By A Correspondent- A Rusape woman is finally free after she was found not guilty of trumped-up charges filed against her by a spiteful police officer whose sexual advances she had turned down.

27-year-old Nomatter Chikunguru was arrested on 9 April by some ZRP officers who include Constable Brian Kasu. She was arrested at around 11 PM as she was heading home from work. Chikunguru works at Rusape General Hospital, where she is employed as a mortician by Heritage Funeral Parlour.

The police officers charged her with assaulting or resisting a peace officer as defined in section 176 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

She was accused of refusing to be apprehended by shouting and throwing stones at Constable Brian Kasu and assaulting him. Kasu was part of the unit which was enforcing Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Other members of the unit included Assistant Inspector Chisenye, Assistant Inspector Dhambu, Constable Muza, Constable Makwarimba and Constable Masuka among others.

During her trial before Rusape Magistrate Rufaro Mangwiro, prosecutors alleged that Chikunguru acted unlawfully by refusing to be arrested. The prosecutors further alleged that she shouted and threw stones at Constable Kasu and assaulted him when police officers who were on night patrol raided a bottle store at Mabvazuva Shopping Centre.

Chikunguru, prosecutors said, was caught by a police dog as ZRP officers were reportedly trying to disperse a riotous “mob”.

The 27 year old woman denied the charges. She alleged that she was the victim in this case and that she was ill-treated by Kasu after she spurned his sexual advances. She further alleged that some police officers had refused to assist her to report a case against Constable Kasu.

After the police allegedly refused to assist her, Chikunguru was forced to engage the services of a lawyer. She was represented by Peggy Tavagadza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Tavagadza argued that the charges levelled against her client were a fabrication to cover up for the abuse of power and brutality by the police officer.

Following a full trial, the magistrate acquitted Chikunguru and dismissed all the charges against her.

By A Correspondent- A self-proclaimed prophet and her husband have landed themselves in trouble following the mysterious death of an infant at their hands.

The faith healer and her husband are alleged to have tried to cover up the child’s death by burying her within one hour without notifying the authorities. The strange incident occured in Harare’s Zimre Park suburb.

According to national broadcaster ZBC News, the faith healer and her husband are the paternal grandparents of the deceased child. The husband is employed at Zimre Park Secondary School as a security guard.

The now-deceased child is reported to not have been feeling well. The grandmother who is a known faith healer is reported to have tried to perform some rituals to heal the child. However, the rituals did not go as planned and the infant died.

The couple is reported to have connived to cover up the murder. Barely an hour after the baby died, the grandparents took the body to a nearby riverbank. Under cover of darkness, the grandfather dug a grave on the riverbank before burying the infant’s body. The grandparents were assisted by two other people in the burial.

However, the bursar and the caretaker at the school saw that something was amiss. They followed the developments from a distance and suspected that their colleague and his wife may have buried the child on the riverbank. Both the bursar and the caretaker were able to pinpoint the spot of the suspected burial.

The couple and two other people were later arrested after a police report was filed. The prophet apologised for her actions and claimed that they had acted out of ignorance. She went on to say that she thought people in towns also follow the same cultural rites practised in the rural areas.

According to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the incident occured in June and four people have since been picked up by the police in connection with the case. They face charges under the Births And Deaths Registration Act (Chapter 5:02)

By A Correspondent- In a real-life shocking case of forced penetration, two Bulawayo women allegedly ‘abducted and gang-rap_ed’ a 31 year old man with autism.

Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

The alleged perpetrators Buhlebenkosi Mpofu (24) from Matsheumhlope suburb and her accomplice only identified as Samantha, who is reportedly on the run, allegedly took turns to se_xually exploit the man, whose name is being withheld for legal reasons, after holding him captive at a house in the city.

After “rap_ing” the victim, who stays in Hillside suburb, they reportedly searched him and took away his wallet containing $550 and US$3.

Allegations against Buhlebenkosi and her accomplice are that on 22 July 2021 and at around 6pm they approached the victim who was waiting for transport along Robert Mugabe Way and 13th Avenue.

It is reported that when they reached him, they forcibly got hold of him by his hands and quickly dragged him to a house opposite where he was standing and forced him into one of the rooms.

While in the room they undressed the victim and pushed him onto the bed where they started caressing him and fondling his manhood.

Seeing that his magic stick was now ready for the adult game they then took turns to have se_xual intercourse with him. After the act they reportedly searched him and took away his wallet containing $550 and US$3.

The seemingly traumatised victim was later rescued by a passerby, who later accompanied him to his home, where they found his mother, who had been patiently waiting for him outside the gate.

The victim narrated the ordeal to his mother, who then went and reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police station.

Investigations by the police led to the arrest of Buhlebenkosi. Buhlebenkosi has since appeared in court before Bulawayo magistrate Stephen Ndhlovu charged with two counts of theft and aggravated indecent assault. She was not asked to plead to both counts and was remanded in custody to 13 August 2021.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) yesterday exposed massive looting by senior government officials and parastatal bosses, accusing line ministries tasked with playing an oversight role of “sleeping on duty”.

Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo told a virtual annual general meeting (AGM) that corruption was rife in government, parastatals and other entities.

She said a probe would soon be instituted to “fish out” those involved in graft.

“As a result of these compliance checks, as Zacc, we have noted that ministries that have an oversight role on State enterprises and parastatals are a cause for concern,” she said.

“Equally, companies run by majority shareholders or family businesses are of serious concern in terms of their adherence to corporate governance principles.”

Successive reports by Auditor-General Mildred Chiri have implicated government ministries and State enterprises in massive corruption that has prejudiced the country of billions.

Matanda-Moyo said the government should urgently review powers of ministries over State enterprises and parastatals under their watch.

“The government needs to urgently review the powers of ministries over State enterprises and parastatals under their purview to stem this culture of looting,” she said.

“It is our wish as Zacc that legislation amendments be made to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act to provide sanctions for non-compliance. It is not a secret that corruption in Zimbabwe is rampant in all sectors of our economy; that is, in government, State enterprises and parastatals, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and the private sector. In 2019, Zimbabwe was ranked 159/180 on the Corruption Perception Index. Thus, we set ourselves some tough hurdles and challenging targets.”

Matanda-Moyo said Chiri’s reports had given the commission a starting point to deal with corrupt officials in ministries and parastatals.

“We received reports of the Auditor-General of Zimbabwe, tabled in Parliament. The contents of the reports gave rise to reasonable suspicion of incidents of either corruption, theft, misappropriation, abuse of power and/or other improper conduct in the public sector,” Matanda-Moyo said.

“In the circumstances and on the basis of the report of the Auditor-General of Zimbabwe, Zacc opened active investigations in respect of all ministries, government departments and State enterprises implicated in the report with a view of bringing to book all those implicated in any and all acts of corruption, theft, misappropriation, abuse of power and other improper conduct.”

On allegations that the financial books of Zacc itself were in a shambles, Matanda-Moyo said: “When the commission took office, we found that the previous financial statements from 2012 had not been done and neither were they audited.”

Matanda-Moyo said in 2019, Zimbabwe was ranked 159/180 on the Corruption Perception Index prompting them to set some targets to reduce corruption.

“I am delighted to report that we met these targets and indeed, in several areas, we exceeded them,” she said.

“These results were achieved despite some major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and resistance and interference from some individuals in offices of high authority.  This makes the performance even more pleasing.”

The Zacc chairperson said they have stepped up efforts to curb corruption in line with calls to fight the vice.

“To date, Zacc has received a total of 157 high-profile cases and has investigated 76. Zacc engaged the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) who provided experienced staff to boost investigations,” she said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly threatened to weed out corruption and established an anti-graft unit in his office, the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) headed by Thabani Vusa Mpofu to show his resolve to fight the scourge.

But Sacu has been accused of corruption and pursuing a political agenda to persecute Mnangagwa’s political foes.

Both Zacc and Sacu have also been accused of targeting small fish, leaving out government ministers and bosses to public entities who were the main culprits.

While the government claims sanctions imposed on the country by the West over two decades ago were the cause of the economic downturn, observers, who include Western embassies, say corruption was at the centre of the deteriorating economic situation.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- It is apparently akin to bereavement, for any man to discover that you are not the biological father of the child you were raising for years.

A man from Bikita, Masvingo province seems to have been unlucky to be a victim of paternity fraud when he made an unwelcome discovery that the child he helped to raise for almost 10 years was not his biological product.

Admire Mangaye from Jefta village under Chief Mpakwa was deceived by his wife Tendai Muguraumwe into believing the boy he supported for 10 years was his own.

The matter came to light after Mangaye approached Chief Mpakwa’s traditional court demanding compensation from Joel Musariri for impreg_nating his wife.

It was also after Muguraumwe’s younger sister, who was always putting pressure on her to confess to her husband that he was not the biological father of her third child, revealed the secret to Mangaye.

Upon confrontation, Muguraumwe confessed that she was impreg_nated by Musariri.

At the chief’s court, Muguraumwe also shocked villagers when she shamelessly revealed her cheating escapades saying the child was born out of a one-night stand with Musariri which happened in the bush.

“I had a child from an impetuous one-night stand, with Joel Musariri in a bush. I kept the baby because I had wanted a child, although not necessarily under those circumstances. I also wanted se_x at that time since my husband was in South Africa.

