!
During the 2008 to 2013 GNU, it was up to MDC leaders themselves to propose and implement the democratic reforms; they did not need to ask Zanu PF to do it. SADC leaders, who were the guarantor of the Global Political Agreement that gave birth to the GNU, nagged Morgan Tsvangirai and his friends to implement the reforms but all to no account.
SADC leaders literally begged MDC leaders not to participate in the elections with no reforms in place but once again Tsvangirai and company paid no heed.
By participating in these flawed and illegal elections MDC leaders were undermining the work of those demanding free, fair and credible elections; Zanu PF was able to point to the participating opposition as proof Zimbabwe had a healthy and functioning multi-party democracy. Why otherwise, would so many opposition parties participate in the elections if the process was flawed, Zanu PF argued.
What makes MDC leaders’ betrayal, first the failure to implement the reforms and then participating in flawed to give Zanu PF legitimacy, particularly obnoxious; is that they clearly knew exactly what they were doing.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” confessed David Coltart, MDC A Treasurer General, in his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
Four of the main MDC factions plus three other opposition parties did come together to form the MDC Alliance (MDC A) just before the 2018 elections. They went on to participate in that year’s elections, there was no talk of boycotting the elections, for the same reason they all participated in 2013 – greed.
So the answer to why Mwonzora and company are finally talking of boycotting 2023 elections is clear – they are fearful their MDC -T faction will lose the fight for the few gravy train seats to the MDC A just as Thokozani Khupe, who led MDC -T did in the 2018 elections.
Greed had blinded Mwonzora and company to participate in the elections in the past. Now that there is a real possibility they would not win any of the few gravy train seats on offer, they finally see the folly of participating in the flawed and illegal 2023 elections.
Mwonzora and company are now demanding reforms before the 2023 elections not because of some epithany of enlightenment of the sheer insanity of participating in flawed elections to give vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. When they realised they would not win any of the few gravy train seats on offer the scales born out of greed that had blinded them finally fall off and common sense prevailed.
In 2014 all the MDC leaders, including Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, David Coltart, etc., endorse the “No reform, no elections!” MDC-T party resolution only to abandon it the following years. If Mwonzora and company’s chances of winning any seats in the 2023 elections were to improve, they will once again forget the demand for reforms and participate in the elections.
By A Correspondent- Spokesperson of Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Joseph Kalimbwe last week visited Harare briefly before returning to his homeland but not before he received multiple death threats on social media platforms.
Last week the 28-year-old announced on Twitter that he was in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this seemingly did not go down well with some Zimbabweans who threatened him with physical harm.
In a tweet this Sunday, Kalimbwe said:
I left Harare friends. The comments of life threats on social media from users after tweeting about briefly being in the city are severe.
We’re one Africa who must be free to visit in any land. Perhaps, we will visit friends after 2023, it’s just 50 Minutes away from Lusaka.
The UPND is seen as close to Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the MDC Alliance after inviting its leaders, Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti and other opposition figures in the region to Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba recently attacked Hichilema as a “sellout”.
By A Correspondent- Underfire Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga has struck a defiant tone after fierce criticism over his 50th birthday bash in Harare where he invited top performers from South Africa.
The top civil servant slipped into the vortex of a big storm on Friday after video clips emerged of him showing off his fortune and pledging to multiply by five the money that had been agreed for Louis Mhlanga, the South African based superstar to perform at the decorated bash.
Zimbabweans, frustrated by high level corruption and plunder by politicians and their cronies, linked the decorated flamboyance by Guvamatanga to his powerful position as finance director of the country.
In a no holds barred interview with The Standard, Guvamatanga, a former managing director of Barclays Bank Zimbabwe before it was taken over by AMB Capital in 2017, reminded his adversaries that he spent 30 years with the international lender, earning millions.
Millions more were paid out as packages when he left the bank, now rebranded to Capital Bank, in 2017 after an attempt to take it over flopped.
Barclay Plc, which was divesting out of several African markets, settled for the Malawi headquartered AMB Capital, instead of a consortium of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed bank’s management, which was led by Guvamatanga.
He was then invited to join government following the coup that brought down strongman, Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
Guvamatanga’s huge fortune is in addition to a thriving cattle herd being reared over swathes of prime land at his farm, which he said generates not less than US$1,2 million a year.
Apparently, planning for the expensive birthday feast had begun last year, when the top civil servant was caught up in the Covid-19 rage.
He spent many days under artificial oxygen after contracting the disease during the first few months, as the pandemic tore through regions, threatening lives, destroying economies and leaving a trail of destruction.
“First of all, let me put things into context,” Guvamatanga said by phone from Victoria Falls yesterday.
“The issue of saying the artistes were paid more is not correct.
“The clip was quoted out of context.
