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.

-BMetro

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.

-Independent

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.

-ZLHR

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.

-TellZim

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.

-newsday

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.

-Newsday

Press Statement on lockdown extension

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.

EVERJOY CHIDINDI

LEAD Presidential Spokesperson

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.

-newsday

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.

-Newsday

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.

-Newsday

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.

-Newsday

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.

Rosline Ncube

LEAD Secretary for Information and Publicity.

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.

-statemedia

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.

-statemedia

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.

-MasvingoMirror

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.

By A Correspondent-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared war against his party youths he accused of invading farms.

There are reports of disgruntled party youths who are invading farms owned by party bigwigs.

Posting on his Twitter account, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said Mnangagwa would fire such youths.

“President 

@edmnangagwa

 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.

-Zimstar

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.

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 inauguration last Tuesday.

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- The courts have persecuted a Harare man who was involved in a road accident with the Commander of the Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio by sentencing him to 12 months in jail.

Desmond Sinoia (51) is said to have rammed into General Sibanda’s car at the intersection of Glenara and Samora Machel in Harare on 23 August.

Sending him to jail Thursday, Harare magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko also banned Sinoia from driving for the next eight months.

The accident happened when Sibanda’s aide was driving the car.

By A Correspondent- Another member of the Johanne Marange has been implicated in a child marriage scam.

Freddy Zonde (35) of Muzarabani is reportedly staying with a 13-year-old local girl who was in Grade 7 at Muringazuva Primary School.

This is happening at time when the nation is still to come to terms with the death of 14-year-old Anna Machaya due to labour complications in Marange recently.

Realising that the protests could result in him being arrested for marrying an under-age girl, Zonde, believed to be a vendor, is said to have whisked the young wife to St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.

Information on the marriage is being closely guarded by members of the community, which comprises mostly of the Apostolic sect members. The Herald visited the homestead of Zonde’s parents and interviewed family members with assistance from ward councillor, Alderman Norman Chizeya. Zonde’s father, Samuel Zonde, confirmed the marriage.

“It is true (that he married). He took the girl and went with her to Harare. He thought that nothing would happen. “He had no idea the case will stir a lot of interest. “Most of the people talking about this issue are fighting my family,” he said.

The father added that there were no problems with the in-laws, and they are not opening up about the case to strangers. All the other three wives are at Zonde’s father’s homestead. When The Herald later visited the homestead of the girl’s parents, no one was home and all doors were locked.

A villager who spoke on condition of anonymity said the community was angered by the marriage of Maria, adding that the girl’s parents never spoke against the marriage or reported the matter to the police, indicating they agreed to the union.

“To people, they are denying that she is married but we know that she eloped to the 35-year-old as the fourth wife. Her mother is at the forefront of the arranged marriage,” he said.

“Initially, he wanted to marry the girl’s sister, but he was beaten to her by another church member who came first and married her. Since the community started probing the issue, his cellphones are not reachable.”

Alderman Chizeya said the girl’s case was heartbreaking, and one of the many cases that go unrecorded. He added that ending child marriages was key to achieving Vision 2030 and the police must follow up on where the child was taken and take her back home so that she continues with education.

“The parents are involved and they must be held accountable. We must lead by example and we don’t tolerate child marriages,” he said. The village head, Mr Noahs Mashinye, said he was unaware of the marriage as the parties never approached him, although he has heard the rumour.

“I receive reports of such cases and we don’t tolerate child marriages. I hear about the case in the grapevine but I don’t deal with hearsay,” said. Mr Mashinye. “We work closely with councillors, health officers and the neighbourhood watch members.

“The people involved (the husband and wife) never approached me. The alleged perpetrator does not stay in the village as he is based in Harare.” Chief Muzarabani, born Alphonse Chuzu, said he had no idea about the case because such incidents were treated as top “secrets”.

The chief confirmed that child marriages among the Marange Apostolic sect were rife, adding that they had become a “culture”, among sect members. Married women in the sect allegedly sweet-talk young girls to join the marriage and become co-wives, said the chief.