“It was fortunate that a few weeks after I slept with Musariri my husband came back and we had se_x but I was already preg_nant. When I gave birth my husband who seemed to have been suspicious quizzed me if I had not slept with another man and I insisted that the child was his until my sister who was privy to the secret later sold me out,” said an apologetic Muguraumwe.

She maintained that despite the fact that she cheated on her husband she was still in love with him. She went on to beg her husband to forgive her.

Her devastated husband, however, indicated that both Muguraumwe and Musariri should compensate him for making him look after a child that was not his.

Chief Mpakwa, who confirmed the incident, said he was yet to come up with a “proper” ruling after it emerged that Musariri had also bedded other married women from the village.

-BMetro

By A Correspondent- A Mozambican national was hauled before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi last Friday facing charges of possessing dagga weighing 221kg.

Johane Sithole (31) of Bofe Village, Macuu in Chimoio and Gift Mutekesa (46) of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo pleaded not guilty.

It is alleged that on July 24, police received a tip-off that the two were transporting dagga using an Isuzu vehicle from Mozambique to Checheche Growth Point.

A roadblock was mounted along the Checheche-Hakwata Road.

Upon seeing the roadblock, the driver made a U-turn and sped off towards Hakwata.

Police gave chase and managed to intercept the vehicle which was being driven by Mutekesa. A search was conducted and 6x90kg sacks of dagga were recovered.

The duo was remanded in custody to August 11 for trial.

Mr Mahlanganise prosecuted.

-manicapost

By A Correspondent- Some medical practitioners in collusion with private health facilities are reportedly reaping off COVID-19 patients by charging extortionate fees for treatment.

This followed reports that some health institutions in Harare have adopted hefty pricing for COVID-19 treatment with patients alleging that they were paying through the nose to be attended to even for mild conditions.

As admission and treatment for COVID-19 overwhelms public hospitals which are full to capacity, desperate patients were opting for the private practice. But the price range is beyond many people’s wallets.

There was a flurry of accusations with patients saying these facilities were profiteering from the pandemic while owners defended their pricing regime, saying importing medication and equipment was expensive.

In a post that went viral yesterday, a couple visited an upmarket private health facility (name supplied) for treatment after the husband developed COVID-19 symptoms.

“At first, the nurse insisted on us making a decision which protocol we will be going for before even seeing the doctor. We asked to see the doctor first and finally we got the consult. After testing positive for antigen, he was told that there were two treatments being offered, protocol two and protocol three,” the aggrieved family wrote.

The family was put on protocol two which involved being put on a nebuliser and jet fuel/drip at a cost of US$475 and US$250 shortfall if on medical aid. Also under protocol two, one will need to buy a treatment kit which costs $150.

Thereafter, the patient will need to come in everyday for five days to be put on the nebuliser and drip. This they said cost $475 per day, and medical aid does not cover it.

The couple alleged that the centre refused to give them a prescription for the treatment kit so that they could buy elsewhere and they claimed they could not disclose what was in the kit.

“I pleaded with the doctor if she could just write a prescription as hubby has mild symptoms, but apparently they are not allowed to disclose what is in the prescription kit. What makes it worse is you are not allowed to pay using RTGS (Zimdollars) as according to them, the pills are imported,” wrote the wife in her post.

However, after payment, they discovered that the pills in the treatment kit that cost US$150 included Ivermectin, Omeprazole Prednisone, Zinc, Aspirin, Colchicine and Doxycycline.

A quick check in local pharmacies revealed that the prescribed drugs cost about US$25. In most pharmacies, Ivermectin was going for between $5 and $8 for five tablets, Omeprazole US$2 for 10 tablets and US$3 for 30 Prednisolone tablets. Zinc costs $3 per 10 tablets, Aspirin $1 for 30 tablets, Colchicine $8 for a box and Doxycycline $7.

One pharmacist said one could sopt for the Azithromycin course which cost $6.

Even where some doctors charge around US$30 as consultation fee, treatment kit cost US$25 while maximum costs for a house visit is US$50, the total costs are not anywhere near the extortionate charges at some private facilities.

But Trauma centre’s Vivek Solanki trashed the allegations, saying patients were not forced to pay in US dollars as they accept local currency.

He accused some patients of exaggerating.

Solanki said US$475 included specialist, medicines, physiotherapy and specially-trained COVID-19 nurses costs, who have to be paid triple wages for risking their lives treating such patients.

The cost, he said, also included full personal protective equipment, IV drips and three rounds of nebulisations with Oxygen and medicines.

“This barely covers the cost of US$475,” Solanki charged.

“All medical equipment including oxygen tanks, critical monitors, nebulisations, IV lines, medicines, air purification machines and systems are imported at high cost and we have to pay exorbitant freight costs and taxes and Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) duties on all the above.”

He also said workers had to be paid extra for risking their lives.

Another doctor, who refused to be named, said some of charges by private facilities were not consistent with what prevailed on the market.

“Some of the charges in private practice are extortionate to say the least. These acts should be exposed. The treatment pack at most cost US$25, while we charge US$30 as consultation fee. The maximum is US$50 house visit,” the medical practitioner said.

Healthcare in Zimbabwe remains one of the most expensive in the region and most government officials used to be treated overseas.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Pressure is mounting on authorities to bring to justice leaders of an Apostolic sect where a 14 year old girl died during childbirth last week in Bocha, Marange in Manicaland Province, sparking public outrage.

The pregnant girl, identified as Memory Machaya, was allegedly denied hospital assistance by members of the apostolic sect.

The church members reportedly resorted to prayers and kept the teenager at the shrine until she died due to complications.

However, to date, no official police report has been made on the matter despite the wide publicity of the incident.

Africa Union (AU) goodwill ambassador for ending child marriage Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda challenged law enforcement agents to bring the “criminals” who include the church leaders and the man who impregnated her to book.

Said Gumbonzvanda:

This child has a name, family, community, and a government. Her death has created outrage. This child was raped, yet the focus is on the pregnancy and not the gross inhumane violation of her body and her person.

The political will to act is slow or inadequate. Many days later, we are telling the story of her death.

When the story became known, I expected the police to take a strong position, together with the relevant ministries working to end child marriages.

Gumbonzvanda queried why the white garment churches are seemingly above the law. She said:

They break many laws and nothing happens to them. They are known, their leadership and their structures.

Why do they seem untouchable? They render all the systems, policies and structures irrelevant.

Sethulo Ncube from the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association said it was a criminal offence to sleep with a minor.

She said the Domestic Violence Act looks at child marriages as a form of domestic violence and whoever impregnated the girl should be arrested and prosecuted.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that he was still to get the full report on the matter.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi’s niece Princess Mutendi has been granted bail after being arrested last week for allegedly torching the house in which her pregnant young sister Fiona was in after finding out that she was having an affair with her husband.

Princess and Fiona are daughters of Levite Mutendi (Bishop Nehemiah’s brother).

Princess is facing three counts of attempted murder because three people were in the house, her husband Alex Marange, Fiona and a maid.

The details of the affair are that Marange relocated his wife (Princess) to South Africa and remained behind in Zimbabwe where he allegedly began the affair with her younger sister Fiona.

On finding out about the affair, Princess arrived at the house in Avondale West (Harare), destroyed a Honda Fit vehicle that was outside before locking the doors to the house with all three people inside and setting it on fire.

It was only the intervention of neighbours who assisted the trio escape the inferno.

Nehanda Radio has been supplied with videos of the house on fire and pictures of the aftermath. The pictures were trending over the weekend but most people did not know the identity of the two sisters entangled in the love triangle.

Our sources say Princess was detained at Chikurubi Prison for a week before she was granted bail on Thursday.

The case also shows the power and influence of the Mutendi family as the State Media appear to have been told not to cover it

By A Correspondent- The Government is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe re-opening of schools and some school heads have since indicated they are ready to open since measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of learners.

This emerged yesterday after a tour of some schools in Masvingo Province by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema.

Minister Mathema said some of the schools were putting in place measures to provide learners with personal protective equipment (PPE) and clean water.

“Those schools that we have visited say they are ready to reopen once the President gives them that directive,” he said.

“We have seen preparations they are making; they are all following the World Health Organisation protocols.”

The school heads said while they were ready to reopen, they required assistance in the provision of more PPE for the benefit of learners.

They called for literature on what learners should do, especially in terms of the sanitisation process and washing of hands.

The Government announced recently that schools remain closed until August 10 as the third wave continues to be monitored.

As schools remain closed, Government is accelerating the implementation of the National e-learning Strategy

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has published his biography and deliberately ignored to talk about his involvement in Gukurahundi.

The book titled “A LIFE OF SACRIFICE” was launched in Harare Thursday and was authored by economist and former MDC Member of Parliament, Eddie Cross.

The book talks about Mnangagwa’s imprisonment in isolation in settler-colonial Rhodesia’ and his involvement in the liberation struggle.

The book is silent on his role in the 1980s’ Gukurahundi massacres when as the state security minister, then he engineered the massacre of more than 20 000 civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
Renowned historian Miles Tendi criticised the biography, saying it contains historical falsehoods and silences.

