Khama Billiat has praised his Kaizer Chiefs team-mates for their determination to reach the final of the CAF Champions League.
Chiefs will face Al Ahly on Saturday at the King Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Billiat, who missed some games in the campaign through injury, described the feat as a blessing.
He said: “The guys really did well for us to be where we are right now, and it is a great blessing for me to be a part of the team.
“It requires hard work and a strong mentality because it is no longer a domestic competition.
“We’re going to meet the best of Africa, to compete in Africa for a big trophy. So I give credit to everyone who has been part of the journey to make sure that we go through the matches in Africa and are in the right frame of mind regardless of what was happening in the domestic league.”
Billiat, meanwhile, is expected to return to the squad after recovering from an injury that ruled him out of the final part of the domestic campaign.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Six time champions Zimbabwe made an embarrassing exit from the COSAFA Cup losing 2-1 to Senegal.
This is the worst performances by Zimbabwe in the tournament and like has become the norm coach Zdravko Logarusic blamed fatigue for the defeat against Senegal.
” We started the match well but fatigue creeped in and Senegal managed to come back into the match. We played a number of games in a short space of time and this was too much for the players who have not played football in a long time,” said Logarusic.
The Warriors coach said he was going to pick three players from the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers in September.
” I managed to identify three players who will be part of the national team for the World Cup qualifiers. The other players will form the spine of the CHAN qualifiers.”
The Warriors bow out of the tournament without a win, their worst performance in the tournament which they are record winners.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has said the State must drop the remaining spurious charges against political activist Makomborero Haruzivishe.
Makomborero Haruzivishe was granted RTGS $ 10 000 bail by High Court Judge Justice Chinamora on Wednesday.
“@MakomboreroH is and always has innocent! Thank you @ZLHRLawyers and Mr. Ncube for working so hard to obtain our brother’s release.
We in the @mdczimbabwe Youth Assembly, are happy that @MakomboreroH was granted bail by the High Court of Zimbabwe today.
We however demand that the remaining spurious charges against him be thrown into the dust bin.
FreeMako,” MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma wrote on Twitter.
By Valerie Karimakwenda MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Organising Secretary UK and Ireland
Who gets to sell vaccines to Zimbabwe? China. Who gets to construct power plants in Zimbabwe? China.
Who can violate local graves to exploit coal? China.
Who gets to make tiles and bricks cheaply, with exploited labour, and without environmental assessment impact certifications, whatever that means for corrupt Environmental Management Agency (EMA)? China.
These, while mentioning a few of economic activities, dominated by colonial China should be among significant reservations for Zimbabweans, but since it is not in the interest of Zanu pf, it is not so.
Decades of besieging Zimbabwe, Zanu pf is finally realizing that certain subsectors ought to be reserved for Zimbabwe. This however is nothing but mockery of suffering and miserable Zimbabweans. Zanu pf has no locus standi nor legitimacy that is consequent of locus standi it has an acute deficiency of, to actually think that it can, successfully and genuinely implement reforms that ensure a transition of theory to practice of having actual subsectors being reserved for Zimbabweans. This is so for a number of reasons below.
Apparent perpetual centralization of power by Zanu pf, which stimulates impunity, and necessitates rule by law as preferences for Zanu pf, aiding to its unconstitutional prolonged detention of people’s power is one such reason, why Zanu pf erroneously classifying minimum wage jobs, mediocre income sole proprietorships as reserved for Zimbabweans.
Owning a grain grinding mill, a saloon, or being an artisanal miner does not nor will it ever attract the Chinese, Pakistanis or Indians. Its mediocre to them, and the returns at best are discouraging.
Anyone can operate a grinding mill, anyone can work in a saloon, but this classification by Zanu pf as sectors reserved for Zanu pf is strategic, although futile in that Zanu pf, in the eve of 2023 elections, suddenly appears as a people’s welfare sensitive government, that in the past did not neglect the people’s welfare for its preference for primitive accumulation.
It is futile because Zanu pf is admitting, not by design but by default, that the people it has been holding hostage for decades cannot specialize for instance, with regards to high level technology, research and innovation, which would have been critical for research in and subsequent manufacture of vaccines needed to combat the pandemic for instance, a sharp contrast to outsourcing from China.
Instead of buying retired airbuses on grounds of safety, Zimbabwe would have been able to manufacture or at least assemble its own fleet, crucial for the tourist sector for example. These just serve as illustrations, of the incompetence of Zanu pf, and the level of economic mediocrity, significant in Zanu pf classifications of so-called economic subsectors.
Zanu pf hostages, which are the generally miserable and suffering Zimbabweans cannot specialize, nor can they raise, attract capital needed for capital intensive but highly lucrative opportunities, which Zanu pf has reserved for the Chinese, its colonial masters, to whom it owes allegiance for protection from onslaught of international sanctions, passed by a United Nations Security Council Resolution. Sanctions that would coalholes Zanu pf to reform and thus leave power, democratizing Zimbabwe in the process.
Without capital and specialist skills, the hostages are condemned to a life of mediocrity and poverty, which Zanu pf paints as reserved economic subsectors. A fancy word, meant to stimulate the parochial, uninformed and non-participating but frustrated people.
During the only golden era to ever dawn on Zimbabwe, negotiated and supervised by the democratic and progressive West, which was a temporary salve to Zanu pf decades old but festering, ugly burns, not once did the only genuine opposition, sensitive to the needs of the public, denigrate Zimbabweans to the level of reserving almost none profitable but nearly charitable economic subsectors, grinding mills or saloons. Unlike Zanu pf, the opposition ensured broad based inclusivity where everyone was involved and participated, in addition to being equally treated and considered fir economic opportunities exploitation, be it private or public sector.
Foreigners were not prioritized as greedy Mnangagwa and Zanu pf are doing now.
Given the proximity of Zanu pf decision of sudden classification of so called reserved economic subsectors for Zimbabweans, to 2023 elections, one cannot help but be concerned about Zanu pf grooming of partisan distribution of so called reserved economic subsectors. There is no way Zanu pf can be expected, given its past record, to equitably distribute so called reserved economic subsectors opportunities, while ignoring perceived political affiliation, perceived or imagined.
This means those not affiliated with Zanu do not get any economic inclusivity exposing them to so called reserved economic subsectors.
Zanu pf does not need to classify so called reserved economic subsectors for people it is holding hostage, it needs to implement reforms which are an existential threat to it, paving way for tranquil transition of the opposition into power.
Valerie Karimakwenda MDC Alliance Youth Assembly UK and Ireland organising secretary
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has said the State must drop the remaining spurious charges against political activist Makomborero Haruzivishe.
Makomborero Haruzivishe was granted RTGS $ 10 000 bail by High Court Judge Justice Chinamora on Wednesday.
“@MakomboreroH is and always has innocent! Thank you @ZLHRLawyers and Mr. Ncube for working so hard to obtain our brother’s release.
We in the @mdczimbabwe Youth Assembly, are happy that @MakomboreroH was granted bail by the High Court of Zimbabwe today.
We however demand that the remaining spurious charges against him be thrown into the dust bin.
FreeMako,” MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma wrote on Twitter.
Are there immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting for all smokers?
Beneficial health changes that take place:
Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s.
5 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting. 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. Can people of all ages who have already developed smoking-related health problems still benefit from quitting? Benefits in comparison with those who continued:
At about 30: gain almost 10 years of life expectancy. At about 40: gain 9 years of life expectancy. At about 50: gain 6 years of life expectancy. At about 60: gain 3 years of life expectancy. After the onset of life-threatening disease: rapid benefit, people who quit smoking after having a heart attack reduce their chances of having another heart attack by 50%. How does quitting smoking affect children who are exposed to second-hand smoke? Quitting smoking decreases the excess risk of many diseases related to second-hand smoke in children, such as respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma) and ear infections.
Are there any other benefits to quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking reduces the chances of impotence, having difficulty getting pregnant, having premature births, babies with low birth weights and miscarriage…
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Wiriranai Paradza the proprietor of Astelotrans Transport has made a report at Chivhu accusing Mvuma Police of looting 15 tonnes of Castle Lite crates from his truck going to Zambia from South Africa.
He says Police looted the truck after the driver, Webster Nhau turned off the highway to drop some smuggled goods at Mavise Business Centre 10km from Mvuma towards Harare.
The vehicle’s load shifted along the dust road and Police details found Nhau desperately trying to repack the beer. He allegedly bribed the cops with some beer in a bid to conceal the case of the smuggled goods.
Police made three loads of beer with their truck, The Mirror was told.
Paradza said that Police loaded the beer into their vehicle and took it away.
Villagers who noticed Police looting the beer joined in immediately after the Police left and cleared half of the 34 tonnes that the truck carried, said Paradza. Villagers used wheelbarrows, scotch carts and cars to loot the beer.
Apart from the Police and villagers, well known business people and political leaders are also said to have looted the beer Midlands Province Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident but dismissed allegations that Police was involved in looting. “The case was handled above board by Police. A Police car was only used to transport beer to the Station for booking. Hand over, take over was done on book,” said Mahoko However, Paradza insisted that Police was the first to loot from his car and then villagers followed. He said efforts to recover his beer was thwarted by Police officers who allegedly tipped villagers to hide their loot.
Paradza reported the case to Chivhu but got frustrated when Chivhu Police told him to report the matter to Mvuma since the area is under Chivhu.
“Mvuma Police looted beer from my truck. l even made a report at Chivhu Police but l heard that the law says l should report to Mvuma because the incident happened in Mvuma area. “That is when l gave up because I was going to report to the same people who looted my truck.
“When we tried to recover some of the loot from individuals we failed because Police was alerting the looters to hide the beer,” said Paradza.
Source : Masvingo Mirror
ZRP cops steal beer from delivery truck…photo credit- Masvingo Mirror
By Valerie Karimakwenda MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Organising Secretary UK and Ireland
Who gets to sell vaccines to Zimbabwe? China. Who gets to construct power plants in Zimbabwe? China.
Who can violate local graves to exploit coal? China.
Who gets to make tiles and bricks cheaply, with exploited labour, and without environmental assessment impact certifications, whatever that means for corrupt Environmental Management Agency (EMA)? China.
These, while mentioning a few of economic activities, dominated by colonial China should be among significant reservations for Zimbabweans, but since it is not in the interest of Zanu pf, it is not so.
Decades of besieging Zimbabwe, Zanu pf is finally realizing that certain subsectors ought to be reserved for Zimbabwe. This however is nothing but mockery of suffering and miserable Zimbabweans. Zanu pf has no locus standi nor legitimacy that is consequent of locus standi it has an acute deficiency of, to actually think that it can, successfully and genuinely implement reforms that ensure a transition of theory to practice of having actual subsectors being reserved for Zimbabweans. This is so for a number of reasons below.
Apparent perpetual centralization of power by Zanu pf, which stimulates impunity, and necessitates rule by law as preferences for Zanu pf, aiding to its unconstitutional prolonged detention of people’s power is one such reason, why Zanu pf erroneously classifying minimum wage jobs, mediocre income sole proprietorships as reserved for Zimbabweans. Owning a grain grinding mill, a saloon, or being an artisanal miner does not nor will it ever attract the Chinese, Pakistanis or Indians. Its mediocre to them, and the returns at best are discouraging.
Anyone can operate a grinding mill, anyone can work in a saloon, but this classification by Zanu pf as sectors reserved for Zanu pf is strategic, although futile in that Zanu pf, in the eve of 2023 elections, suddenly appears as a people’s welfare sensitive government, that in the past did not neglect the people’s welfare for its preference for primitive accumulation.
It is futile because Zanu pf is admitting, not by design but by default, that the people it has been holding hostage for decades cannot specialize for instance, with regards to high level technology, research and innovation, which would have been critical for research in and subsequent manufacture of vaccines needed to combat the pandemic for instance, a sharp contrast to outsourcing from China. Instead of buying retired airbuses on grounds of safety, Zimbabwe would have been able to manufacture or at least assemble its own fleet, crucial for the tourist sector for example. These just serve as illustrations, of the incompetence of Zanu pf, and the level of economic mediocrity, significant in Zanu pf classifications of so-called economic subsectors.
Zanu pf hostages, which are the generally miserable and suffering Zimbabweans cannot specialize, nor can they raise, attract capital needed for capital intensive but highly lucrative opportunities, which Zanu pf has reserved for the Chinese, its colonial masters, to whom it owes allegiance for protection from onslaught of international sanctions, passed by a United Nations Security Council Resolution. Sanctions that would coalholes Zanu pf to reform and thus leave power, democratizing Zimbabwe in the process.
Without capital and specialist skills, the hostages are condemned to a life of mediocrity and poverty, which Zanu pf paints as reserved economic subsectors. A fancy word, meant to stimulate the parochial, uninformed and non-participating but frustrated people.
