Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’ s Republic of China.
Statement by Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Release of US Intelligence Report on COVID-19 Origins (2021-8-28) The US intelligence community has recently compiled a so-called report on the origins of COVID-19. It is a mendacious report made up for political purposes. There is no scientific basis or credibility in it. The US has also released a statement slandering and attacking China. The Chinese side hereby expresses its firm objection. It has made strong representations with the US. We have stressed on multiple occasions that origins tracing of COVID-19 is a complex issue of science. It should and can only be undertaken by scientists around the world through joint research. The US, however, disregards science and facts. It is instead obsessed with political manipulation and origins tracing by the intelligence community. Without providing any evidence, the US has cooked up one story after another to defame and accuse China. The aim is to use origins tracing to shift blame onto China and spread the political virus. The deployment of the intelligence community in origins tracing is in itself a compelling evidence of the politicization of the issue. The US accuses China of not being transparent or cooperative on origins tracing. This is sheer nonsense. China attaches great importance to international scientific cooperation on origins tracing, and has taken an active part in such cooperation. Acting on the principles of science, openness and transparency, we have twice invited WHO experts to China for origins tracing research.
Early this year, a WHO-China joint study team of leading international and Chinese experts conducted a 28-day research in China and released a Joint Report containing authoritative, professional and science-based conclusions. This is a good foundation for international cooperation on origins tracing. We have been supporting science-based efforts on origins tracing, and will continue to stay actively engaged. That said, we firmly oppose attempts to politicize this issue.
It is actually the US that is not being transparent, responsible and cooperative on this issue. The US has been refusing to respond to the international community’s reasonable doubts on the Fort Detrick biolab and the over 200 overseas bases for biological experiments, trying to cover up the truth and avoid being held responsible. The onus is on the US to give the world an answer. The US attempts to politicize origins tracing have found no support and met widespread opposition from the international community: More than 80 countries have written to the WHO Director-General, issued statements, or sent diplomatic notes to voice their objection to the politicization attempts and call for the Joint Report by the WHO-China joint study team to be upheld; over 300 political parties, social organizations and think tanks from more than 100 countries and regions have submitted a joint statement to the WHO Secretariat on opposing the politicization of origins tracing; and over 25 million Chinese netizens have signed an open letter asking for an inquiry into the Fort Detrick base. These are people’s calls for justice. As a Chinese saying goes, a just cause attracts abundant support, while an unjust one finds little. We want to once again warn the US side that politicizing origins tracing will lead nowhere. We urge the US to immediately stop doing anything that poisons the atmosphere for international cooperation on origins tracing or undermines global solidarity against the pandemic, and return to the right track of science-based origins tracing and cooperation in the face of the pandemic.
Manchester City won 5-0 at the Etihad for the second time this season as a dismal Arsenal capitulated following the dismissal of Granit Xhaka.
As against Chelsea a week ago, Mikel Arteta’s side started brightly but fell to pieces once Ilkay Gundogan headed home Gabriel Jesus’ cross early on. They were 2-0 down after 12 minutes when some dreadful defending allowed Ferran Torres to poke home.
Xhaka was deservedly sent off ten minutes from half time for an idiotic challenge that saw both feet off the floor and Cancelo lucky to escape injury.
Jesus added a third on the stroke of half time following fine work from Jack Grealish before Rodri made it four early in the second half. Torres added his second and City’s fifth late on as Pep Guardiola’s side showed no mercy.
Three games, no points and no goals represents Arsenal’s worst start to a season since the war and things need to improve soon if Arteta is to remain in a job for much longer.
Guardiola faces the cameras: “We found the goals. After Xhaka was sent off it was easier for us.
“The game was good. We had problems with the process from Ederson.
“We are the same as we have done in the two or three years in the passed. Always a club has to try to improve and have a desire to get better … but with these players we are going to go.”
On Arteta: “He is beyond a good manager. We were sad when he left. Sometimes people expect results immediately. Today the team he played is missing six or seven of the players. I am a big fan of him, they trust him and he will do a good job at Arsenal.” Full time: City 5 Arsenal 0 A chastening afternoon in Manchester for the visitors. What next for Arteta? Arsenal simply have to put together some kind of run after no points and no goals from their first three games.
City weren’t even close to top gear. – The Athletic
We are deeply saddened and affected by the misunderstanding that took place at Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube ‘s office yesterday.
This was as a result of the gallant sons and daughters of this land who are now senior citizens effort to enquire and raise their complaints for the government to increase their current monthly pension which is about zw$16000.
It is evident to any Zimbabwean that this paltry amount is insufficient to cater for a decent livelihood for any Zimbabwean under the prevailing economic environment.
Gagging war veterans is inconsiderate as they made a sacrifice for the free Zimbabwe that we now all dwell in and their grievances should be a serious point of concern of the Government of Zimbabwe.
One of the war veterans reported that they were not demonstrating but rather were adhering to Covid 19 regulations as they were waiting for the Minister to bring back a response to them.
There is no way a senior citizen above 60 would incite violence when they have serious bread and butter issues to attend to. These war veterans were sincerely seeking the Finance Ministers audience and it is their right to do so.
They were blocked from seeing him whilst waiting for their response. Ministers are public officials who should be accessible by all those with grievances pertaining to any issue of concern in the relevant ministry.
As LEAD we feel that there was a gross misunderstanding and overeaction to which the war veterans must be pardoned and at least be given a chance to be heard.
That is the democratic country that we know which should give citizens a chance to be heard and express themselves.
It is embarrassing that a while Police spokesperson denies that War Veterans were arrested yesterday yet there is picture evidence to the unlawful arrest of peaceful, law abiding citizens.
We implore the government of Zimbabwe to wear a human face and seriously consider the plight of war veterans and all pensioners in Zimbabwe who are getting peanuts every Monthend.
Pensioners in Zimbabwe are now living in abject poverty yet they contributed for their social security whilst they were still employed.
Pensioners deserve decent livelihoods and the Ministry of Public Service, NSSA and all Pension funds should seriously consider reviewing the pension payouts they are giving pensioners to decent amounts that can sustain livelihoods.
LEAD remains committed to ensuring that all senior citizens live a life free of fear, want, hunger and poverty.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for continuously deferring by-elections by not exercising his Executive powers to proclaim election dates.
Zec has been under criticism for its continued suspension of by-elections citing COVID-19 restrictions after about 48 parliamentary seats and over 80 council seats fell vacant following recalls of MDC Alliance legislators and councillors by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T party.
Zec commissioner Qhubani Moyo yesterday said the electoral management body last September announced dates for by-elections before Mnangagwa reversed the decision through promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 10 of 2021, citing COVID-19 fears.
Speaking during a virtual meeting held under the theme, Zambia’s Historic Elections: Lessons for Zimbabwe which was hosted by the Centre for Information and Technology, Moyo said: “Zec once announced dates for the holding of elections, but the SI then came in.”
“Countries have responded differently to COVID-19, our response has almost been like that of South Africa. Zec will hold elections once the SI is out of the way. Zec manages elections, but the proclamation of dates is done by the President and because of the SI in place, proclamation has not been done.”
He added: “There is also a court challenge of the SI which also complicates the work of Zec. Zimbabwe has always held elections when due, but with COVID-19 elections had to be suspended. Currently, there is an SI in place which makes it impossible for Zec to hold elections even if it wanted.”
Moyo also said there was an overwhelming number of people who were willing to register to vote, but it would open more registration centres when the COVID-19 “scare” was over.
The meeting was attended by rights activists and election analysts from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zec has noted the appetite people have to register to vote and will increase access to registration when the COVID-19 scare is out of the way,” Moyo said.
He dismissed accusations that the commission was biased towards Zanu-PF, saying opposition parties viewed the commission with suspicion because they wanted favours from it.
Zec has been accused of necessitating poll theft against MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa in favour of Mnangagwa, who won the election with 50,7% of the votes against Chamisa’s 44,3% in the 2018 presidential poll.
Moyo admitted that there was unfair coverage of political parties on State media, with the ruling Zanu-PF party dominating coverage.
“There is a provision in the law for parties contesting in elections to be allowed space to campaign in the media, but some parties have not been able to utilise it. In some cases, the incumbent has benefited as its candidates have also been covered as government officials,” he said.
“Zec shouldn’t be pressured to announce results and then blamed for errors. Zec should be left to announce within the five days provided for in the law unless it is changed. After all, the results would be announced and displayed outside polling stations soon after voting.”
Human rights activist and Zimbabwe Elections Support Network board member Rosewita Katsande said the Zambian elections had proved that it was possible for Zimbabwe to hold its own elections amid the pandemic, subject to adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Zambia held its polls two weeks ago under the COVID-19 pandemic. Hakainde Hachilema, who was an opposition leader beat the incumbent Edgar Lungu and has since been inaugurated.
“There is a need to ensure the political consciousness of the youth in Zimbabwe so that they understand how participation in politics can change their conditions,” Katsande said.
“Messages should respond to youth concerns.”
Zambian election analyst Susan Mwape, who was a guest speaker at the meeting, said civil society groups, churches and artists played a key role in mobilising people to vote.
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
By A Correspondent |MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the death of media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the inauguration of the seventh President of the republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, President Chamisa said he last appeared on national television when he was a Member of Parliament long back.
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the will of the people.
“In Zimbabwe we only have one television station, which is a bizarre scenario.
It is sad to note that as the leader of the alternative, I am being denied coverage.
They don’t even allow me to express my views on national television.
Despite the setbacks, we are unshakable and unbreakable,” said President Chamisa.
The MDC Alliance leader also scoffed at the “Twitter President” claims…
” They ( Zanu PF bigwigs) say I am a Twitter President…
I am happy they acknowledge that I am a President,” said President Chamisa.
By A Correspondent | Talk has sprung under allegations that MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa is an anti vaxxer. These thoughts emerged from a chopped clip of a Zambia media interview of the man in the neighbouring country during the week.
Nelson Chamisa was responding to a question on Emmerson Mnangagwa vaccinating a section of the population and Chamisa spoke against the foreign donations syndrome, of which safety concerns have been raised by scientists far and wide, including Zimbabwe’s own Dr Robert Mudyiramwa.
the controversial clip in circulation
Vaccine manufacturing is a protected national security portfolio of developed countries, and locally the donation dependency syndrome has resulted in massive looting in which the Finance Ministry has been implicated.
Even if president Mnangagwa’s govt has managed to have 1.5 million people vaccinated out of the 1 million people 60% of the population …. asked the reporter, to which Chamisa quipped in saying:
“Vaccination is not done by government….vaccination is done by individuals who opt to be vaccinated, but on this matter, it is actually all donated by other countries.
“In this day and age, we are not even talking about our own pharmaceutical capacities, having our own laboratories as an African continent, to develop our own vaccines.
“Why should we wait for donors to deal with our health? Why do we trust those who are coming from outside to then come and give our the appropriate dose, or medicine for that matter?
“We are in the era of things like biological warfare. We have no guarantee that what we have is the best for the people…”
A recent video shows Mnangagwa threatening to withhold public services from unvaccinated people. At the time, his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa would be announcing that no one will be forced into vaccination.
In recent months however most businesses around the country, currently struggling due to the the heavy carnage of employee and general public deaths, have begun demanding proof of vaccination.
Chamisa’s comments appeared to follow those of COVID Taskforce Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri who in January said she does not trust vaccines donated by the Chinese govt.
As for me I don’t want your vaccine, why don’t we manufacture our own?, Muchinguri said at the time, though she would 3 months later get the same inoculation having changed her mind.
By A Correspondent | MDC Alliance Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende has pointed out that the penniless Zanu PF regime will use IMF funds to finance its political programmes.
According to Hon Hwende, the regime wants to use $ 500 million to boost campaign programmes.
See statement below:
MDC Secretary General Honourable Chalton Hwende : Kuwadzana East Constituency:
Running a Political Party as big as MDC requires resources. Our primary source of funding is our Membership.
I have noticed that everytime we appeal for donations ZANUPF trolls are the first to post and discourage because they know that without funds it’s difficult to mobilize and organize.
ZANUPF uses State resources and force business people to donate.
The $500Million that The Minister of Finance is reserving from the IMF Windfall lying that it’s for supporting the currency is money being reserved for their 2023 Campaign.
I appreciate and accept the criticism that you direct at me and we are implementing some of your suggestions but help our Treasurer to raise funds for us to use by encouraging people to join the MDC Alliance Today. Let’s share and encourage our friends
By A Correspondent- A Chiredzi man died two weeks ago after he was fatally attacked by an allegedly intoxicated villager for allegedly being boastful.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public who may be aware of Sibanda’s whereabouts to approach the police.
Said Dhewa:
I can confirm the incident which took place in Chikombedzi where a man was murdered and the accused is yet to be arrested.
It is alleged that Gumhani Dike, 36, and his 10-year-old son were on their way to Chomupani Business Center when he met Andsern Sibanda on August 11, 2021.
Dike greeted Sibanda who instead of greeting him back accused him of being boastful.
A misunderstanding ensued before Sibanda grabbed a stone and hit Dike repeatedly on the head.
It is further alleged that Dike sustained deep cuts.
Sources further say Sibanda fled the scene and the minor child who was watching helplessly while his father was being attacked rushed to report the matter to one of the villagers.
Dike was ferried to Chomupani Clinic where he was referred to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital the following day.
However, his condition continued to deteriorate and he died around 8 PM on the same day.
By A Correspondent- In a grim case of child se_xual abuse, a 16 year old boy in Bulawayo turned into a marauding se_xual predator when he allegedly engaged in anal se_x with a 10-year-old boy before preying on four other boys.
The boy, from Queens Park East suburb, performed the alleged dastardly acts on the boys aged between seven and ten.
Allegations are that sometime this year on an unknown date, when he was accompanying his uncle to a bus stop, he requested the first victim, a 10-year-old boy to accompany them and he agreed. When the alleged perpetrator’s uncle boarded a kombi, the two — suspect and the victim — returned home.
It is reported that while on their way back home, they reached a bushy area near ZRP Queens Park and the suspect requested to have anal se_x with the victim who turned down the request. The seemingly se_xually frustrated suspect forcibly removed the victim’s pair of shorts and sucked his penis and anus.
