Former South African President Jacob Zuma has handed himself in to police to begin serving a jail sentence for contempt of court, sentenced by the same judge whose Zimbabwe-electoral violence report he blockedin 2013.
Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever.
The sentencing sparked an unprecedented legal drama in South Africa, with a deadline imposed of midnight on Wednesday (22:00 GMT) for Mr Zuma’s arrest.
The deadline was imposed after Mr Zuma refused to hand himself in on Sunday.
South Africa has never seen a former president jailed before.
Mr Zuma, 79, was forced to resign in 2018 after nine years in power.
Though he was forced out of office by his own party, the African National Congress (ANC), he retains a loyal body of supporters, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
In February 2013, Jacob Zuma, then president was ordered to hand over the Zimbabwe electoral violence report to a newspaper, the M&G within 10 days. Zuma then quickly appealed against Justice Raulinga’s judgment.
The lengthy saga came to a head when Raulinga revealed that the Justice Sisi Khampepe report had gone “missing”, and disclosed that Rakoatsi had made several unsolicited and unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the report from his custody, in his absence.
In a letter to the appeal court, Rakoatsi rejected any insinuation that he had knowledge of where the report was, or that he had a hand in its disappearance.
Zuma later lost the case at the Supreme Court, in a case that now exposes ZANU PF for terrorism crimes during elections. – Additional Reporting, BBC
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has been haunted by transport woes which are being experienced by commuters after they banned kombies.
In a propagandistic response to the crisis Nick Mangwana, the government spokesperson Wednesday said:”The buses we have are not enough, but there is a clear roadmap to ensure that the gap is closed. More buses on the way. Please bear with us”.
By A Correspondent- The country’s hospitals are running out of beds due to the increased number of people testing positive for Covid-19, the government has said.
Zimbabwe is facing a surge in infections, with 1 949 new cases and 28 deaths as of Tuesday.
The government said most of the country’s hospitals, such as Nyanga and Chipinge require bulk oxygen tanks, while some like Zvimba in Mashonaland West, and Plumtree and Gwanda in Matabeleland South required functional isolation centres.
By A Correspondent- The country’s hospitals are running out of beds due to the increased number of people testing positive for Covid-19, the government has said.
Zimbabwe is facing a surge in infections, with 1 949 new cases and 28 deaths as of Tuesday.
The government said most of the country’s hospitals, such as Nyanga and Chipinge require bulk oxygen tanks, while some like Zvimba in Mashonaland West, and Plumtree and Gwanda in Matabeleland South required functional isolation centres.
By A Correspondent- There is an outcry from parents after the government yesterday announced plans to reopen schools at time cases of Covid-19 are increasing.
The government through the ministry of information said the start of the second term will see a combination of face-to-face teaching, remote home learning, community learning and the use of alternative platforms such as e-learning, radio and television.
They said all schools were being inspected to ensure they have finalised their Covid-19 preventative measures and have the basic equipment they need.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thrown the former Zanu PF political commissar, Victor Matemadanda, under the bus by finally posting him to war-torn Mozambique.
Mnangagwa, Wednesday, sworn in Matemadanda, marking the beginning of the former Zanu PF political commissar’s Mozambique diplomatic journey.
Mozambique is embroiled in a conflict between rebels and government forces.
The conflict started in October 2017 and has left thousands homeless and hundreds dead.
SADC resolved to send a standing army to Mozambique to help fight the Islamist insurgency.
By A Correspondent- Vice-President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga has brewed another Gukurahundi storm after announcing that they were going to grab all clinics in Matabeleland from local authorities.
Chiwenga last week told Parliament that the government was in the process of taking overall health facilities run by councils.
Chiwenga said the move was part of a grand plan to ensure standardised service delivery as envisaged by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Campaigners for Devolution secretary-general Khumbulani Maphosa yesterday told Southern Eye that it was ironic that Chiwenga was pursuing the project at a time when government-run health institutions were struggling to provide quality services due to centralisation of power and inadequate funding.
“We are disturbed by recent reports that the central government intends to take over all council-run clinics in order to standardise health service delivery in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The decision is ultra vires (against) the constitutional provisions on devolution of power as espoused in section 264 and 265 of the Constitution.”
Maphosa said centralisation in Zimbabwe had always led to pathetic and shambolic service delivery, adding that examples included the centralisation of bulk water provision by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, which he said had caused acute water shortages in urban centres.
“Another example is the recent centralisation of public transport under Zupco, which is causing serious transport challenges for ordinary citizens. Government must respect constitutionalism.”
Maphosa said instead of taking over council-run clinics, the government should expedite the issuance of grants to the council, and also build more clinics, especially in rural areas where people travel up to 20km to access healthcare services.
He said the government should devolve nurse training and the recruitment of healthcare professionals.
By A Correspondent- The MDC-Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has dismissed rumours that his party received some fuel coupons from Kudakwashe Tagwiri’s fuel company.
Chamisa told reporters in Harare this week that MDC-Alliance “is nowhere near” Tagwirei.
The youthful opposition leader said his party gets funding from its members.
Rumour is cirtculating that Tagwirei extended undiclosed litters of fuel coupons to Chamisa as way of trying to capture the opposition.
Zimbabwe's main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has distanced himself from local tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei whom some of his critics were claiming has also captured his party and himself. Chamisa says the MDC-A and himself have no contact or relations with Tagwirei. pic.twitter.com/LArRfrZ7WZ
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s business frontman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei is said to have attempted to bribe the MDC-Alliance President Nelson Chamisa’s party by offering them fuel coupons.
Sources close to the opposition capture attempt by Zanu PF’s Tagwirei said the businessman wanted to bribe the MDC-Alliance before capturing it.
His attempt is said to have hit the brick wall after top MDC-Alliance realised the plan.
Responding to the allegations this week, MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa distanced himself and the party from Tagwirei saying the corrupt businessman.
Zimbabwe's main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has distanced himself from local tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei whom some of his critics were claiming has also captured his party and himself. Chamisa says the MDC-A and himself have no contact or relations with Tagwirei. pic.twitter.com/LArRfrZ7WZ
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported a fatal accident that occurred this Wednesday at the 70km peg along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
Three people died on the spot while eighteen others were injured when a Toyota Granvia burst a tyre and veered off the road.
Police said more details pertaining to the accident will be released in due course. In a related development, police confirmed that the death toll in the accident which occurred at 61km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road on Monday has risen to 22. According to an earlier police statement, the Toyota Granvia which was heading west towards Zvishavane burst a tyre resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle. The Gravia encroached onto an oncoming Toyota Wish’s lane which was going east towards Masvingo resulting in the head-on collision.
On Monday police said 20 people were killed in the crash but one of the survivors, a police officer based at Buchwa Police Station, Lincoln Muungani (28), passed away later, becoming the 21st victim. He was pulled out of the wreckage alive but later succumbed to his injuries at Zvishavane District Hospital around 6 pm on the same day.
A Summerton Farm woman has died after she collapsed in a toilet at Landmark Bar in Masvingo City.
The cause of death could not be immediately establish the cause of death. The scene is set to be fumigated.
The woman who is yet to be identified collapsed at around 8:45am.
A second person collapsed and died in Masvingo in Mucheke D barely minutes after the death of the woman who collapsed at Landmark
Health officials who collected the bodies said that they are taking serious precautionary measures including suspecting Covid-19 as the cause of the deaths.- Masvingo Mirror https://masvingomirror.com
A Summerton Farm woman has died after she collapsed in a toilet at Landmark Bar in Masvingo City.
The cause of death could not be immediately establish the cause of death. The scene is set to be fumigated.
The woman who is yet to be identified collapsed at around 8:45am.
A second person collapsed and died in Masvingo in Mucheke D barely minutes after the death of the woman who collapsed at Landmark
Health officials who collected the bodies said that they are taking serious precautionary measures including suspecting Covid-19 as the cause of the deaths.- Masvingo Mirror https://masvingomirror.com
Argentina have set up a Copa America final with Brazil after beating Colombia 3-2 on penalties on Wednesday morning.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez put forth a heroic performance after he saved three of the five penalties he faced.
The had match ended 1-1 and went straight to the shootout. Lionel Messi assisted on an early Lautaro Martinez goal in the seventh minute before Luis Diaz equalized for Colombia in the 61st.
Argentina have not won a major title since 1993 when they had won Copa America.
On the other hand, Hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in Monday’s first semi-final meaning their star forward Neymar will line up against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Saturday at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium.
Colombia will play in the third-place playoff against Peru on Friday.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Another Zambian star, Enock Mwepu, has joined to the English Premier League after signing with Brighton and Hove Abion from Austrian giants RB Salzburg.
The midfielder signed a four-year deal and his transfer comes just over a week after fellow countryman and ex-Salzburg team-mate Patson Daka joined EPL side Leicester City.
Speaking on the deal, Albion coach said on the club’s website: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Enock to the club and are looking forward to working with him.
“He has a great deal of experience for somebody of his age, including Champions League and international football.
“He’s primarily a central midfielder, although he is capable of playing in numerous positions, is open-minded, adaptable and very keen to learn and develop.
“He will add competition to our existing options in that area of the squad going into the new season.”
Mwepu, 23, becomes Brighton’s first signing ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, other players from the COSAFA region in EPL next include Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba of Aston Villa and South Africa forwad Percy Tau who is now a teammate of Mwepu at Brighton.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Argentina have set up a Copa America final with Brazil after beating Colombia 3-2 on penalties on Wednesday morning.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez put forth a heroic performance after he saved three of the five penalties he faced.
The had match ended 1-1 and went straight to the shootout. Lionel Messi assisted on an early Lautaro Martinez goal in the seventh minute before Luis Diaz equalized for Colombia in the 61st.
Argentina have not won a major title since 1993 when they had won Copa America.
On the other hand, Hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 in Monday’s first semi-final meaning their star forward Neymar will line up against Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Saturday at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium.
Colombia will play in the third-place playoff against Peru on Friday.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of 15 of the 21 people who perished in a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on the 5th July 2021 at the 61km peg along Masvingo- Mbalabala Road, at around 1530 hours.
On Monday police said 20 people were killed in the crash but one of the survivors, a police officer based at Buchwa Police Station, Lincoln Muungani (28), passed away later.
He was pulled out of the wreckage alive but later succumbed to his injuries at Zvishavane District Hospital around 6 pm on the same day.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the deceased have been identified by their next of kin. The deceased are:
Samuel Dube (65), of Plot 90 Gwayi.
Shara Mazorodze (37) , of Village Nemasiyanwa Gutu.
Mudiwa Julius (39), of Village Munjikwa, Gutu.
Richard Muparadzi (42), of Village Musapasi,Makoni.
Romeo Ndlovu (24), of Zvishavane.
Felix Moyo(27) of Village Mamhute, Chivi.
Lincoln Kudakwashe Muungani (26), of Zimbabwe Republic Police Buchwa Support Unit.
Melania Mukaro of Village Mukaro, Gutu.
Magnesia Tsoka (34), of Village Nemasiyanwa, Gutu.
Jemitias Simpilisiwe Shara (72), of Village Masiyanwa, Gutu.
Alois Munyanyi Chitambira (66), of Village Masiyanwa, Gutu.
Mirirai Grace Rundare (42), of Munjanganja Primary School, Gutu.
Merita Esnath Machando (64), of Mujanganja Primary School, Gutu.
Faulstino Shara (61), of Village Nemasiyanwa, Gutu.
Mazorodze Shara (37), of Village Nemasiyanwa, Gutu.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police are still conducting investigations into the accident He urged members of the public to take heed of the Government’s call to stop boarding mushikashika or pirate taxis.
Asst Nyathi further implored people to observe and comply with COVID-19 protocols and measures to safeguard lives.
By A Correspondent- Some Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) kombi crews have reportedly slashed fares to US$1 for two people from $1 per person, while others are sticking to the new fares announced on 1 July.
ZUPCO buses and kombis increased fares by 100 per cent last week pegging bus fare at $60 and kombis $80 (almost US$1) at the official exchange rate.
A conductor who declined to be named told the Chronicle that they were informed to reduce fares by officials.
She said:
We just woke up today to be told that the omnibus fare was now $60 or US$1 for 2 or 10 rands. Communication came from the officials, we do not know much about the new changes.
However, another conductor said they were told that for Nkulumane 12 prices have not changed.
ZUPCO southern division operations manager Tineyi Rwasoka on Wednesday declined to comment on the issue of the fares and referred questions to acting chief executive officer Evaristo Madangwa.
Efforts by the publication to get a comment Madangwa were fruitless as his mobile phone was said to have been ringing without answer since yesterday.
While ZUPCO hiked fares, pirate kombis maintained their $50 fare and commuters started avoiding ZUPCO buses that would move between destinations with as little as four passengers.
ZUPCO has been the sole public transporter for over a year now while others are operating illegally.
However, commuters said they preferred the cheaper pirate taxis (Mushikashika), although they sometimes endangered their lives when they get involved in high-speed chases with police.
By A Correspondent- There is concern that a new and more lethal Covid-19 virus could have entered Masvingo after three different people collapsed and died in different places in the City this morning.
The Mirror reported earlier that two people, one in the CBD and another in the populous suburb of Mucheke D have both collapsed and died at around 9am today.
