Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has for the past six months been waiting for the Registrar of the High Court to set down for hearing an application challenging the state-run Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) monopoly and some restrictions on informal traders as directed by the Supreme Court.

On 12 March 2021, Supreme Court Judges faulted Justice Mary Zimba-Dube for misdirecting herself when she dismissed an application challenging the ZUPCO monopoly and some restrictions on informal traders and ordered that the matter be remitted to the High Court to be heard by a different Judge.

In their application, which was filed in 2020, Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA), Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) and Constantine Chaza, represented by Tendai Biti of ZLHR, argued that the imposition of national lockdown regulations and the ban on informal sector trading imposed by government which
included a ban on private commuter omnibuses was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

They also argued that the ban created an unlawful monopoly for ZUPCO.

ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza want some registered transport operators and other operators to be allowed to ferry passengers on their licenced routes subject to compliance with relevant national lockdown conditions such as social distancing, temperature testing and the use
of hand sanitisers.

ZICEA, PAZ and Chaza also argued that the national lockdown regulations violated their members’’ constitutional rights to freedom of profession, trade or occupation enshrined in section 64 of the Constitution.

In her judgment issued on 26 May 2020, Justice Zimba-Dube dismissed ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza’s application after ruling that there was no discrimination against private commuter omnibus as they could operate under ZUPCO and that opening the informal sector could fuel the spread of coronavirus.

However, for six months, ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza have been keenly waiting for the Registrar of the High Court to set down the matter for hearing and determination before a different Judge as directed by the Supreme Court on 12 March 2021.

By A Correspondent- Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Children’s Hospital) will be offering free cleft lift (craniofacial) surgeries starting from the 4th of October until the 8th of October 2021.

The program is being offered in partnership with LEAD Global Missions (USA), University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Department of Surgery and Dentistry, along with Celebration Health.

Patients screening will be done at the hospital on Sunday, 3 October 2021 from 8 AM to 5 PM. Parents are urged to bring all relevant medical records.

By A Correspondent- The second batch of seven Zimbabwean nationals who were deported from the United Kingdom last month have reunited with their families and relatives after completing a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

The deportees were quarantined at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM) in Darwendale.

ZIPAM acting director-general Edgar Makande on Tuesday said the Government took care of the deportees and helped integrate them back into communities.

Makande said:

Yes, the seven have all re-integrated with their families and there were no complaints from them while staying here.

They were offered free meals, while also enjoying basics like free wi-fi connectivity and television during their stay at ZIPAM at taxpayers’ expense.

While residents returning to Zimbabwe voluntarily are required to undergo mandatory quarantine, they have to do so at their own expense.

The British government deports foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, who would have been released from detention after serving jail terms for various offences.

Most among both the first and second batch of returnees arrived in England between 1999 and 2007 and were being deported since they had been convicted of serious offences.

These crimes do not count against them on their return as the offences were not committed in Zimbabwe

By A Correspondent- Willard Katsande’s chase for justice is on with the man accused of assaulting him during a road rage incident having now been brought to book.

According to the City Press the accused, Jacobus Koekemoer, briefly appeared at the Randburg Magistrates Court last week on charges of common assault and malicious damage to property.

He was then granted R1000 bail with the case postponed to September 29 for further investigation.

The veteran midfielder was involved in the ugly road rage incident on the day two weeks ago leaving his luxury motor vehicle damaged.

Katsande was travelling home after making his debut for new club Sekhukhune United against Chippa United at Makhulong Stadium when he found himself involved in the fracas in Roodepoort with the suspect allegedly damaging his German sedan.

The 35-year-old immediately opened a case of common assault and malicious to property at the Honeydew Police Station.

According to the police report, the white male driving a Ford EcoSport assaulted Katsande on the corner of Hendrick Potgieter and Peter Road and broke the driver’s window and mirror causing damage estimated at R50 000.

The scene was left with blood stains just like the car.

Despite the incident, Katsande was still able to feature for Sekhukhune in their next game which was a 2-0 away win at Maritzburg coming on just after half-time.

Katsande recently joined Sekhukhune after spending a decade at Kaizer Chiefs where he earned legendary status.

By A Correspondent- The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Zimbabwe has appealed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to defer signing the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill into law following its passage in the House of Assembly and Senate saying the Bill still requires further scrutiny.

In a letter to Mnangagwa, Misa Zimbabwe chairperson Golden Maunganidze said the Bill had been subjected to significant changes which varied from the gazetted Bill that was subjected to public hearings.

This comes after the Bill was recommitted in the Senate to address errors noted for correction and amendments before it is signed into law.

Maunganidze said:

“In light of the amendments that were effected, there is a need for an extensive review of the Bill with further input from the general public as well.

“A law that addresses issues relating to cyber security, data protection and data privacy, affects every citizen, hence the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in its framing.”

He said this development was of national significance and interest and deserved the President’s due attention and consideration.

“Your Excellency, a strong cyber security and data protection framework is critical for the exercise and enjoyment of human rights, trade, increased investments and Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development,” Maunganidze said.

GOVERNMENT has said the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) November examinations will go ahead as scheduled with a possibility of a spillover to 2022 despite the COVID-19-induced disruptions to the education calendar.

Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing, Primary and Secondary Education secretary Tumisang Thabela said not much learning time had been lost to warrant cancelling of public examinations.

“The long and short of it is we have consulted our system, especially the heads of our schools who run our shop floor level,” Thabela said.

“They have convinced us that given all the efforts we have made, it is possible to run examinations starting in 2021. We might spill over for some of the examinations to beginning of 2022.”

Teachers have been calling for postponement of examinations, claiming pupils were not prepared because they had limited learning time.

Apart from COVID-19-induced school closures, most teachers refused to report for duty when schools reopened in March for the first term, demanding better salaries and working conditions.

Schools introduced online lessons, but the new learning model disadvantaged most pupils, especially those from rural areas who have no internet connectivity. But government yesterday insisted not much time was lost because the current term would be long enough to cover the basics.

“This year, we have had two sessions, the first session was a whole term, which is about 60 days, this second session has 80 days instead of 60 days, which is your ordinary term, plus a third of that ordinary term.

“If you use simple arithmetic, the children have lost about two thirds of a term in terms of physical presence at school,” Thabela said.

“We believe our learners will be ready, by the way, Zimbabwean learners are hungry for education and the Zimbabwean teacher is always amazing when it comes to trying to get their child ready for their future,” she said.

Meanwhile, government said that a total of 14 schoolchildren and 19 teachers had tested positive to COVID-19 since schools reopened last week.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- South African Police have beaten up a Zimbabwean cross-border bus driver for refusing to pay a R2000 bribe.

The incident happened last Thursday in the Hammanskraal area along the N1 highway.

watch the video below….

Mr Raison Mufuka, an employee of Devine Star buses was handcuffed on the bus’ trailer and allegedly assaulted by three police officers.

After which, he was also detained along with four crew members at Themba Police Station in the same area.

The five were later released from police custody after the prosecution in that area refused to prosecute them for lack of evidence.

The assault incident was captured on video by other motorists and has already gone viral on social media.

Mr Mufuka said he got some injuries on his mouth and both hands and was experiencing chest pains due to the beating.

“We were travelling towards Johannesburg when we were intercepted by traffic police soon after the Hammanskraal toll gate, just before Pretoria along the N1 highway at around 8am on August 26,” he said.

“The bus had only five people including myself and other crew members. The police officers detained us for four hours at the road block.

“They accused me of violating traffic rules and demanded a bribe of R2000, which I told them I did not have. The three police officers then threatened to impound the bus,” said Mr Mufuka.

He said the police officers ordered him to drive to the police station, but along the way they disappeared and he stopped along the road as he was not sure of the directions.
He said they returned and handcuffed him between the trailer and the bus and took turns to assault him.

The distraught driver said the bus crew was later taken to Themba Police Station where they were detained for four days before being taken to court.

“At the police station, they falsely claimed that I had assaulted one of them and that I was carrying border jumpers while failing to comply with traffic regulations. The court decline to prosecute and we were released.”

He said he was not aware that the whole incident was being recorded by other motorists who shared it on social media.

“I am currently nursing the injuries and the assault on me was unwarranted. As a result, I cannot go to work,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Johannesburg, Mrs Melody Chaurura said they were still following up on the matter with relevant authorities to establish the facts.

“It will only be possible for us to comment after consultations with the relevant authorities,” she said.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo was not readily available to comment on the matter.

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said teachers who have not reported for duty will face disciplinary action following revelations that by Friday last week, slightly over 32 per cent of teachers were not at work.

In an interview with State media, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo said when schools reopened some teachers did not report for duty.

Moyo said the ministry will continue to monitor the attendance of teachers and relevant disciplinary action will be taken against those who do not report for work. He said:

The majority of our teachers had gone to work on Monday but what is concerning is that some had not reported for duty while learners were there.

Last Friday an average of 67,4 per cent of teachers were at work and the difference could have been that some teachers responsible for non-examination classes were waiting for their pupils to open on Monday.

We have rules and regulations guiding our operations and if teachers abscond, they will face disciplinary action.

He said if teachers have grievances, they must wait for them to be addressed by relevant authorities rather than making learners sacrificial lambs.

Said Moyo:

Parents are paying school fees and we want them to get value for their money and this is possible if their children are learning.

Teachers shouldn’t violate the rights of learners in order to compensate for theirs. They must be patient and their problems will be solved.

Moyo also warned schools against turning back learners for non-payment of school fees.