It is yet to be proven that the following day the boy asked the same victim to accompany him to one of the sports clubs in the suburb.
On their way and when they arrived at a bushy area near the sports club in question the teenage suspect again requested to have anal se_x with the victim and he refused.
Incensed by his denial, he forcibly undressed him before he ordered him to lie facing downwards and allegedly had anal se_x with him.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations later revealed that sometime last year the suspect had also abused another 10-year-old boy who is also his neighbour. He repeatedly f0ndled his manhood after he refused to have anal se_x with him.
As if that was not enough, it also emerged that on an unknown date but sometime last year the alleged se_x pest preyed on another victim, a nine-year-old boy, when he called him to their kitchen and solicited for anal se_x and he refused. As punishment supposedly for turning down his se_xual demands he allegedly f0ndled his manhood.
It is further reported that again on an unknown date, but sometime last year, the teenage suspect approached another victim, a seven-year-old boy, when he was outside the house playing with his friends and dragged him to their kitchen.
While inside he tied the victim’s hands with shoelaces before he unzipped his pair of trousers and took out his manhood and started sucking it.
After the dastardly act, the boy pushed the victim outside the house and threatened to assault him if he revealed the matter to anyone.
It is alleged that after the abuse, the alleged perpetrator would constantly prey on the victim, fondling and licking his manhood.
It is further reported that on 25 November 2020, the daring se_x pest approached another victim who is nine years old and asked him to have anal se_x with him and he refused.
In a fit of pique, the boy dragged the victim to a nearby playground where he tied his hands with shoelaces and started f0ndling his pen_is.
Investigations by the police later led to the arrest of the boy and his subsequent appearance in court before Bulawayo magistrate Stephen Ndhlovu charged with four counts of indecent assault and one of aggravated indecent assault.
The boy was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 20 September 2021.
By A Correspondent- The new Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has started erasing former President Edgar Lungu’s footprints and setting up a cabinet.
HH said his first appointment would be with the finance minister.
Posting on his Twitter handle Friday, Hichilema, who was inaugurated Tuesday, said:
Good morning beloved citizens; we are doing things in a phased and coordinated manner that will yield positive results. My first Cabinet appointment is with the Minister of Finance this morning. I shall keep you updated as we progress.
Hichilema later tweeted announcing that Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane was the new Finance Minister. He said: Our Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has a wealth of experience from being an advisor to the IMF, an advisor to President Mwanawasa, Secretary to the Treasury, deputy Bank of Zambia governor, among other relevant functions that will be valuable for his role. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane is a former Minister of Finance and Government Secretary to the Treasury under the Multi-party Democracy (MMD) government, also known as New Hope MMD.
While some hailed Hichilema for appointing an experienced person, some said the new leader must consider giving the youths an opportunity.
Mr Hichilema won a landslide victory in a 12 August election, defeating outgoing president Edgar Chagwa Lungu by more than a million votes. He has promised change for Zambians, saying the struggling economy will be revived.
“I met Olivia at our family village and proposed love to her since she would visit the village after a very long time.
“It was after I impreg_nated her when one of elders in the village disclosed it to me that she was my niece, Patrick’s daughter.
“We were in love and upon asking my cousin, Patrick, he denied and I went on to ask Olivia’s mother about it and she became angry.
“She became furious about it and told me to pay her a fine of a beast accusing me of labelling her a pr0stitute since she had been married to another man who is late now.
“Olivia did not know that the man she called her father was not her biological father as the family members kept it a secret up to this day.
“Iyezvino upenyu hwangu ini marwadzo, hapana chirikufamba ndirikungoita munyama wega wega uye mudzimai wangu ari kushungurudzwa mudzinhamo matinoenda.
“At one time I approached my mother-in-law with the intention to pay lobola but I was turned down although her husband was still alive.
“She is now a single mother and this is the time village people are beginning to unearth all these issues but already I have three children and the fourth one passed on.
“We raised issues of DNA tests but the alleged parents are failing to cooperate.
“I am appealing to traditional leaders to help me in addressing this matter because my life and that of my children born out of this marriage are not in good shape,” said Charles.
Olivia narrated her ordeal describing the matter as too sensitive and delicate since it involves her biological mother.
“I do not have much to say but my life is in danger as well as that of my baby I am expecting,” said Olivia.
“I was humiliated recently when we visited the village to attend a funeral.
“The issue was topical at the funeral wake as well as on the family WhatsApp group and I do not know more about this and my mother is in that position to explain.
“What I know is that my father died and upon his death some issues pointing me to another father became the talk at my mother’s family,” said Olivia.
Contacted for comment, Patrick denied the allegation saying he has no child by the name Olivia.
“Vanopenga avo ini handina mwana anonzi Olivia akaroorwa naCharles,” said Patrick.
Ella, the mother to Olivia refused to entertain H-Metro to give her side of the story.
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has died.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched an investigation into the causes of his helicopter accident last Sunday.
Mnangagwa, who was coming from his Kwekwe farm last Sunday, had his chopper forced into an emergency landing near Norton over 60 kilometres southwest of Harare after developing a technical fault.
Security sources told The NewsHawks the crash landing incident happened on Sunday around 4 pm in the Sandringham area, Matsvaire village, in Chegutu district.
The sources said Mnangagwa was rattled and terrified by the incident, which forced him into a scary emergency while returning to Harare. Said a source:
The incident happened in Sandringham. A probe into what happened to the President’s chopper is currently underway. Whenever the President is not flying the helicopter, the helicopter will be parked at Manyame Air Base in Harare and it’s usually flown when he visits his Sherwood farm or when he wants to travel to remote areas.
From Manyame, it usually picks him up from his state residence, but sometimes it lands at Morris Depot grounds where it would be under police guard. While many people think that he has bought a new chopper, it’s not true, the helicopter which was forced to make an emergency landing is an old one which was resprayed.
Initially, it had been agreed after the incident that he should be picked up to complete the journey by road, but while the motorcade was on its way, a second helicopter was sent to fly him back home.
Sources said investigations underway on the incident would involve the Air Force, intelligence services, Presidential Guard and aviation experts. Earlier this month, he was forced to make a last-minute flight postponement to Mutare due to bad weather.
Sources said following the Sunday incident, strict protocols in maintaining the President’s chopper are expected to be enforced after the probe is concluded.
The presidential spokesman, George Charamba, said he was not aware of the incident.
In April this year, three Air Force officers died when their helicopter crashed in Arcturus near Harare.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.”
He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
Own Correspondent- The MDC-T is now a house of confusion as it’s leaders are reportedly relying with sangomas and prophets to seek spiritual powers to win the 2023 general elections.
Mwonzora’s top officials were reportedly spotted during night at the house of Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.
Makomichi is known for distributing love and business charms .
Reports say Mwonzora and his followers are seeking secret powers to win elections.
“I don’t disclose the names of my clients, but as for Mwonzora I can’t pray for him because his bad luck is insurmountable. Of course I can make make everyone who approaches me rich but Mwonzora’s issue is too complicated. I don’t want to take his money for nothing that’s why I denied their seeding, they said they want secret powers for elections” Makomichi claimed.
One political analyst has pointed out that MDC-T is wasting time by seeking powers to win elections from Makomichi because the preacher himself also hates Mwonzora.
Mwonzora is being used by Zanu PF to destroy Nelson Chamisa.
Two Hindu temples in Harare, run by Hindu Society Harare (HSH), which have reportedly been closed for months due to COVID-19, have reopened; but entry is restricted for community members “who have had both doses of COVID 19 vaccination”.
Society’s notice issued on August 27 states: …The Anson Road Mandir is also open for all prayer and bhajan groups who wish to recommence their sessions…Please show the guard your vaccination card at the point of entry of the Anson Road Mandir…
Janmastami (which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna) day ceremonies; which include bhajans, thaal arti, prasad; will be held at Anson Road Mandir on August 30 from 03:30 pm to 05:30 pm. But the evening Janmastami ceremonies, performed by priest and his family at Anson Road Mandir will be broadcast live on YouTube and Society’s Facebook.
Commending HSH for attempting necessary precautions and actions to combat deadly coronavirus and educating the community, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged Hindus to draw closer to God through prayer during COVID-19.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested Hindus to pray at least twice daily in their home shrines with total devotion and pure heart. These prayers might include making offerings to ista-devata, chanting mantras, reading sacred texts, performing aarti and bhajans, doing puja, etc.
Hindus are God’s people, full of courage and generosity. Petition God for the common good of all the local and world communities during these times of confusion and suffering, Rajan Zed says.
Cameron Street Shree Omkar Mandir celebrated 90th anniversary in February 2019, while 25th anniversary of Ridgeview Shree Omkar Mandir was observed in 2017. HSH “intends to publish a written record” of the hundred years of “community’s existence in Zimbabwe”.
In the pre-COVID-19 times, HSH reportedly had been conducting various bhajan events, twice-weekly yoga classes, Hindi lessons, cultural/social activities; organized daily aarti at both the temples with Havan on Sundays; and offered funeral assistance for bereaved families; etc.; besides running Mahila Mandal, Shishu Mandal and Yuvak Mandal. HSH has also been running various schools—Westridge High School, Westridge Primary School, Gujarati School.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal
By A Correspondent- Heads are rolling at Manyame Airbase following the emergency landing of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidential helicopter in Chegutu.
Mnangagwa’s chopper was forced into an emergency landing near Norton over 60 kilometres southwest of Harare last Sunday after developing a technical fault.
Security sources told The NewsHawks the crash landing incident happened on Sunday around 4 pm in the Sandringham area, Matsvaire village, in Chegutu district when Mnangagwa was coming from his Kwekwe farm.
The sources said Mnangagwa was rattled and terrified by the incident, which forced him into a scary emergency while returning to Harare. Said a source:
The incident happened in Sandringham. A probe into what happened to the President’s chopper is currently underway. Whenever the President is not flying the helicopter, the helicopter will be parked at Manyame Air Base in Harare and it’s usually flown when he visits his Sherwood farm or when he wants to travel to remote areas.
From Manyame, it usually picks him up from his state residence, but sometimes it lands at Morris Depot grounds where it would be under police guard. While many people think that he has bought a new chopper, it’s not true, the helicopter which was forced to make an emergency landing is an old one which was resprayed.
Initially, it had been agreed after the incident that he should be picked up to complete the journey by road, but while the motorcade was on its way, a second helicopter was sent to fly him back home.
Sources said investigations underway on the incident would involve the Air Force, intelligence services, Presidential Guard and aviation experts. Earlier this month, he was forced to make a last-minute flight postponement to Mutare due to bad weather.
Sources said following the Sunday incident, strict protocols in maintaining the President’s chopper are expected to be enforced after the probe is concluded.
The presidential spokesman, George Charamba, said he was not aware of the incident.
In April this year, three Air Force officers died when their helicopter crashed in Arcturus near Harare.
By A Correspondent- It’s a Friday night and a skimpily dressed se_x worker flags down vehicles and individuals on foot, soliciting for clients while on the lookout for law enforcement officers.
The presence of police on patrol to enforce lockdown doesn’t deter the woman, who is standing metres away from her colleagues, in a dimly lit street corner, going about her business.
A B-Metro investigation revealed that for se_x workers, breaking lockdown rules to sell se_x is something they have to do in order to survive.
Some se_x workers operate along Robert Mugabe Way and 10th Avenue, in an area with poor lighting caused by non-functional street lights, which in turn makes the place convenient to conduct their illegal “trade”
Ever suspicious of anyone who asks too many questions, getting an impromptu interview from se_x workers is no mean feat.
In the words of Sarah (not her real name) “time is money” and she only agreed to speak to the B-Metro crew on condition that we left her alone to conduct her business if she answered not more than three questions.
We took the “deal”.
Does she insist that her clients, who are mostly total strangers, wear masks when they engage in se_x seeing that coronavirus cases are on the rise?
“I’m more worried of being infected with se_xually transmitted diseases (STIs) than coronavirus and it will be totally weird to ask clients to wear masks during se_x. I’m not in relationships with these men. It’s quick se_x either in their vehicles or in an alley and we go our separate ways,” explained Sarah.
She refused to respond to the assertion that their se_x business is a potential Covid-19 superspreader.
Police enforce lockdown regulations such as compliance with curfew times by conducting regular patrols in the city centre, which covers the area that Sarah and her colleagues operate in.
“Most of my clients are motorists so it’s easy to move to a secluded spot for quick se_x in the car and they drop me off here. I don’t like drunk clients as they are very problematic when it’s time to pay,” she says.
Further down Robert Mugabe Way near the defunct Forty 40 nightclub, another group of se_x workers “roams” around a dimly lit area soliciting for clients.
One of the se_x workers emerges from an alley, wrapping cloth in hand, and soon after a gentleman appears from the shadows and walks off.
Preferred operating spaces are dark places.
Another commercial se_x worker who identified herself as Noma and operates at Corner Main Street and Connaught Avenue said as se_x workers, they were breaking lockdown rules in order to support themselves.
“It’s risky and frightening for lots of people but not for us who are into se_x work. Breaking lockdown rules to sell se_x is something we have to do in order to survive. When it comes to the police we hide and then re-appear as soon as they are out sight but in the event that they catch us, siyabadiza (we bribe them),” she said.
An official with the S_exual Rights Centre (SRC) who requested not to be named said lockdown was particularly damaging for se_x workers as many of them were struggling to survive.
“The nationwide lockdown implemented by the Government to contain the spread of the virus has affected many se_x workers. Although the lockdown is designed to curb the spread of the virus for commercial se_x workers their economic survival is of greater concern to them than contracting Covid-19,” said the official.
In 2016, the Bulawayo City Council accused se_x workers of vandalising street lights to create darkness that favoured their flesh-peddling trade.
A local councillor said he was disheartened when lights were vandalised by se_x workers shortly after being repaired.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s is said to had gone into panic mode when his presidential helicopter went into forced landing after developing a technical fault.
The chopper was forced into an emergency landing near Norton over 60 kilometres southwest of Harare last Sunday.
Security sources told The NewsHawks the crash landing incident happened on Sunday around 4 pm in the Sandringham area, Matsvaire village, in Chegutu district when Mnangagwa was coming from his Kwekwe farm.