“I was saying to Louis Mhlanga, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated musicians that if I had the money, I would have paid five times more than we agreed.
“It was a tribute to Louis Mhlanga.
“You know that I cannot take foreign currency from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and spend it like this.
“I worked for a big international bank for 30 years and I was paid in offshore accounts.
“There are millions in that account.
“Others avoid paying taxes when they are paid through offshore accounts, but Barclays was strict.
“And if you ask Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) they will tell you that I was one of the biggest taxpayers during my stint at Barclays Bank.
“I paid between US$2 million and US$3 million in taxes, the records are there.
“Now, if I paid US$3 million, ndakasara nemarii? (How much remained in my account?).
“My package at Barclays, including my bonus was US$3 million.
“It is all above board, I have a known offshore account, and have interests across most sectors of the economy, from insurance to agriculture to distribution and others.
“I will need to take you to my farm, I have 1 200 cattle.
“My business interest and wealth are known and everything has been declared.
“I cannot pretend to be poor.
“Most of my cattle fetch not less than US$2 500 (each), and I sell 500 cattle per annum.
“So why can’t I celebrate life?”
He added: “I planned for this party after my near-death experience with Covid-19.
“So, what I am doing is celebrating the life.
“I can’t stop my wife and children from organising the party because they said when you reach 50 years; we will need to celebrate because of what happened.
“I cannot pretend to be poor to make people happy.
“I am not poor.
“I am so surprised that people are judging me with the three years that I have been a civil servant, instead of the 30 years that I worked for Barclays.
“I am doing national service in government.
“I have a trust that is paying the bills for a cancer patient, an amount more than what was paid to the artists.
“And I have a maid who I have stayed with for many years, and I bought her a house,” Guvamatanga added.
He said before settling for Mhlanga, he had first hired superstar, Mukudzei (Jah Prayzah) Mukombe as the main act at the decorated event.
Reports said at the weekend, adversaries to the former G40 political clique forced Guvamatanga to draft the superstar, who last months courted controversy after performing at a Cape Town birthday bash organized by former strongman Robert Mugabe’s son in law, Adam Molai.
But Guvamatanga said a few hitches led him to drop Jah.
“Yes, I invited Jah Prayzah, he was supposed to be the main act.
“But there were complications on the management side. I had already paid him a deposit.”
South Africa’s pop stars Mafikizolo and Makhadzi played along Mhlanga at the bash.-standard
By A Correspondent- Police have arrested Thubelithle Khoshow (26) in connection with cases of Murder and Rape which occurred on October 9 at around 0300 hours at Stone Clare, Redcliff, Kwekwe.
Thubelihle who is alleged to be mentally challenged went berserk and killed six congregants while injuring some at a shrine in Rutendo.
According to information shared by National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the man is believed to have stormed a night virgil at the shrine, brutally attacking some of the congregants. Reasons for the attack were yet to be established.
“The ZRP reports that a 26-year-old man stabbed six people to death and injured four others on 9/10/21 at around 0300 hrs at Stoneclere, Rutendo suburb in Redcliff, after a suspected mental illness while attending an all-night prayer at a local apostolic shrine,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.
On the said date, the suspect who is a member of the Johane Masowe sect became mentally disturbed and acted violently whilst at his residential place at Stone Clare, Redcliff, Kwekwe. As a result, he was ferried by his aunt to the church’s shrine for prayers.
Whilst at the shrine, the suspect became violent and began to uproot trees as well as pushing stationery vehicles. The church congregants managed to subdue him and tied him with some ropes.
In the morning, whilst other church members were still asleep, the suspect woke up and freed himself. He got into his vehicle and drove to his house where he did not find his wife.
The suspect armed himself with three spears, a kitchen knife as well as an axe, went to his uncle’s home where he smashed the front dining room door using an unknown object and gained entry into the house.
His uncle and other family members escaped through the bedroom window leaving four children and two cousins sleeping in the dining room.
They later returned to their house and found their children lying unconscious with multiple stab wounds. As a result, they sought refuge at a police officer’s house who live nearby.
The suspect followed them to the police officer’s house where he stabbed the police officer on the back with a spear.
He further seriously injured three other people and fatally stabbed a 33-year-old man.
The suspect returned to his residence and stabbed to death two female adults aged 56 and 85 before raping his uncle’s wife.
The injured were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital where three juveniles aged 7,3 and 7 months died on admission.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to cautiously treat any violent person in their communities and urgently report any such violent people to their nearest police stations.
By A Correspondent- A man from Redcliff in the Midlands province went berserk and fatally stabbed six people, including three babies aged between three and seven months old in a pre-dawn rampage that started during an Apostolic sect night prayer meeting.