He said some parents had lodged complainants that children were being turned back from school.

He said school authorities had to engage parents over the payment of fees without inconveniencing learners.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The High Court has confirmed the provisional order granted on February 28 last year for stay of execution of a judgment allowing Tony Sarpo to attach former Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s property over a US$226 000 debt.

Mujuru and her company, Ruzirun Investments, had in September 2019 approached the High Court seeking an order stopping Sabrina and Tony Sarpo from attaching her property.

The former Vice-President owes over US$226 000 to the Sarpos through their company Peppy Motors (Pvt) Ltd, which is demanding the money at the interbank rate.

Mujuru, in her application for stay of execution, said the company had issued a writ of execution and notice of attachment despite an application for rescission of judgment under HC6283/19. She then made an application for confirmation of the provisional order granted on February 28, 2020.

The relief, which was granted in that provisional order, was for stay of execution of the judgment granted in favour of the couple and their company in case No HC 2954/18 and for an order for the release of any property which might or could have been attached in execution of that judgment.

Mujuru also sought costs on the respondents on the attorney-client scale and the Sarpos had opposed her application.

High Court judge Justice Happias Zhou ruled in her favour.

Justice Zhou said Mujuru’s liabilities, expressed in United States dollar, falls under the ambit of the provisions of the Statutory Instrument.

“It does not matter that the parties continued to express the liabilities in US dollars even after the effective date,” Justice Zhou ruled.

“The deeming effect of the regulations means that the expression of those values must be read in light of the express provisions of the law. The deed of settlement and order by consent did not create any new liabilities but merely pronounced on the existing liabilities of the applicants.

“Any other reading of the law would defeat the very purpose of the law which was meant to convert assets and liabilities which existed at the time of the effective date and were expressed in US dollars to RTGS at the rate of 1;1.”

He said Mujuru’s obligation is to pay the debt in the local currency at the rate of 1:1 to the US dollar.

In 2012, Sabrina and Sarpo, who are in the business of selling farming equipment, obtained a loan from Steward Bank which they used to buy various farming machinery. They sold the equipment to Mujuru’s company and an agreement of sale was entered into on July 25, 2015.

Parties then entered into a deed of settlement on May 25 this year after Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019 had been gazetted and Mujuru paid $76 000 on June 5 this year.

Four days later, the Sarpos requested payment at interbank rate.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has accused Zanu PF of launching cyber-attacks against its leadership, which it says could sour relations between the two neighbours.

UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema scored a stunning landslide victory over incumbent Edgar Lungu in Zambia’s presidential election last month, the margin of his victory surprising pundits, but also showing the level of disillusionment with the performance of the former leader.

But UPND is seen as close to Zimbabwe’s opposition, the MDC Alliance after inviting its leaders, Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti and other opposition figures in the region to Hichilema’s inauguration.

At the inauguration, President Emmerson Mnangagwa had the indignity of having to share the platform with the opposition that the country’s courts have ruled to be illegitimate. His spokesperson, George Charamba recently attacked Hichilema as a “sellout” and it appears the ill-feeling between the two administrations is persisting.

UPND spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe said Hichilema and his party were being targeted by Zanu PF cyber-attacks which he said were “scandalous”.

“We are in Zambia talking about the need to tackle corruption in our country but across the border Zanu PF supporters think the message is directed at them and so they start to attack and demonise us,” Kalimbwe tweeted.

“Not even our own political opponents attack us like they do. It’s scandalous!.”

Kalimbwe told NewsDay yesterday that they were being attacked on social media platforms by some Zanu PF members who were criticising Hichilema’s personality and policies.

He said the Zanu PF party has “always been uneasy” over UNDP’s close relations with Chamisa.

“We have always been victims of several online attacks on the party and the President. Not so long after the presidential spokesperson (Charamba) labelled President Hichilema a sellout, several other members of the ruling Zanu PF party attacked us online with regards to our policies which have nothing to do with Zimbabwean governance.

“Such actions do not guarantee amicable diplomatic ties. UPND as a ruling party does not concern itself with the affairs of its neighbour, Zimbabwe, but on the contrary, Zanu PF members have been very much concerned with how President Hichilema runs Zambia.”

Zanu PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa said he was not aware of any case where members of the ruling party had attacked the Zambian government.

He said if indeed there were attacks against UPND, from Zimbabwe, it was not from Zanu PF.

“I can’t comment on the alleged attacks against the Zambian party because I am not aware of such an incident,” Chinamasa said.

“I am yet to check on the alleged attacks. As Zanu PF, we remain friendly with the Zambian government. Zanu PF has never been a hostile party.

“Zimbabwe and Zambia have a long history of cordial relations, therefore; I would say it is the work of detractors who go online in the name of Zanu PF just to spoil the good relationship between us and the UPND. Those people would go online in the name of Zanu PF just to tarnish our image.”

Zanu PF had been enjoying good relationships with Lungu, who reportedly banned MDC Alliance activities in his country

By A Correspondent- Forces of the Liberation Organisation of African National Party (FLOANP) leader Egypt Tazarurirwa Tsangadzaoma Dzinemunhenzva has criticised MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa’s decision to stay away from the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) saying political disputes cannot be solved without dialogue.

POLAD was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2019 to engage with political parties that contested in the 2018 presidential elections.

However, Chamisa, among other prominent politicians who contested the 2018 presidential poll, has refused to be part of POLAD, questioning Mnangagwa’s sincerity.

Chamisa insists that real talks can only be between himself and Mnangagwa and not between any other party.

But speaking in an interview with OpenParly, Dzinemunhenzva said solutions to problems can only come from sitting down and talking about them.

He said:

“The issue of Chamisa about POLAD, I don’t agree with it. If you have issues that you want to raise let’s meet and air your complaints.

“You put forward your points the other person puts theirs and then find common ground. After that you then with the issues where you don’t agree that is what is supposed to happen.

“If you have complaints or issues with someone, sit down with them and complain face to face until you reach an agreement. This is because if you don’t talk to them then nothing will be solved.

“For example, in a court people would argue out their issues seeking the truth of the matter and eventually, a solution will be found.”

Dzinemunhenzva also highlighted that his political party has also applied to join POLAD but is yet to receive a response.

Mnangagwa pampered POLAD principals with Isuzu D-Max twin cab vehicles a few weeks ago.

By A Correspondent- The government has told school teachers that they have no excuse for failing to turn up for work and asked the financially constrained workers to borrow money to go be able to their work stations.

This comes after teachers recently indicated that they have no money for bus fare to travel to their workplaces after the government ordered schools to reopen at short notice.

Some teachers say they have had to turn to loan sharks to borrow bus fares at exorbitant interest rates while at the same time their calls for a living wage have fallen on deaf ears.

Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Tumisang Thabela told journalists at Tuesday’s Post Cabinet media briefing that almost 30 per cent of teachers are yet to report for duty.

She said:

From our daily check of attendance for the previous week, the number of teachers that were coming as compared to those that we were expecting was over 70 per cent.

There are one or two provinces that are generally depressed so those who are supposed not to have enough money or whatever, we are hoping by end of this week they would have borrowed enough money to go back to work.

Teachers have also argued that they are failing to send their own children to school as they earn as little as $20 000 (almost US$133 on the black market).

Teachers unions have called for industrial action due to the government’s continued resistance to addressing their grievances.

Meanwhile, Thabela told reporters that she knew nothing of teachers’ grievances as that was not under her jurisdiction but that of Public Service Minister Paul Mavima.

She said:

The employment rests with the Public Service Ministry, we have been consulting them on when and how to open schools, we are their supervisors, we use them but in terms of engagement, I would not be able to comment on that.

By A Correspondent- United Kingdom based Zimbabwean pressure group, MyRight2Vote, led by the dethroned Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Ndiweni has started registering Zimbabweans in the diaspora in an effort to pressure government to allow them to vote in the 2023 general elections.

Various pressure groups have been pushing for Zimbabweans in the diaspora to be allowed to vote, but President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has refused, recently setting the removal of sanctions by the West as a pre-condition for diasporans to exercise their voting rights.

In a statement over the weekend, MyRight2Vote noted that the diaspora vote should have been completely implemented and ring-fenced by the government 41 years ago when the country became independent.

“Such a state of affairs cannot remain indefinitely. To this end, MyRight2Vote has begun the registration process of the whole Zimbabwean diaspora for immediate electronic voting, from wherever they are in the world, when ready,” the statement read.

MyRight2Vote will independently facilitate this electoral process for the Zimbabwean diaspora, when the next elections are called. MyRight2Vote is not a political party and does not get involved in partisan politics. MyRight2Vote is independent and is registered in the United Kingdom and is not working with the Zimbabwean Election Commission (Zec) or the current government.”

The statement added: “Zanu and Zapu during the war of independence pledged that they stood for unconditional universal suffrage, one-man, one-vote. MyRight2Vote stands by this pledge and is implementing it to the diaspora and within Zimbabwe.”

The group said it also registers Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe who find it difficult to register with Zec and their concern was that the Zimbabwean diaspora community has been excluded from polls for 41 years. According to the laws of the country, only Zec was given the mandate to register voters and manage the voters’ roll.

But the rights group said it would push for the exclusion of Zimbabwe from the United Nations if it continues to deny voting rights to its citizens in the diaspora.

Zimbabwe, which had only 4,8 million people voting in the 2018 general elections, is estimated to have over five million of its citizens in the diaspora who were denied the right to vote. The pressure group accused Mnangagwa’s government of blocking its citizens from voting, fearing that those in the diaspora would account to 50% of the country’s registered voters, and would not vote for it.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been condemned for shedding crocodile tears over the death of his long time ally, the former late Robert Mugabe who died two years ago.

