By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday held a private meeting in which the election of Zambia’s opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema as the country’s new leader among other issues became topical.

The two presidents, who both lead revolutionary parties, held a meeting on the sidelines of the Southern African Development Community 41st summit of heads of state and government in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The meeting, sources said, was attended by Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs minister Frederick Shava, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and officials from the South African government.

The election of Hichilema, according to diplomatic sources who spoke to The NewsHawks, surprised Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa who both had cordial relations with Zambia’s outgoing president Edgar Lungu. Last week’s election was Hichilema’s sixth attempt at winning the presidency.

“The President-elect has strong connections with both Zimbabwe’s and South Africa’s main opposition parties and discussions on how revolutionary parties like the ANC and Zanu-PF can consolidate their positions were discussed. This election showed that political winds of change were ushered in by young people who are often accused of being reluctant to vote,” a source familiar with the discussions said.

“The leaders also discussed Sadc’s role in the Mozambican conflict. If you may recall last month, South Africa’s then Defence minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, expressed her displeasure on why Rwandan troops had been deployed ahead of the regional bloc. In light of this, charting the way forward thus became paramount for the two leaders.”

In July, Rwanda announced that it would put boots on the ground to help stem a conflict which has claimed thousands of lives following weeks of dithering by the regional bloc.

The conflict has also resulted in Total, a French-headquartered energy group, suspending its multi-billion-dollar energy project in the region.

Zimbabwe’s presidential spokesperson George Charamba could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

Hichilema, who won a landslide over incumbent Lungu, has close links to Mmusi Maimane, the leader of the opposition One South Africa Movement.

The President-elect is also an associate of MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa. Mnangagwa, who had a wafer-thin lead on Chamisa in the controversial 2018 general elections, is expected to face his nemesis in the 2023 polls.

In his acceptance speech, President-elect Hichilema extended an olive branch to his predecessor who in the past had tormented him. After the 2016 election, he was charged with treason for allegedly failing to give way to the presidential motorcade.

He spent four months in a maximum-security jail before the charges were dropped.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be OK, you won’t face retribution or get teargassed,” Hichilema, who was often attacked in what he said were attempts to silence and intimidate him as an opposition leader, said.

He pledged to be the president of all Zambians, whether they voted for him or not.

In its final tally, the electoral commission said Hichilema had won 2 810 777 votes to Lungu’s 1 814 201 in last Thursday’s election. There were seven million registered voters.

-Newshawks

By A Correspondent- Local media house Alpha Media Holdings, which publishes Newsday, Standard and Zimbabwe Independent has given an ultimatum to its staffers that they should be vaccinated or risk losing their jobs.

The papers, who have been against the country`s vaccine drive in their papers, have surprisingly asked staffers to produce proof of vaccination or risk not being allowed onto their Graniteside work site.

In a circular, seen by Tateguru Tv, AMH through their Human Resources Manager Levy Tswatswa said the impact Covid-19 has had on business has necessitated its stance.

“As a group, we believe that our best form of defence against the virus is vaccination. To date, 52% of staff hasreceived either the first dose or full dose.

We need to get to over 60 percent to 90 percent to achieve herd immunity. To this end, the organisation has made arrangements to ensure those who want to be vaccinated are done so speedily.

Whilst the organisation acknowledges that vaccination is a matter of choice, however, in the interest of our clients fellow workmates, and the country at large management requires that all employees who come to our premises been vaccinated or hold proof of being free of the virus,” the circular read.

From Monday, the company sent all unvaccinated on force leave, giving them a time to seek inoculation or reflect on their future with the organisation.

“Thereafter those who are not vaccinated for reasons best known to them (personal, religious, or medical) are now required to produce a negative PCR test certificate acquired within 48 hours from an approved testing centre to get onto our company cars and offices with effect from 16 August

2021. May you therefore submit your vaccination cards to Human Resources, please note that all vaccination cards will be scanned and verified with the National database for authenticity,” the circular further states.

The company`s owner Trevor Ncube, suffered a major personal loss when several family members died in quick succession from Covid-19.

He recently announced on his In Conversation With Trevor YouTube page that he will be taking a break from productions to seek closure.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF has gone for broke to attract the elusive youth vote ahead of the crunch 2023 election, including recruiting pastors, socialites and artists in a desperate bid to garner 2.5 million ballots for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zanu-PF acting secretary for youth Tendai Chirau Youth confirmed to The NewsHawks that a recruiting spree was in motion ahead of the polls to boost Mnangagwa’s popularity, which has continued to wane since the military coup that toppled the late former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.

Mnangagwa, who narrowly won the 2018 disputed election against MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, has over the years struggled to charm the youth.

Young people are bearing the brunt of massive unemployment, with the future looking bleak as Zanu-PF has not fulfilled its economic promises.

Garnering the youth vote has been a toll order for Zanu-PF as most young people are disgruntled over economic hardships.

As part of its voter mobilisation strategy, the ruling party has enlisted the services of social media luminaries like Madam Boss, Mai TT and controversial clergyman Passion Java.

The party is also believed to have bankrolled a collaboration between musician Roki, Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide and Tanzanian singer Rayvanny on the song Patati Patata.

In the song, the Congolese musician chants Mnangagwa’s name. This sparked outrage on social media from opposition supporters while Mnangagwa loyalists lapped it all up, joining a dance trend on Tik Tok.

The Roki-Olomide collaboration was a Zanu-PF project, commentators say.

“It was clear when Koffi arrived that Zanu-PF was running the show. Deputy minister of Youth, Tinomudaishe Machakaire, was at the forefront of logistics, Passion was just part of the welcome party. If it was his project, he would have been in the forefront,” a source said.

The song, which garnered five million of views within days of release, has divided opinion in the political arena, with opposition supporters condemning Roki’s participation in the collaboration.

Recruiting comediennes Mai TT and Madam Boss, who have a large following on social media, is seen as an attempt to influence the youth, hence a critical tool ahead of 2023.

Chirau said: “We are a mass party and can recruit anyone. We are recruiting anyone from pastors to artistes. There has been a Damascene moment for some who have seen that Zanu-PF is an able party under ED Mnangagwa.”
Without stating names, Chirau said the party was working with well-known clergy and artists, adding that social media would be the party’s new hunting ground.

“In politics when people see something good, they want to follow. We have a recruitment exercise on social media. It is meant to promote and raise awareness on the situation. Our approach is pro-empowerment,” Chirau said.

Zanu-PF has also been using economic empowerment projects in incubation centres dotted across the country. “The youth vote is very crucial in every election, and we are looking towards 2.5 million youths,” he said.

The youth vote remains critical for the main political parties, with a bruising battle playing out on social media.

The MDC Alliance initiative dubbed #RegisterToVoteZW has been trending online, as the opposition urges the youth to register ahead of the 2023 polls. The mobilisation campaign is also meant to convince first-time voters to register.

Youthful Chamisa also sees the youth vote as one of his trump cards after garnering more than two million ballots in 2018.

“The MDC Alliance has embarked on a number of initiatives to encourage the youth to register to vote. But beyond registering, we are also encouraging them to present themselves on the day of the election, to vote for change,” MDC
Alliance youth leader Obey Sithole told The NewsHawks.

“We are running a social media campaign under #RegisterToVoteZW. The whole idea is that more young people get their names on the voters’ roll. There is power in numbers.”

By ACorrespondent- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has sued a number of companies that ordered workers to take the Covid-19 vaccines – or risk losing their jobs.

In an urgent High Court filing on Friday, the ZCTU said the actions by companies such as Zimnat Insurance, the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), TelOne, Windmill Limited, Seed Co Zimbabwe and the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences violated workers’ constitutional rights.

Public service minister Paul Mavhima and Attorney-General Prince Machaya are also joined in the court action. The ZCTU argues in the court application:

There is no law in Zimbabwe making vaccination compulsory. Each person, having fully considered the implications and effects of vaccination, is expected to make a personal decision on whether or not to get vaccinated and where a person decides to get vaccinated, he or she is expected to make a decision relating to the timing of the vaccination…

In the process, the aforesaid employers are infringing the fundamental rights of the affected employees protected by section 51, 52 (c), 65 (1) and 65 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Thousands of workers in Zimbabwe have been affected and thousands are more likely to be affected if this court application is not heard urgently.

The ZCTU said minister Mavhima, through its lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku, was not taking appropriate action to protect the workers as section 17 of the Labour Act (chap 28:01) requires.”

Many companies have been ordering their workers to be vaccinated or lose their jobs while some learning institutions including the University of Zimbabwe are also reportedly threatening to block unvaccinated learners from entering their premises.

Vaccination remains voluntary but members of the public feel the conditions set by many service providers are an indirect way of making vaccination compulsory.

-Zimlive

watch the video below ……….