However, the newspaper has since established that there is a death of a woman aged 80 who also collapsed and died in Runyararo West at around 7am.
Health officials who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity said they are on maximum alert for Covid-19 cases as they collect these bodies. The body from Runyararo West was collected by officials from the Ministry of Health and the body was collected at around 10am.
All three are elderly women and The Mirror is told that the Ministry of Health has started contact tracing.
President Mnangagwa recently warned that the virus in the third wave is more lethal although he continues to allow his ruling Zanu PF party to hold rallies, meetings and other gatherings.
The first woman collapsed and died while using a toilet at Landmark Bar at around 8:45am and her body was removed by the Police and Ministry of Health officials at around 10am. The woman (75) from Mucheke D was removed by a Nyaradzo Funeral Services ambulance at around 12pm.
By Aletha Mudyahoto- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a true manifestation of how ideas have been transformed from ideologies into development.
Officially opened in January 2021, the AfCFTA aims to create a single market, requiring member states to lift tariffs from 90% of goods inorder to promote free access to commodities, goods and services across the continent.
A free trade area is the region encompassing a trade bloc whose members have signed a free trade agreement sealing economic cooperation. AfCFTA covers trade in goods and services, investment and intellectual property rights etc.
The full benefits of the AfCFTA are yet to be realised because it’s operations have been affected heavily by the persistent corona virus (covid-19) which has ravaged the whole continent, endangering economies resulting in disruption of industrial production, financial markets have become volatile, slow movement of goods and people as well as closure of borders which have slowed trade facilitation.
The AfCFTA presents a crucial opportunity for regional integration, all member states are unified for a common interest of economic growth and development. The ability to successfully trade under the AfCFTA refutes the idea that Africans cannot prosper without dependency or inter- dependency on Western countries.
Intra- Africa trade gives member states access to vast markets, with the removal of trade barriers countries are able to export their products and goods in many quantities and an increase in exports means an increase in domestic income and the flow of foreign currency and eventually reduction of trade deficits, in actual sense economic growth.
Increased exports and the availability of a ready market (the whole of Africa) enhances productivity as industries tend to produce more, this creates employment and improves standards of living.
Also because of less duty on imports, there will be a diversity of products on local markets at affordable prices however if not managed well, the cheaply imported products may end up outcompeting local products.
The Free Trade Area provides opportunities to business firms so they focus on manufacturing products basing on their comparative advantage. Economist David Ricardo asserts that countries should specialize by allocating their scarce resources to produce goods and services for which they have a comparative advantage.
This increases output since products are manufactured according to specialization, manufacturing industries become competitive and quality products are likely to be produced. Also, accessing raw materials across Africa may become easy because of the scrapped tarriffs on imports and this can help revive idle industries across African countries.
Consolidated relationships among Africans are formed through trade, the ability of people to move freely across the continent presents opportunities of appreciating other cultures, languages thereby strengthening African unity.
The AfCFTA facilitates the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (2030) of economic growth, reducing reliance on external resources and encouraging independent financing and development. It also facilitates Agenda 2063 of the African Union which aims to transform Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
However, for the AfCFTA to be fully successful, there is still need for infrastructure development, roads and ports still needs to be developed. The differences in African economic structures, different levels of economic development makes it difficult for the free trade area to function properly.
Aletha Mudyahoto is a Masters student in International Trade and Diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe.
By A Correspondent- An 18 year old woman from Rusike, Marondera, was arrested today after she allegedly stabbed her father twice while trying to rescue her mother from his attacks for failing to fulfill her c0njugal obligations.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 2:30am today in Rusike Phase 3 when Wadson Chatida (44) arrived home and demanded se_x from his wife Prisca Chatida (36).
Prisca reportedly informed Wadson that she could not fulfil his desires since she was on her men_strual cycle, a development which did not go down well with him and he started assaulting her.
Prisca started screaming and the noise attracted their two daughters who rushed to the bedroom in an attempt to rescue their mother.
It is alleged that Prisca managed to escape to the kitchen, but Wadson pursued her and continued to assault her while their two daughters were trying to restrain them.
It is alleged that after all efforts to rescue their mother had hit a snag, one of the daughters, Winnet, grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her father in the abdomen and on the right shoulder.
She seriously injured him.
Wadson is now battling for his life while admitted at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, while Winnet is in police custody.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube has turned 60.
The MDC Alliance has described Professor Ncube as a veteran of the struggle for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
According to pressure group Zimbabwe United Citizens Undertaking, Professor Ncube is humble and hardworking leader.
See statement below:
“Happy 60st birthday, Vice President Welsham Ncube. A great servant leader who is not ashamed to live out his faith every day. Thank you for your hard work and leadership.
Welshman Ncube (born 7 July 1961) is a Zimbabwean lawyer, businessman and politician. He currently serves as MDC Alliance’s third Vice President.
He is a lawyer in the firm Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, where he is the senior partner at their Bulawayo offices.
He also runs a number of business ventures, including a farm in the Midlands Province.
H.B.D”
Professor Welshman Ncube MDC Alliance Vice President
By A Correspondent- Nine senior officials have died from Covid-19 in Namibia over the last 10 days as the southern African country faces one of the world’s highest infection rates, driven by the arrival of the delta variant.
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula said on Monday that the variant was detected in “17 out of 28 samples” as the virus mutation which first emerged in India rips through parts of Eastern and Southern Africa.
“This is the first report on the detection of the delta variant in Namibia,” the ministry said.
Two senior politicians from Namibia’s ruling party, SWAPO, succumbed to the virus over the weekend, adding to a long list of high-profile fatalities including generals, professors and ministers. Zedekia Ngavirue, Namibia’s chief negotiator with Germany over reparations for the genocide against the Herero and Nama people in the early 19th century, passed away in June.
Namibia recorded 4,795 coronavirus cases per million people last week, the highest rate in the world over that period. Registering more than 1,000 new cases each day, Namibia’s third wave is far more devastating than its second in December where daily cases were less than 500. The influx of cases has quickly overwhelmed hospitals and mortuaries in the capital city of Windhoek.
Compared to neighbouring South Africa, the worst affected African country since the beginning of the pandemic, Namibia initially had low levels of transmission and less than 1,000 deaths. However, the government has been criticised for allowing tourists to return to the popular holiday destination too quickly.
Six elderly tourists visiting Namibia on a tour bus from South Africa died in June after 37 out of the 40 travellers tested positive for Covid-19. According to local reports, the owner of the tour company, who was travelling on the bus, had to be lifted to South Africa from Namibia where he later died of the disease.
The sudden spike in cases is similar to a delta-fuelled third wave that is threatening to overwhelm fragile health systems in nearby southern African countries including South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique. Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, warned on Tuesday that Africa is facing a “perfect storm” as cases surge by almost 2,000 per cent in some parts of the continent.
President Hage Geingob, who contracted Covid-19 in May, introduced a raft of stricter coronavirus measures last month to stop the spread of the deadly virus. This included a two-week lockdown, restricted entry into Windhoek, the suspension of schools and colleges and a 10-person limit on gatherings.
One of the major concerns in Namibia and throughout the rest of Africa is the poor vaccine rollout. To date, the country of 2.5 million people has only administered around 150,000 vaccine doses.
By A Correspondent- A serving soldier has been arrested for armed robbery and supplying ammunition to fellow robbers.
Zvidozvashe Dzuda (35), a Zimbabwe National Army ordinance directorate section member, yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with armed robbery.
He was remanded in custody to July 15.
Dzuda was among the armed robbers who exchanged gunshots with police resulting in the death of two and the arrest of four of them at the weekend.
The gang is accused of attacking several people and institutions, stealing items valued at US$500 000, including robbing Gateway School where they got away with US$250 000.
Dzuda and his accomplices also face more than eight counts of armed robbery charges.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has said Zimbabweans are suffering as a result of rampant corruption and disastrous economic policies.
Commenting on the looting of State resources by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy, Kuda Tagwirei, Advocate Mahere described the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as useless.
Advocate Mahere said the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission should be disbanded with immediate effect.
“Corruption is killing us. Kuda Tagwirei is at the centre of it.Kuda Tagwirei must be arrested.
ZACC is captured and therefore it must be disbanded.
Zimbabwe is not poor but poorly managed…
Elite state capture has brought Zimbabwe to its knees!!
The people’s government led by President Nelson Chamisa will effectively deal with corruption and do away with State capture in line with the People’s Agenda,” argued Advocate.
By A Correspondent- A truck driver, Aleck Chivanga, who is employed by Creadlyne Transport (Pvt) Ltd, has been slapped with a US$80 000 lawsuit after he allegedly caused a fire which engulfed RAM service station in Ruwa last year.
The fire also burnt to ashes a motor spares shop owned by Joyce Kanhukamwe, who is the complainant in the matter.
She is now demanding US$80 000 from Chivanga and his employer for the damage caused by the fire.
Kanhukamwe submitted that she had tried to engage the defendants to no avail, leaving her with no option than take the matter to court.
The fire incident is said to have occurred on November 5, 2020 when Chivanga was offloading fuel at RAM service station.
Kanhukamwe alleged that Chivanga failed to adhere to all safety protocols while offloading the fuel, resulting in the explosion.
The World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria signed a cooperation and financing agreement to implement 10 strategic initiatives to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics and strengthen systems for health. This new agreement, which will cover the 2021-2023 implementation period, aims to address some of the persistent challenges that impede progress against the three diseases and protect hard-won gains from new pandemics like COVID-19.
In 2019, a total of 1.4 million people died from tuberculosis and an estimated 409,000 people died from malaria. In 2020, 690,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Through the new agreement, the strategic initiatives seek to:
Expand TB preventive treatment for people living with HIV in 9 countries across Africa; Strengthen efforts to provide differentiated HIV service delivery; Accelerate efforts to find people with TB missed by health systems in 20 countries; Accelerate introduction of innovation for multi-drug resistant TB treatment through regional operational research in Eastern and Central Europe; Support 26 countries and territories to eliminate malaria by 2025; Improve country data collection and use to develop evidence-informed policy; Foster the rapid uptake of service delivery innovations with South to South Learning; Improve quality of care; Encourage rapid uptake of procurement and supply chain management innovation; and Increase program sustainability, facilitate the transition to domestic financing and improve program efficiency.
WHO and the Global Fund have a long and successful partnership working together to scale up HIV, TB and malaria interventions and strengthen health systems in many countries. Through focused efforts and catalytic investments, this collaboration has contributed to significantly reduce the disease burdens of HIV, TB and malaria worldwide, saving millions of lives since 2002.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, reinforces the need to strengthen our partnership to achieve our shared goals of ending the epidemics,” said Dr Mubashar Sheikh, Director, Deputy Director-General’s Office, WHO. “This agreement supports countries to develop more effective responses to the HIV, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics and build the resilient health systems they need to reach the most vulnerable.”
“Together, WHO and the Global Fund have proven to be a powerful force that builds on strong in-country support and regional presence, technical leadership and financial resources to strengthen systems for health and accelerate the end of AIDS, TB and malaria as epidemics,” said Michael Byrne, Head of Technical Advice and Partnerships at the Global Fund.
Source: World Health Organization
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Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has said Zimbabweans are suffering as a result of rampant corruption and disastrous economic policies.
Commenting on the looting of State resources by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy, Kuda Tagwirei, Advocate Mahere described the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as useless.
Advocate Mahere said the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission should be disbanded with immediate effect.
“Corruption is killing us. Kuda Tagwirei is at the centre of it.Kuda Tagwirei must be arrested.
ZACC is captured and therefore it must be disbanded.
Zimbabwe is not poor but poorly managed…
Elite state capture has brought Zimbabwe to its knees!!
The people’s government led by President Nelson Chamisa will effectively deal with corruption and do away with State capture in line with the People’s Agenda,” argued Advocate.
A Summerton Farm woman has died after she collapsed in a toilet at Landmark Bar in Masvingo City.
The cause of death could not be immediately establish the cause of death. The scene is set to be fumigated.
The woman who is yet to be identified collapsed at around 8:45am.
A second person collapsed and died in Masvingo in Mucheke D barely minutes after the death of the woman who collapsed at Landmark
Health officials who collected the bodies said that they are taking serious precautionary measures including suspecting Covid-19 as the cause of the deaths.- Masvingo Mirror https://masvingomirror.com
The Landmark Bar in Masvingo City-photo credit Masvingo Mirror
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube has turned 60.
The MDC Alliance has described Professor Ncube as a veteran of the struggle for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
According to pressure group Zimbabwe United Citizens Undertaking, Professor Ncube is humble and hardworking leader.
See statement below:
“Happy 60st birthday, Vice President Welsham Ncube. A great servant leader who is not ashamed to live out his faith every day. Thank you for your hard work and leadership.
Welshman Ncube (born 7 July 1961) is a Zimbabwean lawyer, businessman and politician. He currently serves as MDC Alliance’s third Vice President.
He is a lawyer in the firm Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, where he is the senior partner at their Bulawayo offices.
He also runs a number of business ventures, including a farm in the Midlands Province.
H.B.D”
Professor Welshman Ncube MDC Alliance Vice President
By A Correspondent- A Harare man, who allegedly swindled a local investor of US$53 000 and implicated President Emmerson Mnangangwa’s son, Collins, has been granted $10 000 bail.