Mnangagwa praised the late former President Mugabe a few years after celebrating his ouster in a November 2017 military coup.

Monday marked two years since Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital. He died a bitter man after he was pushed out of power in a military coup.

Mnangagwa on Monday described him as “a principled man whose values we should respect”.

But the analysts accused Mnangagwa of shedding crocodile tears after conniving with the military to boot out Mugabe. They also labelled him a hypocrite for praising Mugabe’s legacy while his government was busy shredding it.
Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said: “Politics is rarely about genuine convictions and a lot about power, gaining it or maintaining it and, where possible, expanding it.
“In the final analysis, it may well be about the incumbent’s total strategy to appease or assuage former adversaries with a keen eye on 2023.”
Another analyst Rashweat Mukundu said Mnangagwa was in reality totally dismantling Mugabe’s legacy.
“We see Mnangagwa undoing everything Robert Mugabe did. Despite our misgivings, one of Mugabe’s legacies was emphasized on black empowerment and this is regardless of lack of clarity on how this can be done, yet this is one of the key policies Mnangagwa is dismantling. Not only the indigenous policies, but we are actually seeing rural communities being kicked out of land to pave way for white former commercial farmers.”
He added: “This was unimaginable during Mugabe’s time that rural communities would be kicked out of their ancestral land for it to be given to Chinese companies. What we have in Mnangagwa is a mere opportunist who wants to benefit from the legacy of Robert Mugabe but on the other side, undoing the few positives Mugabe stood for.”
Human rights activist and political analyst Ashton Bumhira said it was ironic that Mnangagwa was showering praises on the man he vilified.
“He goes on to talk about principles which he himself failed to stick to by ousting his former boss. It is sad, but to be expected that he would shower praises on the late leader on the anniversary of his death because it serves him politically.
“Remember Zanu PF still has a lot of Mugabe sympathisers, remnants of the G40 faction, these are the people the President is trying to appease with that tribute to the former leader.”
Another political analyst Vivid Gwede however, said: “We should be cognisant of the fact that Mugabe was removed not because his colleagues did not like him or did not approve some of his policies. For decades, they had been close associates. They removed him to solve the succession question which threatened their interests. In the process, there was a natural fallout.”

NewsDay

By A Correspondent-Former Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who was fired early this year for bonking married female subordinates, is avoiding public appearances and is holding party rallies in private places.

Mohadi, on Tuesday, held a private meeting at the Zanu-PF provincial offices in Lupane, Matabeleland North, where he urged the party leadership to mobilise for his Boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mohadi was fired in March after several cases of sexual relationships with married female workmates.

Since then, he has been in hiding.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance is investigating the defection of 11 of its Gweru councillors to the rival MDC-T.

Last week at least 11 Gweru Urban and four Vungu Rural District MDC-Alliance Councillors defected to the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC.

MDC Alliance Midlands Provincial spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said they were not worried if some councillors decided to join another party. Said Zhou:

The issue is certainly under investigation by the party. What I can confirm is that some councillors inquired on what they should do that they were invited for a meeting by Mwonzora’s cabal and we advised them that an MDCA councillor who attends another political party’s meeting would have voluntarily expelled herself/ himself.
We are as a party not short of personnel and if some councillors decide to join another political party we are not worried at all because we are aware that such parochialism and narrow-mindedness will not take them far enough.
Our grassroots support continues to grow by leaps and bounds and will be a major decisive factor in the next elections.

The councillors who left the MDC Alliance last week attended a meeting held at Town House chaired by MDC-T secretary for local government, Faith Musarurwa Kamutsungira.
Councillors who dumped MDC Alliance at Gweru City Council are Notal Dzika (ward 8), Charles Chikozho (ward 10), Trust Chinese (ward 15), Catherine Mhondiwa (ward 13), Tawanda Magidi (ward 16), Doubt Ncube (ward 3), Farai Muza (ward 17), Godfrey Giwa (ward 6), Gideon Mugariri (ward 7), John Manyundwa (ward 18) and Edson Kurebgaseka (ward 9).
The four Vungu councillors who have jumped ship are Benjamin Mpala (ward 7), Spiwe Moyo (ward 8), Nyika Parirenyatwa (ward 16) and Restart Muswere (ward 10) and were part of the MDC-T indaba.

By James Gwati- The Zimbabwe Republic Police is under pressure from the public to arrest Affirmative Action Group (AAG) deputy President Passion Java for contravening Covid-19 regulations.

Passion Java this week gathered thousands of Glen View residents, where he donated wardrobes, kitchen units and beds to random people.

The pressure from the public for Java’s arrest comes after the police Tuesday arrested Mike Chimombe, the AAG President, on charges of violating COVID-19 regulations after hosting over 300 people at his Greystone Park home for an overnight party.

Chimombe has been moving around the country with Java gathering hundreds of people but had not faced the wrath of the law.

By A Correspondent- The government has eased lockdown measures but maintained a ban on beerhalls and nightclubs.

Below is the summary of the lockdown review by Mnangagwa

1. Curfew from 2200 to 05:30hrs
2. Businesses to operate from 0800 to 1900hrs
3. Restaurants & bars within hotels & lodges to operate between 1000 to 2200hrs
4. Bottlestores to open between 1000 and 1600hrs
5. Beer outlets & nightclubs to remain closed.
6. Public gatherings to not exceed 100.
7. Decongestion of offices shall be at 50%
8. Intercity now permitted in strict adherence to Covid-19 health measures
9. Low-risk sports to resume from 0800 to 1600hrs
10. High and medium-risk sporting activities to seek approval
11. Persons entering the country should present a Covid-19 test valid less than 48 hrs.
12. Lockdown relaxation to be reviewed in 2 weeks

By A Correspondent- South African Police have beaten up a Zimbabwean cross-border bus driver for refusing to pay a R2000 bribe.

The incident happened last Thursday in the Hammanskraal area along the N1 highway.

Mr Raison Mufuka, an employee of Devine Star buses was handcuffed on the bus’ trailer and allegedly assaulted by three police officers.

After which, he was also detained along with four crew members at Themba Police Station in the same area.

The five were later released from police custody after the prosecution in that area refused to prosecute them for lack of evidence.

The assault incident was captured on video by other motorists and has already gone viral on social media.

Mr Mufuka said he got some injuries on his mouth and both hands and was experiencing chest pains due to the beating.

“We were travelling towards Johannesburg when we were intercepted by traffic police soon after the Hammanskraal toll gate, just before Pretoria along the N1 highway at around 8am on August 26,” he said.
“The bus had only five people including myself and other crew members. The police officers detained us for four hours at the road block.
“They accused me of violating traffic rules and demanded a bribe of R2000, which I told them I did not have. The three police officers then threatened to impound the bus,” said Mr Mufuka.

He said the police officers ordered him to drive to the police station, but along the way they disappeared and he stopped along the road as he was not sure of the directions.
He said they returned and handcuffed him between the trailer and the bus and took turns to assault him.

The distraught driver said the bus crew was later taken to Themba Police Station where they were detained for four days before being taken to court.

“At the police station, they falsely claimed that I had assaulted one of them and that I was carrying border jumpers while failing to comply with traffic regulations. The court decline to prosecute and we were released.”
He said he was not aware that the whole incident was being recorded by other motorists who shared it on social media.
“I am currently nursing the injuries and the assault on me was unwarranted. As a result, I cannot go to work,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Johannesburg, Mrs Melody Chaurura said they were still following up on the matter with relevant authorities to establish the facts.

“It will only be possible for us to comment after consultations with the relevant authorities,” she said.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo was not readily available to comment on the matter.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has assured the nation that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF will be defeated in the 2023 harmonized elections.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the burial of staunch MDC Alliance supporter and member Gogo Jane Gwatidzo in Chitungwiza on Sunday.

” We know that some are sceptical of the outcome of the 2023 polls. Let me assure you that the wave of change is sweeping across the region.

We have learnt from our past mistakes.This time we will not allow Zanu PF to seize the will of the people.

We are working tirelessly to correct the mistakes that happened in 2023.

Don’t worry about what he( Mnangagwa) is saying. His utterances show that he is afraid of people power,” said President Chamisa.

He added : “Zanu PF cannot stop the wave of change. We have the capacity to transform the economy.”

By James Gwati- The Zimbabwe Republic Police is under pressure from the public to arrest Affirmative Action Group (AAG) deputy President Passion Java for contravening Covid-19 regulations.

Passion Java this week gathered thousands of Glen View residents, where he donated wardrobes, kitchen units and beds to random people.

The pressure from the public for Java’s arrest comes after the police Tuesday arrested Mike Chimombe, the AAG President, on charges of violating COVID-19 regulations after hosting over 300 people at his Greystone Park home for an overnight party.

Chimombe has been moving around the country with Java gathering hundreds of people but had not faced the wrath of the law.

By A Correspondent- The government has eased lockdown measures but maintained a ban on beerhalls and nightclubs.

Lifting the level 4 lockdown, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said bottle stores should sell takeaways until 4 PM.

“Bottle stores may sell liquor to clients for consumption off-premises from 1000 to 1600 hours, beer outlets and nightclubs to remain closed, public gatherings to be limited to not more than 100 people with strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of masks, observing social distancing and sanitised. People should be urged to get vaccinated.
“Curfew now from 0200 to 0500 hours, businesses to operate from 0800 to 1900 hours, restaurants and bars to open from 0800 hours to 2200 hours,” he said.