Chief Muzarabani added there was need to engage the church leader since he is revered, so that he could be encouraged to change the harmful practices happening within the church.

“The village has nine village heads all from the church and when we try to probe such incidents, they deny and say such things don’t happen in their church,” said Chief Muzarabani.

“Church members know about all the developments and the young girl and her parents are in agreement. “The person who set such laws in the church is the only one who can repeal them. If not, all your prisons cells will be filled with the perpetrators and nothing will change.”

Another 35-Year-Old Johanne Marange Congregate Takes Girl (13) As 4th Wife!

Chief Muzarabani spoke strongly against child marriages, which he said were detrimental to economic development. “It is difficult to preside over these apostolic sect members before the traditional court for the child marriages cases because the practice is lawful in their church.

“The only solution is to engage their leader and he is the only one who can liberate the congregants from such laws. Muzarabani topped the list of child marriages and due to awareness campaigns, we are witnessing a decline in the practice.

“Let these young girls grow; it is our duty as a community to protect them. Parents need to play a central role in securing the girl child,” said Chief Muzarabani.

Community childcare worker Chipo Sakala, said they have put in place a robust protection system to protect children against emotional, s.e.xual and physical abuse.

“We have received tremendous support in caring for vulnerable children. We work together with our traditional leaders and we don’t hesitate to report cases of child abuse.

“We heard about the girl’s case, and although church members are denying it, police have been contacted,” said Mrs Sakala. Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Ndliwayo said investigations were underway.

Source: Zimetro

By A Correspondent-Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has brewed another diplomatic storm after he accused foreign embassies of funding the private press to soil his Boss.

Charamba made the accusations through a posting on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter account. He was responding to a story in 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.

Tinashe Sambiri|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.

Tinashe Sambiri|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.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

Tinashe Sambiri | MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described George Charamba’s crude language against perceived Zanu PF opponents as high-sounding gobbledygook meant to silence dissenting voices.

Hon Sikhala also dismissed Charamba’s feeble and futile political grandstanding meant to confuse the citizens of Zimbabwe.

“The pontification of George Charamba
@Jamwanda2
against
@daddyhope
is a choreographed plot by the regime to besmirch & silence him 4ever as the nation is geared for 2023.

After my afternoon tweet whisperers rushed to inform me that
@daddyhope
is in trouble.

When you see people like George Charamba
@Jamwanda2
spending acres of space attacking you , you must know urikubata panyama inorwadza. Rather you must bring more intensity to the attack against the regime
@daddyhope
and others must intensify. We are winning the war,” argued Hon Sikhala.

By A Correspondent- Five people died on the spot while 10 others were injured after a Nissan Caravan carrying 22 passengers veered off the road, overturned and landed on its roof near the 97km peg along the Mutare-Masvingo highway on Monday night.

The deceased were taken to Birchenough Bridge Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were admitted to Nyanyadzi Hospital. The deceased are: four females who have been identified by police as Praises Mubayadzirere (31) of Gimboki in Mutare, Kudzai Sigauke (41) of Yemurai Village under Chief Marange, Linda Mazemo (51) of 4595 Hobhouse in Mutare, Alice Gadha (41) of 945 Density in Mutare.

The only male victim is Simbarashe Mubare (13) of 502 Area 13, Dangamvura in Mutare.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of five people who died in a road traffic accident which occurred near Nenhowe Business Centre along Mutare-Masvingo Road on 23 August 2021 at 2030hrs.

“On approaching the 97km peg, a Nissan Caravan with 22 people on board which was travelling towards Birchenough Bridge veered off the road, overturned and landed on its rights side.”

Asst Comm Nyathi urged motorists to observe the Government’s curfew regulations and the ban on intercity movements.

A number of lives have been lost on the country’s highways in the last few weeks, mostly at night.

By A Correspondent- A vendor in Chivhu was severely mauled by police dogs on Sunday and then made to pay a fine of ZWL$1 000 for allegedly violating current Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

Police officers on patrol allegedly unleashed dogs on Enerty Chimedza, accusing her of remaining at her vending stall after the 3:30 pm business cut off time.