The MDC National Council met virtually on Sunday 15 August 2021 and made the following resolutions:

1. Council recalled the meeting held between the late President Morgan Tsvangirai, Hon. Tendai Biti and Professor Welshman Ncube on 9 June 2017 at which the three leaders agreed to take measures for the re-integration of the three formations of the original MDC.
2. Council further recalled its Mabvazuva resolution of 21 October 2017 through which Council endorsed the request of the three leaders for the unconditional integration of MDC, MDCT and PDP with a view to reconstituting the original MDC of 1999 so as to deal with the multiple crises affecting Zimbabwe which include the crisis of legitimacy, governance, economy disequilibrium, breakdown of the rule of law, corruption and massive closure of political space.
3. Council reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the said resolution on integration as the only vehicle that can lead to the transformation, strengthening, renewal, capacitation and rejuvenation of the democratic agenda, thus giving the people of Zimbabwe hope.
4. Council noted the progress so far made in the integration process and in particular noted the outcomes of the MDC Alliance 2019 Gweru congress including the leadership team led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa and hailing the congress thereat elected as not only an important milestone in the country’s democratic agenda but also an important signpost in the roadmap for the reunification of all democratic forces.
5. Council expressed concern with the slow pace of the integration process due to a number of factors including but not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Council resolved to urge the MDC Alliance leadership to speed up the integration process so that all cadres and leadership in National Executive, Provincial, District, wards and Diaspora structures are fully integrated so as to create an effective and robust team to dislodge the ZANU PF illegitimate Government come 2023 elections;
6. Council deliberated on the shocking ‘2020 COVID-19’ Supreme Court decision which has resulted in the recall of several MDC Alliance Members of Parliament and councillors by a party which was a competitor in the 2018 general elections.
7. Council expressed disappointment by the involvement of the state in MDC politics which has seen state and security apparatus depriving the MDC Alliance of their offices and handing them over to their preferred and controlled ‘opposition’ party.
8. Council reaffirmed its unconditional and unequivocal commitment to the MDC spirit of 1999 and to the unity of all democratic forces, under the leadership of Advocate Nelson Chamisa and working for the realisation of the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.
9. Council expressed concern that a handful of our Cdes tried without the mandate of the organs of the party to illegally engage with the Supreme Court created MDCT of Douglas Mwonzora, seemingly driven by a desire to access political parties funding money stolen from the MDC Alliance.
10. Council noted the suspension and the pending disciplinary hearing against Christopher Monera, Shupikai Mandaza, Munhango Musevenzo and Gift Karupati and awaits the outcome of the Disciplinary Committees processes.

Ilos Nyoni
Acting Secretary General

By A Correspondent- A fake police officer was arrested after demanding an US$80 bribe from a motorist whom he had arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reported the case saying the fake cop’s accomplices escaped a citizen’s arrest. Said the police on Twitter:

The ZRP confirms the arrest of Leon Mukunga (52) for impersonation and extortion, on 18/08/21 at about 0900 hrs. The suspect, together with three other accomplices who are still at large, arrested a motorist driving a Honda Fit for allegedly breaching COVID-19 regulations.

One of the suspects took control of the vehicle and demanded a US$80 bribe from the complainant. They were given US$60 before the complainant called for help and wrestled the suspect as others escaped.

Many people have been arrested for impersonating police officers, soldiers and central intelligence officers (CIOs) to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Some have been using identity cards and or uniforms of members of the security sector to commit crimes including armed robberies and rape.

Recently, a fake soldier was arrested for sexually assaulting and or robbing 19 women in Harare.

By A Correspondent- A Mutoko couple committed suicide following a misunderstanding over an extra marital affair, with the wife hanging herself first and then the husband after her body was discovered.

The two, who were at their place in Kumbure 1 Village, engaged in an ugly dispute after the husband Peter Muhamba (50) accused his wife, Nyasha Chinake (44), of dating his cousin.

Chinake then bolted out of the house and never returned, but her body was found the following day, hanging from a tree near their house.

Sources say on hearing that his wife had died, Muhamba went to their bedroom, took a rope and hanged himself.

His body was discovered later by the same neighbours who had helped him to search for his wife.

Giving details, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Simon Chazovachii, said on Thursday last week at around 4pm, Chinake was at home with her husband who accused her of having an extra marital affair with his cousin Matambanadzo Mhuru (39).

“The wife ran out of the house, but the husband did not follow her,” he said.

“Later, the husband alerted his neighbours that he had a misunderstanding and his wife ran out of the house and never returned.

“The neighbours assisted him in a search in the neighbourhood, but they could not find her. The following day, Mandaza Muhamba (58) found the body of the wife hanging on a tree, about a kilometre from her home.”

Insp Chazovachii said together with the neighbours, Muhamba went home.

While others were planning to make a report to the police, he went into his bedroom where he hanged himself from a roof beam with a rope.

“The matter was reported by the village head at Makosa Police Station who attended the scene,” said Insp Chazovachii.

He appealed to the public to always solve their misunderstandings peacefully, and value the sanctity of life.

“Whenever they (people) have a difference in opinion, we urge them to seek counselling from police’s victim friendly unit, professional counsellors, church leaders, community leaders or trusted relatives,” said Insp Chazovachii. “This can assist.”

-Statemedia

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop abusing national institutions to advance political interests.

President Chamisa also dismissed Mr Mnangagwa’s ‘Muka Ubike Doro Mantra.’

See President Chamisa’s brief statement below:

THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN…

In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says “Ubukhosi ngamazolo” or “Ushe madzoro hunotambidzaniwa” literally meaning that leadership is best that occurs in turns.

The era of “strong men” or “vana HANDIENDE” who abuse state institutions is OVER. No abuse of electoral bodies,police,military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated.

Our liberation struggle was about ‘one man one vote’ and “We the People”…meaning “Power to the People”or “Amandla Ebantwini” or “Masimba Kuvanhu”..We are next.

We are the new leaders! #GodIsInIt #thenewiscoming #JoinTheNew #RegisterToVoteZW

Tinashe Sambiri|Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe national coordinator, Harrison Mudzuri has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime of denigrating the teaching profession.

While Mnangagwa is boasting of what he calls Vision 2030, teachers are stuggling to fend for their families.

The former Zaka Central Constituency MP described teachers’ working conditions under the Zanu PF regime as pathetic.

“Dear President ED:
Does your vision 2030 mean having good roads, good cities ,and good dams BUT poor teachers?

Our teachers’ living conditions are in reverse gear while we are all looking ahead to 2030.

Do you want your child to be a teacher in Zimbabwe? Why?

Using their meagre salaries, Zim teachers cannot buy a house, cannot afford a decent meal, cannot buy new clothes, cannot buy bath soap, and cannot buy pants,” Mudzuri argued.

By A Correspondent- The son of the late Zimbabwean business tycoon Roger Boka, Mathew, says the Rolls-Royce which went viral on social media over the weekend after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Sean was photographed in it, belongs to him and is not for sale.

This adds to the controversy around the luxury vehicle rather than clarify who really owns it at a time people around the First Family insist the car was bought by gold dealer Pedzai Sakupwanya, commonly known as Scott Sakupwanya. Sakupwanya is close to the First Family.

When the pictures initially emerged, word was that Sean, a captain in the Zimbabwe National Army attached to the yellow-bereted Presidential Guards, had bought the vehicle which is in a bonded warehouse at the Boka Auction Floors.

Sean and those around him however quickly denied he had bought the car, at a time there was hectic communication through phone calls and WhatsApp among the First Family and its associates.

It then emerged that Sakupwanya had bought the car, paying an initial deposit of US$140 000 and pledging to pay an additional US$135 000 to fully own the car.

The NewsHawks was told Mathew, the executive chairperson of Boka Tobacco Floors, imported the car for personal use from the United Kingdom.

Sources however say he later entered into an arrangement with Sakupwanya who was eager to buy the car, showing his commitment by paying US$140 000.

The sources say Sean also expressed his interest in buying the car, went on to view it and then took pictures which went viral. The sources say the pictures had compromised Sean’s interest in the car after a public outcry.

However, quizzed about the car on Friday, Mathew said he owns it.

“I can categorically state that it’s my car. It’s my vehicle, I imported it, but it’s in a bonded warehouse,” he said.

Asked where he had bought the car from, he said: “Certainly not South Africa.”

Pressed further and asked to confirm if it was indeed bought in UK, he said: “Well, if your sources tell you that, then that’s correct.”

On whether he sold the car to Sean, he said: “It’s my car. It’s not on sale. Sean came the other day to the auction floors on other business which had nothing to do with the car, but he saw the car and liked it. He asked if he could view it and take pictures, just like any person who would have seen something nice,” Mathew said.

“It’s not his and I don’t want to talk too much about this issue because I am a private person. I don’t talk much to the media and this is not even a big issue.”

Told that our interest was about public accountability in relation to the President’s son, since his father is the leader of the country and not about him and that The NewsHawks has no problem with people driving expensive cars, Mathew said he understood the interest, but did not want to discuss the matter in detail.

Since Mnangagwa ascended to power on the back of a military coup in November 2017, his sons’ fortunes have risen sharply.