The incident took place early yesterday morning at about 3am at Stone Clair, Rutendo suburb. The man, suspected to be mentally unstable, allegedly ran amok during the church all-night vigil, uprooting trees before going into the community where he was knocking at doors and when occupants opened, he then stabbed his victims with a spear. National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway. He said the police have arrested Thubelihle Khoshow (26) who is a member of the Johane Masowe sect in connection with the incident. Asst Comm Nyathi said it is believed Khoshow became mentally disturbed and was taken to the church shrine for prayers.
“While at the shrine, the suspect became violent and began uprooting trees as well as pushing stationary vehicles. The church congregates managed to subdue him and tied him with some ropes,” he said. Asst Comm Nyathi said in the early hours of the morning while other church members were asleep, the man woke up and freed himself. He got into his vehicle and drove to the house where he did not find his wife. “The suspect armed himself with three spears, kitchen knife as well as an axe, went to his uncle’s home where he smashed the front door using unknown object and gained entry into the house.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said his uncle and family members escaped through the window leaving four children and two cousins sleeping in the dining room. “They later returned to their house and found their children lying unconscious with multiple stab wounds. As a result they sought refuge at a police officer’s house who lives nearby.” He said however, the suspect followed them and stabbed the police officer on the back with a spear and further seriously injured three other people and fatally stabbed a 33-year-old man. “The suspect returned to his residence and stabbed to death two female adults aged 56 and 85. He also raped one person during his rampage.” He said those injured were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital but three juveniles aged seven, three and seven months died on admission. Redcliff Mayor Councillor Clayton Masiyatsva said the community was still in shock over the incident. He said it all started during an all-night vigil. “During the prayer session, he ran amok and started uprooting trees and attacking everyone. As a community we are still shaken and we are trying to get to terms with what just happened,” said Clr Masiyatsva.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police said it had intercepted 68 cross border buses and arrested 10 000 people for committing various cross border-related crimes since September.
The buses were intercepted on major highways from Beitbridge town leading to Bulawayo, Harare, and other urban centres.
The 10 000 arrested people were smugglers shipping goods through illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River, which they then load in buses heading to various towns and cities across the country.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, one border security official said the buses were being intercepted at the police checkpoints and the Beitbridge Border Post. The official said in the last three days three buses were intercepted along the road leading to Harare carrying an assortment of undeclared goods. “We have taken the buses to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for import duty calculations. One of the buses, Mulaudzi Transport, was intercepted at the Chicago checkpoint loaded with various goods we believe had been smuggled. The bus was half-full with the goods, mainly bales of new clothes, and its trailer was also loaded to full capacity. The other two are Graca Luxury Coaches and Vuki,” said the official who refused to be named.
By A Correspondent- A man from Redcliff in the Midlands province went berserk and fatally stabbed six people, including three babies aged between three and seven months old in a pre-dawn rampage that started during an Apostolic sect night prayer meeting.
The incident took place early yesterday morning at about 3am at Stone Clair, Rutendo suburb. The man, suspected to be mentally unstable, allegedly ran amok during the church all-night vigil, uprooting trees before going into the community where he was knocking at doors and when occupants opened, he then stabbed his victims with a spear. National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway. He said the police have arrested Thubelihle Khoshow (26) who is a member of the Johane Masowe sect in connection with the incident. Asst Comm Nyathi said it is believed Khoshow became mentally disturbed and was taken to the church shrine for prayers.
“While at the shrine, the suspect became violent and began uprooting trees as well as pushing stationary vehicles. The church congregates managed to subdue him and tied him with some ropes,” he said. Asst Comm Nyathi said in the early hours of the morning while other church members were asleep, the man woke up and freed himself. He got into his vehicle and drove to the house where he did not find his wife. “The suspect armed himself with three spears, kitchen knife as well as an axe, went to his uncle’s home where he smashed the front door using unknown object and gained entry into the house.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said his uncle and family members escaped through the window leaving four children and two cousins sleeping in the dining room. “They later returned to their house and found their children lying unconscious with multiple stab wounds. As a result they sought refuge at a police officer’s house who lives nearby.” He said however, the suspect followed them and stabbed the police officer on the back with a spear and further seriously injured three other people and fatally stabbed a 33-year-old man. “The suspect returned to his residence and stabbed to death two female adults aged 56 and 85. He also raped one person during his rampage.” He said those injured were referred to Kwekwe General Hospital but three juveniles aged seven, three and seven months died on admission. Redcliff Mayor Councillor Clayton Masiyatsva said the community was still in shock over the incident. He said it all started during an all-night vigil. “During the prayer session, he ran amok and started uprooting trees and attacking everyone. As a community we are still shaken and we are trying to get to terms with what just happened,” said Clr Masiyatsva.