Chimedza is appealing to members of the public to assist her with money to buy prescription medicine given her by the doctor for the wounds. The drugs prescribed for her treatment cost US$140.

Speaking to Masvingo Mirror, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiii said he was yet to receive the report.

He said:

I am yet to receive that report however what the police officers did is not acceptable and why could they hide the Memo pertaining to such a tragic incident.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) spokesperson Kumbirai Mafunda condemned the police brutality describing the incident as a true sign of human rights abuse by the law enforcement agencies.

He said:

We condemn this kind of brutality by the police on this poor woman.

We are concerned about increasing cases across the country where the police are not executing their duty professionally.

They should not take the law into their hands and they should respect human rights.

Chimedza said that vendors at the market stall close at 3.30 pm but they leave one person to guard their wares until 6 pm when a security guard comes for the night shift.

She said: On this day I was on duty to guard the wares until the guard came. Police details found me at the market and accused me of violating COVID-19 regulations by doing business after 3. 30pm. They assaulted me before unleashing their dogs on me.

After her arrest, Chimedza was taken to Chivhu Police Station. She was made to pay ZWL$1 000 despite having been injured.

Chimedza said she was only given a letter by the police on Monday to get treatment at Chivhu General Hospital.

She went to see Chivhu General Hospital nurses on Monday and got a prescription for injections which cost US$140. The nurses told her that there were no drugs at the hospital.

Police did not bother to get her treated for the wounds and the spokesperson Chazovachiii said he was going to make a follow up on the issue.

Ward 9 Councillor Christopher Muchenje described the Police action as barbaric and lamented the concerned cops for showing no remorse for their heavy-handedness.

Meanwhile, vendors in Chivhu also accused cops of demanding sex from the women that they arrest and this is one of the conditions for getting one’s freedom.

They also accused Police in Chivhu of corruption and in particular they go around the small town taking bribes.

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has slammed the government for announcing the dates for the resumption of classes barely 24 hours after extending the COVID-19 lockdown.

On Tuesday evening, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the extension of the national lockdown by another two weeks.

But following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mutsvangwa said examination classes would open on 30 August 2021, while non-examination classes would open on 6 September.

In a statement yesterday, PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the government had “ambushed” teachers and parents as it did not give them time to prepare for the reopening of schools.

Below is Zhou’s statement on teachers’ reaction to the government’s school reopening time frames in full:

We have not yet received formal communication from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in terms of time frames for the reopening of schools, but understand that such time frames were given today by the government.

Against even its own indicators, we are really surprised that the government has enunciated that examination classes would open on 30 August 2021, while non-examination classes would open on 6 September.

This is surely an ambush, a day after the government had even enunciated an extension of lockdown for two weeks which ordinarily entailed that the issue of opening of schools would be determined after two weeks.

Teachers Unions also made suggestions for the successful reopening of schools and one would have thought that there would be an attempt to reconcile various Union submissions before the government would announce the dates for reopening of schools.

However, this has not happened as the tragedy in life is that those who make decisions may not necessarily have ideas, while those with ideas (teachers) do not make decisions.

Our projection as Ptuz was to the effect that schools could open around September payday taking advantage of hot temperatures and more vaccination to contribute to the decline of COVID-19 cases and giving the government adequate time to provide covid abatement equipment to schools, let alone providing running water to many schools.

It was also our hope that schools would open after the government would have addressed the quandary of teachers’ starvation wages.

Now that the government has come with this ambush, disregarding logic and common sense, and bearing in mind that teachers are grossly incapacitated and cannot even travel to their respective working stations, let alone pay school fees, it is incumbent upon them to respond to government’s enunciation.

We, therefore, urge PTUZ members in particular and teachers in general to communicate their response over the untimely announcement for the opening of schools to their respective district leaders across the country and the districts to the respective provinces, and in turn the provinces to PTUZ HQ.