By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested five armed robbers.

In a statement, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, Said:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Thubelihle Ncube (34) and Sonto Sibanda (32) in connection with a spate of robbery cases that occurred during the period 13 August 2021 to 04 September 2021 in Bulawayo and Plumtree. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects, Simelweyinkosi Dube and Kaunda Ndlovu.

Meanwhile, on 5 September 2021, Police officers manning a roadblock at Nottingham turn off, Beitbridge arrested Hoko Senzangakona (39), Fanuel Mbedzi, Mashudu Mbedzi (30) and Prince Ndou (30) for a robbery case that occurred in Toporo Village 9 Beitbridge on the same date, in which the suspects robbed the complainant US$120 cash and two cellphones.

The arrest led to the recovery of a blood-stained axe, knife, knobkerrie, sjambock, and 2 cell phones.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals involved in robbery cases that their days are numbered and the law will soon catch up with them.

By A Correspondent- The government has eased lockdown measures but maintained a ban on beerhalls and nightclubs.

Lifting the level 4 lockdown, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said bottle stores should sell takeaways until 4 PM.

“Bottle stores may sell liquor to clients for consumption off premises from 1000 to 1600 hours, beer outlets and nightclubs to remain closed, public gatherings to be limited to not more than 100 people with strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of masks, observing social distancing and sanitised. People should be urged to get vaccinated.
“Curfew now from 0200 to 0500 hours, businesses to operate from 0800 to 1900 hours, restaurants and bars to open from 0800 hours to 2200 hours,” he said.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), ZESA Holdings said there will be no power in some parts of Harare tomorrow, including Masasa, the hub of the capital’s industry.

In a notice, ZETDC said power would be cut off from 6 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday 8 September 2021 to carry out critical maintenance. The notice read:

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers in Harare Region that there would be a power supply interruption on Wednesday 8 September 2021 from 0600 hours to 1800 hours to carry out critical maintenance works.

During this period electricity will not be available in the following areas:

Msasa Industrial area: Some parts of Msasa Park and Msasa police camp. Borrowdale: Wood Lane, Breach road, Village Green, Armadale, Balmoral, Cameron, Dart, Vainona primary school, Campbell, Fernleigh, Glenelg, Hawick, Inveraray, Jedbury, Kirkcaldy, Fal, Fowey, Arun, New Pomona stands, Brent”.

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly threatening medical doctors against releasing an affidavit for his estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa, who is seeking postponement of her cases at the courts due to poor health.

Chiwenga, who is also a Health minister, superintends over medical activities in the country.

Marry has also seen several applications for the release of her passport which would enable her to seek medical attention outside the country, being dismissed.

The court heard yesterday that several doctors approached by Marry had refused to give her a medical report, saying they were afraid of her powerful husband who is their boss.

Marry yesterday appeared in court with a drip fixed on a walker she uses for mobility. She is being accused of attempting to kill Chiwenga. She is also facing money-laundering, fraud and assault charges and is out on bail.

The former model is suffering from lymphoedema, an ailment which causes swelling of hands and legs.

Her lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, told the court that she could not stand trial and requested the court to postpone the matter for two months as the doctor who was attending to her had recommended a lengthy bed rest.

But the State, led by prosecutor Netsai Mushayabasa, opposed the application, saying Mtetwa did not submit any documents to prove her client’s illness.

Mtetwa in turn told the court that Marry could not get the medical report since all doctors who treated her were refusing to avail it fearing victimisation by Chiwenga.

She opted to have her client remove the bandages to prove to the court that, indeed, her client was suffering from an ailment

“We ask you to take a judiciary notice that the accused person’s husband is the Vice-President and the Minister of Health and all the doctors are too frightened to write that medical affidavit,” Mtetwa told the court.

“We are quite happy that we can remove her bandages so that you can see the wounds. The State cannot make sensitive comments on the accused person who is not well. The insinuation that she is well can be cured by the removal of her bandages from arm and her thigh to prove she is in pain and was operated on the thigh and left hand,” she argued.

“The doctors fear her powerful husband. The accused person has absolutely nothing to gain for feigning illness. She is anxious to have this matter concluded. My learned friend was involved in the matter and they have been communicating with the doctor.”

Mtetwa said Marry could not stand trial as the drugs she was taking would distract her concentration in court.

However, magistrate Noel Mupeiwa ordered doctors treating Marry to avail a medical affidavit for her.

The matter was postponed to October 6, when the court will assess her condition.

Marry has on several occasions been brought to court while on medical support.

In December last year, she was brought to court in an ambulance for a routine remand appearance and was carried into the courtroom in a stretcher, after she had been issued with a warrant of arrest.

In the same month, High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero ordered her to appear before him in person so that he assesses her wounds before passing his judgment on whether she should be given her passport to enable her to travel to South Africa.

Chiwenga and Marry are also embroiled in a highly acrimonious divorce process at the High Court where they have washed dirty their linen in public.

They are also brawling over custody of their three minor children.

Chiwenga currently has custody of the children and has barred Marry from accessing them. She has had to post numerous lamentations on Twitter, crying for his clemency so she could access them, albeit without luck.

Marry Mubaiwa

She has not seen them for over two years as Chiwenga maintains a formidable blockade.

Chiwenga has accused Marry of being an unbalanced drug addict and a substance abuser unsuitable to take custody of the children, while Marry exposed him as a violent and vengeful power-hungry man with excessive political ambitions.

By James Gwati- The Zimbabwe Republic Police is under pressure from the public to arrest Affirmative Action Group (AAG) deputy President Passion Java for contravening Covid-19 regulations.

Passion Java this week gathered thousands of Glen View residents, where he donated wardrobes, kitchen units and beds to random people.

The pressure from the public for Java’s arrest comes after the police Tuesday arrested Mike Chimombe, the AAG President, on charges of violating COVID-19 regulations after hosting over 300 people at his Greystone Park home for an overnight party.

Chimombe has been moving around the country with Java gathering hundreds of people but had not faced the wrath of the law.

By James Gwati- The Police have arrested Zanu PF national youth league indigenisation and empowerment secretary who is also the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) President Mike Chimombe.

Chimombe was arrested on charges of violating COVID-19 regulations after he hosted over 300 people at his Greystone Park home for an overnight party.

He has in the past moved around the country with controversial cleric Passion Java gathering hundreds of people but had not faced the wrath of the law.

Chimombe’s arrest also comes barely a few days after his deputy; Passion Java gathered thousands of Glen View residents, where he donated wardrobes, kitchen units and beds to random people.

“On 06/09/21 Police in Harare arrested Mike Chimombe (40), Kudakwashe Chigodo (31) and Bruce Moyo (35) for violating Covid-19 regulations after they hosted a public gathering of 300 people from 2100 hours on 04/09/21 to 0330 hours on 05/09/21 at number 16 Stonechat Lane, Greystone Park, Borrowdale,” the police said in a statement shared on Twitter.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has for the past six months been waiting for the Registrar of the High Court to set down for hearing an application challenging the state-run Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) monopoly and some restrictions on informal traders as directed by the Supreme Court.

On 12 March 2021, Supreme Court Judges faulted Justice Mary Zimba-Dube for misdirecting herself when she dismissed an application challenging the ZUPCO monopoly and some restrictions on informal traders and ordered that the matter be remitted to the High Court to be heard by a different Judge.

In their application, which was filed in 2020, Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA), Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) and Constantine Chaza, represented by Tendai Biti of ZLHR, argued that the imposition of national lockdown regulations and the ban on informal sector trading imposed by government which included a ban on private commuter omnibuses was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

They also argued that the ban created an unlawful monopoly for ZUPCO.ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza want some registered transport operators and other operators to be allowed to ferry passengers on their licenced routes subject to compliance with relevant national lockdown conditions such as social distancing, temperature testing and the use of hand sanitisers.

ZICEA, PAZ and Chaza also argued that the national lockdown regulations violated their members’’ constitutional rights to freedom of profession, trade or occupation enshrined in section 64 of the Constitution.

In her judgment issued on 26 May 2020, Justice Zimba-Dube dismissed ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza’s application after ruling that there was no discrimination against private commuter omnibus as they could operate under ZUPCO and that opening the informal sector could fuel the spread of coronavirus.

However, for six months, ZCIEA, PAZ and Chaza have been keenly waiting for the Registrar of the High Court to set down the matter for hearing and determination before a different Judge as directed by the Supreme Court on 12 March 2021.

By A Correspondent | As if what he uttered on Saturday was not enough, the exiled former Information Minister Jonathan Moyo has gone on to announce saying he will not at all apologise over heinous crimes committed by state agents while he was minister because as he claims: there were no govt policies to abduct torture or kill anyone.

Jonathan Moyo personally ran a propaganda policy program that between 2000 and 2017 coordinated among others the violent land reform program, and justified the torture and mass murder of hundreds of MDC supporters.

At the weekend, Moyo demanded that MDC Alliance Nelson Chamisa must tell his supporters to stop insulting him because he assisted the MDC Alliance by publishing a historic book on the 2018 elections.

On Tuesday he went on to publish a 24 point thread in which he shielded his violent and destructive land reform program from blame by accusing instead the MDC party for allegedly destroying lives and livelihoods. Moyo also said he will not apologise over heinous crimes committed by state agents while he was minister.