They are now in business on various fronts and also working on projects with many politically connected persons, including business tycoon Kuda Tagwirei, who doubles as the President’s adviser

By A Correspondent- Mazowe North legislator Campion Mugweni who has been missing in his constiuency finally showed up at a prominent tout (hwindi) funeral and rendered assistance to the bereived family.

Mugweni featured at Tendai Kavhai’s funeral much to the excitement of touts and party supporters who were present to pay his condolence message.

He then paid US$100 for funeral logistics and pledged to pay fees for Kavhai’s children for the next three years.

Mugweni managed to attend to three funerals in Mvurwi and rendered support both financially and physically.

He received a lot of verbal praises both from opposition party members and local residents.

However, it remains to be seen if Mugweni will continue to be assisting people in his constiuency or he has come just to lure their votes.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabweans in Afghanistan are anxious over their safety, while others, including Clever Sithole, an engineer heading a gemstones centre, have fled, fearing for their lives after the Taliban took over control of the country.

Just a fortnight ago, Sithole spoke to The NewsHawks on his journey and how he ended up as the head gemologist at a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded gemstone processing project in Afghanistan.

He has now fled the country via Dubai to London, with only a laptop and a satchel on his back.

The Taliban this week seized power two weeks before the United States was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war.

Some Zimbabweans in Afghanistan told The NewsHawks that they were not ready and not in the right space to talk about what they were going through.

Those who once lived in Afghanistan and are still in touch with some nationals still in the country said Zimbabweans may have to wait for the resumption of commercial flights to “flee” the South Asian country as they might not receive assistance from their government.

“I left Afghanistan two days before the Taliban takeover on 12 August, but so many of my colleagues are still there. Most Zimbabweans are in humanitarian work, and there are also a number of nurses, teachers and doctors,” a person who preferred to be identified as The Economic Refugee, said.

“We have a WhatsApp group with some people in Kabul and some are anxious on how this will pan out. Some are waiting for commercial flights to resume so that they can make their way out and maybe work from home, for those who can, while contemplating the next move. For Zimbabweans, however, there is no embassy in Afghanistan, the nearest would be in Dubai or New Delhi.

“Some are in highly safe locations. Those who work for agencies are being protected by their organisations in safe spaces like bunkers. But the ones who work for private companies are looking for alternatives. The humanitarian workers will also have to provide assistance to a lot of displaced citizens.”

He said although the Taliban has given assurances that it would let humanitarian work continue and not harm anyone, most people were unsure what would happen when it has entrenched itself in power.

According to another former resident, Maxwell Saungweme, Afghanistan is home to thousands of Zimbabweans who are working in various fields that include international development work, humanitarian work, peace building, as well as private security services.

“Zimbabweans in Afghanistan have to depend on their organisations to be evacuated. The Zimbabwe government is not known for its capacity to evacuate citizens from places that are so far afield,” he said.

“For Zimbabweans, the option is to get out of Afghanistan, travel to Dubai or New Delhi and try to connect with Zimbabwe’s consulates there. Their organisations can’t take them back to Zimbabwe.”

He said most Zimbabweans found themselves there in pursuit of their professions and are mostly staying alone, with their families back in Zimbabwe or other countries they call home.

“Being blacks in Afghanistan makes it easy for black Zimbabweans to be misconstrued as Americans at first sight, but as locals speak to you and understand that you are Zimbabwean, the attitude changes. Afghans have no ill-feelings about Zimbabweans at all and Zimbabweans are highly respected as very professional there. But being a very insecure country and now with the Taliban takeover, stress and hardship are compounded,” Saungweme said.

“Every Zimbabwean who has worked in that country speaks of the great hospitality from Afghans. They are a beautiful and peace-loving people suffering from consequences of geopolitical turf wars and proxy actor interference in that country’s affairs. Like Zimbabwe, the country is endowed with vast mineral wealth and great heritage sites, which naturally attract proxy and geopolitical actors.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Constance Chemwayi said, “The ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade does not have the exact numbers of our nationals in Afghanistan at the moment, but we are aware that there were some Zimbabweans working there. We take this opportunity to encourage all Zimbabweans in Afghanistan to get in touch with our embassy in Tehran, Iran or any of our embassies worldwide that are easily reachable to them.”

“Yes, we have assisted a few nationals that reached out to our embassy in New Dehli, India. We are happy to report that they were safely evacuated from Kabul.”

“The ministry is ready to extend consular services to our nationals in distress in Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, a man who claimed to be Zimbabwe’s former defence attaché to Afghanistan, James Mudzivare, threatened to “come after” this reporter for reaching out to Zimbabweans in Afghanistan. Mudzivare, who is in Zimbabwe, called the reporter on Wednesday night shouting at her and asking why she was interested in the story and contacting people in bunkers.

“I am coming after you! Why are you contacting them? Are you human? Do you know the Taliban? I was a defence attaché there. I am coming after you!” he said before hanging up.

Zimbabwe Defence Forces public relations director Colonel Teddy Ndlovu said a report should be made to the police.

“Report the person to the police and investigations can start from there. If a person threatens anyone, it would be best to report the matter to the police,” Ndlovu said.

Newshawks

By A Correspondent- Two soldiers have been arrested for allegedly assaulting and robbing two brothers of their hard-earned cash after they accused them of violating Covid-19 regulations.

The two soldiers are Mbonisi Ncube (20) and Peace Maphosa (21) and they are stationed at 2.1 Reserve Force Battalion, Mt Darwin.

A source close to investigations said while Zenzo Masina (53) was walking to Lobengula West suburb from Njube suburb at around 7pm last week on Sunday after he had parted ways with his younger brother Brighton (39) he met the duo of Maphosa and Ncube.

They accused him of violating Covid-19 regulations and being out and about during curfew hours.

They grabbed him by his hand before they hit him with open hands while they demanded cash. Masina gave them US$20 and $80 and they let him free.

After about 10 minutes they bumped into Brighton while he was returning to his place and they accused him of being outside during curfew time. While he was trying to explain, they grabbed him by his throat and took turns to slap him with open hands on the face and head, said the source.

They demanded money, but he could not give them anything because he had nothing on him.

Their luck ran out when neighbourhood watch committee members arrived and apprehended them.

They took them to Njube Police Station leading to their arrest.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.

By A Correspondent- A woman from Pumula South suburb has been arrested for flogging her step-daughter with a stick after she accused her of converting money from the sale of firewood to her personal use.

What stoked the fire is that when Nomcebo Sibanda (29) got home at around 5pm this week on Wednesday she found her 15-year-old step-daughter lighting a fire with the firewood that she sells at home.

After that she unleashed a verbal attack on her while accusing her of being untrustworthy and disrespectful.

She allegedly grabbed the minor and dragged her into her bedroom before locking the door.

“She took a stick and flogged her all over the body. She accused her of converting the money from the sale of firewood to her personal use. And she also accused the minor of disrespecting her,” she said.

The minor suffered bruises on the body and a swollen thigh.

The minor reported the matter at Pumula Police Station leading to the arrest of her stepmother.

Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.

She bemoaned the rising cases of domestic violence.

“It is worrying to note that there is a notable rise in domestic violence cases. We would like to urge community members to live in harmony with each other and seek advice from third parties like pastors or police’s Victim Friendly Unit whenever they are faced with disputes than to take the law into their hands,” she said.

-bmetro

By A Correspondent- The spokesperson of the Taliban has said they are likely to unveil a new governing framework for Afghanistan within the next few weeks following the seizure of power in recent weeks.

The return of the Islamist militant group to power has sparked fear in many Afghans some of which have since left that country.

The Taliban government that ruled in the 1990s and was removed from power in 2001 by the US was known for violating human rights. The group is pledging to be more liberal than it was in the 1990s.

Its spokesperson said on Saturday:

Legal, religious and foreign policy experts in the Taliban aim to present the new governing framework in the next few weeks.

An official also told Reuters that the Taliban will be accountable for its actions and will investigate reports of reprisals and atrocities carried out by members.

The Taliban seized power at a time when the US, UK and their allies are evacuating their troops and all citizens from Afghanistan after a two-decade-long war with the militant group.

The Western allied forces have been blamed for “letting the Afghans, especially women, down” as fears abound that they will no longer be allowed to go to school or work.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised the West for its stance on Afghanistan, saying that the Taliban’s rapid ascent to power has shown the futility of Western attempts to enforce its own vision of democracy without considering other factors such as ethnic values and history.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was on an official visit to Moscow, urged Russia to use its contacts with the Taliban to press for Afghan citizens who helped Germany to be allowed to leave Afghanistan.

-Indian Press

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with Matabeleland chiefs to discuss the Gukurahundi issue.

We present resolutions from the indaba.

Today, this 21st day of August, 2021, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa met members of the National Council of Chiefs to receive recommendations to resolve the issues related to Gukurahundi.

As you are aware that several meetings have been held in the past around this issue culminating in today’s meetings. On the 24th of June, 2019; the President convened a meeting with Matabeleland Civic Society Organisations (CS0s) under the name Matabeleland Collective to discuss the issues affecting the Matabeleland region which highlighted the Gukurahundi as a conflict area. Consequently, on the 22nd of August, 2019 it was proposed that the Gukurahundi issue was to be spearheaded by the Traditional Leaders.