Sean Chiriseri (33), who appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi, was ordered to report twice every week at Marlborough Police Station and not to interfere with witnesses.
According to the State papers, sometime in May this year, Chiriseri approached the complainant with a business proposal to do a joint venture in the fuel industry.
The proposals were that Chiriseri would provide the site and Hairwadzi would provide the fuel.
The joint venture would come up with start-up fees for the site to be Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority compliant.
It is alleged Chiriseri then misrepresented to Hairwadzi that he had money in his nostro account, but could not use it since these transactions needed cash.
The State alleges Hairwadzi availed cash US$53 490 to Chiriseri, who, in turn, furnished him with documents where he purported to have effected the transfer of funds from his nostro account to Hairwadzi’s account.
Hairwadzi later realised that the proof of payment was fraudulent.
A follow-up on Chiriseri did not yield anything as he started to threaten the complainant saying he had been sent by Collins to take him out of business.
The complainant filed a report with the police, leading to Chiriseri’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- The majority of Zimbabweans are unhappy with the decline in their well-being under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration and are unlikely to retain him for a second term in the 2023 elections, a local non-governmental organisation has claimed in a report.
In its latest report on organised violence and torture (OVT) and elections in Zimbabwe, the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) also said the military should be confined to the barracks ahead of the elections while government officials should not fan hate speech to avoid a bloodbath.
Zimbabwe goes for elections in 2023 amid concerns of growing poverty, unemployment, cash shortages among other problems.
“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis, the general populace has seen a significant decline in their well-being, a condition for which they may well hold the current government responsible, and likely to support it again in a poll,” RAU said.
“These are the conditions that increase the probability of the return of OVT, a probability reflected in the warlike rhetoric of Zanu-PF supporters. Hence, we make a number of recommendations.”
The report noted that Mnangagwa “scrapped through” a narrow victory in 2018, the ruling party would likely stop at nothing to win the 2023 elections, raising the possibility of violence.
“As we have pointed out, OVT can reach the threshold of crimes against humanity, and it is evident that OVT reaches this threshold when the probability of the ruling party losing political power is very high, especially over the hold on the presidency,”the report read.
“It is critical that the pre-election period before 2023 is characterised by a total absence of hate speech, especially by members of the government, and that all persons making such statements are charged under sections 37(1)(c) and 42(2) of the Criminal Code.
“There must be no deployment of members of the ZNA [Zimbabwe National Army] into the civilian space outside of conditions that approximate a state of public emergency, as indicated in section 113 of the Constitution, and, if deployed, the provisions of section 214 of the Constitution be strictly adhered to, with full public disclosure.”
The report said a recent study looking at violence in several Sadc countries governed by former liberation movements showed that Zimbabwe was the most violent.
The violence was significantly related to elections.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo, however, dismissed claims that his party was failing to address the plight of the people, saying anyone saying that was not following developments on the ground.
“I am not sure what they are talking about,” Khaya Moyo said.
“They are not following the implementation of our manifesto. There are lots of projects and programmes that have been implemented.
“We are not in 2023, we are only in 2021 and the assessment can only be done before the end of the next election. Why do they throw away the two years remaining? You can’t conclude when we have two more years to go.”
A report by the Mass Public Opinion Institute last week gave Mnangagwa a 33% lead in the 2023 polls ahead of the MDC Alliance’s 25%, but pointed out that Zimbabweans were not happy with the direction the country was taking under Mnangagwa.
A group of mostly elderly mourners on their way to a funeral were aboard the Toyota Granvia that collided head-on with a Toyota Wish, killing 20 people on Monday along the Masvingo-Zvishavane highway.
The Toyota Granvia was heading west towards Zvishavane while the Toyota Wish was going east towards Masvingo when the Granvia burst a tyre and encroached into the opposite lane colliding with the oncoming Toyota Wish.
Police were by yesterday still unable to tell the exact number of passengers and crew in the two vehicles.
As police started going through the wreckage they recovered a burial order in the Granvia issued at the Gwanda District Registry on Sunday for Loice Zvidzai of Old Police Camp in Gwanda.
Police could only confirm that the Granvia was on its way to a funeral and while it was possible this was that for Ms Zvidzai, police had no confirmation of whose funeral the mourners were travelling to. Police commanders from Masvingo led by Assistant Commissioners Florence Marume and Fredrick Mbemgwa were at the crash site yesterday as their teams continued recovering the remains and the wreckage.
Villagers from Jodias and others in the area who spoke at the crash scene said the Toyota Wish was notorious for speeding along the Masvingo-Zvishavane road, and was a well-known presumed pirate taxi on the route.
Among the dead in the Wish was a police officer based at Buchwa Police Station, Lincoln Muungani (28), the only son in his family.
His father and sister were at the scene yesterday afternoon, struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.
Jeffrey Paringira (33) of Jodias Village in Madamombe, who was the first to arrive with his brother Simbarashe Kuzipa, said they started running to the highway when they heard two loud bangs.
“It was around 3.30 pm when we heard two loud bangs and when we rushed to the road to investigate, we discovered there was an accident involving two vehicles: a Granvia, which had passengers who appeared to be elderly people said to be going to a funeral, and a Toyota Wish that was going towards Masvingo.
“We tried to rescue some of the passengers, but we failed to pull apart the vehicles and we had to rush back home to look for an iron bar that we used to rescue some of the people who were still breathing.”
Paringira said within a few minutes more vehicles had stopped and drivers started helping.
“We noticed that most people had already died in the two cars, but we managed to pull out a police officer (Lincoln Muungani) from the Toyota Wish and he was still breathing though faintly.”
Lincoln, unfortunately, died at Zvishavane District Hospital around 6pm on the same day.
Another villager among the first to arrive at the accident, William Matangamberi, said he had never seen anything like that in his life.
“We noticed that the Granvia had burst one of its tyres and the driver lost control of the vehicle and encroached to the opposite lane where the Toyota Wish was coming,” he said.
Lincoln’s father, Mr Xavier Muungani (64) of Bulawayo, came with one of Lincoln’s sisters, Ms Noreen Willie and other relatives.
“I received the message of my only son’s passing on around 8pm and by then it was already late so we decided to travel to Zvishavane mortuary today to collect his body. I checked his body. It was badly injured and covered in blood.
“It seemed the impact of the crash was too much because the body had deep cuts while some of the ribs were broken. My son surely died a very painful death and I am devastated,” said Mr Muungani.
Speaking after visiting the crash site with senior police commanders, provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said senior police also wanted to have a first hand appreciation of the crash site as part of ongoing investigations.
“Police commanders decided to visit the crash site so that we can see for ourselves the situation on the ground and this is part of investigations which are ongoing. At the moment we only know that the Toyota Granvia burst one of its tyres but investigations are continuing,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Environment Africa has taken it’s former finance and administration manager to court after he allegedly transferred the organisation’s funds amounting US$65 385 to his personal account and squandering it.
Shaibi Million was employed by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) until April 2021 when the scam was unearthed.
The nonprofit making organisation is demanding the misappropriated funds, interest on the amount as well as costs of the law suit.
According to summons filed with the High Court, Million committed the alleged offence between November 21 and February 3 this year.
“He unlawfully and wrongfully transferred US$59 585 from Environment Africa’s Nostro Account held with First Capital Bank to his account also held with the same bank. These transfers were not authorised by the plaintiff and none of the transferred amounts have been recovered,” reads the summons.
“Further around December 2020, he wrongfully and intentionally misappropriated US$5 800 which was meant for the purchase of solar system for the plaintiff but was unlawfully and without authorisation converted by Million to his own use.”
The court has been told that despite demand, Million has refused to pay back the money prompting the current court action.
By A Correspondent| A group of individuals has targeted to blackmail the Deputy Minister of Youths, Sports, Arts and Recreation Tinomuda Machakaire.
These individuals are using several methods that include fabrication of unfounded allegations.
A source from the Ministry of Youth Sports Arts and Recreation confirmed the plot saying these individuals are targeting his political career ahead of 2023 elections.
“Several stories are just coming to him, they are all lies by certain individuals some are even using some section of the media but he will definitely work on it and make sure the culprits are brought to book,” said the source.
Recently, Machakaire lost huge sums of money after his bank accounts were hacked and used to transfer money to different accounts.
The hackers allegedly used Machakaire’s mobile number to send instructions to his company, Tinmac Motors, to make payments to accounts in South Africa at different intervals.
They also reportedly instructed some drivers of the Machakaire’s fleet of trucks to take up commercial loads to various destinations around the country.
By A Correspondent| Africa takes pride when a son or daughter of the soil flourish within and beyond the continent. Of late, successful entrepreneurs especially those who have invested in their countries have been making the headlines even competing with the world’s business giants, the likes of Bill Gates.
We exalt our own business tycoons, like Strive Masiiwa, Aliko Dangote, Patric Motsepe, Billy Rautenbach only to mention a few.
Since time immemorial, Africans have not been noticed in the business world, it has always been the Americans and Europeans who scrambled to do business in Africa.
They have been milking Africa of its natural resources to accumulate wealth for their own gain, the idea that we are now using our our resources for ourselves is not sitting well with them.
It is daunting how America feels threatened by Africans who have made a name for themselves to an extent of setting up a Investigations Unit specifically designed for African successful businesspeople.
Inorder to protect their supremacy and neo-colonialism agenda, the Americans have poured in a lot of money to willing media organisations and individuals who have decided to prostitute their profession to spread the American propaganda.
It is unfortunate for Kuda Tagwirei who has recently been subjected to ridicule due to a malicious report published by the so called Sentry (an American Investigations Unit). Just like his private life Tagwirei has kept his business empire away from the public eye.
Those Europeans and Americans have plundered African resources without doing anything for Africans or rather without any meaningful development in the respective countries where they extract their resources from. Despite the vilification by the West and even being put under punitive sanctions by the US, Tagwirei just like other indigenous black businesspeople has never stopped giving back to their communities. In this case, he has invested in Arundel Hospital which has 32 beds, Parirenyatwa Hospital Covid Centre with 60 beds, UBH Covid Centre with 40 beds. In all these hospitals people are being admitted and treated for free. His donations in the health sector is unmatched having parted with millions of US dollars especially during this Covid 19 period.
The Sentry is a cover for an operation aimed at discrediting every successful businessperson in Africa so that they reclaim the reigns of production and trade in Africa.
A Chikurubi Maximum Prison security driver Sergeant Sekai, was arrested by ZPS police on allegations of diverting one tonne of soya beans for his own use.
The soya beans was meant for prisoner’s rations.
According to a Chikurubi maximum prison source, Sekai is expected to appear before a disciplinary court once investigations are completed.
By A Correspondent| Popular comedienne Madam Boss, real name Tarisai Chikocho has become the first person in the creative sector to breach the one million followers mark.
Madam Boss who is into social media skits and acting beats the likes of Mai Titi, Anna ‘Chibaby’ Honde and many others who still haven’t reached the feat she achieved early this week.
Breaking the news on her Facebook page, the ecstatic Madam Boss said;
“We did it Fam ????? Raive Dofo kuchikoro rakauya haro rakaita Number 1 pa Social media.. Thank you MadamBoss fans I love you all.”
Her fans took turns to congratulate her for such a feat.
Madam Boss who is married to Ngoni Munetsiwa started off as a gospel musician before dumping guitars and drums for the camera resulting in her fortunes rising exponentially.
She has recently grabbed headlines in the region after she featured in a Nigerian movie, rubbing shoulders with celebrated Nollywood actors like Ngozi Ezeonu among others.
She followed that up with another appearance in a South Africa drama which is yet to be released.
By A Correspondent- A group of family members mostly elderly mourners who were on their way to a funeral were part of the people who perished when a Toyota Granvia collided head-on with a Toyota Wishon Monday along the Masvingo-Zvishavane highway.
The road accident claimed a total number of 20 people.
The Toyota Granvia was heading west towards Zvishavane while the Toyota Wish was going east towards Masvingo when the Granvia burst a tyre and encroached into the opposite lane colliding with the oncoming Toyota Wish.
Police were by yesterday still unable to tell the exact number of passengers and crew in the two vehicles.
As police started going through the wreckage they recovered a burial order in the Granvia issued at the Gwanda District Registry on Sunday for Loice Zvidzai of Old Police Camp in Gwanda.
Police could only confirm that the Granvia was on its way to a funeral and while it was possible this was that for Ms Zvidzai, police had no confirmation of whose funeral the mourners were travelling to.
Police commanders from Masvingo led by Assistant Commissioners Florence Marume and Fredrick Mbemgwa were at the crash site yesterday as their teams continued recovering the remains and the wreckage.
The burial order for Loice Zvidzai of ZRP Old Camp in Gwanda Villagers from Jodias and others in the area who spoke at the crash scene said the Toyota Wish was notorious for speeding along the Masvingo-Zvishavane road, and was a well-known presumed pirate taxi on the route.
Among the dead in the Wish was a police officer based at Buchwa Police Station, Lincoln Muungani (28), the only son in his family.
His father and sister were at the scene yesterday afternoon, struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.
Jeffrey Paringira (33) of Jodias Village in Madamombe, who was the first to arrive with his brother Simbarashe Kuzipa, said they started running to the highway when they heard two loud bangs.