He said:

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has assured the nation that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF will be defeated in the 2023 harmonized elections.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the burial of staunch MDC Alliance supporter and member Gogo Jane Gwatidzo in Chitungwiza on Sunday.

” We know that some are sceptical of the outcome of the 2023 polls. Let me assure you that the wave of change is sweeping across the region.

We have learnt from our past mistakes.This time we will not allow Zanu PF to seize the will of the people.

We are working tirelessly to correct the mistakes that happened in 2023.

Don’t worry about what he( Mnangagwa) is saying. His utterances show that he is afraid of people power,” said President Chamisa.

He added : “Zanu PF cannot stop the wave of change. We have the capacity to transform the economy.”

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube says the party is ready for the penultimate battle against Zanu PF in the 2023 elections.

Speaking in an interview with CITE, Professor Ncube said MDC Alliance members were ready to die in the struggle for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.

“The struggle is not about money and food- it is about defeating Zanu PF. We are prepared to sacrifice our lives for the struggle,” said Professor Ncube.

By A Correspondent- Scores of people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province, are failing to get cards raising suspicion that the cards could have been stolen and sold to the unvaccinated.

Some of those who talked to Masvingo Mirror on condition of anonymity received their jabs at Nharira Hospital.

They complained that they are still to get their vaccination cards two months after completing their doses.

Chikomba District Medical Officer Dr Ignatius Mahachi said he was not aware of the issue and promised to look into the matter. He said:

I am not yet informed about the issue of vaccination cards, however, I am going to look into it.

Isaac Hove from Gwekwerere Village said that the vaccination cards were in high demand and he suspected that some officials could be selling them.

Said Hove:

We are yet to get our inoculation documents. We are tired of walking long distances only to be told to come and check again.

The worrying thing is that without the documents we cannot access services where the cards are required.

There are fears among villagers that the cards could have been sold to people evading vaccination.

Reports suggest that the COVID-19 vaccination card selling syndicate have mushroomed as demand for the cards soar.

The syndicates are thought to be tightly knit involving a web of officials from bureaucrats in the Ministry of Health and Childcare to those in charge of operations at vaccination centres.

Demand for vaccination cards has increased after Government last month ordered the reopening of churches only to fully vaccinated congregants, with several tertiary institutions also demanding students to be fully vaccinated to be allowed entrance to university or college campuses.

Mahlabezulu ,Mthwakazi omuhle, zingane zobaba.

Mthwakazi omuhle , namhlanje sihlangane lapha ngosuku olukhulu kakhulu esizweni sethu, ngilethemba elikhulu ukuthi iningi laMahlabezulu lihlanganele kunye lathi ngesikhathi esifanayo kwi nkundla zokuxhumana ezehlukeneyo, kubomabonakude basebulenjini, kanye nasemisakazweni futhi.

Ngiyalibingelela lonke Mahlabezulu.

Ngesikhathi esifanayo ngidlulisa ukubingelela kumakhosi esizweni sonke, okuyizinduna zakulolonke kwelikaMthwakazi.

Zingane zezinkanyezi, namhlanje lusuku olukhulu, lapho sihlangane ngokuzo khumbula usuku lokukhothama ko mbumbi wesizwe sethu, isilo saseMhlahlandlela, inkosi uMzilikazi kaMashobane.

Nanxa namhlanje, ilusuku sokugubha kube yinjabulo, sigiye, sijakadule kodwa ngeminyaka elikhulu, namashumi amahlanu, lantathu(153 years) edlule, kwaba lusuku olwabamuncu esizweni ngendlela engathethekiyo.

Ilanga lasithela emini libalele, kwazamazama umhlaba, kwadilika intaba enkulu, izinduna zenkosi zasala obala, amabutho ayengabhekwa ngaziqu zamehlo asala ethithibele, isizwe esasilamandla asabekayo salila kwadabukisa ezweni.

Ingakho sizw’esihle, angicabangi kukhona olunye usuku esizweni sethu olubaluleke njenga lololusuku.

King Mzilikazi day is indeed a Mthwakazi day, a day this nation learnt new ways to overcome any challenges confronting the nation.

A day, this nation learnt that at some point the sun will set down, but it shall rise again.

This is the day that prepared this brave and beautiful nation to confront every challenge with their bare hands.

A day this nation made it a point that nothing, neither death nor demons will ever break our spirits.

Mthwakazi omuhle, King Mzilikazi was a great fighter, leader and a nation builder.

Our founding father and King never chose comfort over the wellbeing of his own people.

As I stand tall before you, today, I’m proud to be a descendent of such a great man, but in the midst of my pride, a question pops up, ‘if King Mzilikazi were to rise today, would he be proud of me and what our nation has become?”

That is one question, every one of us sitting here today, must ask ourselves.

This is a question every chief or induna yakoMthwakazi should be asking themselves.

This is one question, I’m challenging every Mthwakazi citizen to ask themselves.

I would also like to further challenge you to look at yourselves and ask the following questions,

Are we anywhere near to emulating what our forefathers achieved in their lifetimes.

Do we measure our successes by what we have achieved for our individual selves or by what we have done for our nation.

Does one’s individual achievement make one a hero of his nation?

Mthwakazi omuhle, it was indeed a great and commendable idea 21 years ago, on the 9th of September 2000 that this nation decided to revive the commemoration of this day.

Since that day, the nation has slowly and gradually moved in trying to find its feet, identity and pride.

Although, we must admit that the pace has been sometimes too slow,and to some extent allowed our detractors to determine it, but we have moved indeed and a lot of ground has been covered.

Now we need to accelerate our speed, and time is not on our side.

This event was made possible today by the unity, unanimity and determination of this nation.

The nation unapologetically spoke clearly and boldly from all corners of life and we as your leadership clearly received the massage.

Mthwakazi people are tired of being treated like second class or none existent citizens.

Mthwakazi people want to mark their space on the world map and be a proud nation again.

Together we can make it and together we shall rise again.

At some point, one is tempted to spell out our program of action but remember inkosi ngumlomo ongathethimanga, therefore, there shall come a time for it.

For now, I’m calling upon every one of you to prepare and mobilize for the rebirth of Mthwakazi Kingdom.

A Kingdom where abeThwakazi bonke, young and old will equally feel proud to belonging to it. Asibonge ama technological advances of todays world ngoba, we are now able to develop what we call the Mthwakazi virtual kingdom.

Where at the touch of a button, one can participate in the kingdoms day to day’s events and discussions, irrespective of which border they may find themselves in globally, through the assistance of some of our prominent Mthwakazians, We have commissioned a world renowned IT company to assist us to put together a sophisticated system, that is not only advanced whilst being user friendly, but also very safe to host our people’s database needs and processing. Manje ngiyazi ukuthi we promised to launch a few months ago but we realized that the initial design was sub par for isizwe sika Mzilikazi.

That is why we made an executive decision to withdraw and get it up to scratch and highly secured. Yiko maHlabezulu ngicela nisithembe, sisebenzisane once it goes live ngoba ngiyazi we have reason to be skeptical as a nation at times kodwa if awuzothemba iNkosi Yakini uzothemba bani?? The data collected there will in the long run help us do the job of leading our nation easier and better and more reliably ngoba then sizobe siwazi ama demographics ethu kahle, ukuthi sazi masikhuluma sikhulumela bani> this info will not be shared with anyone without your prior consent ngoba sonke lana ngiyathemba niyamazi umthetho omusha abalibiza I POPI?!

Ngiyathemba isicelo sam sizwakele bantu baka khokho.

Sizwe sikababa, as we gather here today the world is facing a serious pandemic, a situation which has not spared us as well.

This has not helped our situation but made the situation even more extremely difficult.

I am therefore appealing to all of you to observe all recommended non-pharmaceutical means to minimize the risks of contracting the virus and at same breath appealing to you to take the recommended available medical means so that this nation can pull through this global pandemic. I for one ngilaso I Steve(cate) se vaccine, wena ulindeleni?

Mthwakazi has faced its own countless pandemics since the demise of King Lobhengula in 1894.

My fathers’ people have never tested genuine peace and prosperity for the longest of time.

The fact that we have survived those human sanctioned pandemics, we shall also overcome this natural pandemics as well.

Therefore let’s not lose hope and focus, we shall indeed rise again.

I am glad to see representatives of some of our Khumalo brothers and sisters from various areas including the eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal amongst others, including royalty from other areas… This is indeed what umzilikazi set out to do, ukhlanganisa izizwe ndawonye. We need to strengthen our ties bantu be Nkosi ngoba ukubambana nibe yi mbumba kuqakatheke nge mpela, ngoba there really is strength in numbers.

I thank you,ngiyabonga,futhi ndiyabulela kuni nonke.

Nisale kahle

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today address the nation to provide an update on COVID-19, the state broadcaster ZBC has said.

It is not clear if he will relax lockdown measures that have been in place since June when the nation was hit by the third wave of the deadly pandemic.

Below is the ZBC announcement;

More to follow…

By A Correspondent- The Indo-Paki community in Harare has allegedly written to ZANU PF Headquarters asking that the party replaces and disciplines Ward 5 council candidate Abdul Sapa who has been described as a domestic terrorist.

A member of the Indo-Paki community who spoke on condition of anonymity said Indians and Pakistanis living in Harare were not happy with the conduct of Abdul Sapa who is accused of having caused the death of respected community leader Ashraf Bhagoo.

Abdul Sapa is accused of using his close proximity to security sector bosses to terrorise the Indo-Paki community in the name of the party and security chiefs.