“ED was not a member of the Crocodile Gang; Silence on the 1980’s Gukurahundi; Silence on the DRC War; Silence on the death of Solomon Mujuru; The 2017 military coup is referred to as a “military assisted transition,” he twitted

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced a planned power interruption in the Harare region today.

Zesa said they wanted to carry out critical maintenance.

The places to be affected are Mt Hampden: Lakas, River of Life Church, Hat Nursery, Biltrans, Lomagundi road plots, Goodhope, Williwcreek, Amot Farm and parts of Malborough.

In addition, Acacia Park, Hydon Park, Obrim bricks, Zifa Village, Agriseed, Kuwadzana School, New Parliament and the surrounding areas.

“The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers in Harare Region that there would be a power supply interruption on Friday 06 August 2021 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the purpose of carrying out critical maintenance works,” said Zesa in a statement.

” During this period, electricity will not be available in the following areas: Mount Hampden: Lakas, River of Life Church, Hat Nurseryto carryplots, Goodhope, Williwcreek, Arnot Farm, parts of Marlborough, Acacia Park, Haydon Park, Obrim Bricks, ZIFA Village, Agriseed, Kuwadzana School, New Parliament and the surrounding areas.
Customers are advised to treat all circuits as LIVE during this period as power may be restored without notice. The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” said Zesa.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday pocketed nearly US$1 million from sales of his biography.

His spokesperson George Charamba, said the money came from Mnangagwa’s 130-page book which was sold for US$15.00 per copy.

A total of 50 380 copies of his biography titled “A Life of Sacrifice” were sold during an event held at State House on Thursday morning.

“A total of 50 380 copies were sold at the launch, at USD15 a-piece!!!!!

“A Life of Sacrifice” chronicles Mnangagwa’s experiences during the Southern Rhodesia era where he spent 10 years in prison, to present-day Zimbabwe,” twitted Charamba:

By A Correspondent-A Rusape Magistrate Rufaro Mangwiro has acquitted a 27-year-old woman who had been on trial for allegedly assaulting or resisting a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, in a case of spiteful vengeance after the law enforcement agent’s sexual advances towards her were rebuffed.

According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human rights, Nomatter Chikunguru, who resides in Rusape in Manicaland province was arrested on 9 April 2021 by some ZRP officers at around 11: PM and charged with assaulting or resisting a peace officer as defined in section 176 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Chukunguru was accused of refusing to be apprehended by shouting and throwing stones at Constable Brian Kasu and assaulting him when police officers who included Assistant Inspector Chisenye, Assistant Inspector Dhambu, Constable Muza, Constable Makwarimba and Constable Masuka among others, were deployed to enforce some regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus.

During trial, prosecutors told Magistrate Mangwiro that Chikunguru acted unlawfully by refusing to be arrested and shouting and throwing stones at Constable Kasu and assaulting him when police officers who were on night patrol raided a bottle store at Mabvazuva Shopping Centre.

Chikunguru, prosecutors said, was caught by a police dog as ZRP officers were reportedly trying to disperse a riotous “mob”.
However, Magistrate Mangwiro recently acquitted Chikunguru after a full trial.

In her defence, Chikunguru, who was represented by Peggy Tavagadza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that the charges levelled against her were a fabrication to cover up for the abuse of power and brutality by Kasu and that she was a victim of police brutality who required the protection of the law.

The 27-year-old woman told Magistrate Mangwiro that she was arrested while she was going home from her workplace at Rusape General Hospital, where she is employed as a mortician by Heritage Funeral Parlour.

Chikunguru charged that she was ill-treated by Kasu after she spurned his sexual advances and that some police officers had refused to assist her to report a case against the police officer and had to engage Tavagadza to file a complaint against ZRP officers.

By A Correspondent-The Auditor-General (AG) has exposed a Covid-19 funding scandal in which senior government officials are reportedly diverted donations meant for the management of the pandemic.

This was revealed in the latest special audit report by AG, Mildred Chiri, on the financial management and utilisation of public resources in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by ministries, government departments and agencies.

The report was tabled in the National  Assembly recently by Speaker Jacob Mudenda. In the report, Chiri revealed shocking details on how fake names, identity documents and mobile phone numbers were used as part of a broader scheme to siphon part of the over $890 million from the government.

The audit was undertaken with the aid of the World Bank in the country’s six out of 10 provinces, focusing on disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds, management of quarantine centres and isolation centres, among others.

“The easing of some controls and the streamlining of processes and procedures to facilitate emergency responses and quick actions to the crisis exposed the government to the possible risks of misuse or abuse of public resources,” Chiri said.

“Inadequate record-keeping was a common feature as the ministries, departments and agencies did not always have updated or reliable information on the donations received and distributed, goods and services delivered and reports on the implementation status of the government initiatives to fight the pandemic.”

She said incorrect and outdated information was used across government departments.

“This resulted in some beneficiaries, including the government officials, receiving COVID-19 relief disbursements they might not have been entitled to. This defeated the purpose for which the disbursements were made as the intended beneficiaries could have been deprived of the assistance.”

COVID-19 allowances were supposed to be paid to small-to-medium enterprises whose incomes were affected by lockdowns, food-insecure households, people with disabilities, the elderly, chronically ill persons and child-headed households.

Information on the would-be beneficiaries was forwarded to the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry through the provincial social welfare offices.

Investigations by NewsDay exposed how some Zanu PF and government officials manipulated the system for personal benefit.

On the disbursement of over $89 022 103, Chiri said: “The main reasons that caused the failure were that the processes of identification and assessment of intended beneficiaries were not properly co-ordinated, resulting in unreliable databases of  beneficiaries, processing of payments to duplicate beneficiary names and beneficiaries who had similar identity numbers, but of different gender and dates of birth.”

There was also processing of payments to beneficiaries with fictitious identity numbers and suspicious names, incorrect and insufficient contact addresses as well as the use of similar contact addresses for beneficiaries in districts.

“No follow-up mechanism was developed to verify the existence of the beneficiaries and whether the allowances had reached the intended beneficiaries.

“No feedback in the form of pay sheets were provided by the Public Service ministry head office to provincial and district offices regarding the names of beneficiaries who had qualified and had been paid the COVID-19 relief allowances to facilitate confirmation of receipt and reconciliations.”

On COVID-19 relief allowances for youths, sportspersons and artists, the AG raised the red flag on the criteria used for the selection and registration of beneficiaries.

The red flag was also raised on allowances paid to government employees without “competent authority”.

“COVID-19 allowances and airtime paid to government employees. Seven ministries, departments and agencies in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South paid COVID-19 allowances totalling $2 654 089 and airtime worth $22 165 to members of staff reporting for duty during the lockdown period covering April to July 2020 without competent authority.”

Management of quarantine centres was also marred in controversy as the cost of food provisions, accommodation, daily upkeep and transport of the inmates at the quarantine centres was not properly handled.

“There were no clear and documented guidelines on the process of determining the amount of bus fare to be given to discharge inmates. In some instances, there was no evidence that the discharged inmates had received the indicated amounts as they did not sign on the payment schedule.”

On money meant for the drilling of boreholes, she said: “Out of the 48 boreholes that DDF had planned to drill in the six provinces I visited, 31 boreholes were drilled, but were not functional as water pumps had not been installed. Eight boreholes were not drilled, three boreholes were drilled and water pumps installed, six were dry holes as at December 12, 2020.”

“An estimated total amount of $6 650 000 was spent on the 38 non-functional boreholes. The pumps were not installed due to inadequate planning and prioritisation to ensure that each borehole is worked on to completion rather than partly working on many boreholes, exhausting the available resources.”

Chiri said the objective for which the boreholes were drilled was not fully achieved as a result.

In some cases, she said there was an inadequate capacity assessment of contractors and there were cases of awarding of several contracts to one contractor. Newsday

By A Correspondent- Eddie Cross, an economist and former MDC Member of Parliament has authored a book that glorifies false President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s history.

The book titled “A LIFE OF SACRIFICE” is the first-ever biography of Mnangagwa.

The book talks about Mnangagwa’s imprisonment in isolation in settler-colonial Rhodesia’ and his involvement in the liberation struggle.

The book is silent on his role in the 1980s’ Gukurahundi massacres when as the state security minister, then engineered the massacre of more than 20 000 civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.

Renowned historian Miles Tendi also criticised the biography, saying it contains historical falsehoods and silences.

“ED was not a member of the Crocodile Gang; Silence on the 1980’s Gukurahundi; Silence on the DRC War; Silence on the death of Solomon Mujuru; The 2017 military coup is referred to as a “military assisted transition,” he wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has dismissed the new rhumba released by Roki in collaboration with Koffi Olomide and Panganai Java as a fluke.

In the song the Congolese rhumba musician chants: “ED Mnangagwa Number 1 …”

Irate Zimbabweans have accused Java, Roki and Koffi Olomide of endorsing Mr Mnangagwa who is “presiding over a stolen mandate.”

The Congolese singer also makes suggestive dances that denegrate Mr Mnangagwa’s character .

Advocate Mahere accused Mnangagwa of attempting to capture artists to magnify his brand.

“So your “plan” is to capture artists, make them sing your praise and then you will suddenly become popular?