“It was around 3.30pm when we heard two loud bangs and when we rushed to the road to investigate, we discovered there was an accident involving two vehicles: a Granvia, which had passengers who appeared to be elderly people said to be going to a funeral, and a Toyota Wish that was going towards Masvingo.
“We tried to rescue some of the passengers, but we failed to pull apart the vehicles and we had to rush back home to look for an iron bar that we used to rescue some of the people who were still breathing.” Paringira said within a few minutes more vehicles had stopped and drivers started helping.
“We noticed that most people had already died in the two cars, but we managed to pull out a police officer (Lincoln Muungani) from the Toyota Wish and he was still breathing though faintly.”
Lincoln, unfortunately, died at Zvishavane District Hospital around 6pm on the same day.
Another villager among the first to arrive at the accident, William Matangamberi, said he had never seen anything like that in his life.
“We noticed that the Granvia had burst one of its tyres and the driver lost control of the vehicle and encroached to the opposite lane where the Toyota Wish was coming,” he said.
Lincoln’s father, Mr Xavier Muungani (64) of Bulawayo, came with one of Lincoln’s sisters, Ms Noreen Willie and other relatives.
“I received the message of my only son’s passing on around 8pm and by then it was already late so we decided to travel to Zvishavane mortuary today to collect his body. I checked his body. It was badly injured and covered in blood.
“It seemed the impact of the crash was too much because the body had deep cuts while some of the ribs were broken. My son surely died a very painful death and I am devastated,” said Mr Muungani.
Speaking after visiting the crash site with senior police commanders, provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said senior police also wanted to have a first-hand appreciation of the crash site as part of ongoing investigations.
“Police commanders decided to visit the crash site so that we can see for ourselves the situation on the ground and this is part of investigations which are ongoing. At the moment we only know that the Toyota Granvia burst one of its tyres but investigations are continuing,” said Inspector Dhewa.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday waded into the long-drawn Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zpra) property debate, challenging the Zanu PF administration to respect the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo’s legacy by returning the several properties seized from his PF-Zapu party at the height of the Gukurahundi era.
The issue of Zpra properties has been a subject of anger following government’s takeover of the assets which were bought by ex-combatants after the liberation war that ended in 1980. “July is a special month as we remember Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo for the heroic contribution to the liberation struggle,” Chamisa said in a statement yesterday. “The best way to honour Nkomo’s legacy is for government to immediately return all Zpra properties and all such properties that belonged to Nkomo.” Nkomo, who led PF-Zapu until the signing of the Unity Acccord with Zanu PF in November 1987, when he was appointed Vice-President, died on July 1, 1999 and was declared a national hero. But his followers, some of whom later broke ranks with Zanu PF to revive Zapu, are bitter that government has not honoured its pledge to return the seized properties which include farms, fuel stations and commercial buildings. They accuse top Zanu PF officials of sharing the properties among themselves while ex-Zpra combatants continue to wallow in abject poverty. The properties include those owned by Nitram (Pvt) Ltd, a holding company formed by Zpra ex-freedom fighters from their demobilisation payments. One of the properties in Bulawayo, Magnet House, now houses the spy agency Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). However, government argued that the properties were seized following alleged discovery of arms caches at some of the Zapu party farms.
By A Correspondent- There are fears of the return of soldiers on roadblocks as the government last night reintroduced exemption letters that were used during the first lockdown in 2020 for those employed in critical sectors of the economy.
Speaking in a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday evening, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said businesses that violate the restrictions will face stiffer penalties including the withdrawal of business operating licences. She said: The nation is advised that the exemption mechanisms which were used during the first lockdown in 2020 will be reactivated with immediate effect. Given the above challenges, Cabinet has directed that the Treasury urgently releases the first tranche of $368.2 million it had committed to funding the enforcement of Level 4 lockdown measures. This will reinforce the current efforts of containing the spread of COVID-19. Stiffer penalties will be imposed for violations of COVID-19 restrictions, including the withdrawal of business operating licences. As you might be aware, the entire country is now under Level 4 lockdown, following the surge in COVID-19 cases. It is however not clear who will be responsible for issuing the exemption letters and how essential service workers will travel before they acquire the documents.
By a Correspondent- A Masvingo family has lost US$21 000 cash and four Samsung cellphones to a machete-wielding gang.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, cops in the town are investigating a robbery case that occurred at Runyararo South West, Masvingo at the weekend at around 0200hours where a family was attacked by five unknown suspects armed with machetes.
The police said the assailants, severely assaulted the owner of the house and stole the money and the gadgets.
1/2 The ZRP is investigating a robbery case which occurred at Runyararo South West, Masvingo on 03/07/21 at around 0200hours where a family was attacked by five unknown suspects armed with machetes.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 6, 2021
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors begin their hunt for the record seventh Cosafa Cup title this afternoon when they take on Mozambique in Port Elizabeth.
The match gets underway at midday at the Wolfson Stadium.
Following a late change to the Cosafa Cup fixtures, the Warriors’ battle against the Mambas, has been brought forward to today.
The match had originally been scheduled for tomorrow.
The Group C matches had to be moved to today after the organisers were forced to dissolve Group B, which was left with two countries – Zambia and Mozambique.
This followed the withdrawal of Indian Ocean islanders, Comoros and Madagascar.
Cosafa conducted a fresh draw, placing Zambia in Group A, while Mozambique were put in Group C, which also have Senegal and Namibia. Senegal and Namibia meet at 3pm.
Warriors coach, Zdravko Logarusic, is expected to join the team this morning.
He left Zimbabwe yesterday at 6 pm after he was finally granted a visa to enter South Africa.
Loga was detained at OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, on Monday morning due to visa issues.
Assistant coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, conducted the team’s training session yesterday afternoon.
Since the tournament’s inception in 1997, Zimbabwe have met against Mozambique four times.
The Warriors have never lost a match to their eastern neighbours.
Zimbabwe have managed three victories, and drawn once, in matches against the Mambas.
In these encounters, the Warriors have scored nine goals, and conceded none.
But, with a number of players set for their debut appearances, after Loga chose to overlook many of the regular players, the team’s technical department have not been talking about chasing for another regional title.
The Warriors squad has also been hit by a number of withdrawals.
Evans Rusike, Kelvin Moyo, Godknows Murwira, Perfect Chikwende, Knox Mutizwa and Germany-based Jonah Fabisch, were all part of the initial training squad, but will not feature in the tournament.- Chronicle
The majority of Zimbabweans are unhappy with the decline in their well-being under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration and are unlikely to retain him for a second term in the 2023 elections, a local non-governmental organisation has claimed in a report.
In its latest report on organised violence and torture (OVT) and elections in Zimbabwe, the Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) also said the military should be confined to the barracks ahead of the elections while government officials should not fan hate speech to avoid a bloodbath.
Zimbabwe goes for elections in 2023 amid concerns of growing poverty, unemployment, cash shortages among other problems.
“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis, the general populace has seen a significant decline in their well-being, a condition for which they may well hold the current government responsible, and likely to support it again in a poll,” RAU said.
“These are the conditions that increase the probability of the return of OVT, a probability reflected in the warlike rhetoric of Zanu PF supporters. Hence, we make a number of recommendations.”
The report noted that Mnangagwa “scrapped through” a narrow victory in 2018, the ruling party would likely stop at nothing to win the 2023 elections, raising the possibility of violence.
“As we have pointed out, OVT can reach the threshold of crimes against humanity, and it is evident that OVT reaches this threshold when the probability of the ruling party losing political power is very high, especially over the hold on the presidency,” the report read.
“It is critical that the pre-election period before 2023 is characterised by a total absence of hate speech, especially by members of the government, and that all persons making such statements are charged under sections 37(1)(c) and 42(2) of the Criminal Code.
“There must be no deployment of members of the ZNA [Zimbabwe National Army] into the civilian space outside of conditions that approximate a state of public emergency, as indicated in section 113 of the Constitution, and, if deployed, the provisions of section 214 of the Constitution be strictly adhered to, with full public disclosure.”
The report said a recent study looking at violence in several Sadc countries governed by former liberation movements showed that Zimbabwe was the most violent.
The violence was significantly related to elections.
Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo, however, dismissed claims that his party was failing to address the plight of the people, saying anyone saying that was not following developments on the ground.
“I am not sure what they are talking about,” Khaya Moyo said. “They are not following the implementation of our manifesto. There are lots of projects and programmes that have been implemented.
“We are not in 2023, we are only in 2021 and the assessment can only be done before the end of the next election. Why do they throw away the two years remaining? You can’t conclude when we have two more years to go.”
A report by the Mass Public Opinion Institute last week gave Mnangagwa a 33% lead in the 2023 polls ahead of the MDC Alliance’s 25%, but pointed out that Zimbabweans were not happy with the direction the country was taking under Mnangagwa. -Newsday
By A Correspondent- Commuters are shunning the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) buses because of exorbitant fares the public transporter is now charging.
The boycott comes after ZUPCO increased fares by 100% last week.
Commuters said they could no longer afford Zupco fares.
The government phased out private transport operators, accusing them of ripping off passengers.
A survey by Southern Eye yesterday established that the Zupco bus crews were now forced to accept half fares after commuters began shunning their buses.
Commuters opted for private transporters, which are charging between $40 and $50, while Zupco buses increased fares to $60 and $80 with effect from July 1.
“Zupco conductors are approaching us this time asking us to get into their kombis and buses at lower fares. They are facing serious resistance from commuters who are shunning their buses,” said a commuter, Nombulelo Nyoni.
Most commuters who spoke to Southern Eye said Zupco should revert to the old fares.
Zupco southern region manager Tinei Rwasoka said he was in a meeting and could not comment on the issue.
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic, who was denied entry into South Africa on Monday morning because he did not have a valid visa, is set to join the rest of the squad in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) after securing the visa on Tuesday morning.
The Croat was detained at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday morning due to visa issues.
The squad proceeded to the COSAFA Cup host city with only assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya and goalkeepers’ trainer Tembo Chuma.
Co-assistant coach, Lloyd Chitembwe didn’t travel since he’s reportedly blacklisted by South African immigration for previous transgressions.
A ZIFA source told the Chronicle that Logarusic is expected to arrive in the Eastern Cape in time for the team’s 2 pm training session. Said the source:
The visa glitch has been addressed. Coach Loga has been granted a visa and will arrive on time for the team’s 2 pm training session in Gqeberha. The good thing is that the guys will train under the coach.
Meanwhile, ZIFA on Monday blamed the travelling agent for the visa gaffe, saying they were misled into believing that the Croatian will get his visa at the point of entry.- Chronicle
South Africa-based Zimbabwean family perished in a gas explosion accident that happened on Thursday morning in Bloemfontein.
The late 49-year-old Terrence Kagande, his wife Cindy 42, children Jade, 16, and Isiah, 13, succumbed to burns and fumes when a gas heater reportedly exploded.
The Anchor reports that the late sportsman coached rugby and basketball at St Georges and St Johns Colleges before his move to South Africa.
The publication also reports that family spokesperson Gary Kagande said the family was devastated by the death of Terry, his wife and his children.
He also dismissed rumours that South African police were investigating a suspected multiple murder case. Gary Kagande said:
As much as we as a family are in shock and would want to mourn our dearly departed brother and his family peacefully. We would want to dismiss with the contempt that they deserve, the rumours that police were investigating murder cases.
According to a police report given to Cindy’s sister in Bloemfontein, Gary, a former Zimbabwe Sables rugby player, said the children were sleeping in the lounge with the heater on while their parents were in their bedroom.
The blanket they were using reportedly caught fire and melted the gas pipe from the heater leading to the explosion.
Toxic gases and smoke inhalation killed both Terry and Cindy before they could rescue their children or themselves.
Gary expressed the family’s gratitude to all people in Zimbabwe and South Africa who are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Terrence was the son of the late Herbert Kagande, who was the parish pastor at the New Apostolic Church in Hatfield and Jane Kagande, who lives in Bloemfontein, South Africa.- Pindula News
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false, social media reports claiming that police officers are blocking people without COVID-19 vaccination certificates from getting into Harare Central Business District.
ZRP national spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZimFact that the reports are false. He said:
This is false information. I answered that question to journalists yesterday.
Earlier, Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, tweeted that the roadblocks had been mounted only because intercity travel had been banned under measures that were announced on 29 June. Said Mangwana:
On reports of long queues of vehicles bottlenecked at roadblocks trying to get into Harare, Mazowe and Mutoko are cases in point.
The short response is that intercity is banned fellow citizens. Very few people who are providing an essential service should be travelling.
COVID-19 vaccination certificates are not required when entering Harare, according to the police.
However, the police are enforcing COVID-19 regulations that restrict travel between cities to only essential services.
There is no legal basis for the police to demand proof of vaccination at checkpoints.-ZimFact
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has arrested a Ministry of Industry and Commerce clerk for fraudulently issuing 350 motor vehicle licences to importers of second-hand vehicles. In a statement Zacc said Andrew Matevere has since appeared in court and was denied bail.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has arrested a Ministry of Industry and Commerce licence clerk for issuing 350 motor vehicle import licences to importers of second-hand vehicles that did not qualify under the recently gazetted SI89 of 2021.”