By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has announced that it has recovered over $750 000 and US$8 million from tax evaders.
This was revealed during a workshop hosted by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) to review the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was attended by Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) steering committee members.
Zimra commissioner-in-charge of revenue assurance Regina Chinamasa said the authority had conducted an assessment of tax compliance of funds amounting to US$110 740 105 and prosecuted 34 cases since the beginning of the year.
“Given the high level of non-compliance, there is a lot of room for us to move in and deal with tax evasion,” Chinamasa said. “From the perspective of capacitation, Zimra then created a dedicated team that is working on tax evasion from the international taxation and local perspectives. We are partnering with other development partners so that we get the technical assistance to capacitate our officers and this is an ongoing process.
“We are partnering with other agencies to address the vice of tax evasion.” Stakeholders who attended the meeting bemoaned delays in dealing with asset recovery, jurisdiction and duplication of investigation among law enforcement agencies.
“The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) defines the country’s priority and objectives to prevent and combat corruption for the next five years,” TIZ research and advocacy officer Nqobani Tshabangu said.
He added: “While many countries have adopted strategies aimed at co-ordinating government efforts in different sectors and institutions and at monitoring and evaluating progress, there are not so many successful examples when it comes to implementation.
“The COVID-19 restrictions were a bigger challenge on implementation of NACS as it deterred meetings and training of citizens on how to report corruption cases.
“There is need for a whistleblower protection law which is, however, determined by the political will to ensure that citizens are not afraid of reporting corruption cases happening in their areas or workplaces. Whistleblowers are not willing to report cases and to be witnesses to cases of corruption.”
Recent studies by TIZ on corruption show that the culture of impunity in dealing with high-profile corruption cases and misuse of public has weakened the capacity to ensure compliance with tax payments.
TIZ said poor tax compliance in the country had also resultantly been detrimental to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy, which largely depends on tax money.
Last month, Zacc arrested Harare businessman Trust Chiro for allegedly evading import duty for his five commercial trucks, three of which were recovered by Zimra officials in Waterfalls, Harare, early this year. The businessman allegedly prejudiced the parastatal of US$388 003.
By A Correspondent -An elephant that killed the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) operations director on Friday morning was tracked and later shot dead by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers.
The stray elephant had charged at Clever Kapandura (51), attacked and trampled him to death, while he was conducting an anti-poaching patrol on Friday near Bonnaise Air bush owned by the Victoria Falls City Council.
Lovemore Ndlovu from Bonnaise Air confirmed to CITE that the elephant had been gunned down.
He said:
They killed it approximately five hours later at Aerodrome suburbs.
The search was not easy as it was equally dangerous, but it was spotted by a helicopter that was dispatched to join the search and it was immediately gunned down at the same spot.
The developments were also confirmed by VFAPU co- director Teddy Brightman.
However, Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said he was not aware of the development but commended what rangers had done.
By A Correspondent- Lovers in Bulawayo have now resorted to bush s_x as they fail to book lodges that have raised their charges.
A survey carried out by NewZimbabwe.com this week in the city revealed that most lodges where people book to engage in sex had increased their charges.
Scores of clients at a famous lodge in Khumalo, a low-density suburb in the city, were this week left stranded after the owner increased charges for its rooms from US$5 to US$10 for an occupation of three hours.
“I come here often with my partner with the intention of relaxing, but I have been told that the prices have gone up. Whenever, I come here I used to pay US$5 and now they are charging US$10 for the service,” a regular client, who asked not be named, said.
Another male client said he was also shocked to learn the prices at the lodge had gone up after going there with his girlfriend to “relax”.
“Just before the (Zimbabwe International) Trade Fair, the price at this place was still US$5 per three hours. I am told prices went during the trade fair period and since then they have not been reduced. Since I am a regular client, the owners of the lodge should have informed us in advance,” he said.
The trade fair was held in Bulawayo, two weeks ago with thousands of people from outside the city converging for the week-long event.
A NewZimbabwe.com survey at other lodges also revealed prices had gone up leaving most residents seeking their services stranded.
One lodge along the Harare road has also increased its charges from US$2 to US$3 per hour while another one situated along Josiah Tongogara is now charging US$2 up from US$1 per hour.
“These days I would now rather make love in the car than pay at these expensive lodges. Surely, what has necessitated these increases when the US dollar is actually gaining strength?” one frustrated man said.
Following the increases, most two-timing men and women have resorted in risking their lives by engaging in sexual activities secluded areas.
Last month, a David Livingstone High School headmaster in Ntabazinduna, Vusumuzi Nkiwane was stabbed and robbed of a truck and cash while romping with his lover in a vehicle in the bushy area the United College of Education (UCE).
A popular Bulawayo prophet was also recently robbed while having sex in his car in a bush.