During the only golden era to ever dawn on Zimbabwe, negotiated and supervised by the democratic and progressive West, which was a temporary salve to Zanu pf decades old but festering, ugly burns, not once did the only genuine opposition, sensitive to the needs of the public, denigrate Zimbabweans to the level of reserving almost none profitable but nearly charitable economic subsectors, grinding mills or saloons. Unlike Zanu pf, the opposition ensured broad based inclusivity where everyone was involved and participated, in addition to being equally treated and considered fir economic opportunities exploitation, be it private or public sector. Foreigners were not prioritized as greedy Mnangagwa and Zanu pf are doing now.
Given the proximity of Zanu pf decision of sudden classification of so called reserved economic subsectors for Zimbabweans, to 2023 elections, one cannot help but be concerned about Zanu pf grooming of partisan distribution of so called reserved economic subsectors. There is no way Zanu pf can be expected, given its past record, to equitably distribute so called reserved economic subsectors opportunities, while ignoring perceived political affiliation, perceived or imagined. This means those not affiliated with Zanu do not get any economic inclusivity exposing them to so called reserved economic subsectors.
Zanu pf does not need to classify so called reserved economic subsectors for people it is holding hostage, it needs to implement reforms which are an existential threat to it, paving way for tranquil transition of the opposition into power
Tinashe Sambiri|Jailed political activist Makomborero Haruzivishe has finally been granted RTGS $ 10 000 bail.
Mako was granted bail by High Court Judge Justice Chinamora on Wednesday.
He was sentenced to 20 months in prison by magistrate Judith Taruvinga in April.
Read Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights brief statement:
Justice Chinamora granted @MakomboreroH ‘s application for bail pending determination of his appeal against both conviction and sentence on charges of inciting public violence&resisting arrest by cops.
Haruzivishe was in April imprisoned for 20 months by Magistrate Judith Taruvinga.
His lawyers Kossam Ncube & @obeyshava1 then filed an appeal against both conviction & sentence arguing that Magistrate Taruvinga grossly erred in convicting him. The appeal is yet to be heard & determined.
We have ended the 3 month detention of pro-democracy campaigner @MakomboreroH who has been granted RTGS$10 000 bail by Justice Chinamora.
His lawyers Kossam Ncube & @obeyshava1 then filed an appeal against both conviction & sentence arguing that Magistrate Taruvinga grossly erred in convicting him. The appeal is yet to be heard & determined. ZLHR @ZLHRLawyers.
By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has rallied Zanu PF party structures to report for de-registration Non Governmental organisations diverting from their operational mandate to interfere in internal affairs of Zimbabwe in what reinforces earlier threats by Harare and Masvingo provincial cordinators against the work of NGOs.
In his opening remarks at the Zanu PF politburo meeting today, Mnangagwa said a notable number of NGOs were guilty of moving away from their mandate.
“As the election season unfolds, we are observing a notable number of NGOs diverting from their operational mandate to delve into political matters that amounts to interference in the internal affairs of our sovereign country. My government will not broker any such disregard of our laws and will proceed to de-register all organisations found in the wrong. Party structures must be vigilant and expose such elements,” said Mnangagwa.
Last week, Muguti wrote a letter to NGOs and civil society groups working in Harare to submit their plans of actions to his office.
Civic groups have since told Muguti off saying his office does not superintendent over their work.
In Masvingo, Provincial coordinator also invited NGOs to a meeting at GZU.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance NEC member and pro-democracy campaigner Makomborero Haruzivishe has been granted a ZWL$10 000 bail by the High Court.
He was being represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and his lawyer, Mr Ncube.
Makomborero has been in prison since April serving a 14-month jail term after being convicted of inciting public violence after he had demonstrated with colleagues demanding the release of ZINASU president Takudzwa Ngadziore.
Speaking on the release of the former students’ union leader, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere a law lecturer at eh the University of Zimbabwe and MDC Alliance national spokesperson said:
Best news I’ve heard today. I’m so happy @MakomboreroH is free but I’m also disappointed that his liberty was unduly curtailed. Mako is innocent. It is not a crime to demand a better society.
His incarceration had been described by some human rights defenders and party colleagues as a blow to democracy.
Pro democracy and constitutional campaigner, Makomborero Haruzivishe has been granted bail.
We have ended the 3 month detention of pro-democracy campaigner Makomborero Haruzivishe who has been granted RTGS$10 000 bail by Justice Webster Chinamora, announced the Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights.
High Court Judge Justice Webster Chinamhora has granted political activist and MDC Alliance member Makomborero Haruzivishe bail pending appeal against his conviction.
Haruzivishe was sentenced to 14 months in prison after he was found guilty of kidnapping.
By A Correspondent- A huge snake was retrieved from a parked Toyota Wish car in Kwekwe city centre and business temporarily came to standstill, The Chronicle reports.
Rangers from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) had to break into the car to retrieve the snake after its owner disappeared from the scene.
Reports suggest that the vehicle, which did not have number plates, was being driven by an unknown male who was accompanied by a female friend.
The driver reportedly vanished into thin air upon realizing the snake had been discovered at a car wash in the city.
One of the car washers who saw the snake is alleged to have alerted the driver about the presence of the snake in the car and the driver and his friend simply walked off and abandoned the car as people came to catch a glimpse of the snake.
The spectacle attracted a sizeable gathering and as a result, the police had to be called in to disperse the crowd which had gathered around the vehicle.
According to New Zimbabwe, a local businessman called in the National Parks personnel to attend to the snake which was gliding around inside the vehicle.
Since the owner of the car locked his vehicle before he fled from the scene, rangers from ZimParks had to break into the Toyota Wish to retrieve the snake.
One of the witnesses who saw the whole drama unfold said that he believes the snake is for ritual purposes. Said the witness:
_We suspect that this python is being used for ritual purposes. There is no way such a big snake if it was an ordinary snake will find its way into a locked vehicle worse still the driver just disappeared leaving his vehicle._
Snakes are locally associated with witchcraft, wizardry, and evil spirits.
Illegal possession of snakes is in violation of the Parks and Wildlife Act.
By A Correspondent- Long winding queues are forming outside petrol stations in the greater Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal.
Several petrol stations have already reportedly run out of fuel, while others have closed for safety reasons. Corner shops and garages that are currently open are also inundated with panic buying of essential items.
From Tongaat in the north to the Durban CBD on Durban’s M4 highway, community crime prevention groups are manning the entry and exit points. They’ve been on high alert since Monday night. The petrol shortage has also left several motorists driving in circles to access not only petrol but daily household necessities like milk and bread.
Several corner shops in La Mercy, Tongaat and Verulam had large crowds wiping out their critical supplies from the early hours of the morning.
As looting continues at sites in and around Durban, private security companies and community policing forums are mobilising to protect their residents. Dheven Govindasami is with a Durban-based private security company.
He says residents have had enough and are taking a stance.
“We are getting looters there is not a store or garage that hasn’t been attacked and looted, stampedes and have seen a few killings. It’s hectic here on the ground. I am glad to see communities at large in Chatsworth, Phoenix, Isipingo, Merebank have had enough,” says Govindasami.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says 26 people have lost their lives in the violent protest over Jacob Zuma’s incarceration and looting sprees in the province in the past few days. Addressing a virtual media conference, Zikalala warned that the province must not descend into its violent past. Political violence in the 1990s saw scores killed in the province.
“These episodes of violence are inflicting many lasting scars. The latest fatalities confirmed by the security cluster in KZN is standing at 26 these were people that were killed in stampedes as protestors ran riot. As of last night law enforcement agencies have arrested 187 suspects,” says Zikalala.
By A Correspondent- ALPHA Media Holdings (AMH) chairman Trevor Ncube has lost two close relatives – his father and niece – within a space of two days who both succumbed to COVID-19.
AMH publishes NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent, The Standard and Weekly Digest and also runs an online radio and television station, Heart & Soul TV.
Ncube’s father, Shadreck Kanyemba Ncube, passed on on Saturday morning aged 86 and was buried in Bulawayo the next day, while his niece, Lorraine (32), who died on Monday is set to be buried in Harare today.
“My 86-year-old father, friend and hero succumbed to COVID-19 in Bulawayo early this morning (Saturday). A sweet, compassionate and witty man, he will be sorely missed,” Ncube tweeted.
Yesterday, he also confirmed the death of his niece who also succumbed to the virulent virus.
“Zimbabwe has lost a bright talented and courageous woman,” he said.
“COVID-19 has robbed us of two precious people in our family in just one week. My mother is still in a COVID-19 high dependence unity, oblivious to the fact that her partner of 62 years is no more.
“Now her granddaughter is no more. How are we going to break this shocking news to her? There are no words to describe the pain we are going through.”
In May, Ncube lost his younger brother, David, to kidney failure.
By A Correspondent- Over 72 people have been killed in the violent protests that erupted in South Africa following the arrest and imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma last week.
The number includes 10 people who were killed in a stampede during looting on Monday night at a shopping centre in Soweto.
The BBC filmed a baby being thrown from a building in Durban that was on fire after ground-floor shops were looted.
The military has now been deployed to quench the unrest that began last Thursday as the police appear to be overwhelmed.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called it some of the worst violence witnessed in South Africa since the 1990s, before the end of apartheid.
Angry protestors blocked roads, looted businesses and warehouses in major cities and small towns in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.
Bloomberg news agency quoted the chief executive of Business Leadership South Africa, Busisiwe Mavuso, as saying more than 200 shopping malls had been looted by Monday afternoon.
The BBC’s Vumani Mkhize says several shopping centres in Soweto have been completely overhauled, with ATMs broken into, restaurants, stores selling alcohol and clothing shops all left in tatters.
Ministers have warned that if looting continues, there is a risk some areas could run out of basic food supplies soon but have ruled out declaring a state of emergency.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said some 26 people had been killed in the province so far while the death toll in Gauteng is 19, including the 10 who died at the shopping centre in Soweto.
Zikhalala reports that almost 1 300 have been arrested, but law enforcement remains heavily outnumbered.
South Africa’s TimesLIVE news site reports that in KwaZulu-Natal, where livestock has also been stolen, the unrest continues with ambulances coming under attack by rioters in some areas.
Video footage shows that a blood bank was looted in Durban as Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday night.
By A Correspondent| High Court Judge Justice Webster Chinamhora is set to make a ruling on an application for bail pending appeal by human rights activist and MDC Alliance member Makomborero Haruzivishe.
Haruzivishe was sentenced to 14 months in prison after he was found guilty of kidnapping.
He approached the High Court challenging his conviction and wants to be released on bail while his appeal is determined.
The International Cross Border Cross-Border Traders Association has issued the below statement warning against the ongoing looting in the so called Zuma Protests which President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated is tribaly motivated. The ICTA said they will be asking the South African government to deport any foreigners who are participating in the demonstrations which began in KwaZulu-Natal after former president Jacob Zuma was jailed last week. The protests later turned violent, after escalating to provinces such as Gauteng and some parts of North West and Mpumalanga.
Below is the statement:
Attention To All Foreign Nationals In South Africa
REF: Abstain From participating in current violent protests in SouthAfrica.
12 July 2021
The International Cross-Border Traders Association(ICTA), would like to advise all Foreign Nationals in South Africa to abstain from protesting against the incarceration of former President, Jacob Zuma.
As an Association we respect the judiciary and it’s rulings.
We shall ask the South African government to deport any foreigner nationals perpetrating protests and looting.
The African Union Commission has issued a statement of condemnation against the violent protests taking place in parts of South Africa following the jailing of former president Jacob Zuma.
The statement comes as the South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the protest are being engineered by criminal elements. Below is the statement:
13 July 2021, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemns in the strongest terms the surge of violence that has resulted in the deaths of civilians and appalling scenes of the looting of public and private property, destruction of infrastructure, including the suspension of essential services in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of South Africa._
_The Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a rapid and full recovery to the wounded._
_The Chairperson calls for an urgent restoration of order, peace and stability in the country in full respect of the rule of law. He stresses that failure to do so can have grave impacts not only in the country but the Region as a whole._
_The Chairperson reiterates the full and unwavering solidarity of the African Union Commission with the government and people of South Africa._
By A Correspondent- A 39 year old man from Zaka will spend the next 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of raping his mentally challenged teenage niece.
The accused, whose name cannot be published to protect the victim, was initially slapped with a 17 year jail term by Chiredzi Magistrate Judith Zuyu but two years were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.
In passing judgement Magistrate Zuyu said that the accused crafted a defense to deceive the court into believing that he was not aware of the complainant’s mental status when he actually knew the complainant since she was a child because he would constantly visit as they were related.
In his defense the accused had told the court that he was unaware of the victim’s mental status because they were in love for more than a year and he was even promising to marry her.
The state case as presented by Prosecutor Rutendo Ndimbu was that on November 13 2020 the accused approached the victim who was playing with his four-year-old daughter.
