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!

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.

-NewsDay

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.

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) July 13, 2021

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.

-State media

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|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!

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.

-zimlive

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.

-statemedia

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

A lion has been spotted in Chisumbanje villages this morning.

It was spotted near the turn-off to Billy Rautenbach’s Green Fuel plant and has since been killed by Parks and Wildlife officials.

Below are the pictures of the lion and villagers who gathered to see the dead wild dog.

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.

-Newsday

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.”

-newsday

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.

-statemedia

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.

-State Media

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.

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.

“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.

-Chronicle

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.

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.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said the construction of spaghetti roads is a possibility in Zimbabwe.

President Chamisa was commenting on the construction of spacious roads in Ghana.

The Zanu PF regime is seen as the major impediment to meaningful infrastructural development in Zimbabwe.

“SPAGHETTI ROADS, BULLET TRAINS, SMART CITIES, AIRPORTS (inc in Murehwa) & SMART AGRICULTURE ARE POSSIBLE IN OUR LIFETIME.

We can do it. The future is exciting! Thank you
@daddyhope
#RegisterToVoteZW,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also observed:

When @nelsonchamisa talked about this, I wrote an article saying that it could be done because Zimbabwe has the resources to do this and more.

People like Matemadanda called this idea childish, some said it was too advanced for us…”

By A Correspondent- The government, the Chitungwiza municipal police and the Zimbabwe Republic Police have continued their joint operation by demolishing structures and confiscating goods belonging to vendors along Mangwende Road in Makoni.

The vendors that were affected are those that sell construction materials such as doors, iron sheets, window frames, poles, doorframes and bricks.

Vendors who spoke to NewsDay said they were made to pay fines of US$148.

“It is better to leave this place than lose goods. Paying a fine of US$148 for items that are not worth that amount is a loss. I buy doorframes at $11 and sell them at $13. Per month, I get US$50 profit or less. So it’s better to leave. We will see if we can start working again tomorrow. Today is just a wasted day,” one vendor said.

Another vendor said they started selling their wares in the area 11 years ago.

“I started working here in 2010. For those years, I have been paying rates. Now they are ordering us to demolish our structures. I pay US$240 after every four months,” he said, adding that council should find legal places for them to operate from.

Efforts to get a comment from the acting town clerk Evangelista Machona were fruitless.

Council spokesperson Lovemore Meya said he could not comment on the matter since he was on leave.

Mayor Lovemore Maiko professed ignorance of the operation. He said council was abiding by a High Court order which stated that all demolitions should stop.

“I do not know about the operation,” Maiko said.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police at the weekend ignored the Zanu PF political commissar, Patrick Chinamasa’s Rusape road accident.

Chinamasa is said to have rammed into a crape metal carrying truck near his home area of Rusape in Manicaland at the weekend.

National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that he was not aware of the accident a day after the accident had happened.

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.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa said he was in a stable condition and recovering at a private hospital in Harare after he was involved in an accident on Saturday night.

He was involved in a road traffic accident on Saturday night in Rusape after ramming a truck that was carrying scrap metal.

“The doctor is monitoring my situation to see if I do not have some internal injuries. I am fit and ready to go.
“I am only waiting for the doctor to monitor my chest otherwise I might be discharged anytime from now,” Chinamasa told the state media this afternoon.

“I am urging the people not to panic and I’m well and safe,”.
Cde Chinamasa said he narrowly escaped death by a whisker
“I was saved by the airbags, otherwise we will be talking about something else,” said Cde Chinamasa.

By A correspondent- Political think tank, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) has predicted that the 2023 elections will be disputed due to lack of electoral reforms, ensuring that the country would remain polarised for the foreseeable future.

ERC chairperson Trust Maanda told NewsDay that lack of reforms meant that the election would likely produce a disputed outcome just like what transpired in 2018.

Zimbabwe is due for elections in 2023, and opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has maintained that President Emmerson Mnangagwa stole the 2018 election from him.

While the Constitutional Court dismissed his challenge, former Information minister Jonathan Moyo has claimed in a recent book, Excelgate: How Zimbabwe’s 2018 Presidential Election, that empirical evidence suggested that Chamisa actually won 66% of the vote, compared to Mnangagwa’s 33%.

“The post-2018 election environment has been dominated by the non-implementation of key reforms, most of which have been repeatedly raised by election observer groups in previous elections,” Maanda said.