On the 20th of October, 2020 the President met with the Chiefs from the Matabeleland Provinces to receive their respective reports on the issue. Further, on the 30th of October 2020, the President met the National Council of Chiefs and endorsed the Traditional Leaders to take a lead of resolving the Gukurahundi issue. Subsequently, the National Council of Chiefs over the past two weeks, engaged in intensive consultations with the Matabeleland Civic Society Organisation and Faith-Based Organisation on the 29th of July, 2021 to the 1st of August, 2021 and 4th to the 6th of August, 2021 respectively on the issue.

Notably, it has been resolved that each Chief will spearhead the resolution of the issue in his or her area of jurisdiction.

The process will be victim centred and will also involve key stakeholders engagement. It was reiterated that the Gukurahundi issue should not be tribalised in order to foster national building and national healing.

The National Council of Chiefs highlighted the following key issues:

1. Documentation (Birth, National IDs and Deaths Certificates);

2. Underdevelopment and Marginalisation of Matabeleland region;

3. National Healing, Reconciliation and National Building;

4. Counselling and Psychosocial support; 5. Consultation of victims;

6. Reburials, Exhumations and Memorials;

7. Reparations and Compensation; and

8. Social Security Benefits (Pensions, Free Education, Social Welfare and Health Services).

Following the deliberations of the issues, His Excellency the President highlighted that a systematic approach to the resolution of issues raised should be adopted. This will entail feedback on preparedness by a particular Chief in issues requiring attention in his or her area of jurisdiction .

Regarding exhumations and reburials, this should be resolved on a case by case basis custom centric and the relevant Chief should give guidance and directions.

Concerning the issue of Social Security benefits, this shall also be resolved on a case by case basis.

Issues have been clarified and this should now enable the Chiefs to carry out their tasks. This issue is traditional and should be dealt with by traditional leaders.

Chiefs requested to organise themselves and come up with implementation plan detailing preparedness in their area of jurisdiction so as to guide the process.

Conclusion

It has to be emphasised that this process will be led by Chiefs and their affected communities. The President made it clear that a one size fits all approach would be inappropriate for this program. As a way forward, Chiefs are to go back to their respective areas to consult on the issues raised. So whichever Chief is ready, the President will deploy resources to their area to support the resolution of issues in that area.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday ordered police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to flush out law enforcement agents implicated in criminal activities, describing them as “bad apples” tarnishing the image of the force.

Mnangagwa made the call when he handed over 82 vehicles to the police.

“There are still some rogue elements and bad apples among you, who must be flushed out. If you don’t have the capacity (to flush them out) from among you, I will assist,” Mnangagwa said.

Police officers and soldiers have been forced into corruption and crime due to poor salaries which have left them struggling to make ends meet.

Mnangagwa said the government was working to ensure that their conditions of service were improved so that they stay away from corruption.

“Corruption has no place in our great country and must never be tolerated in our society, it is therefore important that the government give you good conditions of service so that you don’t get attracted to criminality,” Mnangagwa said.

Following a surge in armed robberies in the country since the coming in of Mnangagwa’s regime in a military coup in November 2017, the police have been struggling for resources to respond to the crime and the new vehicles came as a welcome boost.

“This (vehicles) comes at a time when the nation has witnessed a worrying surge in crimes. This fleet should therefore boost the effectiveness of the ZRP as it responds to criminal activities,” he said.

Mnangagwa urged the police to be brutal in their response to criminal activities.

“Perpetrators of crime and offenders must thus be firmly dealt with in order to curb crime in our society. Criminals must never be given any breathing space to commit their illegal, immoral and even wicked acts of crime,” he said.

Matanga asked Mnangagwa to give the police armoured vehicles so that they could have a fighting chance against the daring thieves.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday said the era of leaders who abuse State institutions to illegally stay in pow-er was over, warning President Emmerson Mnangagwa that opposition supporters would in 2023 defend their vote against rigging.

Chamisa was responding to Mnangagwa’s utterances in Mutare on Thursday where he said recent events in Zambia where opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema won against incumbent President Edgar Lungu would not happen in Zimbabwe.

“That is Ian Smith’s not in a thou-sand years mentality” Chamisa told NewsDay Weekender.

“No abuse of electoral bodies, police, military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated. Our liberation struggle was about one-man-one-vote and we the people meaning power to the people. We are next (to) win Zimbabwe for change.”

Chamisa added: “The people shall govern. In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says ubukhosi ngamazolo or ushe madzoro literally meaning that leadership occurs in turns. The era of strong men or those who refuse to go and abuse State institutions is over.”

Mnangagwa told scores of people including his supporters and government officials in Mutare during the commissioning of a Verify Engineering gas plant in Feruka that those wishing for an opposition victory in Zimbabwe were dreaming.

“Let me tell you even before you ask me, if anyone dreams of what happened in Zambia happening in Zimbabwe, come back to your senses and brew some beer,” Mnangagwa said to loud cheers from party supporters and senior officials.

Hichilema’s United Party for National Development shocked Lungu’s Patriotic Front in elections held in Zambia last Thursday. The former opposition leader will be sworn in on Tuesday in Lusaka, Zambia.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- State Security Minister Owen Ncube has threatened action against opposition leaders and civic leaders who “invite sanctions from Western countries” under the guise of defending human rights.

He made the threats in Gokwe last week while commissioning road equipment bought by Gokwe South Rural District Council. Ncube said:

Parliament will soon punish through appropriate policies and legislation, misguided elements who campaign for sanctions and punishment for the country under the guise of human rights narrative.

As we move towards 2030, we are aware of political impediments and negative elements who seek to derail the agenda 2030, we know them, let us all shun them.

They (opposition) are the authors of all problems in the country through sanctions they campaigned for.

Be warned, myself and others in the national security superstructure will never ever allow such violent malcontents to prevail in our motherland.

As State Security arms of the government, we assure the nation that we will continue to watch the environment very closely and will ensure we fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.

He said the government had realised that opposition leaders and human rights activists were behind the suffering of the masses as part of their broader objective of achieving regime change.

Zanu PF has been pushing for the controversial Patriotic Bill which seeks to amend the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act to criminalise support for the United States’ Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act and related sanctions on targeted individuals and organisations.

The Patriotic Bill also criminalises criticising of Mnangagwa and other government leaders.

Western powers including the United States of America and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe two decades ago following the fast-track land reform programme accusing the Mugabe-led regime of violating human rights.

They say sanctions will be removed when Zimbabwe has implemented recommended reforms.

Meanwhile, the 41st SADC summit 41st Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government reiterated the regional grouping’s call on the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe. 

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga Friday Zimbabwe has the capacity to be self-sufficient and, therefore, must work towards producing its own goods and services including medicines and medical consumables.

The former military boss made the remarks at a personal protective equipment (PPE) exhibition running under the theme: Enhancing the availability of locally made Covid-19 PPEs through collaboration with State universities and local manufacturers.

VP Chiwenga said Natpharm — the State medicine procurement entity – would now buy all their PPE requirements from local manufacturers after he was impressed by their capabilities.

He said:

Going forward, we need to develop our capacities and never beg again in future but to do things ourselves. The exhibition is a clear testimony of the vast and untapped potential which the nation has, to produce its own goods and services including medicines and medical consumables as we march towards an upper-middle-income society by 2030 as enunciated by his Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Let us develop that capability to develop and build our country. Technology is not a preserve for anyone. If we do not have that technology, we acquire it.

A total of $800 million has been paid by the Government through Natpharm to local producers for the supply of PPEs since manufacture started in a major way last year at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vice President Chiwenga also urged universities spearheading local production to invest their proceeds into the production of other medical consumables and to target the export market.

He praised local producers for stepping up their activity in the production of PPEs which boosted the country’s response to the global pandemic. 

Acting Natpharm managing director Air Commodore (Rtd) Ivan Dumba said the response by State universities was a sign of their potential and capabilities in the manufacturing of essential medicines.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Welshman Ncube led MDC yesterday expelled three of its top officials who were accused of dinning with Douglas Mwonzora’s led MDC instead of supporting opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

The expelled are Shupikai Mandaza (vice chairman), Christopher Monera (Secretary for research and policy implementation) and Munhango Musevenzo (Member of National Council).

In expulsion letters seen by this publication the trio was charged for attending a meeting called for by Mwonzora at his party headquarters on august 3 and 11 respectively.

They purported to be representing MDC N led by Ncube without his approval hence their attendance was in contravening of the party constitution and were invited to appear before a disciplinary committee of which they did not turn up resulting in them being served with expulsion letters.

According to Ncube MDC N is in the MDc Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa and has no intention what so ever in getting into alliance with MDC T led by Mwonzora

By A Correspondent- The second deportation charter flight to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom has been confirmed for August 25, according to a key campaigner.

Dozens of Zimbabwean nationals are being held in Brook House Immigration Removal Centre and face removal from the UK.

A petition has been launched by Black Activists Rising Against Cuts (BARAC) UK to stop the flight to Harare and currently has over 24,000 signatures.