The sources said Mnangagwa was rattled and terrified by the incident, which forced him into a scary emergency while returning to Harare. Said a source:
The incident happened in Sandringham. A probe into what happened to the President’s chopper is currently underway. Whenever the President is not flying the helicopter, the helicopter will be parked at Manyame Air Base in Harare and it’s usually flown when he visits his Sherwood farm or when he wants to travel to remote areas.
From Manyame, it usually picks him up from his state residence, but sometimes it lands at Morris Depot grounds where it would be under police guard. While many people think that he has bought a new chopper, it’s not true, the helicopter which was forced to make an emergency landing is an old one which was resprayed.
Initially, it had been agreed after the incident that he should be picked up to complete the journey by road, but while the motorcade was on its way, a second helicopter was sent to fly him back home.
Sources said investigations underway on the incident would involve the Air Force, intelligence services, Presidential Guard and aviation experts. Earlier this month, he was forced to make a last-minute flight postponement to Mutare due to bad weather.
Sources said following the Sunday incident, strict protocols in maintaining the President’s chopper are expected to be enforced after the probe is concluded.
The presidential spokesman, George Charamba, said he was not aware of the incident.
In April this year, three Air Force officers died when their helicopter crashed in Arcturus near Harare.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF Mashonaland Central, Provincial Chairman and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe is under fire for bribing a party member with a Zanu PF vehicle.
Zanu PF insiders said Kazembe is under investigation for co-opting and bribing a member of his provincial structures, Shephard Kararira, with a party’s Ford Ranger truck to help him rig the pending Provincincial Chairmanship elections.
Kazembe’s unilateral decision to co-opt his friends into the party structures was nullified by the Zanu PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa, and Kararira was supposed to return the car to the party.
But on Friday, Kararira said he was using the car to mobilise support for the party’s national conference to be held in the province, which has since been called off.
“I am using that car to mobilise support for the conference which our province is hosting and as we speak, the chairman (Kazembe) also gave us his party car and we now have four cars,” he said. “So for one to demand that car, it is nonsensical. We need to campaign with those cars and above all, we took two more cars from the party head office to drum up support for the conference.”
Chinamasa dismissed the co-options after Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association chairperson Sam Parirenyatwa protested against the move, accusing Kazembe of manipulating party structures in order retain his provincial position.
Parirenyatwa was supported by other party members who demanded that Kararira should return the party vehicle to one Tsine, who had been illegally demoted as provincial political commissar.
Kazembe faces still contests from former Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora, businessman James Makamba, among others for the provincial chairmanship.
Jostling for positions in Mashonaland Central has threatened to tear apart the party ahead of its national conference, whose dates are yet to be announced.
By A Correspondent- The new Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that he is starting to appoint his cabinet.
HH said his first appointment would be with the finance minister.
Posting on his Twitter handle Friday, Hichilema, who was inaugurated Tuesday, said:
Good morning beloved citizens; we are doing things in a phased and coordinated manner that will yield positive results. My first Cabinet appointment is with the Minister of Finance this morning. I shall keep you updated as we progress.
Hichilema later tweeted announcing that Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane was the new Finance Minister. He said: Our Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has a wealth of experience from being an advisor to the IMF, an advisor to President Mwanawasa, Secretary to the Treasury, deputy Bank of Zambia governor, among other relevant functions that will be valuable for his role. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane is a former Minister of Finance and Government Secretary to the Treasury under the Multi-party Democracy (MMD) government, also known as New Hope MMD.
While some hailed Hichilema for appointing an experienced person, some said the new leader must consider giving the youths an opportunity.
Mr Hichilema won a landslide victory in a 12 August election, defeating outgoing president Edgar Chagwa Lungu by more than a million votes. He has promised change for Zambians, saying the struggling economy will be revived.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial Chairman and Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe has been emboiled in a car bribery scandal.
The party is investigating Kazembe for co-opting and bribing a member of his provincial structures, Shephard Kararira, with a party’s Ford Ranger truck to help him rig the pending Provincincial Chairmanship elections.
Kazembe’s unilateral decision to co-opt his friends into the party structures was nullified by the Zanu PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa, and Kararira was supposed to return the car to the party.
But on Friday, Kararira said he was using the car to mobilise support for the party’s national conference to be held in the province, which has since been called off.
“I am using that car to mobilise support for the conference which our province is hosting and as we speak, the chairman (Kazembe) also gave us his party car and we now have four cars,” he said. “So for one to demand that car, it is nonsensical. We need to campaign with those cars and above all, we took two more cars from the party head office to drum up support for the conference.”
Chinamasa dismissed the co-options after Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association chairperson Sam Parirenyatwa protested against the move, accusing Kazembe of manipulating party structures in order retain his provincial position.
Parirenyatwa was supported by other party members who demanded that Kararira should return the party vehicle to one Tsine, who had been illegally demoted as provincial political commissar.
Kazembe faces still contests from former Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora, businessman James Makamba, among others for the provincial chairmanship.
Jostling for positions in Mashonaland Central has threatened to tear apart the party ahead of its national conference, whose dates are yet to be announced.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has gaged its party officials from praising MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.
This comes after Chamisa’s popularity had grown with Zanu PF top wigs admiring the youthful opposition politician.
Chamisa’s popularity grew following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
Posting on his Twitter account Friday, Zanu apologist and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, said any party member head praising Chamisa would be punished.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
Former High Court judge Erica Ndewere has filed a fresh court application seeking to be reinstated as a judge, accusing the Justice Simbi Mubako-led tribunal of being extremely biased and grossly incompetent when it found her guilty of misconduct.She filed an application for review of the recommendations by the three-member tribunal to have her fired from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
She was fired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on June 17, 2021, but she claims that her dismissal was part of victimisation after she defied Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s “unlawful orders”.
In the application, Ndewere cited Mnangagwa and the three tribunal members, Justice Mubako, lawyer Charles Warara and Yvonne Masvora, who made recommendations for her removal from the bench, as respondents.Ndewere, who is being represented by lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, argued that the tribunal members failed to provide her with all the documents used to nail her, thus violating her right to a fair trial.
She also stated that all the tribunal members did not have jurisdiction to sit for her inquiry after May 18, 2021 when its term of office had expired, hence their recommendation to Mnangagwa after the date were null and void.
Ndewere said the respondents failed to apply their minds on issues before them.“Having claimed to have given the applicant all fair hearing rights in the report, that the second, third and fourth respondents’ conduct of denying the applicant the right to be heard on an appropriate penalty before sending a dismissal recommendation to the first respondent amounts to a gross irregularity that vitiates their recommendations and the first respondent’s subsequent decision.”
Ndewere argues that the conduct of the tribunal was irregular because it sought evidence outside the hearing which was supposed to be in public domain and it made recommendations to the President before she was given an opportunity to defend herself.
“Apart from the report being full of emotive and injudicious language, whenever reference was being made to me and my legal practitioners’ actions, the report shows an extremely biased analysis of the witnesses’ evidence where glaring deficiencies were glossed over or not mentioned at all,” she submitted.
The review of the tribunal’s recommendations by the High Court is yet to be set down.
By Effort Manono| Chisumbanje and Chinyamukwakwa villagers in Chipinge have bemoaned the disruption of livelihoods by Green Fuel, a company which brought so much hope to locals when it came in 2008 but has now worsened their plight.
After Green Fuel owner Billy Rautenbach grabbed the villagers land to expand his ethanol project, he offered locals 0.5 hectares of irrigated plots but villagers reported receiving contaminated water which has not only affected their crops but livestock too.
Mrs Mahanya from Chisumbanje, one of the famers experiencing this, had this to say; ”Green Fuel gave us small portions on dry land, we ululated thinking it was a way of ploughing back but we have challenges of water to irrigate our crops. We sometimes go for weeks without water to irrigate our crops and if we happen to get the water it will be dangerous to our plants and animals. The water is contaminated and is causing the death of our livestock.”
To us the company gave us the plots as a cover to the public. We are gaining nothing and we are at a loss as we are now using more inputs but realising nothing in return.”
”Villagers have also accused Green Fuel of lying to Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, Anxious Masuka by taking him on a tour of well-developed areas while the dilapidated were ignored.
The Minister and team did injustice to themselves and their bosses by stage managing the situation. In other words Hon Masuka sacrificed the farmers’ in order to please a ruthless investor.A Mr Maposa from Chinyamukwakwa had this to say about Masuka’s trip to Chisumbanje, ”We are very much worried with the way we are being treated. The Minister came and was taken to places where there are no issues.
Our houses were destroyed, crops ploughed down but the minister did not bother to meet us.
”The Minister and the investor are acting against the constitution of Zimbabwe which states that land is a finite natural resource that forms part of Zimbabwe common heritage which every citizen has a right to acquire, hold, occupy, use, transfer, hypothecate lease or dispose of regardless of his or her race and colour.
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s own publicist, and authorised biographer, Eddie Cross has exposed him for falsifying that he was sentenced to death for bombing a Rhodesian Train.
Cross reveals with impecable evidence that Mnangagwa did not bomb any property, and he was spared the death penalty because his crime was not that serious, Oxford academic, Miles Tendi argues.
Mnangagwa as he authorised the biography that exposes him for lying
Cross’ biography corrects falsifications of significant episodes in Mnangagwa’s life story, writes Tendi.
He continues saying: One example will suffice. Mnangagwa, in The Sunday Mail of 22 February 2015, narrated that he was spared the death penalty in 1965 for using explosives to cause damage to a railway engine, as part of early liberation struggle sabotage campaigns. According to Mnangagwa in 2015: “the age of majority then was 21. I was below 21, so I escaped the noose. My colleagues were, however, hanged”.
Cross corrects this account by reproducing the High Court of Rhodesia’s 1965 sentence in the biography.
The High Court’s sentence reads: the court accepts “the fact that you are 18 years and seven months old. That being so, in terms of this section of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act, the court has a discretion as to whether to impose upon you the death penalty or to send you to prison for a period up to a maximum of 20 years. Generally speaking, it seems to me that where the Court has a discretion in dealing with an offender under the age of 19, the death penalty is appropriate for the worst type of case where, for example, petrol bombs have been cold-bloodedly and deliberately thrown into residential buildings occupied by persons causing them misery and suffering. This is not such a case, although it is a serious crime according to law. I do not therefore propose to sentence you to death in this case”.
Thus, contrary to Mnangagwa’s longstanding claim he was spared death because he was underage, Mnangagwa was in fact not sentenced to death in 1965 because his crime was considered by the judge as not grave enough to warrant hanging. Cross deserves commendation for setting the historical record straight in this instance.
FULL TEXT:
This authorised biography tells the life history of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, from childhood to presidency. The biography is 153 pages long. It consists of a foreword, an editor’s note by Rachel Jambaya, 30 brief chapters, and a conclusion.
The biographer, Eddie Graham Cross, is an economist, a regular commentator on public affairs and former Secretary for Economic Affairs in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), a party he left in 2018 after 19 years of serving in a range of executive positions at national level. Cross drew on personal interviews with Mnangagwa in order to complete the biography.
Cross has written a controversial biography of Mnangagwa.
The biography depicts vice president Constantino Chiwenga, the former general who helped bring Mnangagwa to power in a military coup in 2017, in an unfavourable light. It is also replete with conspicuous historical distortions and silences. Nonetheless, the biography does have some strengths, such as its presentation of the true version of certain important events in Mnangagwa’s life.
Cross’s corrections bring to light Mnangagwa’s mythomania. Mnangagwa penned the biography’s foreword, graced its official presentation on 5 August 2021, delightedly signed copies of the book at the launch and he did not publicly rebut any of the biography’s contents. Consequently, it is fair to conclude that Mnangagwa wholly endorses his biographer’s work.
‘Military figures’
Cross writes that following Mnangagwa’s inauguration as president of Zimbabwe on 24 November 2017, “he set about selecting a new cabinet and senior staff in the president’s office. This was complicated by the demands being made by the senior military officers who had carried out what became known as the military assisted transition (military coup). Chief among these was the commander of the armed forces, General Chiwenga”.
Cross adds that Mnangagwa’s first cabinet “received mixed reviews” partly because it contained “too many military figures”.
Elsewhere in the biography, Cross states Mnangagwa “replaced General Chiwenga with General Philip Sibanda” as commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and he avers that Sibanda is “possibly the best soldier in southern Africa and a man that was deeply respected in the army. Mnangagwa’s actions drew little attention but what the president was doing was closing the door on any possibility of the military assisted transition (military coup) being repeated. He needed to know that the security services were led by men in whom he had confidence as professionals”.
Additionally, Cross maintains that when violence and looting occurred in January 2019, the acting President Chiwenga “demanded that a state of emergency be declared and martial law be introduced. This would have effectively meant that the armed forces took over the administration of the state”. However, Cross continues, “General Sibanda refused. He said his orders from the President were clear. What had happened was that the President had stamped his personal authority on the state. He would not tolerate any challenge”.
‘Hardliners’
Cross makes reference to “hardliners” (Chiwenga ostensibly) who, before the July 2018 election, “argued that reforms to the electoral system and any relaxation of controls over the media and civil society would have serious impact on the ability of ZANU PF to win the election.
Moreover, Cross contends that a grenade thrown at Mnangagwa on 23 June 2018 during a ZANU PF rally at White City stadium in Bulawayo “was of Chinese origin and in use by the Zimbabwe National Army”.
Chiwenga was present at the White City rally and his wife Marry sustained injuries from the blast but Cross, curiously, does not mention this. Of the two vice presidents, only Kembo Mohadi is identified as present at the rally and as having sustained injuries along with 47 others.
From the foregoing, Cross appears to be casting aspersions on Chiwenga as a political operator. His biography suggests that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are ill at ease with each other. Cross typecasts Chiwenga as obstructing political and economic reforms and as in favour of repressive and militarised state responses such as martial law. He intimates that Sibanda is a more “professional” soldier than Chiwenga who Mnangagwa trusts will not carry out a coup – a contentious assertion, given that Sibanda participated in the 2017 coup.