It will not work! The people can see from their pockets that the country is going in the wrong direction. Rhumba propaganda won’t change this.

We need new leaders!Flag of Zimbabwe,” argued Advocate Mahere.

“We don’t need a rhumba song.We need functioning hospitals.
We need good schools.
We need clean water.
We need jobs.

We need reliable public transport.
We need food on the table.We need decent wages.
We need modern infrastructure.
We beed freedom.
We need new leaders,” added Advocate Mahere.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced a planned power interruption in the Harare region tomorrow.

Zesa said they wanted to carry out critical maintenance.

The places to be affected are Mt Hampden: Lakas, River of Life Church, Hat Nursery, Biltrans, Lomagundi road plots, Goodhope, Williwcreek, Amot Farm and parts of Malborough.

In addition, Acacia Park, Hydon Park, Obrim bricks, Zifa Village, Agriseed, Kuwadzana School, New Parliament and the surrounding areas.

“The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers in Harare Region that there would be a power supply interruption on Friday 06 August 2021 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the purpose of carrying out critical maintenance works,” said Zesa in a statement.

” During this period, electricity will not be available in the following areas: Mount Hampden: Lakas, River of Life Church, Hat Nurseryto carryplots, Goodhope, Williwcreek, Arnot Farm, parts of Marlborough, Acacia Park, Haydon Park, Obrim Bricks, ZIFA Village, Agriseed, Kuwadzana School, New Parliament and the surrounding areas.
Customers are advised to treat all circuits as LIVE during this period as power may be restored without notice. The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted,” said Zesa.

By A Correspondent-A Rusape Magistrate Rufaro Mangwiro has acquitted a 27 year-old woman who had been on trial for allegedly assaulting or resisting a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, in a case of spiteful vengeance after the law enforcement agent’s sexual advances towards her were rebuffed.

According to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human rights, Nomatter Chikunguru, who resides in Rusape in Manicaland province was arrested on 9 April 2021 by some ZRP officers at around 11: PM and charged with assaulting or resisting a peace officer as defined in section 176 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Chukunguru was accused of refusing to be apprehended by shouting and throwing stones at Constable Brian Kasu and assaulting him when police officers who included Assistant Inspector Chisenye, Assistant Inspector Dhambu, Constable Muza, Constable Makwarimba and Constable Masuka among others, were deployed to enforce some regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus.

During trial, prosecutors told Magistrate Mangwiro that Chikunguru acted unlawfully by refusing to be arrested and shouting and throwing stones at Constable Kasu and assaulting him when police officers who were on night patrol raided a bottle store at Mabvazuva Shopping Centre.

Chikunguru, prosecutors said, was caught by a police dog as ZRP officers were reportedly trying to disperse a riotous “mob”.
However, Magistrate Mangwiro recently acquitted Chikunguru after a full trial.

In her defence, Chikunguru, who was represented by Peggy Tavagadza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, argued that the charges levelled against her were a fabrication to cover up for abuse of power and brutality by Kasu and that she was a victim of police brutality who required the protection of the law.

The 27 year-old woman told Magistrate Mangwiro that she was arrested while she was going home from her work place at Rusape General Hospital, where she is employed as a mortician by Heritage Funeral Parlour.

Chikunguru charged that she was ill-treated by Kasu after she spurned his sexual advances and that some police officers had refused to assist her to report a case against the police officer and had to engage Tavagadza to file a complaint against ZRP officers.

By A Correspondent- The government has apologised to farmers over late payment for their grain deliveries to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).

The apology was made by the Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka in Parliament after MPs grilled him over payment delays.

“As the government, we apologise to farmers, who have put so much hard work, for the delay in payment. We want to assure them that government will do everything in its power to ensure that we pay them, “Masuka said.

“However, compared to last season, the government has done exceedingly well and we urge farmers to be more patient. When the government announced a policy that farmers delivering their grain to GMB depots will be paid within 72 hours, and that those that will deliver to collection points will be paid within five days, that policy has not changed. This was meant to entice and motivate farmers to deliver their grain,” he said.

The minister said the ministry had made plans for 2020 maize deliveries based on the 2018/19 agricultural season.

He said farmers responded overwhelmingly because the harvest had been good, adding that payment was now being made through the banking system.

“The scheme has always been administered through a bank, and GMB was playing its role before the government moved into this next level where the bank identifies the beneficiaries and the government provides a guarantee.

“The only change in the system is the requirement for the provision of a government guarantee and the bank selecting the beneficiary for the command agriculture productivity scheme,” he said.

Masuka said the scheme did not change farmers’ obligations to repay their loans.

“We have accelerated identification of farmers who owe banks from those prior years so that when they deliver in a good season they can also be able to extinguish their obligations from prior years,” Masuka said.

In March this year, the government announced the maize producer price of $32 000 per tonne, with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube pledging to provide $60 billion to GMB to enable the parastatal to pay for this year’s grain deliveries.

Zimbabwe is expecting delivery of more than 3,1 million metric tonnes of maize this season.

By A correspondent- Chief Maziofa of Mberengwa in the Midlands Province, has died of Covid-19 related complications.

He was 79.

The traditional leader’s son, Tamuka Hove, said his father, born Joshua Koda, succumbed to COVID-19 complications while on his way to the hospital on Wednesday at around 4 pm.

He tested positive to COVID-19 some few weeks back and nurses at Mnene District Hospital administered some medication but allowed him to recuperate while home. His health, however, deteriorated yesterday afternoon and we rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission,” said the late Chief’s son.

Hove said the long-serving traditional leader, who was considered a fountain of wisdom in the entire Mberengwa District, will be dearly missed by the family.

“We are devastated. We will miss him, not only as a family but the whole district,” he said.

Chief Maziofa is survived by his wife Ruvamirai, 11 children and 22 grandchildren.

By A Correspondent-The Auditor-General (AG) has exposed a Covid-19 funding scandal in which senior government officials are reportedly diverted donations meant for the management of the pandemic.

This was revealed in the latest special audit report by AG, Mildred Chiri, on the financial management and utilisation of public resources in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by ministries, government departments and agencies.

The report was tabled in the National  Assembly recently by Speaker Jacob Mudenda. In the report, Chiri revealed shocking details on how fake names, identity documents and mobile phone numbers were used as part of a broader scheme to siphon part of the over $890 million from the government.

The audit was undertaken with the aid of the World Bank in the country’s six out of 10 provinces, focusing on disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds, management of quarantine centres and isolation centres, among others.

“The easing of some controls and the streamlining of processes and procedures to facilitate emergency responses and quick actions to the crisis exposed the government to the possible risks of misuse or abuse of public resources,” Chiri said.

“Inadequate record-keeping was a common feature as the ministries, departments and agencies did not always have updated or reliable information on the donations received and distributed, goods and services delivered and reports on the implementation status of the government initiatives to fight the pandemic.”

She said incorrect and outdated information was used across government departments.

“This resulted in some beneficiaries, including the government officials, receiving COVID-19 relief disbursements they might not have been entitled to. This defeated the purpose for which the disbursements were made as the intended beneficiaries could have been deprived of the assistance.”

COVID-19 allowances were supposed to be paid to small-to-medium enterprises whose incomes were affected by lockdowns, food-insecure households, people with disabilities, the elderly, chronically ill persons and child-headed households.

Information on the would-be beneficiaries was forwarded to the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry through the provincial social welfare offices.

Investigations by NewsDay exposed how some Zanu PF and government officials manipulated the system for personal benefit.

On the disbursement of over $89 022 103, Chiri said: “The main reasons that caused the failure were that the processes of identification and assessment of intended beneficiaries were not properly co-ordinated, resulting in unreliable databases of  beneficiaries, processing of payments to duplicate beneficiary names and beneficiaries who had similar identity numbers, but of different gender and dates of birth.”

There was also processing of payments to beneficiaries with fictitious identity numbers and suspicious names, incorrect and insufficient contact addresses as well as use of similar contact addresses for beneficiaries in districts.

“No follow-up mechanism was developed to verify the existence of the beneficiaries and whether the allowances had reached the intended beneficiaries.

“No feedback in the form of paysheets were provided by the Public Service ministry head office to provincial and district offices regarding the names of beneficiaries who had qualified and had been paid the COVID-19 relief allowances to facilitate confirmation of receipt and reconciliations.”

On COVID-19 relief allowances for youths, sportspersons and artists, the AG raised the red flag on the criteria used for the selection and registration of beneficiaries.

The red flag was also raised on allowances paid to government employees without “competent authority”.

“COVID-19 allowances and airtime paid to government employees. Seven ministries, departments and agencies in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South paid COVID-19 allowances totalling $2 654 089 and airtime worth $22 165 to members of staff reporting for duty during the lockdown period covering April to July 2020 without competent authority.”

Management of quarantine centres was also marred in controversy as the cost of food provisions, accommodation, daily upkeep and transport of the inmates at the quarantine centres was not properly handled.

“There were no clear and documented guidelines on the process of determining the amount of bus fare to be given to discharge inmates. In some instances, there was no evidence that the discharged inmates had received the indicated amounts as they did not sign on the payment schedule.”