The accused then lured the victim promising to give her some mangoes at his homestead which she agreed to.
Upon arrival, the accused asked the complainant to escort him with some empty sacks to the bush and she followed him.
The accused then ordered the girl to lie on the empty sack, undressed her and rap_ed her once.
After rap_ing her, the accused filled the sack with firewood, gave the victim some mangoes and ordered her to go home.
About a week later, the victim then told her aunt about the ordeal, who reported the matter to the police leading to the accused’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- They took an oath to not only protect and serve, but to also uphold the law.
And with looters emptying malls and shopping centres, residents relied on cops to act against this kind of criminality.
But instead of stopping looters in Soweto on Monday, 12 July, two constables, aged 44 and 54, joined in on the looting, making off with goods that were estimated at R90 000.
These men in blue are now behind bars.
Daily Sun understands that members of the national crime intelligence unit received a tip-off.
They followed up on it, and it led them straight to Protea Glen.
Members of Soweto K9 went to a house in Doornkop, where they were shocked to find the two police officers in full uniform.
The two had even used a marked police van to load and offload the stolen goods while on duty.
Items found included in their possession were electric appliances, clothes, groceries, a generator and music systems.
Daily Sun understand that the house belonged to one of the constables.
Upon searching the house, the goods, which were stolen during the looting of shopping malls around Soweto, were found in two back-rooms.
All the stolen goods were confiscated by cops and taken to the Protea Glen Police Station.
At the time of going to print, police did not get back to Daily Sun, but promised to issue a statement.
By A Correspondent- A robbery suspect sold himself and of his co-accused after he mistakenly left his mobile phone on the complainant’s vehicle passenger’s seat after robbing her.
Lincoln Nyakutira (32) and Godfrey Mudzengerere (21) appeared before magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure yesterday charged with armed robbery.
The two were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
It is alleged that on July 10 this year, the accused persons phoned the complainant pretending to be Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials and promised to help her to buy boxes of cooking oil at a discount at Zimra Manica depot.
The accused persons allegedly asked the complainant to meet them at Zimra Manica depot in Rugare, Harare.
Upon arrival, one of the accused persons entered the complainant’s vehicle pretending to wait for the papers for the cooking oil.
Suddenly, some of the co-accused arrived and tied the complainant with wire, demanding money.
They stole US$6 000 which was under her seat and a Techno mobile phone.
The accused fled using an unmarked Honda Fit. They were sold out by the mobile phone that was left in the car and US$3 210 was recovered.
By A Correspondent- A 22 year old Gokwe man has been arrested after he jumped into a car of one of the mourners at a funeral wake and sped off before being involved in an accident about a kilometre away.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the suspect, Tashinga Mutengarenga, was arrested following a speed chase with the police who swiftly reacted following the incident which occurred yesterday around 4pm in Mapfungautsi surbub, Gokwe.
“Circumstances are that the owner of the vehicle, Mr Desire Pendekwa of Chief Njelele went to Mapfungautsi to attend a funeral,” said Insp Mahoko.
“He parked his vehicle, a Honda CRV and went to attend the funeral and forgot to lock his car, the suspect, who was also part of the mourners then sneaked and jumped into the car and drove off.”
Insp Mahoko said police swiftly reacted to calls and gave chase.
“On realising that he was being pursued, Mutengarenga, who was speeding, then failed to negotiate a curve and the car plunged into a culvert,” he said.
“He was immediately arrested at the accident scene.”
By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo have declared war on private cars which are asisting workers to get to from work in the absence of public transport.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said the police were impounding these cars.
“We have many mshikashika kombis that have been impounded, although we cannot round them up all at once. However, those who haven’t been arrested but are still operating are doing it illegally and we are still arresting them,” he said.
By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa last night extended the Covid19 induced level 4 lockdown by another two weeks citing an increase in infections and deaths.
In an address to the nation on Tuesday evening, Mnangagwa said the country will use the extended lockdown to vaccinate a targeted one million people.
He said mechanisms to enforce the lockdown were being strengthened after the realisation that some members of the public were violating regulations, most of them taking advantage of the night to embark on the banned intercity travel.
GOVERNMENT yesterday announced that schools will remain closed for the next two weeks following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Schools were initially scheduled to open on June 28 for the second term but an increase in Covid-19 infections forced Government to postpone face-to-face learning.
This is the second time this year that Government has postponed the opening of schools.
The first time was in January when the country was hot with the second wave of infections.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Government will review the decision at the end of two weeks.
Universities and colleges also suspended face-to-face lectures in the wake of rising Covid-19 infections.
As of Monday, Zimbabwe, has now recorded 70 426 confirmed cases, 46 932 recoveries and 2 236 deaths.- The Herald
By A Correspondent- The trial of Wicknell Chivayo and his company Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited on allegations of bribing former Zimbabwe Power Company chairman Stanely Kazhanje US$10 000, was yesterday deferred to August 9 for trial continuation.
Chivayo and his company, who are jointly charged, denied the charges when the trial opened saying the money was payment for consultancy services rendered to his firm before Kazhanje joined the ZPC board.
They agreed that Intratrek Zimbabwe transferred US$10 000 into Kazhanje’s bank account for professional services rendered prior to his appointment as ZPC board chairman.
“The said Stanley Kazhanje did not do anything to show favour to Intratrek Zimbabwe nor was he induced in any manner whatsoever whether as alleged or at all,” said Chivayo and his company in denying the charges.
The Warriors crashed out of the COSAFA Cup tournament on Tuesday afternoon after they lost 2-1 to Senegal at the Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Zimbabwe drew first blood in the third minute through a Qadr Amini penalty. However, the Lions of Teranga, who are playing as a guest nation at this tournament, equalised in the 44th minute.
The West Africans then got the winning goal two minutes before full-time to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The Warriors amassed just two points from four Group B games – two draws and two losses.
Namibia and Senegal have progressed to the last four with seven points each while Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi head back home.
Meanwhile, Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has blamed fatigue for the 2-1 defeat to Senegal. In his post-match interview, the Croat said:
We started the game well but fatigue crept in and Senegal came back into the game and won it.
We played a number of matches in a short space of time and this was too much for the players, who have not played football in a long time.- State Media
Veteran Zimbabwean journalist Sandra Nyaira has died. Nyaira died in Harare today reportedly of Covid-19 related complications.
Nyaira (46) had a distinguished career as a journalist in and outside of the country and worked for the Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (Ziana) and The Daily News before she moved to the United States to pursue other career interests.
At the time of her death, she was working as a public information officer at the United Nations station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
She had more than 20 years journalism experience in Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States and was known to be a prolific writer and editor for print, broadcast and website communications.
Funeral arrangements are still to be announced.- State media
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has pointed out that the Zanu PF regime’s failure to deal with the economic crisis is severely affecting mobile network service providers…
This follows the announcement of new data tariffs by Econet Wireless.
The MDC Alliance also blamed government for secretly plotting to shut out citizens from social media platforms…
By A Correspondent- The troubled South African government has intensified a crackdown on Zimbabweans living in that country without proper documentation.
On Tuesday the South African police vans offloaded 70 Zimbabwean deportees at the Beitbridge Quarantine Center.
The deportees were rounded up in the Limpopo Province as the neighbouring country moves to decongest its prisons and migrants holding facilities to minimize Covid-19 infections.
South African police vans offloaded 70 Zimbabwean deportees at the Beitbridge Quarantine Center.
The deportees were rounded up in the Limpopo Province as the neighbouring country moves to decongest its prisons and migrants holding facilities to minimize Covid-19 infections. pic.twitter.com/7fFvt0DkgY
— The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) July 13, 2021
By A Correspondent | Africa’s first black-owned car manufacturing company; Mureza Auto Co has rolled out its first 100 vehicles into the market with a pre-order facility available for buyers in South Africa and Zimbabwe, starting next week.
CEO Tatenda Mungofa
The car manufacturing firm was recently granted a licence to produce motor vehicles in South Africa, marking a significant step as it enters the African motoring industry.
The company, registered under Mureza Holdings, is looking to make a mark on the continent, with the release of two models, headlined by the Prim8 SUV range.
Tatenda Mungofa
“Mureza Holdings (Pty) Ltd now a licenced entity to manufacture vehicles in Rep of South Africa under their Mureza Auto Co brand. Our appreciation goes to our dedicated staff, investors, partners and stakeholders who have made this milestone possible!”
“This is a major milestone in our vision to become the leading car manufacturer in Africa. To the African market, the wait is almost over. We are working in the background to ensure we bring quality and affordable vehicles and an #untamed_motoring experience to the African continent,” the firm announced in a statement.
Mureza broke new grounds by becoming the first black-owned car manufacturer in Africa at the founding of CEO Tatenda Mungofa and his partners. The history-making firm has also extended its empowerment and viability drive by offering an opportunity for investors, which can be accessed on the Mureza website https://mureza.co.za
“Mureza is also built on a vision to empower and bring entrepreneurial solutions to emerging markets such as ours. The motoring industry offers endless opportunities for prospective investors.”
“We have an opportunity for those willing to become shareholders in Africa’s fastest growing car manufacturing company. Those interested should visit our website and explore various opportunities in our execution of this vision,” an official added.
The company is releasing the first batch of 100 cars into the market next week, earmarked at a $3000 reserve price and delivery in Zimbabwe and South Africa for the pioneering batch. Pre-orders will be made on the Mureza website https://mureza.co.za
The suave Prim8 car range comes with a dynamic style of design, with emphasis on safety, strength and affordability. The look of the car follows a gold standard for all of the Mureza designs with an eye on comfort and durability over roads of diverse conditions.
Fully equipped with state of the art components and features, the car is set to provide competition for existing brands and value for money for the customers.
Other models under the firm include the Prim8-inspired T1 Pickup Truck, which is under production and the Athlete and Tusker models which are set to be rolled out next year.
The Prim8 enters the market at an appealing suggested retail price of $13500 in Zimbabwe and R196,000 in South Africa as the two models navigate into the competitive motoring terrain.
Mureza aims to solve transportation challenges in Africa by producing the best quality vehicles suited for African conditions with a vision to introduce new models as time goes on.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to review frontline workers’ salaries as a matter of urgency.
Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chamisa said the dignity of frontline workers should be restored.
Frontline workers are risking their lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic…
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of being insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
See statement below :
REVIEW FRONTLINE WORKERS’ SALARIES URGENTLY!!These patriots are putting their lives at risk during this pandemic only to receive peanuts as a salary.
Please use the surplus to restore the dignity of our frontline workers & civil service as a whole @MthuliNcube @GGuvamatanga
A junior doctor earns approx $28,000 ZWL a month which is $207 @ real market rate.
This is inclusive of a COVID allowance of $70 USD risk allowance at paid bank rate = $6000ZWL.
This merits urgent fixing! Pay attention to what matters. #DECENTSALARIES
The catastrophic extent of it dawned on me last week when a young doctor who is my relative fell ill. It struck me as to what would have become of this young life.
My heart was taken to all the frontline workers who have families that look up to them for survival. #DECENTSALARIES!
A total of 146 deportees from South Africa and Botswana escaped from quarantine and isolation facilities in Matabeleland South Province during the past week.
139 escaped soon after being placed under quarantine at NSSA Hotel in Beitbridge and Esikhoveni Training Centre while seven escaped at the District Development Fund (DDF) skills training centre after they had tested positive for Covid-19.
They had returned from Botswana and South Africa. NSSA Hotel quarantine centre received 220 deportees from South Africa on Thursday last week and 115 escaped. Esikhoveni Training Centre received 56 deportees and 24 escaped. Ten were further referred to DDF training centre for isolation where seven escaped.
Matabeleland South provincial social welfare officer, Mr Criswell Nyakudya said they had engaged police in order to tighten security at quarantine centres.
“A total of 56 deportees arrived from Botswana through the Plumtree Border Post on 2 July and they were placed under quarantine at Esikhoveni Isolation Centre. On 3 July 19 males escaped in the morning while five others comprising four males and a female escaped on 10 July. On 11 July, 20 were transferred to Esigodini District Hospital isolation centre after testing positive for Covid-19.
“10 more were transferred to DDF centre for isolation because of limited space at Esigodini Hospital. Seven of them later escaped but they were intercepted in Esigodini while on their way to Bulawayo. Last week Thursday we received 220 at NSSA Hotel quarantine centre from South Africa.
The following morning during roll call it was realised that 24 males had absconded. On Saturday evening during roll call it was realised that 91 had absconded comprising 74 males and 17 females,” he said.
Mr Nyakudya said there is lack of security at quarantine centres. “There is need to beef up security and we have engaged the police to ensure that more officers are deployed to the quarantine centres,” he said.
Mr Nyakudya said even if some of the deportees would have tested negative at the point of entry, they needed to go through the entire quarantine period and get tested again before being released into the community as they would have been in contact with positive deportees. He said some deportees initially test negative but go on to test positive during their quarantine period and they are moved to isolation centres.