Corrections
Let me now turn to some of the ways in which the biography corrects falsifications of significant episodes in Mnangagwa’s life story. One example will suffice. Mnangagwa, in The Sunday Mail of 22 February 2015, narrated that he was spared the death penalty in 1965 for using explosives to cause damage to a railway engine, as part of early liberation struggle sabotage campaigns. According to Mnangagwa in 2015: “the age of majority then was 21. I was below 21, so I escaped the noose. My colleagues were, however, hanged”.
Cross corrects this account by reproducing the High Court of Rhodesia’s 1965 sentence in the biography.
The High Court’s sentence reads: the court accepts “the fact that you are 18 years and seven months old. That being so, in terms of this section of the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act, the court has a discretion as to whether to impose upon you the death penalty or to send you to prison for a period up to a maximum of 20 years. Generally speaking, it seems to me that where the Court has a discretion in dealing with an offender under the age of 19, the death penalty is appropriate for the worst type of case where, for example, petrol bombs have been cold-bloodedly and deliberately thrown into residential buildings occupied by persons causing them misery and suffering. This is not such a case, although it is a serious crime according to law. I do not therefore propose to sentence you to death in this case”.
Thus, contrary to Mnangagwa’s longstanding claim he was spared death because he was underage, Mnangagwa was in fact not sentenced to death in 1965 because his crime was considered by the judge as not grave enough to warrant hanging. Cross deserves commendation for setting the historical record straight in this instance.
Cross-checking
Although Cross debunks some of Mnangagwa’s mythomania, he too is a mythomaniac. For example, Cross writes that Mnangagwa “was designated as one of the leaders” of the crocodile gang in the 1960s and insinuates that Mnangagwa was involved in the killing of Pieter Oberholzer in Chimanimani in 1964. Mnangagwa was, of course, not a member of the crocodile gang and he was not implicated in Oberholzer’s killings, as scholarly works by Baxter Tavuyanago and Terence Ranger show.
Cross’s expertise as an economist encumbered his ability to generate a credible biography of Mnangagwa. Trained economists should probably stick to writing about economics, not liberation, military and political histories, which are beyond their knowledge.
For instance, Cross refers to the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) as the ‘Zimbabwe Independent People’s Revolutionary Army’.
In 1978, ZIPRA shot down two Rhodesian Viscount planes but Cross writes that the downing occurred in 1962 and, erroneously, uses it as an example of how the “guerrilla war was gaining momentum”.
Furthermore, according to Cross, in 1975 Herbert Chitepo was “assassinated in what is suspected as inter party violence and conflict”. This is a bizarre contention since the competing views on Chitepo’s assassination are that it was the result of an intra ZANU conflict or that the Rhodesian security forces carried out the hit. Is Cross suggesting, through the statement ‘inter party conflict’, that ZAPU assassinated Chitepo?
What is the evidence for this?
Zimbabwe entered the second Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) war to assist Laurent Kabila to fend off a rebel insurgency in 1998, but Cross, incorrectly, writes that Zimbabwe intervened “to support the campaign by Laurent Desire Kabila to take power from the long standing dictator Mobutu Sese Seko”.
What is more, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) was created through the merger of three rival armies – the Rhodesian army, ZANLA and ZIPRA but Cross, speciously, writes that five armies merged to form the ZNA.
Silences
Then there are the biography’s historical silences.
Despite crediting Mnangagwa as having taken charge of operations during the late 1990s DRC war, Cross is silent about United Nations and non-governmental organisation reports about corruption during Zimbabwe’s involvement in the second DRC war.
Cross also seeks to downplay the role of Mnangagwa and the CIO in the 1980s Gukurahundi. Cross would have us believe that Mugabe’s instructions on Gukurahundi only went directly to "the 5th Brigade and to the Ministry Of Home Affairs and the Police on the ground" and excluded CIO, which fell under Mnangagwa’s Security Ministry.
Yet, as the CCJPZ report Breaking The Silence: Report On The Disturbances in Matabeleland and Midlands discloses, CIO was in fact central to Gukurahundi operations and it functioned from within Mugabe’s office. Cross is also silent about Mnangagwa’s role in the strong March to June 2008 political violence.
Cross’s writing radiates colonial overtones.
The scholar Kristen Harkness points out that “British martial race doctrine, developed first in colonial India, stipulated that some ethnic groups were naturally more suited to combat and military discipline than others. Once groups were classified as martial they were preferentially recruited into the British colonial forces”.
It is precisely this colonial martial race doctrine that underlies Cross’s unevidenced contention that Mnangagwa was recruited in ZAPU in 1962 partly because of “his potential from a military point of view given his Karanga tribal background and physique” – the implication being that Karangas are “naturally more suited to combat”.
Indeed, Cross largely understands the politics and history of Africans through colonial tropes like “tribes” and “tribalism”. Never mind that the notion of “tribe” is, today, bereft of analytical purchase because it lacks a sense of social scale and complexity and it presupposes savagery, primitiveness, irrational violence and ancient hatreds in Africans.
A final important silence concerns Mnangagwa’s personal dimension. Bar his early family history, we get no real sense of who Mnangagwa is today, his actual character away from political performance and the composition of his immediate family, making for a rather impersonal biography.
The wives of politicians matter. Who is Auxillia Mnangagwa and how has she impacted Mnangagwa’s personal and political trajectories? What are the ideas, thinkers or books that have shaped Mnangagwa’s political outlooks?
Perhaps Cross will care to address these crucial questions and the aforementioned shortcomings in a second edition of his biography of Mnangagwa.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a shock move to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
English media was awash with reports on Thursday that the 36-year old’s agent Jorge Mendes was in talks with the player’s current club Juventus, to ensure a deal between the Old Lady and City.
According to Sky Sports, the two clubs have now agreed on a €30 million transfer fee for the five-time World Player of the Year, who joined Juve from Real Madrid in 2018.
It also being claimed in the same report that the move could be sealed in the next 24 hours.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A Chinese mining company, Heijin, is pushing to evict hundreds of villagers in Murehwa, Mashonaland East province, after it was given a special mining grant to extract black granite on densely populated land covering 300 hectares, the Zimbabwe Independent can exclusively reveal.
This comes at a time Chinese companies are frenziedly descending on the province, which is rich in the rare but lucrative stone.
The latest incursion by Heijin comes in the wake of yet another bruising fight pitting villagers in Mutoko and Shanghai Haoying Mining Investments that was given claims to mine black granite.
Although Shanghai Haoying has offered compensation to the families, which will be displaced when implementation of the project commences, plans by the Chinese company to set up operations in the area have triggered stiff resistance from the villagers.
Relating to similar developments now unfolding in Murehwa, Heijin, which was only incorporated under Zimbabwe’s laws in June this year, has already engaged a consultant to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
According to documents seen by the Independent this week, Heijin wrote to Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) rural district council (RDC) chief executive officer Murandu Kanganga requesting to undertake the EIA.
The letter, dated July 2, 2021, reads: “Heijin Mining Company is a holder of two black granite mining blocks namely Kaseke (1256 BMT) and Chibvi (ME1253BM), which are situated within Uzumba Reserve in Kaseke village of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District. Proposed is black granite mining, cutting and polishing on the two mining blocks.
“Our project being of national value and interest, we do understand the importance of working in harmony with relevant and key stakeholders, exchange of ideas as a guarantee to sustainable mining operations.”
Heijin intends to set up a cutting and polishing plant, storage facilities for finished products and an open cast mine. Heijin, as shown by the letter, is located at 304 Warwick, Josiah Chinamano Avenue, Harare.
Documents show that Edzai Ndemera, Emmanuel Ndemera, Alec Mutizwa, Dillia Chingwena and Libo Zhongjian Resources are the owners of Heijin. Libo Zhongjian Resources holds a 70% stake. A Heijin consultant did not respond to questions.
In a letter written by Murehwa councillor Zvondai Marowa to Mines minister Winston Chitando, the black granite mining operations will emit dust and other emissions “affecting nearby schools, households and water bodies”.
“This letter seeks to object to granite mining in Nenzou Village Uzumba Ward 14 under Chief Nyajina. Heijing is a holder of two mining blocks, namely Kaseke and Chibvi. The blocks cover an area of more than 300 hectares,” the letter reads.
“We object to the mining project because the covered area is our grazing land, more than 39 households are inside the blocks and are going to be affected and we have graves of our loved ones within the pegged area.”
The letter, which outlines reasons for objecting to the project, dated August 23, also highlights that villagers were opposed to the plan because it would desecrate the villagers’ religious sites.
It reads: “The area in question is also used for rainmaking rituals, so we believe tempering with it will affect us as a community.”
Headman Kaseke, in a letter addressed to Minister of State for Mashonaland East province Appolonia Munzverengwi and Chitando, emphasised that the community was opposed to the planned project.
“Reference is made to the movement in and out of our area by ‘potential investors’ whose mining claims will result in the displacement or relocation of people from the area,” the letter dated August 24 reads.
“Legally, it is prudent to note that government is under both a statutory and constitutional duty to engage the community before any adverse action is taken. In the case of Kaseke and Chibvi, relevant authorities did not do this as no one consulted the community as far as we know.”
Chitando could not be reached for comment. As in Mutoko, the Chinese investor has sought the buy-in of stakeholders by convening meetings with traditional leaders, villagers and officials from the UMP RDC.
A villager, who attended a meeting held last week on Saturday, told the Independent villagers complained about granite miners in the area.
“It is clear that the affected communities have not benefited in any way. What we have seen is the pillaging of our resources and catastrophic environmental degradation,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this week.
With Mashonaland East now a battleground for various investors (mostly from China) scrambling to obtain black granite claims, Shanghai Haoying has engaged Prime Chart, a local company, to conduct an EIA.
A Prime Chart representative said affected villagers will be compensated by “generous agricultural inputs sufficient for three seasons, a home in principle that is better than what they had and a solar powered borehole for each homestead”.
According to the official, Shanghai Haoying will also offer a “once-off cash payment for land preparations”.
Shanghai Haoying general manager Shuoshuo Song last week said: “Exploration (will begin) once the environmental (impact) assessment, which is underway is finalised.
“There is more profit in value addition; it is our ultimate objective to polish the granite and do beneficiation.”
As reported a fortnight ago by this publication, Richbase — another Chinese firm — is setting up a processing plant in Mutoko, that will be part of the black granite mining and beneficiation value chain, which is controlled by investors from the Asian giant and Italy.
Natural Stone Export Company, Illford Services Mining Company, Quarrying Enterprises, CRG Quarries and New Obsidian Granite are some of the companies extracting the lucrative mineral in Mutoko that is shipped to Asia and Europe. -Zimbabwe Independently
Former High Court judge Erica Ndewere has filed a fresh court application seeking to be reinstated as a judge, accusing the Justice Simbi Mubako-led tribunal of being extremely biased and grossly incompetent when it found her guilty of misconduct.
She filed an application for review of the recommendations by the three-member tribunal to have her fired from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
She was fired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on June 17, 2021, but she claims that her dismissal was part of victimisation after she defied Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s “unlawful orders”.
In the application, Ndewere cited Mnangagwa and the three tribunal members, Justice Mubako, lawyer Charles Warara and Yvonne Masvora, who made recommendations for her removal from the bench, as respondents.
Ndewere, who is being represented by lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, argued that the tribunal members failed to provide her with all the documents used to nail her, thus violating her right to a fair trial.
She also stated that all the tribunal members did not have jurisdiction to sit for her inquiry after May 18, 2021 when its term of office had expired, hence their recommendation to Mnangagwa after the date were null and void.
Ndewere said the respondents failed to apply their minds on issues before them.
“Having claimed to have given the applicant all fair hearing rights in the report, that the second, third and fourth respondents’ conduct of denying the applicant the right to be heard on an appropriate penalty before sending a dismissal recommendation to the first respondent amounts to a gross irregularity that vitiates their recommendations and the first respondent’s subsequent decision.”
Ndewere argues that the conduct of the tribunal was irregular because it sought evidence outside the hearing which was supposed to be in public domain and it made recommendations to the President before she was given an opportunity to defend herself.
“Apart from the report being full of emotive and injudicious language, whenever reference was being made to me and my legal practitioners’ actions, the report shows an extremely biased analysis of the witnesses’ evidence where glaring deficiencies were glossed over or not mentioned at all,” she submitted.
The review of the tribunal’s recommendations by the High Court is yet to be set down.- Newsday
A 24-year-old man from Tasaranago Village in Mberengwa allegedly murdered his mother and tried to bury her in a nearby garden.
It is alleged, Timothy Zhou, who has been exhibiting signs of mental challenges since December 2019, who was sleeping in his bedroom woke up during the night and went to sleep at a nearby garden.
The following morning at around 6 am, his mother reportedly went to the garden where Timothy struck her with an unknown object.
Fellow villagers reportedly rushed to the scene as she cried for help, only to find her motionless, while the suspect was attempting to bury her in a pit.
Government is establishing provincial cemeteries for the military and consultations have been conducted with provincial leaders on how the programme will be implemented.
Military cemeteries are a common phenomenon across the world but this does not mean soldiers are exclusively buried in these cemeteries. Their immediate families are also buried in the same facilities.
Zimbabwe does not have such facilities and most cemeteries are administered by local authorities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is in charge of National Heroes Acre and Provincial Heroes Acre where mainly liberation war heroes are buried.
Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo has tabled a report to Government that will guide the establishment of military cemeteries across the country.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said this while responding to Umzingwane National Assembly member Cde Levy Mayihlome who wanted to know Government’s position regarding the establishment of the military cemeteries during Wednesday’s Question and Answer session in Parliament.
“I am pleased to report that work on the establishment of provincial military cemeteries is underway,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She said the board that had initially been tasked to conduct consultation work on the programme was affected by the redeployment of the late national hero Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri from Air Force of Zimbabwe to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement in 2017.
“In this regard a new board was convened in 2020 under the chairmanship of the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Moyo. The board had an arduous task of gathering views of all the 10 Provincial Ministers who are critical stakeholders in the programme to secure their views which will be captured in the implementation process,” she said.
“I am pleased to announce that the board recently submitted its report which we are currently studying with a view to implement its resolutions. Very soon we will be engaging the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement counterparts with a request for land for the cemeteries in all the country’s 10 provinces.” -Chronicle
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the dearth of media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the inauguration of the seventh President of the republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, President Chamisa said he last appeared on national television when he was a Member of Parliament long back.