On money meant for the drilling of boreholes, she said: “Out of the 48 boreholes that DDF had planned to drill in the six provinces I visited, 31 boreholes were drilled, but were not functional as water pumps had not been installed. Eight boreholes were not drilled, three boreholes were drilled and water pumps installed, six were dry holes as at December 12, 2020.”

“An estimated total amount of $6 650 000 was spent on the 38 non-functional boreholes. The pumps were not installed due to inadequate planning and prioritisation to ensure that each borehole is worked on to completion rather than partly working on many boreholes, exhausting the available resources.”

Chiri said the objective for which the boreholes were drilled was not fully achieved as a result.

In some cases, she said there was an inadequate capacity assessment of contractors and there were cases of awarding of several contracts to one contractor. Newsday

By A correspondent- The Midlands province’s longest-serving traditional leader Chief Maziofa has died.

Chief Maziofa of Mberengwa in the Midlands Province, died of Covid-19 related complications yesterday.

He was 79.

Tamuka Hove, the chief’s son said his father, who was born Joshua Koda, succumbed to COVID-19 complications while on his way to the hospital on Wednesday at around 4 pm.

“He tested positive to COVID-19 some few weeks back and nurses at Mnene District Hospital administered some medication but allowed him to recuperate while home. His health, however, deteriorated yesterday afternoon and we rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission,” said the late Chief’s son.

Hove said the long-serving traditional leader, who was considered a fountain of wisdom in the entire Mberengwa District, will be dearly missed by the family.

“We are devastated. We will miss him, not only as a family but the whole district,” he said.

Chief Maziofa is survived by his wife Ruvamirai, 11 children and 22 grandchildren.

-State media

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance Harare West lawmaker, Joana Mamombe, has been profiled by one of the prestigious local women entrepreneurship movements.

The movement, GoGettermovement profiled Mamombe as one of the most outstanding young Zimbabwean women.

By A Correspondent- In a suspected case of incest and sexual abuse, a 15-year-old girl has refused to breastfeed the child she sired after being raped by her biological father.

The traumatized young mother (name concealed to protect her identity) was allegedly raped and impregnated by her biological father last year in October.

According to The Mirror, following the traumatic experience, the young mother left her baby and went to join her mother’s family in Gutu.

The baby is reportedly now under the care of a well-known orphanage in Shurugwi.

The accused father who stays in Shurugwi Sebanga Extension recently appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Percy Mukumba facing rape charges.

Magistrate  Mukumba denied him bail and remanded him in prison to August 11, 2021.

Allegations are that on October 9, 2020, the accused father went with the complainant to Chrome Mine Site, Lundi Bridge, Shurugwi.

Whilst there, the accused father raped the complainant on several occasions after telling her that he was fulfilling certain rituals.

The court heard that the complainant then got pregnant after being raped by the accused.

The matter only came to light when the complainant narrated her harrowing ordeal to her maternal grandmother. A police report was made leading to the arrest of the accused father.

After giving birth the young mother refused to breastfeed the baby,  arguing that she was not going to breastfeed a child born out of incestuous engagement with her father.

Seeing that she didn’t want anything to do with the baby her maternal grandmother called the Department of Social Welfare which took the child to an orphanage.

Shurugwi Magistrate court is currently waiting for DNA results to prove the paternity of the innocent child.

By A Correspondent- The late Masvingo Deputy Provincial Intelligence Officer and provincial liberation hero Norman Kujoka was buried on Tuesday at his East Range Farm in Makonde district where he was described as a true gallant son of the soil.

He was 58.

Kujoka, who died after a short illness, joined the liberation struggle at age 14 in 1977 and after independence, he was to join the President’s Department in 1986 and rose through the ranks to become a deputy provincial intelligence officer.

Speaking at his burial, Deputy Director in the President’s Office Responsible for Internal Affairs, Mr Ishmael Mada, described Kujoka as a true patriot who served his nation diligently before and after independence.

“He left us a legacy. He was consistent and persistent and he remained loyal and patriotic. Other officers in the department should emulate Kujoka who never accepted bribes.”

A war veterans’ representative, Noah Kasikai, spoke glowingly about Kujoka.

Mashonaland West Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Josphat Jaji, said the department and the Masvingo and Mashonaland West provinces will be poorer without Kujoka.

Kujoka is survived by his wife, Constance, and three children.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Rushinga community has blasted its traditional leadership, Forestry Commission and Rural District Council for corruptly awarding an obscure company known as Vira Vika a tender to harvest timber in the local. 

An insider who spoke to Bulawayo24.com said the local people were not even addressed but alleged that it was a shady deal between Chief Makuni and Chief Rusambo, the Acting CEO for Rushinga Rural District Council (RDC) Kudakwashe Jonasi, the legislator Tendai Nyabani as well as the local Forestry Commission representative identified as Shava.

The company is said to be harvesting five indigenous commercial timber species in eight wards of Rushinga which are ward one to four and twenty one to twenty four. 

“It is said that the timber is being exported to China but the exit point is not yet known. 

Nobody knows where the company is based but some think that it is not locally based since it does not employ the local residents, but Mozambicans,” said the anonymous source. 

The shady deal has been allegedly going on for about a year now and the local residents are afraid that they may lose all of their indigenous timber without them benefitting.

Indigenous trees are protected species and it is alleged that the deal was done ‘above board’, but destroying the border line and the ecosystem at large. 

Four of the company members were introduced to a few Rushinga individuals by Nyabani to whom he said the Chief, Forestry Commission and Council are aware.

“Forestry Commission is said to be the one which gave authority for the timber to be ravaged. 

It is said that there is a Memorandum of Understanding which says Vira Vika will do reforestation and afforestation, but with no proof on the ground,” the source said.

Responding to concerns by furious local residents in a WhatsApp group, Shava said that Vira Vika went through all the right procedures. 

“The company that is harvesting timber is called Vira Vika resources, Forestry Commission, Rushinga RDC and Vira Vika resources have signed a Memorandum of Agreement which expires in 2022. 

The operations have the full blessings of the Environment Committee of Rushinga RDC, traditional leaders and the local communities involved,” read part of the message Shava sent.

Shava also said that Vira Vika pays monthly royalty fees to Rushinga RDC and supervisory fees to Forestry Commission at USD33/cubic metre of timber they harvest. 

“47.5% of the money goes to the ward where the trees are being harvested to fund approved projects, 47,5% goes to RDC Account and 5% goes to Forestry Commission. 

The projects for the community involves reforestation and afforestation. It’s only that some of the money for the Community is still stake in the Campfire account,” Shava added. 

However, the local people are not even sure if the Campfire account exists since there are a number of projects that are still pending, with some of them above a year, such as the Katoni Clinic. 

Contacted for commenting severally, Shava’s phone rang unanswered while Mashonaland Central Council Chair Spencer Chivarange and Jonasi’s phones were not going through up to the time of publication. 

By A Correspondent| Opposition MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has clashed with exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo after the former praised Professor Lovemore Madhuku for the speech he made while addressing a press conference recently.

The full video was posted on twitter by The Zimbabwe Sentinel and Mwonzora could not hide his appreciation of what he said was Madhuku’s clarity and intelligence.

This did not go down well with Professor Jonathan Moyo who fired back saying Madhuku’s intelligence was similar to the late Bishop Abel Muzorewa.

Below is the full transcript of Mwonzora, Jonathan Moyo exchanges….

MWONZORA: Haa Prof Madhuku has clarity. He is intelligent. A true academic

PROF JONATHAN MOYO: Politically, he is as intelligent as Bishop Abel Muzorewa!

MWONZORA: He never wrote POSA or AIPPA

PROF JONATHAN MOYO: By the way thanks for the tag. As a lawyer you know the ZanuPF lawyers who actually wrote POSA & AIPPA, as you’re in bed with them under your Commissar, Patrick Chinamasa, chief ZanuPF lawyer who supervised the actual legal drafting of POSA & AIPPA & steered them in Parliament!

MWONZORA: We all know who was behind POSA and AIPPA. We also all know who gave out community radio licences to Zanu PF people only. That person can not teach us democracy.

PROF JONATHAN MOYO: Crap. Your ZANUPF HOMEGIRL, Monica Mutsvangwa, gave community radio stations only to your party ZanuPF. I didn’t give a single radio license to anyone. And your ZANUPF HOMEBOY, Patrick Chinamasa, wrote POSA & AIPPA. Go ahead & defend your other ZanuPF HOMEBOY, Lovemore Madhuku!

MWONZORA: Prof Madhuku is intelligent and hate free. He is also not tribalistic. He has been fighting for a good constitutional order in the country. He was beaten and left for dead near the National Sports stadium. Like most Democrats he fought against AIPPA and POSA

By A Correspondent| Exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has dashed to the defence of urban grooves star Roki who came under fire on social media over controversial lines on his newly released song where Rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide mentions President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Posting on Twitter, Jonathan Moyo said people tearing into Koffi Olomide over his ‘ED Mnangagwa Number One’ line needed moral compass as the chant is not offensive.

He appealed to Zimbabweans to give Roki a break saying he deserves it.

“If anyone is offended by the insipid Kofi Olomide lyric, “ED Munangagwa, Number One”, which he chants only once in his “Patati Patata” collabo with Roki & Tanzania’s Rayvany, then they need a moral compass. The chant is dumb, but not offensive. Give #Roki a break, he deserves it!” said Jonathan Moyo.