Speaking to The Voice, Zita Holbourne, co-founder and national co-chair of BARAC UK, said some Zimbabwean nationals have already been served removal directions.

She said: “The date has been confirmed as there are people in detention who have been given removal notices.”

Holbourne said many of those who were taken off the first charter flight to Zimbabwe last month, have been held in detention and now face removal again.

In July, a charter flight to Harare left with only 14 people on board after several legal challenges.

The flight was originally expected to have approximately 50 Zimbabwean nationals on board.

According to, this is just the beginning of a “series of deportations that the government will be implementing.”

She explained one of those facing removal, came to the UK at eight years old and had refugee status before it was revoked.

Campaigners have argued deportations to Zimbabwe should postponed until the country has stabilised after recent political and social unrest.

Holbourne has started two petitions, one is a generic anti-deportation petition and the other is to specifically halt any removals to the southern African country.

She said: “It is important to sign it because it sends a message to the government and all of the organisations that are complicit with deportation flights that those being targeted aren’t alone.

“The general petition has over 200,000 signatures and that is a sign. By signing the petition you will get updates about what action you can take next and how you can help.. and it boosts the morale of those impacted.

“Some of them do feel suicidal and just to know there are people standing with them, by challenging what the government is doing and raising awareness, does help people and keeps up the pressure.”

Last week, a charter flight to Jamaica left the UK with just seven people after last minute legal appeals.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

-TheVoice

By A Correspondent- Stakeholders advocating for climate change and girls’ rights have called for urgent intervention in the fight against climate change.

Speaking during a virtual meeting organised by the Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) on the impact of climate change on girls’education, stakeholders said girls were hard hit by climate change.

“Climate change affects girls at most and they drop out of school for example when Cyclone Idai hit. Zimbabwe experienced  massive cases of child marriages escalating from climate change.There is also disruption of sexual reproductive health services thus climate change brings more harm than good,” said Nokutenda Magama, from the Rosaria Memorial Trust.

In submissions made to ECOZI policy consultant Dr. Olga Laiza Kupika said the stakeholders had among other issues called for a collective approach in the fight against the social vices brought by climate change.

“Environment or climate events that have been destructive to the education sector in Zimbabwe are Cyclone Idai, drought, destructive winds and heat waves. There has been direct and indirect impact such as increases in cases of child marriages, survival strategies of the girl child with marginalized areas most affected,” noted Dr. Kupika

She said stakeholders had also submitted that there was rampant sexual abuse and harassment at water points such as boreholes.

“Loss of livestock and vegetable gardens has an impact on community health which Covid 19 has worsened. Girls may turn to prostitution which will disrupt their lives. The effects of climate change cannot be underestimated to girls and young people”. A multisectoral approach is needed to curb this social menance. 

“As mitigation, I suggest educating girls on things aside from prostitution that are able to generate money for example gardening and selling and investing in renewable energy is the way to go,” she added.

The meeting sought to amplify young advocates voices and support young advocates to engage directly with decision makers so as to influence their policy and financing commitments to girls’ education and young people’s leadership.

It also looked at spearheading collaborative partnership models that furnish girls and young people with information and empower them to engage in key meetings with decision-makers leading to influencing a key policy outcome document to be presented during the COP26 summit.

By A Correspondent- Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema has been hospitalised after contracting Covid-19.

Sources said Mathema (74) was recently admitted to a private hospital in Bulawayo for medical treatment for Covid-19.

The minister was last seen in public on 6 August at a tour of Loreto High School in Silobela.

By A Correspondent-A United States country travel advisory has listed Zimbabwe as a “high-threat” destination affecting the interests of the world’s superpower.

This comes shortly after the British government described Zimbabwe as a risky business destination.The US also noted human rights violations and high prevalence of anti-Western sentiment in the country.

Already, there is a standing US Department of State Travel Advisory warning its citizens against travelling to Zimbabwe citing COVID-19. The advisory also warns US residents in the country to exercise caution, citing crime and civil unrest.

A latest Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) country report released on Tuesday also notes that Harare remains a high-threat destination for crime and potential political violence and civil unrest over the harsh economic climate.

The OSAC was created in 1985 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to promote security co-operation between American private sector interests worldwide and the US Department of State.

“Harare as being a high-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official US government interests,” the report read.

“The US Department of State has included a Crime ‘C’ indicator on the travel advisory for Zimbabwe, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organised crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.” Of late, the country has witnessed a spate of violent armed robberies.Police have been tough in responding to the armed robberies, fatally shooting some suspects in the process in a bid to tame the vice.

Government often projects a Zimbabwe-issafe destination in the “Zimbabwe is open for business” drive, but the OSAC travel advisory argues otherwise.

“The US Department of State has assessed Harare as being a high-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official US government interests,” the report adds.

“There is considerable risk of political violence in Harare, particularly considering Zimbabwe’s deteriorating economic conditions. Peaceful demonstrations have repeatedly been violently dispersed by the police and or the military.”

The OSAC notes that Zimbabwe is a lowthreat destination for terrorism directed at or affecting US government interests.

“The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention, although other sections of the law effectively weaken these prohibitions. The government enforces laws in conflict with the constitution. Security forces arbitrarily arrest and detain persons, particularly political and civil society activists…,” the report added.

By A Correspondent- Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema is battling for life after being hospitalised for Covid-19.

Mathema (74) was recently admitted to a private hospital in Bulawayo for medical treatment for Covid-19.

His last known public engagement was a tour of Loreto High School in Silobela on August 6.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given in to pressure from the Matabeleland regions and rushed to Bulawayo to meet with local traditional leaders to discuss the Gukurahundi issues.

Mnangagwa, who has for a long time been silent about the Gukurahundi massacres he caused in the 1980s, arrived in Bulawayo Friday evening for the Saturday meeting.

He was received by Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Bulawayo Judith Ncube, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and State Security Minister Owen Ncube, Service Chiefs and senior civil servants.

According to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabiza, Mnangagwa received recommendations on dealing with issues related to Gukurahundi.

“The National Council of Chiefs has in the past two weeks been engaged in intensive stakeholder consultations with various groups from Matebeleland. This Meeting is a demonstration of His Excellency’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to matters affecting the Region and, in particular, the Gukurahundi,” said Mabhiza.

By A Correspondent- Norton legislator Temba Mliswa Zanu Pf would lose the 2023 elections to the opposition if the MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa deploys polling agents at every polling station.

Speaking during a Zimbabwe Elections Support Network-organised panel discussion on election results management, Mliswa said opposition parties often left most polling stations unmanned, increasing rigging chances.

“When you have manual counting happening, and you don’t have someone competent enough, who do you blame?” Mliswa asked.

“Most of the political parties, even (MDC Alliance leader Nelson) Chamisa, did not have polling agents at most of the polling stations in 2018. As a presidential candidate, whatever happens, you cannot blame the system.”

Chamisa, who narrowly lost to Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2018 presidential plebiscite, challenged the results alleging rigging, but the Constitutional Court dismissed his court case.

“The results are posted outside the polling station, which you see and the results go to the ward centre, then to the district centre, provincial centre up to the national centre. There is nowhere the results can change if they have been posted outside and you have agreed with them. Your duty is to make sure the figures tally,” Mliswa said.

He alleged that MDC Alliance had inadequate resources to monitor all polling stations and in other cases the opposition agents were not provided with basics, exposing them to manipulation. AMH

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has fired back at President Emmerson Mnangagwa and told the Zanu PFleader that the opposition would win the 2023 election and attain power contrary to the belief that the ruling ZANU PF will rule forever.

Chamisa told NewsDay that the era of leaders who abuse State institutions to stay in power illegally was over, warning President Emmerson Mnangagwa that opposition supporters would defend their vote against rigging.

He responded to Mnangagwa’s utterances in Mutare on Thursday, where he said recent events in Zambia where opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema won against incumbent President Edgar Lungu would not happen in Zimbabwe.

“That is Ian Smith’s not in a thousand years mentality.
No abuse of electoral bodies, police, military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated. Our liberation struggle was about one-man-one-vote and we the people meaning power to the people. We are next (to) win Zimbabwe for change.
The people shall govern. In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says ubukhosi ngamazolo or ushe madzoro literally meaning that leadership occurs in turns. The era of strong men or those who refuse to go and abuse State institutions is over,”said Chamisa.

Mnangagwa told scores of people, including his supporters and government officials in Mutare during the commissioning of a Verify Engineering gas plant in Feruka that those wishing for an opposition victory in Zimbabwe were dreaming.

He spoke amid optimism that change was coming to Zimbabwe after Zambian opposition leader Hichilema of the United Party for National Development defeated Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front in elections held in Zambia on 12 August.

The former opposition leader will be sworn in on Tuesday in Lusaka, Zambia.
In Zimbabwe, the opposition has often said the ruling ZANU PF was manipulating election results to stay in power.

Chamisa rejected the outcome of the 2018 presidential election saying the ruling party in connivance with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, had manipulated results in favour of ZANU PF candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has postponed next week Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to allow him to attend the swearing-in of the new Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema.