The source revealed that Abdul Sapa allegedly masterminded a robbery at Sarwar Shah’s residence in Milton Park which led to the death of Ashraf Bhagoo.

Sarwar Shah runs the Hello Paisa brand in Zimbabwe. It is reported that Shah received 2.5 million USD on the 11th of September through official channels which he was meant to divert and fund illegal gold buying deals.

Abdul Sapa has served as a henchman and gold smuggler for Shah. It is reported that Sapa uses state security agents in smuggling the gold.

Sapa was infuriated by Shah who did not renew his security services as he had released that Sapa was untrustworthy and unreliable.

Sapa allegedly then used his ex CID homicide colleagues to stage a robbery at Shah’s house. Ashraf Bhagoo a respectable elder and leader of the Indo-Pakistani community was shot during the Sapa masterminded robbery.

Sapa claims to be a ZANU PF loyalist and brags that he has ties to generals who protect him.

Sapa has allegedly terrorized the Indian moslem community he sends robbers , Zimra, ZACC, sacu , homicide , to raid Indian households and runs an extortion ring.

Members of the Indo-Pakistani community have vowed to continue supporting Zanu PF but they demand that the party replaces Abdul Sapa as his warlord tendencies which have left the community living in fear are going to cost the party in the 2023 elections.

The IndoPak community said they have a huge pool of talented , patriotic and politically clear individuals who can replace Abdul Sapa.

Members of the IndoPaki community are in the process of compiling a dossier on Abdul Sapa and his criminal activities.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has advised all government workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or resign.

According to local radio station ZiFM Stereo, the government says all civil servants who are not willing to get vaccinated must resign so that they do not expose others to the coronavirus.

The station reported Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi who is also the leader of government business, as saying the move was to ensure everyone’s safety.

Ziyambi reportedly made the comments during a Mashonaland West Provincial COVID-19 Taskforce meeting in Chinhoyi. 

The station said:

The government says all civil servants who are not willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 must resign so that they do not expose others to the virus.

The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi says this will ensure everyone’s safety.

Meanwhile, Vice President and Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga recently warned citizens that public places will not be accessible to those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 once Government relaxes strict movement conditions under lockdown level 4.

Speaking in Buhera where he was touring Dorowa, a phosphate mine on Sunday, the former army commander said:

As the Minister of Health and Child Care, I will make sure that vaccination certificates will be required for people to access public places although we have relaxed a few things.

I, therefore, encourage people to be vaccinated as it will be difficult to enjoy services when lockdown measures are relaxed.

We will allow you to watch soccer, watch cricket and enjoy food in a restaurant but you will be required to produce a vaccination certificate. We will not allow you to enter public places without a vaccination certificate.

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly threatening medical doctors against releasing an affidavit for his estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa, who is seeking postponement of her cases at the courts due to poor health.

Chiwenga, in his capacity as Health minister, superintends over medical activities in the country.

Marry has also seen several applications for the release of her passport which would enable her to seek medical attention outside the country, being dismissed.

The court heard yesterday that several doctors approached by Marry had refused to give her a medical report, saying they were afraid of her powerful husband who is their boss.

Marry yesterday appeared in court with a drip fixed on a walker she uses for mobility. She is being accused of attempting to kill Chiwenga. She is also facing money-laundering, fraud and assault charges and is out on bail.

The former model is suffering from lymphoedema, an ailment which causes swelling of hands and legs.

Her lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, told the court that she could not stand trial and requested the court to postpone the matter for two months as the doctor who was attending to her had recommended a lengthy bed rest.

But the State, led by prosecutor Netsai Mushayabasa, opposed the application, saying Mtetwa did not submit any documents to prove her client’s illness.

Mtetwa in turn told the court that Marry could not get the medical report since all doctors who treated her were refusing to avail it fearing victimisation by Chiwenga.

She opted to have her client remove the bandages to prove to the court that, indeed, her client was suffering from an ailment

“We ask you to take a judiciary notice that the accused person’s husband is the Vice-President and the Minister of Health and all the doctors are too frightened to write that medical affidavit,” Mtetwa told the court.

“We are quite happy that we can remove her bandages so that you can see the wounds. The State cannot make sensitive comments on the accused person who is not well. The insinuation that she is well can be cured by the removal of her bandages from arm and her thigh to prove she is in pain and was operated on the thigh and left hand,” she argued.

“The doctors fear her powerful husband. The accused person has absolutely nothing to gain for feigning illness. She is anxious to have this matter concluded. My learned friend was involved in the matter and they have been communicating with the doctor.”

Mtetwa said Marry could not stand trial as the drugs she was taking would distract her concentration in court.

However, magistrate Noel Mupeiwa ordered doctors treating Marry to avail a medical affidavit for her.

The matter was postponed to October 6, when the court will assess her condition.

Marry has on several occasions been brought to court while on medical support.

In December last year, she was brought to court in an ambulance for a routine remand appearance and was carried into the courtroom in a stretcher, after she had been issued with a warrant of arrest.

In the same month, High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero ordered her to appear before him in person so that he assesses her wounds before passing his judgment on whether she should be given her passport to enable her to travel to South Africa.

Chiwenga and Marry are also embroiled in a highly acrimonious divorce process at the High Court where they have washed dirty their linen in public.

They are also brawling over custody of their three minor children.

Chiwenga currently has custody of the children and has barred Marry from accessing them. She has had to post numerous lamentations on Twitter, crying for his clemency so she could access them, albeit without luck.

She has not seen them for over two years as Chiwenga maintains a formidable blockade.

Chiwenga has accused Marry of being an unbalanced drug addict and a substance abuser unsuitable to take custody of the children, while Marry exposed him as a violent and vengeful power-hungry man with excessive political ambitions.

Unscrupulous health professionals are making a killing from selling COVID-19 vaccination cards to employees, university and college students desperate to get admitted back to various learning institutions reports The Independent.

Several tertiary institutions across the country now require students to be either fully vaccinated or be in possession of a valid PCR test result taken 48 hours prior, to be allowed entrance to university or college campuses.

Investigations by the publication last week revealed that the vaccination cards are being sold for between US$15 and US$20 each.

The cards will also be having all the required details including the type of vaccine administered, its batch number, and dates where the vaccinated person allegedly took the jab.

Students argue that while those selling them are making a killing, the price is financially viable considering the charges for a PCR test.

Laboratories are charging US$30 for a PCR test while others like Cimas require US$60 for the same test.

The vaccination card selling syndicate appears tightly knit involving a web of officials from bureaucrats in the Ministry of Health and Childcare to those in charge of operations at vaccination centres.

The Zimbabwe Independent reported a source in the Ministry of Health and Child Care as saying that the practice is rampant in the health department.

Said the source:

So rampant is the practice that even those not really connected within the system are also partaking in it. However, many of these ‘unfortunate’ ones are sloppy and end up getting arrested.

These are the individuals you write about in your papers when they are picked up by police, giving a façade that people are serious about dealing with the problem when in actual fact they are the ones who are fuelling it for their selfish benefit.

Chief coordinator of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet Agnes Mahomva said she was not in a position to comment on the issue.

Said Mahomva:

You need to talk to the Ministry of Health and Child Care because what you are inquiring about is an administrative issue.

As a task force, we have various sub-committees we work with that are responsible for dealing with COVID-19 related issues and these are headed by different ministries.

The one you made reference to is best dealt with by a subcommittee headed by the Health ministry.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that hundreds of vaccinations cards went missing at various health centres across the country.

-The Independent

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance legislator Joana Mamombe will know her fate tomorrow when the court is expected to make a ruling on State’s application for the revocation of her bail on the basis that she failed to abide by her bail conditions and skipped reporting to police on August 27.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje yesterday said the ruling was not ready and asked Mamombe to return to court tomorrow for the ruling. Mr Michael Reza, appearing for the State, told the court in his application that Mamombe failed to present herself to the CID Law and Order department where she was required to report every Friday of the end of month.

According to the State, the condition was imposed by the court when Mamombe was granted bail in a matter she is jointly charged with Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on allegations of violating the Covid-19 lockdown measures after staging an illegal demonstration sometime last year in Harare. They were also charged with participating in an illegal demonstration.

“They were admitted to bail and ordered to report on the last Friday of the month. This morning, a police officer handed in an affidavit saying she had breached her reporting conditions.

“On August 27, 2021, she was supposed to report to the police and she did not. Officers at CID Law and Order prepared the affidavit and we applied to tender the affidavit.”  

Mamombe, through her lawyer Mr Jeremiah Bamu, who appeared together with Mr Alec Muchadehama, opposed the State application, saying Mamombe was not in wilful default. They said that Mamombe had travelled to her rural home and failed to return on the day in question because of the curfew regulations. They also said Mamombe went to report to the police the following day.

-statemedia

Former president Robert Mugabe distinguished himself as a principled man who did not deviate from what he believed to be right, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.

The President said this in a statement on the second anniversary of the passing on of former President Mugabe, who died at the age of 95 on September 6, 2019, two years after retiring. Mugabe was universally praised for leading the land reform programme, which ensured equitable distribution of land, resulting in more citizens joining commercial agriculture.

“As the nation remembers the second anniversary of the passing on of our founding father, leader and inaugural President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, let us focus on his illustrious life of selfless sacrifice for the political freedom and independence we enjoy today in our country,” said President Mnangagwa.

“There is no better way to remember him than recalling to ourselves the values which he stood for and embracing them as our own in order to develop our country in peace and harmony.