Zacc has since the beginning of the year arrested more than 100 people for corruption amid calls by the Commission for policy makers to expedite the enactment of the whistleblowers’ legislation following reports of victimisation of whistleblowers.
Out of 103 arrests made so far, 79 dockets have already been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution.
Zacc is targeting to submit 180 dockets to NPA this year, a 100 percent increase from the number achieved in 2020.– Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to return Dr Joshua Nkomo’s properties as a way of honouring his legacy.
According to President Chamisa, returning Dr Nkomo’s properties is the only appropriate way of paying homage to the liberation war icon.
President Chamisa also described the late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as a true champion of the liberation struggle.
“July is a special month as we remember Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo for the heroic contribution to the liberation struggle.
The best way to honor Dr Nkomo’s legacy is for the government to immediately return all ZPRA properties and all such properties that belonged to Dr Nkomo,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to return Dr Joshua Nkomo’s properties as a way of honouring his legacy.
According to President Chamisa, returning Dr Nkomo’s properties is the only appropriate way of paying homage to the liberation war icon.
President Chamisa also described the late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as a true champion of the liberation struggle.
“July is a special month as we remember Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo for the heroic contribution to the liberation struggle.
The best way to honor Dr Nkomo’s legacy is for the government to immediately return all ZPRA properties and all such properties that belonged to Dr Nkomo,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has conveyed condolences to the families of the victims of a horrific accident that occurred along Masvingo- Mbalabala road on Monday.
Twenty (20) people died in the horrific head-on collision that occurred at around 3.45 pm.
In a statement the Zimbabwe Republic Police said: “The ZRP confirms that 20 people have died when a Toyota Granvia which was travelling from Masvingo towards Zvishavane burst a tyre, veered onto the oncoming Toyota Wish’s lane which was coming from Zvishavane direction.
The vehicles had a head-on collision at the 61km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road near Chitowa Business Centre, just after Mhandamabwe. The accident occurred at 1545 hours.
Three injured victims were taken to Zvishavane District Hospital while the bodies have been taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.”
However, the MDC Alliance has accused the police of allowing overloaded vehicles to pass through roadblocks after receiving bribes.
“How do overloaded vehicles pass through roadblocks? This means the police are being given bribes and at the end of the day, we lose lives,” an MDC Alliance official said.
By Staff Reporter|The threats by the government of Zimbabwe to censor the activities of Non Governmental Organizations are totally unacceptable, a pressure group has said.
According to Citizens in Action Southern Africa, the attempt by the government to close civic space is a direct violation of United Nations position on freedom of association.
See Citizens in Action Southern Africa position paper below:
Shrinking Civic Space in Zimbabwe
Produced and Released by:
Citizens in Action in Southern Africa (CIASA) 05 July 2021
“A call for solidarity in strengthening of CSOs Operating Environment in Zimbabwe”
Since the threats to clamp down operations of CSOs by the President of Zimbabwe in his State of the Nation Address link in which he announced that “…all NGOs who do not stick to their mandates shall risk being de- registered or facing the wrath of the law”, the civic space for NGOs in Zimbabwe has evidently been shrinking.
This has since regressed democracy and independency of NGOs in performing its watchdog role especially in providing checks and balances for the three arms of the government namely the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.
As a result, the country is lacking accountable democratic institutions and show little respect for political rights, leaving the control of corruption completely up to the political will of the government which undermines any improvements in anti-corruption efforts made so far.
The recent remarks by a political leader of a political party in Zimbabwe link is signifying that NGOs in Zimbabwe are severely restricted in their ability to operate in the current political situation, putting their safety at stake.
The efforts and trajectory to strengthening civic space and championing in promoting rule of law, constitutionalism and anti-corruption in the country is now becoming a fallacy due to the threats being amplified targeting such NGOs.
On the 21st of June 2021, the Provincial Development Coordinator for Masvingo Province circulated a memorandum link, advising all CSOs and CBOs that are programming around youth issues to be cleared and granted Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture with immediate effect. Shockingly, this directive was given a timeline of only 7 working days which in our view as CIASA is an attempt by the authorities and officials to shrink CSOs operating space.
On the 30th of June 2021, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) issued a letter advising that all NGOs are now required to register with the Provincial Development Coordinator, submit their workplans and project commissioned by 9 July 2021.
There is no legal or policy provision within the current frameworks which oblige NGOs to register with the PDC offices. These developments are also coming at a time when there is ongoing review of the PVO Act which is also motivated by the intention to enact an NGO bill.
From CIASA’s contextual analysis, all these works together towards constraining the civic space. The review of the PVO Act has been motivated by various reasons chief among them being the need to include the Financial Anti-Terrorist Financing (FATF) recommendations to do with Anti- Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism.
An independent and empowered civil society is an essential component and ingredient of a healthy country conducive for growth, development and prosperity. Civil society Organizations (CSOs) help and support citizens, ensuring their voices are heard. They can advise policy makers, assist in legislative drafting and in general support authorities in decision making, thus ensuring that policies respond to citizens’ needs.
They also have an important role to play in monitoring governments’ and parliaments’ activities, holding them accountable for their actions, especially when these infringe on people’s rights. CSOs are vital vehicles for active citizenship; legal, financial and policy frameworks need to be in place so that they can operate freely and sustainably.
If the space for civil society and youth organizations is shrinking, the consequences for democratic societies could be considered an impediment to the exercise of citizens’ rights to freedom of association and expression, and therefore a serious threat to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)’s Article 13 requires that each government promotes the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non- governmental organizations and community-based organizations, in the prevention of and the fight against corruption. Civic space is therefore fundamental in upholding democracy and freedom of expressions as a key human right. When civic space is safeguarded, citizens and CSOs can organize, participate and communicate without hindrance, and without fear of retaliation.In doing so, they can exercise their rights and determine the political, economic and social structures around them. However, this is only possible when the government respect and facilitate the fundamental rights of its citizens to associate, assemble peacefully, and freely express views and opinions, in the physical as well as the digital world.
Civic spaces thus become crucial in fighting corruption and promoting transparent and accountable societies. The continuous lack of an enabling environment is a cause for concern to CIASA and the entire CSOs fraternity hence the calls for strengthening the space for civil society actions and contributions towards sustained, equitable and inclusive growth of the country at large without leaving anyone behind. If the government continue to corrode civic spaces for citizen and CSO engagement, this will result in opacity and a lack of accountability in governance. It is also a cause for concern that criminal justice systems are being used as a tool of repression, with human rights defenders facing charges of propaganda against the state whereas journalists reporting on impunity are harassed and unjustifiably arrested. CIASA is therefore calling the government of Zimbabwe to: a) Allow citizens and non-state actors to monitor and hold the government accountable without fear of retaliation.
b) Foster an enabling environment for active civil society and citizens’ participation in the development discourse of the country at all levels.
c) Engage objectively and constructively with civil society on national planning processes, national dialogue processes and CSOs operating space and parameters. d) Ensure that the GoZ relations with CSOs are strengthened, regulated and safeguarded to enhance the civic space for civil society across the country. END://
The World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria signed a cooperation and financing agreement to implement 10 strategic initiatives to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics and strengthen systems for health. This new agreement, which will cover the 2021-2023 implementation period, aims to address some of the persistent challenges that impede progress against the three diseases and protect hard-won gains from new pandemics like COVID-19.
In 2019, a total of 1.4 million people died from tuberculosis and an estimated 409,000 people died from malaria. In 2020, 690,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Through the new agreement, the strategic initiatives seek to:
Expand TB preventive treatment for people living with HIV in 9 countries across Africa; Strengthen efforts to provide differentiated HIV service delivery; Accelerate efforts to find people with TB missed by health systems in 20 countries; Accelerate introduction of innovation for multi-drug resistant TB treatment through regional operational research in Eastern and Central Europe; Support 26 countries and territories to eliminate malaria by 2025; Improve country data collection and use to develop evidence-informed policy; Foster the rapid uptake of service delivery innovations with South to South Learning; Improve quality of care; Encourage rapid uptake of procurement and supply chain management innovation; and Increase program sustainability, facilitate the transition to domestic financing and improve program efficiency.
WHO and the Global Fund have a long and successful partnership working together to scale up HIV, TB and malaria interventions and strengthen health systems in many countries. Through focused efforts and catalytic investments, this collaboration has contributed to significantly reduce the disease burdens of HIV, TB and malaria worldwide, saving millions of lives since 2002.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, reinforces the need to strengthen our partnership to achieve our shared goals of ending the epidemics,” said Dr Mubashar Sheikh, Director, Deputy Director-General’s Office, WHO. “This agreement supports countries to develop more effective responses to the HIV, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics and build the resilient health systems they need to reach the most vulnerable.”
“Together, WHO and the Global Fund have proven to be a powerful force that builds on strong in-country support and regional presence, technical leadership and financial resources to strengthen systems for health and accelerate the end of AIDS, TB and malaria as epidemics,” said Michael Byrne, Head of Technical Advice and Partnerships at the Global Fund.
Source: World Health Organization
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Tinashe Sambiri|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy, Kuda Tagwirei is involved in several underhand deals that are siphoning State resources at an alarming pace.
This was revealed by The Sentry, an investigative and policy team that follows the dirty money connected to African war criminals and transnational war profiteers.
See part of the The Sentry report on Tagwirei’s shadowy business deals.
Shadows and Shell Games
Uncovering an Offshore Business Empire in Zimbabwe
Set well back from the public road at the end of a long driveway lined with palm trees is an extravagant new mansion, being built by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a Zimbabwean businessman and presidential advisor accused of corruption.
Much like this Harare residence, Tagwirei’s business empire of more than 40 companies has mostly been hidden from the public eye.
By analyzing hundreds of company documents, court filings, and communications, The Sentry’s investigation shows how Tagwirei used complex corporate structures to build and hide his wealth, potentially benefiting from preferential government treatment along the way.
Tagwirei has invested in gold, nickel, platinum, and chrome mines by hiding behind South African businesspeople and offshore structures in Mauritius and the Cayman Islands and by using lawyers and financiers who are seemingly happy to turn a blind eye to accusations of cronyism and corruption.
New documents uncovered by The Sentry also show how Tagwirei has used similar networks to hide his financial interests in Zimbabwe’s new public-private partnership mining company, Kuvimba Mining House, with Zimbabwe’s Finance Ministry reportedly collaborating to deflect public scrutiny from these arrangements.3
In 2019, Tagwirei paid millions of dollars to a Zimbabwean military-owned company so that Landela Mining Ventures, a company he controlled, could purchase 50% of Great Dyke Investments (GDI), a platinum mine worth hundreds of millions and run as a joint venture with a Russian firm. The payment raises fears about off-budget financing of Zimbabwe’s abusive and partisan military.
An examination of Tagwirei’s business track record reveals a pattern of accusations of privileged access and special treatment, some of which may warrant further investigation by regulators and law enforcement.4 On January 27, 2021, over a year after Landela Mining Ventures had bought half of the platinum mine, Zimbabwe granted GDI a five-year corporate income tax holiday and exempted its shareholders resident in Zimbabwe from resident shareholders’ taxes on GDI dividends—retroactively applied to January 1, 2020.5 6 Auditors investigating corruption red flags in a 2016 $630 million diesel generating plant contract found that the Office of the President had improperly interfered with the procurement process, ordering officials to evaluate Tagwirei’s sole bid outside the standard process.7 Other decisions worthy of further investigation include allegations of preferential access to hard currency and the appointment of Tagwirei’s oil trading company, without a tendering process, to run a $1 billion dollar agriculture project.8
In addition to alleged business dealings with the Zimbabwean military, Tagwirei appears to have the ability to contact senior civilian officials in Zimbabwe at short notice, particularly at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
Such high-level access, together with the pattern of previous decisions, raises the possibility of state capture, when the public realm—particularly regulatory, legal, and public policy decision-making—has been influenced to benefit private interests. Senior officials at Tagwirei’s companies have denied state capture.9
The operations of Tagwirei’s network are emblematic of larger structural problems in Zimbabwe. A select group of politicians, the military, and businesspeople dominate government decision-making with little oversight or scrutiny. Key information about public finances remains shrouded in secrecy.
An environment of impunity prevails. Left unaddressed, these dynamics will likely become further entrenched
By A Correspondent- Five family members died in the Masvingo horror road accident that claimed 21 people died yesterday.
The accident happened after a Zvishavane-bound Toyota Granvia burst a tyre and veered into the opposite lane where it collided with a Toyota Wish that was heading towards Masvingo resulting in the death of 18 people on the spot and three in hospital.
By A Correspondent- A sombre atmosphere today engulfed the scene of the Masvingo horror road accident scene where 21 people died yesterday when relatives of the deceased collected the bodies of their beloved ones.
Police commanders in Masvingo province visited the site and vowed to ruthlessly clampdown on pirate taxis and road unworthy vehicles together with lockdown violators.
A Zvishavane-bound Toyota Granvia burst a tyre and veered into the opposite lane where it collided with a Toyota Wish that was heading towards Masvingo resulting in the death of 18 people on the spot and three in hospital.
Assistant Commissioners Florence Marume and Fredrick Mbengwa today visited the crash site as part of ongoing police investigations to establish the actual circumstances behind the carnage.