In a notice to Cabinet members on Friday, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda said:

The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck J.M. Sibanda wishes to advise all Cabinet members that the next Cabinet meeting will be held at 0900 hours on Wednesday, 25th August 2021.
This has been occasioned by the need to accommodate His Excellency the President’s other international commitments.
Members should therefore be guided accordingly.

Cabinet meets on Tuesdays but coincidentally, Zambia’s President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in on Tuesday next week and President Mnangagwa is expected to attend the inauguration in Lusaka.

By A Correspondent- A suspected border jumper was shot and killed after allegedly confronting armed robbers at an illegal crossing point along the Limpopo River.

Sources close to the case said the man was shot in the head as he got to the South African side of the border around 5pm on Thursday.

They said the yet to be identified man, who is in his early 20s, smuggled goods and people at the border front.

The incident occurred near the Spillway about 1 km east of the Beitbridge Border Post.

“He was heading to South Africa in the company of another friend when they came across the armed robbers,” said the source.

“The deceased had an altercation with one of the robbers who shot him in the head and escaped.

“His friend rushed to alert security officials along the border.”

The police officer commanding Beitbridge district Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident.

“We are yet to get full details on the matter since the incident occurred on the South African side of the border,” he said.

South Africa’s police spokesperson for Limpopo Province, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo could not be reached for comment.

Cases of illegal migration are common along the Limpopo River and they have been on the increase as many people cannot access the formal crossing point due to tight Covid-19 regulations around Sadc countries.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Bulawayo to meet with local traditional leaders to discuss the Gukurahundi issues.

He arrived last night and was received by Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Bulawayo Judith Ncube, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and State Security Minister Owen Ncube, Service Chiefs and senior civil servants.

According to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabiza, Mnangagwa received recommendations on how to deal with issues related to Gukurahundi.

“The National Council of Chiefs has in the past two weeks been engaged in intensive stakeholder consultations with various groups from Matebeleland. This Meeting is a demonstration of His Excellency’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to matters affecting the Region and, in particular, the Gukurahundi,” said Mabhiza.

The Meeting is at the State House today.

By A Correspondent| Veterinary Distribution center in Ruwa, which offers customers a convenient one-stop shop for a range of high-quality poultry products including day old chicks, hatching eggs, table eggs, chicken feed and now drugs, accessories and vaccines.

“The effects of COVID-19 have disrupted many people’s livelihoods, and poultry projects have become a reliable source of supplementary income because one can easily get started in their own backyard”, noted Cyril Gunda, Managing Director of ZimAvian.

“The new Distribution Center will support our customers with convenient services including a home delivery option, an onsite veterinarian and personalized support from our technical team.

Additionally, through our partnership with MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) we will offer high-quality poultry vaccines and drugs, all part of our commitment to support the small-scale farmer who wants to start up or expand their poultry business”.

Established in 2013, ZimAvian is a poultry breeder with a mission to provide the highest quality poultry products to the Zimbabwean market and beyond.

Committed to the community, its corporate social responsibility programs focus on empowering small-scale farmers, women and the youth.

For the past several years, ZimAvian has run several livelihoods programs that empower farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has responded to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “No Zambia in Zimbabwe” averments saying leadership occurs in turns.

Responding to Mnangagwa, Chamisa posted on his microblogging Twitter handle saying: “The people shall govern…In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says “Ubukhosi ngamazolo” or “Ushe madzoro” literally meaning that leadership is best that occurs in turns.”

Chamisa also warned Mnangagwa saying “the era of “strong men” or “vana handiende” who abuse state institutions is over.”

The youthful leader said the ruling Zanu PF should desist from abusing the electoral bodies such as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the military in order to win elections.This comes after Mnangagwa vowed that the country’s opposition leaders will never rule Zimbabwe saying those thinking of ruling Zimbabwe must continue day dreaming.

Mnangagwa who is the ruling Zanu PF leader, made the statements on Thursday morning at Mutare Aerodrome when addressing hundreds of party supporters who had come to meet him.

The President was on his way to Feruka Oil Refinery plant in Mutare where he commissioned the multi-million Medical Oxygen and Industrial gas plant.

 “There are others who are dreaming of what has happened in Zambia thinking it will also happen in Zimbabwe, no no no but, let me tell you that they are dreaming. They think that this will also happen in Zimbabwe,” said Mnanagwa.

“If they think so, they should wake up from their sleep and seek help from their ancestors by performing a traditional beer ritual,” said Mnangagwa.

-Zim Morning Post

A SUSPECTED border jumper was shot and killed after allegedly confronting armed robbers at an illegal crossing point along the Limpopo  River.

Sources close to the case said the man was shot in the head as he got to the South African side of the border around 5pm on Thursday.

They said the yet to be identified man, who is in his early 20s, smuggled goods and people at the border front.

The incident occurred near the Spillway about 1 km east of the Beitbridge Border Post.

“He was heading to South Africa in the company of another friend when they came across the armed robbers,” said the source.

“The deceased had an altercation with one of the robbers who shot him in the head and  escaped.“His friend rushed to alert security officials along the border.

”The police officer commanding Beitbridge district Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident.

“We are yet to get full details on the matter since the incident occurred on the South African side of the border,” he said.

South Africa’s police spokesperson for Limpopo Province, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo could not be reached for comment.

Cases of illegal migration are common along the Limpopo River and they have been on the increase as many people cannot access the formal crossing point due to tight Covid-19 regulations around Sadc countries.

-State Media

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has responded to Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘Muka Ubike Doro’ mantra.

According to President Chamisa, in politics no leader will stay in power forever.

President Chamisa also accused Mr Mnangagwa of abusing State institutions to cling to power.

See President Chamisa’s brief statement below:

THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN…

In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says “Ubukhosi ngamazolo” or “Ushe madzoro hunotambidzaniwa” literally meaning that leadership is best that occurs in turns.

The era of “strong men” or “vana HANDIENDE” who abuse state institutions is OVER. No abuse of electoral bodies,police,military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated.

Our liberation struggle was about ‘one man one vote’ and “We the People”…meaning “Power to the People”or “Amandla Ebantwini” or “Masimba Kuvanhu”..We are next.

We are the new leaders! #GodIsInIt #thenewiscoming #JoinTheNew #RegisterToVoteZW

By A Correspondent- ZANU-PF Provincial chairperson for Harare and Zone 4 District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa has challenged branch leaders in Harare to play the game of numbers in order to win back the capital.

“Zone 4 has a target of 120 000 registered voters and this is only possible if we the leaders go on the ground and recruit more members,” said Masimirembwa.

Masimirembwa said this yesterday during a debrief with party branch leaders, following the closing of submissions of registered cells in preparation for branch level restructuring, at ZANU-PF Zone 4 DCC Headquarters.

“Over the years we have been using old cell registers recycling them whenever we needed to account for our membership, that is going to change now. In the new dispensation we are not going to rely on old registers with ghost members that leaders make up in the comfort of their homes.

Lets mobilize real numbers to the Party and secure our place as the ruling party in the nation’s capital again. At the end of the restructuring we will have 19 000 branch leaders in the district.

To be a leader you must be willing to serve, and sacrifice,” said Masimirembwa.

He mentioned that the youth are coming in their numbers and that they should not be afraid to take up leadership positions in their league.

“There is a reason why there is a well organised hierarchy in Zanu-PF. The numbers that leadership commands constitutes an overwhelming electorate is if we each bring the recommended numbers at cell level,” Masimirembwa added

He said Branch Restructuring will be complete by Friday this week.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has showered the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with 0ver 80 top of range cars.

The vehicles that include 46 single-cab Ford Rangers, 24 Kia Picanto, 9 Kia Rio, 2 Renault kwd and one Renault Logan were commissioned at Morris Depot in Harare.

Speaking during the commissioning of the vehicles, Mnangagwa urged the police to deal decisively with criminals. He said:

Crime by its nature and diverse forms, retards the normal function of society, requiring intervention by law enforcement authorities, the broader security establishment, citizens and the business community, among others.
Perpetrators of crimes and offenders must thus be firmly dealt with in order to curb crime, deviance and illicit behaviour.
Criminals must never be given any breathing space to commit their illegal, immoral and even wicket acts.

-State media

By A Correspondent- The Harare City Council has suspended a full council meeting after two MDC-Alliance councillors failed to understand each other over who to chair the meeting.

Full council meetings are held every Thursday and are chaired by the Mayor.

Mayor Jacob Mafume, who was on suspension and returned to work Monday and was supposed to chair the meeting, but acting Mayor Stewart Musarurwa Mutizwa refused to leave the office for him.

The refusal by Mutizwa to recognise Mafume resulted in the postponement the full council meeting

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the postponement of the full council meeting citing other reasons. 

” The meeting was postponed to allow for more time for councillors to study and comprehend the full council minutes,” said Chideme.

However, a councillor who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity said the meeting had been aborted due to the mayoral chaos. 