“Three years since the 2018 harmonised elections and two years to the next, a promise of expedited reforms continues to be ignored and is now seemingly beyond reach.

“It should be noted that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has taken a piecemeal approach in recommending proposals to the alignment of electoral laws, policies and practices with the Constitution and international best practices.”

Maanda said there was also a failure to significantly revise key electoral laws, and to address the partisan conduct of State security agents, traditional leaders and unfair coverage of political parties by the State media.

“The 2023 harmonised elections will be marred by the same weak policies that haunted the 2018 elections,” he said.

“Electoral reforms, if not addressed, will likely result in the same disputes arising as witnessed in the 2018 harmonised elections.”

The ruling Zanu PF party recently bragged that it was tied to the military to ensure its political hegemony in the country, leaving no doubt that it expects to use the army to maintain its stranglehold on power.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission commissioner responsible for media liaison Qhubani Moyo yesterday said the commission was ready to run by-elections, but was waiting for a go-ahead from Mnangagwa.

“There are no developments in that area (holding of by-elections) as we wait for the lifting of the embargo that has been enforced due to the public health emergency of COVID-19,” he said.

“The proclamation of elections is done by the President and not by us, so the dates are set by the President.

“As a commission, we are waiting to get the directive in terms of the dates, but on our part we have kept open for electoral activities that do not require physical interaction of many

people.”

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has complained about the high numbers of bodies repatriated from South Africa which are topping the list of burials at most cemeteries in the second-largest city.

This is happening when South Africa is grappling with the third wave of the coronavirus amid reports that a new variant of the coronavirus, Beta, has been detected.

BCC health services director Edwin Sibanda told the city fathers that Bulawayo’s cemeteries had recorded high numbers of burials of bodies repatriated from South Africa.

Read in part minutes of a recent council meeting:

The director of health services reported that Athlone West Cemetery recorded burials from outside the city as follows, South Africa (11), Botswana (2), Harare (1) and Umguza (2). Luveve Cemetery recorded bodies from outside the city as follows; South Africa (10), Binga (1), Gokwe (1), Lupane (1), Plumtree (1) and Umguza (3).

Councillors also expressed concern over the violation of COVID-19 regulations saying some funerals were attended by more than 30 people.

Deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said it was difficult to regulate the numbers attending funerals as that was against traditional norms.

Town clerk Christopher Dube encouraged councillors to engage with residents regarding the new normal.

-Online

By A Correspondent- Prison officials have released two serai armed robbers from jail after finishing their prison terms.

The two Luckmore Matambanadzo and Thomas Chacha are now out of prsison.

Matambanadzo, was serving a nine-year sentence for robbing a Harare couple of an Isuzu KB250 vehicle at gunpoint in 2008.

Matambanadzo has a pending case as he is alleged to have been among six prisoners, including jailed cleric Robert Martin Gumbura, facing attempted prison break charges.

Their review of their application for discharge over prison break charges at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in 2015 is pending.

Matambanadzo, who allegedly masterminded a series of high profile armed robberies while also operating with jailed serial robbery suspect — Musa Taj Abdul — was released together with his accomplice Thomas Chacha.

Prison and police sources yesterday confirmed Matambanadzo and Chacha’s release from prison.

A Harare Regional Court convicted Matambanadzo in 2008 of robbing a city couple of an Isuzu KB250 vehicle at gunpoint.

The vehicle was recovered at a roadblock in Chiredzi where Matambanadzo had sent twins — Elphanet and John Shana — to deliver it to a buyer.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and three years were conditionally set aside, but was released on bail pending appeal.

Matambanadzo then appealed at the High Court against conviction and sentence, but the Appeal Court in 2014 upheld the magistrate’s decision.
The then Judge President George Chiweshe ruled that the magistrate properly convicted and sentenced Matambanadzo and that there was no misdirection on his part

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF big wigs in Manicaland have saved the party’s political commissar, Patric Chinamasa from a road accident that almost killed him.

Chinamasa rammed into a scrap metal carrying truck near Rusape on Saturday night.

He was saved by Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro, who quickly rushed to the scene of the accident soon after it occurred after National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi had professed ignorance about the accident.