Harare City Council is struggling to service its ZWL 1.9 million ballooning electricity debt largely emanating from water purification from Morton Jaffray Water Works. This was revealed during a Virtual Budget Performance Review Meeting held today which was attended by various stakeholders and City Officials from various departments.

Mrs. Musere, the Budgets Manager at the City of Harare explained that the City of Harare owes the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority ZWL1.9 million debt and that the City’s monthly electricity bill is now hovering around ZWL1.15 million with Morton Jaffrey water treatment plant contributing a larger chunk of the electricity costs.

“The City must come up with a strategy to curtail the electricity costs and in view of devolution, the local authority needs to consider providing its own electricity”  , said Mr Matumbike the Director of Local Government Trust during the meeting.

In a bid to reduce the amounts the City owes its suppliers on goods and services, the City has come up with a wider range of tactics which include unleashing debt collectors, water disconnections, litigation, blacklisting, evictions and customer engagement.

On the engagement of debt collectors and water disconnections, Mr Hardlife Mudzingwa, the National Coordinator for Community Water Alliance encouraged the local authority to act lawfully and consider the implications of water disconnections during the COVID pandemic.

Some residents who participated in the Budget Performance Review Meeting called on Council to fix its billing system and increase efficiency in its banking halls as this boosted resident’s confidence to pay rates.

The City of Harare is now owed ZWL10 billion as of June 2021 from ZWL2 billion as at January 2021.

CHRA calls upon stakeholders and the City of Harare to join hands in improving revenue inflows, and the government to disburse “devolution” funds as this will go a long way in financing capital projects for the City thereby improving service delivery.

Inserted by the CHRA

By A Correspondent- A Mhangura family on Friday buried a wrong corpse after a mix-up occurred during collection of the body at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital.

Sources at the hospital told a local publication that the unfortunate incident has led to the suspension of the mortuary attendant.

The Mhangura family collected the body of Samson Mazivisa, 80, who died on July 25 in Alaska instead of Eriya Banda of Mhangura.

Mazivisa was buried in Mhangura on July 28 before he was exhumed last week.

Mazivisa was supposed to have been buried at Glane State farm in Alaska on Friday.

His body was later exhumed the following day.

A close relative told H-Metro that they were shocked when his body could not be found at the mortuary.

“We were supposed to have buried him here in Alaska on Friday but there was a mix-up of bodies at the mortuary. We had already dug the grave in anticipation of his burial,” said the relative.

An eyewitness who attended the burial in Mhangura told H-Metro that the man, Eraya Banda, succumbed to Covid-19 and his body was taken to the provincial mortuary as the family prepared for his burial.

However, on Friday, the Banda family went to collect the wrong body and the mix up was discovered when the other family went to collect the body of their relative when they discovered that it was the wrong body.

A source at the hospital told H-Metro that the mortuary attendant was to blame as he did not take part in the identification process as he remained in his office instead of accompanying both the funeral parlour driver and the relatives to identify the body.

“I understand the mortuary attendant did not help as he remained seated in his office, leaving the driver and the relatives to identify the body on their own. There was an element of negligence by him,” said the source.

Banda’s relative told H-Metro that the family was devastated and shocked by the mix-up.

“We are yet to come to terms with what happened. The driver of the funeral parlour told us that it was the body of our relative and due to Covid-19 restrictions, the parlour collected the body.”

He said they took the body for burial in Mhangura and buried it.

“We were shocked when we got a call from Chinhoyi that we had buried the wrong body. Takaudzwa kuti Covid-19 bodies hadziitwe body viewing and there was no way we could have known that, it was not our fault,” he said.

The relative said the Mazivisa family came around 6pm and they had to go to the graveyard with a team from the health and funeral parlour to exhume the body.

“They came and exhumed the body and took it away.

“Just imagine what we went through? Zvakaoma chose,” he said.

The relative said that they went and correctly identified their father and took him for burial.

“We dug another grave and buried him yesterday.”

A source at the hospital said the medical superintendent Dr Mawire and the manager of the funeral parlour was there and went to Chemagamba police to rectify the anomaly.

An official from the private parlour who agreed to talk on condition of anonymity told H-Metro that they were not at fault of what had transpired at the hospital.

“Once the deceased was positively identified to us by the relative and mortuary attended, we then proceeded to place of burial as per family instructions.

It was later discovered that there had been an error in the process,” he said.

He added:

“The police, hospital and family were involved in establishing what transpired and was found that we were not at fault. Yes exhumation was carried out and corrective measures since taken,” said the official

He said it was important that, the deceased was identified at the hospital mortuary by a relative.

-HMetro

By A Correspondent- A 29 year old Epworth man was yesterday dragged to court to answer to charges of having se_xual intercourse with a minor after he reportedly slept with his teenage girlfriend.

The suspect White Jack, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga.

Allegations are that Jack proposed love to the 15 year old girl who is currently in form two in March and she accepted his proposal.

The two reportedly started dating and seeing each other occasionally.

The court heard that on one occasion, the two met along Delport Road and they drove to Muza area and parked in a bushy area and while they were there, Jack caressed the minor and removed her clothes before having se_xual intercourse with her.

From then, the two started having se_xual intercourse on different occasions.

On June 14, Jack called the minor on her cell phone intending to talk to her but the phone was answered by her mother who then quizzed her daughter about Jack prompting her to confess about her relationship with Jack and that they had had se_xual intercourse on several occasions.

Jack was arrested subsequently after the confession.

Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State.

-HMetro

By A Correspondent- The City of Harare has urged members of the public to desist from giving food to street children, saying this does more harm than good.

In a statement on Twitter on Wednesday morning, Harare City Council said giving street kids money and food items entices the homeless children to the streets thereby compromising the city fathers’ efforts to rehabilitate the minors.

Council said rather than dishing out cash and food items to street kids, members of the public should channel money and foodstuffs to rehabilitation centres and children’s homes.

The statement read:

Council urges residents to support efforts to rehabilitate street children. Often residents continue to give foodstuffs to children on the streets. This entices the children to the streets.

Residents can support these centres and help our children off the streets. Let’s not support a culture of street begging.

Rehabilitation centres empower the children with life skills and prepare them for a better future.

Teacher’s unions yesterday revealed that a majority of their members were yet to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and were psychologically unprepared for schools reopening which government hinted on last week.

Government last week gazetted Statutory Instrument (SI) 210 of 2021, stating that schools will remain closed until August 10, 2021, but preparing to reopen.

But teachers’ unions said there was lack of preparedness on the part of their members, the majority of whom were not vaccinated, adding that it would endanger learners.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) acting national secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said government should be guided by science on issues of opening of schools for the second term as the third wave of the pandemic was currently taking its toll.

On Tuesday, the country recorded 41 deaths and 1 580 new infections.

Out of the 10 million the country aims to vaccinate, only 1 707 671 had got their first jab, while 832 884 got their second jab.

“If we compare statistics this time around to last year’s lockdown figures, they have more than doubled,” Taderera said.

“There has been a serious scourge. The majority of teachers have not been vaccinated. Our encouragement is that the government must look at the graph. It must be informed by scientific evidence, and then we can talk about schools opening.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said:  “Teachers are incapacitated and we are losing a lot of our fellow workers almost on a daily basis now. If the government is sincere and honest, it should roll out a vaccination programme for teachers just like what it did for nurses. ’’

Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said: “There are important issues that need to be attended to before schools open, such as teachers’ incapacitation. Teachers are at the centre of the standard operation in education.’’

The teachers unions suggested that government should focus on the implementation of the national e-learning strategy during the COVID-19 era.

Government, through Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday announced that at least 400 schools will be provided with free internet for nine months, and extension of the bandwidth to 180 rural schools.

Taderera said teachers were struggling economically and should have access to free data, while learners still did not have access to free internet.

Masaraure said the e-learning strategy was donor motivated and government does not have a clear plan on how to get all schools connected.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said: “If this e-learning is internet based, then it is as good as useless because 80% of students have no internet connectivity, and there are constant power cuts.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enoch Dongo has implored the government to exempt pregnant nurses from working as COVID-19 frontline workers following increased deaths of expecting nurses at health institutions.

Dongo said expecting mothers should not be front liners and should be exempted from duty at toxic places like hospitals.

He said:

When one is pregnant, their system is somehow compromised and the worst part is they are working without enough personal protective equipment, which is putting their lives and the baby’s life at risk.

His call came amid reports that eight pregnant nurses at the United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) succumbed to COVID-19 on Monday.

Last week, more than 100 pregnant women were quarantined in Matabeleland North after they tested positive for COVID-19.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF Mazowe district has gone digital after the District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara donated eight laptops to easie the current cell registration exercise by the revolutionary party.

DCC secretary for information Kushinga Dutiro confirmed the development.

“I can confirm that chairman Musarara has donated eight laptops for party use starting with cell data capturing the computers are doing good work in Mazowe and the registration is almost through,” Dutiro said.

Dutiro further highlighted that since  their district has gone digital they will be in a position to know the exact number of electorate by 2023 as their party targets the five million votes.