Mr Nyakudya said the number of deportees being received from the neighbouring countries had recently increased.
Umzingwane District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr Peter Mahlathini who is also the chairperson of the district taskforce committee on Covid-19 said there was need for more quarantine space and isolation space in Esigodini as the existing facilities.
“We need tents so that we can have more quarantine space and also food to feed the deportees as the numbers have increased of late. Esikhoveni Training Centre can only accommodate about 45 people while Esigodini District Hospital isolation centre can only accommodate 10 people because the hospital is small. We could use community halls but the challenge is that they need to be renovated first,” he said. -Chronicle
Business came to standstill in the Kwekwe city centre after a huge snake was found in a parked vehicle. Rangers from ZimParks had to break into the Toyota Wish vehicle to retrieve the snake after its owner disappeared.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to review frontline workers’ salaries as a matter of urgency.
Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chamisa said the dignity of frontline workers should be restored.
Frontline workers are risking their lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic…
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of being insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
See statement below :
REVIEW FRONTLINE WORKERS’ SALARIES URGENTLY!!These patriots are putting their lives at risk during this pandemic only to receive peanuts as a salary.
Please use the surplus to restore the dignity of our frontline workers & civil service as a whole @MthuliNcube @GGuvamatanga
A junior doctor earns approx $28,000 ZWL a month which is $207 @ real market rate.
This is inclusive of a COVID allowance of $70 USD risk allowance at paid bank rate = $6000ZWL.
This merits urgent fixing! Pay attention to what matters. #DECENTSALARIES
The catastrophic extent of it dawned on me last week when a young doctor who is my relative fell ill. It struck me as to what would have become of this young life.
My heart was taken to all the frontline workers who have families that look up to them for survival. #DECENTSALARIES!
Tinashe Sambiri|The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed soldiers to Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces respectively as “free Zuma” protests escalate.
Former President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court, triggering widespread protests.
Vehicles were burnt and shops were looted on Monday as angry Zuma sympathizers called for his immediate release…
Are there immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting for all smokers?
Beneficial health changes that take place:
Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. 2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s.
5 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting. 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. Can people of all ages who have already developed smoking-related health problems still benefit from quitting? Benefits in comparison with those who continued:
At about 30: gain almost 10 years of life expectancy. At about 40: gain 9 years of life expectancy. At about 50: gain 6 years of life expectancy. At about 60: gain 3 years of life expectancy. After the onset of life-threatening disease: rapid benefit, people who quit smoking after having a heart attack reduce their chances of having another heart attack by 50%. How does quitting smoking affect children who are exposed to second-hand smoke? Quitting smoking decreases the excess risk of many diseases related to second-hand smoke in children, such as respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma) and ear infections.
Are there any other benefits to quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking reduces the chances of impotence, having difficulty getting pregnant, having premature births, babies with low birth weights and miscarriage…
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
A Snake Park man was over the weekend dragged to answer to murder charges after he reportedly murdered the fish monger whose corpse was found floating in Lake Chivero last week.
The suspect Bright Zhantali 29, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi, he was referred to the High Court for bail considerations.
Allegations are that on June 21 at around 3pm, Zhantali was wearing a shirt similar to the ones worn by Parks Rangers when he met now deceased Nester Chiikwengo aged 45 who was self-employed as a fishmonger who intended to buy fish for resale.
The two boarded a private Honda Fit and before they arrived they disembarked on the pretext that that he would be seen by alleged co-workers on duty that he had fish and they used a path which is left of the boom gate.
As they were on the pathway, he allegedly grabbed her and started demanding money before he took her US$30 and her cell phone and raped her and as she was screaming he gagged her and she died.
When he realised that she had died, he took her clothes and bucket and burnt them at an anthill and went away.
On July 4, the informant Simon Makwansila of Kamba Caravan Park went to the forest for prayers and smelt a stench smell and when he went to investigate he discovered the decomposing body.
Zhantali was identified wearing the same attire by members of the public who apprehended him and handed him over to the police.- H-Metro
By A Correspondent- Police in Kadoma are looking for a man who allegedly axed to death his father and aunt before raping a woman.
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were looking for the accused person, Evan Chikore.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Evans Chikore, a male adult aged 29 of Village 1 Luwana Farm, Kadoma. The suspect is being sought for two counts of murder, rape, robbery and malicious damage to property which occurred on 9 July 2021 in Kadoma.
“On the said date, Evans Chikore who was armed with an axe went to his parents’ homestead in Marimari South where he attacked his father aged 61 with stones before he fatally struck him several times on the head and left shoulder with an axe for unknown reasons. The suspect threatened to kill his mother and set on fire four round huts and a shade at the homestead,” said Asst Comm Nyathi in a statement released on twitter.
Chikore was not done, as he went to his parents’ neighbours’ house, axed another man there, who had reported him for assault before and set ablaze two huts. “After the incident, the suspect went to a neighbouring plot where he threatened to kill his parents’ neighbour, accusing him of previously reporting him to the police and causing his incarceration for an assault case in which he assaulted the complainant’s son. The complainant managed to escape and the suspect struck the complainant’s son once on the forehead with an axe before setting ablaze two thatched huts at the homestead,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The enraged Chikore then went to his aunt’s house where he axed her several times on the head. “The suspect then proceeded to his aunt’s homestead, where he met his aunt and fatally struck her several times on the head with an axe before setting ablaze the kitchen hut and a Ford Ranger vehicle,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Chikore headed to another neighbouring plot where he robbed and raped a woman. “He robbed the complainants of US$10 before dragging one of the complainants to a nearby maize field where he raped her once after threatening to strike her with an axe if she resisted. After raping her, the suspect went to her house where he stole US$40 and a blanket. He set ablaze a hut which was used as a granary and subsequently burning property inside which include, five tonnes maize, 20 buckets of sorghum and 10 bags of cement,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
By A Correspondent- A 29-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has been arrested for possessing 143,95 kgs of loose dagga.
Berlin Dombodzvuku, a ZRP officer of Support Unit Zulu Troop, was last Thursday in Marondera arrested and charged with unlawful possession or use of dangerous drugs charges.
He appeared before Marondera magistrate Ms Rumbidzayi Munemo, yesterday who denied him bail and remanded him to July 26.
Dombodzvuku was arrested after police detectives received a tip-off that he was carrying the dangerous drug in a Toyota Sienta vehicle he was driving along the Harare-Mutare Highway.
He failed to stop at a mounted roadblock along the same road, prompting fellow officers to give chase.
By A Correspondent- The state yesterday tried to force the trial of three MDC Alliance activists arrested for allegedly faking their abduction by suspected State security agents in April last year.
Harare West MP Joanah Mamombe, party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are accused of lying to the police that they were abducted.
The MDC Alliance activists were found dumped by suspected State security agents in rural Bindura at a time when human rights organisations and the international community were searching for them.
Prosecutor Michael Reza told magistrate Noel Mupeiwa that the State was commencing trial after agreeing to the concerns of the defence despite a pending High Court application by the trio seeking stay of their trial pending a determination on the recusal of presiding magistrate Bianca Makwande and Reza himself.
The trio’s lawyer Alec Muchadehama then told Mupeiwa that they were not in for a trial, but would make his submission to the rightful magistrate. The matter was then stood down and it was placed before magistrate, Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro.
But Muchadehama again told the court that they were not in court for trial as there was a High Court order barring the trial.
“I want to indicate that today is not a trial date. I am shocked by my learned friend’s submissions. My friend is throwing a snake on you,” Muchadehama told the magistrate.
Muchadehama said the State was in contempt of court by starting a trial where there was a High Court order barring it.
Muchuchuti-Guwiriro remanded the matter to tomorrow to make a ruling on whether the trial should proceed or not.
The MDC Alliance trio is being accused of publishing falsehoods concerning their abduction, which took place on April 28, 2020.
By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa has mourned his top ally and Zanu PF Central Committee member and former Muzvezve Member of Parliament, Peter Haritatos, describing him as a ‘reliable, loyal and committed patriot.’
The Kadoma based Haritatos popularly, known as “Baba George” for his conversance in the Shona language, succumbed to Covid-19-related complications at a local hospital in Harare last Saturday at the age of 77.
In a statement this morning, Mnangagwa said the death of Haritatos due to Covid-19 related complications further highlighted how dangerous and widespread the disease had become in the country.
“No one is safe from it until everyone is safe,” he said. “A senior member of the Central Committee of our party Zanu PF and former legislator for Muzvezve, the death of Cde Haritatos has robbed our nation of a reliable, loyal and committed patriot with a warm and generous heart towards his fellow compatriots.”
Haritatos was father to Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos.
By A Correspondent- Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police today lockdown Chitungwiza and delayed hundreds who were coming from the dormitory city to Harare for work.
The police held the few who were patient enough to wait at Manyame bridge where they had mounted a roadblock.
“Chitungwiza police are causing meyhem with their block at manyame Bridge. Today it was chaos with vehicles spending over an hour on the bridge. Is that safe engineers, why would you delay vehicles by over an hr when operating hrs are now limited. You are costing the economy,” posted one of the frustrated residents.
By A Correspondent- There is an outcry from the motoring public after the high court had legalised the use of spikes by the police to stop vehicles in the Central Business District.
The High Court yesteday ruled that strips of spikes used by police to stop vehicles refusing to obey orders to halt are fully legal and any court trying to ban them would be tantamount to legalising crime and disempowering police from maintaining law and order.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe had sued police, seeking an interdict prohibiting officers from using the strips of spikes and smashing windscreens of private taxis to halt pirate taxis and kombis, saying that this conduct endangered the lives of the public and causes blatant unlawful and malicious damage to private property police are supposed to protect.
Justice Owen Tagu refused to grant the application by PAZ, finding that for the court to do so would be to sanitise crime and disempower the police from enforcing law and order.
“To grant the application would be tantamount to legalising the actions of these errant motorists as the police would be incapacitated to deal with them,” he said.
The court accepted the police argument that operators of pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, were not just committing traffic offences but other crimes that could be classified as more dangerous. Some of the crimes include drug abuse, harassment of commuters especially women, and theft and robberies committed by people in unregistered vehicles, which are mostly driven by immature and unlicensed drivers.
Police also argued that the conduct of the pirate taxis had resulted in a spike of pedestrian deaths, as they are run over by vehicles fleeing police officers.
Police further argued that touts employed by errant drivers, assault and kill police officers when they try to impound their vehicles and arrest the violators.
Through its legal counsel, PAZ argued that police should be barred from practising this “rudimentary” and “barbaric” way of enforcing traffic offence law.
The organisation further criticised the police conduct which they said had caused harm to passengers of the public and private vehicles and in some cases, the death of victims.
To this end, it is their submission that PAZ had reasonable apprehension that the security of more passengers was endangered, private property would be damaged and there was no effective alternative remedy in the circumstances except approaching the court for relief.
By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF government has bowed down to pressure from the motoring public and reviewed the police roadblock times.
On his Twitter handle Tuesday, government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana said police roadblocks will be mounted after 10 AM.
“The current enforcement of lockdown measures has been reviewed. Roadblocks will only start after the rush hours of 0630 to 1000. Between 1000 and 1830 there will be roadblocks whose purpose is to enforce the lockdown and keep people safe. Curfew remains 1830-0630”, he said.
The review of the roadblock times comes after many workers had expressed disappointments over delays at police checkpoints for what the police said was caused by thorough vetting of who should get into the Central Business District.
The current enforcement of lockdown measures has been reviewed. Roadblocks will only start after the rush hours of 0630 to 1000. Between 1000 and 1830 there will be roadblocks whose purpose is to enforce the lockdown and keep people safe. Curfew remains 1830-0630.
By A Correspondent- A Hwange magistrate has sentenced two men from Madumabisa outside Hwange to nine years each for poaching a pangolin
The two Give Dube (28) and Cleopas Mlalazi (25) were caught in a bush in Matetsi with a live pangolin.
It was not stated what Dube and Mlalazi both of Village 3 Madumabisa wanted to do with the pangolin, but it is believed they poached it as they were found by game scouts with the pangolin wrapped in a jacket.
The two failed to produce a permit allowing them to possess a live pangolin after being asked to do so and were immediately arrested. The two were armed with an axe and spear when they were caught in Matetsi, about 30km away from their area.
A pangolin is an endangered species and has a live value of US$5 000. Dube and Mlalazi pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a protected species when they appeared before provincial magistrate in charge of Matabeleland North Mr Toindepi Zhou at the Hwange Magistrates’ Courts.
Each was sentenced to nine years in jail with nothing being suspended. Prosecuting, Ms Jamesina Makanza said “On the 8th day of July, 2021, game scouts from Matetsi Eastern Block received information that there were some poachers inside the farm. The team reacted to the information and proceeded to the area where they saw footprints. The team tracked the footprints and caught up with the two accused,” said Ms Makanza. The court was told that upon seeing that they were being followed, the duo tried to flee, but were apprehended by the scouts.