“The meeting has been rescheduled for next week pending the finalisation of the mayoral issue as the councillors are divided on who will chair the meeting. Some are adamant that Mutizwa should chair while others prefer Mafume. It’s a catch 22 situation. We just hope by next week, there will be a clear position.

Mafume was suspended last year as a mayor and a councillor by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, pending his criminal charges trial outcome.

Acting Mayor Mutizwa was appointed following the arrest, recall and suspension of successive mayors, including Herbert Gomba and his deputy Enock Mupamawonde.

Their successors, Mafume and his deputy Luckson Mukunguma were also arrested and suspended.

By A Correspondent- Chief Justice Luke Malaba has directed all courts to postpone further pending criminal and civil matters.

Malaba said the courts would remain closed until next Tuesday in response to the extension of the Level four lockdown by President Mnangagwa to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Courts were set to resume full operations yesterday.

This would mean that inmates on remand will not be attending court hearings.

The filing of new cases, process, documents, pleading and papers was suspended on July 29 in line with the Covid-19 regulations.

President Mnangagwa last Monday extended level four of the lockdown by another two weeks.

In a statement issued on court operations yesterday, CJ Malaba said all cases that had been set down from today to August 24 will be rolled over to September.

“All court operations previously suspended from July 29 up to August 19 are further suspended to August 24 2021 on the same conditions stated in Practice Direction 7 of 2021.

“Any act required by the rules to have been done during the period of the lockdown within a specified period of time shall be done within the specified time limited calculated from August 24 2021.

“This practice direction takes effect from August 20 and shall remain in effect until the expiry of the extended lockdown period,” he said.

According to the latest Covid-19 update from the Ministry of Health and Child Care: “As at August 18 2021, Zimbabwe had 121 498 confirmed cases, including 101 837 recoveries and 4 181 deaths. To date, a total of 2 193 346 people has been vaccinated against Covid-19.”
-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- A crackdown on illegal gold mining by the Zimbabwe Republic Police has forced Zim Goldfields, a joint venture between Zimbabwe and Belarus, to end its operations in Penhalonga, in Mutare district, Manicaland Province.

The joint venture was signed in 2018 by the Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando and Belarus Chief of Presidential Affairs, Victor Sheiman.

Goldfields had been granted the right to mine gold in the province.

But the recent government ban on riverbed mining and the threat of illegal gold miners, forced the company to stop operations.

The joint venture has been subject to controversy as many questioned government policies with regard to riverbed mining.

“After some time, illegal operations were getting out of hand, so our company has written numerous reports to the local and district offices of police, EMA, Ministry of Mines. Police had to come on the ground and hold operations against illegal mining, explaining to the local community about mining rights and their importance. The problem was not solved as the illegal miners were benefiting more,” Zim Goldfield’s representative Dmitri Krasilnikov told Business Times.

“[Also], due to the ban on riverbed mining, our operations had to stop and currently, we do not hold any operations in that area, as our company strictly follows all government regulations.”

Krasilnikov hoped the ban “will soon be lifted and we will be able to hold proper operations”.

Zim Goldfields was planning to set up a test plant which has now been shelved. BusinessTimes

By A Correspondent- Norton legislator Temba Mliswa said MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa would beat Zanu PF in the 2023 elections if he deploys polling agents at every polling station.

Speaking during a Zimbabwe Elections Support Network-organised panel discussion on election results management, Mliswa said opposition parties often left most polling stations unmanned, increasing rigging chances.

“When you have manual counting happening and you don’t have someone competent enough, who do you blame?” Mliswa asked.

“Most of the political parties, even (MDC Alliance leader Nelson) Chamisa, did not have polling agents at most of the polling stations in 2018. As a presidential candidate, whatever happens, you cannot blame the system.”

Chamisa, who narrowly lost to Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2018 presidential plebiscite, challenged the results alleging rigging, but the Constitutional Court dismissed his court case.

“The results are posted outside the polling station, which you see and the results go to the ward centre, then to the district centre, provincial centre up to the national centre. There is nowhere the results can change if they have been posted outside and you have agreed with them. Your duty is to make sure the figures tally,” Mliswa said.

He alleged that MDC Alliance had inadequate resources to monitor all polling stations and in other cases the opposition agents were not provided with basics, exposing them to manipulation. AMH

By A Correspondent- There was chaos at the Town House Thursday after two MDC-Allience Acting Harare Mayor refused to leave the office for the capital’s substantive Mayor.

 Mayor Jacob Mafume was on suspension and returned to work Monday, where acting Mayor Stewart Musarurwa Mutizwa was supposed to leave the office for him.

The refusal by Mutizwa to recognise Mafume resulted in the postponement the full council meeting

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the postponement of the full council meeting citing other reasons. 

” The meeting was postponed to allow for more time for councillors to study and comprehend the full council minutes,” said Chideme.

However, a councillor who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity said the meeting had been aborted due to the mayoral chaos. 

“The meeting has been rescheduled for next week pending the finalisation of the mayoral issue as the councillors are divided on who will chair the meeting. Some are adamant that Mutizwa should chair while others prefer Mafume. It’s a catch 22 situation. We just hope by next week, there will be a clear position.

Mafume was suspended last year as a mayor and a councillor by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, pending his criminal charges trial outcome.

Acting Mayor Mutizwa was appointed following the arrest, recall and suspension of successive mayors, including Herbert Gomba and his deputy Enock Mupamawonde.

Their successors, Mafume and his deputy Luckson Mukunguma were also arrested and suspended.

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has responded to Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘Muka Ubike Doro’ mantra.

According to President Chamisa, in politics no leader will stay in power forever.

President Chamisa also accused Mr Mnangagwa of abusing State institutions to cling to power.

See President Chamisa’s brief statement below:

THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN…

In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says “Ubukhosi ngamazolo” or “Ushe madzoro hunotambidzaniwa” literally meaning that leadership is best that occurs in turns.

The era of “strong men” or “vana HANDIENDE” who abuse state institutions is OVER. No abuse of electoral bodies,police,military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated.

Our liberation struggle was about ‘one man one vote’ and “We the People”…meaning “Power to the People”or “Amandla Ebantwini” or “Masimba Kuvanhu”..We are next.

We are the new leaders! #GodIsInIt #thenewiscoming #JoinTheNew #RegisterToVoteZW

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has responded to Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘Muka Ubike Doro’ mantra.

According to President Chamisa, in politics no leader will stay in power forever.

President Chamisa also accused Mr Mnangagwa of abusing State institutions to cling to power.

See President Chamisa’s brief statement below:

THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN…

In our own traditional wisdom, there is an idiom that says “Ubukhosi ngamazolo” or “Ushe madzoro hunotambidzaniwa” literally meaning that leadership is best that occurs in turns.

The era of “strong men” or “vana HANDIENDE” who abuse state institutions is OVER. No abuse of electoral bodies,police,military and intelligence services shall be accepted or tolerated.

Our liberation struggle was about ‘one man one vote’ and “We the People”…meaning “Power to the People”or “Amandla Ebantwini” or “Masimba Kuvanhu”..We are next.

We are the new leaders! #GodIsInIt #thenewiscoming #JoinTheNew #RegisterToVoteZW

By A Correspondent- Chief Justice Luke Malaba has directed all courts to further postpone pending criminal and civil matters to next Tuesday in response to the extension of the Level four lockdown by President Mnangagwa to combat the spread of Covid-19. Courts were set to resume full operations yesterday.

The filing of new cases, process, documents, pleading and papers was suspended on July 29 in line with the Covid-19 regulations. President Mnangagwa last Monday extended level four of the lockdown by another two weeks. In a statement issued on court operations yesterday, CJ Malaba said all cases that had been set down from today to August 24 will be rolled over to September.

“All court operations previously suspended from the 29th of July up to the 19th of August are further suspended to the 24th of August 2021 on the same conditions stated in Practice Direction 7 of 2021.

“Any act required by the rules to have been done during the period of the lockdown within a specified period of time shall be done within the specified time limited calculated from the 24th of August 2021. “This practice direction takes effect from the 20th of August and shall remain in effect until the expiry of the extended lockdown period,” he said.

According to the latest Covid-19 update from the Ministry of Health and Child Care: “As at 18 August 2021, Zimbabwe had 121 498 confirmed cases, including 101 837 recoveries and 4 181 deaths. To date, a total of 2 193 346 people has been vaccinated against Covid-19.”

Government, which is pushing hard to attain herd immunity of 10 million people, has widened its mass vaccination programme to include the private sector. It has also deployed mobile teams in remote areas to ensure that all people have access to vaccines.

By A Correspondent- A woman from Pumula South suburb has been arrested for flogging her step-daughter with a stick after she accused her of converting money from the sale of firewood to her personal use.

What stoked the fire is that when Nomcebo Sibanda (29) got home at around 5pm this week on Wednesday she found her 15-year-old step-daughter lighting a fire with the firewood that she sells at home.

After that she unleashed a verbal attack on her while accusing her of being untrustworthy and disrespectful.

She allegedly grabbed the minor and dragged her into her bedroom before locking the door.