“With these computers Mazowe will be in a position to know the exact number of voters in the coming 2023 harmonised elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, the district has since employed a number of people to work on party registration and the move has been welcomed by majority supporters as that will be a motivational tool since there is remuneration to that effect.

By A Correspondent- Teachers’ unions yesterday revealed that a majority of their members were yet to be vaccinated against the COViD-19 virus and were psychologically unprepared for schools reopening which government hinted on last week.

Government last week gazetted Statutory instrument (Si) 210 of 2021, stating that schools will remain closed until august 10, 2021, but preparing to reopen.

but teachers’ unions said there was lack of preparedness on the part of their members, the majority of whom were not vaccinated, adding that it would endanger learners.

Zimbabwe Teachers association (Zimta) acting national secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said government should be guided by science on issues of opening of schools for the second term as the third wave of the pandemic was currently taking its toll.

On Tuesday, the country recorded 41 deaths and 1 580 new infections.

Out of the 10 million the country aims to vaccinate, only 1 707 671 had got their first jab, while 832 884 got their second jab.

“if we compare statistics this time around to last year’s lockdown figures, they have more than doubled,”Taderera said.

“There has been a serious scourge. The majority of teachers have not been vaccinated. Our encouragement is that the government must look at the graph. it must be informed by scientific evidence, and then we can talk about schools opening.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond majongwe said: “Teachers are incapacitated and we are losing a lot of our fellow workers almost on a daily basis now. if the government is sincere and honest, it should roll out a vaccination programme for teachers just like what it did for nurses. ”

amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president Obert masaraure said: “There are important issues that need to be attended to before schools open, such as teachers’ incapacitation. Teachers are at the centre of the standard operation in education.”

The teachers unions suggested that government should focus on the implementation of the national e-learning strategy during the COViD-19 era.

Government, through information minister monica mutsvangwa on Tuesday announced that at least 400 schools will be provided with free internet for nine months, and extension of the bandwidth to 180 rural schools.

Taderera said teachers were struggling economically and should have access to free data, while learners still did not have access to free internet.

masaraure said the e-learning strategy was donor motivated and government does not have a clear plan on how to get all schools connected.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said: “if this elearning is internet based, then it is as good as useless because 80% of students have no internet connectivity, and there are constant power cuts.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The Auditor-General (AG) Mildred Chiri has exposed gross irregularities and deliberate manipulation of figures to facilitate theft of donations meant for COVID-19 relief allowances and projects that saw undeserving government officials and individuals benefiting.

This was revealed in a latest special audit report on the financial management and utilisation of public resources in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by ministries, government departments and agencies.

The report was tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Speaker Jacob Mudenda.

In the report, Chiri revealed shocking details on how fake names, identity documents and mobile phone numbers were used as part of a broader scheme to siphon part of the over $890 million from government. The audit was undertaken with the aid of the World Bank in the country’s six out of 10 provinces, focusing on disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds, management of quarantine centres and isolation centres, among others.

“The easing of some controls and the streamlining of processes and procedures to facilitate emergency responses and quick actions to the crisis, exposed the government to the possible risks of misuse or abuse of public resources,” Chiri said.

“Inadequate record-keeping was a com-mon feature as the ministries, departments and agencies did not always have updated or reliable information on the donations received and distributed, goods and services delivered and reports on the implementation status of the government initiatives to fight the pandemic.”

She said incorrect and out-dat-ed information was used across government departments.

“This resulted in some beneficiaries, including the government officials, receiving COVID-19 relief disbursements they might not have been entitled to. This defeated the purpose for which the disbursements were made as the intended beneficiaries could have been deprived of the assistance.”

COVID-19 allowances were supposed to be paid to small-to-medium enterprises whose in-comes were affected by lockdowns, food insecure households, people with disabilities, the elderly, chronically-ill persons and child-headed households.

Information on the would-be beneficiaries was forwarded to the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry through the provincial social welfare offices.

Investigations by NewsDay exposed how some Zanu-PF and government officials manipulated the system for personal benefit.

On the disbursement of over $89 022 103, Chiri said: “The main reasons that caused the failure were that the processes of identification and assessment of intended beneficiaries was not properly co-ordinated, resulting in unreliable databases of beneficiaries, processing of payments to duplicate beneficiary names and beneficiaries who had similar identity numbers, but of different gender and dates of birth.”

There was also processing of payments to beneficiaries with fictitious identity numbers and suspicious names, incorrect and insufficient contact addresses as well as use of similar contact addresses for beneficiaries in districts.

“No follow-up mechanism was developed to verify the existence of the beneficiaries and whether the allowances had reached the intended beneficiaries.

“No feedback in the form of paysheets were provided by the Public Service ministry head office to provincial and district offices regarding the names of beneficiaries who had qualified and had been paid the COVID-19 relief allowances to facilitate confirmation of receipt and reconciliations.”

On COVID-19 relief allowances for youths, sportspersons and artists, the AG raised the red flag on the criteria used for selection and registration of beneficiaries.

The red flag was also raised on allowances paid to government employees without “competent authority”.

“COVID-19 allowances and airtime paid to government employees. Seven ministries, departments and agencies in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South paid COVID-19 allowances totalling $2 654 089 and airtime worth $22 165 to members of staff reporting for duty during the lockdown period covering April to July 2020 without competent authority.”

Management of quarantine centres was also marred in controversy as the cost of food provisions, accommodation, daily upkeep and transport of the inmates at the quarantine centres was not properly handled.

“There were no clear and documented guidelines on the process of determining the amount of bus fare to be given to discharge inmates. In some instances, there was no evidence that the discharged inmates had received the indicated amounts as they did not sign on the payment schedule.”

On money meant for the drilling of boreholes, she said: “Out of the 48 boreholes that DDF had planned to drill in the six provinces I visited, 31 boreholes were drilled, but were not functional as water pumps had not been installed. Eight boreholes were not drilled, three boreholes were drilled and water pumps installed, six were dry holes as at December 12, 2020.”

“An estimated total amount of $6 650 000 was spent on the 38 non-functional boreholes. The pumps were not installed due to inadequate planning and prioritisation to ensure that each borehole is worked on to completion rather than partly working on many boreholes, exhausting the available resources.”

Chiri said the objective for which the boreholes were drilled was not fully achieved as a result.

In some cases, she said there was inadequate capacity assessment of contractors and there were cases of awarding of several contracts to one contractor.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- ZANU PF legislator for Buhera Central Constituency  Matthew Gijima Nyashanu and some of his District Coordinating Committes(DCCs) and a provincial youth leader for Manicaland Province have been accused of conducting party meetings by villagers in defiance of president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lockdown measures.

The MP who has been missing in action since 2018 has been accused of coming back at the Eleventh hour  with the help of  some handpicked DCC members from his Constituency namely Anxious Murizikazi and Douglas Musakaruka both serving members in the civil service as teachers,notwithstanding it is against the party directive.

Another  Provincial Youth  Member is  Taurai Muzondori. 

The legislator and his blu-eyed boys are reportedly on a whirlwind tour of the constiuency convening meetings meant to canvass votes for certain party members believed to be aligned to him ahead of the impending district and provincial restructuring exercises.   

                           The meetings are in blatant disregard of lockdown regulations, social distancing and mask-wearing.       
                                  On his eleventh hour re-mergece the legislator reportedly attributed it to the “pressing commitments” that President Munangagwa continuously heap on him.
Pressed to explain what he really meant during one of his infamous meetings at Gwama Business Centre, in Chirozva District Ward 23 held recently, the cocky and abrasive legislator had the temerity to protest with a straight face.  

 “Your complains about me having taken a long time before coming to meet you is an old-fashioned way of doing politics,” much to the charging  of the people in attendance.                                         

Having been brought up to speed on these alleged meetings with the inevitable potential of being super-spreaders, the Acting Buhera District Environmental Health Officer Mr Shepherd Makombe noted that on account of the national lockdown, their movement across the whole district to get first hand information has become a mammoth task.  

“Our Office is not aware of these meetings since it is located in Buhera West Constituency so Buhera Central is a tad too far for us to superitend flawlessly add to this the national lockdown which has quite naturally rendered the movement around the length and breadth of the district as per our norm a challenge.It is in light of the aforementioned that we will be waiting to react to reports brought from the communities,” he said.

Upon reaching out to the the legislator Matthew Gijima Nyashanu to get his side of the story, he had to cut short the phone call before fielding the questions pertaining the allegations being levelled against him.

Repeated efforts to call and text him was an exercise in futility as there was no response up to the time of going to print.       

Contacted for comment, Mr Felix Nangatidza, a Zanu PF Councilor for Ward 20 expressed dismay that the legislator was nicodemously conducting meetings in a Ward under his jurisdiction in defiance of the national lockdown regulations,only to get to know it through the grapevine yet the two must be working hand in glove on both developmental and party issues.        

Since the announcement of the Level 4 lockdown, the MP and his team have convened meetings at Zivhu Business Center(Ward 20), Matsvai Business Centre(Ward32, Makuvise District) and Charambira Primary School (Ward 22, Chitezwa District).

THE Auditor-General (AG) Mildred Chiri has exposed gross irregularities and deliberate manipulation of figures to facilitate theft of donations meant for COVID-19 relief allowances and projects that saw undeserving government officials and individuals benefiting.