The two senior Masvingo police commanders who were accompanied by provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa also took time to talk to some of the eyewitnesses and relatives of the deceased who were at the scene trying to come to terms with the horror crash.
Speaking at the scene, Inspector Dhewa said police were on an all-out war against unregistered pirate taxis and lockdown violators.
He warned pirate taxis violating lockdown rules and circumventing police checkpoints by using bushy roads that their time was up.
Inspector Dhewa said investigations were still underway to establish the cause of the crash.
He disclosed that the death toll had risen to 21 with only one survivor battling for life at Zvishavane District Hospital.
By A Correspondent- Bogus estate agents in Bulawayo have auctioned the Minister of Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Judith Ncube.
Minister Ncube told the state media that she was visited by people who had been sold her house by bogus estate agents.
“I once found six cars parked outside my house and the owners said they had been informed by an estate agent that my house was for sale, which was false.
” I implore members of the public to be careful about what they believe and who they pay for services. Let’s not get carried away by what we see on social media platforms but rather let’s stick to credible sources and platforms,” she said.
Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe (EACZ) chairman Mr Nicodimus Kuipa said the industry has been battling for some time now with bogus operators who call themselves accommodation agents and fleece members of the public.
He urged the public to keep a lookout for rogue elements and report them to authorities.
“The advent of social media though good, has come with its own challenges as anyone can advertise and market products and services without complying with professional registration requirements. Estate agents can advertise on any forum but need to be registered with the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe as long as they are marketing properties belonging to third parties. The law allows anyone to sell or lease out their own properties but this service is restricted to estate agents once it involves third parties.
“In general, properly trained and registered estate agents do not run accounts where people are invited to register and pay money for service to do with finding accommodation to buy or rent as agents are in most cases paid for such services by the property owners who mandate them. Our industry has battled for some time now with bogus agents who are not registered with EACZ,” he said.
“Prospective tenants must not be charged anything as the agent receives payment from the lessor who mandates the agent with the instruction. The fees which agents charge for the various services they offer are legislated and guided by Statutory Instrument 89/2016 – Estate Agents (Professional Conduct) (Amendment) Rules.”
Mr Kuipa said it was important for the public to only deal with registered agents.
He said bogus agents can be easily identified as they do not have a current year compensation fund certificate (which should be displayed in the front office).
By A Correspondent- The government has committed economic suicide by printing new notes.
The printing of new notes has previously during the former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, Gideon Gono, era resulting in the soaring of inflation to an unprecedented level.
In the same Gono style, the desperate government has announced the introduction of $50 notes that will come into circulation with effect from tomorrow the 7th of June 2021.
The central bank said it shall release $360 million worth of these new notes.
The notes will become the fifth note in circulation although the use of the $2 and $5 notes is now limited due to inflation.
By a Correspondent- A Masvingo family has lost US$21 000 cash and four Samsung cellphones to a machete-wielding gang.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, cops in the town are investigating a robbery case that occurred at Runyararo South West, Masvingo at the weekend at around 0200hours where a family was attacked by five unknown suspects armed with machetes.
The police said the assailants, severely assaulted the owner of the house and stole the money and the gadgets.
1/2 The ZRP is investigating a robbery case which occurred at Runyararo South West, Masvingo on 03/07/21 at around 0200hours where a family was attacked by five unknown suspects armed with machetes.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 6, 2021
By A Correspondent- The government haswith immediate effect reintroduced exemption letters which were used during the first lockdown in 2020 for those employed in critical sectors of the economy.
Speaking in a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday evening, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said businesses that violate the restrictions will face stiffer penalties including the withdrawal of business operating licences.
She said:
The nation is advised that the exemption mechanisms which were used during the first lockdown in 2020 will be reactivated with immediate effect.
Given the above challenges, Cabinet has directed that the Treasury urgently releases the first tranche of $368.2 million it had committed to funding the enforcement of Level 4 lockdown measures.
This will reinforce the current efforts of containing the spread of COVID-19. Stiffer penalties will be imposed for violations of COVID-19 restrictions, including the withdrawal of business operating licences.
As you might be aware, the entire country is now under Level 4 lockdown, following the surge in COVID-19 cases.
It is however not clear who will be responsible for issuing the exemption letters and how essential service workers will travel before they acquire the documents.
By A Correspondent- In a desperate move to increase cash in the banks, the bankrupt Zanu PF government has introduced some $50 notes that will come into circulation with effect from tomorrow the 7th of June 2021.
The printing of new notes has historically shown that it was not the solution to the cash shortages, as it caused hyperinflation.
The central bank said it shall release $360 million worth of these worthless new notes.
The notes will become the fifth note in circulation although the use of the $2 and $5 notes is now limited due to inflation.
In a statement released Tuesday, central bank Governor Dr John Mangudya said the $50 bank note will be “issued on the 6th of July (Tuesday) 2021 through Statutory Instrument 196 of 2021.”
“The Bank shall release $360 million through normal banking channels and banks are expected to fund their respective accounts held at the Reserve Bank and collect the cash from 7 July 2021,” reads part of the statement.
Statutory Instrument 196 of 2021 has since been gazetted and it reads: “The design of the fifty dollar banknote shall be as follows – (a) on the front side the dominant feature shall be the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (three balancing rocks), with the visually impaired recognition feature to the left, latent image showing the denomination, windowed security strip inscribed “50” with colour shift from red to green, watermark with highlighted inscription “RBZ” and see-through of Zimbabwe Bird looking to the left in perfect register, as secondary features; and (b) on the back side there shall be an impression of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the motif of Mbuya Nehanda, gold coloured iridescent band showing the denomination of the note and see-through of Zimbabwe Bird looking to the right. The RBZ has accelerated the issuance of notes into the system and as of 25 June 2021, currency issued by the apex bank amounted to $3.88 billion from $2.38 billion at the end of December 2020. The new notes come at a time inflation has been slowing down although the central bank revised upwards its end of year inflation forecasts to 25 percent from an earlier projection of 10 percent. Experts say paper currency does not add to Reserve Money as banks are required to buy it from the central bank using their electronic balances. Reserve Money is however at an all-time high of $24.45 billion.
By A Correspondent- Police in Beitbridge have arrested a gang of seven armed robbers that were in the habit of pouncing on local residents, taxi drivers and villagers living close to the Limpopo River.
The group would use machetes, knives, and firearms to subdue their victims.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thabani Mkwananzi confirmed the arrests today.
He identified some of the gang members all from Beitbridge district as Conscious Gumbo alias Pride Ndou (27) of Mawale village, Philemon Chizani alias Man-fire (28) of Tshitaudze suburb in the border town, Handson Mhlanga (26) of Mawale and Thembani Ncube (26).
The other suspect is a 16-year-old who cannot be named because of his age, while the names of two others were being verified.
“One of the suspects, Philemon Chizani was shot in the leg during a fracas with the police detectives on Sunday in Beitbridge town,” said Asst Insp Mkwananzi.
“Five of the gang members were arrested in Mawale village and Beitbridge town on Sunday when our detectives tracked them.
“The suspects had attacked four people on July 1 in two separate incidents and they were armed with knives, machetes and a pistol.”
Asst Insp Mkwananzi said in the first case, they had robbed a taxi driver and his passenger before stealing a pirate taxi (Honda Fit) they later dumped near Lutumba Business Centre along the road leading to Masvingo.
He said before dumping the Honda Fit, the suspects used it to rob a couple in Mawale of R10 000 in cash and flea markets wares worth thousands of dollars.
By A Correspondent- The government introduction of $50 notes that will come into circulation with effect from tomorrow the 7th of June 2021.
The central bank said it shall release $360 million worth of these new notes.
The notes will become the fifth note in circulation although the use of the $2 and $5 notes is now limited due to inflation.
In a statement released Tuesday, central bank Governor Dr John Mangudya said the $50 bank note will be “issued on the 6th of July (Tuesday) 2021 through Statutory Instrument 196 of 2021.” “The Bank shall release $360 million through normal banking channels and banks are expected to fund their respective accounts held at the Reserve Bank and collect the cash from 7 July 2021,” reads part of the statement. Statutory Instrument 196 of 2021 has since been gazetted and it reads: “The design of the fifty dollar banknote shall be as follows – (a) on the front side the dominant feature shall be the logo of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (three balancing rocks), with the visually impaired recognition feature to the left, latent image showing the denomination, windowed security strip inscribed “50” with colour shift from red to green, watermark with highlighted inscription “RBZ” and see-through of Zimbabwe Bird looking to the left in perfect register, as secondary features; and (b) on the back side there shall be an impression of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the motif of Mbuya Nehanda, gold coloured iridescent band showing the denomination of the note and see-through of Zimbabwe Bird looking to the right. The RBZ has accelerated the issuance of notes into the system and as of 25 June 2021, currency issued by the apex bank amounted to $3.88 billion from $2.38 billion at the end of December 2020. The new notes come at a time inflation has been slowing down although the central bank revised upwards its end of year inflation forecasts to 25 percent from an earlier projection of 10 percent. Experts say paper currency does not add to Reserve Money as banks are required to buy it from the central bank using their electronic balances. Reserve Money is however at an all-time high of $24.45 billion.
By A Correspondent- A Mt Pleasant married woman’s marriage has collapsed after her illicit affairs with another married man leaked.
Brenda Muzhinye, a dress maker in the capital, told H-Metro that confessing bedding a married man only identified as Farai to her husband, backfired and cost her marriage.
Muzhinye said she was forced to leave their apartment by her husband of 11 years Wilmote Zembe after revealing her shenanigans.
Zembe said Muzhinye had turned her dress making factory into a love nest where she took Farai for se_x sessions.
“I never thought my wife would betray my trust I gave her when I suggested to move her factory from home to a better place for her business,” said Zembe.
“Instead of marketing her dresses, she decided to expose her under garments and conduct se_x lessons with Farai.
“She would lie about getting busy and waiting for her clients at the factory when she was busy with married men.
“I suspected from her moves, excuses and denying me my c0njugal rights that someone was dipping his stick into my well.
“My investigations took me closer to the truth and upon confronting her she disclosed her shenanigans.
“I feel betrayed and reduced to nothing considering how I worked together with her to be where we are today.
“Kurera imbwa nemukaka inofuma yokuruma.
“Brenda ndinomuda asi wandibaya panyama nhete mwoyo wangu wawona,” said Zembe.
In an interview, Farai confirmed dating Muzhinye arguing that she lied about her marital status.
“I regret the time I spent with Muzhinye unaware that she was married and I do not see myself continuing with the affair,” said Farai.
“She lied to me that she had separated with Zembe and I felt guilty the day I met the husband narrating how he sweated for Muzhinye to look attractive,” he said.
Muzhinye confirmed giving her love and heart to Farai and blamed him for exposing their WhatsApp conversations to her husband.
“I discovered that I had no peace within me for cheating my husband for 45 the days I saw Farai behind his back,” said Muzhinye.
“Guilt conscience forced me to confess to my husband after he asked me why I was denying him his conjugal rights most of the time.
“I told my husband that I had a one night stand with Farai and that did not go well with him.
“He chased me away from home and I returned after engaging my relatives to seek forgiveness.
“Upon accepting my forgiveness my husband gave me a condition that I was to disclose name and contact numbers of the man I had bedded.
“After I did that, he chased me away again.
“It was at around 10pm when he forced me to leave the house and I collected my clothes only.
“Today (yesterday) is my last day to post adverts of my dresses on social media because my life has been ruined and I do not know why Farai decided to add salt on my wound by giving my love messages with him to my husband.
“I want to believe Farai, believed to be a member of security agencies, was used by my husband to propose and expose me,” said Muzhinye.
By A Correspondent- A sombre atmosphere today engulfed the scene of the Masvingo horror road accident scene where 21 people died yesterday.
Police commanders in Masvingo province visited the site and vowed to ruthlessly clampdown on pirate taxis and road unworthy vehicles together with lockdown violators.
A Zvishavane-bound Toyota Granvia burst a tyre and veered into the opposite lane where it collided with a Toyota Wish that was heading towards Masvingo resulting in the death of 18 people on the spot and three in hospital.
Assistant Commissioners Florence Marume and Fredrick Mbengwa today visited the crash site as part of ongoing police investigations to establish the actual circumstances behind the carnage.
The two senior Masvingo police commanders who were accompanied by provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa also took time to talk to some of the eyewitnesses and relatives of the deceased who were at the scene trying to come to terms with the horror crash.
Speaking at the scene, Inspector Dhewa said police were on an all-out war against unregistered pirate taxis and lockdown violators.
He warned pirate taxis violating lockdown rules and circumventing police checkpoints by using bushy roads that their time was up.
Inspector Dhewa said investigations were still underway to establish the cause of the crash.
He disclosed that the death toll had risen to 21 with only one survivor battling for life at Zvishavane District Hospital.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have confirmed that Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic was barred from entering South Africa for the Cosafa Cup.