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the will of the people.
“In Zimbabwe we only have one television station, which is a bizarre scenario.
It is sad to note that as the leader of the alternative, I am being denied coverage.
They don’t even allow me to express my views on national television.
Despite the setbacks, we are unshakable and unbreakable,” said President Chamisa.
The MDC Alliance leader also scoffed at the “Twitter President” claims…
” They ( Zanu PF bigwigs) say I am a Twitter President…
I am happy they acknowledge that I am a President,” said President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
The MDC-T is now a house of confusion as it’s leadersare reportedly relying with sangomas and prophets to seek spiritual powers to win the 2023 general elections.
Mwonzora’s top officials were reportedly spotted during night at the house of Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.
Makomichi is known for distributing love and business charms .
Reports say Mwonzora and his followers are seeking secret powers to win elections.
“I don’t disclose the names of my clients, but as for Mwonzora I can’t pray for him because his bad luck is insurmountable. Of course I can make make everyone who approaches me rich but Mwonzora’s issue is too complicated. I don’t want to take his money for nothing that’s why I denied their seeding, they said they want secret powers for elections” Makomichi claimed.
One political analyst has pointed out that MDC-T is wasting time by seeking powers to win elections from Makomichi because the preacher himself also hates Mwonzora.
Mwonzora is being used by Zanu PF to destroy Nelson Chamisa.
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has died.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
The Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) has exonerated the MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa from a fake story claiming that the opposition leader facilitated a US$300 000 funding grant the minority group got from the US Embassy.
GALZ said they never received such a grant from the United States embassy in Harare.
In the fake news post, purportedly published by NewZimbabwe.com, the authors claimed GALZ was grateful to the opposition political outfit, MDC Alliance, and its leader Nelson Chamisa for facilitating the release of the funds.
By A Correspondent- Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande was allegedly ambushed and assaulted by an unknown man in South Africa where he is based, resulting in substantial damage to his car.
The road rage incident happened on Saturday night in Roodepoort on the West Rand, News24reported.
The 35-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who currently plays for newly promoted Sekhukhune United, opened a case of common assault and malicious damage to property at the Honeydew police station. The case is being investigated.
According to Katsande’s statement to the police, seen by City Press, the altercation was allegedly sparked by a man in a white Ford EcoSport who showed him the “middle figure” while driving on Hendrick Potgieter and Peter roads. The statement read:
White male came out of his vehicle and hit me with his fists on my head. He also break (sic) my right window and right side mirror on my vehicle. He hit my vehicle with his foot on the side. The total value of the damage is R50 000.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubele had not responded to media enquiries at the time of publishing.
Katsande confirmed the incident saying, “with due respect kindly note that I can’t comment any further on this matter.”
By A Correspondent-The police have arrested nine former war liberation fighters for demanding their pensions.
The nine were arrested on Wednesday and will spend their second night in police detention.
They were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension, which they equated to bread crumbs.
Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta are the nine war veterans.
They are being represented by Paida Saurombe and Chawona Kanoti, from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Under careful watch, Minister Obadiah Moyo administers cholera vaccine on president Mnangagwa-file
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | While the rapid development of vaccines against COVID‑19 is an extraordinary achievement, successfully vaccinating the global population presents many challenges, from production to distribution, deployment, and importantly, acceptance. Trust in the vaccines is vital, and is critically dependant on the ability of governments to communicate the benefits of vaccination, and to deliver the vaccines safely and effectively.
The government plays a greater role in promoting confidence in the effectiveness and safety through effective communication, as well as trust in their ability to procure and distribute them efficiently and equitably.
While a larger part of the population holds strong anti-vaccination views, hesitancy about COVID‑19 vaccination is evident in many countries not only Zimbabwe. Recognising that vaccination campaigns of the magnitude needed are unprecedented, government actions to garner trust will be essential to their success, and to the emergence of more resilient society after the crisis. Zimbabwe government has gone past a four million mark with great focus on the ten million soon. Average number of new infections reported each day in Zimbabwe falls by more than 1,200 over the last 3 weeks, 52% of its previous peak. COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Zimbabwe, with 324 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 14% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on July 15.
There have been 123,320 infections and 4,320 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.
Zimbabwe has administered at least 3,958,174 doses of COVID vaccines so far. Assuming every person needs 2 doses, that’s enough to have vaccinated about 13.5% of the country’s population.
While the development of COVID‑19 vaccines has been an extraordinary success, vaccinating most of the global population is an enormous challenge, one for which gaining – and maintaining – public trust in COVID‑19 vaccines and vaccination will be as essential as the effectiveness of the vaccines themselves. Moreover, the experience with COVID‑19 will likely shape confidence in other vaccines making it even more important to build confidence at this time.
Trust in vaccination, and in the ability of governments to communicate, and to successfully deliver a vaccination programme, is critically dependent on:
the extent to which the government can instil and maintain public confidence in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines;
Given the speed at which COVID‑19 vaccine development has taken place it is important for governments to emphasise that no developmental or regulatory corners were cut in the process, as: development was facilitated by extensive prior research, unprecedented levels of international collaboration among researchers, and massive public investment in R&D and manufacturing capacity; and
approval processes were accelerated, in part through procedures that allow the acceptance of more preliminary evidence in circumstances of public emergency; and with COVID‑19 products accorded the highest priority by regulators.
Successful vaccination campaigns also require governments to partner and support community organisations to conduct extensive and well-managed community engagement. A thorough understanding is needed of different populations’ specific concerns, prior experiences both with vaccination and the health system in general, religious and/or political affiliations, and socio-economic status. It is also important to ensure that government actions are open to public scrutiny, and that public institutions engage with the population.
We must remember that fairness is a hallmark of human behaviour that underpins social cohesion and trust. Governments must therefore manage public expectations and explain why it is fair that particular population groups within a country are not allowed to meet without vaccination.The most important ingredient in all vaccines is trust. Our parents trusted clinics who gave us jabs for flue jabs for polio and so many ailments.
There is broad agreement within the global scientific community that the most effective way to defeat the COVID‑19 pandemic is through the mass vaccination of populations around the world. The development of vaccines for COVID‑19 has been a powerful demonstration of how substantial public funding, intense focus, and unprecedented levels of scientific collaboration can help spur innovation to address global public needs in a very short time. However, the approval and rollout of vaccines does not herald the immediate end of the health crisis, as attaining herd immunity will require the vaccination of a very substantial proportion of population, and is therefore a major challenge. To succeed in the government’s effort to immunise billions of people as rapidly as possible, civic organisations including churches need to give priority to addressing issues of trust – trust both in vaccines, and in the institutions responsible for the vaccination endeavour. They need to promote confidence among the public in the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, as well as in the capacity of governments to manage the logistical challenges competently.
Despite the efforts put by the government of Zimbabwe we still have several civic organisations who have exhibited increasing levels of distrust in government capacity to handle the crisis and implement coherent policies This has resulted in declining compliance with public health-related rules, and increasing scepticism about long-term economic recovery. More broadly, the pandemic has triggered widespread disinformation that has undermined both understanding and acceptance of science and public policy and this extends to the issue of vaccine acceptance. Despite widespread recognition that COVID‑19 is a critical issue to people all around the globe, many remain unwilling to be vaccinated.
However, by the end of May 2021 an average of 60% of the population across zimbabwe indicated willingness to be vaccinated. This was reflected in the number of those vaccinated and those queuing for vaccine.
Not surprisingly, trust in the safety of vaccines has also been seriously tested by recent reports of rare, but serious, adverse events with a probable causal link to the Christian and other religious groups.
Both the safety signal, and the different mixed sermons on the vaccine have undermined public confidence. That said, there is also evidence to suggest that as more people are vaccinated, more will be inclined to accept vaccination. While this may to some degree indicate a gradual dissipation of initial fears about the safety of novel vaccines it may also reflect that being vaccinated gradually becomes normative, and is increasingly accepted as the path out of restriction and confinement.
Trust in vaccines must also be complemented by trust in the institutions responsible for vaccination. Lack of acceptance of vaccination may derive from previous failures of health systems and public institutions to serve certain population groups effectively and engender their trust. In general, trust in institutions is critical for the effective functioning of society and acceptance of public policy, and particularly so during a crisis. Trust is defined as one’s belief that another person or institution will act in accordance with one’s expectations of positive behaviour by others and institutional trust is recognised as a key measure of government performance.
Overall, the success of vaccination campaigns will largely be influenced by the extent to which people trust the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines, the competence and reliability of the institutions that deliver them, and the principles that guide government decisions and actions.
Zimbabwe is now facing problems of several religious leaders and labour movements who are attacking vaccination campaign labelling it a mandatory satanic agenda.
We should appreciate that mandatory vaccination, including for COVID-19, can be ethically justified if the threat to public health is grave, the confidence in safety and effectiveness is high, the expected utility of mandatory vaccination is greater than the alternatives, and there must be penalties or costs for non-compliance. Penalties or costs could include withholding of benefits, imposition of fines, provision of community service or loss of freedoms. We must know that under conditions of risk or perceived risk of a novel vaccination, a system of payment for risk in vaccination may be superior.
The government must never be forced under pressure by religious groups to abandon an exercise which saves lives. There is a large body of literature on the justification for the use of coercion in public health and infectious disease in particular. Mandatory vaccination is typically justified on Public health grounds and to avoid harm to others. We must appreciate that the sole ground for the use of state coercion and restriction of liberty is when one individual risks harming others.The most prominent arguments from bioethicists appeal to preventing harm to others. Vaccination will likely be part of a multi-faceted public health response to the future emergence of a pandemic illness. In addition to other measures designed to respond to and control a pandemic, such as surveillance, communication plans, quarantine, and disease treatment, deployment of effective vaccines has the potential to protect lives and limit disease spread. Not all disease threats, however, have a corresponding vaccine, and for those that do, there are significant challenges to their successful use in a pandemic.
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health. They prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year.
Since vaccines were introduced in Zimbabwe diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus that used to kill or disable millions of people are either gone or seen very rarely.
Other diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced.
However, if people stop having vaccines, it’s possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the biggest threats to global health.
Vaccine hesitancy is where people with access to vaccines delay or refuse vaccination. To beat COVID-19, Zimbabweans will need to embrace an ethics of responsibility—recognizing that freedom has limits when it comes to keeping others safe, and taking actions that protect one another.
So the closure of churches and other public areas is in the best interest of those around you. There is a strong case for making any vaccination mandatory (or compulsory) if four conditions are met:
1. That there is a grave threat to public health
2. That the vaccine is safe and effective
3. Mandatory vaccination has a superior cost/benefit profile compared with other alternatives.
4. The level of coercion is proportionate.
Each of these conditions involves value judgements. Grave threat to public health… So far, there have been over 3 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 globally and thousands in Zimbabwe.
As a nation Zimbabwe must take a position to protect its people. It is humane enough to save the people and warn them of the dangers of COVID. COVID must not keep us down. If you are not vaccinated get a jab now as we are in a pandemic quagmire. .
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF top officials have endorsed the opposition MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.
Chamisa’s endorsements by Zanu PF comes after popularity grew last week town.
Chamisa’s popularity grew following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
His endorsement by Zanu PF top officials was acknowledged by the party’s senior member and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, through his tweer account Friday.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
By A Correspondent-The police have arrested nine former war liberation fighters for demanding their pensions.
The nine were arrested on Wednesday and will spend their second night in police detention.
They were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension, which they equated to bread crumbs.
Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta are the nine war veterans.
They are being represented by Paida Saurombe and Chawona Kanoti, from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has acknowledged that MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s more popular than their party leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and gaged its officials from publicly mentioning his name.
Chamisa has of late become talk of the town following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
The acknowledgement was announced by the party’s outspoken apologist and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, who posted on his Twitter account Friday, silencing his fellow party members.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has been rilled by the increasing MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s popularity and gaged its party officials from publicly mentioning his name.
Chamisa has of late become talk of the town following his invitation to the inauguration of the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema, by the man himself.
Rilled by the Chamisa popularity, outspoken Zanu PF apologist and Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, posted on his Twitter account Friday, silencing his fellow party members.
“Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!” said Wadyajena.
Party colleagues, let’s focus on OUR Gvt & Party achievements! This Chamisa obsession has unintended consequences. Let him fade away. Why shout his name daily like we’re his publicists on the low? Voters aren’t fools, 2023 is a millennial+zoomer election! Use social media wisely!
The Warriors technical has come up with another option to set up a competitive squad that will play in the World Cup qualifiers as several players are set to withdraw from the selection.
About seven stars are facing serious challenges to come to Zimbabwe for the games after the UK government turned down FIFA’s plea for quarantine exemptions for the players visiting red-listed countries.
The situation has forced the clubs to withhold the players to avoid the quarantine upon their return from international duty.
The affected Warriors include Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Luton striker Admiral Muskwe, Ipswich forward Macauley Bonne, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, David Moyo of Hamilton Academical and Wigan Athletic captain Tendayi Darikwa.
Speaking to the Chronicle, national team manager Wellington Mpandare said they have put some players on standby incase the initially selected UK-based stars fail to report for duty.
He said: “We have plan B, but we all know that will not be the best. We have players that we have shortlisted and are on standby if we fail to get the players that we want.”
Zimbabwe will host rivals South Africa at the National Sports Stadium next Friday and then play Ethiopia four days later. – Soccer24 Zimbabwe
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the dearth of media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Speaking after the inauguration of the seventh President of the republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday, President Chamisa said he last appeared on national television when he was a Member of Parliament long back.
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the COVID-19 pandemic to suppress the will of the people.
“In Zimbabwe we only have one television station, which is a bizarre scenario.
It is sad to note that as the leader of the alternative, I am being denied coverage.
They don’t even allow me to express my views on national television.
Despite the setbacks, we are unshakable and unbreakable,” said President Chamisa.
The MDC Alliance leader also scoffed at the “Twitter President” claims…
” They ( Zanu PF bigwigs) say I am a Twitter President…
I am happy they acknowledge that I am a President,” said President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance Youth Assembly vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has described the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa and Simon Khaya-Moyo as small-minded canoutes.
Chimbiri also described Khaya-Moyo as a hallucinating and hopeless Zanu PF functionary.