This was revealed in a latest special audit report on the financial management and utilisation of public resources in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by ministries, government departments and agencies.

The report was tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Speaker Jacob Mudenda.

In the report, Chiri revealed shocking details on how fake names, identity documents and mobile phone numbers were used as part of a broader scheme to siphon part of the over $890 million from government. The audit was undertaken with the aid of the World Bank in the country’s six out of 10 provinces, focusing on disbursement of COVID-19 relief funds, management of quarantine centres and isolation centres, among others.

“The easing of some controls and the streamlining of processes and procedures to facilitate emergency responses and quick actions to the crisis, exposed the government to the possible risks of misuse or abuse of public resources,” Chiri said.

“Inadequate record-keeping was a com-mon feature as the ministries, departments and agencies did not always have updated or reliable information on the donations received and distributed, goods and services delivered and reports on the implementation status of the government initiatives to fight the pandemic.”

She said incorrect and out-dat-ed information was used across government departments.

“This resulted in some beneficiaries, including the government officials, receiving COVID-19 relief disbursements they might not have been entitled to. This defeated the purpose for which the disbursements were made as the intended beneficiaries could have been deprived of the assistance.”

COVID-19 allowances were supposed to be paid to small-to-medium enterprises whose in-comes were affected by lockdowns, food insecure households, people with disabilities, the elderly, chronically-ill persons and child-headed households.

Information on the would-be beneficiaries was forwarded to the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry through the provincial social welfare offices.

Investigations by NewsDay exposed how some Zanu-PF and government officials manipulated the system for personal benefit.

On the disbursement of over $89 022 103, Chiri said: “The main reasons that caused the failure were that the processes of identification and assessment of intended beneficiaries was not properly co-ordinated, resulting in unreliable databases of beneficiaries, processing of payments to duplicate beneficiary names and beneficiaries who had similar identity numbers, but of different gender and dates of birth.”

There was also processing of payments to beneficiaries with fictitious identity numbers and suspicious names, incorrect and insufficient contact addresses as well as use of similar contact addresses for beneficiaries in districts.

“No follow-up mechanism was developed to verify the existence of the beneficiaries and whether the allowances had reached the intended beneficiaries.

“No feedback in the form of paysheets were provided by the Public Service ministry head office to provincial and district offices regarding the names of beneficiaries who had qualified and had been paid the COVID-19 relief allowances to facilitate confirmation of receipt and reconciliations.”

On COVID-19 relief allowances for youths, sportspersons and artists, the AG raised the red flag on the criteria used for selection and registration of beneficiaries.

The red flag was also raised on allowances paid to government employees without “competent authority”.

“COVID-19 allowances and airtime paid to government employees. Seven ministries, departments and agencies in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South paid COVID-19 allowances totalling $2 654 089 and airtime worth $22 165 to members of staff reporting for duty during the lockdown period covering April to July 2020 without competent authority.”

Management of quarantine centres was also marred in controversy as the cost of food provisions, accommodation, daily upkeep and transport of the inmates at the quarantine centres was not properly handled.

“There were no clear and documented guidelines on the process of determining the amount of bus fare to be given to discharge inmates. In some instances, there was no evidence that the discharged inmates had received the indicated amounts as they did not sign on the payment schedule.”

On money meant for the drilling of boreholes, she said: “Out of the 48 boreholes that DDF had planned to drill in the six provinces I visited, 31 boreholes were drilled, but were not functional as water pumps had not been installed. Eight boreholes were not drilled, three boreholes were drilled and water pumps installed, six were dry holes as at December 12, 2020.”

“An estimated total amount of $6 650 000 was spent on the 38 non-functional boreholes. The pumps were not installed due to inadequate planning and prioritisation to ensure that each borehole is worked on to completion rather than partly working on many boreholes, exhausting the available resources.”

Chiri said the objective for which the boreholes were drilled was not fully achieved as a result.

In some cases, she said there was inadequate capacity assessment of contractors and there were cases of awarding of several contracts to one contractor.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of a notorious Kadoma thief which specialises in stealing Honda Fit vehicles.

On its Twitter handle Tuesday ZRP said they have arrested Tatenda Mazivei aged 20 in connection with seven cases of theft of Honda Fit motor vehicles.

” The suspect mainly targeted to steal parked Honda Fit motor vehicles at the complainants place of residence. The arrest cleared 7 cases of theft of motor vehicles and led to the recovery of 4 stolen vehicles. Investigations are in progress,” the ZRP posted.

By Dorrothy Moyo | The renegade Zanu-PF youth leader, Godfrey Tsenengamu, has instructed MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa saying he must join the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) platform immediately, or suffer resource exclusion.

The advisory comes at a time when nearly 20 brand new pickup trucks were dished out by ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to losers of the 2018 elections as an apparent reward for participating.

Last Friday, Mnangagwa dished out 19 Isuzu D-Max cars to the losers who participated in the 2018 presidential election.

Tsenengamu is the nation’s traditional face of coup transitions and his pronouncements have over the last 4 years usually been sanctioned by the top ZANU PF stranglers.

The statements also come a year after Chamisa was stripped of party assets and currently faces threats to take over his own party name by the controversial ZANU supported, Douglas Mwonzora.

Said Tsenengamu:

“I would personally equate Polad and the (MDC Alliance-driven) Citizens Convergence for Change (CCC) initiatives to join Polad as his options are now limited.”

Responding to the statements, the MDC Alliance has said it will not join the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Tuesday said nothing will change on her party’s position. She said:

“The MDC Alliance will never join POLAD. It’s not the function of a legitimate opposition party to take trinkets in exchange for cheerleading autocracy. We continue to hold the regime accountable, demand better lives for the people and push for reforms in all areas of governance.”

POLAD was introduced by Mnangagwa soon after his disputed victory in the 2018 elections in which

Chamisa has stood his ground against Mnangagwa, indicating his Constitutional court challenge is still live.

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo at the weekend rounded up 300 people at different shebeens and arrested them for defying lockdown regulations.

Bulawayo provincial spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrests.

“During the weekend, a total of 274 people were arrested in connection with alcohol-related cases. That is operating shebeens, bottle stores and public drinking, contravening Covid-19 regulations. Quite several people were arrested for improper use of facemasks, but of note was the raids of shebeens in Nkulumane and other suburbs,” said Inspector Ncube.

“What we do is confiscate the beer and the equipment that is used. Repeat offenders are taken to court. We are foreseeing shortly that there will be custodial sentences for those who are continuously breaking the law,” said Inspector Ncube.

He said the public must report to the police, any shebeens and nightspots that are operating against lockdown regulations.

“We still urge people to comply with the law and desist from operating shebeens. Apart from contravening Covid-19 regulations, the operation of shebeens is illegal in terms of the law. They are also seen as a hive of activity where criminals thrive, where they waylay their victims. We also ask the members of the public to continue to report these people who operate illegally,” said Inspector Ncube.

By A Correspondent- At least 21 immigrants have been missing after they were swept away along the Limpopo River

The 21 were trying to cross the Zimbabwean border into South Africa.

This was revealed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in a report titled Families of Missing Migrants: Their Search for Answers, the Impact of Loss and Recommendations for Improved Support which was released yesterday.

The IOM has since 2014 documented deaths and disappearances of more than 42 000 migrants worldwide.

“Tens of thousands of people worldwide live with the pain and uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their relatives and loved ones who went missing or died during migration around the world. Besides the emotional toll, their lives may be forever marked by the many psychosocial, legal and financial impacts related to the disappearance of their relatives,” the report read.

“Many may have gone missing on these journeys, but the exact numbers are not known, as there is a lack of systematic and reliable data on the number of people who go missing on migration journeys from Zimbabwe to South Africa. It is likely that there are many unreported and unrecorded cases of migrants who have gone missing or lost their lives during the journey or thereafter”.

The organisation called on member States to make an effort to identify people that would have gone missing and facilitate communication with the affected families.

The report further said most Zimbabweans left the country due to the deteriorating socio-economic situation, with the majority crossing to South Africa.

“While complete data on the number of people who died attempting to cross from Zimbabwe to South Africa do not exist, IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has recorded 21 cases of people who drowned in the Limpopo River while attempting to cross the border between the two countries irregularly between 2014 and 2020. “In the absence of State-funded tools and services to address their needs, families of missing migrants develop their own strategies to search for information, through informal channels.”

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Police in Mashonaland East province have launched an operation against pirate taxis, popularly known as mushikashika,

 Under the operation code-named Wipe Out Mushikashika , Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachii said 255 cars have been impounded.

He said 78 pirate taxis were impounded in Marondera, 119 in Murewa while another 48 were impounded in Chivhu district.

The operation is set to spill into COVID-19 hotspot districts such as Wedza and Goromonzi.

“The operational environment of pirate taxis fuels the spread of COVID-19. There is no social distancing, no sanitising and no monitoring of masking up among other safety measures.

“Secondly, there are issues of overloading as well as robbery cases that involve these vehicles. There are also issues of stocktheft whereby some carcasses are being found in these vehicles. They are being hired by cattle rustlers to transport stolen stock,” Chazovachii said.