As PTUZ leadership, we are merely conveyor belts of teachers’ interests and feelings and will resolutely and resiliently stand by resolutions that teachers would make.

Hope teachers would treat this communique with the urgency it deserves.

By A Correspondent- Enforcement of the Covid-19 lockdown is being intensified with 36 students and nine teachers from a private Harare college arrested on Tuesday, when police found the college operating in defiance of the lockdown. Sixty revellers and bar owners were also arrested over the weekend after illegally opened bars were raided.

The students and staff from ZMC College in the city centre were arrested following a tip-off from the public, much the same as the assorted raids on opened bars and nightclubs were done after information was passed on to the police.

Under Level 4 lockdown measures, face-to-face lessons at all schools and colleges have been suspended, and all bars and nightclubs have been closed since the start of the lockdown in March last year, although bottle stores can sell take-away alcohol during normal shop hours.

Those caught in the raids are usually released after paying admission of guilt fines, although the police reserve the right to take culprits to court if they reckon the offence is more serious than a deposit fine can cover.  

In addition, the police pass on details of any business that opens in defiance of the regulations, or opens outside the permitted hours, to the appropriate licensing authority, which could suspend or cancel the business licence. When it came to ZMC College, the staff and students were all taken down to Harare Central Police Station for processing and most were released after being fined.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi thanked the public for their help and issued the standard warnings that those who break the law will face the consequences.

“The ZRP applauds the public for supplying credible information which goes a long way in fighting crime. This comes after police in Harare acted on a tip off and arrested 36 students and nine staff members at ZMC College for conducting lessons in violation of Covid-19 protocols,” he said.  

Asst Comm Nyathi urged the public to continue observing Government’s Covid-19 health, safety and security protocols by wearing face masks, practising social distancing and sanitisation.

Faced with a growing spate of shebeens, bars and clubs quietly opening, police have warned bar owners and shebeen operators that they will not hesitate to arrest them if they continue defying lockdown orders. And in these arrests the liquor on the premises is seized as an exhibit. Asst Comm Nyathi said: “Shebeen operators are warned that the law will take its course without fail.

On Saturday, police in Masvingo arrested two people at a shebeen in Mucheke and recovered several crates of liquor.” On Monday at around 11pm, police arrested Richard Musindo aged 50 for breaching the Covid-19 lockdown after he was found selling liquor at Lagoon Night Club in Majange, Masvingo.

Over the weekend police also conducted some raids on some rogue bars, beerhalls and night club operators and arrested at least 60 people who were found drinking beer in Harare.  Several people including bar operators were arrested and most of them were released after being fined.

The raids were conducted in the city centre and various suburbs in and around Harare. On Thursday last week, police arrested Tendai Mosaland at Eastview 4 in Harare after he was found selling liquor. Several alcohol brands were recovered from the premises.

Last Saturday night, they also arrested Christina Zilala (37) and Clifford Takaendesa after they were found selling beer to people in Chitungwiza. Police impounded several crates of beer. There were recent reports that owners of bars, beerhalls and night clubs who breach lockdown regulations face arrest and will be reported to the Liquor Licensing Board, which may revoke their licences, the police have warned.

Bars, beerhalls and night clubs have to remain closed. While bottle stores can sell alcohol, their customers cannot drink on site. Police said they will ensure that licences are handed over to the relevant Government arms for the stipulated penalties to be effected.  

The lockdown at all levels targets social drinking as a major incubator of Covid-19, and the higher levels of lockdown target restaurants with sit-in customers although they are allowed to sell take-away food and drink. Restaurants at lower levels can have limited sit-in diners, so long as they are spaced out. A major problem with drinking and eating is that people cannot do this while masked, and in a social environment they tend to ignore all the other safeguard.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda was nearly killed in an accident when a motorist rammed into his motorcade on Monday, a magistrate court heard yesterday.

Sinoia Desmond (51) appeared before magistrate Barbara Mateko yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent driving.

Magistrate Mateko remanded him in custody for sentencing today.