By A Correspondent-The government through the Zimbabwe Republic Police has tightened citizens’ movements during this covid-19 induced lockdown.
Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, who is in charge of the police posted on his Twitter handle Tuesday morning that cops will be tightly monitoring people’s movements throughout the day.
” To facilitate movement to and from work people will be allowed to travel between 0600hrs to 1000hrs in the morning and between 1530hrs and 1800hrs after which the curfew will kick in. In between 1000hrs and 1530hrs police will continue to enforce the lockdown regulations,” he posted.
Tinashe Sambiri|The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed soldiers to Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces respectively as “free Zuma” protests escalate.
Former President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court, triggering widespread protests.
Vehicles were burnt and shops were looted on Monday as angry Zuma sympathizers called for his immediate release…
Tinashe Sambiri|The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed soldiers to Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces respectively as “free Zuma” protests escalate.
Former President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court, triggering widespread protests.
Vehicles were burnt and shops were looted on Monday as angry Zuma sympathizers called for his immediate release…
Outspoken coach Luke Masomere has leapt to the defence of embattled Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic saying the Croat needs support not condemnation.
Masomere said Zimbabweans have a penchant for negativity and their ‘misguided’ criticism has also contributed to the high rate of turn over of coaches at the national team and lack of continuity.
” If we don’t make unnecessary noise that guy Logarusic can take us to the World Cup,” said Masomere.
” Let him finish his contract, after all nobody knows what’s his mandate on the contract he signed. The way we think, we are very good at criticising. That’s very bad mentality.”
” I’m happy with qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations and this guy can qualify us to the World Cup if we give him support not undue criticism. This guy needs our support and let’s support him.”
Masomere also defended Logarusic’s record since taking over as the Warriors coach saying that there are a lot of factors that have to be analysed on the matches under review.
” He can’t build the team with Nakamba playing for the national team at COSAFA, playing Musona and Khama. You can’t be building the base of the national team playing those players at a tournament like COSAFA.”
” He is right in giving rookies a chance because that is development. That’s how you build a team and I support that. Actually I like Loga.”
” I’ve heard people talk a lot about Fabisch but what tournament has he qualified us to. What did he achieve here except that euphoria. Here is a guy who took us to Africa Cup of Nations and is trying to build a team for the future but we criticise him everyday,” added Masomere.
Veteran Kaizer Chiefs midfield linchpin Willard ‘Salt and Vinegar’ Katsande has warned Amakhosi’s opponents in Saturday’s CAF Champions League final Al Ahly, saying they are in for a war.
The Soweto giants are taking part in the final for the first time and are on the brink of history but standing in their way are Pitso Mosimane’s defending champions, who are no strangers to winning Africa’s premier club competition.
Katsande though, insists that doesn’t count and believes in will come down to who wants it more on on Saturday.
“They are a good team with a rich history in Africa. What we will do is give them the respect that they deserve from whatever they do,” Katsande told the club’s website.
“But when it comes to match day it is a matter of who wants it more, so we are just going there with our title as underdogs, yet wanting to showcase our talent because we know that we are hungry to achieve.”
“We didn’t come this far by mistake or fluke. We are here because we deserve to be here and whoever wants it more on matchday is bound to get whatever they want.
“Obviously, they will come with complacency and try to undermine us but at the end of the day it is not about history but rather 90 minutes. If you want it more, you will get it. We have seen it in the Euros, how football has been changing.
“It is not about big teams but rather who wants it more on that day, so we are geared up and ready to rumble. We have sharpened our swords, pulled our sleeves up and we are ready to rumble.
“Coming from a difficult season, we want to redeem ourselves. We know how much we wanted to progress, we have wanted to do this before but we failed, and it was lessons learnt. This time it was a chance for us to progress and we kept on believing in ourselves and kept on focusing on our jobs,” he added.-Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the signing of six new players as they prepare for the next season.
The club was not able to sign any player in the previous two transfer windows due to a FIFA ban.
The latest acquisitions include Brandon Peterson‚ Sifiso Hlanti‚ Phathutshedzo Nange‚ Njabulo Ngcobo‚ Sibusiso Mabiliso and Kgaogelo Sekgota.
Midfielder Given Thibedi, 23, is recalled from two seasons on loan at Swallows FC.
Chiefs confirmed the news in a statement on Social Media: “Kaizer Chiefs would like to confirm the signing of Brandon Peterson, Sifiso Hlanti, Phathutshedzo Nange, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sibusiso Mabiliso and Kgaogelo Sekgota. Given Thibedi has been recalled.”
The new signings, meanwhile, are part of Amakhosi’ complete make over in both the squad and the teachnical team.
Stuart Baxter‚ who won league and cup doubles in 2012-13 and 2014-15‚ was recently appointed the head coach.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to review frontline workers’ salaries as a matter of urgency.
Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chamisa said the dignity of frontline workers should be restored.
Frontline workers are risking their lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic…
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of being insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
See statement below :
REVIEW FRONTLINE WORKERS’ SALARIES URGENTLY!!These patriots are putting their lives at risk during this pandemic only to receive peanuts as a salary.
Please use the surplus to restore the dignity of our frontline workers & civil service as a whole @MthuliNcube @GGuvamatanga
A junior doctor earns approx $28,000 ZWL a month which is $207 @ real market rate.
This is inclusive of a COVID allowance of $70 USD risk allowance at paid bank rate = $6000ZWL.
This merits urgent fixing! Pay attention to what matters. #DECENTSALARIES
The catastrophic extent of it dawned on me last week when a young doctor who is my relative fell ill. It struck me as to what would have become of this young life.
My heart was taken to all the frontline workers who have families that look up to them for survival. #DECENTSALARIES!
Outspoken coach Luke Masomere has leapt to the defence of embattled Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic saying the Croat needs support not condemnation.
Masomere said Zimbabweans have a penchant for negativity and their ‘misguided’ criticism has also contributed to the high rate of turn over of coaches at the national team and lack of continuity.
” If we don’t make unnecessary noise that guy Logarusic can take us to the World Cup,” said Masomere.
” Let him finish his contract, after all nobody knows what’s his mandate on the contract he signed. The way we think, we are very good at criticising. That’s very bad mentality.”
” I’m happy with qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations and this guy can qualify us to the World Cup if we give him support not undue criticism. This guy needs our support and let’s support him.”
Masomere also defended Logarusic’s record since taking over as the Warriors coach saying that there are a lot of factors that have to be analysed on the matches under review.
” He can’t build the team with Nakamba playing for the national team at COSAFA, playing Musona and Khama. You can’t be building the base of the national team playing those players at a tournament like COSAFA.”
” He is right in giving rookies a chance because that is development. That’s how you build a team and I support that. Actually I like Loga.”
” I’ve heard people talk a lot about Fabisch but what tournament has he qualified us to. What did he achieve here except that euphoria. Here is a guy who took us to Africa Cup of Nations and is trying to build a team for the future but we criticise him everyday,” added Masomere.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to review frontline workers’ salaries as a matter of urgency.
Writing on his official Facebook page, President Chamisa said the dignity of frontline workers should be restored.
Frontline workers are risking their lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic…
President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of being insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
See statement below :
REVIEW FRONTLINE WORKERS’ SALARIES URGENTLY!!These patriots are putting their lives at risk during this pandemic only to receive peanuts as a salary.
Please use the surplus to restore the dignity of our frontline workers & civil service as a whole @MthuliNcube @GGuvamatanga
A junior doctor earns approx $28,000 ZWL a month which is $207 @ real market rate.
This is inclusive of a COVID allowance of $70 USD risk allowance at paid bank rate = $6000ZWL.
This merits urgent fixing! Pay attention to what matters. #DECENTSALARIES
The catastrophic extent of it dawned on me last week when a young doctor who is my relative fell ill. It struck me as to what would have become of this young life.
My heart was taken to all the frontline workers who have families that look up to them for survival. #DECENTSALARIES!
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has described the wave of protests in the Republic of South Africa as a sad episode for the region.
President Chamisa called for an urgent and peaceful solution so that concerned parties can find common ground.
“SAD and TRAGIC developments in South Africa remind us that PEACE is FRAGILE.
We urge an urgent and peaceful resolution of the grievances of all the parties concerned,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.
Hundreds of supporters of former President Jacob Zuma are calling for his immediate release from jail.
Are there immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting for all smokers?
Beneficial health changes that take place:
Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s.
5 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting. 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. Can people of all ages who have already developed smoking-related health problems still benefit from quitting? Benefits in comparison with those who continued:
At about 30: gain almost 10 years of life expectancy. At about 40: gain 9 years of life expectancy. At about 50: gain 6 years of life expectancy. At about 60: gain 3 years of life expectancy. After the onset of life-threatening disease: rapid benefit, people who quit smoking after having a heart attack reduce their chances of having another heart attack by 50%. How does quitting smoking affect children who are exposed to second-hand smoke? Quitting smoking decreases the excess risk of many diseases related to second-hand smoke in children, such as respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma) and ear infections.
Are there any other benefits to quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking reduces the chances of impotence, having difficulty getting pregnant, having premature births, babies with low birth weights and miscarriage…
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has pointed out that the Zanu PF regime’s failure to deal with the economic crisis is severely affecting mobile network service providers…
This follows the announcement of new data tariffs by Econet Wireless.
The MDC Alliance also blamed government for secretly plotting to shut out citizens from social media platforms…
Tinashe Sambiri|The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed soldiers to Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces respectively as “free Zuma” protests escalate.
Former President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court, triggering widespread protests.
Vehicles were burnt and shops were looted on Monday as angry Zuma sympathizers called for his immediate release…
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has pointed out that the Zanu PF regime’s failure to deal with the economic crisis is severely affecting mobile network service providers…
This follows the announcement of new data tariffs by Econet Wireless.
The MDC Alliance also blamed government for secretly plotting to shut out citizens from social media platforms…
By A Correspondent- A Harare-based doctor has been dragged to court on allegations of fondling his client’s breasts and inserting fingers inside her private parts.
Tinovimba Mhlanga (36), who works at Ivirita Fertilisation Clinic in Belvedere, appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with indecent assault.
He was remanded out of custody to 28 July for trial on his own recognition since he came to court from home.
According to charges prepared by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on 14 March 2021, the alleged victim told police she was consulting Dr Mhlanga over processes to donate her egg to a couple that is struggling to conceive.
After collecting a blood sample for an HIV test, Dr Mhlanga – who was alone – allegedly advised the woman to enter an examination room, remove her clothes and wear a hospital gown.
The doctor allegedly followed the woman into the examination room moments later, but demanded that she should discard the gown so that he could carry out an “internal scan”.
It is alleged that Mhlanga instructed the victim to open her legs in a butterfly position for him to conduct the examination and she complied.
It further alleged that Mhlanga inserted his two fingers into the victims’ private parts whilst the other hand was holding her abdomen. This he did several times.
Mhlanga allegedly removed his fingers from Zowa’s private parts and smeared the discharge on her clitoris.
He then instructed her to step down from the bed and bend down. Mhlanga allegedly inserted his fingers into the woman’s private parts whilst pressing himself on her.
Mhlanga allegedly told his victim that he was doing this to check if her discharge had no infection.
Mhlanga, it is further alleged, later removed the woman’s bra and started fondling her breasts saying he was conducting a breast examination whilst breathing heavily on her ear.
The court heard that the victim put on her clothes and left.
On the following day, the victim went to the Sally Mugabe Hospital where she narrated her experiences with Mhlanga the previous day.
She was examined and police were called leading to Mhlanga’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- A man from Kadoma is on the run after allegedly axing to death his father and aunt and rap_ing a woman in an orgy of violence last week.
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has appealed to the public for information that will lead to Evans Chikore’s arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Evans Chikore, a male adult aged 29 of Village 1 Luwana Farm, Kadoma. The suspect is being sought for two counts of murder, rap_e, robbery and malicious damage to property which occurred on 9 July 2021 in Kadoma.
“On the said date, Evans Chikore who was armed with an axe went to his parents’ homestead in Marimari South where he attacked his father aged 61 with stones before he fatally struck him several times on the head and left shoulder with an axe for unknown reasons. The suspect threatened to kill his mother and set on fire four round huts and a shade at the homestead,” said Asst Comm Nyathi in a statement released on twitter.
Chikore was not done, as he went to his parents’ neighbours’ house, axed another man there, who had reported him for assault before and set ablaze two huts.
“After the incident, the suspect went to a neighbouring plot where he threatened to kill his parents’ neighbour, accusing him of previously reporting him to the police and causing his incarceration for an assault case in which he assaulted the complainant’s son. The complainant managed to escape and the suspect struck the complainant’s son once on the forehead with an axe before setting ablaze two thatched huts at the homestead,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The enraged Chikore then went to his aunt’s house where he axed her several times on the head.