“The founding father of our nation distinguished himself as a principled man who would never compromise on what was right and just for his people.”  

President Mnangagwa said quite often, Mugabe would remind them about the late Kwame Nkrumah’s adherence to principle, adding that “principles should never be sacrificed on the altar of expediency.”

“Our liberation struggle was waged over our land which had been taken away from us by the white settler imperialists, thus justifying our noble cause,” he said. “Now that we own the land, we cannot ever let go because it is sacrosanct. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every Zimbabwean to protect and defend our land at all costs.

“The land defines our sovereignty, and to lose it for whatever reason, would be a great betrayal to our patriarch and all the heroes of our liberation struggle.”  

President Mnangagwa praised Mugabe for challenging the super powers who seemed untouchable. “Our inaugural President taught us that right is might, challenging the great powers of the world that espoused the doctrine of might is right,” he said.

“Our late leader would always invoke one of the key tenets of the United Nations Charter which asserts the sovereign equality of nations.

“Equally, he would remind us and the world that Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans, and that the destiny of our nation lies in our own hands. Hence, whatever we do, we do it for ourselves as Zimbabweans foremost and for nobody else.”

 President Mnangagwa reiterated that the land redistribution programme was irreversible even in the face of illegal sanctions, emphasising that under the Second Republic he leads, the challenge was on ensuring that the land was used profitably to transform the economy and ensuring food security.  

“Land is the economy, the economy is the land, we have repeatedly said,” he said.  

“May his soul rest in eternal peace re-assured of our resolute commitment to defending and promoting the everlasting values and ethos of the liberation struggle.”

-statemedia

By Margret Tashayawedu|

1.Agriculture

This is Zanu’s standard cash cow for stealing money. They big famers (who also happen to be Zanu officials) loans which they don’t pay back.

2.Mining

Mining has become the chief money making scam used by Zanu and the military. They mine above the law, and everything they make from mining they pocket without paying taxes. The IMF fund could be used to buy machinery at inflated prices from other Zanu or cartel connections. At the end of it all, the money from the IMF will eventually be pocketed by Zanu officials who are into mining as well as the infamous cartels who surround the regime like flies to excrement.

3.Government tenders

Tenders are one of the common way money is stolen. Contracts are dished out to companies belonging to Zanu officials and those grubby cartels whereby one of these groups are given a contact at an inflated price to deliver a public service for example, but then the public service is not delivered and if it is delivered it will be dysfunctional. For example, a company (owned by Zanu officials or a cartel) can be given a tender to fix let’s say 5000 potholes in Harare l for USD5m when the actual cost is probably around USD. The company takes the money and fixes about 1000 potholes which are often located on roads used by Zanu officials. At the end of it all, millions would have been pocketed and the service paid for would be poor – there will still be potholes in Harare especially in areas where the poor live. Just as it was with the Drax scandal, Covid will continue to be an opportunity for Zanu chefs to get government contracts where they pocket most of the money at the expense of public service.

4.Bonuses, allowances and perks

Bonuses and allowances are a form of theft that many people ignore because no one really knows what these old men and women are getting from the system. Based on the way Zanu treat the country like it’s their tuckshop, a reliable assumptions is one that assumes that Zanu chefs don’t pay for anything using their money. So things like cars, fuel, clothes, medical treatment, school and university fees for their children, electricity and water bills, are all paid for by the government as part of their perks. On top of that, they will give themselves bonuses and new second hand cars from Asia.

5.Forex exchange

This scam lacks sophistication but it shows the rottenness of the system. The scam involves a Zanu chef applying for US dollars and then buying them at a very low rate from Reserve Bank using millions of bond notes piles and piles of which Zanu chefs are known to store in their homes.

By A Correspondent- The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has appointed experienced medical doctor, Professor Elopy Sibanda as the institution’s executive dean in the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof Sibanda has 34 years’ experience in the medical field and is expected to play a critical role in re-positioning of Nust into a specialist medical school. The institution has already started recruiting specialist doctors ahead of its new strategic role.

Cabinet last year resolved that post-Covid-19, Nust in partnership with National Social Security Authority (Nssa), will transform Ekusileni Medical Centre into a specialist medical school.

The university envisages Ekusileni becoming the crux of medical tourism that may generate much-needed foreign currency for the country and provide essential services for locals at affordable costs. Medical tourism results when foreigners visit a country for medical services. India and South Africa are among the countries that are benefiting from traffic from Zimbabwe as the countries have better facilities to treat most ailments and usually charge less.

In a statement, Nust communication and marketing director Mr Thabani Mpofu said Prof Sibanda brings vast experience that the university needs as it focuses on its role.

“His vast experience in academic, research and administration comes in handy for Nust at a time when the university is recruiting specialists in the Faculty of Medicine as it gears for the transformation of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Hospital into a top specialist facility with many disciplines in post Covid-19,” said Mr Mpofu.

“His major tasks include promoting specialised research and ensuring that the best care available anywhere is readily available for the nation and the Sadc region here at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Hospital.”

He said Nust medical experts were already providing services at the recently opened Ekusileni Medical Centre for Covid-19 patients. Mr Mpofu said Prof Sibanda is a holder of a Medical Degree from the Medical University of Gdansk in Poland and a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Immunology from Birmingham University in the UK. He is a clinical immunology and allergy specialist.

“Prof Sibanda served as a lecturer in immunology at the University of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 2009. Thereafter, he was the Sadc Advisor on Health Laboratories, spearheading the establishment of supranational reference laboratories for HIV, TB and malaria in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa,” said Mr Mpofu.

He said he is a member of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe and General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Three miners died in two separate mine accidents which occurred in Matabeleland South Province.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred at John A Big Ben Mine in Gwanda and Stambok Mine in Filabusi on September 4.

“I can confirm that we recorded two mine accidents in Matabeleland South Province where three mine workers died. In the first incident two illegal gold panners were working at a disused mine shaft at John A Big Ben Mine. Whilst they were inside the shaft collapsed and trapped Vincent Bhebhe. His peer alerted other miners who were close by and they retrieved Bhebhe’s body. He was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“In another incident six miners were working at Stambok Mine in Insiza. Three workers went down a 12-metre-deep shaft while the other three remained on the surface. The shaft collapsed and trapped them. Cleopas Moyo and Judge Moyo died on the spot while Blessing Sibanda sustained injuries,” she said.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has warned citizens that public places will not be accessible to those who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 once Government relaxes strict movement conditions under lockdown level 4.

His statement runs against recently pronounced Government policy that vaccination is voluntary. Chiwenga who was speaking from Buhera where he was touring Dorowa, a phosphate mine on Sunday also contradicts a statement made by the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa in Chipinge recently that members of the public will not be forced to get vaccinated.

“As the Minister of Health and Child Care, I will make sure that vaccination certificates will be required for people to access public places although we have relaxed a few things. I therefore encourage people to be vaccinated as it will be difficult to enjoy services when lockdown measures are relaxed.

“We will allow you to watch soccer, watch cricket and enjoy food in a restaurant but you will be required to produce a vaccination certificate. We will not allow you to enter public places without a vaccination certificate,” said Chiwenga.

Chipinge Times attended the Sunday event where Chiwenga met company executives and Government officials as the first step towards the commissioning of fertilizer value chain that will see four critical ministries namely Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Mines and Ministry of transport coming together to bring the project to fruition.

The Government intends to make Dorowa Minerals viable so that the country stops importing fertiliser.

Dorowa Mine is a subsidiary of Chemplex Corporation that falls under the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe, a Government owned entity.

The mine produces phosphate which is processed to produce phosphorous used in the production of fertilizers, food additives, treatment of water, metals, manufacturing of detergents and processing of meat products.-

Newsday

By A Correspondent- A Filabusi woman allegedly ganged up with her son and brother to kill her boyfriend before burning and burying his remains in a shallow grave in a nearby mountain.

The woman, Siphathisiwe Sifiso Dube (49), from Siyaphambili Village, appeared before Filabusi regional magistrate Abednico Ndebele last Friday charged with the murder of Stanley Moyo along with her son Mqondisi Mkandla (20) and her younger brother Bhekimpilo Nkomo (42).

They were not asked to plead, and the magistrate remanded them in custody to September 16.

He advised them to apply for bail at the High Court due to the severity of the case.

Prosecutor Shepherd Moyo told the court that on August 16 this year, Dube and Moyo had a misunderstanding over an unspecified issue.

Nkomo and Mkandla intervened and allegedly assaulted Moyo, leading to his death.

The court further heard that the trio carried the body to a nearby mountain, where they buried it in a shallow grave.

The prosecution alleged that after a few days, the three discovered that dogs had dug up the grave and were feasting on Moyo’s body. They then allegedly decided to burn and rebury it.

The offence came to light after Moyo’s relatives started looking for him. The court heard that Dube voluntarily led the police to where they had buried Moyo.

– NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it will assess the preparedness of learners to write the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) exams this year before the specific dates for the exams are set.

Schools reopened for examination classes on 30 September and non-exam classes on 6 September amid concerns that learners will not be prepared to sit for public examinations this year, especially considering that the term ends on 17 December 2021.

While some schools have been conducting virtual lessons and radio lessons, there have been concerns that some learners, mainly those in rural areas, have technology access issues and were not benefiting from the intervention.

On Monday the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education launched a toll-free line, and parents used the opportunity to express their concerns about the preparedness of their children to write exams.

Responding to the concerns later in an interview with State media, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo said:

One of the concerns raised by parents was on the preparedness of the children for exams.