The team arrived in South Africa for the regional showpiece but Logarusic was not allowed to enter because he did not have visa, a setback which has now been confirmed by the local football governing body.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation that the Zimbabwe Senior National Men’s team, the Warriors left this Monday morning for Port Elizabeth, South Africa via Johannesburg for the upcoming Cosafa Cup. The team arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, South Africa,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“The Association would however like to inform the nation that the head coach Zdravko Logarusic has been denied entry upon arrival at Oliver Tambo international Airport on the basis of him not holding a valid visa for the host country, South Africa. This is despite the fact that we confirmed with visa and travel agencies in Zimbabwe prior to departure and we were assured that as long he possessed a valid Zimbabwean workers permit, he would be allowed entry in South Africa.”
“We were then dismayed upon arrival when we were told by Immigration officials that that only service and diplomatic holders from Croatia were exempt from South African visa requirements. This was not been anticipated by the Association and the travel agent has availed a letter of apology after this debacle.”
“The Agent has also agreed to reimburse expenses resulting from this anomaly. Unfortunately, it is very clear that valuable training time has been lost as a result of this gaffe. The Association is now saddled with ensuring that the coach get a visa and proceed and join the team in Port Elizabeth in the shortest time possible.”
“Meanwhile assistant Coach Tonderai Ndiraya will prepare the team in the absence of Coach Lloyd Chitembwe who was never pencilled to travel to South Africa as a result of his non authorisation to travel to South Africa.”
“We apologise to the nation for the inconvenience, however the team remains in high spirits and ready to compete to everyone’s best abilities. We would like to assure the nation that the Association is making frantic efforts to remedy the situation.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have confirmed that Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic was barred from entering South Africa for the Cosafa Cup.
The team arrived in South Africa for the regional showpiece but Logarusic was not allowed to enter because he did not have visa, a setback which has now been confirmed by the local football governing body.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation that the Zimbabwe Senior National Men’s team, the Warriors left this Monday morning for Port Elizabeth, South Africa via Johannesburg for the upcoming Cosafa Cup. The team arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, South Africa,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“The Association would however like to inform the nation that the head coach Zdravko Logarusic has been denied entry upon arrival at Oliver Tambo international Airport on the basis of him not holding a valid visa for the host country, South Africa. This is despite the fact that we confirmed with visa and travel agencies in Zimbabwe prior to departure and we were assured that as long he possessed a valid Zimbabwean workers permit, he would be allowed entry in South Africa.”
“We were then dismayed upon arrival when we were told by Immigration officials that that only service and diplomatic holders from Croatia were exempt from South African visa requirements. This was not been anticipated by the Association and the travel agent has availed a letter of apology after this debacle.”
“The Agent has also agreed to reimburse expenses resulting from this anomaly. Unfortunately, it is very clear that valuable training time has been lost as a result of this gaffe. The Association is now saddled with ensuring that the coach get a visa and proceed and join the team in Port Elizabeth in the shortest time possible.”
“Meanwhile assistant Coach Tonderai Ndiraya will prepare the team in the absence of Coach Lloyd Chitembwe who was never pencilled to travel to South Africa as a result of his non authorisation to travel to South Africa.”
“We apologise to the nation for the inconvenience, however the team remains in high spirits and ready to compete to everyone’s best abilities. We would like to assure the nation that the Association is making frantic efforts to remedy the situation.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
COSAFA has changed the format of the 2021 COSAFA CUP after Madagascar became the latest country to pull out of the competition.
The withdrawal of the Indian Ocean Islanders follows Comoros’ and has left Group B with only Malawi and Zambia.
The pool has now been dissolved with the two remaining teams merged into into other groups.
COSAFA conducted a draw and placed defending champions Zambia in Group A along with hosts South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. Malawi joined the ‘new’ Group B (old Group C), which contains west African guest nation Senegal, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique.
The top two nations in each group will advance to the semifinals and there will be no spot for best placed runners-up.
Matchday One fixtures inn Group A remain unchanged and will see Eswatini face Lesotho at 14h00 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and South Africa play Botswana at the same venue at 17h00.
The opening matches in the Group B (old Group C) will now be played on Wednesday and will see Mozambique tackle Zimbabwe at the Wolfson Stadium at 12h00, and Senegal meet Namibia at the same venue at 15h00.
COSAFA has also announced that teams may use five substitutes in matches, though they must be brought on at only three separate points during the game.
Warriors Fixtures:
7.7.21 vs Mozambique 12Noon 9.7.21 vs Malawi 12Noon 11.7.21 vs Namibia 2PM 13.7.21 vs Senegal 12Noon- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Marvelous Nakamba is now back in England and started the 2021-22 pre-season with Aston Villa on Monday.
The Zimbabwean midfielder and other players, who are not on international duty, held a gym session on their first day of training at Bodymoor Heath and were monitored by fitness coaches Oli Stevenson, Paddy Moore and Jack Sharkey.
Nakamba was retained by the club for the upcoming campaign and will again form the core of the Villa midfield along with the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jack Grealish.
Meanwhile, the 27-year old spent part of his off-season break in Zimbabwe and managed to meet president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the State House visit on June , where he was accompanied by Ex-Nottingham Forest player Dexter Blackstock and Uebert Angel, the Villa star revealed plans to invest in the country.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to return Dr Joshua Nkomo’s properties as a way of honouring his legacy.
According to President Chamisa, returning Dr Nkomo’s properties is the only appropriate way of paying homage to the liberation war icon.
President Chamisa also described the late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as a true champion of the liberation struggle.
“July is a special month as we remember Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo for the heroic contribution to the liberation struggle.
The best way to honor Dr Nkomo’s legacy is for the government to immediately return all ZPRA properties and all such properties that belonged to Dr Nkomo,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have confirmed that Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic was barred from entering South Africa for the Cosafa Cup.
The team arrived in South Africa for the regional showpiece but Logarusic was not allowed to enter because he did not have visa, a setback which has now been confirmed by the local football governing body.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation that the Zimbabwe Senior National Men’s team, the Warriors left this Monday morning for Port Elizabeth, South Africa via Johannesburg for the upcoming Cosafa Cup. The team arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, South Africa,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“The Association would however like to inform the nation that the head coach Zdravko Logarusic has been denied entry upon arrival at Oliver Tambo international Airport on the basis of him not holding a valid visa for the host country, South Africa. This is despite the fact that we confirmed with visa and travel agencies in Zimbabwe prior to departure and we were assured that as long he possessed a valid Zimbabwean workers permit, he would be allowed entry in South Africa.”
“We were then dismayed upon arrival when we were told by Immigration officials that that only service and diplomatic holders from Croatia were exempt from South African visa requirements. This was not been anticipated by the Association and the travel agent has availed a letter of apology after this debacle.”
“The Agent has also agreed to reimburse expenses resulting from this anomaly. Unfortunately, it is very clear that valuable training time has been lost as a result of this gaffe. The Association is now saddled with ensuring that the coach get a visa and proceed and join the team in Port Elizabeth in the shortest time possible.”
“Meanwhile assistant Coach Tonderai Ndiraya will prepare the team in the absence of Coach Lloyd Chitembwe who was never pencilled to travel to South Africa as a result of his non authorisation to travel to South Africa.”
“We apologise to the nation for the inconvenience, however the team remains in high spirits and ready to compete to everyone’s best abilities. We would like to assure the nation that the Association is making frantic efforts to remedy the situation.”- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has conveyed condolences to the families of the victims of a horrific accident that occurred along Masvingo- Mbalabala road on Monday.
Twenty (20) people died in the horrific head-on collision that occurred at around 3.45 pm.
In a statement the Zimbabwe Republic Police said: “The ZRP confirms that 20 people have died when a Toyota Granvia which was travelling from Masvingo towards Zvishavane burst a tyre, veered onto the oncoming Toyota Wish’s lane which was coming from Zvishavane direction.
The vehicles had a head-on collision at the 61km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road near Chitowa Business Centre, just after Mhandamabwe. The accident occurred at 1545 hours.
Three injured victims were taken to Zvishavane District Hospital while the bodies have been taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.”
However, the MDC Alliance has accused the police of allowing overloaded vehicles to pass through roadblocks after receiving bribes.
“How do overloaded vehicles pass through roadblocks? This means the police are being given bribes and at the end of the day, we lose lives,” an MDC Alliance official said.
By Staff Reporter|The threats by the government of Zimbabwe to censor the activities of Non Governmental Organizations are totally unacceptable, a pressure group has said.
According to Citizens in Action Southern Africa, the attempt by the government to close civic space is a direct violation of United Nations position on freedom of association.
See Citizens in Action Southern Africa position paper below:
Shrinking Civic Space in Zimbabwe
Produced and Released by:
Citizens in Action in Southern Africa (CIASA) 05 July 2021
“A call for solidarity in strengthening of CSOs Operating Environment in Zimbabwe”
Since the threats to clamp down operations of CSOs by the President of Zimbabwe in his State of the Nation Address link in which he announced that “…all NGOs who do not stick to their mandates shall risk being de- registered or facing the wrath of the law”, the civic space for NGOs in Zimbabwe has evidently been shrinking.
This has since regressed democracy and independency of NGOs in performing its watchdog role especially in providing checks and balances for the three arms of the government namely the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.
As a result, the country is lacking accountable democratic institutions and show little respect for political rights, leaving the control of corruption completely up to the political will of the government which undermines any improvements in anti-corruption efforts made so far.
The recent remarks by a political leader of a political party in Zimbabwe link is signifying that NGOs in Zimbabwe are severely restricted in their ability to operate in the current political situation, putting their safety at stake.
The efforts and trajectory to strengthening civic space and championing in promoting rule of law, constitutionalism and anti-corruption in the country is now becoming a fallacy due to the threats being amplified targeting such NGOs.
On the 21st of June 2021, the Provincial Development Coordinator for Masvingo Province circulated a memorandum link, advising all CSOs and CBOs that are programming around youth issues to be cleared and granted Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture with immediate effect. Shockingly, this directive was given a timeline of only 7 working days which in our view as CIASA is an attempt by the authorities and officials to shrink CSOs operating space.
On the 30th of June 2021, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) issued a letter advising that all NGOs are now required to register with the Provincial Development Coordinator, submit their workplans and project commissioned by 9 July 2021.
There is no legal or policy provision within the current frameworks which oblige NGOs to register with the PDC offices. These developments are also coming at a time when there is ongoing review of the PVO Act which is also motivated by the intention to enact an NGO bill.
From CIASA’s contextual analysis, all these works together towards constraining the civic space. The review of the PVO Act has been motivated by various reasons chief among them being the need to include the Financial Anti-Terrorist Financing (FATF) recommendations to do with Anti- Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism.
An independent and empowered civil society is an essential component and ingredient of a healthy country conducive for growth, development and prosperity. Civil society Organizations (CSOs) help and support citizens, ensuring their voices are heard. They can advise policy makers, assist in legislative drafting and in general support authorities in decision making, thus ensuring that policies respond to citizens’ needs.
They also have an important role to play in monitoring governments’ and parliaments’ activities, holding them accountable for their actions, especially when these infringe on people’s rights. CSOs are vital vehicles for active citizenship; legal, financial and policy frameworks need to be in place so that they can operate freely and sustainably.
If the space for civil society and youth organizations is shrinking, the consequences for democratic societies could be considered an impediment to the exercise of citizens’ rights to freedom of association and expression, and therefore a serious threat to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)’s Article 13 requires that each government promotes the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non- governmental organizations and community-based organizations, in the prevention of and the fight against corruption. Civic space is therefore fundamental in upholding democracy and freedom of expressions as a key human right. When civic space is safeguarded, citizens and CSOs can organize, participate and communicate without hindrance, and without fear of retaliation.In doing so, they can exercise their rights and determine the political, economic and social structures around them. However, this is only possible when the government respect and facilitate the fundamental rights of its citizens to associate, assemble peacefully, and freely express views and opinions, in the physical as well as the digital world.
Civic spaces thus become crucial in fighting corruption and promoting transparent and accountable societies. The continuous lack of an enabling environment is a cause for concern to CIASA and the entire CSOs fraternity hence the calls for strengthening the space for civil society actions and contributions towards sustained, equitable and inclusive growth of the country at large without leaving anyone behind. If the government continue to corrode civic spaces for citizen and CSO engagement, this will result in opacity and a lack of accountability in governance. It is also a cause for concern that criminal justice systems are being used as a tool of repression, with human rights defenders facing charges of propaganda against the state whereas journalists reporting on impunity are harassed and unjustifiably arrested. CIASA is therefore calling the government of Zimbabwe to: a) Allow citizens and non-state actors to monitor and hold the government accountable without fear of retaliation.
b) Foster an enabling environment for active civil society and citizens’ participation in the development discourse of the country at all levels.
c) Engage objectively and constructively with civil society on national planning processes, national dialogue processes and CSOs operating space and parameters. d) Ensure that the GoZ relations with CSOs are strengthened, regulated and safeguarded to enhance the civic space for civil society across the country. END://
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to return Dr Joshua Nkomo’s properties as a way of honouring his legacy.
According to President Chamisa, returning Dr Nkomo’s properties is the only appropriate way of paying homage to the liberation war icon.
President Chamisa also described the late Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as a true champion of the liberation struggle.
“July is a special month as we remember Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo for the heroic contribution to the liberation struggle.
The best way to honor Dr Nkomo’s legacy is for the government to immediately return all ZPRA properties and all such properties that belonged to Dr Nkomo,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
The World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria signed a cooperation and financing agreement to implement 10 strategic initiatives to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics and strengthen systems for health. This new agreement, which will cover the 2021-2023 implementation period, aims to address some of the persistent challenges that impede progress against the three diseases and protect hard-won gains from new pandemics like COVID-19.