The State said on August 23 this year and at around 1650hours, Desmond failed to give way along Glenara Avenue intersection and hit a vehicle that had General Valerio Sibanda and his aide, Squadron leader Mark Pride Mangwende on board.

Prosecutor Caroline Mutimusakwa said the accused person should be handed a sentence that would deter would-be road offenders.

By A Correspondent- A Rusape Town Council police officer – who went missing over the past three weeks – was on Friday found dead on the shores of Rusape Dam, plunging his family and the community into mourning.

The body of Jairosi Ishmael Chirinda was, however, retrieved from the gigantic water reservoir by the police sub-aqua unit and council police officers on Saturday morning.

Rusape police spokesman Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean confirmed the retrieval of Chirinda’s body from the dam and said investigations were in progress.

Asst Insp Clean said Chirinda disappeared on July 30, 2021, around 11pm, prompting the family to make a missing person report early this month.

The body was first found by some fishmongers on Friday, who made a report at Rusape Urban Police Station.

RTC chairman Cllr Lyton Sithole said Chirinda’s body was taken to Rusape General Hospital mortuary.

“The body is expected to undergo pathological tests in Harare early this week. The body was still intact though it had slight deformities on the face,” said Clr Sithole.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- The government has granted a State-assisted funeral to the late former Dynamos striker, George Shaya, who died in Harare on Tuesday.

Shaya, arguably the greatest Zimbabwean footballer of all time, will be buried on Saturday at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.

Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, conveyed the message to the Shaya family, on Wednesday.

She said:

First of all, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the Shaya family, following the passing on of the great George Shaya.

He is one of the greatest sportspersons to have emerged from this country.

Government has, therefore, accorded him a state-assisted funeral.

His death is not only a blow to the Shaya family, but to Zimbabwe, as a whole.

The history of the game will be amiss without the mention of his name.

Coventry, who was accompanied by her deputy, Tino Machakaire, also took time to chat with the legends, who were in attendance.

They included Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, John “JP” Phiri, Raphael Kaondera, Stewart “Shutto” Murisa, David George and George Nechironga.

On Tuesday, Dynamos appealed to authorities to consider honouring Shaya with national hero status.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda was nearly killed in an accident when a motorist rammed into his motorcade on Monday, a magistrate court heard yesterday.

Sinoia Desmond (51) appeared before magistrate Barbara Mateko yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent driving.

Magistrate Mateko remanded him in custody for sentencing today.

The State said on August 23 this year and at around 1650hours, Desmond failed to give way along Glenara Avenue intersection and hit a vehicle that had General Valerio Sibanda and his aide, Squadron leader Mark Pride Mangwende on board.

Prosecutor Caroline Mutimusakwa said the accused person should be handed a sentence that would deter would-be road offenders.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is struggling to fill nursing posts as more health personnel leave the local authority for greener pastures.

Council, government and private health institutions are battling an exodus of personnel, particularly to the United Kingdom.

In Bulawayo, council clinics are already reportedly operating below 50% staff capacity as the council is losing at least 10 nurses every month.

In May, the Local Government ministry approved a council request to fill 400 vacant posts. The local authority had written to the ministry requesting permission to hire 1 341 staffers over a four-year period, citing a human resources crisis.

However, Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube yesterday said despite the Local Government ministry approval, there had been not much improvement in staffing levels as more nurses continue to leave the local authority.

“Government did approve our request to hire about 400 workers. We have managed to fill some of the posts, but we still have challenges in terms of shortages of nurses at our clinics. The major challenge is that, for example, when you hire 10 nurses, you realise that 15 nurses are quitting at the same time,” Ncube said.

In 2010, the government in terms of section 313 of the Urban Councils Act declared that no local authority would employ at any level or grade, including casual or contract workers, without written permission from the minister.

The local authority has also been blaming staff shortages for failure to attend to service delivery issues such as burst pipes on time.

By A Correspondent- A vendor in Chivhu was severely mauled by police dogs on Sunday and then made to pay a fine of ZWL$1 000 for allegedly violating current Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

Police officers on patrol allegedly unleashed dogs on Enerty Chimedza, accusing her of remaining at her vending stall after the 3:30 pm business cut off time.