“The suspect then proceeded to his aunt’s homestead, where he met his aunt and fatally struck her several times on the head with an axe before setting ablaze the kitchen hut and a Ford Ranger vehicle,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Chikore headed to another neighbouring plot where he robbed and raped a woman.
“He robbed the complainants of US$10 before dragging one of the complainants to a nearby maize field where he rap_ed her once after threatening to strike her with an axe if she resisted.
After rap_ing her, the suspect went to her house where he stole US$40 and a blanket. He set ablaze a hut which was used as a granary and subsequently burning property inside which include, five tonnes maize, 20 buckets of sorghum and 10 bags of cement,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Top Zimdancehall producer and musician Lazzie T has been diagnosed with sugar diabetes, according to NashTV.
Lazzie T who is behind the Big Tingz record label is one talented fella who needs the nation’s prayers and support in order to see light at the end of a tunnel in such a dark time.
Lazzie T told this blog that he was diagnosed with sugar diabetes last week and is facing a difficult time as his health is deteriorating.
“Ichokwadi that I am not feeling well. Ndakabatwa sugar about 5 days ago and ndikupera simba ne appetite ma1. (The rumours are true that I am not feeling well. I was diagnosed with sugar diabetes about five days ago and am feeling weak, have no appetite and it’s a difficult situation for me, “ said Lazzie T.
The support from his fans is all what the artiste needs in such a time and this is due to the fact of his success story in music which has raised the Zimbabwean flag high.
Lazzie T is known for producing hits that include Sheron Rue and Roki reggae single titled Loving You.
As a producer, he has worked with Andy Muridzo, Alick Macheso, Baba Harare, Tocky Vibes, Soul Jah Love, Roki, and Trevor Dongo among many others.
By A Correspondent- Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe has revealed that police will continue to enforce lockdown regulations specifying the times that people will be allowed to travel to and from work.
He said:
“To facilitate movement to and from work, people will be allowed to travel between 0600hrs to 1000hrs in the morning and between 1530hrs and 1800hrs after which the curfew will kick in. In between 1000hrs and 1530hrs, police will continue to enforce lockdown regulations.”
Below is the tweet:
To facilitate movement to and from work people will be allowed to travel between 0600hrs to 1000hrs in the morning and between 1530hrs and 1800hrs after which the curfew will kick in. In between 1000hrs and 1530hrs police will continue to enforce the lockdown regulations
— Hon. Kazembe Kazembe (Ministry of Home Affairs) (@KazembeKazembe3) July 13, 2021
Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has implored the government to review salaries of frontline workers saying they are putting their lives at risk to receive peanuts.
Chamisa told Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube to use the recently announced surplus to restore the dignity of civil servants.
Below is Chamisa’s Twitter thread on the matter;
1/REVIEW FRONTLINE WORKERS’ SALARIES URGENTLY!!These patriots are putting their lives at risk during this pandemic only to receive peanuts as a salary. Please use the surplus to restore the dignity of our frontline workers & civil service as a whole @MthuliNcube @GGuvamatanga
2/ A junior doctor earns approx $28,000 ZWL a month which is $207 @ real market rate. This is inclusive of a COVID allowance of $70 USD risk allowance at paid bank rate = $6000ZWL.This merits urgent fixing! Pay attention to what matters. #DECENTSALARIES
3/ The urgency of it dawned on me last week when a young doctor who is my relative fell ill. It struck me as to what would have become of this young life. My heart was taken to all the frontline workers who have families that look up to them for survival. #DECENTSALARIES!
By A Correspondent- Law enforcement agents have come under fire for alleged selective application of the law after allowing thousands of Johane Marange followers to hold their annual pilgrimage at Mafararikwa village in Bocha, Manicaland province, at a time when all public gatherings are banned as a COVID-19 containment measure.
The pilgrimage started on July 3 and ends on July 17 amid fears it could be a super spreader of the respiratory disease as the sect members are reportedly not observing World Health Organisationprescribed safety measures nor do they believe in vaccination.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has since petitioned police to urgently disperse the gathering and arrest the leaders.
Under level 4 lockdown, which was imposed a fortnight ago, all gatherings are prohibited, with an exception of funerals, which are restricted to only 30 people.
In a letter dated July 12, and directed to Manicaland provincial police boss, ZLHR lawyers said they would take legal action against the State if the police failed to disperse the apostolic church members by end of day today.
The letter was copied to Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe and Vice-President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga.
“We have noted with concern complacency in enforcing COVID-19 lockdown measures in Manicaland by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who have either failed or neglected to disperse members of the Johanne Marange in Mafararikwa village,” the lawyers said.
“The neglect of duty by the police comes at a time when the country is facing an unprecedented increase in COVID-19 cases.”
The lawyers said if the police failed to disperse the church members by the end of day today, they would attribute all COVID-19 deaths and infections in Manicaland province to negligence by the police.
By yesterday morning, the Health and Child Care ministry situational reports showed that Zimbabwe had recorded 2 185 deaths and 67 765 infections since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March last year.
“It is common knowledge that public gatherings are super spreaders and a threat to public health,” ZLHR wrote.
“It is sad to note that members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Manicaland have kept a blind eye and failed to enforce COVID-19 regulations by failing to disperse and arrest the Johanne Marange members who are attending a vigil at Mafararikwa.
“The neglect by the ZRP is a health hazard with far-reaching consequences on the overall community health of Manicaland province. Members of the police have a duty to enforce the law impartially.”
Hundreds of opposition activists and ordinary citizens have been arrested for violating safety regulations, but Zanu-PF supporters have often been left to go scot-free.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was not aware of the ZLHR letter.
“I haven’t yet seen the letter you are talking about, so I cannot comment on the matter,” Nyathi said.
Kazembe was not picking calls on his phone.
However, while addressing a Press conference on lockdown enforcement last week, Kazembe said police would enforce adherence to COVID-19 regulations “without fear or favour”.
But rights activists have accused government of applying the law selectively for failing to arrest and prosecute Johane Marange apostolic sect leaders for violation of the COVID-19 regulations like they do to similar offenders.
They accused top government officials of deliberately protecting the apostolic church members from justice for political expediency.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe, have attended Johane Marange sect church services on several occasions to garner political support.
“We understand that the Apostolic and Zion Churches in Zimbabwe are a big constituency with a huge following and has become a favourite hunting ground for political parties when it comes to soliciting election votes, hence it has to be handled with care or else one may risk losing their political support and the subsequent votes during election time,” said Itai Rusike, executive director for Community Working Group on Health.
Rusike said there was need to balance between freedom of worship and saving lives, especially in the during of a global pandemic.
In a related development, Marondera police yesterday impounded a Sable company bus believed to have come from South Africa after finding it offloading passengers and goods in the town at a time cross-border and intercity travel is under a 14-day lockdown ban.
“Ministry of Health and Child Care officials tested the passengers, with three registering COVID-19 positive results while the other 35 tested negative. The bus company is now facing criminal charges while the passengers have been taken to Mahusekwa Hospital for isolation. No to smuggling activities and spreading of COVID-19 pandemic,” police said in a statement.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa could be agonising over who to appoint Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander following the death of his confidante, Edzai Chimonyo who was buried at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.
Addressing mourners at the burial of heroes Chimonyo and Michael Chakabva, Mnangagwa hinted he would have to search deeper and wider for a trusted lieutenant to replace Chimonyo.
“Those serving in the security sector and those serving in our foreign service and diplomatic missions must take time to introspect. Ask yourselves, can you be trusted? Are you loyal, reliable and committed?” Mnangagwa asked.
Having come into office through a military coup, insiders said Mnangagwa preferred a general who was loyal to avoid a situation in which he could also be deposed. Zanu-PF is experiencing internal squabbles which could create fertile grounds for another coup.
Mnangagwa heaped praises on the late ZNA commander saying he was very reliable and committed to duty and service to the nation.
“He was reliable and always exuded impeccable loyalty and commitment. He had a unique trait of being able to conduct himself without giving the slightest hint of his deserved status,” Mnangagwa said.
Although many in Matabeleland chided Chimonyo for having been in the command element of the infamous Fifth Brigade which killed over 20 000 civilians during the Gukurahundi era, Mnangagwa credited him for turning the army into a professional force.
“During his tenure, the ZNA has remained a reputable, competent, professional, highly disciplined, combat ready and effective force. His wisdom, fairness, objectivity and professionalism at its helm shall forever be cherished and valued,” Mnangagwa said.
He added: “The form, nature and strategies of our country’s detractors, sellouts and their appendages are glaring and known. Hence, we must remain resolute, focused and steadfast, resisting and deconstructing their machinations and narratives which aim to retard national progress.”
By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it expects to get a directive from Cabinet today on when schools will reopen.
Schools were scheduled to open on 28 June for the second term but an increase in coronavirus infections forced Government to postpone face-to-face learning.
This was the second time this year for the government to postpone the reopening of schools as it did the same in January after COVID-19 cases increased.
An adjusted level four lockdown is currently in place, with a dusk to dawn curfew was in place, intercity travel was banned, and businesses directed to operate between 8 AM to 3.30 PM.
In an interview with State media on Monday, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communications and advocacy director Taungana Ndoro said:
Let’s wait for Cabinet meeting tomorrow. It (Cabinet) is expected to guide us on when schools shall reopen.
Matabeleland North acting provincial medical director Munekayi Pandingani said there is a need to break the cycle of new infections before schools reopen.
He said this while responding to Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema who wanted to get a medical opinion on when schools should reopen during the Matabeleland North COVID-19 Provincial Taskforce meeting on Sunday.
Meanwhile, teachers’ unions have urged the government to postpone the reopening of schools to August or until the COVID-19 infections have gone down.
By A Correspondent- Strips of spikes used by police to stop vehicles refusing to obey orders to halt are fully legal and any court trying to ban them would be tantamount to legalising crime and disempowering police from maintaining law and order, the High Court has ruled.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe had sued police, seeking an interdict prohibiting officers from using the strips of spikes and smashing windscreens of private taxis to halt pirate taxis and kombis, saying that this conduct endangered the lives of the public and causes blatant unlawful and malicious damage to private property police are supposed to protect.
Police have implemented internal procedures that have limited the use of spikes and teargas and stopped the smashing of windscreens for traffic violations. But spikes are seen as an effective way of halting a vehicle whose driver refuses to stop when ordered to, and a way of halting a vehicle using minimum force.
Police introduced spikes to replace the use of firearms, which could cause unintended injury or death. Spikes deflate all tyres of a vehicle, bringing it to a halt, but without the risks entailed when police shoot at a vehicle’s tyres and miss.
In most cases a driver seeing spikes across the road decides to obey the halt order given rather than try and escape.
Police needing to use spikes are now expected to follow procedures set out in the Police Weapons and Equipment Coin and I.S Manual (Methods and Frequency), a handbook for police officers, which provides instructions on how they should use their weapons and equipment. In this regard, police only resort to spikes to deal with pirate taxis that are breaching important road rules, endangering many lives, and which refuse to halt.
It was on this basis that Justice Owen Tagu refused to grant the application by PAZ, finding that for the court to do so would be to sanitise crime and disempower the police from enforcing law and order.
“To grant the application would be tantamount to legalising the actions of these errant motorists as the police would be incapacitated to deal with them,” he said.
The court accepted the police argument that operators of pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, were not just committing traffic offences but other crimes that could be classified as more dangerous. Some of the crimes include drug abuse, harassment of commuters especially women, and theft and robberies committed by people in the unregistered vehicles, which are mostly driven by immature and unlicensed drivers.
Police also argued that the conduct of the pirate taxis had resulted in a spike of pedestrian deaths, as they are run over by vehicles fleeing police officers. Police further argued that touts employed by errant drivers, assault and kill police officers when they try to impound their vehicles and arrest the violators.
Through its legal counsel, PAZ argued that police should be barred from practising this “rudimentary” and “barbaric” way of enforcing traffic offence law. The organisation further criticised the police conduct which they said had caused harm to passengers of the public and private vehicles and in some cases, the death of victims.
To this end, it is their submission that PAZ had reasonable apprehension that the security of more passengers was endangered, private property would be damaged and there was no effective alternative remedy in the circumstances except approaching the court for relief.
Cabinet is today expected to announce its decision on the issue of reopening of schools after Government postponed the start of the second term following a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Schools were scheduled to open on June 28 for the second term but an increase in Covid-19 infections forced Government to postpone face-to-face learning.
President Mnangagwa imposed a tightened national level four lockdown: a dusk to dawn curfew was effected, intercity travel was banned, businesses were directed to operate between 8AM to 3.30PM, with public and private sector required to decongest the workplace to 40 percent capacity.