In 2019, a total of 1.4 million people died from tuberculosis and an estimated 409,000 people died from malaria. In 2020, 690,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Through the new agreement, the strategic initiatives seek to:
Expand TB preventive treatment for people living with HIV in 9 countries across Africa; Strengthen efforts to provide differentiated HIV service delivery; Accelerate efforts to find people with TB missed by health systems in 20 countries; Accelerate introduction of innovation for multi-drug resistant TB treatment through regional operational research in Eastern and Central Europe; Support 26 countries and territories to eliminate malaria by 2025; Improve country data collection and use to develop evidence-informed policy; Foster the rapid uptake of service delivery innovations with South to South Learning; Improve quality of care; Encourage rapid uptake of procurement and supply chain management innovation; and Increase program sustainability, facilitate the transition to domestic financing and improve program efficiency.
WHO and the Global Fund have a long and successful partnership working together to scale up HIV, TB and malaria interventions and strengthen health systems in many countries. Through focused efforts and catalytic investments, this collaboration has contributed to significantly reduce the disease burdens of HIV, TB and malaria worldwide, saving millions of lives since 2002.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, reinforces the need to strengthen our partnership to achieve our shared goals of ending the epidemics,” said Dr Mubashar Sheikh, Director, Deputy Director-General’s Office, WHO. “This agreement supports countries to develop more effective responses to the HIV, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics and build the resilient health systems they need to reach the most vulnerable.”
“Together, WHO and the Global Fund have proven to be a powerful force that builds on strong in-country support and regional presence, technical leadership and financial resources to strengthen systems for health and accelerate the end of AIDS, TB and malaria as epidemics,” said Michael Byrne, Head of Technical Advice and Partnerships at the Global Fund.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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By Staff Reporter|The threats by the government of Zimbabwe to censor the activities of Non Governmental Organizations are totally unacceptable, a pressure group has said.
According to Citizens in Action Southern Africa, the attempt by the government to close civic space is a direct violation of the United Nations position on freedom of association.
See Citizens in Action Southern Africa position paper below:
Shrinking Civic Space in Zimbabwe
Produced and Released by:
Citizens in Action in Southern Africa (CIASA) 05 July 2021
“A call for solidarity in strengthening of CSOs Operating Environment in Zimbabwe”
Since the threats to clamp down operations of CSOs by the President of Zimbabwe in his State of the Nation Address link in which he announced that “…all NGOs who do not stick to their mandates shall risk being de- registered or facing the wrath of the law”, the civic space for NGOs in Zimbabwe has evidently been shrinking.
This has since regressed democracy and independency of NGOs in performing its watchdog role especially in providing checks and balances for the three arms of the government namely the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.
As a result, the country is lacking accountable democratic institutions and show little respect for political rights, leaving the control of corruption completely up to the political will of the government which undermines any improvements in anti-corruption efforts made so far.
The recent remarks by a political leader of a political party in Zimbabwe link is signifying that NGOs in Zimbabwe are severely restricted in their ability to operate in the current political situation, putting their safety at stake.
The efforts and trajectory to strengthening civic space and championing in promoting rule of law, constitutionalism and anti-corruption in the country is now becoming a fallacy due to the threats being amplified targeting such NGOs.
On the 21st of June 2021, the Provincial Development Coordinator for Masvingo Province circulated a memorandum link, advising all CSOs and CBOs that are programming around youth issues to be cleared and granted Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture with immediate effect. Shockingly, this directive was given a timeline of only 7 working days which in our view as CIASA is an attempt by the authorities and officials to shrink CSOs operating space.
On the 30th of June 2021, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) issued a letter advising that all NGOs are now required to register with the Provincial Development Coordinator, submit their workplans and project commissioned by 9 July 2021.
There is no legal or policy provision within the current frameworks which oblige NGOs to register with the PDC offices. These developments are also coming at a time when there is ongoing review of the PVO Act which is also motivated by the intention to enact an NGO bill.
From CIASA’s contextual analysis, all these works together towards constraining the civic space. The review of the PVO Act has been motivated by various reasons chief among them being the need to include the Financial Anti-Terrorist Financing (FATF) recommendations to do with Anti- Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism.
An independent and empowered civil society is an essential component and ingredient of a healthy country conducive for growth, development and prosperity. Civil society Organizations (CSOs) help and support citizens, ensuring their voices are heard. They can advise policy makers, assist in legislative drafting and in general support authorities in decision making, thus ensuring that policies respond to citizens’ needs.
They also have an important role to play in monitoring governments’ and parliaments’ activities, holding them accountable for their actions, especially when these infringe on people’s rights. CSOs are vital vehicles for active citizenship; legal, financial and policy frameworks need to be in place so that they can operate freely and sustainably.
If the space for civil society and youth organizations is shrinking, the consequences for democratic societies could be considered an impediment to the exercise of citizens’ rights to freedom of association and expression, and therefore a serious threat to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)’s Article 13 requires that each government promotes the active participation of individuals and groups outside the public sector, such as civil society, non- governmental organizations and community-based organizations, in the prevention of and the fight against corruption. Civic space is therefore fundamental in upholding democracy and freedom of expressions as a key human right. When civic space is safeguarded, citizens and CSOs can organize, participate and communicate without hindrance, and without fear of retaliation.In doing so, they can exercise their rights and determine the political, economic and social structures around them. However, this is only possible when the government respect and facilitate the fundamental rights of its citizens to associate, assemble peacefully, and freely express views and opinions, in the physical as well as the digital world.
Civic spaces thus become crucial in fighting corruption and promoting transparent and accountable societies. The continuous lack of an enabling environment is a cause for concern to CIASA and the entire CSOs fraternity hence the calls for strengthening the space for civil society actions and contributions towards sustained, equitable and inclusive growth of the country at large without leaving anyone behind. If the government continue to corrode civic spaces for citizen and CSO engagement, this will result in opacity and a lack of accountability in governance. It is also a cause for concern that criminal justice systems are being used as a tool of repression, with human rights defenders facing charges of propaganda against the state whereas journalists reporting on impunity are harassed and unjustifiably arrested. CIASA is therefore calling the government of Zimbabwe to: a) Allow citizens and non-state actors to monitor and hold the government accountable without fear of retaliation.
b) Foster an enabling environment for active civil society and citizens’ participation in the development discourse of the country at all levels.
c) Engage objectively and constructively with civil society on national planning processes, national dialogue processes and CSOs operating space and parameters. d) Ensure that the GoZ relations with CSOs are strengthened, regulated and safeguarded to enhance the civic space for civil society across the country. END://
A Kwekwe landlord was stabbed to death by his 24-year-old tenant following a verbal clash over rent around 2 am on Monday.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the death of Prayer Banda (22) of Mbizo 18 in Kwekwe after he was stabbed by Victor Moyo (24). Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said:
We are investigating a case of murder of a 22-year-old man who died after being stabbed once with a knife by a tenant.
Circumstances are that the now deceased, Banda of Mbizo 18, Kwekwe arrived home in the early hours of the morning. He forced open a tenant’s bedroom door ordering him to vacate the room.
A misunderstanding ensued and the now deceased produced a knife in an attempt to stab the tenant.
The now deceased was overpowered and disarmed. Moyo used the same knife to stab the now deceased leading to him bleeding profusely.
Banda tried to seek assistance from his neighbours but collapsed and died before he could get any help.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest. Banda’s body was ferried to Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem.
Inspector Mahoko called on members of the public to solve disputes amicably without resorting to violence.- Chronicle
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has conveyed condolences to the families of the victims of a horrific accident that occurred along Masvingo- Mbalabala road on Monday.
Twenty (20) people died in the horrific head-on collision that occurred at around 3.45 pm.
In a statement the Zimbabwe Republic Police said: “The ZRP confirms that 20 people have died when a Toyota Granvia which was travelling from Masvingo towards Zvishavane burst a tyre, veered onto the oncoming Toyota Wish’s lane which was coming from Zvishavane direction.
The vehicles had a head-on collision at the 61km peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road near Chitowa Business Centre, just after Mhandamabwe. The accident occurred at 1545 hours.
Three injured victims were taken to Zvishavane District Hospital while the bodies have been taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.”
However, the MDC Alliance has accused the police of allowing overloaded vehicles to pass through roadblocks after receiving bribes.
“How do overloaded vehicles pass through roadblocks? This means the police are being given bribes and at the end of the day, we lose lives,” an MDC Alliance official said.
We are investigating a case of murder of a 22-year-old man who died after being stabbed once with a knife by a tenant.
Circumstances are that the now deceased, Banda of Mbizo 18, Kwekwe arrived home in the early hours of the morning. He forced open a tenant’s bedroom door ordering him to vacate the room.
A misunderstanding ensued and the now deceased produced a knife in an attempt to stab the tenant.
The now deceased was overpowered and disarmed. Moyo used the same knife to stab the now deceased leading to him bleeding profusely.
Banda tried to seek assistance from his neighbours but collapsed and died before he could get any help.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest. Banda’s body was ferried to Kwekwe General Hospital Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem.
Inspector Mahoko called on members of the public to solve disputes amicably without resorting to violence.
By A Correspondent- Government yesterday said it had given police the greenlight to shoot and kill suspected armed robbers who have become a menace in the past weeks, threatening to make the country ungovernable.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba announced the new measures yesterday as two more suspects involved in a shootout with law enforcement agents last week succumbed to the injuries, bringing the number of armed robbers shot dead during the weekend gunfire exchange to three.
One of the armed robbers who died yesterday was identified as Richard Mutanga.
“Guys, stop these armed robberies, you will die. I have warned you, the government will not hesitate. You are a dead man walking, trust me,” Charamba tweeted.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe also said government would, from now on, show no mercy on the armed robbers.
“The armed robbers are being accounted for. Seven notorious ones were accounted for on Sunday,”Kazembe said.
“Police will descend on them heavily and the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” he added.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi further said police had set up crack teams across the country to track down all suspected armed robbers and bring them to account.
“We are not going back and the crack teams that we set up are all over the country tracking the armed robbers, so to those who will try to hide, they will certainly be found and arrested,” he said.
“The public must rest in the comfort that the police currently are on top of the situation and we are tracking all known armed robbers as evidenced by what happened last weekend.
So far, from those we arrested, three people have died. Yesterday, we were talking of one robber who died, now they are three. One of them died this (yesterday) morning.”
Three of the armed robbers later appeared before the courts yesterday and one of them was remanded in custody on his hospital bed.
The trio that appeared in court were identified as Valentine Mutasa, Godfrey Josi and his wife Juliet Gavaza. They were remanded to July 14 pending trial.
Peter Mushipe was also remanded in hospital to July 14.
The courts heard that the gang was involved in several armed robberies around Harare.
Josi is facing more than eight counts of armed robbery, while his accomplices have various counts of the same crime.
Allegations were that Josi and his accomplices went to the University of Zimbabwe compound on June 15 and stormed one of the directors, Weng Dong’s house where they stole US$22 000 after exchanging gun fire with him. They also robbed Seedex Company on March 20 and went away with US$20 000.
During another robbery at Gateway School, the gang went away with US$250 000 after blowing the cash vaults at the school.
Last month, Home Affairs deputy minister Ruth Mavhungu-Maboyi told Parliament that the nation was now living in fear due to the armed robbers.
MPs said the police were ill-equipped in most cases to deal with the armed robbers and called on government to avail resources.
By A Correspondent- A passenger plane carrying 28 people has gone missing this Tuesday in Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.
According to Russia’s emergencies ministry, there were 22 passengers and six crew on board.
The plane, an Antonov An-26 twin-engined turboprop in operation since 1982, was en route from regional capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana, a town in northern Kamchatka when it lost contact with air traffic control.
Valentina Glazova, a spokeswoman for the local transport prosecutor’s office, told the AFP news agency that “search and rescue efforts” were ongoing.
She said:
All that is known at this time, what has been possible to establish, is that communication with the plane was interrupted and it did not land.
Anatoly Bannikov, deputy minister of transport and road construction, said:
The plane belongs to Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise whose director is Khrabrov Aleksey Vladimirovich.
The plane has been in operation since 1982 and has a valid certificate of airworthiness.
The crew has passed a pre-flight examination. Search and rescue operations are being carried out now.
Citing emergency ministry sources, Russian state news agency Tass reported that the search area was set within a radius of 15-25 kilometres (9-15 miles) around the Palana airport, with a focus on the Okhotsk Sea.
An emergency ministry source said:
The area has been roughly determined within 15-25 kilometres from the airport, along the coastline. A search is also underway at sea. The objective data shows that the aircraft crashed into the sea.
The weather in the area the plane was travelling through was cloudy at the time it went missing, the Interfax news agency reported, quoting the local meteorology centre.
Kamchatka’s government said that communication with the plane had been lost nine kilometres (5.5 miles) from Palana’s airport.
ZACC has arrested a Ministry of Industry and Commerce Licence Clerk Andrew Matevere for issuing out 350 motor vehicle import licenses to importers of second hand that did not qualify under the recently gazetted SI89 of 2021.