Chimedza is appealing to members of the public to assist her with money to buy prescription medicine given her by the doctor for the wounds. The drugs prescribed for her treatment cost US$140.

Speaking to Masvingo Mirror, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachiii said he was yet to receive the report. He said:

I am yet to receive that report however what the police officers did is not acceptable and why could they hide the Memo pertaining to such a tragic incident.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) spokesperson Kumbirai Mafunda condemned the police brutality describing the incident as a true sign of human rights abuse by the law enforcement agencies.

He said:

We condemn this kind of brutality by the police on this poor woman.

We are concerned about increasing cases across the country where the police are not executing their duty professionally.

They should not take the law into their hands and they should respect human rights.

Chimedza said that vendors at the market stall close at 3.30 pm but they leave one person to guard their wares until 6 pm when a security guard comes for the night shift.

She said:

On this day I was on duty to guard the wares until the guard came. Police details found me at the market and accused me of violating COVID-19 regulations by doing business after 3. 30pm. They assaulted me before unleashing their dogs on me.

After her arrest, Chimedza was taken to Chivhu Police Station. She was made to pay ZWL$1 000 despite having been injured.

Chimedza said she was only given a letter by the police on Monday to get treatment at Chivhu General Hospital.

She went to see Chivhu General Hospital nurses on Monday and got a prescription for injections which cost US$140. The nurses told her that there were no drugs at the hospital.

Police did not bother to get her treated for the wounds and the spokesperson Chazovachiii said he was going to make a follow up on the issue.

Ward 9 Councillor Christopher Muchenje described the Police action as barbaric and lamented the concerned cops for showing no remorse for their heavy-handedness.

Meanwhile, vendors in Chivhu also accused cops of demanding sex from the women that they arrest and this is one of the conditions for getting one’s freedom.

They also accused Police in Chivhu of corruption and in particular they go around the small town taking bribes.

By A Correspondent- Two Ordinary Level students, who were denied their results over alleged cheating have sued the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) demanding their release.

The students, Ashley Mutandwa and Jimmy Chinembiri have approached the High Court seeking an order compelling Zimsec to release the results of their Maths examination papers

They submitted that they sat for their examination at Vimbai High School and passed Mathematics Paper 2 with high marks, but in some instances, provided wrong workings with correct answers.

Zimsec failed to prove that they had cheated.

“Chinembiri and I are among ‘O’ Level students that sat for a Mathematics Paper 2 (4004/02) in the November 2020 session. Pursuant to having written the examinations, and on the 8th June 2021, Zimsec communicated to our respective schools that it had withheld all our results on the basis that we were part of a group of students who had ‘accessed’ the Mathematics Paper 2 question paper via social media,” Mutandwa said in his affidavit to the court.

“Zimsec has failed to link either of us to the examination malpractice and only base their argument on the fact that we passed one paper with flying colours and failed the other.”

They said the refusal by Zimsec to release their results was infringing their constitutional right to proceed with their education.

“Zimsec has not treated this matter fairly and with the urgency that it deserves,” the pair’s lawyer, Nyasha Chiota submitted.

“Zimsec has failed to prove that indeed there was a commission of an examination malpractice by the applicants.”

The matter is pending.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A Beitbridge man hanged himself after suspecting that his wife was cheating on him.

The incident occurred on Monday in Tongwe, Beitbridge District at around 3PM.

Timothy Ndou (51) under Chief Sitaudze’s area had a long-running dispute with his wife Happiness Ngulube whom he allegedly accused of cheating on him leading to domestic violence.

The couple’s marriage is said to have been rocky for the past months.

On Monday, Ndou allegedly assaulted his wife and she ran away and told Ndou’s brother who lives near their homestead.

The brother called them for counselling but Ndou left while they were being counselled.

When his wife returned home, she found him hanging in their bedroom.