This is the second time this year for Government to postpone schools opening as it did the same in January after Covid-19 cases increased. Officials have blamed the recent spike in Covid-19 cases on complacency.
Universities and colleges also suspended face-to-face lectures in the wake of rising Covid-19 infections.
Cabinet last week deployed schools inspectors to assess the schools readiness for reopening.
In an interview yesterday, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communications and advocacy director Mr Taungana Ndoro said the ministry expects to get a directive from Cabinet on when schools will reopen today.
“Let’s wait for Cabinet meeting tomorrow. It (Cabinet) is expected to guide us on when schools shall reopen,” said Mr Ndoro, in a brief comment.
Meanwhile, health experts have said it will be prudent to postpone the reopening of schools.
Matabeleland North acting provincial medical director Dr Munekayi Pandingani said there is a need to break the cycle of new infections before schools reopen.
He said this while responding to Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema who wanted to get medical opinion on when schools should reopen during Matabeleland North Covid-19 Provincial Taskforce meeting on Sunday.
The meeting was held at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo.
“In my view we are not yet ready to reopen schools. We are still recording new infections so it might not be appropriate to reopen schools now. I also suggest that when schools reopen all pupils learning in boarding schools have to be tested for Covid-19 before they return to schools.
Most of our Covid-19 cases in schools are coming from boarding schools. We have not recorded so many cases in day schools, largely because we tell learners who might have flue like symptoms not to come to school when they feel feverish. But pupils in boarding schools stay together that is why we are recording high infections in boarding schools,” said Dr Padingani.
Minister Mathema urged the acting PMD to include his recommendation on the provincial report which he was going to table before Cabinet.
The minister urged teachers to get vaccinated ahead of schools reopening and directed the provincial education director Mr Jabulani Mpofu to liaise with schools heads to get their staff vaccinated.
In response, Mr Mpofu said most school staff got vaccinated when the programme was extended to them.
Government has said it would let science guide its Covid-19 response while balancing between saving lives and having a functional economy.
By A Correspondent| Top musician Jah Prayzah and Star FM Disc Jockey Kudzai Violet Gwara better known as KVG could have been sold a raw deal by Pokugara Properties where the two are now home owners.
Jah Prayzah and KVG were recently pictured at red carpet ceremony being handed over keys to their newly acquired properties at Pokugara Estate in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale in Harare but questions have since emerged on the type of lease agreements being offered by the Kenneth Raydon Sharpe owned company.
According to one Dr Controlla Gabi, Pokugara Properties is selling its plushy Pokugara Estate houses using an outdated concept which is being phased out in the United Kingdom.
Gabi said Pokugara Properties was using a leasehold instead of the morden freehold arrangement.
KVG (far left) gets keys to her new Borrowdale home at Pokugara Estate
A leasehold arrangement means that when one buys a property, ownership of the land remains in the hands of the seller and attracts monthly rentals.
Leasehold also has a tenure period and once it expires the ownership of the property reverts to the original owner.
In a five threaded Twitter response to West Properties post about KVG acquiring a new home at Pokugara Estate, Gabi said he was worried about Pokugara Estate leasehold arrangement which he said was an eternal debt trap.
“Congratulations KVG. I hope they gave you a fair contract for the property. I have raised the issue of leaseholds @WestPropZim have introduced in Zim whereby the property buyer doesn’t own the land their property is on. Haven’t responded. Star FM hasn’t commented either.
Jah Prayzah in the middle during the presentation of his Pokugara Estate stand
“It’s unclear how much legal protection buyers have against the legal jeopardy of leaseholds. You’d think developers would be transparent about this. It’s worrying that, with the brand ambassadorships being issued to celebrities, scrutiny disappears with conflict of interest.
“Leaseholds are an eternal debt trap. Home owners will continue to pay rent on the land their house is built on. It’s been a controversial scheme here in the UK.
“With a leasehold, you’ll always pay rent on the land on which your home is built. There must be an option to buy the land or just rent to buy the land which shd give ownership of the land at some point.With no legal protection, land rent will go up or change hands. Uncertainty
“Although unlikely, it is possible that, in a leasehold agreement, the price of the lease may end up being unaffordable. It’s unclear what will happen in such circumstances. Would you lose your property, for example? Star FM must facilitate this discussion on their programmes,” tweeted Gabi.
West Properties which is the company behind Pokugara Estate did not respond to Gabi’s thread in what could be a confirmation of the leasehold agreement fears.
Pokugara Estate is a subject of court challenge after Sharpe’s company allegedly entered into an agreement with a Harare businessman George Katsimberis.
According to court papers in ZimEye’s possession, Katsimberis and Sharpe entered into a joint venture agreement where the former would provide money while the latter avails land for the construction of cluster homes at the corner of Teviotdale and Whitwell Road in Borrowdale.
Sharpe allegedly connived with City of Harare officials to destroy a show house built by Katsimberis citing fabrication of architectural plans, a claim Katsimberis denies.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo has chronicled his time with the late vice president Joshua Nkomo and said that he missed those good old days.
Khaya Moyo recently in Bulawayo said he started working Dr Nkomo in Lusaka, Zambia as his special assistant.
“I was privileged to work as Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s special assistant for many years pre and post-independence. The political journey Umdala traversed has no missing page. He mentored every politician worth his or her salt in this country hence the title Father Zimbabwe,” he said.
Khaya Moyo recalled when Dr Nkomo received a hero’s welcome upon his return in the country from Zambia as part of the Lancaster House Agreement of December 1979.
“Umdala Dr Nkomo was a man of the people. One of my memorable occasions with him was on January 13, 1980 when we landed at the airport from Lusaka,” he said.
“In fact, we disembarked from a white and green Zambia Airways jet liner shortly after 12.45PM. I remember Dr Nkomo was wearing a conservative grey suit and a red and blue tie. He addressed a Press conference before proceeding to the Zimbabwe Grounds where we were welcomed by a great multitude.”
Khaya Moyo said, in his remarks soon after his arrival, Dr Nkomo gave an emotional speech before the frenzied crowd that had swarmed the sports field. “I vividly recall the excitement and smiles beaming on every face as multitudes received Umdala at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare soon after our arrival home in January 1980,” he said.
Khaya Moyo said the electrifying mood at Zimbabwe Grounds was a true reflection of Dr Nkomo’s ability to unite the entire nation.
“Umdala Wethu Dr Nkomo loved Zimbabwe and its wonderful people most. He is the only seasoned politician who at one time managed to unite the entire nation of Zimbabwe, particularly the African people hence the slogan mwana wevhu/umntwana we nhlabathi which reverberated across the country like veld fire,” he said.
“The legacy Umdala left is a heritage to all patriotic Zimbabweans. His footprints can never be erased. As I said at the time of his funeral ‘Father Zimbabwe will never die.’ He only has departed for higher responsibility. We are with you Umdala, look after us from the high heaven, never abandon us. Glory be to God.”
Khaya Moyo said he also cherished the moments when they would fly together to Russia and Cuba to seek arms of the liberation.
“One of the most important memories was when we used to travel to the then Soviet Union and Cuba to seek arms to accelerate the liberation struggle. I enjoyed those meetings which he conducted with his counterparts including many other meetings with the Frontline States’ leaders,” he said.
Khaya Moyo said he also vibrantly recalled Dr Nkomo surviving the attack by the Ian Smith regime in 1977.
In 1977 when the Smith regime made a firm decision to assassinate Dr Nkomo in Zambia after the shooting down of the Air Rhodesia plane in Kariba, the Selous Scouts (Secret Assassination Organ of the regime) assigned Selous Scout Chris Gough to survey Cde Nkomo’s house, and draw up the road map from the Zambezi to Lusaka.
Khaya Moyo said Dr Nkomo escaped numerous assassination attempts during the armed struggle.
On 14 April 1979, the Rhodesians made another attempt on Dr Nkomo at his Lusaka residence.
Fortunately, when the house was attacked, Dr Nkomo had left for another safe house with a Cuban aide named Manyani who had been seconded to his team by then Cuba President, Fidel Castro.
Khaya Moyo said Dr Nkomo hated tribalism and racism.
“Dr Nkomo hated tribalism which is why he had to engage football authorities to change the name Mashonaland FC to Zimbabwe Saints and Matabeleland Highlanders to Highlanders. He didn’t want to see people being divided on tribal lines,” he said. “Umdala was also against the designation of the country’s provinces based on tribes such as Mashonaland this or Matabeland that. This is a colonial legacy and Dr Nkomo didn’t like it because he believed the settler regime did it deliberately to divide our people.”
Khaya Moyo said the passing on of the Dr Nkomo on July 1, 1999, plunged the entire nation into mourning, yet vivid memories of his love for the people and sacrifice for unity and peace still linger.
“Umdala was a colossal, a political giant, a granary of knowledge, a fountain of wisdom, a visionary and a man of destiny. He hated tribalism, racism and regionalism. He was indeed a man of principle, purpose, perseverance and prayer,” he said.
By A Correspondent- Police details in Bulawayo have rounded up over shebeens and arrested hundreds over the weekend.
Bulawayo Police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Abedinico Ncube said they are holding an operation that targets shebeens around the city.
Over the weekend, some nightspots around Bulawayo were shut down by police.
Nightclubs and bars remain closed due to Covid-19 regulations that were put in place last year, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Due to their closure, shebeens have sprouted around the city, in high density and even in affluent suburbs as revellers look for places with music and alcohol.
“We have arrested around 800 people, but since the operation started there are over 2 000 people who have been nabbed. Most people aren’t using face masks and violating lockdown regulations, while others are being arrested at shebeens. We are carrying out raids at shebeens. I call on people to comply and stay safe,” said Insp Ncube.
He said if a person is found operating a shebeen they will be arrested and taken to court.
Insp Ncube discouraged people from consuming alcohol in their cars, outside bottle stores.
“People shouldn’t buy beer at bottle stores and then drink from inside their cars. This happens especially over weekends where people patronise these places and drink their alcohol in groups. That is not allowed,” said Insp Ncube.
He commended the public for providing police with information about illegal activities happening in their communities.
“We would like to appreciate the members of the public because they phone us if they see anything illegal happening, they call the police. Whilst we are getting calls from the members of the public, they should also assist us by desisting from being part of that group,” said Insp Ncube.
By A Correspondent- Police details in Bulawayo have rounded up over 800 people for various Covid-19 violations over the weekend.
Bulawayo Police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Abedinico Ncube said they are holding an operation that targets shebeens around the city.
Over the weekend, some nightspots around Bulawayo were shut down by police.
Nightclubs and bars remain closed due to Covid-19 regulations that were put in place last year, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Due to their closure, shebeens have sprouted around the city, in high density and even in affluent suburbs as revellers look for places with music and alcohol.
“We have arrested around 800 people, but since the operation started there are over 2 000 people who have been nabbed. Most people aren’t using face masks and violating lockdown regulations, while others are being arrested at shebeens. We are carrying out raids at shebeens. I call on people to comply and stay safe,” said Insp Ncube.
He said if a person is found operating a shebeen they will be arrested and taken to court.
Insp Ncube discouraged people from consuming alcohol in their cars, outside bottle stores.
“People shouldn’t buy beer at bottle stores and then drink from inside their cars. This happens especially over weekends where people patronise these places and drink their alcohol in groups. That is not allowed,” said Insp Ncube.
He commended the public for providing police with information about illegal activities happening in their communities.
“We would like to appreciate the members of the public because they phone us if they see anything illegal happening, they call the police. Whilst we are getting calls from the members of the public, they should also assist us by desisting from being part of that group,” said Insp Ncube.
By A Correspondent- Police in Gokwe have arrested a 22-year old local man for stealing a car at a funeral.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the suspect, Tashinga Mutengarenga, was arrested following a speed chase with the police who swiftly reacted following the incident which occurred yesterday around 4pm in Mapfungautsi surbub, Gokwe.
“Circumstances are that the owner of the vehicle, Mr Desire Pendekwa of Chief Njelele went to Mapfungautsi to attend a funeral,” said Insp Mahoko.
“He parked his vehicle, a Honda CRV and went to attend the funeral and forgot to lock his car, the suspect, who was also part of the mourners then sneaked and jumped into the car and drove off.”
Insp Mahoko said police swiftly reacted to calls and gave chase.
“On realising that he was being pursued, Mutengarenga, who was speeding, then failed to negotiate a curve and the car plunged into a culvert,” he said. “He was immediately arrested at the accident scene.”
By A Correspondent- Chief Chivero Cornelius Chivesani Chengera has been ordered to surrender a Government vehicle that was issued to him in May this year for safekeeping until the leadership wrangle among clan members is finalised.
Chengera and Tendai Chitine are the descendants of the founder of the Chivero clan and have been tussling for the high-point traditional office of substantive Chief Chivero.