Khaya-Moyo is on record declaring that the opposition will never rule Zimbabwe.
See Chimbiri’s statement below:
With a bold face Ian Smith once said: “I don’t believe in majority rule ever in Rhodesia… not in a 1,000 years.” He said white rule would last for a thousand years, but this prophecy was destined to be drowned in bloodshed. .
People like Simon Khaya Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa will only be remembered as a small-minded Canutes ( For those of you who have come across the story of Danish king of England (Canute)
He is only remembered for standing in front of the sea in order to show people that he was not able to order the water that was moving in towards the land to turn back. The story is often changed to suggest that Canute really thought that he could turn back the sea.
It can’t and it won’t if these Canutes do not realize that a wave of change and its winds are sweeping across Africa . #RegisterToVote
The MDC-T is now a house of confusion as it’s leadersare reportedly relying with sangomas and prophets to seek spiritual powers to win the 2023 general elections.
Mwonzora’s top officials were reportedly spotted during night at the house of Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.
Makomichi is known for distributing love and business charms .
Reports say Mwonzora and his followers are seeking secret powers to win elections.
“I don’t disclose the names of my clients, but as for Mwonzora I can’t pray for him because his bad luck is insurmountable. Of course I can make make everyone who approaches me rich but Mwonzora’s issue is too complicated. I don’t want to take his money for nothing that’s why I denied their seeding, they said they want secret powers for elections” Makomichi claimed.
One political analyst has pointed out that MDC-T is wasting time by seeking powers to win elections from Makomichi because the preacher himself also hates Mwonzora.
Mwonzora is being used by Zanu PF to destroy Nelson Chamisa.
By A Correspondent- In a grim case of child se_xual abuse, a 16 year old boy in Bulawayo turned into a marauding se_xual predator when he allegedly engaged in anal se_x with a 10-year-old boy before preying on four other boys.
The boy, from Queens Park East suburb, performed the alleged dastardly acts on the boys aged between seven and ten.
Allegations are that sometime this year on an unknown date, when he was accompanying his uncle to a bus stop, he requested the first victim, a 10-year-old boy to accompany them and he agreed. When the alleged perpetrator’s uncle boarded a kombi, the two — suspect and the victim — returned home.
It is reported that while on their way back home, they reached a bushy area near ZRP Queens Park and the suspect requested to have anal se_x with the victim who turned down the request. The seemingly se_xually frustrated suspect forcibly removed the victim’s pair of shorts and sucked his penis and anus.
It is yet to be proven that the following day the boy asked the same victim to accompany him to one of the sports clubs in the suburb.
On their way and when they arrived at a bushy area near the sports club in question the teenage suspect again requested to have anal se_x with the victim and he refused.
Incensed by his denial, he forcibly undressed him before he ordered him to lie facing downwards and allegedly had anal se_x with him.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations later revealed that sometime last year the suspect had also abused another 10-year-old boy who is also his neighbour. He repeatedly f0ndled his manhood after he refused to have anal se_x with him.
As if that was not enough, it also emerged that on an unknown date but sometime last year the alleged se_x pest preyed on another victim, a nine-year-old boy, when he called him to their kitchen and solicited for anal se_x and he refused. As punishment supposedly for turning down his se_xual demands he allegedly f0ndled his manhood.
It is further reported that again on an unknown date, but sometime last year, the teenage suspect approached another victim, a seven-year-old boy, when he was outside the house playing with his friends and dragged him to their kitchen.
While inside he tied the victim’s hands with shoelaces before he unzipped his pair of trousers and took out his manhood and started sucking it.
After the dastardly act, the boy pushed the victim outside the house and threatened to assault him if he revealed the matter to anyone.
It is alleged that after the abuse, the alleged perpetrator would constantly prey on the victim, fondling and licking his manhood.
It is further reported that on 25 November 2020, the daring se_x pest approached another victim who is nine years old and asked him to have anal se_x with him and he refused.
In a fit of pique, the boy dragged the victim to a nearby playground where he tied his hands with shoelaces and started f0ndling his pen_is.
Investigations by the police later led to the arrest of the boy and his subsequent appearance in court before Bulawayo magistrate Stephen Ndhlovu charged with four counts of indecent assault and one of aggravated indecent assault.
The boy was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 20 September 2021.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende has pointed out that the penniless Zanu PF regime will use IMF funds to finance its political programmes.
According to Hon Hwende, the regime wants to use $ 500 million to boost campaign programmes.
See statement below:
MDC Secretary General Honourable Chalton Hwende : Kuwadzana East Constituency:
Running a Political Party as big as MDC requires resources. Our primary source of funding is our Membership.
I have noticed that everytime we appeal for donations ZANUPF trolls are the first to post and discourage because they know that without funds it’s difficult to mobilize and organize.
ZANUPF uses State resources and force business people to donate.
The $500Million that The Minister of Finance is reserving from the IMF Windfall lying that it’s for supporting the currency is money being reserved for their 2023 Campaign.
I appreciate and accept the criticism that you direct at me and we are implementing some of your suggestions but help our Treasurer to raise funds for us to use by encouraging people to join the MDC Alliance Today. Let’s share and encourage our friends
ZIMBABWEAN police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August, 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
DidYouKnow that over half of Zimbabwe’s population lives in high-risk malaria areas?
Since 2011, through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID and the U.S.
CDC have invested over $146.5 million to prevent malaria transmission and #EndMalaria in Zimbabwe.
PMI’s interventions have made a significant impact on combating malaria and saving lives.
From 2015 to 2021, through the Zimbabwe Assistance Program in Malaria (ZAPIM) activity, PMI distributed 1,593,592 long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets, and trained 1,464 village health workers and 1,700 healthcare facility workers
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende has pointed out that the penniless Zanu PF regime will use IMF funds to finance its political programmes.
According to Hon Hwende, the regime wants to use $ 500 million to boost campaign programmes.
See statement below:
MDC Secretary General Honourable Chalton Hwende : Kuwadzana East Constituency:
Running a Political Party as big as MDC requires resources. Our primary source of funding is our Membership.
I have noticed that everytime we appeal for donations ZANUPF trolls are the first to post and discourage because they know that without funds it’s difficult to mobilize and organize.
ZANUPF uses State resources and force business people to donate.
The $500Million that The Minister of Finance is reserving from the IMF Windfall lying that it’s for supporting the currency is money being reserved for their 2023 Campaign.
I appreciate and accept the criticism that you direct at me and we are implementing some of your suggestions but help our Treasurer to raise funds for us to use by encouraging people to join the MDC Alliance Today. Let’s share and encourage our friends
By A Correspondent- A Chinese mining company, Heijin, is pushing to evict hundreds of villagers in Murehwa, Mashonaland East province, after it was given a special mining grant to extract black granite on densely populated land covering 300 hectares.
This comes at a time Chinese companies are frenziedly descending on the province, which is rich in the rare but lucrative stone.
The latest incursion by Heijin comes in the wake of yet another bruising fight pitting villagers in Mutoko and Shanghai Haoying Mining Investments that was given claims to mine black granite.
Although Shanghai Haoying has offered compensation to the families, which will be displaced when implementation of the project commences, plans by the Chinese company to set up operations in the area have triggered stiff resistance from the villagers.
Relating to similar developments now unfolding in Murehwa, Heijin, which was only incorporated under Zimbabwe’s laws in June this year, has already engaged a consultant to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
According to documents seen by the Independent this week, Heijin wrote to Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) rural district council (RDC) chief executive officer Murandu Kanganga requesting to undertake the EIA.
The letter, dated July 2, 2021, reads: “Heijin Mining Company is a holder of two black granite mining blocks namely Kaseke (1256 BMT) and Chibvi (ME1253BM), which are situated within Uzumba Reserve in Kaseke village of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District. Proposed is black granite mining, cutting and polishing on the two mining blocks.
“Our project being of national value and interest, we do understand the importance of working in harmony with relevant and key stakeholders, exchange of ideas as a guarantee to sustainable mining operations.”
Heijin intends to set up a cutting and polishing plant, storage facilities for finished products and an open cast mine. Heijin, as shown by the letter, is located at 304 Warwick, Josiah Chinamano Avenue, Harare.
Documents show that Edzai Ndemera, Emmanuel Ndemera, Alec Mutizwa, Dillia Chingwena and Libo Zhongjian Resources are the owners of Heijin. Libo Zhongjian Resources holds a 70% stake.
A Heijin consultant did not respond to questions sent by this publication.
In a letter written by Murehwa councillor Zvondai Marowa to Mines minister Winston Chitando, the black granite mining operations will emit dust and other emissions “affecting nearby schools, households and water bodies”.
“This letter seeks to object to granite mining in Nenzou Village Uzumba Ward 14 under Chief Nyajina. Heijing is a holder of two mining blocks, namely Kaseke and Chibvi. The blocks cover an area of more than 300 hectares,” the letter reads.
“We object to the mining project because the covered area is our grazing land, more than 39 households are inside the blocks and are going to be affected and we have graves of our loved ones within the pegged area.”
The letter, which outlines reasons for objecting to the project, dated August 23, also highlights that villagers were opposed to the plan because it would desecrate the villagers’ religious sites.
It reads: “The area in question is also used for rainmaking rituals, so we believe tempering with it will affect us as a community.”
Headman Kaseke, in a letter addressed to Minister of State for Mashonaland East province Appolonia Munzverengwi and Chitando, emphasised that the community was opposed to the planned project.
“Reference is made to the movement in and out of our area by ‘potential investors’ whose mining claims will result in the displacement or relocation of people from the area,” the letter dated August 24 reads.
“Legally, it is prudent to note that government is under both a statutory and constitutional duty to engage the community before any adverse action is taken. In the case of Kaseke and Chibvi, relevant authorities did not do this as no one consulted the community as far as we know.”
Chitando could not be reached for comment.
As in Mutoko, the Chinese investor has sought the buy-in of stakeholders by convening meetings with traditional leaders, villagers and officials from the UMP RDC.
A villager, who attended a meeting held last week on Saturday, told the Independent villagers complained about granite miners in the area.
“It is clear that the affected communities have not benefited in any way. What we have seen is the pillaging of our resources and catastrophic environmental degradation,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this week.
With Mashonaland East now a battleground for various investors (mostly from China) scrambling to obtain black granite claims, Shanghai Haoying has engaged Prime Chart, a local company, to conduct an EIA.
A Prime Chart representative said affected villagers will be compensated by “generous agricultural inputs sufficient for three seasons, a home in principle that is better than what they had and a solar powered borehole for each homestead”.
According to the official, Shanghai Haoying will also offer a “once-off cash payment for land preparations”.
Shanghai Haoying general manager Shuoshuo Song last week said: “Exploration (will begin) once the environmental (impact) assessment, which is underway is finalised.
“There is more profit in value addition; it is our ultimate objective to polish the granite and do beneficiation.”
As reported a fortnight ago by this publication, Richbase — another Chinese firm — is setting up a processing plant in Mutoko, that will be part of the black granite mining and beneficiation value chain, which is controlled by investors from the Asian giant and Italy.
Natural Stone Export Company, Illford Services Mining Company, Quarrying Enterprises, CRG Quarries and New Obsidian Granite are some of the companies extracting the lucrative mineral in Mutoko that is shipped to Asia and Europe.
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s press secretary, George Charamba has declared war against a private daily and accused it of being funded by foreign embassies to tarnish the government.
Charamba made the accusations through a posting on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter account. He was responding to a story on the front page of Thursday’s Newsday, reporting on his reckless statement against the new Zambian President, Hikainde Hichilema.
” CHECK WHO NOW WORRIES ABOUT PRESIDENT E.D. MNANGAGWA’S IMAGE: Those who profit from reflexively soiling it, publication day-in, publication day-out! Thank God their newsletter just has a handful of inconsequential readers, however much those foreign embassies pour in!! My daily,” he posted.
ZIMBABWEAN police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August, 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
By A Correspondent- Citizens of the Republic of Zambia have declared that MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa will win the 2023 Presidential plebiscite resoundingly.
President Chamisa and Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa are seen as the main players in the 2023.
However, the Zanu PF leader is grappling with internal party wars and a waning economy.
Citizens of the Republic of Zambia believe Mr Mnangagwa, whose political record is punctuated by gross violation of human rights, will not win the 2023 polls.
Responding to President Chamisa’s statement on his visit to Zambia, Mweemba Mubita wrote : “Welcome to Zambia Sir, we shall also come to Harare for your inauguration in 2023, but because my grandmother was Zimbabwean, I’ll come a little earlier so I can also vote for you.”
James Moono wrote: “Let’s go.. You are welcome to our beautiful and friendly country.”
Mendral Chitongo Arsenal: “Welcome Chamisa to our Land Zambia, your time in Zimbabwe is coming too. Just be consistent!”
Hammes Kanondo: “You are most welcome your excellency. You have been one of my mentors. Zimbabwe will be economically liberated under your leadership.
Kepi Mayala: “Welcome to your second home mr President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Happy to host you!”
Sasha Zonky Nelson : Welcome to our home land ,,,mother Zambia the land of peace and tranquility.if only I can see u even for a second.stay blessed sir.
9 liberation war veterans are set to spend their 3rd night in police detention after they were arrested Wednesday for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension which they equated to bread crumbs.
The 9 namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana, and Wonderful Sabarauta are expected to appear in court Friday and are represented by PaidaSaurombe and Chawona Kanoti.
By A Correspondent- A Chiredzi man died two weeks ago after he was fatally attacked by an allegedly intoxicated villager for allegedly being boastful.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public who may be aware of Sibanda’s whereabouts to approach the police.
Said Dhewa:
I can confirm the incident which took place in Chikombedzi where a man was murdered and the accused is yet to be arrested.
It is alleged that Gumhani Dike, 36, and his 10-year-old son were on their way to Chomupani Business Center when he met Andsern Sibanda on August 11, 2021.
Dike greeted Sibanda who instead of greeting him back accused him of being boastful.
A misunderstanding ensued before Sibanda grabbed a stone and hit Dike repeatedly on the head.
It is further alleged that Dike sustained deep cuts.
Sources further say Sibanda fled the scene and the minor child who was watching helplessly while his father was being attacked rushed to report the matter to one of the villagers.