The matter was reported to the police and the body was taken for postmortem.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said Ndou suspected that his wife was cheating on him and that led to a misunderstanding that drove him to commit suicide.

“I can confirm that Ndou hanged himself after suspecting that his wife was cheating on him. Ndou’s brother called the couple to solve the issue and before resolving the issue Ndou left his brother’s house and went to his house where he was found hanging in their bedroom.” she said.

Insp Mangena urged members of the public to seek counselling from local leaders, pastors and police instead of committing suicide when they face such problems.

Two weeks ago, an unidentified man was found hanging on an electricity pole in a Bulawayo suburb.

Last year, a man from Filabusi committed suicide after killing his wife after suspecting that his wife was cheating.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- An Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) pastor was kidnapped by a rival faction and threatened with death if he failed to surrender church property as the wrangle to control the religious group between Amon Madawo and Cossam Chiyangwa escalates.

Odzi assembly Pastor Daniel Veru, from a faction led by Madawo, told NewsDay that he was kidnapped on August 15 after the government had allowed the reopening of churches. He has since filed a report for kidnapping at Odzi Police Station under RRB4656105.

Madawo was recently declared the legitimate AFM leader by the Supreme Court, following a similar ruling by the High Court in 2019.

“After the Supreme Court ruling, which we won the right to control the church; we went to court so that Simbarashe Chizunza from Chiyangwa’s faction return our church property, Chizunza was ordered to return the property to me,” Veru said.

“Chizunza complied and returned the property, but recently, when the government ordered that the churches should be reopened on August 15, I went to church with my wife so that we could reopen the church only to be shocked to see Chizunza and members of his faction camped at the church premises.”

He added:

“I was manhandled and kidnapped together with my wife. They held me captive for almost five hours; they told me never to set my foot at the church as they would kill me. They forcibly took away keys of the church building and took musical instruments and chairs.”

-newsday

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has slammed the government for announcing the dates for the resumption of classes barely 24 hours after extending the COVID-19 lockdown.

On Tuesday evening, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the extension of the national lockdown by another two weeks.

But following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mutsvangwa said examination classes would open on 30 August 2021, while non-examination classes would open on 6 September.

In a statement yesterday, PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the government had “ambushed” teachers and parents as it did not give them time to prepare for the reopening of schools.

Below is Zhou’s statement on teachers’ reaction to the government’s school reopening time frames in full:

We have not yet received formal communication from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in terms of time frames for the reopening of schools, but understand that such time frames were given today by the government.

Against even its own indicators, we are really surprised that the government has enunciated that examination classes would open on 30 August 2021, while non-examination classes would open on 6 September.

This is surely an ambush, a day after the government had even enunciated an extension of lockdown for two weeks which ordinarily entailed that the issue of opening of schools would be determined after two weeks.

Teachers Unions also made suggestions for the successful reopening of schools and one would have thought that there would be an attempt to reconcile various Union submissions before the government would announce the dates for reopening of schools.

However, this has not happened as the tragedy in life is that those who make decisions may not necessarily have ideas, while those with ideas (teachers) do not make decisions.

Our projection as Ptuz was to the effect that schools could open around September payday taking advantage of hot temperatures and more vaccination to contribute to the decline of COVID-19 cases and giving the government adequate time to provide covid abatement equipment to schools, let alone providing running water to many schools.

It was also our hope that schools would open after the government would have addressed the quandary of teachers’ starvation wages.

Now that the government has come with this ambush, disregarding logic and common sense, and bearing in mind that teachers are grossly incapacitated and cannot even travel to their respective working stations, let alone pay school fees, it is incumbent upon them to respond to government’s enunciation.

We, therefore, urge PTUZ members in particular and teachers in general to communicate their response over the untimely announcement for the opening of schools to their respective district leaders across the country and the districts to the respective provinces, and in turn the provinces to PTUZ HQ.

As PTUZ leadership, we are merely conveyor belts of teachers’ interests and feelings and will resolutely and resiliently stand by resolutions that teachers would make.

Hope teachers would treat this communique with the urgency it deserves.