Chivero clan has been without a substantive chief since the death of the then Chief Chivero, born Mr Matewu Chipashu in 2009 until appointment by President Mnangagwa of Chengera in May last year.
This decision was challenged at the High Court by Chitinhe, who is also eyeing the chieftaincy culminating in an interim order barring Chengera from assuming the duties for the Chivero chieftaincy.
However, in May, the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing allocated Chengera a brand new Isuzu, twin cab vehicle to use in his jurisdiction.
This spawned yet another lawsuit with Chitinhe approaching the court for an order compelling Chengera to stop executing the chieftaincy duties and return to Local Government the vehicle allocated to him until the matter was finalised.
Justice Benjamin Chikowero granted the application after finding a well-founded fear of lasting injury on the part of Chitinhe if Chengera retained the vehicle.
He said if Chengera was allowed to hold on to the vehicle, it would be exposed to wear and tear as well as the risk of accident–damage. The substantive Chief Chivero is entitled to a brand new Isuzu, twin cab, not a second hand vehicle.
“While the wheels of justice are turning, it is prejudicial to the applicant that this vehicle be used,” said Justice Chikowero. “I am satisfied that there is no ordinary remedy that could secure the vehicle as well as preserve the integrity of the proceedings, pending the return date, than an order requiring the fourth respondent to repossess the vehicle.”
In deciding the matter, the court also weighed the prejudice to Chitinhe if the interim relief is withheld against that Chengera if it is granted.
Chengera’s appointment is the subject matter of pending litigation and will get the vehicle should he succeed in getting the order discharged on the return date and if Chitinhe loses his bid to have the appointment set aside.
A Snake Park man was over the weekend dragged to answer to murder charges after he reportedly murdered the fish monger whose corpse was found floating in Lake Chivero last week.
The suspect Bright Zhantali 29, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi, he was referred to the High Court for bail considerations.
Allegations are that on June 21 at around 3pm, Zhantali was wearing a shirt similar to the ones worn by Parks Rangers when he met now deceased Nester Chiikwengo aged 45 who was self-employed as a fishmonger who intended to buy fish for resale.
The two boarded a private Honda Fit and before they arrived they disembarked on the pretext that that he would be seen by alleged co-workers on duty that he had fish and they used a path which is left of the boom gate.
As they were on the pathway, he allegedly grabbed her and started demanding money before he took her US$30 and her cell phone and raped her and as she was screaming he gagged her and she died.
When he realised that she had died, he took her clothes and bucket and burnt them at an anthill and went away.
On July 4, the informant Simon Makwansila of Kamba Caravan Park went to the forest for prayers and smelt a stench smell and when he went to investigate he discovered the decomposing body.
Zhantali was identified wearing the same attire by members of the public who apprehended him and handed him over to the police.- H-Metro
Strips of spikes used by police to stop vehicles refusing to obey orders to halt are fully legal and any court trying to ban them would be tantamount to legalising crime and disempowering police from maintaining law and order, the High Court has ruled.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe had sued police, seeking an interdict prohibiting officers from using the strips of spikes and smashing windscreens of private taxis to halt pirate taxis and kombis, saying that this conduct endangered the lives of the public and causes blatant unlawful and malicious damage to private property police are supposed to protect.
Police have implemented internal procedures that have limited the use of spikes and teargas and stopped the smashing of windscreens for traffic violations.
But spikes are seen as an effective way of halting a vehicle whose driver refuses to stop when ordered to, and a way of halting a vehicle using minimum force.
Police introduced spikes to replace the use of firearms, which could cause unintended injury or death.
Spikes deflate all tyres of a vehicle, bringing it to a halt, but without the risks entailed when police shoot at a vehicle’s tyres and miss. In most cases a driver seeing spikes across the road decides to obey the halt order given rather than try and escape.
Police needing to use spikes are now expected to follow procedures set out in the Police Weapons and Equipment Coin and I.S Manual (Methods and Frequency), a handbook for police officers, which provides instructions on how they should use their weapons and equipment.- The Herald
At a time when the government of Zimbabwe says the dangerous practice of throwing spikes at vehicles is illegal, a High Court has ruled the opposite.
Spikes
Between 2017 and 2021, government is maintained the position that the practice is illegal and any police officer found in Bridge will risk 10 years in prison.
But a High Court judge has ruled in support of the use.
High Court judge, Owen Tagu ruled that spikes used by police to stop vehicles refusing to obey orders to halt, are fully legal and any court trying to ban them would be tantamount to legalising crime and disempowering police from maintaining law and order,
The case involved the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe suing the police, seeking an interdict prohibiting officers from using the strips of spikes and smashing windscreens of private taxis to halt pirate taxis and kombis, saying that this conduct endangered the lives of the public and causes blatant unlawful and malicious damage to private property police are supposed to protect.
Owen Tagu
Police have implemented internal procedures that have limited the use of spikes and teargas and stopped the smashing of windscreens for traffic violations.
But spikes are seen as an effective way of halting a vehicle whose driver refuses to stop when ordered to, and a way of halting a vehicle using minimum force.
Police introduced spikes to replace the use of firearms, which could cause unintended injury or death.
Spikes deflate all tyres of a vehicle, bringing it to a halt, but without the risks entailed when police shoot at a vehicle’s tyres and miss. In most cases a driver seeing spikes across the road decides to obey the halt order given rather than try and escape.
Police needing to use spikes are now expected to follow procedures set out in the Police Weapons and Equipment Coin and I.S Manual (Methods and Frequency), a handbook for police officers, which provides instructions on how they should use their weapons and equipment.
In this regard, police only resort to spikes to deal with pirate taxis that are breaching important road rules, endangering many lives, and which refuse to halt.
It was on this basis that Justice Owen Tagu refused to grant the application by PAZ, finding that for the court to do so would be to sanitise crime and disempower the police from enforcing law and order.
“To grant the application would be tantamount to legalising the actions of these errant motorists as the police would be incapacitated to deal with them,” he said.
The court accepted the police argument that operators of pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, were not just committing traffic offences but other crimes that could be classified as more dangerous.
Some of the crimes include drug abuse, harassment of commuters especially women, and theft and robberies committed by people in the unregistered vehicles, which are mostly driven by immature and unlicensed drivers.
Police also argued that the conduct of the pirate taxis had resulted in a spike of pedestrian deaths, as they are run over by vehicles fleeing police officers.
Police further argued that touts employed by errant drivers, assault and kill police officers when they try to impound their vehicles and arrest the violators.
Through its legal counsel, PAZ argued that police should be barred from practising this “rudimentary” and “barbaric” way of enforcing traffic offence law.
The organisation further criticised the police conduct which they said had caused harm to passengers of the public and private vehicles and in some cases, the death of victims.
To this end, it is their submission that PAZ had reasonable apprehension that the security of more passengers was endangered, private property would be damaged and there was no effective alternative remedy in the circumstances except approaching the court for relief. – Herald
By A Correspondent- Another Zanu PF political commissar, Patrick Chinamasa has been involved in a car accident.
Chinamasa is said to have rammed into a crape metal carrying truck near his home area of Rusape in Manicaland at the weekend.
The Zanu PF acting political commissar is however said to be recovering at a private hospital in the capital.
Chinamasa’s accident evokes memories of the baffling deaths of previous commissars, including Border Gezi (April 28, 2001), Moven Mahachi (on May 26, 2001) and Elliot Manyika (December 6, 2008). Those that survived were dumped unceremoniously, including Saviour Kasukuwere, Webster Shamu, Engelbert Rugeje and Victor Matemadanda who recently suffered a poisoning attempt just before he was replaced by Chinamasa on an acting basis.
At a time when the government of Zimbabwe says the dangerous practice of throwing spikes at vehicles is illegal, a High Court has ruled the opposite.
Spikes
Between 2017 and 2021, government is maintained the position that the practice is illegal and any police officer found in Bridge will risk 10 years in prison.
But a High Court judge has ruled in support of the use.
High Court judge, Owen Tagu ruled that spikes used by police to stop vehicles refusing to obey orders to halt, are fully legal and any court trying to ban them would be tantamount to legalising crime and disempowering police from maintaining law and order,
The case involved the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe suing the police, seeking an interdict prohibiting officers from using the strips of spikes and smashing windscreens of private taxis to halt pirate taxis and kombis, saying that this conduct endangered the lives of the public and causes blatant unlawful and malicious damage to private property police are supposed to protect.
Owen Tagu
Police have implemented internal procedures that have limited the use of spikes and teargas and stopped the smashing of windscreens for traffic violations.
But spikes are seen as an effective way of halting a vehicle whose driver refuses to stop when ordered to, and a way of halting a vehicle using minimum force.
Police introduced spikes to replace the use of firearms, which could cause unintended injury or death.
Spikes deflate all tyres of a vehicle, bringing it to a halt, but without the risks entailed when police shoot at a vehicle’s tyres and miss. In most cases a driver seeing spikes across the road decides to obey the halt order given rather than try and escape.
Police needing to use spikes are now expected to follow procedures set out in the Police Weapons and Equipment Coin and I.S Manual (Methods and Frequency), a handbook for police officers, which provides instructions on how they should use their weapons and equipment.
In this regard, police only resort to spikes to deal with pirate taxis that are breaching important road rules, endangering many lives, and which refuse to halt.
It was on this basis that Justice Owen Tagu refused to grant the application by PAZ, finding that for the court to do so would be to sanitise crime and disempower the police from enforcing law and order.
“To grant the application would be tantamount to legalising the actions of these errant motorists as the police would be incapacitated to deal with them,” he said.
The court accepted the police argument that operators of pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, were not just committing traffic offences but other crimes that could be classified as more dangerous.
Some of the crimes include drug abuse, harassment of commuters especially women, and theft and robberies committed by people in the unregistered vehicles, which are mostly driven by immature and unlicensed drivers.
Police also argued that the conduct of the pirate taxis had resulted in a spike of pedestrian deaths, as they are run over by vehicles fleeing police officers.
Police further argued that touts employed by errant drivers, assault and kill police officers when they try to impound their vehicles and arrest the violators.
Through its legal counsel, PAZ argued that police should be barred from practising this “rudimentary” and “barbaric” way of enforcing traffic offence law.
The organisation further criticised the police conduct which they said had caused harm to passengers of the public and private vehicles and in some cases, the death of victims.
To this end, it is their submission that PAZ had reasonable apprehension that the security of more passengers was endangered, private property would be damaged and there was no effective alternative remedy in the circumstances except approaching the court for relief. – Herald
Hundreds of ZANU PF youths reportedly invaded a Shurugwi gold mine owned by Urayayi Marima and went away with one tonne of gold ore.
Bravo Mine in Wonderer located about 10 kilometres from Shurugwi Mine was allegedly invaded on Thursday last week by the marauding youths who disarmed the guards at the mine.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands Provincial spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko told Masvingo Mirror that he was yet to receive a report on the incident.
The mine owner, Marima, confirmed the incident and said that it happened while he was away in Kwekwe.
Marima said the youths descended on his mine aboard several kombis and other cars demanding a shift so that they could mine for gold in the tunnels but they were turned down. He said:
They thoroughly beat everyone around and disarmed security at the mine before firing bullets into the air.
They fled the mine with a tonne of gold ore when they heard that the police was coming. These youth are using the ZANU PF name to try and grab people’s mines.
To get this mine I went through proper protocols and even engaged Shurugwi North MP Robson Nyathi.
ZANU PF Shurugwi District Coordinating Committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs Newton Mukunzwe expressed displeasure over the invasion of the mine by the youths. Said Mukunzwe:
These youth did not inform or engage with any party structure. I was informed that they invaded Bravo mine singing chimurenga songs.
Youths should come and engage their leadership over these issues before taking action because if they need a place to mine the DCC will assist so that they don’t terrorise people who have invested a lot of money into their mining claims.
Again, we are under COVID-19 and everyone should adhere to COVID-19 protocols.- Masvingo Mirror
A 22-year old Gokwe ‘car thief’ ran out luck after trying his chance at a funeral.
The man has been arrested after he jumped into a car of one of the mourners at a funeral wake and sped off before being involved in an accident about a kilometre away.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the suspect, Tashinga Mutengarenga, was arrested following a speed chase with the police who swiftly reacted following the incident which occurred yesterday around 4pm in Mapfungautsi surbub, Gokwe.
“Circumstances are that the owner of the vehicle, Mr Desire Pendekwa of Chief Njelele went to Mapfungautsi to attend a funeral,” said Insp Mahoko.
“He parked his vehicle, a Honda CRV and went to attend the funeral and forgot to lock his car, the suspect, who was also part of the mourners then sneaked and jumped into the car and drove off.”
Insp Mahoko said police swiftly reacted to calls and gave chase.
“On realising that he was being pursued, Mutengarenga, who was speeding, then failed to negotiate a curve and the car plunged into a culvert,” he said. “He was immediately arrested at the accident scene.” -Herald