“She took a stick and flogged her all over the body. She accused her of converting the money from the sale of firewood to her personal use. And she also accused the minor of disrespecting her,” she said.

The minor suffered bruises on the body and a swollen thigh.

The minor reported the matter at Pumula Police Station leading to the arrest of her stepmother.

Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.

She bemoaned the rising cases of domestic violence.

“It is worrying to note that there is a notable rise in domestic violence cases. We would like to urge community members to live in harmony with each other and seek advice from third parties like pastors or police’s Victim Friendly Unit whenever they are faced with disputes than to take the law into their hands,” she said.

-bmetro

By A Correspondent- Two soldiers have been arrested for allegedly assaulting and robbing two brothers of their hard-earned cash after they accused them of violating Covid-19 regulations.

The two soldiers are Mbonisi Ncube (20) and Peace Maphosa (21) and they are stationed at 2.1 Reserve Force Battalion, Mt Darwin.

A source close to investigations said while Zenzo Masina (53) was walking to Lobengula West suburb from Njube suburb at around 7pm last week on Sunday after he had parted ways with his younger brother Brighton (39) he met the duo of Maphosa and Ncube.

They accused him of violating Covid-19 regulations and being out and about during curfew hours.

They grabbed him by his hand before they hit him with open hands while they demanded cash. Masina gave them US$20 and $80 and they let him free.

After about 10 minutes they bumped into Brighton while he was returning to his place and they accused him of being outside during curfew time. While he was trying to explain, they grabbed him by his throat and took turns to slap him with open hands on the face and head, said the source.

They demanded money, but he could not give them anything because he had nothing on him.

Their luck ran out when neighbourhood watch committee members arrived and apprehended them.

They took them to Njube Police Station leading to their arrest.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.

By A Correspondent- Digby Nesbitt (69), one of Chiredzi’s most successful businessmen is no more.

He succumbed to Covid19 related ailments at Materday Hospital in Bulawayo at 5pm yesterday. He was admitted at the hospital for some time.

His son Rory Nesbitt confirmed the death to a local publication.By A Correspondent- D

Nesbitt ran a number of thriving businesses including a chain of hotels among them N1 in Bulawayo. Nesbitt who once owned Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Chiredzi, the first and best hospitality center in the Lowveld then, saw his fortunes decline after the land reform programme.

Nesbitt Arms was sold to Pote Holdings early this year. Nesbitt owned many buildings in Chiredzi and Bulawayo and is said to have bought a hotel in Harare recently.

“My father has passed on. He suffered lung failure and he also tested positive to Covid19 a few weeks ago,” said Rory.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

By A Correspondent- A Chipinge man has been sentenced to 36 months in jail for having sexual intercourse with a minor as defined in Section 70 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Msindo Makuyana (48), of New Year’s Gift, had been living with a 14-year-old juvenile (name withheld because of her age) as husband and wife since 8 August when the two met at Samhutsa Business Centre.

Makuyana appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Elizabeth Hanzi on Tuesday, who convicted him on his own guilty plea and sentenced him to 36 months in jail.

Six months were suspended on condition that he will not commit a similar offence in the next five years.

Asked why he committed the offence, Makuyana said he was misled by the girl’s physical appearance. He said:

I was not aware of the girl’s age. I thought she was an adult since she has a big body. I am begging for lenience because I am in good books with my wife (the minor). I also did not force her to be my wife.

Prosecutor Chipo Matanga told the court that Makuyana’s marriage to the minor came to light after the two visited the complainant’s aunt, Susan Sigauke where she (the complainant) intended to introduce Makuyana as her husband.

Sigauke told Makuyana that he cannot marry the complainant because of her age.

She (Sigauke) made a police report on Monday leading to Makuyana’s arrest.

The complainant was taken to Chipinge District Hospital for medical examination.

-manicapost

By A Correspondent- Addressing government officials and businesspeople at the official opening of an oxygen production plant in Mutare, Mnangagwa urged opposition leaders entertaining such a dream to “wake up from their slumber”.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday scoffed at suggestions that the winds of change sweeping across southern Africa, which led to the recent electoral defeat of Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu by the opposition’s Hakainde Hichilema would land in Zimbabwe and end his rule come 2023 plebiscite.

“Let me tell you even before you ask me, if anyone dreams of what happened in Zambia happening in Zimbabwe, come back to your senses and brew some beer,” Mnangagwa told a cheering crowd.

His comments came a few days after opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa declared that he had “a sweet smell of victory in his nostrils” that he would win the 2023 presidential election, adding that Lungu’s defeat in Zambia signalled the demise of liberation movements in Africa.

Zanu-PF, in power since independence in 1980, has won all past elections except in 2008 when its presidential candidate late former President Robert Mugabe lost the first round to late opposition MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai amid allegations of vote fraud.

In the July 30, 2018 polls, Mnangagwa narrowly won against Chamisa, although the youthful opposition leader still insists he was denied victory by ruling Zanu-PF in connivance with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the military and Constitutional Court.

Mnangagwa also revealed that he personally contacted Lungu and persuaded him to concede defeat at a time when the outgoing Zambian leader was adamant that the polls were not free and fair.

His remarks that there is no Zambia repeat in Zimbabwe were interpreted by opposition leaders as confirmation that Zanu-PF would use all means at its disposal to retain power.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said there was no doubt that recent developments in Zambia had unsettled Mnangagwa.

“The illegitimate, oppressive, anti-people regime in Harare is clearly in panic mode following the victory for democracy in Zambia,” Mahere quipped.

“They know that defeat is coming for them in 2023. The good news for us is that power does not reside in Mr Mnangagwa, Mr (George) Charamba (presidential spokesman) or Mr (Simon) Khaya-Moyo (Zanu-PF spokersperson) — all of whom have been at pains to minimise the impact of the victory in the region.”

Mahere added: “Power belongs to the people who will vote in their millions in 2023. We have set a target of six million votes to secure a people’s victory. Citizens are tired of dictatorship, poverty and corruption. We are confident that an overwhelming victory will be upon us as Zimbabweans form a broad alliance to win our nation for change. What happened in Zambia is exactly what will happen in Zimbabwe.”

But MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora’s spokesperson Lloyd Damba said his party was focused on its target to reach the 66% mark in the 2023 elections.

“Currently, we are focused on the induction of our shadow Cabinet, which must get to work as soon as possible so that they offer alternative policies in Parliament as we are working on the ground to garner 66% of the valid vote cast for the presidency in 2023,” Damba said.

Damba added: “Coming back to your question directly, how do you stop anybody from expressing their wish and freedom of speech?”

Mnangagwa was accompanied by senior government officials including Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and Manicaland provincial affairs minister Nokhutula Matsikenyeri, Zanu-PF provincial chairman Mike Madiro.

Yesterday, the commuting public which uses Zupco was left stranded as buses were reserved for Zanu-PF supporters.

MDC Alliance Manicaland spokesperson David Panganai said Zanu-PF only used COVID-19 as an excuse to avoid by-elections white it is gathering people.

“I am very concerned because Zanu-PF bussed people using State resources. You see (it) is the same party that is hiding from by-elections. Come 2023, we are going to shock the party,” he said.

On the oxygen plant, Mnangagwa said the plant would go a long way in assisting COVID-19 patients.

“We were buying oxygen outside the country and it was very expensive and then COVID-19 came, and we sat down because we were aware that COVID-19 patients need oxygen,” he said.

“We gave our boys and girls some resources and after 18 months, they managed to come up with a plant to produce oxygen and now we are producing oxygen. Our boys and girls are very talented. What is needed is to give them the chance and resources so that they can do their research.”

Mnangagwa made the remarks while addressing scores of Zanu-PF supporters at Mutare Aerodrome, oblivious of the level 4 COVID-19 regulations which ban huge gatherings.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A Gweru-based journalist who was at the Gweru Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer charges of disorderly conduct will now appear in court by way of summons.

The Mirror Midlands bureau chief and Assistant Editor, Elizabeth Mashiri was arrested on Tuesday by police despite producing her Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) press card.

The prosecutor on duty said that because of the prevailing COVID-19 situation and the partial closure of courts, her case will be heard by way of summons.

Mashiri was arrested for allegedly taking pictures and videos of police in running battles with vendors. The vendors accused police officers of demanding bribes daily.

The vendors openly told the cops that they were tired of paying bribes and those arrested exchanged harsh words with the police officers right into the charge office.

At the police station, the Member in Charge Crime Assistant Inspector Chinounye wanted Mashiri to either pay a fine or spent the night in a filthy cell.

Mashiri was adamant that she would not pay the fine because she was at the scene of the skirmishes as a registered and accredited journalist.

She also told Constable Locadia Mutundwa who arrested her that she had a constitutional right as a journalist to cover the story of the vendors and the alleged bribe-taking cops.

Mashiri was released late in the afternoon after her lawyer intervened and told the Member in Charge Crime that the case was too trivial for someone to be detained overnight.

She is being represented by Reginald Chidawanyika of Chetere Chidawanyika and Partners.

-MasvingoMirror