Madiro said Chinamasa only complained of chest pains.
“I am not exactly privy to what really happened, but I understand that he rammed into a truck which was carrying scrap metal. I understand that Chinamasa’s windscreen was hit by some poles and scrap metals, which then led to the accident. The lorry that he rammed into had no rear lights and reflectors,” Madiro said.

“I had to rush to the scene of the accident moments after it happened. I can confirm that Chinamasa is now in a stable condition and he only complained of chest pains.”

Madiro was among several Zanu PF officials who also rushed to the scene of the accident, including Makoni district co-ordinating committee chairperson Albert Nyakuedzwa.

Officials said Chinamasa was still admitted at a private hospital in the capital as of last night.

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- A Covid-19 patient fled from the isolation ward at Hwedza Hospital on Wednesday last week for fear of an injection and a senior doctor was among the people who chased after the 23-year-old man to bring him back.

Acting Hwedza District Medical Officer Dr Herbert Bandiki told H-Metro that the patient picked up some bricks from a nearby construction site and threatened to attack people who were trying to apprehend him.

Said Bandiki:

What happened is that when he came to the hospital, he showed symptoms of pneumonia, having some difficulties in breathing and we admitted him.

As is the procedure, we admitted the patient, administered drugs, and in the afternoon, maybe he thought he felt better.

So when I was about to get another injection whilst the patient was in the ward, he ran out of the isolation ward.

When we were trying to apprehend him, this patient was violent that we then tried to get help from the police.

Currently, the patient is being monitored at his homestead. We then tested the mother who came out negative and the other contacts he met.

… I was one of those who ran after him through a nearby bush area.

Bandiki said the police and an environmental health officer went to the man’s homestead and did some health education there.

He said the patient is recovering very well at home and his mother confirmed that he is difficult to convince when it comes to injections.

By A Correspondent- Police have arrested 219 people in connection with ongoing riots and looting across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

NatJOINTS spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili said deployment has been intensified across hotspots in both provinces.

“The NatJOINTS is receiving Intelligence support from its Intelligence Coordinating Committee comprising of SAPS Crime Intelligence, Defense Intelligence as well as State Security Intelligence, to enable law enforcement to counter these sporadic violent protests,” she said.

In KZN, there was a report of two people who had been killed, one in Inanda and the second in Umbilo.

“The circumstances leading up to their deaths is under investigation.

The extent of damage to property and the looting of businesses will be determined at a later stage,” she said.

In Gauteng police are investigating the circumstances into the deaths of four people since the break out of violent protests in Gauteng.

“On Sunday morning, the police responded to a call from Alexandra Clinic where they found a body with gunshot wounds. Later that day, the body of a security guard with assault wounds was found at Jeppestown.

“The third body was discovered also on Sunday, in the evening in Dobsonville while the fourth body was discovered with gunshot wounds in Germiston. The cause of death for the security guard and as well as the body found in Dobsonville is part of investigations,” Muridili said.

Metro Police spokesperson, Snr Supt Parboo Sewpersad, said they had been responding to calls from Friday.

“It is very hectic on the ground. Most malls and hardware stores have been looted and are no-go areas. Pinetown, KwaMashu and other areas are unsafe. There are groups marching and smashing doors and damaging goods,” he said.

Police sources on the ground said they were “thinly stretched and outnumbered” by looters.

“This has nothing to do with politics now. These are criminal acts,” a police officer said.

-IOL

#BREAKING– @CyrilRamaphosa deploys soldiers to assist law enforcement agents as protests spread in South Africa over #zumaprotests pic.twitter.com/fqVUe4UVfT

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 12, 2021

PICTURES- @edmnangagwa arrives for the burial of the two heroes Ltd General Absolom Chakanyuka Chimonyo and Mikael Chakabva pic.twitter.com/vJEfUfrUTS

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 12, 2021

By A Correspondent- Former Zanu PF stalwart Killer Zivhu has warned Zimbabweans against engaging in acts of violence like what is happening in Swaziland and South Africa.

Said Zivhu:

Ndanzwa vamwe venyu vachiti nyongo- nyongo toda kuita zviri kuitika Swaziland ne South Africa muno. Usakumbira kuvata na mai vako chero woshayiwa mukadzi wokurara naye. Chero usingashandi , unenzara , wakachona , uchirwara , usina plan noupenyu still don't try violence in Zim

— Hon Zivhu (@killerzivhu1) July 12, 2021