Dike was ferried to Chomupani Clinic where he was referred to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital the following day.
However, his condition continued to deteriorate and he died around 8 PM on the same day.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for continuously deferring by-elections by not exercising his Executive powers to proclaim election dates.
Zec has been under criticism for its continued suspension of by-elections citing COVID-19 restrictions after about 48 parliamentary seats and over 80 council seats fell vacant following recalls of MDC Alliance legislators and councillors by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T party.
Zec commissioner Qhubani Moyo yesterday said the electoral management body last September announced dates for by-elections before Mnangagwa reversed the decision through promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 10 of 2021, citing COVID-19 fears.
Speaking during a virtual meeting held under the theme, Zambia’s Historic Elections: Lessons for Zimbabwe which was hosted by the Centre for Information and Technology, Moyo said: “Zec once announced dates for the holding of elections, but the SI then came in.”
“Countries have responded differently to COVID-19, our response has almost been like that of South Africa. Zec will hold elections once the SI is out of the way. Zec manages elections, but the proclamation of dates is done by the President and because of the SI in place, proclamation has not been done.”
He added: “There is also a court challenge of the SI which also complicates the work of Zec. Zimbabwe has always held elections when due, but with COVID-19 elections had to be suspended. Currently, there is an SI in place which makes it impossible for Zec to hold elections even if it wanted.”
Moyo also said there was an overwhelming number of people who were willing to register to vote, but it would open more registration centres when the COVID-19 “scare” was over.
The meeting was attended by rights activists and election analysts from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Zec has noted the appetite people have to register to vote and will increase access to registration when the COVID-19 scare is out of the way,” Moyo said.
He dismissed accusations that the commission was biased towards Zanu-PF, saying opposition parties viewed the commission with suspicion because they wanted favours from it.
Zec has been accused of necessitating poll theft against MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa in favour of Mnangagwa, who won the election with 50,7% of the votes against Chamisa’s 44,3% in the 2018 presidential poll.
Moyo admitted that there was unfair coverage of political parties on State media, with the ruling Zanu-PF party dominating coverage.
“There is a provision in the law for parties contesting in elections to be allowed space to campaign in the media, but some parties have not been able to utilise it. In some cases, the incumbent has benefited as its candidates have also been covered as government officials,” he said.
“Zec shouldn’t be pressured to announce results and then blamed for errors. Zec should be left to announce within the five days provided for in the law unless it is changed. After all, the results would be announced and displayed outside polling stations soon after voting.”
Human rights activist and Zimbabwe Elections Support Network board member Rosewita Katsande said the Zambian elections had proved that it was possible for Zimbabwe to hold its own elections amid the pandemic, subject to adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Zambia held its polls two weeks ago under the COVID-19 pandemic. Hakainde Hachilema, who was an opposition leader beat the incumbent Edgar Lungu and has since been inaugurated.
“There is a need to ensure the political consciousness of the youth in Zimbabwe so that they understand how participation in politics can change their conditions,” Katsande said.
“Messages should respond to youth concerns.”
Zambian election analyst Susan Mwape, who was a guest speaker at the meeting, said civil society groups, churches and artists played a key role in mobilising people to vote.
By A Correspondent- Police have appealed for information that may help in their investigations to establish the circumstances in which hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing at a rural health centre.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said 250 COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing on Wednesday (yesterday) at Cheshuro Rural Health Centre located in Gutu District, Masvingo Province.
He said:
The ZRP is investigating circumstances in which 250 COVID-19 vaccination cards went missing at Cheshuro Rural Health Centre on 25/08/12 at 1200 noon. Anyone with information to contact any nearest Police Station.
Cases of theft of COVID-19 vaccination cards are on the rise after the government decided to deny certain services to members of the public who are not fully vaccinated.
The government recently allowed churches to resume in-person services but only for fully vaccinated congregants.
In addition, the government said restaurants can allow only fully vaccinated customers to sit in for meals.
Indications are that people who steal the cards intend to sell them to some members of the public who have been shunning vaccination on religious grounds and conspiracy theories.
By A Correspondent- Government has threatened stern measures, including cancelling operating licences for fuel companies importing fuel with cash sourced from the foreign currency auction system, but selling the commodity at inflated prices in foreign currency.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said government would descend heavily on fuel dealers abusing the foreign currency facility to profiteer.
“Cabinet noted with deep concern that some fuel companies are abusing the foreign currency obtained from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe auction to procure fuel and then sell the fuel to consumers in foreign currency,” Mutsvangwa said.
The companies are supposed to follow laid down regulations in order to enable the general motoring public to access fuel in the local currency.”
“Cabinet was furnished with a comprehensive list of the companies and retail outlets abusing the foreign currency facility, and directed that firm action be instituted against the unscrupulous traders,” Mutsvangwa said.
The penalties, according to Mutsvangwa, would include cancellation of trading licences and hefty fines for offending fuel firms.
“The action involves prosecution of offenders, cancellation of fuel trading licences, or heavy fines as shall be determined by the team of relevant line ministries in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as the source of the funds so abused,” Mutsvangwa said.
The extension of the level 4 Lockdown is a benefit to preserve lives from the deadly #covid19 pandemic yet it is important that as LEAD we show our gratitude to the move of reopening schools.
This clearly is going to help socioeconomic livelihoods of Zimbabwean citizens. Cognizant of how the virus spreads like veld fire, it is imperative for our government to consider getting teachers vaccinated at their work stations to address the plight of students which is being overlooked.
This would help in curbing the spread of Covid19, following all measures focusing on the reopening of schools before officially moving to the next level. To add on, as Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) we feel that the extension of the Level 4 Lockdown should be eased and allow for sporting activities to resume to save sporting careers given that active cases and infections are decreasing and a high number of the population has been vaccinated.
By partially opening some social activities shows how the cabinet is trying to be considerate to the challenges the citizens are facing due to the lockdown restrictions. We always have been greatly concerned with the side effects of the lockdown as they overshadow the benefits however this move postulated concern over citizens.
The idea of teenagers stuck at homes unoccupied was giving us chills in the spine, as it has been increasing cases of children giving birth to children being fathered by children.
We are now faced with a pandemic of child marriages, which we have been also tirelessly trying to curb.Hence the move of reopening schools calls for an applause to the government as it would help in occupying them.
Teenagers and all school going children need to be occupied so that they don’t end up experimenting with drugs and getting into crime for fun.
We understand and know that irresponsible and bad behaviour comes from not being occupied. Extending level 4 lockdown with accommodative regulations served as a sensitive move to the needs of the people.
One can take a position that it is going to result in the people facing challenges that will be problematic to the economy of our country however through accommodating measures announced last night they will be proved wrong.
As much as the government would like to look out for us as citizens of Zimbabwe, it doesn’t make sense not to die of Covid 19 but to die of starvation.
There had been a sharp increase in cases of young girls who are supposed to be in school being raped as they are spending too much time exposed to weak men they call their fathers, uncle’s, brothers and neighbours.
Our position is to appreciate government ‘s efforts of promoting development and protecting teenagers and children of this land who are facing a lot of challenges from domestic abuse, sexploitation, rape, child labour, harassment and a host of other vices because of the continuous lockdown which always left them in a vulnerable position.
The move of relaxing some aspects is considerate and sensitive and we applaud cabinet for considering the plight of students and school gong children.
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has defended the astronomical water bills sent to ratepayers saying they were a true reflection of the high water usage which had gone beyond the stipulated daily consumption limit of 650 litres per household.
Residents in various parts of Bulawayo have been complaining of huge water bills ranging from $19 000 to $30 000 which were based on estimates.
In a notice to the residents yesterday, town clerk Christopher Dube said the city council had been conducting leak and burst assessment in the Tuli Reservoir in the past eight weeks.
He said this was part of the nonrevenue water exercise where specialised equipment was used to observe and pick up changes in water pressure and volume flow patterns.
Dube said the results of the exercise established that the per capita consumptions were high at an average figure of 519 litres per person per day and sometimes, as high as 760 litres per person per day which is above the World Health Organisation standard of 150 litres per person per day.
“This is indicating excessive usage of water. BCC’s water-rationing limit is currently at 650 litres per day, per household for medium to low-density suburbs, which gives a per capita allocation of 108 litres per person per day,” Dube said.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, billing has been based on estimates. The estimates were being calculated using household allocations.
“However, as for June and July 2021, billing has been based on actual readings and, therefore, consumers should expect exceptionally high water bills. It is with this in mind that residents are being encouraged to consume within their household allocation of 650 litres per day.”
Dube said investigations were underway to identify water abusers, which include meter bypasses, hosepipe usage, among others. He said residents were encouraged to report any suspected water abuse to the nearest city council offices or use the customer contact centre platform.
“Council will be deploying plumbers to deal with leaks and non-functional water meters as part of the non-revenue water reduction exercise,” Dube said.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central provincial member Shephard Kararira has allegedly refused to surrender the party’s Ford Ranger truck given to him by party chairperson Kazembe Kazembe following his illegal co-option as provincial political commissar (PCC).
Kazembe last month co-opted Kararira as provincial commissar to campaign for him in the forthcoming provincial elections and illegally gave him a party vehicle for the task.
But Zanu-PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa nullified the co-options Kazembe had made to the Mashonaland Central provincial executive committee, effectively relieving Kararira and three other allies of the Home Affairs minister of their new roles.
Kararira was supposed to return the car following the nullification of his appointment.
But Kararira yesterday said he was using the car to mobilise support for the party’s national conference to be held in the province, even though President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted on holding a virtual indaba due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am using that car to mobilise support for the conference which our province is hosting and as we speak, the chairman (Kazembe) also gave us his party car and we now have four cars,” he said.
“So for one to demand that car, it is nonsensical. We need to campaign with those cars and above all, we took two more cars from the party head office to drum up support for the conference.”
He, however, declined to name other party members he referred to as “we”.
Chinamasa dismissed the cooptions after Mashonaland Central War Veterans Association chairperson Sam Parirenyatwa protested against the move, accusing Kazembe of manipulating party structures in order retain his provincial position.
Parirenyatwa was supported by other party members who demanded that Kararira should return the party vehicle to one Tsine, who had been illegally demoted as provincial political commissar.
Kazembe is set to battle it out with former Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora, businessman James Makamba, among others for the provincial chairmanship.
Jostling for positions in Mashonaland Central has threatened to tear apart the party ahead of its national conference, whose dates are yet to be announced.
By A Correspindent- The Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle has taken a new twist with acting Chief Fidelis Mudzengi allegedly refusing to relinquish power in breach of an earlier agreement reached with the family last October.
Disgruntled family members have since engaged Mangwana and Partners law firm to force Mudzengi out and pave way for heir apparent Julius Chigegwe.
Family elders claimed that on October 30 last year, Mudzengi signed an agreement to step down at the end of his term on February 5 this year, but had since refused to relinquish power.
Mudzengi is son to the late Chief Jerald Mudzengi.
In a letter addressed to the national director for traditional leaders, Felix Chikovo dated August 19, the family lawyers implored government to appoint a substantive chief once an “opportune time” avails itself.
“We refer to the above matter (appointment of substantive Chief Chirumanzu), in which we represent the elders and heirs to the Chirumanzu chieftainship, kindly note our interest,” wrote the lawyers.
“Further reference is made to your telephone conversation with our Mr M P Mangwana on the same in which you confirmed that the ministry was seized with the matter and would be undertaking and initiating the appointment process once the current restrictions are uplifted.
“We write impressing upon your good office to attend to the same at the opportune time as clients eagerly await the matter to be concluded.”
In June, the elders petitioned Local Government minister July Moyo to resolve the long-standing succession dispute.
Moyo is, however, yet to respond.
In a letter to Moyo, the elders accused both the Midlands and national chiefs’ councils of failing to resolve the dispute.
“We, the people of Chirumanzu represented by our elders in Chirumanzu chieftainship clan made up of the two houses of Nherera and Simba and their 11 sub-houses which are the heirs to Chirumanzu chieftainship.
“The traditional leaders of our people in all the wards of Chirumanzu seek to petition the honourable July G Moyo, Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to help resolve the matter of delayed appointment of substantive chief following the expiration of the acting chief’s term according to the Constitution and law governing the chieftainship succession,” the elders said in a petition dated June 25.
The elders dismissed reports that the delay in the appointment of a new chief was caused by family squabbles.
They said despite writing to the provincial and national chiefs’ councils over the chieftainship on May 31 and June 10, respectively, the two councils had not responded.
“As elders and heirs to the chieftainship throne we organised ourselves for orderly succession and nominated the candidate, but the Midlands provincial chiefs council has refused to meet the family as mandated by the Constitution in favour of keeping the acting chief’s term beyond the maximum term limit of two years,” the elders added.
By A Correspondent- An impostor, who claimed to be involving in the business of importing goods from Dubai, has been sentenced to two years in jail for swindling a local businessman of US$2 900.
Tapiwa Mbende pleaded guilty to theft yesterday when he appeared before Harare magistrate Barbara Mateko.
He pleaded for a lenient sentence, saying he would restitute the complainant.
Of his 24 months imprisonment, six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, another nine months on condition that he restitutes the complainant and the remaining nine months on condition that he performs 300 hours of community service.
The court heard that sometime in September 2020, the complainant, Noel Chituriro met Mbende at number 20 Stumley Rest, Borrowdale, Harare, where the former gave the accused person a BancABC visa card with US$3 000 so that he could buy an Iphone Pro Max and a wrist watch in Dubai.
Mbende, who identified himself as a runner for clients who buy goods from Dubai promised to give the complainant his goods back by the end of October.
While Mbende was in Dubai, Chituriro received a message on his cellphone indicating that US$2 700 had been deducted from his account.
When Chituriro asked when he would get his goods, Mbende gave excuses. He claimed he had bought the items and would give them to him upon return from the Asian country.
He was arrested on arrival after he failed to give Chituriro his items and visa card. Chituriro suffered US$2 700 prejudice and nothing was recovered.
By A Correspondent- The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has petitioned Parliament to intervene and help end the country’s worsening public transport situation which has resulted in commuters falling victim to mugging, sexual harassment and robbery after disembarking from buses late at night.