At the moment I can’t say anything definite about the exam calendar, but as the term continues, we will be assessing the preparedness of learners and we will be getting updates on the progress being made in schools and then the ministry will make an informed decision, which will be in the best interest of learners.

We have launched a toll-free line 317, which is a platform for stakeholders to get in touch will the ministry.

We tested the toll-free line during the launch and we received calls from parents who were airing out their concerns.

Meanwhile, teachers’ unions have argued that learners are not prepared as they lost learning time during the prolonged COVID-19 breaks, basically a full term of school.

They want examinations to be postponed to next year when pupils will have ample time to catch up on time lost during the lockdown.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has delayed the reviewing of September 2021 fuel prices citing developments taking place in the international oil market.

In a statement released on Monday, ZERA said it will announce the September 2021 fuel prices in due course, while in the meantime, fuel dealers should continue using the August prices. The Authority said:

According to Statutory Instrument 270 of 2019, Petroleum (Petroleum Products Pricing) Regulations, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is supposed to review and announce fuel prices by the 5th of every month.

However, due to developments that are taking place, ZERA will issue a statement on the September 2021 fuel prices after the statutory set date.

ZERA is working vigorously to have the fuel prices for the month announced and are paying close attention to trends on the international oil market while consulting local key stakeholders on the likely impact of the developments on the final pump prices.

Fuel operators are therefore urged to continue trading as per the August 2021 fuel prices while consultations are being finalised.

The September 2021 fuel prices will be announced in due course.

By A Corespondent- Passion Java has caused a stir at Glenview 8 home market, where he addressed hundreds of people without observing Civid-19 protocols.

This week, the overzealous Zanu PF apologist was the Glenview 8 home market campaigning for Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

At the market, Java is seen in a video addressing hundreds of maskless people stampeding to shake hands with him.

This is happening at a time the police are arresting ordinary people for merely not properly wearing masks.

Yesterday in Chitungwiza, the police arrested MDC-Alliance National Chairman Job Sikhala’s daughter for contravening Covid-19 regulations when she was shooting her birthday pictures.

Java has been moving around the country, mobilising for Zanu PF and addressing hundreds of people without observing Covid-19 protocols, but

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo headmaster has lost a school truck and cash while having s_x in the car.

Vusumuzi Nkiwane, the headmaster of David Livingstone High School in Ntabazinduna, lost a Ford Ranger worth US$50 000 plus cash when two armed robbers pounced on them.

Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident which happened on 1 September in a wooded area near the United College of Education.

Speaking after the incident Inspector Ncube urged members of the public to use lodges and hotels when they want to have leisure as it is very risky to go to the bush. He said:

These people could have used US$20 at a lodge than to lose a car which is estimated to cost US$48,000 and cash to robbers.
According to the police report, the two robbers who were armed with an axe and a knife caught Nkiwane and his lover getting intimate inside the car.
The robbers pounced on them and demanded cash and the car keys. However, the headmaster allegedly tried to resist their demands but was forced to hand over US$455 and R4 000 in cash and car keys after one of the robbers stabbed him once in the thigh.

After collecting the cash, the robbers forced the headmaster and his lover out of the car and drove away in the grey Ford Ranger owned by the Presbyterian-run school

By A Correspondent- Police in Chitungwiza have arrested MDC-Alliance National Chairman and Zengeza West lawmaker Job Sikhala’s daughter for shooting her birthday pictures.

Announcing the arrest of his daughter Deborah, on his Tweeter account Monday, the courageous top Nelson Chamisa ally said he would fight for the freedom of his daughter.

” My daughter was supposed to celebrate her 18th birthday 2day and went for a photoshoot at Huruyadzo & some corrupt 

@PoliceZimbabwe

 St. Mary’s, who are famous for moving around in a ramshackle old Mazda B1800 harassing anyone on sight, arrested her & detained her in solitary confinement,” said Sikhala.

By Desdemona Munengwa| With COVID-19 reportedly causing increased poverty levels globally, Chisumbanje women in Chipinge district have turned to selling mice (mbeva) and quelea birds (ngozha) for survival.

Chisumbanje area is currently experiencing an outbreak of mice which villagers catch in large numbers for household relish and selling to travelers along the Tanganda-Ngundu highway.

One person can catch more than 200 mice in one day while those with more traps can even catch up to a thousand.

Speaking during a recent meeting conducted by the Platform For Youth and Community Development which works in Chipinge and Chimanimani communities, women confessed that the outbreak of mice had helped them overcome poverty which was caused by COVID-19 and lockdowns imposed by government.

One villager and a PYCD gender activist Qxhelani Mahanya said “We can catch about more than 300 mice per night and then after preparing them, we sell them for R1 or 10 bond.

This has been a blessing in disguise as we are able to make money to buy other household needs.”

A vendor at Checheche Growth point, Tariro (24) said selling mice has helped her a lot as she is relieved of buying relish and cooking oil.

“Buying cooking oil is no-longer a necessity as the mice we catch have own fat which we also use in vegetables,” said Tariro.

According to WFP, over a quarter of the country’s urban residents are resorting to skipping meals almost daily, and only 54 % are eating an acceptable diet.

This year’s edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’s released last week estimated that around a tenth of the global population – up to 811 million people – were undernourished last year.

The number suggests it will take a tremendous effort for the world to honor its pledge to end hunger by 2030.

By A Correspondent- Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission (ZACC) for “fraudulent distribution of sugarcane plots.”

Chadzamira was torn apart and publicly ridiculed by former First Lady Grace Mugabe as he fought in Mr Mnangagwa ‘s corner at the height of the G40, Lacoste hegemonic struggle.

“Minister of State for Masvingo Ezra Ruvai Chadzamira has been arrested by officers from ZACC. He is currently detained at Masvingo Magistrate Court,” a source at Benjamin Burombo Building in Masvingo told ZimEye.com at the time of writing.

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo headmaster has lost a school truck and cash while having s_x in the car.

Vusumuzi Nkiwane, the headmaster of David Livingstone High School in Ntabazinduna, lost a Ford Ranger worth US$50 000 plus cash when two armed robbers pounced on them.

Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident which happened on 1 September in a wooded area near the United College of Education.

Speaking after the incident Inspector Ncube urged members of the public to use lodges and hotels when they want to have leisure as it is very risky to go to the bush. He said:

These people could have used US$20 at a lodge than to lose a car which is estimated to cost US$48,000 and cash to robbers.
According to the police report, the two robbers who were armed with an axe and a knife caught Nkiwane and his lover getting intimate inside the car.
The robbers pounced on them and demanded cash and the car keys. However, the headmaster allegedly tried to resist their demands but was forced to hand over US$455 and R4 000 in cash and car keys after one of the robbers stabbed him once in the thigh.

After collecting the cash, the robbers forced the headmaster and his lover out of the car and drove away in the grey Ford Ranger owned by the Presbyterian-run school

By A Correspondent- Financial services giant, CBZ Holdings Limited has sent dozens of workers home after completing an extensive review of its business model.

NewsDay reports that negotiations will kick-off between CBZ and the Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers’ Union (Zibawu) with Zibawu pushing for packages that are considerate of the state of the economy.

CBZ is under pressure to work out packages that cushion staff from the economic meltdown after Stanbic Bank said it paid out $430 million early this year.

Although the number of affected workers was not clear on the weekend, unions said ‘several dozens’ were asked to go on unpaid leave on September 1. CBZ said in letters sent out to affected staff last week:

The group is undertaking a comprehensive review and reorganisation of its structures and business operating model in line with changes in the corporate landscapes and the way we do business.

Owing to the nature and purpose of the review and reorganisation of structures and business operating model, the group can no longer retain your service as a permanent employee or as a shift or short term employee. You have been included in a retrenchment list which has been forwarded to the retrenchment board and the works council. It is anticipated that the retrenchment process will be finalised by or before the 30th of September 2021. You are required to proceed on paid leave.

CBZ also called for a virtual meeting of affected staff on September 8.

A Zibawu spokesperson acknowledged receiving reports of fresh job cuts at CBZ but noted that it was premature to comment.

There have been massive layoffs in Zimbabwe’s banking sector since 2012 when the second wave of bank failures rattled the markets in the aftermath of the 2004 to 2008 financial crisis.

Last week, Stanbic Bank said job cuts carried out during the first half of 2021 added $430 million to total expenses during the half-year ended June 30, 2021, as Covid-19-induced hard lockdowns depressed the trading revenue line.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa miss this year’s United Nations General Assembly but will follow the proceedings online.

This is the second year running for Mnangagwa to virtually attend the high-level annual event attended by member heads of States.

The UN General Assembly runs from September 21 to September 27 in New York, United States of America.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, his spin doctor George Charamba said Mnangagwa had opted not to attend the summit in person.

“In light of the continuing Covid-19 global threat and to allow for the consolidation of reforms and recovery of our economy whose fundamentals are pointing in a positive trajectory, His Excellency the President Dr E.D Mnangagwa has this year decided not to attend the United National General Assembly in person. Instead, he will participate virtually via video conferencing. This mode includes his pre-recorded address which is slotted for Thursday September 23 2021 and any other high-level meetings occurring on the side-lines of the main debate,” said Mr Charamba.
He said organisers of the UN General Assembly have said the event is a hybrid one where some delegates can attend it physically while others virtually.
“Key issues and decisions are set to be discussed and decided on in the course of the General Assembly. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, organisers have recommended a hybrid Assembly where member States have an option to either attend physically through country delegates or virtually through online platforms,” he said.