In a petition to Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda, PAZ national co-ordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said the commuting public had resorted to the use of private vehicles as Zupco buses were failing to cope with demand.
“There is a serious transport shortage in Zimbabwe. This forces people to use private kombis, trucks and cars,” Goliati said.
“This has resulted in the rise in muggings, robberies, murder, loss of valuables and rape cases.”
Government has banned kombis and allowed only buses under the Zupco franchise to operate. This has created a shortage of transport.
“The government should look for a private investor in the transport sector to alleviate challenges being faced by passengers,” Goliati said.
By A Correspondent- Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) led by Linda Masarira has appointed 22 year old Everjoy Chidindi as presidential spokesperson.
We publish below the notice by LEAD Secretary for Information and Publicity Rosline Ncube:
Introducing the LEAD PRESIDENTAL SPOKESPERSON
On behalf of the President of Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD), I would like to introduce the LEAD Presidential Spokesperson Ms Everjoy Chidindi.
Everjoy Chidindi is 22 years old and has been in active politics since the age of 18.
She is a student of Politics and Public Management at Midlands State University and is being mentored by our esteemed President Mambokadzi Linda Masarira.
We are proud as LEAD that we have stayed true to our founding principles and continue to empower young women.
She becomes the youngest Presidential spokesperson in the world if not the first.
By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe police on Friday 27 August 2021 set free nine liberation war veterans whom they had arrested and detained for allegedly protesting against low pension payouts.
The liberation war veterans, who were arrested on Wednesday 25 August 2021 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZRP officers accused them of staging a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta were expected to appear in court on Friday 27 August 2021.
However, ZRP officers released the liberation war veterans around midnight and advised their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Chawona Kanoti of Kanoti and Partners that they will contact them if they want to pursue with prosecuting them.
By A Correspondent- Schools across Zimbabwe will close on December 17 and open on 11 January next year.
The resumption of face-to-face classes follows a thorough exercise by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure a safe return to the standard teaching in classrooms.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on June 28 for the second term but due to a spike in Covid-19 infections, Government was forced to postpone face-to-face learning.
Government amended this year’s schools’ calendar which will see three examination classes (Upper Six, Form Four and Grade Seven) commencing on August 30 while the remaining ones resuming on September 6.
The reopening of schools for the second term has now been set with a total of 80 teaching days and 24 vacation days.
ZIM AUTHORITIES ARREST, DETAIN WAR VETERANS OVER BREAD CRUMBS PROTEST
NINE liberation war veterans on Thursday 26 August 2021 spent their second night in police detention after they were arrested for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension in a fresh crackdown against dissent in the troubled southern African country.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested nine liberation war veterans namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana and Wonderful Sabarauta and charged them with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The law enforcement agents alleged that the nine war veterans staged a protest on Wednesday 25 August 2021 outside Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare, where they held placards inscribed “Pay war veterans they deserve please we are human beings. #Mthuli we are tired of bread crumbs like Lazurus.”
The nine liberation war veterans who are represented by Chawona Kanoti, of Kanoti and Partners and Paidamoyo Saurombe of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are expected to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Friday 27 August 2021 for initial remand processes.
By A Correspondent- A 61 year old man from Torero compound at Ledbury farm in Matepatepa committed suicide after being accused of possessing goblins and blamed for causing mysterious fires at the farm by a traditional healer known as ‘Tsikamutanda’.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Dhliwayo said Almeda Geos drank poison on August 20 and died upon admission at Bindura Hospital. “This followed accusations by a traditional healer who was invited to cleanse the area. We appeal to the public to seek police or counsellors guidance in times of psychological social problems.”
The mysterious fires at the farm started on June 27 and razed down about 30 houses at Torero compound.
Although the fires briefly subdued after a month, reports are that another 27 huts at the next farm called Burnridge Farm were burnt down.
By A Correspondent- Exiled former ZANU PF Politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo says President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s claims that he escaped the Rhodesian hangman’s noose in 1965 because he was underage are false.
Prof Moyo said the “lie” was previously exposed by Jonathan Chando and has now been confirmed by Eddie Cross, Mnangagwa’s biographer.
Below is Prof Moyo’s Twitter Thread in which he attempted to substantiate the allegations:
MNANGAGWA’S CLAIM THAT HE WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH in 1965 and escaped the penalty because he was underage, is a MYTH, that is a LIE, as previously revealed by Jonathan Chando & now confirmed, behind Mnangagwa’s back, by Eddie Cross in “A LIFE OF SACRIFICE: Emmerson Mnangagwa”!
THROUGHOUT HIS POLITICAL CAREER, Mnangagwa has claimed that he was sentenced to death for blowing up locomotive No 510 in Masvingo in 1964, but was not executed because he was underage. He repeated the lie in April 2021 in his @SundayMailZim interview with @VictoriaRuzvid2!
IN A REVEALING AND DAMAGING DISCLOSURE, which confirms Jonathan Chando’s previous reports, Eddie Cross reproduces (p.23) the 1965 court record, which is missing from the National Archives, in which the judge found that: “I DO NOT THEREFORE PROPOSE TO SENTENCE YOU TO DEATH”!
ON PAGE 21 OF HIS BOOK, Eddie Cross reproduces from the 1965 Court record a case summary by the then-Attorney General which refers to Mnangagwa as “residing at some place to the prosecutor unknown in ZAMBIA”. This explains why Mnangagwa was deported to Zambia, on his release!
ON PAGES 18-20 EDDIE CROSS reproduces from the revealing 1965 court record photographs of locomotive No 510 which was damaged by the explosives placed by Silas SIZIBA, the expert implicated by Mnangagwa and the place where fragments of the explosives were found by BSA police!
EDDIE CROSS reproduces from the 1965 court record Mnangagwa’s warned & cautioned statement signed on 17 Jan 1965 which: *Gives his full names as Emmerson DAMBUDZO *Implicates Noah GUMBOCHENA, as the source of the explosives & Silas SIZIBA, as an expert on how to use them!
THE FACT THAT MNANGAGWA’S 1965 court record went missing from the National Archives long ago, only to resurface in the Eddie Cross book, has RAISED SECURITY EYEBROWS. Mnangagwa is hostile to books; he did not know his 1965 record is in his biography, before its publication!
By A Correspondent- A Harare man, Desmond Sinoia (51), who admitted to recklessly ramming into Commander Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda’s car at the intersection of Glenara and Samora Machel in Harare, has been jailed for 12 months.
Harare magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko also banned Sinoia from driving for the next eight months.
Sinoia rammed into CDF General Sibanda’s car which was being driven by his aide on August 23.
By A Correspondent- The government has refuted social media claims suggesting that all school pupils are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can attend lessons when schools reopen starting next week.
Speaking during a question and answer session in Parliament on Thursday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the government has no such policy.
Mutsvangwa told Senators that a Government directive to have school pupils between 14 and 17 years to be vaccinated does not mean that the programme was compulsory. She said:
With the advent of social media, there is a lot of fake news. That is why we have Cabinet briefings timely for people to validate.
There is no Government policy to have children vaccinated before going to school.
She said the decision to have children vaccinated was taken after a careful scientific study.
By A Correspondent- Senior officials in the MDC Alliance in Masvingo Province have claimed that their request to open bank accounts for the opposition party have been turned down by CBZ.
Zimbabwe’s government has a 16% stake in CBZ.
MDC Alliance spokesperson for Chiredzi West, Tobias Muzamani, told local publication Masvingo Mirror that his party tried to open a bank account with CBZ and two other financial institutions but it all failed.
“We made applications to more than three banks and they all showed a lot of reluctance to open an account in the name of the MDC Alliance.
“We strongly feel that they are afraid of reprisals from Zanu PF,” said Muzamani.
Muzumani added in some cases, for some strange reason, they were advised to circumvent the party and open an account as a co-operative instead
He said the bank account was meant for the party’s Chiredzi West district and the funds deposited therein were going to be used to support development projects in the constituency.
However, the close relationship between ruling party and CBZ have often hurt the financial institution in a big way. In August 2019, CBZ announced it had to assume debt totaling at least $160 million after President Mnangagwa’s som Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr., former First Lady Grace Mugabe and others defaulted on loans made from 2010 to 2014.
According to CBZ, the President’s son defaulted on a US$400,000 loan from the commercial bank. Grace Mugabe, who led the ruling Zanu-PF party’s women’s wing and had indicated interest in the Presidency for herself, is accused of failing to repay US$4.5 million to the bank.
Other prominent alleged borrowers named by the bank included Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu, former Minister Ignatius Chombo, former Senate President Mabel Chinomona, and MDC Alliance legislator Job Sikhala.
CBZ management contracted lawyer and MDC Alliance vice president Biti, a former finance minister, to recover the debts.
By A Correspondent- The copyright row between popular Zimdancehall chanter Winky D and Magamba Network is now behind the parties who have finally settled the matter “amicably”.
Last year in May, Winky D, real name Wallace Chirumiko sued Magamba Network for US$12,000, claiming illegal use of his song, ‘Parliament’.
The music star, once pelted with missiles by suspected Zanu PF supporters over a song viewed as political, claimed the use of his production in the works of an organisation known for anti-government political satire created an impression that he was a political activist, something that had the effect of damaging his reputation as an apolitical artiste.
In court papers filed through his lawyers, Winky D had said, “The offending work was a socio-political video which was accompanied by and contained a reproduction of the original work. Winky D is an apolitical musician and the thrust of his music is purely entertainment.”
He also said, “The use of the work by Magamba Network has the effect – innocent or otherwise – of suggesting to the public that Chirumiko was aligned to or biased towards a certain political idea or movement which suggestion resulted in persons opposed to the said political idea or movement shunning the plaintiff and his music, leading to reduction of income on the part of the plaintiff.”
But in a statement Thursday, Magamba Network said the matter is now behind the parties. “This serves to notify our stakeholders, followers, and the general public of the settlement of the case involving copyright infringement between Magamba Network and Winky D,” said Magamba Network.
“Kindly note that the use of Winky D’s musical work known as ‘PARLIAMENT’ by Magamba Network in our weekly show concept entitled, ‘In Case You Missed It’ using the campaign titled ‘#RECONVENEPARLY’ sometime in May 2020 was made in error and the parties have amicably resolved this matter.”
Added Magamba, “Winky D’s musical work known as ‘PARLIAMENT’ is not linked to the Magamba Network and its activities.” Magamba Network however did not disclose how the musician was placated.
By A Correspondent- The MDC led by Douglas Mwonzora said it had no grudge against Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for not inviting them to his inauguration.
Hichilema invited Mwonzora’s rival, Nelson Chamisa and several other regional opposition heads of state to attend his Tuesday inauguration.
MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said they held no grudges against the Zambian leader.
“Zambian President Hichilema has demonstrated the embodiment of our philosophy of rational disputation. “It’s all about the principle of inclusivity and not about the personalities. We will not insult his gesture by discussing names of who he invited and who he didn’t,” Dube said. He added, “We have been saying no matter our differences, we should have a high level of tolerance. “Our reading of the invitation of opposition formations in the region says no matter which side of the political eye we look at things; we must still be able to come back and celebrate developments like the election of the Hichilema as Zambian President.”
By A Correspondent- Schools across Zimbabwe will close on December 17 and open on January 11 next year, the government has announced.
The government said the resumption of face-to-face classes follows a thorough exercise by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure a safe return to standard classroom teaching.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on June 28 for the second term but due to a spike in Covid-19 infections, the government was forced to postpone face-to-face learning.
The government amended this year’s schools’ calendar, which will see three examination classes (Upper Six, Form Four and Grade Seven) commencing on August 30 while the remaining ones resuming on September 6.
The reopening of schools for the second term has now been set with a total of 80 teaching days and 24 vacation days.
has issued a stern warning to members of the Youth who are invading farms. He said the time of land invasion is long gone. Each province has put aside 500ha for the Youth and they will be supported with inputs,” he posted.
By A Correspondent- The government has given the go-ahead for local restaurants to open for sit-in patrons who produce vaccination certificates.
This follows a significant decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases now being recorded in the country.
“The nation is further informed that restaurants will be allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated subject to the production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said at a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare Wednesday.
“Cabinet further urges the nation to continue adhering to WHO protocols and National Guidelines in order to contain the third wave and thwart the possibility of a fourth one, as the pandemic is still with us.”
The government early this year imposed strict lockdown measures following a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.
Restaurants were among the affected businesses, with sit-ins banned as part of the measures.
In her address Wednesday, Mutsvangwa said as of 24 August 2021, the country’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 123 320, with 108 660 recoveries and 4 320 deaths.
Government is keen on the country attaining the much-desired herd immunity of 10 million vaccinated citizens by the end of the year. To achieve the target, the government and some quasi-government institutions have placed compulsory vaccination as a condition for employees to keep their jobs and continue earning Covid-19 allowances.
Workers’ groups have condemned the move, and some private organisations opposed the aggressive measures.
Citizens continue to throng vaccination centres to receive the mandatory two jabs.
9 liberation war veterans are set to spend their 3rd night in police detention after they were arrested Wednesday for allegedly protesting against payment of poor pension which they equated to bread crumbs.
The 9 namely Isso Madzivanyika, Nyasha Manyana, Daphne Kanoti, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Faith Chamanda, Ruvimbo Sphyina Maphosa, Jordan Nderezina, Maron Mabvunzaneyi Mazikana, and Wonderful Sabarauta are expected to appear in court Friday and are represented by PaidaSaurombe and Chawona Kanoti.
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has said.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF government has turned down a request by Zimbabwe Football Association, ZIFA, for the football icon George Shaya to be granted national hero status.
Shaya died aged 77 in his Harare home following a long illness. He will be buried at Warren Hills cemetery on Saturday.
Dynamos had written to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) seeking facilitation of conferment of national hero status on the late former football star who dominated the soccer star of the year calendar in 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
However, Sports minister Kirsty Coventry told the Shaya family that the football icon would get a state-assisted funeral on Wednesday.
“He is one of the greatest sportspersons to have emerged from this country,” said the minister. “Government has, therefore, accorded him a state-assisted funeral.”
Coventry said, “The history of the game will be amiss without the mention of his name”.
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has said.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalicsed as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).- Masvingo Mirror
